A Life Experience group conversation on "How to Intercept the Games of Manipulation" that often leave us victimized inside our own self-destructive belief systems, habits and behaviors. .

In her groundbreaking work, Joy Gilfilen, former President of the Restorative Community Coalition, sheds light on unwitting, insidious ways in which habits of manipulation and denialism can be seen infiltrating our institutions, commercial and civic systems. It happens across the social, economic and civic spectrum - infecting fear into our media, courts, business, political, and public safety and emergency management systems.

Drawing from recordings from 2016, this deep dive into our systems offers a chilling account of how individuals, 1st responders, and families are unknowingly trapped in a cycle of harmful habits and presumptions. Gilfilen introduces the concept of "Story-Traps," these harmful narratives that can lead to a vicious cycle of perpetual loss, recidivism and injustice.

One of hidden problems is that often profits are made when our biases, or hidden blind spots are exploited unconsciously. Our beliefs erect blinders that occludes vision, which prevents us from seeing it. Even when our 6th sense, or our intuition is feeling uneasy, or we have a gut feeling that something's not right, we often dismiss these alarms, trusting instead the authority figure.

Join us for a powerful conversation with Liz Darrow, Participatory Democracy Program Coordinator for the non-profit Community to Community Liz Darrow and Host Joy Gilfilen. Liz brings a unique perspective to the discussion as a mother, non-profit leader and with lived experience as a candidate for public office. She has become a passionate advocate for taking care of our earth, for farmworkers , families and community empowerment.

Learn about Liz's background and her work with Community to Community.

Discover the challenges faced by farmworkers and the importance of advocating for their rights.

Explore Liz's vision for a more equitable food system and the role of community involvement.

Gain insights into the power of community organizing and the importance of creating inclusive spaces for decision-making.

In this episode, Joy Gilfilen interviews Darryl Riley, the co-founder of The Up From Slavery Initiative (UFSI). Riley shares his insights on the importance of healing marginalized communities and the work UFSI is doing to achieve this goal.

UFSI is dedicated to providing support and resources to Black communities through inspiring enterprising actions.

💬UFSI has 3 core strategies: 1)Racial justice initiatives, 2)Financial literacy programs and 3) Wellness services. By addressing these critical areas, UFSI aims to empower individuals and create a more equitable society. Listen to the podcast to learn more about Darryl Riley's leadership work, and his example of resilience and success. He's moved from Inmate to Entrepreneur and is now a Kitsap County Business Owner, and co-founder of The Up From Slavery Initiative. By overcoming challenges and adversity with deep enterprising action Darryl now owns three businesses and holds the distinction of being the only Black franchise owner in Kitsap County.

In this episode, host Joy Gilfilen sits down with Mel Hoover and Rose Edington, two lifelong activists who have been at the forefront of social change for decades. Raised during a time of profound unrest following World Wars, they experienced firsthand the struggles of segregation, women's suffrage, the ERA, the Civil Rights Era, and religious upheavals.

Join us as Mel and Rose share their unique perspectives on activism and their unwavering commitment to building "beloved communities." Discover how their experiences have shaped their understanding of social justice and inspired them to challenge the status quo.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from these remarkable individuals and gain valuable insights into the ongoing fight for equality and justice.

In this episode, host Joy Gilfilen sits down with Chris Hoke, the founder of Underground Ministries in Skagit County, Washington. Chris shares his inspiring story of working with gang members leaving prison and his passion for building meaningful relationships. He discusses the importance of reversing the cycle of incarceration and how his organization is providing practical support and resources to help individuals rebuild their lives, families, and communities. Tune in to learn more about Chris's work with Homeboy Industries, One Parish One Prisoner (OPOP), a program that pairs churches with incarcerated people to build relationships and support them as they re-enter their communities, and his groundbreaking approach to helping people stay out of prison.

Join host Joy Gilfilen as she dives into her 2018 Ethnographic research report, "Unexpected Findings of Jail Trauma Research." Based on interviews with 79 individuals involved in the criminal justice system (including 53 formerly arrested people and 26 family members, first responders, and employers), Joy explores the emotional impact of arrest on all of us.

The podcast delves into the hidden consequences, from the initial arrest to its ripple effects on families and loved ones. The discussion explores how these experiences can mirror symptoms of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD).** Listen to uncover the surprising ways arrest can disrupt lives. Head over to https://therestorativecommunity.org to access the research charts.

This interview delves into the inspiring journey of Roslyn Scheuerman, a dedicated non-profit fundraiser whose passion for service began early in her career at The Hunger Project.

Discover how her commitment has grown to encompass a wide range of causes, from supporting the homeless and disabled to empowering marginalized communities and championing those who have spent years advocating for the disadvantaged.

Learn about her motivations and the strategies she employs to make a tangible difference in the lives of those most in need.

Dr. Ashok Patel, a pulmonary specialist at Mayo Clinic, shares his insights on the healing power of breath. In this interview with Joy Gilfilen, Patel discusses the importance of conscious living energy and how it can be harnessed to promote peace, meditation, and overall well-being. Beyond his medical practice, Patel is actively involved in international efforts to spread these healing arts through the Rotary Club. His work underscores the sacredness of the breath of life that transforms potential.