Roots of the Spirit Podcast

Authenticity Unveiled: Journeying Through 'All Things Possible'

Welcome to a captivating episode of our podcast as we journey alongside Prudence Kalloo through the transformative landscape of "All Things Possible", a vibrant Facebook community that she created—a space that transcends mere memes and quotes to become a sanctuary for shared dreams, profound connections, and personal growth.  Delve into the heart of Prudence's journey and community, led by her unwavering commitment to authenticity, as we discover the power of our interconnectedness. Prepar...

Radical Compassion: Personal + Community Healing

Join us for a profound exploration as we journey with Deena Ismail, a Palestinian American storyteller and visionary, into the depths of ancestral wisdom, intergenerational trauma, and healing. In this episode, we uncover how understanding the power of our lineage can guide us toward excavating our authentic selves, and reclaiming what oppression has diminished. Deena's narrative illuminates the transformative potential of harnessing radical compassion and innovation to ignite personal and...

Embrace Your Power: Identity, Connection, and Safety with Eve Alston

Welcome to a transformative episode of the Roots of the Spirit podcast featuring Eve Alston, a Certified Executive & Transformation Coach and DEI Specialist. Eve's mission is clear: to guide individuals and teams toward embracing the power of identity, connection and safety in their lives and within organizations. In our conversation, Eve describes their journey of self-discovery and the profound impact of storytelling on our identities and aspirations. As the founder of Rootwork, grounde...

A season of Authenticity, Courage and Truth.

Dive into Season 3 of the Roots of the Spirit podcast with host, Spirit Tawfiq, kicking it off! Take a moment to tune in as she reintroduces herself and offers some raw reflections on this moment in time. This season, we're delving deep into the journeys of some truly powerful individuals who are boldly stepping into their purpose, even in the face of adversity. You'll witness them navigating through oppressive systems and challenges to their identities, all while holding onto hope and striv...

The Botanical Bus with Jocelyn Boreta

Host Spirit Tawfiq talks with Jocelyn Boreta, the co-founder of a bilingual mobile herb clinic by and for Latinx and Indigenous people. The Botanical Bus is helping people in her community through the power of plants and a connection to ancestors, helping cultivate health equity and the feeling of belonging.  Community health workers called promotoras are providing culturally-centered health services. The promotoras meet people where they are, literally and figuratively, by taking the bus ...

The Legacy of White Supremacy with Connor Towne O’Neill

Author Connor Towne O’Neill explores the history of white supremacy in his book Down Along with That Devil’s Bones. On a special bonus episode of Roots of the Spirit, we’ll hear about his journey to fight against racism by examining the uncomfortable truths of our nation’s past. Buy the Book: https://www.workman.com/products/down-along-with-that-devils-bones/paperback

Counseling Black Women with Dr. Kimber Shelton

Host Spirit Tawfiq talks with Dr. Kimber Shelton about the recent release of her Handbook on Counseling African American Women, which details the mental health needs and treatment interventions for black women. Handbook on Counseling African American Women: https://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Counseling-African-American-Women/dp/1440875952 Dr. Kimber Shelton: https://www.kls-counseling.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CounselingBlackWomen Instagram: https://www.instagram....

Benefits of Meditation with Shamair Courage

Host Spirit Tawfiq talks to noted meditation practitioner Shamair Courage of LoveWorks365, who will be leading a meditation session at a fundraiser on May 22, 2022 at The Studio at Athleta Flatiron to provide scholarships for women to attend the Roots of the Spirit Healing and Joy Retreat. GoFundMe donations: https://gofund.me/18016786 Sign up for Roots of the Spirit Healing and Joy Retreat: https://www.rootsofthespirit.com/healing-joy-retreat  

Reclaiming Your Authentic Self with Dr. Thema Bryant

Host Spirit Tawfiq kicks off Season 2 with Dr. Thema Bryant, who will become President of the American Psychological Association in 2023. Roots of the Spirit is launching the And Wellness For All initiative, which promotes honest discussion about the wellness of people of color in the U.S. 4:20 Announcing the inaugural Roots of the Spirit Healing & Joy Retreat for black, indiginous, and women of color 6:00 Sign up for retreat and retreat details 6:15 Retreat will feature fresh farm f...

Civil Rights ICON, Ruby Bridges.

Treat yourself to a conversation with Civil Rights Icon, New York Times Bestselling Author, and Speaker Ruby Bridges who at the age of six was the first Black student to integrate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans in 1960. Her walk through the front doors of William Frantz Elementary School on Nov. 14, 1960, was immortalized in Norman Rockwell’s painting The Problem We All Live With in Robert Coles’ book The Story of Ruby Bridges, and in the Disney movie Ruby Bridges. Publis...

Disrupting Racism at Majority White Schools with Dr. Todd Mealy

Join special guest, Dr. Todd Mealy for a powerful conversation about his new book Race Conscious Pedagogy: Disrupting Racism at Majority White Schools, and how to be a powerful antiracism co-conspirator. Dr. Mealy is a 20-year educator at both the secondary level and in higher education. For two decades, Mealy has advocated for race consciousness in schools. He has written extensively on the topic, including the publication of seven books. He also works as the Director of Equity and Instruct...

Podcast host, Spirit responds to listener questions!

Join Roots of the Spirit podcast host, Spirit Tawfiq as she answers a few questions from listeners - topics such as Trump banning antiracism work across the federal government, strategies to maintain sanity in these tumultuous times, and how to speak to students about the election.  Links I mention in the podcast: Roots of the Spirit website: www.RootsoftheSpirit.com  Roots of the Spirit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RootsoftheSpirit Roots of the Spirit Facebook Community: h...

Mental health, truth & how to rope-a-dope racism.

Spirit and Hisham Tawfiq talk the raw truth about the mental health impacts of racism + the rage, sadness, and frustrations of everyday racism. Hisham introduces a fresh new concept, "how to rope-a-dope racism" ...and they discuss the power of resistance, radical self-care, and love as liberation. 

The Power of Women's Stories & Activism

In today's episode, we hear from Dr. Christiana Best-Giacomini, a remarkable woman who captivates us with her mother's story infused with unwavering courage, strength, and sacrifice as she left Grenada at the tender age of 28 to immigrate to the U.S.  Here's a link to Dr. Best's moving story about her mother, Pearl Mavis Munro. https://www.womensactivism.nyc/stories/5331 Dr. Christiana Best-Giacomini is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work and Equitable Community Pr...

Reform Revolution Project - Young people making Change!

Roots of the Spirit podcast is proud to introduce you to the powerful young people of Reform Revolution Project! Founded by antiracism and social justice education activist, Julia Mariano, Reform Revolution project believes that through the power of accessible education, everyone has the potential to face the realities of racism, learn about social justice, and dismantle white supremacy from the ground up. They believe that there is no longer an excuse or room for ignorance in our society....

Little Rock Nine, Minnijean Brown Trickey on Black Lives Matter Movement.

Minnijean Brown Trickey (Little Rock Nine) speaks truth to power about the reality of racism, police violence and the power of the Black Lives Matter Movement. This episode was originally recorded on a live podcast interview on facebook. 

In a Minnijean Minute! Kids Can Make Presidents Act.

Little Rock Nine member, Minnijean Brown Trickey wants children to know that they have the power to shift policy and make president's act.

Cost of speaking truth about race/ism.

Why is it so scary to speak the truth? What's at stake and what are the repercussions? In a super raw conversation, Spirit and Hisham Tawfiq discuss race/ism, courage, fears and consequences of speaking truth in the "present-racial" U.S. Some explicit language used. Head first we go!

Cost of speaking truth about racism.

Why is it so scary to speak the truth? What's at stake and what are the repercussions? In a super raw conversation, Spirit and Hisham Tawfiq discuss racism, courage, fears and consequences of speaking truth in the "present-racial" U.S. Some explicit language used. Head first we go!

A leap of faith, landing on purpose with Stacey Jordan.

"I'm very big on addressing the inside and dressing the outside. I think in today's society, everyone is so busy wanting to impress people with what they have and how they look...and then inside we're torn, we're broken, we're hurting...a lot of us are going through the same things...we put up these facades. I kind of like to try to break through the facade." In 2007, Wardrobe Stylist & Costume Designer Stacey Jordan took a leap  of faith and left her full time job of 7 years as a Visual S...

The Soul Violinist, Lee England Jr.

Endorsed by Michael Jordan, signed by Quincy Jones, and supported by the likes of Sean “Diddy” Combs, Lee England Jr. has without a doubt paved a unique path as a violinist. Although he is classically trained, he is claimed as “The Soul Violinist,” due to his stylistic blend of R&B, hip-hop, and soul. In addition to his mastery of this instrument, he adds viola, cello, bass, guitar, drums, piano, and voice to his arsenal of sound, allowing him to transcend artistic boundaries of traditional ...

Photographer | Photography based Artist, Tawny Chatmon

Tawny is a self taught artist who has been working in the field of photography for the past 16+ years. Born in Tokyo, growing up an ‘army brat’, she had the unique opportunity to take in the cultures of three different continents all before the age of 12. By then she was in the United States and elbow-deep in her aunt’s theatre company. She studied theatrical arts from the age 12 to early adulthood. After briefly attending a dramatic arts conservatory after high school, she switched paths an...

Actor, Hisham Tawfiq advocates wellness for Black Men

Retired FDNY firefighter and actor, Hisham Tawfiq joins the Roots of the Spirit Community as a regular contributor -- sharing his own path to healing and shining a light on the importance of health and wellness for Black men.  Roots of the Spirit interview w/ Hisham from 2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f86EEzF1F9w Roots of the Spirit website profile of Hisham: https://www.rootsofthespirit.com/copy-of-hisham-tawfiq Instagram & twitter: hishamtawfiq Resources:  Therapy for Bl...

Little Rock Nine, Minnijean expelled, moves to New York!

Little Rock Nine member, Minnijean Brown was expelled from Central High School in February, 1958 for "verbal retaliation" after 6 months of daily terrorism inside the school. Famed social psychologists, Dr. Kenneth and Mamie Clark invited Minnijean to live with them to finish school in New York at New Lincoln School, a progressive integrated school. She lived with the Clarks in their home in Hastings on Hudson until she graduated from high school. Roots of the Spirit founder, Spirit Tawfiq c...

In a Minnijean Minute! - "It has always been urgent..."

Spirit Reflects on Roots in 2019 & turning 40!

Join Roots of the Spirit podcast host, Spirit Tawfiq as she reflects on her experience creating and building Roots of the Spirit - a platform to uproot racism through storytelling, education and the arts. She also also touches on lessons learned and wisdom gained as she crosses into her 40th decade on the planet!

In a Minnijean Minute! #ProfoundIntentionalIgnorance

Golf Curator & Founder of IN-18, LaToya Finney

Roots of the Spirit Podcast welcomes Golf Curator & Founder of IN-18, LaToya Finney! LaToya Finney is the founder of IN-18, an experiential golf platform created to increase young professionals’ participation in golf and teach inclusion through structured workshops paired with course activities. LaToya was exposed to golf in college and realized early on that the game was not easily accessible to everyone - that women and people of color were missing. This experience led LaToya to co-f...

18. In a Minnijean Minute!

Listen to Minnijean Brown Trickey (Little Rock Nine), truth connoisseur drop gems on the topic of "race," racism and social justice. 

In a Minnijean Minute!

Listen to Minnijean Brown Trickey (Little Rock Nine), truth connoisseur drop gems on the topic of "race," racism and social justice. 

“Blue-Eyes/Brown-Eyes" Exercise Creator / Educator, Jane Elliott

Jane Elliott is an internationally known teacher who became famous after creating the "Blue-Eyes/Brown-Eyes Exercise" in her 3rd grade classroom in the late sixties. She is a lecturer, diversity trainer, antiracism advocate and recipient of the National Mental Health Association Award for Excellence in Education. She exposes prejudice and bigotry as an irrational class system based upon purely arbitrary factors. Her mission… ONE RACE. “I created a microcosm of society in my third-grade cla...

17. “Blue-Eyes/Brown-Eyes" Exercise Creator / Educator, Jane Elliott

Jane Elliott is an internationally known teacher who became famous after creating the "Blue-Eyes/Brown-Eyes Exercise" in her 3rd grade classroom in the late sixties. She is a lecturer, diversity trainer, antiracism advocate and recipient of the National Mental Health Association Award for Excellence in Education. She exposes prejudice and bigotry as an irrational class system based upon purely arbitrary factors. Her mission… ONE RACE. “I created a microcosm of society in my third-grade cla...

16. Founder of Euphony Equity & Inclusion Works, Naomi Gracechild

Naomi Gracechild is a multi-disciplinary artist, musician, educator, entrepreneur, social justice activist and worshipper of nature! As the founder of Euphony Works, Naomi brings her cross-sector experience in both urban and rural communities to help clients gain a deeper understanding of socio-political dynamics in order to effectively address issues of inequity. Throughout her professional career she has had the honour of developing and leading creative initiatives with organizations su...

Founder of Euphony Equity & Inclusion Works, Naomi Gracechild

Naomi Gracechild is a multi-disciplinary artist, musician, educator, entrepreneur, social justice activist and worshipper of nature! As the founder of Euphony Works, Naomi brings her cross-sector experience in both urban and rural communities to help clients gain a deeper understanding of socio-political dynamics in order to effectively address issues of inequity. Throughout her professional career she has had the honour of developing and leading creative initiatives with organizations su...

Residential School Counselor and Facilitator, Brad Marsden

Brad Marsden (Gitsegukla Reserve within the Gitksan Nation in Northern British Columbia) is a Life Coach, Residential School Counselor and Facilitator. He graduated from a Wellness Counselor Program in 2008 and has been trained in SafeTalk as well as Suicide Intervention at the Crisis Center of British Columbia. He provides interactive workshops called, "Impacts of Residential School & Colonization Workshop" for non-native service providers so they can have a better understanding of Native p...

15. Residential School Counselor and Facilitator, Brad Marsden

Brad Marsden (Gitsegukla Reserve within the Gitksan Nation in Northern British Columbia) is a Life Coach, Residential School Counselor and Facilitator. He graduated from a Wellness Counselor Program in 2008 and has been trained in SafeTalk as well as Suicide Intervention at the Crisis Center of British Columbia. He provides interactive workshops called, "Impacts of Residential School & Colonization Workshop" for non-native service providers so they can have a better understanding of Native p...

14. Brand Designer, Visual Artist and Founder of LIWI68, Mark Stoddart

Mark Stoddart has been a Visual Communicator for over 30 years! He combines his passion for music and sports with a spirit of social activism and a commitment to educate & unite as a brand designer, visual artist, and founder of the clothing company L.I.W.I.68 (Live It, Wear It) brand. Under that brand, he works with Dr. John Carlos, an advocate for human rights and the 1968 Olympic sprinter who silently protested with his raised fist on the podium in Mexico City. Mark's conceptual idea...

Brand Designer, Visual Artist and Founder of LIWI68, Mark Stoddart

Mark Stoddart has been a Visual Communicator for over 30 years! He combines his passion for music and sports with a spirit of social activism and a commitment to educate & unite as a brand designer, visual artist, and founder of the clothing company L.I.W.I.68 (Live It, Wear It) brand. Under that brand, he works with Dr. John Carlos, an advocate for human rights and the 1968 Olympic sprinter who silently protested with his raised fist on the podium in Mexico City. Mark's conceptual idea...

Cofounder & Strategic Director of Museum Hue, Monica O. Montgomery

Monica O. Montgomery is an arts and culture innovator using creativity and narrative as a means of bridging the gap between people and movements. She is the newly minted, Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center, A Home for Black Excellence. Monica advocates globally for social justice, at the intersection of art, activism and culture. As a curator, thought leader and public speaker, she has curated exhibits on #BlackLivesMatte...

13. Cofounder & Strategic Director of Museum Hue, Monica O. Montgomery

Monica O. Montgomery is an arts and culture innovator using creativity and narrative as a means of bridging the gap between people and movements. She is the newly minted, Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center, A Home for Black Excellence. Monica advocates globally for social justice, at the intersection of art, activism and culture. As a curator, thought leader and public speaker, she has curated exhibits on #BlackLivesMatte...

12. Fashion Designer & Stylist, Korto Momolu

Check out this deeply inspiring episode featuring Liberian-born fashion designer and stylist, Korto Momolu (First Runner Up, Project Runway Season 5) who has overcome many challenges to blaze her own path in the fashion industry - stamping her global brand on fashion-forward women’s wear and accessories that celebrate the essence of her rich heritage through the use of traditional and luxury fabrics. The Korto Momolu brand has over the years expanded to include creating an accessory line f...

Fashion Designer & Stylist, Korto Momolu

Check out this deeply inspiring episode featuring Liberian-born fashion designer and stylist, Korto Momolu (First Runner Up, Project Runway Season 5) who has overcome many challenges to blaze her own path in the fashion industry - stamping her global brand on fashion-forward women’s wear and accessories that celebrate the essence of her rich heritage through the use of traditional and luxury fabrics. The Korto Momolu brand has over the years expanded to include creating an accessory line f...

Birder, Writer and the Host of “Birds of North America” web series, Jason Ward

Roots of the Spirit welcomes Jason Ward - Birder, Writer and host of his own web series "Birds of North America." Born and raised in Bronx, New York Jason's love for wildlife began at a young age as he fell in love with dinosaurs - an infatuation that provided him with an escape from the obstacles growing up in the South Bronx. Now, he gets to share his love for modern-day dinosaurs (birds) with the public, in his web series; "Birds of North America".  Jason’s mission is to change the w...

11. Birder, Writer and the Host of “Birds of North America” web series, Jason Ward

Roots of the Spirit welcomes Jason Ward - Birder, Writer and host of his own web series "Birds of North America." Born and raised in Bronx, New York Jason's love for wildlife began at a young age as he fell in love with dinosaurs - an infatuation that provided him with an escape from the obstacles growing up in the South Bronx. Now, he gets to share his love for modern-day dinosaurs (birds) with the public, in his web series; "Birds of North America".  Jason’s mission is to change the w...

Journey back to Self with Spirit Tawfiq

Roots of the Spirit founder and host, Spirit Tawfiq speaks openly about her own personal journey as she marks the 10th episode of the podcast!     

10. Journey back to Self with Spirit Tawfiq

Roots of the Spirit founder and host, Spirit Tawfiq speaks openly about her own personal journey as she marks the 10th episode of the podcast!     

Community Scholars Uplift Youth through Freedom Schools with Brothers George and Robert Moses

George Moses, Executive Director of North East Area Development in Rochester, NY is an experienced community-based activist, researcher and executive who understands the need to balance scholarly research with the practical application needed for positive transformation in challenged communities. He is the key liaison for the establishment of the 1st Western New York Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools and a spokesperson for the Children’s Defense Fund “Dismantling the Cradle to Prison P...

9. Community Scholars Uplift Youth through Freedom Schools with Brothers George and Robert Moses

George Moses, Executive Director of North East Area Development in Rochester, NY is an experienced community-based activist, researcher and executive who understands the need to balance scholarly research with the practical application needed for positive transformation in challenged communities. He is the key liaison for the establishment of the 1st Western New York Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools and a spokesperson for the Children’s Defense Fund “Dismantling the Cradle to Prison P...

4 Wheel City: Hip-Hop Artists & Motivational Speakers in Wheelchairs from Gun Violence

Welcome Namel Norris and Rick Velasquez, talented "hip-hop artists and motivational speakers in wheelchairs as a result of gun violence" to the Roots of the Spirit podcast! Namel and Rick founded 4 Wheel City to create more opportunities for people with disabilities and  inspire people not to give up in life. In addition, show the world that people with disabilities can still have talents, dreams, and deserve to be treated equal. www.4wheelcity.com 

8. 4 Wheel City: Hip-Hop Artists & Motivational Speakers in Wheelchairs from Gun Violence

Welcome Namel Norris and Rick Velasquez, talented "hip-hop artists and motivational speakers in wheelchairs as a result of gun violence" to the Roots of the Spirit podcast! Namel and Rick founded 4 Wheel City to create more opportunities for people with disabilities and  inspire people not to give up in life. In addition, show the world that people with disabilities can still have talents, dreams, and deserve to be treated equal. www.4wheelcity.com