Today's episode is dedicated to the memory and Spirit of Mama Nasrah Smith. What does it mean to "Show Up?" Why is it important? On this final episode of Season 2, activist and host of TransLash podcast Imara Jones joins us to explore the responsibility we have to not just show up, but also show up as our true selves. We talk about the gifts of sharing compassion and empathy in times of grief and the dire importance of being honest with ourselves and others in this trying moment. Don't forget to follow our "Songs That Are Getting Us Through" playlist!

What are the seeds of healing between friends, communities, and generations? Konda Mason, Buddhist, farmer, and long-time friend of Macky (and new friend to Lisa!) joins us to explore the importance of reparations–not just in communities, but also between friends. Other discussions include the call to bring healing in spaces with a legacy of harm, and the importance of both truth-telling in friendships, and the necessity of compassion in the truth. We also discuss the gifts of spring and the beauty of Black farming. Be sure to follow our ‘Friends For Life: Songs Getting Us Through’ Playlist!

The beauty of cake, sunshine, planting, and keeping ourselves open. Melvin Bray and Sharon Groves, longtime colleagues and beloved friends of both Lisa and Macky, join us for a beautiful conversation about accountability and consciousness of power inside a friendship across race, class, gender. We explore the role and opportunity of risk in a relationship….and the importance of caramel cake! Be sure to follow our ‘Friends For Life: Songs Getting Us Through’ Playlist!

Laughter is crucial, especially in uncertain times! Malachi Garza, movement strategist and beacon of humor, talks with us about what it means to lean into humor and laughter during hard times. We explore the audacity of being, here, alive and joyful in the midst of oppression, and the necessity of surrendering control and centering joy. Other topics include exploring sadness as a way of showing up for yourself and the idea that maybe safety is found in opening up, not building walls. Plus, hear the tale of the speakeasy and the Count Chocula cocktail! Follow our ‘Friends For Life: Songs Getting Us Through’ Playlist

What does friendship look like during times of grief and loss? How do we return to the friendships that ground us? How do we adequately grieve a friendship that has come to an end? Rev. Jen Bailey joins Lisa and Macky to explore these questions. We also explore mothering while grieving a mother, the grief in this pandemic moment, and making a commitment to the people in our community. Plus, shenanigans of the past! Follow our ‘Friends For Life: Songs Getting Us Through’ Playlist Transcript and show notes at https://auburnseminary.org/friends/ .

Welcome to Season 2 of Friends For Life! Today we are speaking with Rev. Dr. Emma Jordan-Simpson, the new president of Auburn. Emma is a new friend to Macky and a longtime friend to Lisa. We explore the question, what does it mean to make new friends? How do we draw our Circles wide? How do communities change over time and how do we bring people in? How do we talk about friendship in a time of great loneliness? What does it mean to be a good friend? Plus, we dive into Emma’s most beloved songs. Transcript at https://auburnseminary.org/friends/

Post-election, we have an opportunity to shift the trajectory of this moment. Lisa and Macky speak with theologians and organizers Rodney McKenzie and Charlene Sinclair to discuss voting, casting our talents, as well as true friendship and its role in this moment. We also explore being a people who will not hide, how the world needs our brilliance, as well as live life with love and hope.

Episode art by Claudia Lopez and transcript at https://auburnseminary.org/friends/

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As we approach the election, friends are more important than ever. Lisa and Macky chat with Stosh Cotler, CEO of Bend the Arc, and Eric Ward, who leads the Western State Center. They share strategy and vision for Election Season and beyond. The friends explore building relationships while building movements, struggling with imposter syndrome but speaking out anyway, and addressing racism in their region. Other topics include losing oneself in music and art and dancing in the living room. Episode art by Claudia Lopez and transcript at https://auburnseminary.org/friends/ Please remember to share the episode. Support our work: https://auburnseminary.org/stlc-giving/