Podcast

Elise Brenner, Ph.D. and Nancy Spatz, M.D.

Take On Faith – January 18, 2022

Elise Brenner, Ph.D. and Nancy Spatz, M.D. co-authored the book, Reiki: A Self-Practice To Live in Peace with Self and Others, published by O-Books, a John Hunt imprint. They joined Rev. Xolani “xk” Kacela for an enlightening conversation about Reiki on Take On Faith, KTAL-LP in Las Cruces.

During the interview, Brenner and Spatz, explored Reiki beginning with its origins in the early 20^th century. Also, they talked about its five precepts, how the practice promotes resilience, and how hands-on self-practice heals individuals and the world.

You can reach Elise Brenner and Nancy Spatz at elise@brennerreikihealing.org and nhamawy@aol.com, respectively.

From the Publisher’s Website:

How is Reiki practice like a snow globe, a palm tree, and an anchor?

As we navigate life’s unpredictable squalls and waves of adversity, we aspire to settle like the snow in a snow globe, feel rooted like the base of a palm tree in a storm, and be anchored like a steady ship.

Reiki: A Self Practice to Live in Peace with Self and Others provides readers with self-Reiki how-tos for putting these metaphors into action to build an inner mind-body unshakable foundation, and to relieve the suffering of others. This book opens a door to a mindful way of living with ease rather than struggle.

Whether it is fear of coronavirus, receiving texts in ALL CAPS, a frightening diagnosis, or worry over a child, the self-Reiki practices introduced here will alleviate pain and overwhelm, ushering in mindfulness, resilience, and recovery capacity.

Take On Faith – January 1, 2022

Revs. Carolyn Wilkins & Xolani Kacela look ahead to 2022 and share their expectations, hopes, and dreams. They discuss what they view as goals and objectives for our leaders and the impact on people of faith and religion. This episode of Take On Faith broadcast on KTAL-LP 101.5 FM features the two co-hosts, only.

Take On Faith – December 25, 2021

Revs Xolani Kacela & Carolyn Wilkins look back on 2021 and share their take on the year’s highlights. They discuss what they view as major events and the impact on people of faith and religion. This episode of Take On Faith broadcast on KTAL-LP 101.5 FM features the two co-hosts, only.

Dr. Samar Khalil

Take On Faith – December 4, 2021

Dr. Samar Khalil appeared as a guest on this Take On Faith episode. She discussed Islam and the role of women in Islam with Rev. Xolani Kacela, the show host. She joined the program from her home in Las Cruces.

Dr. Samar Khalil serves as the Vice President of Sisters Affairs at the Southern New Mexico Islamic Center in Las Cruces. She also works as a Graduate Program Specialist, Sr. at the Dean of Academics Office in the College of Engineering at NMSU.

Rev. Gordon Clay and Mrs. Lisa S. Bailey

Take On Faith – November 27, 2021

Rev. Gordon Clay and Mrs. Lisa S. Bailey appeared as guests on Take On Faith. They discussed their shared ministry and marriage with Rev. Xolani Kacela, the show host. Rev. Gordon Clay and Mrs. Lisa Bailey joined the program from Las Vegas, Nevada.

Rev. Bailey serves as minister of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Las Vegas, NV. He is also a Board-Certified Clinical Chaplain and Pastoral Counselor with the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy.

Lisa Bailey works in the social justice arena with the Showing Up for Racial Justice Las Vegas chapter, the boards of No Racism in Schools #1865, and the Artivists. Lisa was an advance reader for The Black UU Survival Guide.

During the talk, they gave witness to life as Unitarian Universalists. Each spoke about their experiences being in a mixed marriage. Rev. Gordon Clay and Mrs. Lisa S. Bailey also shined light upon the challenges of leading a white church.

Interestingly, the Bailey’s provided insight to the limits of a BIPOC leader in a white church. They spoke about the differences between Black church ministry and white churches. They offered insights to what keeps the two worlds apart.

You can reach the Gordon C. Bailey or Lisa S. Bailey on their YouTube channel, The Bailey View.

From Guests’ Church’s Website:

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Las Vegas exists as a religious community. The valley-wide ministry shares the principles of Unitarian Universalism and provides a sanctuary and a voice for spiritual seekers. It serves as a force for social justice in the greater community. Here, we challenge members, friends, and visitors to think for themselves, grow spiritually, and express and live their values.

Mariel Ford Clarke

Take On Faith – November 20, 2021

Mariel Ford Clarke, author of Where After: WHERE Do Our Loves One Go AFTER they die? was the guest on this episode of Take On Faith on KTAL-LP. Clarke visited with Rev. Xolani Kacela for a chat about her book, her work in energetics, and how she helps people cope with death and loss. She joined Rev. Kacela from her home in Galway, Ireland.

During the conversation, Mariel Ford Clarke took listeners on a deep dive into her journey through death, or the other side. She discussed dying, experiencing deep peace, and life after death. The experienced resulted in a life change which she shares with readers in her book.

Among the topics discussed included her early life with psychic parents, her take of where people go AFTER death, and the power of love to change souls. Clarke brings high energy to her work. You’ll enjoy learning about the field of energetics, how death impacts life, and Clarke’s interesting book.

You can reach Mariel Ford Clarke at info@marielfordeclarke.com. On Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

From Guest’s Website

It has been my privilege to count Mariel as one of my very dear and trusted friends since we first met many years ago at a workshop I ran in England. [And] later, at workshops she organized for me with a friend in Ireland.

She is a totally luminous personality, a lighthouse set on the hill. She offers guidance and wisdom to many seekers of all backgrounds. Her work in the angel field has brought peace and comfort, guidance and strength to many seekers. I am sure [she’ll] continue to do so through her website.

Being in the company of Mariel is like sitting in a flower-covered meadow in the spring next to a dancing, bubbling, singing stream.

She is the very essence of love, unconditional goodness and deep caring. Her integrity – for me the most fundamental human quality with love – is rock solid, and her love just flows and bathes those who come into her presence.

Pierre Pradervand
Author of The Gentle Art of Blessing

Rev. Abhi Janamanchi and Rev. Katie Romano Griffin

Take On Faith – November 13, 2021

Rev. Abhi Janamanchi and Rev. Katie Romano Griffin were guests on Take On Faith. They serve as senior and associate minister at Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church in Bethesda, MD. You’ll love this lively talk with host Rev. Xolani Kacela.

During the talk, Rev. Abhi Janamanchi and Rev. Katie Romano Griffin discussed Unitarian Universalism and how they approach multi-cultural and multi-faith ministry. Wise and clear, they opened up about how BIPOC leaders do their work in mostly white churches. They laid out how important it is to reach beyond race to build beloved community.

Importantly, they reflect on Cedar Lane’s mission. They spoke about Spirit Experience, a special service the church offers. You’ll learn how they manage cultural differences and other leadership challenges. Both guests kept it 100.

Janamanchi and Romano Griffin engaged Xolani Kacela in a must-hear conversation. It will tickle your senses. You’ll want to share this podcast with all your friends!

You can reach Rev. Janamanchi at: ajanamanchi@cedarlane.org; Facebook; Twitter.

You can reach Rev. Romano Griffin at: kromanogriffin@cedarlane.org; Instagram; Facebook.

Darby Berryhill

Take On Faith – October 23, 2021

Darby Berryhill, author of 7th Heaven It Was Not, and member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces, was the guest on Take On Faith on KTAL-LP. Berryhill sat down with Rev. Xolani Kacela for a chat about her life as a pastor’s kid, or PK.

Berryhill’s book portrays in clear detail the lives that preacher’s kids endure. She writes about many struggles. They include living up to family and friends’ thoughts of who she should be, feeling pressure to put on “airs,” and attending four high schools during her teen years.

The book is a great read for listeners who have grown up in clergy families raising children. It’s a short and eye-opening narrative. 

Rev. Sherman Z. Logan, Jr.

Take On Faith – October 9, 2021

The Rev. Sherman Z. Logan, Executive Minister of First Unitarian Universalist of Richmond, VA was the guest on Take On Faith. He joined host, Xolani Kacela, for a far-ranging conversation about his unique role at FUURV. They also discussed his role as a board member of the UUA.

From Guest’s Church Website:

History of First UU RVA

THE ROOTS of liberal religion in Richmond, Virginia began early in the 19^th Century when missionary circuit riders drifted in from the northeastern states spreading a new religious message.  In 1830 Rev. John B. Dods spent six months in the city, organizing the first joint denomination of Unitarians and Universalists. 

In 1831, their new meeting house was dedicated as the First Independent Christian Church of Richmond and John B Pitkin was the first minister to be installed by representatives from both faiths.  The unconventional views of Christianity espoused by Rev. Pitkin attracted Richmond’s young intellectuals and businessmen.

More History

Over the next 30 years the church struggled with the ever present financial problems, a succession of transient ministers and the conflict of how to justify their position as a Christian Church.  In 1862 the society’s minister, Rev. Alden Bosserman, was arrested in a “sweep” by Richmond’s Confederate Administration along with several well known Unionist Richmond merchants.  They were suspected to be operating a ‘Union Underground’ designed to move Union soldiers caught behind the lines back into the North and assist occasional slave runaways. 

Bosserman, along with Franklin Stearns, Burnham Wardwell, G. W. Frosst and Charles Palmer, was lodged in a slave jail designated for political prisoners awaiting their court hearing; former U.S. Senator, John Minor Botts, spent two months on the second floor of Lumpkin’s slave jail with a view of Shockoe Bottom’s factories through its barred windows.   

The Richmond Dispatch (04/03/1862) lists Rev. Bosserman among Castle Godwin’s prisoners.   His congregation, suspected to be an abolitionist front, continued to live with the indignity of the smear tactics aroused by their leader’s arrest for treason and a hostile community that took advantage of any opportunity to misrepresent their beliefs.  After five months in prison, living under deplorable wartime conditions, Rev. Bosserman was released as part of a prisoner exchange.

Virginia’s secession from the Union proved to be the death-knell for the church on Mayo Street.   As the war continued, the exceptional prosperity of the city disappeared under the strain of the political situation.  Slave discontent turned into rebellion, an embargo had closed the city’s port, businesses began to fail and banks suspended specie payment.  The weather was bitterly cold, cholera was rampant and there were food riots.  Without leadership or the means to meet their financial obligations, the church disbanded officially in 1875.

RE-ESTABLISHMENT began with Sunday night meetings in the home of D.R. Wilson.  At first, it was just a few friends getting together to read liberal literature and share their religious ideas.  As more people joined the group, the American Unitarian Association (A.U.A.) initiated a mission effort.  Early in 1893 Rev. George L. Chaney came to Richmond and began holding services in Belvidere Hall.  A Women’s Alliance and a Sunday school were organized and the congregation grew under Rev. Chaney’s leadership.   On December 31, 1893 eighteen people stepped forward to sign the Bond of Union that would formally create the First Unitarian Church of Richmond.

Rev. Erin J. Walter, UU Community Minister

Take On Faith – October 25, 2021

Rev. Erin J. Walter is a community minister ordained in the Unitarian Universalist tradition. She also plays bass for two bands: Parker Woodland and Butch County. She joined host Xolani Kacela from her home in Austin, Texas. You will enjoy this episode of Take On Faith on KTAL-LP.

Erin Walter talked about her life as a minister in liberal faith. She discussed the sacred part of her ministry many people don’t see. Walter shared much needed wisdom. In particular, she described ways to build bridges over our differences.

The pandemic affects us all, she said. She described how her UU ministry affects the people she serves. A member of the Texas UU Justice Ministry, her work often focuses on social justice. She put light on how listeners can change their neighborhoods by being humble.

You can reach Rev. Erin J. Walter on her websites, ErinWalter.com and ParkerWoodland.com.

From the guest’s website:

Rev. Erin serves the wider community through ministry open to people of all faiths, including:

• Officiating weddings, memorials, and rites of passage
• Guest preaching, music, workshop facilitation, camp chaplaincy, retreat leadership, and spiritual direction
• Teaching Zumba for body and spirit in community settings
• Writing about ministry and music for publications including the UU World and Austin American-Statesman

Erin’s community ministry is intentionally eclectic and grounded in the first and seventh UU principles — affirming the worth and dignity of all people, interconnected across faiths and cultures, age groups and class. She is an original TXHandmaid, using arts activism to promote reproductive rights, as well as a member of the queer rock band Butch County and activist supporting human rights movements for accessibility, racial justice, immigrant rights, trans rights, and more.

MUSIC AS MINISTRY

Rev. Erin serves via songwriting and community building with her band, Parker Woodland. Their new EP “Live From LOVE Hill” is available on Bandcamp starting Friday, 9/3/21, to benefit mental health serves by the SIMS Foundation. Listen to Parker Woodland’s debut EP “The World’s On Fire (and We Still Fall in Love)” on Spotify, Youtube, and wherever you buy or stream music.

Dealing with Fear, Anxiety, and Anger

Take On Faith – September 18, 2021

Dealing with fear, anxiety, and anger requires disciplined spirituality and commitment to your values. During the show, Rev. Xolani Kacela, host of Take On Faith, discusses some of the challenges churches faced and still face during the pandemic.

Rev. Xolani Kacela goes solo on this episode of Take On Faith.

Importantly, Kacela explores the struggles to build on-line community amid fear, anxiety, and anger. Kacela builds upon his Unitarian Universalist practice.

Also, he explores the spiritual practice called reconciliation. He attributes the practice to the African American mystic and spiritual teacher, Howard Thurman.

During this solo episode, Kacela shares an intimate story from his past about attempting reconciliation. He discusses the risks we encounter pursuing honest relationships in an era of great division.

Enjoy a very personal talk and discover ways for taking your spirituality to the next level.

Tune by clicking the link below.

Excerpt from Jumpstart Your Allyship on interrogating your feelings

In the episode, Rev. XK addresses the need to confront and interrogate your feelings. Here is an excerpt from his latest book, Jumpstart Your Allyship, which covers the topic in detail.

It is important to acknowledge and accept uncomfortable feelings, knowing that they represent something tangible in your experience. But, first, you need to determine what those feelings represent. Lean into them until you have answers. Once you nail down what caused your feelings, you can confront your history and move into your new self-image.

(This work may involve you beginning a relationship with a culturally competent mental health provider. Either way, you will need to confront your feelings and find a resolution to be an effective, reliable ally.)

Valerie Mason John aka Vimalasara

Take On Faith – September 11, 2021

Valerie Mason John, also known as Vimalasara, teaches Buddhism in the Triratna Buddhist tradition. They joined host Xolani Kacela from her home in Vancouver, British Columbia for this episode of Take On Faith.

Valerie Mason John is the award-winning author of 10 books, and the co-author and co-founder of Eight Step Recovery: Using The Buddha’s Teaching to Overcome Addiction.

Vimalasara shared many powerful life experiences. Those included: how they discovered Buddhism after years of life in foster care, on the streets, and in prison as a youth. Importantly, they found themselves surrounded by people who meditated. That sparked their curiosity about practicing meditation.

Valerie Mason John discussed their Buddhist practice and how it helped them adopt a new mindset to overcome “stinking thinking,” which they discussed on their 2013 TEDx Talk.

You can reach Vimalasara on their website: https://www.valeriemason-john.com/about/ or on her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/valeriemasonjohn

From the guest’s website:

Dr. Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John, M.A (hon.doc) is a public speaker and master trainer in the field of conflict transformation, leadership and mindfulness. They was featured at TEDxRenfrewCollingwood where they gave a talk titled, We are what we think, which outlined a course of action we can take to work on the global epidemic of bullying.

Valerie is the award-winning author of 10 books, and the co-author and co-founder of Eight Step Recovery: Using The Buddha’s Teaching to Overcome Addiction. Since its publication, it has won the Best USA Book Award 2014 and Best International Book Award 2015 in the self motivational and self help category. Eight Step Recovery offers an alternative to the 12 step program for addiction. Eight Step meetings are now taking place in the UK, USA, Canada, Mexico, India and Finland. Valerie uses the pronouns they/their/them because they do not subscribe to how society defines a woman. She/Her limits their capacity to be who they truly are.

Mindfulness Teacher & Recovery Coach

Valerie is the co-creator of Mindfulness Based Addiction Recovery (MBAR). They are a certified professional Mindfulness Teacher, Recovery Coach, Life Coach, and a Compassionate Inquiry Facilitator and Practitioner. Valerie has been practicing mindfulness for over 30 years and is one of the leading African-descent voices in the field of mindfulness and addiction. She trains professionals working in the field of addiction all over the world.

They are also  the author of Detox Your Heart: Meditations for Emotional Trauma — a self-help guide on mindfulness of negative emotions.

Dharma Teacher

Valerie — also known as Vimalasara — was ordained into the Triratna Buddhist Community and is a senior teacher in this tradition. Although they work tirelessly in the field of mindfulness, the Buddhist teachings are an essential part of her personal practice.

They are the chairperson of the Triratna Vancouver Buddhist Centre in British Columbia, Canada, and leads and co-leads retreats both nationally and internationally. They was also the co-founder of Healing and Insight and is a teacher on Worldwide Insight.

Playwright

Valerie wrote the box office sell-out cult play, Sin Dykes, and has been touring their one woman show, Brown Girl In The Ring, internationally for the past ten years. The show is adapted to current issues and politics, while keeping to the plot that they are related to the Queen of England. They recently co-produced blackhalifax.com — 12 short poetic dramas documenting the African-descent history of Halifax, Nova Scotia dating back to the 1600’s.

Rabbi Daniel Cohen

Take On Faith – August 14, 2021

Rabbi Daniel Cohen, Senior Rabbi at Congregation Agudath Shalom in Stamford, Connecticut, is the guest. He joined host Xolani Kacela on Take On Faith to discuss his book, what will they say about you when you are gone, published by Health Communications. The program was broadcast on KTAL-LP 101.5 in Las Cruces, NM.

Rabbi Cohen and xk discussed the seven principles for living a life of legacy. Also, they dug into the meaning of “reverse engineering” one’s life. That  describes how to live one’s true purpose and realize one’s “divine potential.”

The conversation covered many topics from the book, to include embracing meditative minutes, finding Elijah moments, and bringing light into the world through act of goodness.

Rabbi Cohen’s website is rabbidanielcohen.com.

You can contact Rabbi Daniel Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org.

From Guest’s Website:

Popular motivator, mentor, and inspirational speaker, Rabbi Daniel Cohen’s unique blend of authenticity, humor, wisdom, and insight helps anyone better navigate contemporary society and lead a life of legacy. Engaging in hundreds of end of life conversations and delivering thousands of eulogies provide him with a unique perspective on the essence of a meaningful life.

Rabbi Cohen has served in the rabbinate for over thirty years and currently serves as senior Rabbi at Congregation Agudath Sholom in Stamford, CT, the largest modern orthodox synagogue in New England. Rabbi Cohen is author of What Will They Say About You When You Are Gone? Creating a Life of Legacy, speaks nationally on leading a life of legacy and is currently writing two books.

The first is a parable book on the secret of the light and the second is with former NBA All Star and Olympic Gold medalist Allan Houston on legacy. He is co-host with Reverend Greg Doll of the nationally syndicated Radio Show, The Rabbi and the Reverend and writes for the Huffington Post Blog and is a Bottom Line Inc. Expert.

He enjoys doing magic shows, playing sports, writing, searching for God, and living life with joy and ever-present smile! Rabbi Cohen and Diane are the grateful parents of six daughters and two grandsons.

Teresa Valenzuela

Take On Faith – August 7, 2021

Teresa Valenzuela is the guest. She joined host Rev. Carolyn Wilkins for a lively conversation on Take On Faith on KTAL-LP 101.5.

Teresa Valenzuela discussed her path as a bi-lingual educator, spiritual practitioner/counselor and community service advocate. Her goal is to ‘pray it forward.’

Robert Gill, Jr.

Take On Faith – July 24, 2021

Robert Gill, Jr. wrote the book Happiness Power: How to unleash your power and live with a more joyful life, which he published on Teaching Press. He joined host Rev. Xolani Kacela for a lively conversation on Take On Faith on KTAL-LP 101.5.

Robert Gill, Jr. shared many important insights about happiness and the research he’s gathered in response to recognizing how many Americans experience unhappiness. He talked about the various “powers” that happiness creates for people. Much of it, he shared, originates from being an optimist.

Also, Gill discussed the benefits of optimism and how people can learn how to be happy. He explained the relationship between happiness and gratitude. Furthermore, explored how things, including money, related to happiness. Gill got into self-kindness and generosity as paths to joy and happiness.

You can contact Robert Gill, Jr. at robert@robertgilljr.com.

From the Guest’s Website:

Robert Gill, Jr. author, publisher, entrepreneur, and businessperson is best known for the ArtMolds Journal, a monthly glossy magazine on art and sculpture that he published for four years. His most recent book, 90 Days to Your First Real Estate Investment Purchase, is a guide assisting beginners with little money to invest in rental properties. His latest book, Happiness Power is scheduled for release in January 2021. He has written non-fiction books and articles on subjects ranging from teaching, crafts, and hobbies, and self-help as well as cooking to personal finance. His works are recommended by 4 ⅓ out of 5 people that recommend things. He lives in Far Hills, New Jersey, with his wife and dog, Ginger, surrounded by neighbors he has never met.

You can get involved with my next book by contacting me with your suggestions. I promise that I read each one of them. Please leave a review on Amazon, Kindle or Audible website where you have purchased one of my books. To contact Robert Gill, Jr., click here.

Dr. Matthew Welsh – Spiritual Media Blog

Take On Faith – July 17, 2021

Dr. Matthew Welsh founded the Spiritual Media Blog, which hosts interviews and resources for readers and communities. He joined host Rev. Xolani Kacela for a lively conversation on Take On Faith on KTAL-LP 101.5.

Dr. Welsh shared his story of leaving his law career, earning a Ph.D. in psychology, and going into practice. He also sees patients at the Veteran Affairs Center in Indianapolis. Importantly, the interview covered how mental health and spirituality merge.

Surprisingly, Matt Welsh revealed half of his blog’s content is targeted to people seeking resources for a better life. Most of his guests practice non-traditional spirituality. Dr. Welsh shared how writing his novel helped him deal with important life issues and discover his purpose.

You can contact Dr. Matt Welsh at editor@spiritualmediablog.com.

From Guest’s Website:

Dr. Matthew Welsh J.D., Ph.D. is the founder of Spiritual Media Blog. After graduating from law school Dr. Welsh created Spiritual Media Blog to be a source of inspirational content, media, and entertainment. He began his career in Hollywood working for an entertainment agency, the William Morris Agency, and then as a trial lawyer for the Department of Child Services in Indiana. He realized that he was not happy working as a lawyer. So, he quit his job as a lawyer to pursue his calling to become a psychologist and obtained his PhD in Psychology. He now works as a full-time clinical psychologist. For more information about his private coaching and counseling practice, please visit https://drmatthewwelsh.com.

Dr. Welsh has presented inspirational lectures on how to create a meaningful career to venues across the country including the San Diego Convention Center, international not-for-profit organization Dress For Success, and the University of Notre Dame. He is the author of The Bottom Line, a novel about a young man in college learning how to overcome the male ego. He has also appeared in film as a featured guest for the Spiritual Cinema Circle DVD club, alongside Stephen Simon, producer of Academy Award winning film, What Dreams May Come. His podcast has featured conversations with thought-leaders including Neale Donald Walsch, Arielle Ford, James Redfield (Author of Celestine Prophecy) and William Arntz (Director of What the Bleep Do We Know?).

Dr. Larry Ward

Take On Faith – July 10, 2021

Dr. Larry Ward practices as an ordained Buddhist teacher and ordained Christian minister. He completed his Buddhist studies with the Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh at Plum Village in France. He authored the book America’s Racial Karma, which is published by Parallax Press in 2020.

During this Take On Faith episode, Dr. Ward and host Xolani Kacela discussed subjects covered in his book. They explored Ward’s experience of race while teaching in China and Africa. Ward discussed the importance of being in the body.

He shared what it means to be African American and Buddhist. His research covers the beginning of racism. Also, the show explored his meditative and prayer life and the reflective work covered in the book.

The conversation covered how spiritual practices can heal the racial divide in America. Host and guest explored neuroscience, trauma, embodied spirituality, and how history and truth impact human identity and emotions.

You can contact Dr. Larry Ward at larry@thelotusinstitute.org.

From Guest’s Website:

So says Zen Buddhist teacher Dr. Larry Ward.

Shot at by the police as an 11-year-old child for playing baseball in the wrong spot, as an adult, Larry Ward experienced the trauma of having his home firebombed by racists. At Plum Village Monastery in France, the home in exile of his teacher, Vietnamese peace activist and Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, Dr. Ward found a way to heal. In these short reflective essays, he offers his insights on the effects of racial constructs and answers the question: how do we free ourselves from our repeated cycles of anger, denial, bitterness, pain, fear, violence? Larry Ward looks at the causes and conditions that have led us to our current state and finds, hidden in the crisis, a profound opportunity to reinvent what it means to be a human being. This is an invitation to transform America’s racial karma.

Justin Miles – Black & Buddhist

Take On Faith – June 26, 2021

Justin Miles serves as a Black Buddhist teacher who also identifies as a Christian. He joined host Xolani Kacela on Take On Faith for a discussion about his spiritual work. The show airs on KTAL-LP 101.5 from Las Cruces, NM.

Justin Miles is a licensed mental health provider, hip-hop artist, and martial arts expert. He shared his journey to Buddhism and how he lives as Black person on many levels. He unpacked the challenges of living true to himself and being among an all-white spiritual community.

A native of D.C., Miles offered listeners several unique perspectives on being true to oneself, embracing imperfection, and keeping an open mind while dealing with today’s most pressing issues.

You can contact Justin Miles at milesinstitute@gmail.com.

From Justin Miles’ website:

In 2010 I started the Miles Institute of Integral Living in order to help anyone that I could with challenges of the body, mind, spirit, self, culture, society and nature. The various ways that I assist others come directly from my experience as an imperfect human being, an educated and experienced Buddhist teacher, meditation instructor, psychotherapist, Hiphop artist and survivalist. My philosophy is to be of benefit to others by any means necessary, but especially by any means that others feel connected with. I will help anyone do anything that they think will provide growth and healing in their lives as long as it won’t hurt themselves or others. Whatever skills, insights and gifts that appear to be mine are shared freely with the world.

I began to realize that the only thing to do with my life is to be of service to others, not just through my education but through whoever I’ve learned to be on my human journey. I try to see the wisdom in everything and the world as teacher when i’m relaxed and receptive enough to allow that to happen. Personally, my sense of well-being comes from the practices of meditation, spiritual study, making Hiphop music, gardening, being alone in nature, facilitating therapy, raising my children, sweat lodges, vision quests, marksmanship, hanging out with friends and watching movies, but there is probably nothing that brings me greater pleasure than helping others.

Daniel Simpson

Take On Faith – June 12, 2021

Daniel Simpson discussed his new book, The Truth About Yoga. His book provides an in-depth look at yoga. The book is available on Amazon and wherever you buy your books.

Simpson joined host Xolani Kacela from his home in Oxford, England. It was his first appearance on Take On Faith on KTAL-LP 101.5.

Daniel Simpson shared his story about how he discovered yoga. Also, he talked about how he became a yoga expert. He discussed yoga’s roots and its early texts. Importantly, he explained yoga evolved from Hindu practice to modern day exercise.

He broke down how politics, religion, and culture changed yoga practice. Originally, it was a way to ease suffering. An established author, he updated listeners on the current state of yoga in the world.

From Guest’s Website:

Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Subtitled “A Comprehensive Guide to Yoga’s History, Texts, Philosophy, and Practices,” this book provides succinct answers to almost any question about yoga’s evolution, putting teachings into context and dispelling misconceptions.

To quote the back cover:

Yoga is practiced by many millions of people worldwide and is celebrated for its mental, physical, and spiritual benefits. And yet, as Daniel Simpson reveals in The Truth of Yoga, much of what is said about yoga is misleading. For example, the word “yoga” does not always mean union. In fact, in perhaps the discipline’s most famous text—the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali—its aim is described as separation: isolating consciousness from everything else. And yoga is not five thousand years old, as is commonly claimed; the earliest evidence of practice dates back about twenty-five hundred years. (Yoga may well be older, but no one can prove it.)

The Truth of Yoga is a clear, concise, and accessible handbook for the lay reader that draws upon abundant recent scholarship. It outlines these new findings with practitioners in mind, highlighting ways to keep traditions alive in the twenty-first century.

Daniel Simpson teaches at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, and at Triyoga in London. He is a graduate of Cambridge University and has a master’s degree from SOAS University of London.

Order a copy on the links below, at your local shop, or via Google or iBooks. An audiobook read by Tim Bruce is available on Audible.

Rev. Kelli Jareaux

Take On Faith – June 5, 2021

Rev. Carolyn Wilkins, our host, speaks with Rev. Kelli Jareaux, a minister, attorney and author. They discuss Rev. Kelli’s newly released book ‘I AM @ WORK‘ including the true purpose of work, how work can be more fulfilling and tips on how to move beyond challenges.

From Kelli Jareaux’s Amazon Page:

Experience Divinity at Work! Sizzle with Unique Purpose! Flourish in Any Workplace! Navigate Difficult Office Dynamics! For those looking to succeed in the practice of Spirituality at Work, this book reveals how! With this book, you can Discover your True Work and advance it on any job! Here is a sample of what you will find inside:
I AM @ Work—Unleashing The Power Of Divine Self On The Job
•Seizing Your God-Given Authority through Energetic Programming
•101 Tips to Ascend Above Workplace Challenges
•Decoding Your Work DNA
•Constructing and Customizing Your Spiritual Toolkit for the Workplace
•Deciphering Why God needs You on the Job
•Igniting Quit Power, Practicing Purpose over Permanence
•Transforming the World so that the Smartest and best are the Truest
•Karoshi—Work Yourself to Life, Not Death
… and Much, MUCH More!
And, as a Special Bonus for your home and work life Rev. Kelli reveals the “Yes . . . And” Secret for effectively saying “No” to anyone on the job or wherever you are!
Rev. Kelli’s private coaching clients and workshop attendees have thrived using these secrets. Now, YOU can too!

Rev. Kelli is a mystical activist committed to evolution and transformation in the workplace and the world. Described by New York Times Best-Selling Author and Emmy Award Winner, Reverend Doctor Iyanla Vanzant, as a “blessing to God’s Kingdom” and “simply magnificent,” Rev. Kelli is a visionary voice for our time. A Georgetown Law graduate, she has examined the inner workings of countless corporations, organizations, and governmental entities while serving as an attorney, executive life coach, international facilitator, and trainer. Various publications have featured her work including the anthology, Sacred Secrets: Finding Your Way To Joy, Peace, And Prosperity, and 11:11 Magazine. Rev. Kelli is the founder of the GROW Continuum, Inc., a non-denominational church with the simple motto, LIVE LIFE & GROW!