‘Belonging’

The Power of Music: Connecting People Accross the Globe: A Voicemail from Joey Held

On this episode of Art Heals All Wounds, I share a voicemail from Joey Held, who talks about the impact of music on building a sense of belonging and the ability of art to heal. Joey hosts a podcast called Good People, Cool Things but he’s also a member of the band The Burning Years. Joey talks about the way he sees music bringing people together during the band’s shows. He also shares an incredible experience with a fan of the band—a recent transplant from Dublin, Ireland, to Austin, Texas where Joey lives. This fan told him that before he left Dublin, he had been in a pub that played one of The Burning Years’ songs and that the entire pub began singing along. They knew all of the words! A reminder that art knows no boundaries, it transcends cultures to create connections.

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Finding Belonging and Discovering the Power of Listening: Gwen Whittle, Postproduction Sound Supervisor

In this episode of Art Heals All Wounds, I interview longtime friend Gwen Whittle, a supervising sound editor and three-time Academy Award nominee for the films Avatar, Tron Legacy, and Avatar, The Way of Water. We discuss Gwen's journey from New York to San Francisco, her experiences in the sound editing industry, and the importance of sound in storytelling. We both share stories of belonging and the impact of travel on our perspectives and the importance of listening.

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Celebrating Neurodiversity, Beauty, and Belonging with Illustrator and Writer Allegra Thelemaque

In this episode, I interview my daughter, Allegra Thelemaque, illustrator and writer, about the idea of feeling like you belong in your body. We also discuss how finding one's own sense of style can help redefine the concept of beauty. Allegra and I both have myotonic dystrophy, a multi-system disease that can affect muscle strength, muscle stiffness, eyes, digestive system, brain, heart, and increase the risk of certain cancers. Allegra identifies as neurodivergent. We talk about how meeting others with the same condition has provided a sense of understanding and support. Allegra shares her personal journey and offers some advice to me on self-acceptance and belonging.

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Transformation, Healing, and Belonging: Dazié Rustin Grego-Sykes and Derrick Miller-Handley on Queer and Black Representation in Art

This week I interview artists Dazié Rustin Grego-Sykes and Derrick Miller-Handley. They discuss the creation and impact of their performance piece, 'The Changer and the Changed', a performed memoir of Dazié’s lived experience, exploring issues of child sex abuse, addiction, and the experience of being Black, Queer, and HIV positive. Through this deeply personal piece, performed in a community space, Dazié and Derrick aimed to create an intimate shared experience, encompassing the transformation, complex conversations, and the delicate balance of addressing difficult topics. The duo, who form the art collective 'Bundle of Sticks', share how their long-term friendship forms the foundation of their collaborative process. They also highlight the importance of acknowledging and embracing personal histories, shaping experiences into art, and finding a sense of belonging.

00:12 Introduction to Art Heals All Wounds

00:47 Discovering Dazié Grego-Sykes and The Changer and The Changed

01:47 Experiencing The Changer and The Changed

02:19 Understanding the Impact of Art

04:19 Interview with Dazié Grego-Sykes and Derrick Miller-Handley

05:03 Introduction to the Art Collective Bundle of Sticks

07:01 The Creation and Transformation of The Changer and The Changed

15:13 The Role of Personal Journals in The Changer and The Changed

20:34 The Power of Mythology in Art

23:48 Creating a Tangible Environment

24:18 The Thin Line Between Performance and Reality

24:52 The Power of Trust and Friendship in Performance

25:21 The Real-Time Experience of Performance

26:10 The Transformational Power of Art

27:03 The Influence of Kehinde Wiley's Work

28:38 Creating New Spaces in Art

29:28 The Role of Afrofuturism in Art

32:06 The Importance of Ancestry and History

35:41 The Performers: A Deep Dive into Their Stories

38:40 The Concept of Belonging in Art

41:19 Connecting with the Audience

43:17 Where to Find More About the Artists and Their Work

44:11 Closing Remarks

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Bundle of Sticks website
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The Nature of Belonging--A Voicemail From Miguel Angel Vazquez

In this episode, I feature a thought-provoking reflection on belonging in a voicemail from Miguel Angel Vazquez. Discover the different dimensions of belonging, how it can shift with experiences, and the essential ways we know that we belong.

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/mavurbanplanning/

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Almudena Rocca: The Intuitive Drawing Journal: Exploring Healing Through Art

In this episode of Art Heals All Wounds, I speak with multidisciplinary artist Almudena Rocca about her book 'The Intuitive Drawing Journal: A Guided Journal for Processing Feelings and Emotions'. The journal employs the technique of continuous line drawing to help individuals explore and express their emotions without judgement. Almudena shares her personal journey with mental health, the therapeutic benefits of the drawing method in the journal, and emphasizes the importance of self-care in mental wellness. The episode concludes with a special discount for listeners who wish to purchase Rocca's book, and an opportunity to win a free copy of the book!

00:12 Introduction to Art Heals All Wounds

00:47 The Struggle with Self-Judgment

01:15 Discovering The Intuitive Drawing Journal

03:00 Interview with Almudena Rocca

03:44 Understanding The Intuitive Drawing Journal

09:50 The Power of No Judgment

12:43 Therapeutic Practices and Self-Care

14:55 Where to Find Almudena's Work

16:11 Conclusion and Special Offer

Special Offer for Art Heals All Wounds listeners: Get 25% off of your copy of The Intuitive Drawing Journal: A Guided Journal for Processing Feelings and Emotions. Use the code INTUITIVE25 and order at https://watkinspublishing.com/books/the-intuitive-drawing-journal-a-guided-journal-for-processing-feelings-and-emotions/

*This code remains active until January 1st 2024.

For a free copy of A Guided Journal for Processing Feelings and Emotions leave a 5-star rating and review for Art Heals All Wounds on Apple Podcasts. Send a screenshot of your review to me, pam@arthealsallwoundspodcast.com. I’ll connect the first 3 people to send this screenshot with Almudena’s publisher for their free copy of The Intuitive Drawing Journal: A Guided Journal for Processing Feelings and Emotions.

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Her Deaf Mother Blossomed and Found Belonging as an Artist--A Voicemail From Paige Friend

In this episode of Art Heals All Wounds, I share a heartfelt voicemail from Paige Friend, host of ‘The Beach Speaks’ podcast, discussing her deaf mother’s journey of self-realization and acceptance facilitated by art. Ginny developed her lip-reading skills, giving Paige a delightful way of communicating with her mother across a room. Unable to work, Ginny turned to painting and silk-screen printing, becoming a successful and celebrated artist, and finding a sense of belonging in the artistic world.

Please share your own story of belonging by leaving me a voicemail!

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Episode 10

Filmmaker Christina YR Lim’s B-Side for Taylor-- Exploring Adoption, Secrets, and Identity

In this episode of 'Art Heals All Wounds', I speak with filmmaker Christina YR Lim about 'B-Side for Taylor', a film that explores adoption, identity, and family secrets. As a contribution to National Adoption Awareness Month, the discussion centers around the film's storyline, which follows a Korean American adoptee's journey to learn more about her origins as well as dealing with her adoptive mother's death. The film also dives into the complex dynamics around adoption and the need for open and honest communication within families. Uzzell and Lim discuss the rich themes and choices in character development, shedding light on how art can be an avenue for exploring and addressing societal issues.

00:12 Introduction to Art Heals All Wounds

00:47 Exploring the Theme of Adoption

01:05 Unveiling Family Secrets

01:40 Invitation to Share Your Story

02:11 Interview with Film Director Christina YR Lim

02:37 Exploring the Film 'B-Side for Taylor'

03:42 Unraveling the Plot Twists

04:31 Conversation with Christina YR Lim

04:48 Behind the Scenes of 'B-Side for Taylor'

08:11 Exploring the Theme of Family Secrets

11:54 Understanding the Characters in 'B-Side for Taylor'

23:40 The Open-Ended Nature of the Film

28:21 Finding Christina YR Lim and 'B-Side for Taylor'

29:24 Closing Remarks

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Episode 9

Carlyn Montes De Oca: Junkyard Girl: A Story of Adoption, Healing, and Belonging

Animal advocate Carlyn Montes De Oca embarked on a journey of self-discovery when she took a commercial DNA test in 2019. Expecting to uncover her Jewish heritage within her Hispanic bloodline, Carlyn was stunned to learn that she had been adopted at birth. This revelation shattered her sense of identity, as she discovered that her entire extended family, including 63 first cousins, were aware of her adoption but had kept it a secret from her. Determined to piece together her origin story, Carlyn began a relentless mission to uncover the truth about her past and find out who she truly was. Combining two stories in her new book, Junkyard Girl - her search for her biological family and the story of growing up with loving, overprotective parents, who also happened to be hoarders - Carlyn embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery.

CARLYN MONTES DE OCA is a multi-award winning author of Dog as My Doctor, Cat as My Nurse and Paws for the Good Stuff. She is an international speaker, animal-human health expert, and passionate animal advocate. Ten percent of every purchase of her book Junkyard Girl benefits Animal Protection New Mexico.

Key Topics:

Discovering the Adoption
Growing Up First-Generation Latina
The Impact of the Adoption Revelation
Coping with Loneliness and Shame
Finding Healing through Writing and Art
Advocating for Animal Welfare

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Episode 8

Dr. Tasha Golden, Public Health Scientist and Singer-Songwriter: Arts on Prescription: A Field Guide for US Communities

Dr. Tasha Golden is an international speaker and consultant, a career singer/songwriter, and a public health scientist.
In this episode, Tasha shares with us her work on the Arts On Prescription Field Guide, a resource that seeks to integrate arts, culture, and nature into medical care to promote overall well-being and not just the absence of disease. Tasha's extensive research and personal experiences as an artist have led her to some incredible insights on how the arts can play a transformative role in healing and supporting individuals. Drawing from her own experience with depression, she shares how medicine, by integrating art, can transform the health of individuals and communities. Arts on Prescription Field Guide is a resource for anyone looking for guidance on how to include equitable, accessible, and community-based arts, culture, and nature as part of health care.

Key Topics

Integrating Arts, Culture, and Nature into Medical Care for Well-being

- Arts On Prescription Field Guide created by Tasha Golden, PhD

- The Field Guide's focus on promoting well-being, not just the absence of disease

- Historical lack of equity and inclusion in arts, culture, and nature institutions

- Opportunities for Arts on Prescription to enhance equity, inclusion, and community-centered focus

- The role of grassroots initiatives in long-term success

- Transformation and personal growth resulting from the experience of depression

- Tasha Golden's shift to studying and researching mental health

- Partnership between Mass Cultural Council and University of Florida Center for Arts in Medicine

- Launch of Culture Rx as the first statewide arts and prescription program in the US

- Barrier between clinical health and community-based health

- Importance of integrating healthcare with beneficial resources outside of traditional settings

- The need for a field guide to access community resources

- Tasha Golden's experience as a musician and connecting with audience members

- Bridging the gap between sharing stories in music venues and clinical spaces

- Supporting survivors and those with mental illness through shared experiences

- Importance of considering the needs of human beings for thriving environments

- Addressing root causes and structural solutions for improved access to thriving environments

- Shifting from reactive to proactive approaches in health

- Ensuring equitable availability of resources for well-being

- Redefining health as the presence of complete well-being

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Episode 7

Finding Belonging Through Stand-Up Comedy--Rabiah Coon

Description: Standup comedian and podcaster, Rabiah Coon, shares a story of belonging on a voicemail to the show! Listen to how Rabiah found a sense of belonging performing standup.

If you want to share your story of belonging on Art Heals All Wounds, you can send me a voicemail at https://www.arthealsallwoundspodcast.com/ and I'll share it on a future episode!

Check out Rabiah's work!

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LEAVE ME A VOICEMAIL WITH YOUR STORY OF BELONGING!

Episode 6

Sadia Azmat, Writer and Stand-Up Comedian

Sex, Stand-Up, and Stereotypes: Sadia Azmat's New Book Sex Bomb

Description: In this episode, I sit down with the talented comedian and author Sadia Azmat. We delve into the world of stand-up comedy, exploring how Sadia has used humor to navigate complex themes of identity, culture, and relationships. From her unique perspective as a hijabi comedian, Sadia shares her journey of self-discovery and how she's challenged cultural norms with her humor.

Key Topics:

Sadia Azmat's journey into stand-up comedy
The intersection of comedy and cultural identity
Breaking stereotypes and challenging societal norms
The significance of the hijab in Sadia's life and comedy
Navigating love, relationships, and self-discovery

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Episode 5

Lalin St. Juste, Singer-Songwriter

Melodies of Belonging: Lalin St. Juste's Solo Music Embraces Her Haitian Heritage

Lalin St. Juste has been a staple in the Bay Area music scene for a decade with her genre-bending band The Seshen. In this episode, Lalin takes us on a transformative journey of healing and reclamation of her Haitian heritage through her solo music. As a Haitian American, Lalin has felt a deep connection to her roots, but also struggled with issues of identity and the negative stereotypes associated with Haiti. Through her music, she aims to unlearn these misconceptions and show the true richness and beauty of Haitian culture. Lalin's musical journey started as a means of expressing herself as a shy and quiet child. But it was her bond with her maternal grandmother that truly influenced her path. As Lalin coped with the loss of her grandmother, singing became a source of solace and healing. Her music celebrates and reclaims her matrilineal bloodline and Haitian heritage, in turn leading to a reaffirmation of her sense of belonging as a Haitian American

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Episode Highlights

[00:02:15] LA-raised musician connects with Haitian heritage.

[00:05:51] Shy child found solace in music. Strong bond with maternal grandmother. Sang to cope with mother's passing. Healing and self-expression through music.

[00:08:18] Influenced by Little Dragon, our Electronic session incorporates genre-bending sounds, dance production, and elements of traditional Haitian music. My solo work is constantly evolving with an ethereal, cosmic, and spiritual aesthetic.

[00:10:16] Daughter of Haitian immigrants embraces cultural heritage.

[00:14:59] Powerful connection to Haiti through song.

[00:20:13] Creating a unique home, exploring identity, inclusion.

[00:21:24] First song I wrote from EP after Jamaica trip, connecting with Jamaica in absence of Haiti. Fresh off Caribbean essence, thinking about family and their lives.

[00:27:59] "Art Heals All Wounds - Lalaine Saint Juste shares her story and upcoming performances in the Bay Area. Connect with her and listen to her work on Bandcamp. Leave a voicemail on arthealsallwoundspodcast.com to share your story of belonging."

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Episode 4

Amilli Onair, Street Artist

Reclaiming Public Spaces: The Impact of Feminine Street Art

Are you comfortable with the parts of you that are feminine? Are you comfortable in a feminine space? Explore the world of street art and its transformative power in public spaces with Amilli Onair. Discover how her murals challenge perceptions of feminine energy and create safe spaces for all. Amilli's street art beautifully embraces and celebrates the feminine. She believes that by adding feminine elements to public spaces, we can create a sense of welcome and belonging for all individuals. It's a powerful way to challenge societal norms and create spaces where everyone can explore their feelings. Amilli is from a family of women artists and shares insights into her own journey as a muralist, how her work resonates with individuals seeking feminine spaces, and the energetic impact of her art in public spaces. Amilli shares her perspective on the public nature of street art and how that challenges the concept of art belonging to the artist who created it, and also how reactions to that art reflect currents ideas and beliefs in a society. We delve into the concept of microaggressions, in particular a drawing of a certain part of the male anatomy that she often finds added to her murals. We also touch upon Amilli's personal experience with her mother’s struggle with mental illness and how that relationship has influenced her artistic journey. Join me on Art Heals All Wounds as we delve into the intersection of art, belonging, and social commentary.

Episode Highlights

Exploring Street Art and Its Impact: 00:03:00
Taking Up Space and Feminine Energy: 00:07:00
The Resilience of Women and Flowers: 00:08:00
Influences from Women Artists in the Family: 00:10:00
The Uterus Mural: Healing and Expression: 00:13:00
Coexistence of Emotions and Feminine Space: 00:18:00
Street Art as a Commentary on Society: 00:23:00
Expanding Notions of Feminism: 00:26:00
Connect with Amilli Onair: 00:29:00
Closing Remarks and Support for the Podcast: 00:31:00
Music Credits and Location Acknowledgment: 00:31:00

Guest Info:

● Amilli's Instagram

● Amilli's Website

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Episode 3

dream hampton, Filmmaker

Freshwater: A Cinematic Journey Through Memory, Climate Change, and Urban Transformation

We continue our season focusing on belonging by talking about places and spaces. What kinds of stories do you tell about the places of your past that made you who you are? How do you tell that story when that place has been destroyed by the effects of climate change? dream hampton is an independent filmmaker who recently released a nine-minute short film called Freshwater. Prior to this project, hampton had worked on three long-form projects, including the widely recognized Surviving R. Kelly docuseries. Dealing with studios and facing creative limitations took a toll on dream, prompting a search for a creative project that could heal. In collaboration with her friend Invincible, dream embarked on a film project exploring flooded basements as a metaphor for memory, the effects of climate change, and the changing demographics of her hometown, Detroit. Freshwater was shot over all four seasons with a small crew of three or four people. My conversation with dream includes thoughts around migration and climate refugees. Why aren’t we doing a better job of responding to those who have left homes that have been made uninhabitable due to climate catastrophe? We also talk about ways that urban planning and surveillance have contributed to why our places are so poorly equipped to withstand the many challenges we’re facing, whether it’s fire or too much water. Through her story of loss, dream invites us all to reflect with her on how we might respond to this moment when, as she so aptly puts it, nature is talking to us. As storytellers, are we listening? How will we shape our stories to meet this moment?

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Here's how you can donate to Maui fire victims

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