Shows
Yes! We RiseWeaving Powerful Networks in Communities with June HolleyJune has been weaving networks, helping others weave networks, and writing about networks for over 40 years. She is currently increasing her capacity to capture learning and innovations from the field and sharing what she discovers through blog posts, occasional virtual sessions and a forthcoming book. In 1981 June discovered complexity science and became intrigued with the process of transformation. How could communities change in ways that would make them good places for everyone? The hundred or so network projects she has advised range from local networks to international ones; included networks focused on a specific sector such as f...2023-06-0147 min
Yes! We RiseBuilding Inner Resilience with Dr. Marie-Helene PelletierDr. Marie-Helene Pelletier is an award-winning workplace mental health expert, psychologist, advisor and speaker. She brings a signature mix of business and clinical expertise to the groups she works with. Dr. Pelletier translates psychology research about health, resiliency, and overcoming challenges into strategies professionals, business leaders and their teams need to thrive. She’s a bilingual practicing psychologist who combines clinical, counseling, and workplace psychology. In this episode, Christine and Dr. Pelletier discuss the intersection between individual and collective resilience, and how these two can work together harmoniously. Dr. Pelletier provides step-by-step guidance on how to grow you...2023-05-1841 min
Yes! We RiseBuilding an Inclusive Future for Farmers and Workers in Appalachia with Hannah G.Hannah is the Workforce Development Program Manager and Farmer PRIDE Coalition Coordinator at Appalachia Sustainable Development (ASD). She joined ASD as an Americorp VISTA in 2021 and has continued as part of the Groundwork staff ever since. She has a genuine love for farming, gardening, and the community-driven ethics of Appalachia and its people. In this episode, Christine and Hannah discuss laying the groundwork for workforce development programs and paid skills training for individuals transitioning into the agricultural workforce. Hannah shares stories of her journey in Appalachia and the new initiatives at ASD focusing on building s...2023-05-0450 min
Yes! We RiseCommunities Creating Change and BelongingIn this new series of the Yes! We Rise podcast, Christine explores the ten part framework for building community resilience that her firm Dialogue + Design Associates uses working with communities across the nation. This series will not only include stories and ideas that you can try out and explore in your own neighborhood or region, but it will help you build collective resilience and create the change you want to see. In this episode, Christine discusses how community members can create change from within by building a sense of belonging to create a more resilient fu...2023-04-2017 min
Yes! We RiseLeading with Innovation and Sustainability in the Coalfields with Jacob HannahJacob Hannah grew up in a coal mining family in West Virginia. He saw the slow loss of coal jobs in the area, as well as the costs associated with mining and extraction in communities and the broader region. Jacob moved through his own journey – leading with curiosity – to working with communities, creating new opportunities for projects leading with innovation and sustainability, and building resilient communities based on the vision and ideas of local leaders. Jacob talks about listening to people as they are the experts in their own community, and building relationships and trust to create life-sustaining jobs and...2023-04-0652 min
Yes! We RiseConversations Worth Having With Cheri TorresEvery interaction we have impacts others, and every interaction someone has with you impacts you. So how do we take this knowledge and allow it to transform the way we show up in the world? On this episode of Yes! We Rise, founder and CEO of Collaborative by Design, Cheri Torres, PhD, joins Christine to share her life's work around supporting growth and evolutionary purpose in people and organizations. She dives into the power of asking generative questions, understanding your broader purpose, and how curiosity unlocks inherent wisdom. This rich conversation is both relatable and...2023-03-1642 min
Yes! We RiseBuilding Resilient Networks and Sustaining Long-Term Collaboratives with Christine GyovaiChangemaking work is often called being resilient, but what does resilience mean? In this episode of the Yes! We Rise podcast, Christine talks about the intentional approach Dialogue + Design Associates takes in working with collaboratives, cultivating long-term networks, and how to honor and incorporate the value each member has to offer. Learn about the important models and approaches collaboratives can take when faced with a crossroad, and best practices to help a network function well. Woven throughout this episode you will also hear empowering stories of collaboratives already succeeding in the pursuit of their vision through working with others. 2023-03-0242 min
Yes! We RisePaul Hawken: Creating Restoration, Regeneration, and CommunityWelcome back to part two of our incredible conversation with Paul Hawken. Paul has been influential in Christine’s own work, both personally and professionally, for over two decades. In part two, we dive into a beautiful dialogue with Paul around restoration and regeneration, discover what it means to be an ally to our planet and one another, where we can start to make change, and the gift of building a relationship with nature. If you haven’t yet, take a listen to Episode 46 to hear part one, where Paul explains the importance of work at t...2023-02-0927 min
Yes! We RisePaul Hawken: Regeneration – Making Life the Center of Every Action and DecisionWelcome back to the We Rise podcast! We are delighted to share this conversation with Paul Hawken with you. Paul has been influential in Christine’s own work, both personally and professionally, for over two decades. In this inspiring and encouraging episode–the first in a two part series–Christine and Paul talk about the importance of work at the collective level, listening, and connecting with ourselves, as well as nature. Paul Hawken is an environmentalist, entrepreneur, author and activist who has dedicated his life to environmental sustainability and changing the relationship between business and the environment. He is o...2023-01-2633 min
Yes! We RiseBuilding Community Wealth and Collective Well-Being with Atlas CharlesThere is something truly unique and complex about coal mining communities in Appalachia, and Atlas Charles has experienced this firsthand. Growing up queer, nonbinary, and autistic in the Cumberland mountains of Southwest Virginia and southwestern West Virginia, Atlas understands the coexistence of hardship and beauty. Today, Atlas uses their systems leadership skills to lead the complex work of co-creating thriving communities that balance economy and collective well-being. Their work centers equity, anti-oppression, and regeneration, while believing in and harnessing the existent wisdom a community already has. Creating new Appalachian economies means honoring other people's experiences...2023-01-1245 min
Yes! We RiseMaintaining Energy and Momentum: 10 Strategies For Welcoming New Members Into Your CollaborativeWelcome to the Yes! We Rise Podcast. Today, Christine shares the top 10 strategies Dialogue + Design uses to support the different communities they work with, from establishing a thoughtful action plan, to balancing different personalities in a room, and acknowledging and honoring your wins. In an effort to create a safe space for diverse groups of people, certain approaches are absolutely essential. As a community strives toward a vision, it is vital that the door stays open for new members to join, and you’ll hear our best practices to bring you encouragement and new momentum in your community. En...2022-11-1718 min
Yes! We RiseSolar in the Coalfields – A Future Powered by the SunDialogue + Design Associates is the sister company to the Yes! We Rise Podcast. They provide facilitation, community engagement, and help everyday community members and leaders come together, envision their future, and find tools and resources to make that vision a reality. In 2016, a few groups approached Dialogue + Design in the hopes of creating a community-based effort to grow the solar energy economy in Southwest Virginia. In today’s episode, Christine shares the history behind this initial vision and the incredible progress that has been made. From a recording from a recent gathering and celebration of a new sol...2022-11-0353 min
Yes! We RiseCreating Presence and Collective ResilienceDialogue and Design is the sister company behind the Yes! We Rise Podcast, and in this space, we have a beautiful opportunity to listen to incredible changemakers working to build a brighter future with their communities. We love sharing stories and strategies that help build a sense of belonging, collective resilience, and community transformation. In this episode, Christine looks at the different types of resilience, focusing primarily on inner and community resilience and how they weave together in a powerful and supportive way. Hear about mindfulness and stories of resilience around communities we have the privilege of...2022-10-2030 min
Yes! We RiseIgniting your Inner Brilliance with Allera DawnAllera Dawn is a life and business coach, business expert, and podcaster who works with clients who are seeking deep healing and transformation. Allera is also a change maker and an activist. Today, she sits down with Christine and opens up about her own spiritual journey, the importance of claiming your worth, and how to truly heal through deep inner work and discovering the hidden power of “diamonds” in your life. Allera openly offers her experience and wisdom in this episode of Yes! We Rise. Welcome! LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED Discover more about Allera and her powe...2022-10-0633 min
Yes! We RiseBeyond Burnout: Grounding In and Breaking Free with Laura HartleyLaura Hartley is an activist, a life coach, and founder of Public Love Education, an online school for changemakers. She has a deep passion for seeing individuals and communities break free from toxic systems and works to foster social healing and community thriving. Today on Yes! We Rise, Laura and Christine explore what true resilience looks like, healing from burnout, and the discovery of your inner compass. In this episode, Laura gifts us all with endless wisdom, encouragement, and possibility. Welcome! LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED Discover more of the important work Laura is doing through her...2022-09-2248 min
Yes! We RiseCreating the Change We Want to See with Beth TenerReal systems-level change takes community, safety, and trust. Today, Christine is joined by Beth Tener, founder of New Directions and Kinship. Beth shares that creating change does not happen through one person or organization, but through collaborative networks working together toward building systemic change. She believes strongly that the answers can already be found within a community - the challenge is in providing the necessary support to bring it forward. Beth’s work helps people remember they're part of a beautiful ecosystem. Communities have a shared history that informs what exists in the present. Allowing those stories to be sh...2022-09-0845 min
Yes! We RiseThe Gift of Water, Faith, and Pursuing a Just Transition with Percy DealPercy Deal is a member of the Diné (or Navajo) Nation. He’s a rancher and a community advocate from Black Mesa, Arizona, and deeply involved in local community and government issues for the last 45 years. He continues to use his expertise in educating and advocating for community transition on Black Mesa. Christine had the opportunity to sit down with Percy and learn about the very real challenges many Diné community members face, and why creating an equitable transition in Black Mesa is a core issue and need. Lean in as Percy shares words of wisdom and offe...2022-08-2538 min
Yes! We RisePollinators and Gardening Like A ForestThere is endless wisdom to be learned from the forests. As we listen, observe, and experiment, we can support and create thriving ecosystems that also happen to be delicious! In this episode of The Yes! We Rise Podcast, we're focusing on plants, gardening like a forest, and planting for pollinators. We're going to do a deep dive and share how edible forest gardens work and what you can do to create a simple forest garden that builds soil and increases the health of the ecosystems around us. We can grow delicious food while sustaining and replenishing the...2022-08-1120 min
Yes! We RiseHealing the Whole Person and Finding what Feels Good with Dr. Fanike-Kiara YoungIt is such a joy to welcome Dr. Fanike-Kiara Young back to the Yes! We Rise Podcast. Dr. Fanike-Kiara Young is a master healing alchemist, a corporate wellness quality improvement expert, and a corporate trainer. She is a licensed trauma therapist and focuses on healing the whole person. Dr. Fanike has transformed her own trauma, and now helps women entrepreneurs overcome their negative thought patterns and limiting beliefs so they can step into who they want to be. Today she opens up about her healing journey, the importance of creating safe spaces in the work environment, and t...2022-07-2834 min
Yes! We RiseFinding Joy in the Journey – Yoga, Music and Creating Community with Lori and Jeremy LowellAt the beginning of every episode of the Yes! We Rise Podcast, you’ll notice some incredible music, which is all thanks to Lori and Jeremy Lowell of Drishti Beats. Together, they join Christine to share about their journey and personal upleveling, which led to the creation of Drishti Beats, where their offerings include yoga workshops, yoga teacher trainings, and retreats incorporating their very own music. In fact, Lori and Jeremy met Christine when she took their yoga teacher training certification (which is one of her greatest sources of joy)! This power couple of over 35 yea...2022-07-1442 min
Yes! We RiseIn Pursuit of Education for All with Dr. Faith OkpotorEducation can change lives, and while college is often seen as the onramp to success, so often we forget about the financial burden that comes with earning a degree. Dr. Faith Okpotor is changing the lives of students through her powerful project, College Fully Funded. Faith is a college professor of international relations, researching political violence and international security, with a special emphasis on Africa. Today, she joins Christine on the Yes! We Rise podcast, sharing her educational journey from Nigeria to the U.S. and earning her PhD. Find inspiration and hope as you learn more...2022-06-3030 min
Yes! We RiseMutual Inspiration and Creativity with Chicho LorenzoCreativity is an exchange of energy, passion, and trust. Today, mural artist Chicho Lorenzo joins Christine sharing his joy, wisdom, and light. Chicho is living out his calling as a creative in a way that brings people together. He believes that art is best created when it is mutually inspired. Chicho’s personality is magnetic. He believes in the power of sharing all emotions and that happiness is a shared asset. Today he dives into the process of co-creating with his environment, the importance of relinquishing control, and how to trust the process of creativity knowing that wh...2022-06-1642 min
Yes! We RiseWisdom, Practice, and Heart Space: The Power of Herbalism with Kat MaierThere is wisdom and power in plants, beyond what we often allow ourselves to see! Kat Maier knows this firsthand, and in today’s episode of the We Rise Podcast, she invites us all to dive deep into ourselves and the lessons of the plants. Learn about the power of herbalism, wide angle vision, dropping into the consciousness of the heart, and the transformational beauty of sitting in hard spaces. Kat’s heart and passion are palpable as she dives into the art of embodying and practicing the lessons of herbalism. Enjoy! Kat Maier has been a prac...2022-06-0244 min
Yes! We RiseCreating Collective Healing and Resilience with Jerrod BrownWhat does it take to overcome and heal through trauma? In today’s episode of Yes! We Rise, Christine is joined by professor Jerrod Brown. Jerrod offers his wisdom and expertise on trauma and cultivating resilience and healing. He explains the importance of leaning into emotions, self-care, and gratitude. Learn about trauma at the individual level and as a community, and discover simple, yet powerful ways to support yourself and your family in building resilience and a strong, stable foundation! There are endless nuggets of gold in this episode you don’t want to miss out on. Enjo...2022-05-1939 min
Euphoric the PodcastTenderly Embracing Joy with Christine GyovaiTo do the real work of healing and growing without alcohol, we need to create safe spaces to let every part of ourselves be seen, loved, and welcomed. Today, we’re going to talk about leaning into tenderness. Christine Gyovai is a fierce changemaker in environmental design who is also a total powerhouse for building resilience in her local community. A former client of Karolina’s, Christine transformed her relationship with alcohol over the past two years and learned how to tenderly embrace her desires and seek joy. In this episode, discover what it means to embrace your...2022-05-1135 min
Yes! We RiseGrowing Authentic Leadership and Transformational Space with Roxanne DerhodgeDo you believe your voice matters? Do you believe that the way you communicate with others can directly impact how they show up in the world? Roxanne Derhodge joins Christine to share her empowering knowledge around authentic leadership. Discover what it means to own your voice and empower others to do the same. Roxanne digs into what it means to be a leader for the collective, and how CEOs and business owners can leverage their authenticity in leadership. In today’s episode of the We Rise podcast, step into a transformative space and cultivate change! Roxanne Derhodge, M.S...2022-05-0541 min
Yes! We RiseFollowing Our Body Wisdom to Guide Us and Change the World with Susan McCulleyWhat if loving yourself and deepening your relationship to self could lead to transforming the world? This is exactly what Susan McCulley believes. Susan is a mindful movement teacher based in Charlottesville, Virginia, with a passion for helping people use movement to connect with themselves and as a result, change the world. In today’s episode of the We Rise Podcast, Susan shares how tuning into sensation helps us to broaden our tolerance of discomfort and grow as a human. She explains the importance of being an ally to our body and the power of curiosity. Feel inspired and em...2022-04-2145 min
Yes! We RiseCultivating Change and Transformation in Coal CommunitiesChange is often sparked by inspiration: seeing what others have done, especially in peer communities. People see that when someone looks like them or lives in a place like theirs, and has created real, true and lasting change, they begin to imagine what might be possible in their own communities. But what creates that spark? What creates that inspiration? Tune in as Christine shares stories from 3 inspiring community leaders who have all been featured on the We Rise Podcast. LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED Learn more about some of the towns and opportunities inspiring this episode: Dante...2022-04-0718 min
Racially Responsible with Rorri Geller-Mohamed036 Collective Resilience with Christine GyovaiIn this episode, Christine and I talk about what collective resilience is and why Christine is so passionate about it. We also dig into what this looks like in the context of anti-racism work. Christine's Bio: Christine Muehlman Gyovai is the Principal of Dialogue + Design Associates, is the granddaughter of a coal miner and firefly scientist, and has over twenty years of experience in creating community transformation and resilience. Named a “Cville 20” by Charlottesville magazine as a key driver for creating change, she is a professional facilitator and planner with certificates in charrettes, coaching, teachin...2022-03-2432 min
Yes! We RiseWealth Is Your Birthright! Claiming Your Worth with Natalie BullenNatalie Bullen is a full-time entrepreneur who helps women have confidence in their value, rewrite money narratives, and demand the compensation they are actually worth. Her coaching and consulting firm, Unapologetic Wealth, supports women, especially women of color, to capture the wealth they deserve and desire. In this passionate episode of the We Rise Podcast, Natalie empowers each of us to claim our wealth unapologetically! LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED Learn more from Natalie’s business at her webpage Unapologetic Wealth, and by following her on Instagram, Facebook, and tuning into her daily talks on Clubhouse at Natalie Bullen! Yo...2022-03-2448 min
Yes! We RiseTrauma, Transformation and Healing with Dr. Fanike-Kiara YoungDr. Fanike-Kiara Young has an incredible background as a licensed therapist, master healing alchemist, reiki practitioner, certified clinical hypnotherapist, and has a deep background in behavioral health, childhood, and financial trauma. She helps women entrepreneurs overcome their negative thought patterns and limiting beliefs so they can step into who they want to be, both personally and professionally. Check out the episode links to learn more about Dr. Fanike’s new book as well. This conversation is full of wisdom and Dr. Fanike so thoughtfully shares so many pieces of her story. Welcome to the We Rise Podcast! LINKS/RESOURCES ME...2022-03-1052 min
Yes! We RiseBreaking Barriers and Finding Success with Ruma MazumdarRuma Mazumdar is a real estate attorney and entrepreneur supporting home buyers and sellers as they enter into an exciting new chapter of their lives. As a South Asian-American, she made the decision to leave her six-figure corporate law firm job to begin her own practice, Key Esquire, and now works largely with the South Asian immigrant community. Breaking away from traditional values and finding success, she hopes to inspire other women and younger generations to pursue their dreams. Hear all this and more on today’s empowering episode of the We Rise Podcast. Learn more about Ruma and he...2022-02-2436 min
Yes! We RiseBecoming a Changemaker and Growing Equity with Rorri Geller-MohamedRorri Geller-Mohamed is the founder of U Power Change, an organization focused on anti-racism and diversity, equity, and inclusion coaching and consulting. Through her program Changemakers, she helps women that identify as white to feel empowered and ready to engage in racial equity and justice work. Rorri also has a blog and podcast, Racially Responsible, focused on growing equity. Today, Rorri sits down with Christine to share her journey into the powerful work she does. Rorri breaks down what doing this work looks like and where to start. Learn how you too can become a catalyst for change in...2022-02-1037 min
Yes! We RiseHow Your Greatest Passions are Your Gift to the World with Elizabeth Hope DerbyElizabeth Hope Derby is a business and mindset coach based in Charlottesville, Virginia who partners with women entrepreneurs to help them create more sustainable, profitable and enjoyable businesses. Christine and Elizabeth explore the power of shifting from scarcity to possibility, the power of having a community to support you, and how to create movement by taking it one step at a time. Today on the We Rise Podcast, learn how your passion is your gift to the world. Enjoy! LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED To learn more about Elizabeth Hope Derby or her Business and Mindset Coaching...2022-01-2740 min
Yes! We RiseGrowing Freedom Within, The Power of Being Alcohol-Free with Karolina RzadkowolskaHappy New Year! As we begin 2022, Christine is thrilled to bring author and alcohol-free life coach, Karolina Rzadkowolska to share her expertise and passion for creating an alcohol-free life! Hear Karolina’s journey of becoming the best version of herself, learn the mental and physical benefits of taking a break from alcohol, and feel empowered to transform your life. In the face of a society that normalizes drinking, it is an act of resilience and rebellion to choose differently, to choose you! Imagine what you could unlock in your own life! Welcome to the We Rise Podcast....2022-01-1345 min
Yes! We RiseCollective Movement Building for Justice and Equity with Elizabeth WrightElizabeth Wright lives in Knoxville, Tennessee working as a Communication Strategist at the The Highlander Research and Education Center in Tennessee. A fierce advocate for justice, involved in youth organizing in Knoxville, and passionate about justice, Elizabeth shares some of the incredible work taking place in the South and Appalachian communities to bring about transformation, movement building and equity. Her passion for justice is palpable and inspiring. Enjoy! LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED Learn more about The Highlander Research and Education Center, including their solidarity economy work, and find them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. ...2021-12-1648 min
Yes! We RiseCreating Brave Space and Cultivating Trust with Frank DukesIn today’s episode of the We Rise Podcast, Christine welcomes friend and mentor Frank Dukes to share about his work as a mediator and community leader. Facilitating conversations for communities on a wide range of issues, Frank shares the importance of conflict resolution and building trust. Hear about embracing uncomfortable conversations, creating brave space, and cultivating community. Enjoy! Frank Dukes received his PhD from George Mason University, and has worked at the University of Virginia for over thirty years. His current role is lecturer and distinguished Institute Fellow of the Institute of Engagement and Negotiation. Frank is...2021-12-0250 min
Yes! We RiseTransitioning with Community, Science, and Traditional Wisdom with Nicole HorseherderOn today’s episode of the We Rise Podcast, Christine shares a beautiful conversation with Nicole Horseherder about her work to protect the water sources of Black Mesa, Arizona as well as the Navajo Nation. A Black Mesa native, Nicole is the director of Tó Nizhóni Ání, which translates to “sacred water speaks”. She explains the power of reconnecting with her culture and traditions as a way to empower her community. Learn about the profound impact of integrating science and spirit, the restoration of Black Mesa, and the empowerment of young activists. LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED Learn mo...2021-11-1849 min
Yes! We RiseBuilding Resilience in the Chesapeake Bay -- St. Michaels, MarylandWelcome back to the We Rise Podcast. Today, Christine explores resilience in the Chesapeake Bay with a focus on St. Michaels, Maryland. Sharing from personal experience, Christine talks about the high level view of the gorgeous Chesapeake Bay, focusing specifically on the Bay health. Discover the beautiful Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, and hear how St. Michaels, Maryland is creating economic and coastal resilience. Enjoy! LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED Discover more about The Chesapeake Bay. Learn more about the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint, as well as Maryland's Community Resilience Program.2021-11-0413 min
Yes! We RiseCentering Equity and Building Urban Resilience with Laurian FarrellIn this powerful interview, Christine speaks to the North America Director of Resilient Cities Network, Laurian Farrell. Join as she shares about her upbringing, passion for engineering, and drive to center equity and resilience in cities and communities. Laurian talks about the incredible power of bringing all voices to the table and the importance of equity and planning for a resilient future. Hear firsthand about her beautiful work toward transforming communities on today’s episode of the We Rise Podcast! LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED Find out more about Laurian Farrell, as well as the Black Environmentalist Al...2021-10-2145 min
Yes! We RiseLeading from Within with Heidi MetroIn this episode of the We Rise Podcast, Christine is joined by leadership coach Heidi Metro for a powerful conversation about the importance of identifying your core values, leading from within and the freedom of setting boundaries. Learn about the power of looking inward before pouring out. Heidi also shares the beautiful work of the Keystone Collective, a group committed to social justice and equity work in the Midwest. Christine’s conversation with Heidi is rich and filled with wisdom! Enjoy! LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED Learn more about Heidi Metro and connect with her on Facebook an...2021-10-0751 min
Yes! We RiseOn Rising and Resilience in Central AppalachiaIn today’s episode of the We Rise Podcast, learn about rising up and resilience in central Appalachia. Christine looks at some of the historic mining wars and the lasting impacts from the Battle of Blair Mountain in West Virginia, how the coal mining industry is shifting, and how communities are creating lasting change. Wrapping up the episode, hear about growing solar projects in Southwest Virginia, which are providing new avenues for local economic development and meaningful federal investment, through the Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia. May this episode inform, encourage, and inspire you! LINKS/RE...2021-09-2317 min
Yes! We RiseWhen Women Lead: Centering Women’s VoicesWelcome back to the We Rise Podcast! In today's episode, Christine focuses on women leading and centering women's voices, both a key component to building community and creating transformation. Be inspired by the progress of women, including trans and non binary folks, occupying more places of power. Hear stories of Wahleah Johns and Nicole Horseherder, leaders in the transition around coal and renewables in the Navajo Nation. From the power of story to connecting women to one another’s stories, this episode is about empowerment and hope. LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED Rachael Rogers of Hello Seven an...2021-09-1019 min
Yes! We RiseRekindling the Past and Keeping Hope Alive with Cat and Pat in Dante, VirginiaJoined with two incredible women of Dante, Virginia, Christine shares a lively conversation with Pat Gibson and Catherine Pratt. Sharing about their upbringing in Dante and reminiscing about the past, Pat and Cat share their passion for revitalizing the community-oriented town of Dante, Virginia. Learn about the optimism it takes to rekindle the past for the youth of tomorrow, finding hope in others’ success, and the value of community. Welcome to another episode of the Collective Resilience: We Rise Podcast! Catherine Pratt was born and raised in Dante, Virginia, coming from a family of coal miners. In 2004, she...2021-08-2641 min
Yes! We RiseTransformation Through Trust and Preventing Burnout with Amanda Workman-ScottWelcome back to the We Rise Podcast. In today’s episode, Christine has a lively conversation with Amanda Workman-Scott, the Director of Community Engagement at the West Virginia Community Development Hub. Amanda shares the importance of building trust, empowering communities, and overcoming fear of change. She also dives into the importance of work-life balance and preventing burnout. Join in as they talk communication, trust, and networking, which are key components to helping communities create the change they want to see. Amanda is married with three children and originally from West Virginia. Moving away after college, she lived in...2021-08-1939 min
Yes! We RiseBuilding Resilience: The Power of ListeningWhat is deep listening? Why is it so important? In this episode of the We Rise Podcast, Christine Gyovai dives into the power of listening and the impact of being heard. Learn helpful tips to be an active listener and its role in fostering deep connections, honoring a person’s worth, and creating possibility. LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED Find out more about the Crossroads Youth Summit hosted by the International Storytelling Center taking place September 12th, 2021. “How Important is Listening Really?” by Christina Holbrook McEntee “Tell Me More: On The Fine Art of Liste...2021-08-1215 min
Yes! We RiseGrowing Community, Growing Local Foods with Fritz BoettnerIn today’s episode of the We Rise Podcast, Christine is joined by Fritz Boettner of Turnrow Appalachian Farm Collective. Fritz is the director of Food Systems Development at West Virginia University Center for Resilient Communities, a learning laboratory for community transformation. Learn about the value of failure as feedback, the importance of building a firm foundation to turn an idea into reality, and the need for cooperation over competition. What does it take to change the food industry paradigm so it works in favor of all? Passionate about farming and agriculture, Fritz approaches his work from an...2021-08-0543 min
Yes! We RiseMayor Horne: Letting Love Lead in Dungannon, VAIn this episode of the Collective Resilience: We Rise Podcast, Christine connects with Mayor Horne of Dungannon, VA. Mayor Horne talks about letting love lead in creating change, and is a strong point of inspiration for the We Rise Podcast and for Christine. Mayor Horne shares how community members have joined to revitalize the town -- often through working regionally, creating safe and enjoyable spaces for youth, and pursuing growth through networking. Coming up against struggles and hardships, Dungannon has shown resilience and perseverance in creating new opportunities and generating the support they need to transform their town. 2021-07-2935 min
Yes! We RiseChristopher Rashad Green: Hope and Being the Catalyst for ChangeIn Episode 8 of the We Rise Podcast, Christine connects with Christopher Rashad Green for a deeply inspiring conversation fueled by resilience, empowerment, and a story of transformation and connection. Christopher spent sixteen years incarcerated. Since his release in August of 2013, he has transformed his life as a motivational speaker, mentor, and advocate for change in communities in Virginia. He shares the power of keeping hope alive in cultivating change, the importance of healing from past trauma, and the role of trust, empathy, and passion as a catalyst for change. Christopher is the founder of Free*Dome Unlimited...2021-07-2256 min
Yes! We RisePeter Hille: Building a Just Transition and a New EconomyIn this episode of the We Rise Podcast, Christine interviews Peter Hille, President of The Mountain Association. Peter shares what it takes to create a new economy and the empowerment of seeing progress. Learn about a “just transition” and the importance of starting at the local level to create lasting and sustainable change for a community. The Mountain Association Some organizations collaborating with The Mountain Association include: The Brushy Fork Institute, Appalshop, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. Learn more about Gwen Christon and her store, Isom IGA. Collective Resilience: We Rise is produ...2021-07-1545 min
Yes! We RiseTheresa Burriss: Building Momentum and Artists LeadingIn Episode 6 of the We Rise Podcast, Christine Gyovai speaks with Theresa Burriss about the resilience of coal mining communities, building momentum, and the creative way artists are leading change around the globe. Learn about the incredible transformations happening locally and internationally, and what it takes to create something new. Theresa is the Director of Appalachian Studies at Radford University, the Director of the Appalachian Regional and Rural Study Center, and the Director of Academic Outreach at the Higher Ed Center in Abington for Radford. She is a teacher, a wife, a mother, and a runner. 2021-07-0835 min
Yes! We RiseAdam Wells: The Role of Resilience in Transforming CommunitiesIn this episode of the We Rise Podcast, Christine is joined by Adam Wells, sharing the resilience of many Appalachian communities. Adam dives into the importance of reckoning with pain to create a new future and the importance of listening and sharing all voices and experiences when creating a new vision. Adam shares what it takes for a community to truly succeed. Adam is the Regional Director of Community and Economic Development for Appalachian Voices, and his career has included environmental justice, activism, new economy, and solutions-based work. He and his wife Emily live in Southwest Virginia...2021-07-0142 min
Yes! We RiseLou Wallace: For a Person to Rise UpIn this episode of the We Rise Podcast, Christine sits down with Lou Ann Wallace. From Southwest Virginia, Lou Ann has spent twenty years focused on the empowerment of counties and towns to thrive environmentally, as a community, and economically. Lou Ann started her work with a non-profit called St. Paul Tomorrow and also as a member of the St. Paul town council. She then moved into a board position with Virginia’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts. She now works with the Russell County Board of Supervisors in Virginia, overseeing District 2, and helping towns including St. Pa...2021-06-2451 min
Yes! We RiseIvy Brashear: Using Storytelling to Cultivate ChangeIn Episode 3 of the We Rise Podcast, Christine welcomes Ivy Brashear to share about her passion for using storytelling to cultivate change in a community. Ivy has been the Appalachian Transition Director of the Mountain Association in Berea since 2013 and is a 10th generation native to central Appalachia. Starting a career in journalism, her current position incorporates storytelling, narrative change, and policy education. Links and Resources: Mountain Association Nicole Breazeale What’s Next East Kentucky To Live Here You Have To Fight by: Jessica Wilkerson Th...2021-06-2448 min
Yes! We RiseTony Skrelunas: Honoring Elders and Greeting the MorningWelcome to the second episode of the We Rise Podcast. Today, Tony Skrelunas of Tribe Awaken joins Christine to share words of wisdom about community, resilience, traditional Navajo ways, the importance of ancestral wisdom, and rethinking the future. Tony helps communities move forward while rooting into their history. Holding an MBA and a partner of Navajo Power, a utilities solar company, Tony is also a motivational speaker, inviting people to look back at their values and teachings to help overcome challenges. In this conversation, we explore how traditional communities are transitioning their economies, morning rituals, a...2021-06-2445 min
Yes! We RiseChristine Gyovai: Collective Resilience: We Rise -- Introducing the PodcastWelcome to the Collective Resilience: We Rise Podcast, which shares stories and strategies to inspire action to build resilience and community transformation. Christine Gyovai is passionate about working with communities across the nation -- working with them to take action toward resilience and transformation. She is a business owner, wife, mother, and paddle boarder bringing to light leaders and members transforming their communities. In this first episode, Christine dives into the meaning of resilience, points of inspiration, and a sneak peak of the incredible guest speakers who will appear on upcoming episodes. We Rise will help community...2021-06-0915 min