Shows
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedEncouraging Voices Spotlight: Getting to know Darnell FergusonIn this episode I interview Darnell “SuperChef” Ferguson. He's a celebrity chef, Food Network star and owner of SuperChef's and Tha Drippin Crab in Louisville Kentucky.
He was a contender on Guy Fieri’s “Tournament of Champions,” winning his round against the legendary Alex Guarnaschelli and he was the winner of the “Ultimate Thanksgiving Challenge” hosted by Giada De Laurentis in 2018. Darnell has appeared on “TODAY,” “The Rachael Ray Show” alongside Emeril Lagasse, Guy Fieri’s “Guy’s Grocery Games”, “Beat Bobby Flay” and other shows on The Food Network, as well as the cooking channel. Darnell's restaurant SuperChefs was named one of the "Top 12 Best Brea...
2021-12-2348 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedEncouraging Voices Spotlight: Getting to know Junior BridgemanIn this episode I sit down with Junior Bridgeman, a former graduate and U of L basketball player who also had a stint in the NBA playing for the Milwaukee Bucks and the LA Clippers. He and I have a candid conversation discussing family, faith and drive. More than his achievements on the court, his accomplishments as a businessman off of the court are truly remarkable as well.
Ulysses L. Bridgeman Jr. is the owner and chief executive officer of Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company, LLC, a Kansas limited liability company which owns and operates a Coca-Cola production/manufacturing facility in Le...
2021-11-0927 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedUnsettling Truths & the Doctrine of Discovery with Mark CharlesBuckle up for an extremely thought provoking conversation! In this episode Mark Charles, a man of Navajo descent, and I discuss some "unsettling truths". These truths date back to the 15th century, but continue to infiltrate mindsets today. He has dedicated many years of study to the impact colonialism has had on the Native and African American people. He'll discuss hard traumatic events in history to help educate us.
While we don't share all of Mark's opinions and views, it's so important to hear from different voices and seek to understand parts of our history that we don't often learn ab...
2021-10-1158 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedAdverse Childhood Experiences with Dr. Torie WilliamsWelcome back to season 3 of Two Mamas and a Mustard Seed! In this episode we discuss ACEs, the acronym for Adverse Childhood Experiences. There are several traumatic encounters in a child's life that can go undetected and have lasting affects on their development. Some of these traumatic experiences can be identified as ACEs.
Dr. Williams discusses a few of those experiences, how the pandemic has affected them, as well as ways for us to identify the signs of those children that may be struggling. Listen in to this very informative conversation.
2021-09-2030 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedThat's a Wrap!Kisa and Renee wrap up season 2 on this episode. They each share a few lessons they have learned. They also dive into critical race theory a bit as it is all up in the news. Pull up a chair and join the conversation as we celebrate having come this far with Two Mamas and a Mustard Seed. Enjoy your summer!
2021-05-1725 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedListen to: Albert Tate on the Church, Part 2Well, ya'll, it's time to get into the thick of it. Kisa and Renee sit back down with Pastor Albert Tate, Fellowship Church in Monrovia, California, to talk about all of the things. We talk about trigger words. We talk about social justice terms that cause people, Christians, to pull away from the conversation and why pulling away is not the answer. We chat about church leadership and their role in racial reconciliation. Pastor Tate brings good news and a great work on this episode. Pull up a chair and join us at the family table, ya'll. This conversation is...
2021-05-1029 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedListen to: Albert Tate on the Church, Part 1In part 1 of our final interview of season 2, Kisa and Renee sit down with Albert Tate. Albert is the founding pastor of Fellowship Church in Monrovia, California, which is in the Los Angeles area. Fellowship is one of the fastest-growing multi-ethnic churches in America. This conversation is so good, ya'll. We talk about his latest projects, including a SCOOP on his upcoming book. We talk about the trauma of the season and how to find God in the midst of it. Pastor Tate talks about Satan's strategy to tear us apart via the racial lines and how we can fight...
2021-05-0330 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedListen to: Jon'a Joiner on Workplace and Self-Care, Part 2Hosts Kisa and Renee continue their interview with Jon'a Joiner, wellness expert. Is there too much talk about race right now or not enough? Why aren't there more Black female CEOs? What exactly is epigenetics and how does it relate to generational trauma? These three mamas will dive head first into all of these questions. Make sure to stick with us until the end because Jon'a takes us all into a deep therapy session... all of us, regardless of race or gender. After this pandemic, you will need her advice on this episode, what she calls the DRINK Principle. Make...
2021-04-2629 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedListen to: Jon'a Joiner on Workplace and Self-Care, Part 1Jon'a Joiner, a wellness expert who speaks around the country and who has been featured in Parents Magazine, joins Kisa and Renee to talk about what it's like to be a person of color in the workplace. We will touch on diversity and inclusion programs in the workplace and we go deeper than you would think. We also get to the heart of why Christians have such a hard time talking about race. We look at what it means to truly love a person of color in our country today. In our two-minute story we celebrate the first Black woman...
2021-04-1936 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedCandid Convos: Our Hope Still RemainsRenee and Kisa take a moment to reflect on Season 2 so far as well as process through some current events. Join us as this conversation is reflective and full of hope. Our hosts will talk through what reconciliation might look like if we dive into hard conversations. Kisa and Renee will talk about what they are learning and what the world is watching–from AAPI hate to the trial of Derek Chauvin to Meghan Markle. Pull up a chair and join us.
2021-04-1231 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedListen to: Timalyn S. Bowens on Finance, Part 2In this episode Renee and Kisa continue their discussion on Finance with Timalyn S. Bowens, owner of Bowens Tax & Bookkeeping Solutions. They discuss median income, salary negotiations, and the importance of business mentorship. They also share a digital platform helping to recirculate the Black dollar and strengthen the local economy in Black communities. Pull up a chair and have a seat at the table with Kisa, Renee, and Timalyn for this important conversation.
2021-04-0524 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedListen to: Timalyn S. Bowens on Finance, Part 1Timalyn S. Bowens got her start in the corporate world but left to begin her own business. She owns Bowens Tax & Bookkeeping Solutions. Timalyn will dialogue with Renee and Kisa about the stark racial inequality of personal finance in America, the racial wealth gap, and student loans. We will also talk about building wealth and getting ready for retirement. In this episode we also honor Annie Turnbo Malone, one the nation's first Black female millionaires.
2021-03-2930 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedListen to: Raymond Green on Education, Part 2Kisa and Renee continue their discussion with Raymond Green, a principal at a majority Black high school in Louisville, Kentucky. Principal Green talks about the challenges of recruiting a diverse faculty and staff. He also talks to us about how to navigate the issue of disproportionate discipline in school as we celebrate Black girls. We'll also talk about how difficult COVID-19 has been as an educator, specifically how this season has been challenging for his students of color. Pull up a chair and have a seat at the table. This is quite an important conversation and there is much to...
2021-03-2229 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedListen to: Raymond Green on Education, Part 1Test score disparities. School discipline disparities. Lack of teachers of color. Sometimes to parents of students of color it seems the disparities in education are endless. But are things changing? Kisa and Renee sit down with Raymond Green, the principal at Central High School in Louisville, Kentucky. Central's history in the Black community is deeply rooted. Principal Green talks about how we can make some of these areas of disparity more equitable for all students. We also honor Coach Ty Scroggins who lost his battle to COVID-19 in February. Coach Scroggins was the first Black coach in the Commonwealth of...
2021-03-1535 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedListen to: Dr. Ron Wright on Health Care, Part 2Dr. Ron Wright joins us again this week as we continue to talk about disparities in health care, especially for Black women in America. Kisa and Renee talk with him about organizations that are fighting racial bias in the medical profession. Dr. Wright shares a story of bias that was shown to him as a doctor. At the end of the episode we talk about what's next – how we can overcome this bias and provide excellent care to all people.
2021-03-0819 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedListen to: Dr. Ron Wright on Health Care, Part 1Disparities in the mortality rates in women of color vs Caucasian women are staggering. In fact, the CDC Newsroom reports that Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native (AI/AN) women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. In this week's episode Kisa and Renee talk with Dr. Ron Wright. He is one of three physician/owners of WomanCare, LLC, in Jeffersonville, Indiana. There he practices full scope women’s health care. Dr. Wright is going to speak into why these disparities are so prevalent regardless of socioeconomic status, and how progress can be...
2021-03-0132 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedListen to: Chris Lacy on Housing, Part 2Do we ever sit down and think about that for some it's extremely difficult to put a roof over their head? So much of that is wrapped up in discriminatory practices and poverty. Kisa and Renee continue their conversation with Chris Lacy, Executive Director of Housing for Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey. We talk more about gentrification, housing affordability in America, and how to advocate for equitable housing. Also, ever wonder who is holding the fabric of America together during times like, say, this pandemic? We'll talk about that too.
2021-02-2225 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedListen to: Chris Lacy on Housing, Part 1Chris Lacy, Executive Director of Housing for Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey, joins Kisa and Renee to talk about housing in America. We dive into the history of discrimination, the legacy of 40 Acres and a Mule, gentrification, and more. Our guest gives us a few incredible stories from her career and how she ended up spending her career in multi-family affordable housing.
2021-02-1530 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedListen to: Jason Darden, Part 2Kisa and Renee continue their interview with Jason Darden, a husband, father, preacher, professor, hip-hop artist, and Army Reserves Chaplain. This episode is loaded. Jason hits on the human heart problem and the desire for power. We talk about fear in churches, if it's even possible to have a multi-ethnic church, Harding University graduate Botham Jean, gender equity, and much more. We also continue our celebration of Retired Four-Star General and former Secretary of State Colin Powell. And, maybe, just maybe, Jason dropped a few bars for us. We aren't telling though. Listen to find out.
2021-02-0829 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedListen to: Jason Darden, Part 1In this episode, we talk to an old college friend of Renee's. Jason Darden is a husband, a father, a Bible instructor at Harding University, a preacher, a hip-hop artist, and a Chaplain in the Army Reserves. We talk with Jason about life in the military, this idea of unity in America, and where we go from here. This episode is a delight, an encouragement, and a breath of fresh air. We also celebrate another Black military hero, Retired Four Star General Colin Powell.
2021-02-0129 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedListen to: Rep. Attica Scott, Part 2We continue our conversation with Kentucky State Representative Attica Scott. We talk about her legislative docket for this session. We also play a little game with her. We gave her 7 topics, which we will discuss this season and we asked her to give a 2-minute overview of that topic as it relates to race in America.
2021-01-2525 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedA Few Friday ThoughtsHappy Friday, ya'll! We've made it to the weekend! We wanted to share some thoughts on unity, hope, and Jesus as we wrap up our week. We hope you'll watch and join us in the challenge of loving all people — even those who disagree with you! And whew! That can be a challenge!
2021-01-2208 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedListen to: Rep. Attica Scott, Part 1Kentucky State Representative Attica Scott kicks off our season two series called "Listen To." Rep. Scott talks with Kisa and Renee about racial injustice and racial inequality. She talks about Breonna's Law, her 2021 legislative docket, her dependence on her faith, and so much more. We will also honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by reading an excerpt from "Letter from a Birmingham Jail".
2021-01-1831 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedGiving Gifts to Your Community, Part 2In part 2 of Giving Gifts to Your Community, our guest Marita Willis talks about her work at Hope Collaborative, a non-profit organization serving refugees and immigrants in Louisville, Kentucky. Ms. Marita also talks about the GREATEST gift we can give our communities this Christmas season and in 2021.
2020-12-0722 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedGiving Gifts to Your Community, Part 1On this 2-part episode called Giving Gifts to Your Community co-hosts Kisa Hoeltke and Renee Reithel welcome Marita Willis to the podcast. Kisa and Renee agree she is the perfect guest for a Christmas episode. Marita is a former vice president at PNC in Louisville, Kentucky, a former philanthropy officer for the Red Cross, and the current CEO of Hope Collaborative, a non-profit organization serving refugees and immigrants in Louisville. She and her husband of 44 years have seen more than any one couple should see. But through it all her faith in God and her love for people have remained...
2020-12-0731 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedFamily Ties, Part 1It's Thanksgiving and our hosts Kisa and Renee are thankful for so much. After God, these ladies are most thankful for their husbands. What a great time to invite them to be guests on the podcast. Kisa and Renee will talk about Thanksgiving, of course. But you'll get to hear how Kisa and Renee met their husbands from the perspective of the guys. We'll also talk about what it's like being white men raising black children. You won't want to miss this two-part episode. This is part 1.
2020-11-2331 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedFamily Ties, Part 2It's Thanksgiving and our hosts Kisa and Renee are thankful for so much. After God, these ladies are most thankful for their husbands. What a great time to invite them to be guests on the podcast. Kisa and Renee will talk about Thanksgiving, of course. But you'll get to hear how Kisa and Renee met their husbands from the perspective of the guys. We'll also talk about what it's like being white men raising black children. You won't want to miss this two-part episode. This is part 2.
2020-11-2331 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedRecognizing Black Trailblazers2020 has been one crazy year, no doubt about it. Hosts Kisa Hoeltke and Renee Reithel wanted to pause during this episode to celebrate and recognize a few Black trailblazers. As we have reached the month of Thanksgiving, these are people we should all be thankful for, whether we are Black or White because they have contributed greatly to our nation. Kisa and Renee are excited to share a poet, a nurse, a patent draftsman, an inventor and a space scientist with you.
2020-11-0930 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedCandid Convos: After the Episode, Episode 7, The DivideYour hosts Kisa Hoeltke and Renee Reithel started this series called Candid Convos to share everything they wish they would have said during that week's episode. In this session of Candid Convos Kisa and Renee talk about Episode 7, The Divide. They talk about political divides and racial divides and, on the flip, what brings us together.
2020-10-2721 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedThe DivideWe are days away from the 2020 Election and we’re feeling it. Kisa and Renee are raw, heart-felt and unedited in this conversation. The Divide seems massive once again in our nation. Kisa and Renee don’t share a lot of stats or facts on this episode, just their genuine feelings about the political climate, the racial divide and much more. Kisa and Renee challenge all of us to love our neighbor before ourselves at the end of this episode.
2020-10-2638 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedParenting on Point: Adoption & IdentityOn this episode hosts Kisa Hoeltke and Renee Reithel sit down to talk with Morgan Rumple, an adult transracial adoptee, and Amanda McMonigle, an adoptive mama of two Black boys. Morgan shares her story of loss, struggle, and strength that comes from her own adoption story. Amanda shares the ups and downs of motherhood and learning about the Black experience through her own parenting journey. We talk about everything from Black hair to parenting imperfections to racism in the heartland of America. Whether you are an adoptee, an adoptive parent, or just someone on this road toward racial reconciliation, there...
2020-10-1243 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedNavigating Our World with Purpose, Part 2Pastor Terrence Turman and actor/worship pastor Darian Sanders join hosts Kisa and Hoeltke and Renee Reithel for this two-part episode. Terrence and Darian dive into the issues of being Black men in America and being residents of Louisville, Kentucky, right now. We'll talk about Black boy joy and the hope that Jesus has for all of us.
2020-09-2830 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedNavigating Our World With Purpose, Part 1Pastor Terrence Turman and actor/worship pastor Darian Sanders join hosts Kisa and Hoeltke and Renee Reithel for this two-part episode. Terrence and Darian dive into the issues of being Black men in America and being residents of Louisville, Kentucky, right now. We also talk about how being Black impacts their mental health.
2020-09-2846 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedBuilding Diverse FriendshipsIn Episode 4 your hosts Kisa Hoeltke and Renee Reithel share a little bit about their experiences in building ethnically and racially diverse friendships. We'll talk about four steps together: Examine Your Circle, Be Intentional, Get Uncomfortable, and Do the Work. We will also talk about laying a foundation in our kiddos so they will learn how to celebrate diversity and cultivate diverse friendships in their own lives. From flash cards to book clubs to healthy conversations, Kisa and Renee will give you all kinds of tools to help you in the journey of racial reconciliation.
2020-09-1440 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedFear & Faith-Filled JusticeFrom Kenosha to Minneapolis to Louisville to Portland to San Antonio, racial justice is at the heart of the American conversation right now. We'll discuss how perhaps there's something standing in the way of justice in our nation right now — overwhelming fear. Pull up a chair and dive into this much-needed conversation with Renee & Kisa. Of course, we will feature a hero of the civil rights movement. And on this episode we honor the beautiful Chadwick Boseman.
2020-08-3129 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedMamas & Black SonsMamas have a lot more in common than most people realize: we all love a good trip to the grocery store alone; we all have to scrub crayon off our walls at one time or another; and we all love our children fiercely. In this episode Kisa and Renee narrow in on their common experiences that come when parenting Black sons in America. Parenting Black sons involves sleepless nights, overwhelming frustration, and leaning on one another. We will examine the history that brought us to today—the history that often labeled Black men and women as criminals before they even ha...
2020-08-3125 min
Two Mamas and a Mustard SeedHope RemainsIn this episode Kisa and Renee talk about how this podcast about race in America even came to be and why they are choosing to remain hopeful in the midst of continuous racism and unrest. They will talk about personal experiences and how you can be a part of the conversation. They will also honor civil rights activist Reverend CT Vivian.
2020-08-1726 minTwo Mamas and a Mustard SeedPodcast TrailerWe are so excited to be starting this new podcast. Two Mamas and a Mustard Seed will launch Aug. 17, 2020. We are just two mamas trying to hang on to Jesus and walk the road of racial reconciliation. Join us as we talk about faith, hope, and race in America.
Trailer Written and Produced by: Kisa Hoeltke and Renee Lewis
Trailer Editing by: Renee Reithel
Trailer Music: Where I Wanna Be by Dazy Chain
Podcast Logo Illustrations by: Austin Light
2020-07-2901 min