Send us a Text Message about the podcastJoin us as Chief Rafael Padilla of the Kent Washington Police Department opens up about the profound changes in policing and community relations over the course of four transformative years. Against the backdrop of nationwide racial reckonings, the George Floyd protests, and the global pandemic, discover how Chief Padilla's perspective on law enforcement has evolved, prioritizing values like service, integrity, and professionalism. We navigate the compl...

Send us a Text Message about the podcastUnprecedented political shifts are on the horizon as nearly half of the world's population prepares to vote in 2024. We'll unravel the implications of these elections in 64 nations, including unexpected leadership shifts in places like Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. As we journey through this global electoral landscape, there’s a call to uphold principles of truth, justice, and community integrity, prioritizing collective well-being over individual ...

Send us a Text Message about the podcastAbove The Noise is back with new episodes, new guests and topics.Watch for our new logo as well.Thanks for listening.Support the show#abovethenoise24# faith#reconciliation#raceracialreconciliationStay in touch: Email us at: [email protected] Facebook: @abovethenoise24 Instagram: abovethenoise_gm Podcast art by Mario Christie.

Send us a Text Message about the podcastHow does a systems engineer, tech entrepreneur, and award-winning filmmaker reconcile the complexities of faith, race, and leadership? Listen as Ms. Temeko Richardson shares her extraordinary journey, from her faith-centered upbringing to her diverse roles in technology, systems engineering, and her perspective as a writer and producer of inspirational films like "At the Cross."We take a hard look at the imperfections of church institutions, the often c...

Phil Washington's voyage from the challenging streets of Chicago's South Side to the heights of transportation industry leadership is a narrative that resonates with the power of transformation. In a candid conversation, he shares the profound influence his family had in steering his life towards a purpose greater than he could have imagined. From the pivotal moment that rerouted his life's direction in the military to the serendipitous leap into the transportation arena, Phil's story is a...

Have you ever been in a setting where the lines between faith, race, and identity become blurred? As a person of color navigating various professional terrains—I share honest reflections on representation and integrity, and how economic decisions ripple through marginalized communities. Dr. Sims and I confront the difficulties of racial tensions within the church, advocating for justice and the courage to remember the true purpose of our vocations. Dr. Sims and I dissect the historical roots...

This episode peels back the layers of my life, Grantley Martelly, and the vibrant path walked under the influence of my family, particularly a mother whose faith never faltered. Dr. Andre Sims, joining me in an engaging role reversal, delves into the depths of my narrative, exploring the profound impact of spirituality and the unexpected turns that have led to this point in my life. The rhythm of Caribbean heritage beats at the heart of our discussion, where faith meets culture in a dance of...

Ever wondered how to leverage your unique strengths to propel yourself to success? Austin J. Franklin, a nationally acclaimed speaker and author, illuminates how his "five more minutes" principle and concept of hidden credentials paved the way for his triumph over academic struggles. He shares intimate snippets of his journey with us, encouraging listeners to discover and tap into their own innate qualities that bridge the gap between perceived weaknesses and strengths. Franklin is the...

We embark to give a historical perspective on the complexities of religious nationalism and how similar tactics are alive today to seek to establish religious/Christian nationalism in various pockets around the world including the United States of America.  We'll travel back to the colonial era, exposing how religion was weaponized as a tool of control and exploitation. Our exploration will reveal the detrimental effects of religious nationalism when it descends into intolerance and...

In this concluding episode our guest, Ijeoma Oluo: author and speaker helps us decode the true definitions of the terms: race and privilege; highlighting how racism is not just prejudice, but a systemic issue, and privilege is not a term to be weaponized but rather a descriptor of how one navigates the world. She also enlightens us on intersectionality and the importance of understanding our own privilege, as it can be a powerful tool in driving positive change. We explore the intricate...

Join us on an enlightening odyssey with the remarkable Ijeoma Oluo, acclaimed writer and speaker, as we traverse the terrain of race, identity, and systemic racism. As the author of the New York Times bestseller "So You Want to Talk About Race," Ijeoma uniquely illustrates her journey from impoverishment to an influential voice in America. Listen to her candid recap of being the lone black person in numerous rooms and how these experiences, coupled with the harsh reality of systemic...

Are you fascinated by stories of resilience that cuts across racial boundaries? Hold tight as I bring you an intimate conversation with Erin Jones, author of 'Bridges to Heal Us Stories and Strategies for Racial Healing'. Her inspiring journey as a biracial, transracial adoptee and a significant influencer in the field of education is nothing short of riveting. Erin, also shares how the game of basketball became her refuge and an unexpected encounter with the legendary Julius Irving.  We...

Want to leave a profound legacy for your family? Discover the key elements of building a rich family legacy as I explore the biblical, social, and cultural aspects of this legacy. Drawing inspiration from the story of Paul and Timothy in 1 Timothy, together we uncover the importance of belonging, heritage, purpose, reputation, and recognizing our unique creation by God. In this thought-provoking conversation, we discuss the impact of seeking personal growth, the power of mentorship, and the...

Recent criminal, moral, and ethical indictments of political leaders around the world have created tenuous challenges for people of faith who have attached their moral and ethical support to a personality or party and are now faced with justifying the inexcusable. Do we then make exceptions some at the expense of others? Whenever people of faith adopt a political leader to represent their righteous indignation, their righteous indignation will become unrighteous. While integrity can bring a...

Our concluding discussion with Steve Bury, Executive Director of Urban Impact Seattle explores the 4 principles that have led to a successful, thriving multicultural community in the heart of the city focusing on Neighborhood Transformation, Health and Wellness, Economic Development, Youth Development, and Racial Reconciliation. Loving people is inconvenient but it is a good inconvenience. #abovethenoise24 # faith #reconciliation #race Stay in touch: Email us at: [email protected]...

Steve Bury is the Executive Director of Urban Impact Seattle, a Christian Community Development Organization in the urban core of Seattle, WA. In part 1 of our 2-part conversation, Steve shares his story of growing up white in a multicultural community. As he grew into his calling of urban ministry Steve wrestled with what he was taught and the reality that was happening to others in his community. In his struggle to find his true self and his place in ministry, he realized that being white...

In part 2 of our conversation with Darryl, we discuss the mission and purpose of his organization, Miracle of Innocence: Seeking Justice and Providing Care for the Innocent, based in Kansas.  The process of proving someone's innocence is a long and expensive road requiring skilled legal professionals, expert witnesses, and investigators. Once the person is released there are basically starting over with little or no resources. Things that people who have not been imprisoned find as part of...

Darryl Burton, formerly Inmate 153063, is a walking miracle. Once wrongfully incarcerated for murder, he spent 24 years of a 75 sentence fighting to prove his innocence. Darryl is an example of the many people, mostly poor and people of color, who are wrongfully imprisoned by a flawed justice system that sometimes seeks simple answers and easy convictions. In the process of seeking justice, he encounter Jesus Christ and was released from his anger before he was able to walk free from the...

Exposure of sexual exploitation in the Christian community has filled the headlines. From the scandal of priests in the global Catholic Church to the Southern Baptist Convention, Jim Baker,  Eric Tuininga, Eddie Long and  Ravi Zacharias to less covered accusations and  exploitations across many denominations and independent ministries the pattern of abuse by people in power and within power structures across church denominations or affiliations is undeniable. We can no longer allow the cover...

In part 2 of our conversation, Council Person De'Sean Quin walks us through leading a highly diverse community among various special interests that can, at times, appear in conflict: calls for racial justice; defunding the police; serving on the state's African American Commission; improving livelihood for immigrant communities and their access to services; reducing negative police encounters through community policing are a few of the topics we cover.   I'm sure that you will enjoy this...

De'Sean Quinn is the Assistant General Manager for Partnerships and  Strategy at King County Metro in Seattle, Washington, and an elected Council Member for the City of Tukwilla, Washington. His life is one of serving his community where he focuses on the implementation of strategies and solutions that promote diversity, equity, and belonging in community development and public transportation: taking services to where they are needed most. He understands that politics, policies and...

Rev. Dr. Charles “Buddy” Parish is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Sweet Water, Florida. Our conversation today centers on reconciliation. His passion to see believers be reconciled to each other across racial and ethnic lines has taken him to unusual places to see and learn how reconciliation can be possible when we are intentional. Building relationships with others who may not look like us, speak like us, or who have been our enemies begin with conversation and relationship. There...

 In part 2 of our kitchen counter conversation, Zeytun, Ghislain and I discuss their faith, their experiences being people of color in a prestigious university in Seattle, WA, and how they were each led to extraordinary, life-changing opportunities upon graduation. Ghislain and Zeytun close by sharing the faith strategies that have guided them to this point in their lives. Zeytun will start her Fulbright Scholarship residency in Korea in January 2023. Ghislain has relocated to Austin, Texas,...

After a long summer break, we are back with an inspiring conversation with two young people who became friends: a Christian and a Muslim. In their friendship, they have learned that they have more in common than they are different. Ghislain Bugingo is a refugee from the Republic of Congo whose parents escaped the Rwandan genocide of 1994. Zeytun Ahmed came to the US from Kenya and her parents are from Somalia and Ethiopia.  These families were given a new start in the US and their children...