Episode 19: The Future of DEI - Challenges, Opportunities and Hope as Essential
DEIcipher Podcast
In this episode of the Deicipher Podcast, Ruthann and Yoli Maya Yeh explore the themes of land acknowledgment, the importance of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in the current socio-political climate, and the need for active restoration and self-care amidst challenges. They discuss the recent cancellation of federal DEI initiatives and the implications for community care models, emphasizing the importance of hope and localized efforts in driving change. In this conversation, Yoli Maya Yeh and Ruthann explore the complexities of democracy, citizenship, and the historical context of...
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Episode 18: Conflict Engagement - Fumbling in the Field of Repair
DEIcipher Podcast
Summary In this episode of the Deicipher Podcast, Ruth Ann Gagnon and Yoli Maya Yeh explore the complexities of conflict, emphasizing the importance of embodied practices and land acknowledgment. They discuss the challenges of navigating stuck places in conflict, the process of fumbling towards repair, and the impact of perfectionism on conflict resolution. The conversation highlights the need for trust, vulnerability, and genuine engagement in conflict situations, as well as the importance of building skills for effective conflict resolution. In this conversation. They also emphasize...
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Episode 17: Conflict Part 4 - How Do We Engage Conflict with Care?
DEIcipher Podcast
In this episode of the Decipher podcast, hosts Ruthann and Yoli Maya Yeh explore the themes of conflict, embodiment, and decolonization. They emphasize the importance of breath and connection, the need for active restoration in conflict engagement, and the role of trust in navigating polarized opinions. The conversation highlights the necessity of integrating mental health into conflict resolution and the potential for conflict to serve as fertile ground for learning and growth. The hosts encourage listeners to engage with their bodies and emotions as they navigate conflict, advocating for a...
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Episode 16: Conflict Engagement Part 3 - Models, Styles, and the Way Forward
DEIcipher Podcast
In this episode of the Decipher Podcast, hosts Ruthann Gagnon and Yoli Maya Yeh delve into the complexities of conflict resolution frameworks, emphasizing the importance of embodiment, cultural influences, and the role of language in navigating conflicts. They explore various models of conflict resolution, the impact of power dynamics, and the necessity of understanding emotional intelligence in communication. The conversation culminates in a reflection on nature as a metaphor for conflict resolution, highlighting the interconnectedness of all beings and the potential for healing through...
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Episode 15: Conflict Resolution and Decolonization
DEIcipher Podcast
Wanna join in on the conversation? Head over to to experience this interactive compansion to our podcast In this episode, Ruthann and Yoli continue their conversation on conflict resolution. They start with a land acknowledgement and a focus on connecting to the breath, body, and nature. They discuss how conflict can manifest in the body and the importance of releasing tension in the various places and invite listeners to attune to where tension is held. They explore different approaches to conflict resolution, including consensus decision-making and theater games. They also touch on the...
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Episode 14: Conflict-Resolution: Unlearning, Embodiment, and The Way Forward
DEIcipher Podcast
This episode focuses on conflict resolution and the need to address it in DEI frameworks. We explore the dominant cultural characteristics that influence our relationship with conflict resolution and the limitations of binary thinking. We discuss the internal conflict that arises in DEI work and the importance of engaging with conflict to unlearn and grow. We highlight the potential for growth, belonging, and connection that conflict offers. Our conversation explores how conflict was role-modeled for both ourselves in our households and how it shaped our approach to conflict resolution. We...
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Episode 13: DEI is not D-E-A-D (Dead)
DEIcipher Podcast
In this episode we explore the negative connotations and politicization surrounding DEI, as well as the financial motivations behind it. Our conversation delves into the binary nature of DEI approaches and the need for a more holistic and heart-centered approach. We also discuss the impact of legal precedents on DEI programs, using the example of a reparations program in Evanston, Illinois. We delve into the importance of moving beyond binary thinking and finding alternative ways to create meaningful change. The conversation explores the idea that DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) is not...
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Episode 12: Hammam Dreaming with Sojourner Zenobia
DEIcipher Podcast
Welcome to Episode 12, inspired by the creative dreamy space experienced in the hammams of Fes, Morocco (one of Yoli's absolute favorite places to be). In this episode, we host our wonderful friend and colleague Sojourner Zenobia to discuss the magic of rest, creativity, and connection to the body. We delve into the power of collective rest, creativity and the transformative experiences that can arise from immersive artistic practices. Our conversation flows into the importance of accessing the wisdom and creativity that already exists within the body and the potential for healing and...
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Episode 11: The Power of Liminal Space: A Catalyst for Transformation
DEIcipher Podcast
In this episode, we explore the concept of liminal space, which refers to the spaces in between, such as the space between thoughts, sleep and wakefulness, and doing and not doing. Liminal space is a state of consciousness that allows for rest, rejuvenation, and creativity. The conversation also touches on the colonization of sleep and the importance of rest to build a new world of equity. We share our favorite liminal space practices, such as walking and engaging in self-styled retreats. In this conversation, and the concept of liminal space and its importance in personal growth and...
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Episode 10: The Nature of DEI, the DEI of Nature
DEIcipher Podcast
Our conversation explores the deep connection between nature and our well-being, emphasizing the importance of spending time in nature for self-regulation and embodiment. It highlights the need to look to nature for solutions and inspiration, as nature is a perfect design and we are part of it. Our conversation also touches on the discomfort that can arise when connecting with nature, as well as the fear and intellectualization that can hinder our relationship with the natural world. It suggests that nature is a powerful tool for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, as it...
info_outlineWelcome to Episode 12, inspired by the creative dreamy space experienced in the hammams of Fes, Morocco (one of Yoli's absolute favorite places to be).
In this episode, we host our wonderful friend and colleague Sojourner Zenobia to discuss the magic of rest, creativity, and connection to the body. We delve into the power of collective rest, creativity and the transformative experiences that can arise from immersive artistic practices. Our conversation flows into the importance of accessing the wisdom and creativity that already exists within the body and the potential for healing and liberation that comes from embracing rest and self-expression. We play with the concept of a 'design-less design' where slowing down and resting allows for new discoveries and experiences. Our conversation concludes with the need for resources that center BIPOC, queer, and femme voices and the importance of creating spaces for rest and healing for these identities. We had such a powerful experience with Sojourner sharing our experiences with creativity, storytelling, and the power of intimate connections and hope you enjoy hearing about them.
About Sojourner Zanobia:
Sojourner Zenobia (they/them), Sojourner has completed decades of somatic performance training at Marymount Manhattan, Pearl Ubungen’s BFA at Naropa University, The School at Steppenwolf and Pantheatre’s Roy Hart school in Paris. They have trained in connecting with ancestors, nature and the spirit world and healing facilitation at Life Force Arts in Chicago, they trained in circle keeping with Circles and Ciphers and Kay Pranis, and in 2021 they completed Tracee Stanley and Chanti Tacoronte-Perez’s yoga nidra Training.
Sojourner found spirituality through the practice of presence as a performer. This portal of presence opened up the Buddhist path to them and the Buddhist practice opened the healing of connecting with the earth. They became the spider that they were terrified of as a child and began to weave together everything that gave them feelings of trust, hope and freedom. They are now an embodied sacred space facilitator, through their LLC By Moonlight and their current multidisciplinary performance practice includes installation art with raw materials such as earth, shells, stones and flowers, experimental vocal work and structured improvisations as a mover.
For the past 13 years Sojourner has held a meditation and ritual space called “Stillness,” where they have guided hundreds of BIPOC queer folks in deepening their connection with ancestors, nature and personal spiritual gifts. Sojourner is currently exploring stillness by trusting the wisdom that emerges in their body in quiet pauses and by trusting the relationships in their life.
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