Rooted in Nature: Art, Restoration and Community with Amber Ellis
Release Date: 07/24/2025
Letting Go of the Reins: Learning to Relax into Trust
Yes! We Rise
Episode 60 of the Yes! We Rise podcast In this powerful solo reflection, Christine shares on Yes! We Rise what has unfolded during one of the most difficult seasons of her life. What began as a promising year—healthy, strong, training for her first marathon—shifted dramatically when she developed a sudden cascade of health symptoms that ultimately led to a Lyme disease diagnosis. At the same time, her family was navigating major transitions with her oldest preparing for college, and her team was facing unexpected federal funding freezes on long-standing projects. The combination...
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Creating Connection: The Power of Nature and Community with Hub Knott
Yes! We Rise
In Episode 59 of the We Rise podcast, Christine Gyovai interviews Hub Knott, co-founder of the Living Earth School. They discuss the importance of connecting with nature and community, exploring how these connections foster personal growth and resilience. Hub shares his journey from Baltimore to the wilderness, his experiences with mentors, and the development of the Living Earth School. The conversation delves into the role of nature in healing, the significance of community, and the power of mentoring. Takeaways Connecting with nature fosters personal growth and resilience. ...
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Creating Change with Belief, Community, and Art with Zikki Munyao
Yes! We Rise
Episode 58 of the We Rise podcast with Christine Gyovai In this episode of the We Rise podcast, Christine Gyovai talks with Zikki Munyao, who shares his inspiring journey from Kenya to the US, his experiences in the military, and his transition into philanthropy and community engagement. Zikki discusses the challenges and lessons learned from farming in Kenya, the mission of the nonprofit Just Help Africa, and the importance of education and clean water initiatives through the nonprofit. He also reflects on personal joy, trusting the process, and the power of storytelling through art. Zikki...
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Rooted in Nature: Art, Restoration and Community with Amber Ellis
Yes! We Rise
In this episode of the Yes We Rise podcast, Christine Gyovai interviews Amber Ellis, who shares her journey from a rural upbringing in Virginia to her impactful work with the James River Association and her personal project, Find Your Nature. Amber discusses her deep connection to nature, the role of art in enhancing that connection, and the importance of community engagement in environmental restoration. She emphasizes the need for intentional self-care practices, the significance of listening to community needs, and the value of building trust in collaborative efforts. The conversation also...
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Ten Creative Funding Strategies for Collaboratives
Yes! We Rise
https://yeswerise.org/Summary In this episode of the Yes We Rise podcast, Christine Gyovai discusses ten innovative strategies for creatively funding collaboratives, especially in light of recent changes in the funding landscape. She emphasizes the importance of developing diverse funding sources, building relationships with funders, and showcasing the value of collaborative work. The conversation highlights practical approaches to sustain long-term impact and adapt to funding shifts, encouraging listeners to think outside the box and engage their communities. Takeaways ...
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Embracing Love Over Fear with Freddy Jackson
Yes! We Rise
In this episode of the We Rise podcast, Christine Gyovai interviews Freddy Jackson, who shares his journey of personal growth, resilience, and community engagement. Freddy discusses the importance of love over fear, the impact of gratitude, and the role of ego in our lives. He emphasizes the need to create conditions for love and connection, and how personal experiences shape our understanding of joy and struggle. The conversation delves into practical strategies for navigating challenges and fostering a sense of belonging within ourselves and our communities. In this conversation, Freddy and...
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Weaving Powerful Networks in Communities with June Holley
Yes! We Rise
June 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;...
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Building Inner Resilience with Dr. Marie-Helene Pelletier
Yes! We Rise
Dr. 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...
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Building an Inclusive Future for Farmers and Workers in Appalachia with Hannah G.
Yes! We Rise
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...
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Communities Creating Change and Belonging
Yes! We Rise
In 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 future....
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