Two Wives and A Spark: Recent Episodes
Rachel and Lia
Welcome to Episode 7 of Two Wives and A SPARK Season 4!
Today's episode is being released one week after the 2024 Presidential Election. There is a lot on our hearts so we invite you to listen in as we share:
- A grounding exercise to give and share love
- How we are processing the results of the election
- Our call to action
We are all feeling the weight and uncertainty of our world, and we have so much work to do.
As we ponder on how we will close out this season, we would truly love to hear from you.
Connect with us on Instagram or send us an email at twowivesandaspark@gmail.com. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com.
If you’re curious, here’s more information on what we do at SPARK Equity In Action.
Resources referenced:
- MLK Jr.’s words on nonviolent resistance
- James Baldwin quotes:
- "You think your pains and your heartbreaks are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, or who have ever been alive."
-
“The great force of history comes from the fact that we carry it within us, are unconsciously controlled by it in many ways, and history is literally present in all that we do.”
-
Kamala Harris quote “Let their determination be our charge. And I'll close with this. There's an adage a historian once called a law of history, true of every society across the ages. The adage is, only when it is dark enough can you see the stars. I know many people feel like we are entering a dark time, but for the benefit of us all, I hope that is not the case. But here's the thing, America, if it is, let us fill the sky with the light of a brilliant, brilliant billion of stars.” (full speech)
- We Can Do Hard Things Podcast - episode “Post-Election Family Meeting”
- November 13th - Kindness Day
Welcome to Episode 6 of Two Wives and A SPARK Season 4!
Today's episode is being released on Election Day, 2024.
Listen in as we share:
- What is top of mind for us
- Thoughts on how we can stay connected and in community
- The importance of creating space to be
- and more.
We cannot predict how the election will turn out, but we can choose how we show up and create spaces to honor our feelings. We can move forward with respect, authenticity, and love.
Thank you for listening! We would love to hear from you.
What did you think of this episode? What do you want to see more of?
Connect with us on Instagram or send us an email at twowivesandaspark@gmail.com. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com.
If you’re curious, here’s more information on what we do at SPARK Equity In Action.
Resources referenced:
- Inside Out 2
- Hummingbird video
- Prentis Hemphill quote on boundaries
- SPARK Acronym
- Show up authentically
- Pause and listen
- Ask with curiosity
- Respect diversity
- Kindly expect conflict
Welcome to Season 4 Episode 5 of Two Wives and A SPARK!
Today's episode is all about the lasting impacts of micro-moments.
Listen in as we share:
- What is top of mind for us
- Thoughts on what it means to live your values
- The urgent need for connection in our world and how intentional dialogue can spark meaningful change
- How hope should always inspire action
Thank you for listening! We would love to hear from you!
What did you think of this episode? What do you want to see more of?
Connect with us on Instagram or send us an email at twowivesandaspark@gmail.com. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com.
If you’re curious, here’s more information on what we do at SPARK Equity In Action.
Resources referenced:
- Revolutionary Love Compass
- Harvey Milk quote - "Hope will never be silent."
- Joshua Discourse (aka doss.discourse on IG)
Welcome to Season 4 Episode 4 of Two Wives and A SPARK!
Today's episode grapples with the discomfort that comes with harmony.
Listen in as we share:
- What is top of mind for us
- Thoughts on authenticity and safe spaces
- How this election brings a need for more harmony to the forefront
- How we move through discomfort and growth for the sake of harmony and the greater good
Thank you for listening! We would love to hear from you!
What did you think of this episode? What do you want to see more of?
Connect with us on Instagram or send us an email at twowivesandaspark@gmail.com. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com.
If you’re curious, here’s more information on what we do at SPARK Equity In Action.
Resources referenced:
- The book Speak Up, by Miranda Paul, Illustrated by Ebony Glenn
Welcome to Season 4 Episode 3 of Two Wives and A SPARK!
Today's episode is all about balance and what it takes to get to a place of harmony in our world while still honoring our differences.
Listen in as we share:
- What is top of mind for us
- Thoughts on balance and the complexity of this election year
- Thoughts in our sphere of influence and embracing the underestimated power of listening
- And more!
Thank you for listening! We would love to hear from you!
What did you think of this episode? What do you want to see more of? Connect with us on Instagram or send us an email at twowivesandaspark@gmail.com. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com.
If you’re curious, here’s more information on what we do at SPARK Equity In Action.
Resources referenced:
- Quote: “Listening creates a holy silence. When you listen generously to people, they can hear truth in themselves, often for the first time. And in the silence of listening, you can know yourself in everyone. Eventually, you may be able to hear, in everyone and beyond everyone, the unseen singing softly to itself and to you.” - Rachel Naomi Remen, MD
- Assembly Required With Stacey Abrams Podcast (specific episode referenced)
Welcome to Season 4 Episode 2 of Two Wives and A SPARK!
Listen in as we share:
- What is currently top of mind for each of us
- What we’re grappling with, especially with the 2024 presidential elections around the corner
- Questions about what it’ll take to spark meaningful dialogues with one another
- Thoughts about how micro-moments have macro-impacts
- And more!
What did you think of this episode? What do you want to see more of this season?
Connect with us on Instagram or send us an email at twowivesandaspark@gmail.com. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com.
If you’re curious, here’s more information on what we do at SPARK Equity In Action.
Here are the resources mentioned:
- India Arie song - Prayer for Humanity
- Prentis Hemphill book
- S.P.A.R.K. card game
- Tiffany Wright
- 2024 DNC Speeches
- Barack Obama
- Michelle Obama
- Bill Clinton
Welcome to Season 4 Episode 1 of Two Wives and A SPARK! In this episode, we are getting back into our groove. We reflect on all the LIFE that has happened and all the changes we’ve experienced since our last episode in season three. We talk about the endings and beginnings we have gone through, being in the messy middle, and so much more.
A
s always, thank you for listening and we would love to hear from you!
What did you think of this episode? What do you want to see next season? Connect with us on Instagram or send us an email at twowivesandaspark@gmail.com. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com.
If you’re curious, here’s more information on what we do at SPARK Equity In Action.
Resources referenced in this episode:
- Simon Sinek clip about friendship
- William Bridges’ Transition Model
- Prentis Hemphill podcast and book (specific episode referenced)
We’re back and so excited to kick off season 4!! It’s been a MINUTE! There is soooooo much to catch up on.
You’ll be hearing more from us when the first episode drops next week, but we wanted to share that the theme for this year is all about holding space for duality and this idea that two things can be true at the same time; we’ll talk about finding our way through seasons of growth, and more.
Episodes will drop weekly for this season. Each week we’ll share a question or a topic that we’re grappling with and do some learning in public in real time.
We definitely want this to be a conversation so please continue to connect with us via audio messages, DMs, emails, and let us know what is on your heart and mind.
Welcome to Episode 27 of Two Wives and A SPARK! This is our final episode of Season 3 as we prepare to take a pause.
Listen in as we share:
- Our thoughts on love: What it means to love, be loved, and deserve love
- Questions we’re grappling with during these increasingly divided times
- Quotes that have really grounded us and resonated with us as we reflected on this season and our hopes for the future
During our pause this summer we would still love to hear from you!
What did you think of this episode? What do you want to see next season? Connect with us on Instagram or send us an email at twowivesandaspark@gmail.com. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com.
If you’re curious, here’s more information on what we do at SPARK Equity In Action.
Welcome to Episode 26 of Two Wives and A SPARK! We are nearing the end of Season 3 and today we are reflecting on one important question that we asked everyone this season: “What do you want all parents to do MORE of?”
We are so grateful for all the amazing folks we had the opportunity to connect with and all the conversations we had this season. One more episode in this season, so stay tuned for our final episode!
As you are tuning in, we’d love to hear from you!
What did you think of this episode? Connect with us on Instagram or send us an email at twowivesandaspark@gmail.com. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com.
If you’re curious, here’s more information on what we do at SPARK Equity In Action.
Welcome to Episode 25 of Two Wives and A SPARK! We are so excited to welcome Lauren and Amanda Brown (aka “The Two Mom Browns”) to the podcast.
Lauren and Amanda are interracial lesbian moms living in the Washington DC area. They are raising two children with plans to expand their family in the future. Lauren grew up as a preacher's daughter in a white southern family and Amanda was raised in a multicultural household with a Sudanese mother and African-American father. Lauren and Amanda are intentionally raising their intersectional family and changing generational narratives.
Listen in as we share and discuss:
- Navigating the noise of politics as an interracial lesbian couple
- The importance of belonging
- What they wish all parents would do more of
Follow their journey and stay connected with this amazing couple here:
- https://instagram.com/thetwomom_browns
We’d love to hear from you!
What did you think of this episode? Connect with us on Instagram or send us an email at twowivesandaspark@gmail.com. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com.
If you’re curious, here’s more information on what we do at SPARK Equity In Action.
Welcome to Episode 24 of Two Wives and A SPARK! We are back with another solo episode, and we are excited to reconnect. Listen in as we share:
- What we have been up to and some significant events that have taken place in our lives
- Our reflections on our last 2 guest interviews on the podcast
- Our ongoing thoughts and feelings about our current political climate and what’s making a difference
During this episode, we mentioned the amazing organization, Equality Texas. A huge THANK YOU to them for the important, life-changing work they do AND for putting together this legislative bill tracker.
As you are tuning in, we’d love to hear from you!
What did you think of this episode? Connect with us on Instagram or send us an email at twowivesandaspark@gmail.com. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com.
If you’re curious, here’s more information on what we do at SPARK Equity In Action.
Welcome to Episode 23 of Two Wives and A SPARK! We had such a powerful conversation with Cara Cochran and are thrilled to share it with you this week.
Cara is an LGBTQ+ Lifestyle and Family Creator. She has a partner, who's also named Cara, and together they have a beautiful, 10-year-old daughter named Myla! Cara came out later in life, so they are actually a blended two-mom family, and it all came together so incredibly well.
Cara believes in visibility, and most importantly representation. As a same-sex parent, her platform is one that promotes equality and encourages her followers to live authentically, loving themselves and others. She offers both support and community with her message, "There is no greater time than the present to embrace who you are, fully and unapologetically."
Listen in as we share and discuss:
- The complexities of raising a biracial child in the south
- The importance of vulnerability and visibility for all parents
- What she wants all parents to remember and know
Follow her journey and stay connected with Cara and her amazing family here:
- https://instagram.com/caras_atl
- https://www.tiktok.com/@caras_atl
We’d love to hear from you!
What did you think of this episode? Connect with us on Instagram or send us an email at twowivesandaspark@gmail.com. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com.
If you’re curious, here’s more information on what we do at SPARK Equity In Action.
Welcome to Episode 22 of Two Wives and A SPARK! We are honored to welcome Melissa and Kim Connelly to the podcast.
Melissa and Kimberly Connelly and their adorable daughter Breslyn are a multiracial two-mom family living in Cleveland, OH. Melissa is Black and Kim is Korean American, their daughter Breslyn is a mix of both ethnicities. Kim and Melissa almost met on Bumble in 2019 but Kim didn’t swipe right. As fate would have it they met in person at a Stonewall Sports mixer a week later and have been together ever since. AND they welcomed their little miracle Breslyn in July of 2022!
Listen in as we share and discuss:
- Navigating parenting and pride as an interracial couple
- The importance of chosen community and a solid support system
- What they want all parents to remember and know
Follow their journey and stay connected with this amazing couple here:
- https://www.instagram.com/missyhalle
- https://www.tiktok.com/@missyhalleonig
Resources Mentioned
- Twas the Night Before Pride
- HB 2021-HB616 Ohio Bill
We’d love to hear from you!
What did you think of this episode? Connect with us on Instagram or send us an email at twowivesandaspark@gmail.com. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com.
If you’re curious, here’s more information on what we do at SPARK Equity In Action.
Welcome to Episode 21 of Two Wives and A SPARK! We are back with a solo episode, and we are excited to reconnect with you. Listen in as we share:
- Our reflections and connections from our first 2 guest interviews of the season
- Some of the lessons that are top of mind about parenting and life
- Thoughts about our current political state and the importance of being informed.
During this episode, we mentioned a vital resource from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on Mapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S. State Legislature.
As you are tuning in, we’d love to hear from you!
What did you think of this episode? Connect with us on Instagram or send us an email at twowivesandaspark@gmail.com. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com.
If you’re curious, here’s more information on what we do at SPARK Equity In Action.
Welcome to Episode 20 of Two Wives and A SPARK! We are SO excited to welcome Krystle & Scarlet Harvey to the podcast.
They are a dynamic duo committed to normalizing interracial lesbian parents raising beautiful children. In their own words, they are “Just two moms raising 3 beautiful kiddos. Spreading love and trying to normalize diverse families similar to our own.”
They both believe that while the world (especially social media) can be scary, when diversity is normalized, folks feel less alone.
Listen in as we share and discuss:
- How they parent their 3 children as an interracial couple
- How they are working to normalize their experience
- What they want all parents to remember and know
Follow their journey and stay connected with this amazing couple here:
- https://instagram.com/dusty.n.cali
- https://youtube.com/@dustyncali
- https://www.tiktok.com/@dusty.n.cali
- https://www.instagram.com/cali.b_fit (keep up with Scarlet)
- https://www.instagram.com/koachharvey (keep up with Krystle)
We’d love to hear from you!
What did you think of this episode? Connect with us on Instagram or send us an email at twowivesandaspark@gmail.com. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com.
If you’re curious, here’s more information on what we do at SPARK Equity In Action.
Welcome to Episode 19 of Two Wives and A SPARK. We are so honored and excited to welcome our first guests of the season, Jessica and Nikita Burks-Hale. Jessica and Nikita live just outside Atlanta GA and have been married for 8 years. They have 2 beautiful children under 5 and love to spend their making memories, enjoying each other’s company, and trying to catch up on sleep. Both believe that while the world can be a lot, as long as they focus inward on the things and people that matter the most, love will always win. Such an amazing couple. Listen in as we share and discuss:
- How they parent bi-racial kids as an interracial couple
- How living in a red state affects their life
- One thing they want all parents to know
Connect with us on Instagram or send us an email at twowivesandaspark@gmail.com. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com. We’d love to hear from you!
If you’re curious, here’s more information on SPARK products and services.
Welcome to Episode 18 of Two Wives and A SPARK. Now that you are all caught up on our lives, let’s get into our focus for Season 3. This season is about storytelling and embracing the power of visibility. Listen in as we share and discuss:
- Our decision to create space for LGBTQIA+ families on the podcast
- The importance of sharing the everyday experiences of LGBTQIA+ families
- How we are navigating the current political landscape
- How allies can join us in solidarity and support
As you are tuning in and listening to our plans for Season 3 of the podcast, we would love your input. What resonated with you and what YOU like for us to discuss?
Connect with us on Instagram or send us an email at twowivesandaspark@gmail.com. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com. We’d love to hear from you!
If you’re curious, here’s more information on SPARK products and services.
We are back! Welcome to the first episode of Season 3 of Two Wives and A SPARK. It’s hard to believe it has been almost a year since our last episode! Today’s episode is all about our whole new world. We talk about what we have been up to since season two, which has revolved around one word: MOTHERHOOD. Listen in as we share and discuss:
- The journey naming our daughter
- How we have navigated motherhood both individually and as a couple
- What we have learned thus far and how we are accepting and surrendering each day
If you’re curious, here’s more information on SPARK products and services.
We’d love to hear from you! Let’s connect on Instagram or you can email twowivesandaspark@gmail.com. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com
Welcome to Episode 16 of Two Wives And A SPARK! This is our final episode of the season, and what a journey it has been. Today’s episode is about preparing for what’s next, the unknown.
Tune in as we discuss:
- How we prepare for major changes
- Interracial layers that come up
- Standing at the edge of a mountain looking out, not knowing what will come
Sending a BIG THANK YOU to all of you for being with us on this journey!
Let’s stay connected!
We’d love to hear from you. Send us an audio message on Instagram or email twowivesandaspark@gmail.com and share your thoughts. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com
If you’re curious, here’s more information on S.P.A.R.K. products and services
Welcome to Episode 15 of Two Wives And A SPARK! Today’s episode is all about answering your questions! We love hearing the things y’all have been thinking about, talking about, and wondering in regards to our journey.
Tune in as we discuss:
- Our fertility journey and finding a donor
- Our decision regarding who would carry
- Potential names our child will call us
- Resources that were invaluable throughout our journey
- The lack of visibility and resources for LGBTQ+ and non-binary pregnancies/parents
- Our thoughts on the education choices for our child
- And more!
We have been honored to be able to share our journey with our community--sending a BIG THANK YOU to all of you.
Resources:
- If These Ovaries Could Talk Podcast
- Team 2 Moms
- Family Equality
- Confessions of the Other Mother: Nonbiological Lesbian Moms Tell All!
- The Ultimate Guide To Pregnancy For Lesbians
Let’s stay connected!
We’d love to hear from you. Send us an audio message on Instagram or email twowivesandaspark@gmail.com and share your thoughts. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com
If you’re curious, here’s more information on S.P.A.R.K. products and services
Welcome to Episode 14 of Two Wives And A SPARK! Today’s episode is Part 2 of our journey preparing for parenthood as an interracial couple.
Tune in as we discuss:
- Our own childhood and upbringing (and how that informs the lenses we have)
- Preparing for maternity leave and learning about inequities in the parental leave space
- Additional decisions we’re thinking about & discussing when it comes to raising a biracial child
We invite you to reflect on these questions with us:
- What did this spark for you?
- What do you want to talk more about?
- What insights and questions came up?
Resources:
- Priya Parker interview - On Being
Let’s stay connected!
We’d love to hear from you. Send us an audio message on Instagram or email twowivesandaspark@gmail.com and share your thoughts. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com
If you’re curious, here’s more information on S.P.A.R.K. products and services
Welcome to Episode 13 of Two Wives And A SPARK! Today’s episode is all about our journey preparing for parenthood as an interracial couple. We talk about how our own personal values are helping shape our vision for our future and our family.
Tune in as we discuss:
- Our own family values and how they inform our decisions
- What we have learned about setting limits and living in alignment with those values over the past 6 months
- Navigating conversations about family as an interracial couple
We invite you to reflect on these questions with us:
- What are your family values?
- What have you learned about setting limits in service of those values?
Let’s stay connected!
We’d love to hear from you. Send us an audio message on Instagram or email twowivesandaspark@gmail.com and share your thoughts. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com
If you’re curious, here’s more information on S.P.A.R.K. products and services
Welcome to Episode 12 of Two Wives And A SPARK! Today’s episode is about making the invisible visible. We talk through what it’s been like for us to navigate the journey of making our internal experiences externally seen and known.
Tune in as we discuss:
-
The invisible layers we have had to navigate on our pregnancy journey
-
The journey of starting SPARK and the behind-the-scenes layers most people don’t know about
- Reconciling the fact that no one will ever know what it's truly like to be in our shoes but sharing anyway because growth can’t happen without vulnerability
- The importance of saying things out loud and processing in community to make space for the growth
We invite you to reflect on these questions with us:
- When has growing and sharing with others been vulnerable for you?
- What will keep you inspired, encouraged, and engaged to keep growing?
- What keeps you on the growth journey when it comes to conversations about race?
Let’s stay connected!
We’d love to hear from you. Send us an audio message on Instagram or email twowivesandaspark@gmail.com and share your thoughts. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com
If you’re curious, here’s more information on S.P.A.R.K. products and services
Welcome to Episode 11 of Two Wives And A SPARK! On today’s episode, we are continuing our discussion about growth and talking about the necessity of shedding old layers.
As we grow and transform, oftentimes we begin to see things differently. We may notice the people around us and our relationships in a different light, and this can be an adjustment. While sometimes difficult to experience and process, this “shedding of layers” is absolutely necessary for growth.
Listen-in as we discuss:
-
Boundaries as a form of energy protection in growth
-
The role of grief and acceptance as we shed layers of ourselves or versions of past relationships
- Creating and shedding habits throughout the growth process
- Our own personal growth throughout our fertility journey
We invite you to reflect on these questions with us:
- What do you find yourself trying to let go of that keeps sticking around?
- What habits have you tried to change to help yourself grow?
- What dynamics are you wanting to shed at this phase of your life?
Let’s stay connected!
We’d love to hear from you. Send us an audio message on Instagram or email twowivesandaspark@gmail.com and share your thoughts. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com
If you’re curious, here’s more information on S.P.A.R.K. products and services
“The only constant in the world is change” - Heraclitus
Welcome to Episode 10 of Two Wives And A SPARK! Today’s episode is all about the inevitable less-talked-about side of growth: resistance, change, breaks, and breakthroughs. We delve into these topics, and share a few stories both personally and professionally.
Tune in as we discuss:
-
Our own relationship break and how it lead to a major breakthrough
-
How we navigate resistance professionally while facilitating conversations around race
- The importance of creating space for discomfort, discernment, and reflection throughout the growth and change process
We invite you to reflect on these questions with us:
- What has been hard for you to share out loud with others about your experience and your identity?
- What’s your ZPD (zone of proximal development) when it comes to conversations about race and racial dynamics?
- What breaks have led to breakthroughs in your life?
Let’s stay connected!
We’d love to hear from you. Send us an audio message on Instagram or email twowivesandaspark@gmail.com and share your thoughts. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com
If you’re curious, here’s more information on S.P.A.R.K. products and services
Welcome to Episode 9 of Two Wives And A SPARK! We kick off today’s episode with some really exciting news. Our theme for this season is “Growing Through Change,” and we are truly living this every day both in our personal and professional lives. Personally we are excited to share that we are growing our family! Tune in to today’s episode as we share and discuss:
-
How growing our family has taught us about the power of time and space
-
The impact of growth and change when you are ready to “do the work” vs. when it is forced upon you
- Navigating the world around you when growth and change opportunities come
Questions to reflect on:
- How have you grown or changed this past year?
- What have you learned about the time and space necessary for growth in your life?
- How have you been stretched--personally and/or professionally--this past year?
What did this episode spark for you? Let us know, even if your thoughts are half-baked, we’d love to hear!
Resources mentioned:
- Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
- Ted Lasso (spoiler alert!)
Let’s stay connected!
We’d love to hear from you. Send us an audio message on Instagram or email twowivesandaspark@gmail.com and share your thoughts. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com
If you’re curious, here’s more information on S.P.A.R.K. products and services.
Hey y'all. It's Lia and Rachel from Two Wives And A SPARK, and we're back and excited to kick off Season 2!
So much has happened since we left off, and this season is coming with lots of growth, newness, and excitement. We want to give you a little glimpse of what you can expect from this season. The theme for Season 2 is Growing through Change. We are going to talk about what growth and change have looked like for us through two lenses: as an interracial couple, and professionally through our as individuals who do equity and anti-racism work professionally.
We're going to talk about the conditions that have helped us grow together (across our differences) and we're also going to have some real talk about the struggles, pitfalls, and challenges that have come with growth.
We look forward to sharing with you next week. Until then, we are sending you love and light.
“We need more light about each other. Light creates understanding, understanding creates love, love creates patience, and patience creates unity.” - Malcolm X
Welcome to the last episode of season 2 of Two Wives and A SPARK! It’s been an amazing season with a lot of reflections and conversations, and we’re so thankful you’ve been with us on this journey. In today’s episode, we share some real-time reflections as we answer some questions together. We talk about the practices that keep us grounded when trying to be intentional and the importance of knowing and doing. We also talk about our comfort zones and stretch zones as we close out this season. We invite you to join us in some closing reflections this week.
Here are some reflection questions as food for thought this week:
- What lessons have you learned from this podcast?
- How does S.P.A.R.K and being intentional show up in your relationships?
- What closing intentions do you have for this summer?
- What connections do you have to this episode?
As a reminder here’s the S.P.A.R.K. acronym:
- Show up authentically
- Pause and listen
- Ask; do not assume
- Respect diversity
- Kindly expect conflict and messiness
If you’re curious, here’s more information on S.P.A.R.K. products and services.
We’d love to hear from you! Let’s connect on Instagram or you can email twowivesandaspark@gmail.com. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com
“Incubate [my thoughts] in the womb of my mind before I birth them through the canal of my mouth. Once a thought is birthed, you can’t retract it” - Bishop T.D. Jakes
Thank you for joining us for another episode of Two Wives and A SPARK! Today we discuss the importance of taking necessary pauses in this work. We process out-loud and share some real-time reflections about some recent resistance we’ve felt and what it has taught us the past few weeks.
We also talk about the fact that sometimes we may have many great plans, but when something is out of alignment, it is on us to listen to and learn from that resistance as a teacher. Sometimes staying unattached to plans is the best thing we can do in this work. When we learn to shift when needed and trust the process (not rushing it), we become more agile, aligned, and adaptive--three important skills in this work.
We invite you to join us in exploring what it will take to move toward racial equity, racial justice, and racial harmony together.
As a reminder here’s the S.P.A.R.K. acronym:
- Show up authentically
- Pause and listen
- Ask; do not assume
- Respect diversity
- Kindly expect conflict and messiness
Here are some reflection questions as food for thought this week:
- Where are you feeling the need for a pause or a shift right now?
- Where are you noticing some resistance in your work?
- What might that resistance be trying to tell you?
- Have you ever felt attached to plans and had to learn (for better or worse) to let go?
- What was that like for you and what did you learn about yourself?
- What connections do you have to this episode?
Resources:
- Bishop T.D. Jakes interview
- White supremacy culture characteristics
If you’re curious, here’s more information on S.P.A.R.K. products and services.
We’d love to hear from you! Let’s connect on Instagram or you can email twowivesandaspark@gmail.com. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com
“Not everything that is faced can be changed but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” James Baldwin
Welcome to episode 6 of Two Wives and A SPARK! In today’s episode, we unpack what’s required of us to go from knowing new information to doing something new in service of racial equity and racial justice.
We continue to talk about why micro-steps and micro-moments matter so much in this work as we share stories and lessons learned.
We invite you to join us in exploring what it will take to get toward racial equity, racial justice, and racial harmony together.
As a reminder here’s the S.P.A.R.K. acronym:
- Show up authentically
- Pause and listen
- Ask; do not assume
- Respect diversity
- Kindly expect conflict and messiness
Here are some reflection questions as food for thought this week:
- When was the last time you showed up (in service of going from knowing to doing) in conversations about race?
- What microsteps have you been taking?
- What microspaces do you have for synthesizing learning?
- What’s something you’re grappling with on your learning journey?
- What connections do you have to this episode?
Resources:
- Inclusion Starts With “I” Ebook
- An excerpt on fractals from Adrienne Maree Brown
- National Equity Project’s resources on
- effective meetings
- making the most of your agenda
If you’re curious, here’s more information on S.P.A.R.K. products and services.
We’d love to hear from you! Let’s connect on Instagram or you can email twowivesandaspark@gmail.com. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com
“Communication works for those who work at it.” John Powell
Welcome to another episode of Two Wives and A SPARK! As a continuation of the previous episodes, today we will be talking about communication, engagement, and showing up.
To build habits, consistent work and practice are essential. When we learn how to communicate with each other across racial differences and enter each other's spaces in new ways, we learn that discomfort almost always accompanies growth.
Showing up for racial justice and racial equity requires that we are constantly mindful of all the micro-spaces and micro-steps. And that takes work. We will also be talking about how the creation of S.P.A.R.K. led to a lot of insights on the importance of showing up with intentionality, as well as some experiences we shared in our relationship that led us to share spaces and conversations with each other.
Join us on this episode and explore what it will take to get toward racial equity, racial justice, and racial harmony together.
If you’re curious, here’s more information on S.P.A.R.K. products and services.
We’d love to hear from you! Let’s connect on Instagram or you can email twowivesandaspark@gmail.com. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com
S.P.A.R.K. acronym:
- Show up authentically
- Pause and listen
- Ask; do not assume
- Respect diversity
- Kindly expect conflict and messiness
Here are some reflection questions as food for thought this week:
- Do you recall a time recently when you were in the racial minority? If so, what was it like for you? What did you notice about how it impacted how you showed up? What were your microsteps and missteps (if any)?
- What have you noticed about how you show up in interracial spaces and in conversations about race?
- What connections do you have to this episode?
Resources:
- An excerpt from Brene Brown’s talk on building trust
- More about S.P.A.R.K., the card game
- A few words on allyship here and here
- Inclusion Starts With “I” Ebook
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” Maya Angelou
In today’s episode of Two Wives and A S.P.A.R.K, we will be talking about what it takes to do better with our words and actions when it comes to interracial connections and conversations.
We talk about something called “the intention gap” and invite our community to reflect on the difference between intent and impact. We also invite folks to ask the following questions:
- What truly is my intention when saying certain things?
- Why am I acting this way?
- How am I holding myself accountable?
- What do I have to work on to be better?
Join us on this episode and explore what it will take to get toward racial equity, racial justice, and racial harmony together.
If you’re curious, here’s more information on S.P.A.R.K. products and services.
We’d love to hear from you! Let’s connect on Instagram or you can email twowivesandaspark@gmail.com. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com
S.P.A.R.K. acronym:
- Show up authentically
- Pause and listen
- Ask; do not assume
- Respect diversity
- Kindly expect conflict and messiness
Resources:
- Inclusion Starts With “I” Ebook
- Racial Microagressions In Everyday Life
- White fragility
“Practice makes permanence.” - Mark Salinas
Welcome to the third episode of Two Wives and a SPARK! Today’s episode starts with a story about a child who does not understand the amount of work it takes for a permanent marker to come off a desk. We talk about how that’s a metaphor for a country still working on the stain that racism has left on its history.
We speak about how working for racial equity, racial justice, and racial harmony is like a marathon and not a sprint; just like a marathon makes your legs hurt, this specific marathon might make your heart and heart hurt at times. We also discuss the diligent work and patience required to address the stain of racism and how that journey resembles a marathon. In order to run a marathon, you must practice, learn, research, develop habits, and precisely understand how to embrace discomfort. It’s about developing permanent habits and having permanent reminders.
Join us on this episode in exploring what it will take to get toward racial equity, justice, and harmony together.
If you’re curious, here’s more information on S.P.A.R.K. products and services.
We’d love to hear from you! Let’s connect on Instagram or you can email twowivesandaspark@gmail.com. And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com
Questions to consider this week:
- What marathon are you working on?
- What is your “why” for this work?
- What did this episode spark for you?
Resources:
- Mark Salinas and The National Equity Project
- Blog on committing to antiracism habits
S.P.A.R.K. acronym:
- Show up authentically
- Pause and listen
- Ask; do not assume
- Respect diversity
- Kindly expect conflict and messiness
“For the master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house. They may allow us to temporarily beat him at his own game, but they will never enable us to bring about genuine change. Racism and homophobia are real conditions of all our lives in this place and time. I urge each one of us here to reach down into that deep place of knowledge inside herself and touch that terror and loathing of any difference that lives here. See whose face it wears. Then the personal as the political can begin to illuminate all our choices.” Audre Lorde
In today’s episode of Two Wives and A SPARK, we (Rachel and Lia Rosen) make a contrast between what our childhood was like and how one of us felt like that childhood was stolen from her. Lots of food for thought in this episode.
We are trying to create a world that we haven’t seen; one that does not exist yet: one without racism. We describe what we’ve experienced since we have been together and how we see race as a couple.
Resources mentioned:
- Waking Up White, by Debby Irving
- White Fragility, by Robin DiAngelo
- To learn more about the phenomenal Audre Lorde, you can visit this link and check out the National Museum of African American History and Culture
If you’re curious, here’s more information on S.P.A.R.K. products and services.
We’d love to hear from you!
Let’s connect on Instagram or via email (twowivesandaspark@gmail.com).
And check out our site: www.twowivesandaspark.com
Hey y'all. It's Lia. We've had a lot of pain surface yet again in this country. There's lots of pain that is always going on in this country. But when it takes over the media outlets and social media becomes even more heightened in the lives of those of us who are usually carrying consciously and subconsciously pain that happens in this country every day.
This week I went back to my roots and did a little bit of writing. And I just thought I would share it with you.
“Community isn’t always synonymous with warmth and harmony. Politeness is often a veneer for understanding when in reality it masks uncovered territory, the unspeakable pit that we turn from because we know the pain and anger that can dwell there. It is important to remind ourselves that real community is forged out of struggle. This is the crucible from which a real community grows.” Linda Christensen
Welcome to the first episode of Two Wives and A SPARK! In today’s episode, you will meet us, Rachel and Lia Rosen, founders of S.P.A.R.K. We are in an interracial lesbian marriage and are very aware of how much race influences everything, so we’re excited to share who we are, how we met, and also share our story and “why” for this work.
We’re bringing two racial lenses to this conversation: Rachel as a white woman and Lia as a Black woman. Professionally we have been working in education for over a decade, and we actually met working at the same middle school tens years ago. Now we both facilitate conversations about racial equity, inclusion, and antiracism all the time. Lia is a school leader in Austin, Texas, and Rachel is a DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) Strategist and Facilitator.
We’re sharing some of the conversations we have daily in hopes that it sparks a more nuanced conversation with others.
One of the things we talk about is the S.P.A.R.K. acronym, which reminds us to show up to these conversations with intentionality:
- Show up authentically
- Pause and listen
- Ask; do not assume
- Respect diversity
- Kindly expect messiness
If you’re curious, here’s more information on S.P.A.R.K. products and services.
We’d love to hear from you! Let’s connect on Instagram or you can email twowivesandaspark@gmail.com