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Currently, the world is watching in horror as terrible events unfold in Ukraine, but today we are bringing attention to another humanitarian crisis. In an episode recorded a few weeks ago, Tigaru activist Mahder Tella sat down to educate me about the ongoing atrocities being committed against her people in the country of Ethiopia. We release this episode #callitagenocide on the weekend that marks 500 days of genocide against the people of Tigray at the hands of the Ethiopian government. Mahder and her community have been tirelessly working to bring attention to the displacement that the World Health Organization has labeled as "traumatizing" and "dire". Please listen to learn more about these horrific events, and what you can do to make a difference. Warning: this episode contains themes of violence, sexual violence, and war crimes. To learn more and support efforts to assist the Tigrayan people check out the following accounts/organizations: Instagram @tigrayartcollective @mahdi_lima @peaceintigray Websites tigrayartcollective.org

I'm back and having the most fun with the women who run local vintage shop, Wearhouse KY! Shaunda and Liz a.k.a. SHIZ had me over to hang out in their beautiful shop so we could drink beers and talk about their experiences as small business owners. Both women share how they came to love fashion and vintage clothes and how their partnership got started. Get ready for some laughs, name-dropping, styling by Shaunda, and join me as I reboot the podcast with this awesome episode. Thanks for helping us #startheconversationInstagram: @wearhousekyWebsite: wearhouseky.com

In this super fun episode Katarina talks to Kara of @buttonringsandthings and Madeline of @madseecards about their micro-businesses. We discuss what a micro-business is exactly, how Kara and Maddie got started, and what advice they have for others who are hoping to start their own small or micro business. As always within this circle, the women touch upon social issues near and dear to their hearts. We also shout out a few of our favorite businesses run by women who are hustling hard on instagram. Make sure to join us for the ins and outs of your favorite small, online shops, and make sure to check out Kara and Maddie on instagram for some kick ass earrings and personalized cards. Don't forget to rate us 5 stars and thanks as always for helping us #starttheconversation Produced by: Katarina Hoskins and RadioLex Music: Emma Yetter      

Katarina is back from her hiatus and has officially graduated with her master's degree (woohoo) ! Season 4 teakes us back to our roots as Katarina hosts a series of conversations with incredible individuals who are ready to break out of cultural norms in order to start important conversations. Episode 1 brings us Detroit based artist Sarey Ruden, the creator behind @sareytales. Sarey has made a name for herself by taking the misogynistic messaging she receives from men on dating apps and turning it into artwork. Her work exposes the types of messages that women receive on a daily basis when searching for connections on dating apps. Through her art, Sarey reclaims the narrative and takes back her power. You don't want to miss this episode! Welcome back warriors, and thank you as always for helping us #starttheconversation Produced by: Katarina Hoskins and RadioLex Music: Emma Yetter Find Ruden's Work on instagram at @sareytales

Join Katarina as she brings back Chelsea, James, and Matt to discuss their feelings about Season 4 and their respective episodes. This is a conversation of reflection among individuals who feel a sense of kinship in relationship to their experiences with religion. We would like to take the time to note that while the individuals in this episode have all left a religion and have some strong feelings regarding their past experiences, we are always grateful for our audience members and podcast guests who feel strongly tied to a religion. The purpose of this podcast is to open our mindsets and listen to many different perspectives, and we so appreciate everyone who has been vulnerable enough to share their experiences. Episode produced by: Katarina Hoskins and RadioLex

In the final one on one conversation of this season, my close friend Chelsea Flint relays her experiences growing up as a Jehovah's Witness and ultimately leaving not only the religion, but as a consequence, her family as well. She discusses the hold that this religion has on its community, her increasing doubts, the pain of losing her family, and the incredible accomplishments in her life since finding independence. I know it's a long one, but it takes time to share one's life experiences. I hope you take the time to listen to Chelsea's story so that you can witness the bravery of this amazing woman. If you feel trapped, alone, or have also experienced the loss of family and want someone to talk to, Chelsea has offered her email address for questions. Please be respectful. chelsea.flint24@gmail.com Support the podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/warriorwomanscircle and follow us on insta @warriorwomanscircle

Katarina talks to Mark Royse, executive director at RadioLex about his journey with religion. Throughout navigating his sexuality and coping with alcoholism, Mark spent much of his life searching for the connection he once felt within the church. Tune in to hear Mark reflect on his spiritual journey and why he's feeling more at peace today. To help support community radio, check out radiolex.us

Katarina talks to James about his experiences growing up as a Seventh Day Adventist and what it was like to be a Black, Gay man within a religion that didn't accept him. He tells us about a pastor leading a double life, his own decision to come out to his family, and his life beyond the church. Take a listen and help us #starttheconversation This episode also features a gorgeous song by Sunmates and to hear more of their music check out their bandcamp page or follow them on instagram at @sunmatesband

A professor recounts his life growing up in a small town where the United Methodist Church was an integral part of the community. Always an academic, he spent much of his youth exploring religion as a whole, and as an adult, ultimately moved away from organized religion, but is he finished with it for good?

Katarina's back with a sneaky sneak peek into season 4! It's finally here and wow it is intense, juicy, fun, emotional, and so much more. Titled losing my religion, this season is a series of conversations with individuals who have left the religion they grew up in. Each conversation follows their story of growing up with a religion, leaving said religion, and where they are now. Great for anyone whether you are a part of an organized religion, have left one yourself, or aren't sure where you stand, these stories are personal, honest, and heartfelt. Take a listen and get ready for this amazing season. Don't forget to subscribe and rate us, and help us #startheconversation by sharing with your friends. Oh! And don't forget to vote!

I can't believe this is the final episode of season 3 but it is! We are wrapping up the season with a two part episode talking about Latina Identity. This is a particularly exciting episode for me as a Latina woman, and I was so happy to share this conversation with Jewel and Tatianna. We discuss our backgrounds, family life, dance, language and much more. Please join us for this final episode and stay tuned to hear more about what to expect in Season 4. I hope you enjoy this episode and keep the conversations coming while I work on recording the next season. Subscribe to the podcast, rate us 5 stars, write a review, and follow us on Instagram @warriorwomancircle to stay tuned and thank you as always for helping us #starttheconversation .

I can't believe this is the final episode of season 3 but it is! We are wrapping up the season with a two part episode talking about Latina Identity. This is a particularly exciting episode for me as a Latina woman, and I was so happy to share this conversation with Jewel and Tatianna. We discuss our backgrounds, family life, dance, language and much more. Please join us for this final episode and stay tuned to hear more about what to expect in Season 4. I hope you enjoy this episode and keep the conversations coming while I work on recording the next season. Subscribe to the podcast, rate us 5 stars, write a review, and follow us on Instagram @warriorwomancircle to stay tuned and thank you as always for helping us #starttheconversation .

Today's Warrior Woman Highlight brings us Dawn Runyon, Green Dot Education Specialist for Fayette County! Dawn is an amazing woman who has spent her life helping others, and she joined Katarina on the podcast to talk about Green Dot, a program developed to prevent sexual violence in our communities by teaching community members how to recognize violence and be active bystanders. Dawn bravely opens up about her own experiences with domestic violence and shares how vital it can be for someone to step in and help out. Learn how to make your community a safer place for everyone by listening with us to this episode. Thank you as always for helping us #starttheconversation. Episode produced by: Katarina Hoskins and RadioLex Song in this episode: "Beautiful Danger" by The Off Daze ft. Fjer and Alayna

As we celebrate Pride month and the recent Supreme Court victory banning workplace discrimination of LGBTQ employees, there is still work to be done! Legislation pushing efforts to ban conversation therapy has recently been introduced in Kentucky. We need the support of people like you in order to make this happen! Tune in to this episode of Warrior Woman's Circle to learn what conversion therapy entails, how it is harmful to members of the LGBTQ community, and what you can do to help us change these dangerous trends in our state. Katarina sits down to speak with repeat guest Keith Elston who is the director at KYLP, Travis Scheadler, a graduate student and activist at the University of Kentucky, and Beth Scherfee, founder of Transparent Lex. All four folx discuss their personal interest in this bill and the need for education and compassion in our communities. Please help us make important changes, and thank you as always for helping us #starttheconversation . Note: Since recording this episode legislation related to Covid-19 has understandably taken precedence, however efforts to ban conversion therapy are still incredibly relevant and important so please take the time to listen, evaluate how you can help, and make plans to participate in activism in the future. Elections are coming up in Kentucky, and each vote is of the upmost importance. Thank you. Episode produced by: Katarina Hoskins and RadioLex Song in this episode: Extraordinary Love by Erika Wennerstrom

The four guests joining our circle this time are here to talk about what it is like to be a Black person in the United States, and they need you to listen. Jewel, Hendrick, Greg, and Ali are here to talk about their personal experiences, the changes they are ready to see, and their thoughts on race, life, community, and growth. I cannot extend enough gratitude to my guests in this episode for the vulnerability and honesty that they have brought to the table. If there is ever a time to #starttheconversation and keep it going, it is now. So, with open hearts and conviction to do better, join us in listening to this episode of the Warrior Woman's Circle. Thank you. (Themes of violence and trauma are included, listener discretion is advised) Episode produced by: Katarina Hoskins and RadioLex Music in this episode: "Gun" by the Cunninlynguists ft. Sheisty Khrist (Explicit language and themes of violence are included, listener discretion is advised)

Please join us in listening as I (your host Katarina ) talk to Warrior Woman, and Basic Needs Coordinator at the University of Kentucky, Arion Jett-Seals. Arion's life work revolves around helping others feel safe, comfortable, and heard. At the University of Kentucky she strives to provide students with basic needs such as food, money for a deposit so they can have a roof over their heads, and even advice for how to move forward. As this episode was recorded pre-quarantine/social distancing, we do not discuss Covid-19, however I know that so many of us are finding ourselves in unexpected circumstances. From losing income to feeling isolated, we are all learning what it means to need help. Arion's work at UK has always been important, and I feel especially in these trying times, her services are needed. Please listen to learn more about how to seek help or offer support in this community. What I love most about Arion and the work she does is that she creates a space reminding students that it is okay to ask for help. Women like Arion are a part of redesigning a selfish world and cultivating a society in which giving a little more to help others will go a long way. Thank you as always for helping us #starttheconversation Episode produced by: Katarina Hoskins and RadioLex To learn more about how you can support organizations encouraging the growth and success of brown and black women, follow this link :https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/7-nonprofits-dedicated-empowering-young-brown-girls-n742776  

Katarina calls in three lovely friends from all over the globe to ask them about their Covid-19 experiences. Aaron in Wales tells us about his experience as an immunocompromised individual navigating a pandemic and grocery deliveries. Angela in Spain talks about the strict restrictions that have happened in her area. Chelsea in Mexico details living with her boyfriend and his family after months apart, all due to a quarantine mandate. All of us are facing rapid changes and an uncertain future, but it is important to remember that we are all in this together. Our hope is that this conversation will bring you insight into the experiences of others, an authentic look at the rest of the world, solidarity, and hopefully, a few laughs. Please join us in this segment of the Warrior Woman's Circle, and thank you as always for helping us #starttheconversation Episode produced by: Katarina Hoskins and RadioLex Music in this episode is: Party Call by Emma Yetter Thank you Aaron Cox, Angela Gillarondo Lopez, and Chelsea Flint for calling in from Wales, Spain, and Mexico, respectively.

A word from Katarina: I am beyond excited to share this interview with you all. I recorded this about a year ago in a rooftop apartment in Merida, Mexico. I had taken a trip to visit my friend and spend some time regrouping and recharging myself. A serendipitous series of events led my friend, and then me, to meet Amanda Strickland, a first time director following her dream of creating a documentary. There is nothing more energizing for me than being surrounded by independent, inspiring women, who are taking on their dreams and making things happen in the world. Amanda is one of those women for sure. The story she tells through the lens of this documentary gives voice to a community that is often underrepresented, and empowers a woman who has been hard at work as a midwife for 60 years. This conversation with Amanda, or Mandi as I know her, is a behind the scenes look at Jats'uts Meyah, a documentary that premiered this past week and can now be found on Vimeo! Before the final edits were made, and before she knew how this documentary would make its debut, Mandi talked to me about why she wanted to be director, how she came to create this film, and why it is such an important story that the world needs to see. It is an honor for me to share this conversation with you all today, Friday May 22nd, on Mandi's birthday! Thank you as always for helping us #starttheconversation . Episode produced by: Katarina Hoskins and Alan Lytle Jats'uts Meyah is directed and produced by: Amanda Strickland Song in this episode: "El Sentidos" written by Felissa Estrada, produced by Jimmy Cruz and FT Music Studio To learn more about the documentary follow @meyah_documentary on Instagram and watch it on Vimeo on demand anytime!  

Happy Hump Day! Dropping a new episode here amidst our time at home. It's our turn to tell you how we feel. Today's episode is Women in the Service Industry and boy is it a good one. Katarina sits down to speak with Becca and Marjorie about their past and present experiences within the service industry. Both Becca and Marjorie are making moves when it comes to their roles working with craft beer and bourbon, and it sure feels good to watch two women kick ass and climb the ladder. A beertender herself, Katarina asks the women about the challenges they face, inappropriate customers, fun coworkers, and what it's like to be in their shoes. Raise your glass to this episode of Warrior Woman's Circle, and thank you as always for helping us #starttheconversation. Episode produced by: Katarina Hoskins, Alan Lytle, and RadioLex Music in this episode is Gemini by MrG and MsO Podcast theme music by Emma Yetter  

It's time for another Warrior Woman Highlight! During this episode, Katarina speaks with educator Kate Lohmeyer about her experiences as a health educator who has found a way to bring sexual health education into her school in Ohio. This was a particularly exciting episode for Katarina as sex education is a passion of hers. Kate walks us through her journey as a teacher, her work with Planned Parenthood, and the changes she is witnessing in her students now that sexual health is taking precedence in her school building. We can't wait for you to hear what this Warrior Woman has to say, and thank you as always for helping us #starttheconversation . Episode produced by: Katarina Hoskins, Alan Lytle, and RadioLex