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We were not created to fight life’s battles on our own. We were created for community, and humans are at their best when men and women pursue God’s mission together. On this episode of Where Ya From?, Carolyn Custis James shares her personal experience with gender inequality and learning about injustices toward women around the world. These experiences led her to not only become an advocate for women, but to develop a robust explanation of why men and women need each other to both survive and thrive the ups and downs of life.  Bio of guest:  Carolyn Custis James is an advocate for women around the world, and an award-winning author who specializes in strengthening relationships between men and women, and writing  about what it means to be a female follower of Jesus in a post-modern world. She serves as an adjunct faculty member at Missio Seminary in Philadelphia, and is married to Frank James.  Episode 10 links: Show Notes on whereyafrom.net Carolyn’s books: Finding God In The Margins and The Gospel of Ruth Free resource: Marching Forward Voices Collection from Our Daily Bread Ministries

If you and I were to read through the Bible, would we find a God who is only concerned about saving souls? Or would we discover a God who’s concerned about both the spiritual and physical wellbeing of humanity? What does the Bible say about being socially active and pursuing justice? Today, Dr. Esau McCaulley shares his origin story with Rasool, and they end up in a discussion about the creation of the term “social gospel” and how that term affects how we read the Bible today.  Bio of guest:  Dr. Esau McCaulley holds a PhD in New Testament, and specializes in unpacking the intersection of race, Christian identity, and the pursuit of justice. He serves as assistant professor of New Testament at Wheaton College. Is one of the co-founders of Call and Response Ministries, and serves as director of Next Generation Leadership for the ACNA (Anglican Church in North America). He is married to Mandy, a pediatrician and a navy reservist. Together, they have four children. Episode 9 links: Show Notes on whereyafrom.net Dr. Esau’s Bio Preorder Dr. Esau’s Book:  Reading While Black Free resource: This Far By Faith  Voices Collection from Our Daily Bread Ministries

The brain is an important part of the body. So why is there often a stigma related to pursuing brain health? And why do people often avoid getting the help they need? And what if there are things in all of our lives that are harming our mental health? Today, Rasool asks Dr. Christina Edmondson Where Ya From? and ends up in a practical conversation about mental health, black dignity, and the vital role of humor in healing from trauma.   Bio of guest:  Dr. Christina Edmondson is an expert on mental health, the Dean of Intercultural Studies at Calvin University, and holds a PhD in Counseling and Psychology from Tennessee State University. She’s also a host on Truth’s Table, a popular podcast for black women. Episode 8 links: Show Notes on whereyafrom.net Dr. Christina's bio Free resource: In Pursuit of Jesus Sheila Wise Rowe book: Healing Racial Trauma Voices Collection from Our Daily Bread Ministries  

Everyone struggles or has struggled with issues of identity. Maybe it's the way we look or the amount of success we have achieved or perhaps we want to change who we are to please someone else. The question “Who am I?” is fundamental, and when we allow others or our culture to answer that question for us, it can lead to devastating consequences. Today, Rasool asks Ekemini Uwan “Where Ya From?” and discovers how the ideology of white supremacy impacted not only the way she viewed herself, but also how combatting this ideology led to her to become an anti-racist.  Bio of guest:  Ekemini Uwan is a public theologian who has dedicated her life to combating racism and bringing awareness to the issues of colorism, white supremacy, and microaggressions. She is a host of Truth’s Table, a popular podcast for black women, and holds a Master’s of Divinity degree from Westminster Theological Seminary.  Episode 7 links: Show Notes on whereyafrom.net Ekemini’s Website Free resource: In Pursuit of Jesus - South Africa episode  Voices Collection from Our Daily Bread Ministries

At some point, all of us feel like we have to code-switch--to hide the real us or keep our opinions to ourselves. But unlike those of us who are simply trying to avoid an argument—maybe with a parent or friend— when it comes to issues of race and culture, code-switching is a method of survival. Today, Rasool asks Dr. Eric Mason Where Ya From?, and ends up in a conversation about code switching, Biblical politics, and what it means to be woke.  Bio of guest:  Dr. Eric Mason is the pastor at Epiphany Fellowship in Philadelphia, a church where men and women are welcome as they are, and don’t feel the pressure to code-switch. He’s the author of several books including: Woke Church: An Urgent Call For Christians In America To Confront Racism and Injustice.  Episode 6 links: Show Notes on whereyafrom.net Dr. Eric Mason’s books: Woke Church and Manhood Restored Free resource: Oh Freedom  Voices Collection from Our Daily Bread Ministries WEB Dubois Book: Souls of Black Folk Voices Collection from Our Daily Bread Ministries

We all have blindspots in our lives--beliefs, values, and assumptions that we’re not aware of--  and many of these blindspots can cause serious damage to us and others. On this episode of Where Ya From?, Pastor Daniel Hill, shares about some blindspots in his life related to issues of race and justice, and the confrontations with others that began Daniel’s journey of becoming what he calls “White Awake.”  Bio of guest:  Daniel Hill is the founding and senior pastor of River City Community Church, located in the West Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago. A church that longs to see increased spiritual renewal as well as social and economic justice in the neighborhood and city, demonstrating compassion and alleviating poverty as tangible expressions of the Kingdom of God.  Daniel has a DMin and is the author of White Awake and White Lies. Daniel is married to Elizabeth, and they are the proud parents of Xander and Gabriella Hill. Episode 5 links: Show Notes on whereyafrom.net Daniel’s books: White Awake and White Lies Free resource: This Far By Faith  Voices Collection from Our Daily Bread Ministries

What kind of beauty speaks to you? Music? The written word? Artwork?  Film? What is it about that type of art that captures your imagination and speaks to you in the deepest way? On this episode of Where Ya From?, Brady Goodwin Jr (aka “Phanatik”) shares his story of becoming an influential rapper, and how his love for rhythm and rhyme led him to understand how hip hop has shaped the history and ethics of modern culture.  Guest bio: Brady Goodwin Jr. (aka “Phanatik”) is a rapper, theologian, and teacher. He was a founding  member of the group “The Cross Movement”--which was considered the east coast originators of Christian hiphop--and has gone on to create a culturally relevant ethics course titled: “Hip Hop History and Ethics.” Brady is an expert on rhythm and rhyme, and the historical impact of Hip Hop on cultures throughout the world. Episode 4 links: Show Notes on whereyafrom.net Brady’s book: Hip Hop History and Ethics Brady’s song: Hip Hop Music Free resource: In Pursuit Of Jesus Voices Collection from Our Daily Bread Ministries

How far can Christians blend into culture before losing their Christian identity? How far can Christians adjust to culture before compromising Christian convictions? On this episode of Where Ya From?, Dr. A.R. Bernard shares his story of discovering Christianity not as a religion, but as a culture, and how this discovery led his church to address issues of gentrification, low-income housing, and other socio-economic issues affecting his community.    Guest Bio: Dr. A.R. Bernard is the founding pastor of the 45,000 member Christian Cultural Center, and has dedicated his life to helping people understand the cultural impact of Jesus’ life and influence. He’s been sought after by Oprah and has served on multiple New York City mayoral transition teams. He lives in Brooklyn, NY with his wife Karen. Episode 3 Links: Show Notes on whereyafrom.net Free resource: This Far by Faith Voices Collection from Our Daily Bread Ministries

Finding real friendships can be difficult and experiencing true community can feel impossible. So what does it look like to find a true friend? To be one? What does it mean to be truly known and accepted by another person? On this episode of Where Ya From?, Kristen “KB” Newton shares her story of struggling through relationships, and how that struggle led to founding HEARTConvos--an organization that helps people build authentic relationships through having hard conversations.   Guest Bio: Kristen “KB” Newton is the creator and founder of HEARTConvos, an organization that helps people build authentic relationships through having hard conversations. She was previously the DJ for both the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever. She’s married to her husband Mike, and they have a daughter. Episode 2 links: Show Notes on whereyafrom.net HEARTConvos Free resource: Oh Freedom  Voices Collection from Our Daily Bread Ministries

Our hometowns, cultures, and family-experiences shape us. Two people can grow up in the same city, but because of their different neighborhoods, perceived race and other influences, can grow up in different worlds. Today, Rich Perez--a pastor with a robust and diverse background--describes the many layers of his life, and how these diverse experiences have offered a unique vantage point to discuss how majority and minority cultures can work together for the good of their neighborhoods.  Guest Bio: Rich Perez is a unique storyteller and thought-leader in the Hispanic-American experience. His life has layers, and Rich has put a lot of time into understanding these layers and how they’ve shaped who he is and what he cares about. In 2011, Rich and his family planted Christ Crucified Fellowship in his hometown neighborhood (Washington Heights) in New York City. Rich is also the author of Mi Casa Uptown: Learning To Love Again. Episode 1 Links: Show Notes on whereyafrom.net Rich’s Book: Mi Casa Uptown Episode 1 of In Pursuit  of Jesus  Voices Collection from Our Daily Bread Ministries