On Episode 269 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Leslie and Tesi discuss strategies to keep their stressed-out, pandemic-heavy, world-weary hearts from turning cold and black. They talk about what’s giving them life in this moment and the things that they should probably feel guilty about, but don’t. This playful and earnest episode revolves around the idea that, with some intention, we can exist as complex beings amidst a complex time…and even cultivate joy. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 268 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie sit down with Holiday Reinhorn, author and co-founder of LIDÈ Haiti, a community-based organization providing academic support and arts programs that EMPOWER and strengthen the resiliency of adolescent girls and differently abled youth who have been denied equal access to education. In this fantastic conversation Holiday reminds us of the transformative power of the arts and inspires us with her story, her wisdom, and her dedication to spreading creativity and love in this world. Listen in! For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 267 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie sit down with Lauren Ornelas, the founder of the Food Empowerment Project, an organization that seeks to create a more just and sustainable world by recognizing the power of one’s food choices. The women discuss farm worker rights, veganism, chocolate slavery, the lack of access to healthy foods, and how we can all make more informed choices that can ultimately prevent injustice against animals, people, and the environment. Now, more than ever, is a great time to learn about the importance of—and treatment of—farm and factory workers in America and Lauren is a phenomenal resource and impressive activist. For full Show Notes visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 266 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie talk about how systems, policies, and economic stimulus plans have repeatedly failed people of color, women, and minorities. They dive into the history of these harmful policies and talk about how in the midst of a global health pandemic and the consequential economic collapse, it’s the poor and marginalized who continue to lose. For complete Show Notes, head to the Mama Bear Dares website.