Shift Happens
In a world increasingly marked by division, cruelty, and chaos, Shift Happens is your guide to navigating the social and political turmoil of our time with hope, integrity, and courage. Each week, we bring you conversation with leaders, thinkers, and change-makers who are on the frontline of resisting white Christian nationalism, dehumanization, polarization, and apathy.
Together, we explore how to confront these challenges without mirroring them- how to resist cruelty without becoming cruel, combat anger without being consumed by it, and dismantle systems of injustice while remaining grounding in compassion and humanity.
Shift Happens isn't just about understanding the world; it's about empowering you to shape it. Tune in and discover practical insights, inspiring stories, and the tools you need to resist with resilience, love and purpose.
Change is possible because shift happens.
Shift Happens
Mariko Clark & Rachel Eleanor: The Book of Belonging
This week Joe talks the author and illustrator of The Book of Belonging, Mariko Clark and Rachel Eleanor.
Mariko Clark is a Japanese American author, mother, and storyteller on a mission to help kids embrace diversity and wonder. Her time as an editor with National Geographic Learning sharpened her ability to make complex topics accessible and engaging. She equips kids and caregivers with spiritual resources to navigate the messy middle, wrestle with tough questions, and find community in the journey. Mariko lives outside of Indianapolis with her husband and three sweet and spicy kids.
Rachel Eleanor is an illustrator known for doodles of questing travelers, friendly spirits, and all manner of creatures. She uses drawing as a way to explore the wilderness within and without, focusing on themes of spirituality and mindfulness. Her whimsical characters have inhabited books and stationery, championed brands, and even bedecked beverages. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, son, and tabby cat, where they enjoy taking long walks, picking flowers, and cooking with their friends.
No doubt you will be encouraged by this conversation. We hope that it does bring a little light and life during a heavy week.
To connect with Mariko or see her work please click HERE
To connect with Rachel or see her work please click HERE
To order The Book of Belonging: https://www.thebookofbelonging.com/
Things Mention in this Episode:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/725878/do-you-still-talk-to-grandma-by-brit-barron/
https://www.ellegroverfricks.com/
Correction about cult of Pan and castration festivals: As far as BEMA content goes, the Pan Festival at the gates of hell is BEMA ep 119. The church at Sardis is ep 179.
Loathe am I to gate-keep education, especially when casting a different vision against white nationalist christianity.
The deity that men would castrate themselves in honor of is Agdistis, an evolution of Cybele. You can read more about her here!
Make sure to subscribe, give us a rating and share these stories. To connect with Joe on social media or email, please click HERE. To follow Shift Happens on Instagram, please click HERE.
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