The unRival Spaces Podcast

In this episode of The unRival Spaces Podcast, get to know Suzanne Ross (unRival’s Executive Director) and Lyle Enright (unRival’s Research Director).

Lyle and Suzanne discuss their Genesis stories and how they became involved in advocating for peace and justice. They explore the themes of violence, inclusivity, and the importance of art and storytelling in promoting peace. They also touch on the challenges of being in rivalry with others and the need to find hope in the midst of difficult situations. The conversation highlights the transformative power of understanding the humanity of others and the importance of offering alternative narratives that inspire change.

Takeaways

• Genesis stories are the first moments that inspire individuals to advocate for peace and justice.
• Understanding the humanity of others, even those who perpetrate violence, is crucial in promoting peace.
• Art and storytelling can help us see different perspectives and challenge our own narratives.
• Being open to being wrong about others can lead to new possibilities and relationships.
• Promoting inclusivity and offering alternative narratives can inspire change.
• Supporting peacebuilders is crucial in combating isolation and burnout.

Links

• The Joy of Being Wrong by James Allison
• Baptizing America: How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism by Beau T. Underwood and Brian Kaylor
• Theology & Peace Conference
• Colloquium on Violence & Religion

UnRival is a network for those committed to nonviolence. We believe dignity and justice can transform cycles of rivalry and conflict.

We are called unRival because unrelenting rivalry creates cycles of violence and systemic oppression. Rivalry contagiously spreads animosity, shame, and scarcity thinking. But peace is contagious, too.

We serve peacebuilders (artists, academics, and activists) working directly in their communities. By helping leaders detangle from the rivalries around them, we help set them free to influence and inspire entire communities toward positive peace. In our programs, we refer to these high-potential, high-impact leaders as “artisans of peace.”

• To stay in touch, find us on social media, visit our website, and subscribe for our bi-weekly newsletter, The Frame.
• To learn more about our team and show hosts, click here.
• We invite you to join us in supporting peacebuilders how they need it the most by making a donation. Peacebuilders need our support now more than ever, and unRival’s programs offer crucial nonrivalrous space to combat feelings of isolation and burnout.

In this episode of the unRival Spaces podcast, Suzanne Ross and Billy Price discuss the launch of a new program for justice filmmakers, The Film Lab 2024 Intensive. They talk about the partnership between unRival and the Justice Film Festival and the importance of including artists in peacebuilding efforts. The Film Lab aims to create a nonrivalrous space for justice filmmakers to come together, share their work, and receive mentorship and support. The program will focus on topics such as storytelling, funding, marketing, and distribution. The conversation ends with a discussion on what gives them hope, including the power of storytelling and vulnerability.

Takeaways

• UnRival and the Justice Film Festival have partnered to launch the Film Lab, a program for justice filmmakers.
• Including artists in peacebuilding efforts is important as they can use their creativity to tell stories that promote justice and peace.
• The Film Lab provides a nonrivalrous space for filmmakers to come together, share their work, and receive mentorship and support.
• The program focuses on topics such as storytelling, funding, marketing, and distribution.
• The conversation ends with a discussion on what gives them hope, including the power of storytelling.

UnRival is a network for those committed to nonviolence. We believe dignity and justice can transform cycles of rivalry and conflict.

We are called unRival because unrelenting rivalry creates cycles of violence and systemic oppression. Rivalry contagiously spreads animosity, shame, and scarcity thinking. But peace is contagious, too.

We serve peacebuilders (artists, academics, and activists) working directly in their communities. By helping leaders detangle from the rivalries around them, we help set them free to influence and inspire entire communities toward positive peace. In our programs, we refer to these high-potential, high-impact leaders as “artisans of peace.”

• To stay in touch, find us on social media, visit our website, and subscribe for our bi-weekly newsletter, The Frame.
• To learn more about our team and show hosts, click here.
• We invite you to join us in supporting peacebuilders how they need it the most by making a donation. Peacebuilders need our support now more than ever, and unRival’s programs offer crucial nonrivalrous space to combat feelings of isolation and burnout.

In this episode of The unRival Spaces podcast, Lyle Enright sits down with unRival friend, collaborator, and board member Joel Aguilar.

They discuss the role of spirituality in peacebuilding, the importance of discipline and fluency in love, and the challenges of navigating rivalry and violence. Joel shares his insights on sustaining hope and the power of friendship and family.

Meet Joel Aguilar

Joel is married to Annette, and they have two daughters. Joel has a Ph.D. in Practical Theology from the University of Pretoria in South Africa, a master’s in global urban leadership from Bakke Graduate University, and a bachelors in theology from the Central American Theological Seminary.

Joel has dedicated his adult life to forming incarnational leaders who love their city and seek its peace in Guatemala City. He is the Academic Dean at the Community for Interdisciplinary Theological Studies, and a senior fellow and ordained member of the Street Psalms community. He serves on the unRival Network Board of Directors and was a collaborator and co-creator of the Artisans of Peace Program.

Takeaways

• Spirituality is essential for peacebuilders, providing sustenance and grounding in the face of challenges.
• Discipline is not about punishment, but about constantly repeating actions to achieve fluency in a specific skill or language, including the language of love.
• Fluency in love involves paying attention to the hurt, hope, and heart of a community or place, and constantly questioning one's motivations and feelings.
• Navigating rivalry and manipulation requires self-awareness, constant questioning, and the support of friendships and community.
• Joel's book, 'The Human Catechism,' explores his faith journey and the untangling from violent theologies.

Links

• A Human Catechismby Joel Aguilar
• Joel's Substack

UnRival is a network for those committed to nonviolence. We believe dignity and justice can transform cycles of rivalry and conflict.

We are called unRival because unrelenting rivalry creates cycles of violence and systemic oppression. Rivalry contagiously spreads animosity, shame, and scarcity thinking. But peace is contagious, too.

We serve peacebuilders (artists, academics, and activists) working directly in their communities. By helping leaders detangle from the rivalries around them, we help set them free to influence and inspire entire communities toward positive peace. In our programs, we refer to these high-potential, high-impact leaders as “artisans of peace.”

• To stay in touch, find us on social media, visit our website, and subscribe for our bi-weekly newsletter, The Frame.
• To learn more about our team and show hosts, click here.
• We invite you to join us in supporting peacebuilders how they need it the most by making a donation. Peacebuilders need our support now more than ever, and unRival’s programs offer crucial nonrivalrous space to combat feelings of isolation and burnout.

In this episode of The unRival Spaces Podcast, get to know Billy Price (unRival’s Creative Director) and Jason Ferenczi (unRival’s Program Director).

Ahead of their trip to South Africa for the Artisans of Peace in-person retreat, Billy Price and Jason Ferenczi discuss the concept of Genesis stories and how they shape our desires and identities. They share their own Genesis stories and reflect on the importance of creating safe spaces for exploration and self-discovery. They also discuss the power of creativity and playfulness in fostering healing and connection. The conversation highlights the need to unrival internal rivalries and embrace vulnerability in order to work towards peace.

Takeaways

• Genesis stories help us understand the desires and identities that shape us.
• Creating safe spaces for exploration and self-discovery is crucial for personal growth.
• Creativity and playfulness can foster healing and connection.
• Unrivaling internal rivalries and embracing vulnerability is essential for building positive relationships and working towards peace.

UnRival is a network for those committed to nonviolence. We believe dignity and justice can transform cycles of rivalry and conflict.

We are called unRival because unrelenting rivalry creates cycles of violence and systemic oppression. Rivalry contagiously spreads animosity, shame, and scarcity thinking. But peace is contagious, too.

We serve peacebuilders (artists, academics, and activists) working directly in their communities. By helping leaders detangle from the rivalries around them, we help set them free to influence and inspire entire communities toward positive peace. In our programs, we refer to these high-potential, high-impact leaders as “artisans of peace.”

• To stay in touch, find us on social media, visit our website, and subscribe for our bi-weekly newsletter, The Frame.
• To learn more about our team and show hosts, click here.
• We invite you to join us in supporting peacebuilders how they need it the most by making a donation. Peacebuilders need our support now more than ever, and unRival’s programs offer crucial nonrivalrous space to combat feelings of isolation and burnout.