Radiant Mix

We are celebrating our 40th episode with Life Coach & Counselor Brittany George of Mixed Mental Health. Brittany works with mixed-race women as they embark on their journey of self-discovery. She has created a space that honors the mixed woman’s exploration of identity, community, rituals, inner-child reparenting, relationships, and ancestry. Multiracial women have such distinct experiences and addressing our mental health is of the upmost importance. In this episode you will hear how Brittany’s life opened up once she made an effort to explore unanswered questions in her family, plus lots of insight on the power of therapy and coaching to heal and transform our lives. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: How to navigate social anxiety & microagressions The power of embodying a sense of belonging Brittany shares about the life-changing experience of meeting her father for the first time The transformational benefits of understanding your heritage Can the mixed community bridge society’s divide? The magical powers of the therapy & coaching   LINKS: Mixed Mental Health @MixedMentalHealth @RadiantMix  @Hope.McGrath  Ignite Love, Passion & Purpose Course by Hope McGrath  

Now that Kamala Harris is the Vice President Elect, there is a lot to celebrate with this triumphant accomplishment.  In this Radiant Mix episode, I have a special guest host, my dear friend Rekha Malhotra, otherwise known as DJ Rekha. We talk about Kamala Harris, multiracial identity, politics, anti-blackness & the caste system within the Indian community & America, the importance of social activism and the effects of one shattered glass ceiling for women of color. Rekha is a DJ, producer, curator, and educator. They have been credited with pioneering Bhangra music in North America via Basement Bhangra club night - the party lasted 20 years! Rekha has done remixes for countless artists and has performed at the Obama White House and throughout the world. Rekha has a Masters in Comparative Media Studies from MIT and produces the weekly podcast Bhangra and Beyond. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: Celebrating the rise of Kamala Harris and real talk on the mixed perspective from the biracial and South Asian prospective. Anti-blackness in the South Asian community and throughout America The role of privilege, mixed race identity, caste systems, class, professional accomplishments on how Kamala Harris and Barack Obama rose to the highest political offices in America. Colorism & subconscious authenticity tests for multiracial individuals and immigrants. Power and racism in America How can we all get involved to continue to fight for our rights and democracy.   LINKS: DJ Rekha on Instagram FairFight.com - Help take back the Senate in Georgia through Stacey Abram’s organization Fair Fight Action.  @RadiantMix @Hope.McGrath HopeMcGrath.com  

This important episode of Radiant Mix features Kimberly Peeler-Allen, who has been working at the intersection of race, gender and politics for over 20 years. Kimberly is the Co-founder of Higher Heights, the leading national organization dedicated to building Black women’s collective political power from the voting booth to elected office.  This episode explores the importance and the plight of black women who lead in the political realm. We talk about life, racism and sexism within politics, hope for the future and so much more. Kimberly is currently a Visiting Practitioner at the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, serves as Board Chair of the ERA Coalition, and is a board member of the Fund for Women's Equity and NARAL Pro-Choice America Foundation. So excited to share this episode with you right before the most important election of our lifetime. Vote like your life depends on it.   SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: Reflections on life as a black girl with a white-passing mom and similarities to the mixed experience The importance of embracing the multifaceted black experience The double bind female politicians face, especially Kamala Harris in this moment The vital role of women of color in politics  The Breona Taylor case and the distrust by many of our judicial system Tips on active measures we can all take to support the black lives matter movement The power of believing in the hope and the promise of America   LINKS:  Twitter: kimberp_a  Kim’s website: Peeler-Allen.com Higher Heights for America #blackwomenlead Discovery Call with Hope: “Ignite Love, Passion & Purpose” Online Course  @RadiantMix  @Hope.McGrath    

This week on Radiant Mix, I am so happy to bring back an important episode that aired last year featuring the lovely Sebene Selassie, a celebrated meditation teacher and author of her new book You Belong: A Call for Connection. Sebene has been studying Buddhism for 30 years and has been teaching meditation workshops, courses and retreat for over a decade and is a popular teacher on the Ten Percent Happier app. For over 20 years she’s worked with children, youth, and families nationally and internationally for small and large not for profits. In this episode, Sebene drops some science and profound wisdom about the power of a spiritual path and community, self-care, insights on working through trauma, the art of welcoming challenges into our lives…not an easy feat.  Now more than ever we need mindfulness in our lives. Shift your mind. Get inspired by Sebene Selassie.   Show Highlights:  •What inspired Sebene to practice Buddhism  •The beauty and challenges of being different •Get a glimpse of Sebene’s immigrant experience growing up and trying to adapt to a culture that you don’t know anything about   •The necessity of having a sense of belonging  •The journey of realizing she is and we all are born to belong  •Reconciling individualism with the oneness of humanity  •Looking inside yourself before you look to change the world  •What it looks like to get involved in deep practice and commit to it  •The truth behind intergenerational trauma  •Methods of self-care, finding stillness and centering yourself  •Methods of healing when dealing with physical challenges  •Embracing your struggles as a beautiful experience  •Finding joy within the circumstances of your life  •Expert advice to kick-start a meditation practice Links: “You Belong: A Call for Connection” New Book by Sebene Selassie SebeneSelassie.com  @SebeneSelassie on Instagram  Discovery Call for Hope’s New Online Coaching Program: Love, Passion & Purpose    @RadiantMix on Instagram   @TheRadiantMix on Facebook  

In this episode of Radiant Mix, Hope McGrath brings back to the forefront a conversation with her mother Helen Boxwill as they touch upon the touchy subjects of white privilege and the concepts of white fragility.  Helen Boxwill, a celebrated educator, lifelong activist, and mother of biracial children for a few decades as insightful and empowering thoughts on the topic.  She even dishes come good advice to navigate difficult discussions about race with loved ones, tips on raising mixed kids, and more. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: Denial and resistance of white privilege The importance of freeing ourselves from the fear of talking about race across cultures Tips of how to navigate difficult conversations when ‘white fragility’ is front and center Transforming the oppression of racial difference and societal segregation Advice on raising mixed kids How to evolve past the comfort zone and nurture a multicultural existence if it is not the norm Navigating the typical mixed kid question…. “What are you?”    LINKS: Edward L. Nyankanzi Burundi Scholarship Fund for Burundi Refugees    Helen Boxwill of H2 Empower   White Fragility by Dr. Robin Diangelo White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh  Angel Kyodo Williams Anti-Defamation League      

So excited to introduce to you my dear friend Alex Jamieson, who shares with us some insightful wisdom on how to find success navigating the difficult conversations in our lives. Alexandra Jamieson is the bestselling author of five books, including her new award-winning book Radical Alignment and co-creator / co-star of the Oscar-nominated documentary Super Size Me. She is a highly-sought-after creative and success mentor and motivational guide.  Her work has been praised by Oprah, The Today Show, The New York Times, CNN, Elle and more.  She is the host of Her Rules Radio, a #1 rated podcast and an award-winning watercolor painter who has created commissioned works for clients around the world. In this 35th Radiant Mix episode, you get a glimpse into our friendship, actionable tips on how to be an effective communicator, and how we strive to come together, heal and thrive in this world.   SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: Learn specifics about the “All In Method” of communication to offer you clarity and guidelines on how to handle tough conversations within your professional and personal life Alex’s experiences with navigating white fragility, talking about race, and the importance of putting in the effort to learn about anti-racism. The art of setting boundaries and listening to your body The power of using your voice…and dealing with losing friends along the way in order to stand by your truth and values. How to recognize spiritual bypassing Dreaming big and how to co-create the life you desire    LINKS:  Radical Alignment Book Alexandra Jamieson Alex’s Instagram @RadiantMix @Hope.McGrath  

This week my co-host for the 34th episode of Radiant Mix is my daughter Ruby. I wanted to invite Ruby on the show again to share a mixed teen perspective on the present-day Black Lives Matter movement, navigating social activism on social media, traveling while interracial, and so much more. As a mother and an aunt, I believe it’s important to listen to our children, to learn about life from their perspective, and we as adults can learn so much from doing so. Ruby loves podcasts so she really wanted to add in a fun flash Q&A for us to share some strange, quirky facts about us.  We had fun with this one so we hope you enjoy this show. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: A teen perspective on the Black Lives Matter movement Real talk about colorism and racism in school and how we handle the student-led @blackat…. Instagram movement regarding NYC independent schools Awareness of difference….traveling while black with a multiracial family Observations on institutional shifts in regards to anti-racism Our thoughts on the Wall of Moms and the importance of a diverse community Learn fun facts about Hope and Ruby with our flash Q&A covering topics such a food, fashion, technology, hobbies, music and more   LINKS: @RadiantMix @Hope.McGrath Black Lives Matter Color of Change    

So excited to introduce to you Kailey Hsu, a top fashion model who so openly shares about her unique mixed experience being Chinese and Hungarian. Now that is a mix! For this episode, we talk about navigating life being considered ethnically ambiguous, how Kailey grew into being proud of who she is, race relations within the fashion industry, the importance of knowing your worth, the power of setting boundaries and her thoughts on how we can have hope for the future. Enjoy this inspiring episode and gain a little behind the scenes look at the fashion industry….   SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: Life through the lens of an “ethnically ambiguous” model The power of self-worth and letting things go that don’t serve you How the feeling of belonging changes as we mature An insider’s perspective of the role race plays with casting & modeling within the fashion industry The importance of deep listening, being kind and going for your dreams   Links: @KaileyHsu @RadiantMix Spark Session - Coaching Consultation with Hope RadiantMix.com   

This week we are proud to introduce Asha Frost, an Indigenous Medicine Woman and founder of Sacred Membership, a global online medicine circle community.  She has served thousands of people for the past two decades in her work as a native healer, homeopath, teacher, and leader and has studied with many shamans, medicine people, elders, and guides. In this episode, Asha shares the importance for us all to do our own soul work and deepen our spirituality for maximum healing. Lots of inspiration packed in this show and we get to hear wisdom from an indigenous woman’s perspective, which is often silenced in our society. No more…we can all be the change. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: Indigenous allyship with the Black Lives Matter Movement Navigating invisibility with pervasive white privilege  The break down of the philosophy of indigenous animal medicine and connecting to spirit Activism through spirituality The art of elevating self-worthiness, indulging in self-care The real-life repercussions of white supremacy for indigenous and POCs   LINKS:  AshaFrost.com  @asha.frost on Instagram @RadiantMix on Instagram  

In this episode, I am so excited to introduce to you Don Allen Stevenson III, a Specialist Trainer at DreamWorks Animation by day and a cutting edge Digital Creator by night. He loves future-proofing himself and others that follow his creative journey. For this show, you’ll be getting the unique mixed male perspective as we discuss the current #BlackLivesMatter movement, cool innovations in technology to educate and unite our society, and some powerful insights for living your best life. For those who love tech, this is a good one, since we have the ultimate techie in the house, as Don shares how he plans to utilize his creativity and tech innovations to strategize global solutions to systemic problems.   SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: The importance of having the hard conversations with compassion: “Every time someone is racist towards me, I don’t get angry. I see it as an incredible opportunity to learn and teach.” The art of giving back to society through utilizing your creative talents Get the inside scoop about how innovators at the forefront of technology are strategizing to change the world through the “Gamification of History.” Yes, you heard it here first. Two key principles for landing your dream job and being in your creative flow How practicing open-heartedness can allow more joy in your life   LINKS: Instagram: @donalleniii.       @Radiant Mix   Books:  Lies My Teacher Told Me by James W. Loewen  Ready, Player, One by Earnest Cline  Article in The Atlantic - How History Classes Helped Create a 'Post-Truth' America  

For this episode, I decided to bring onto the show one of my closest friends. We wanted to bring to you a light topic, to have a bit of fun during this pandemic and inspire you to get to you know your friends, family, or partner better. Tanisha, is a highly esteemed educator,  Assistant Principal of a high school in the South Bronx and a published writer.  We hope you enjoy this episode witnessing two sister friends get to know one another even more through answering these insightful questions and hopefully you can do the same with your friends, family or partner in crime. So happy to introduce to you my deep dive with Tanisha Shields….    SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: Get to know Tanisha and me, Hope McGrath, on the next level as we talk about the power of faith and gratitude, the importance of self-reflection and personal growth, who inspires us, our main bucket list item of the moment, the art of listening to your heart and intuitive spirit and what we cherish in authentic friendships. Here are our top 13 Questions to ask your friends, family and lovers. Test these out and listen to what came up for us with this experiment.   1. When was the last time you cried?   2. What is one thing in your childhood you would change?   3. What is one thing your ex would say about me?   4. If you could meet one person who has already passed on, who would it be and why?   5. What would constitute a perfect day for you?   6. If you could have one superpower, what would it be?   7. If you could teach any class, what would it be?   8. What are three things you are grateful for and why?   9. What is something on your bucket list you would do right after this pandemic?   10. What is a truth about yourself that your friends or family tell you that you don’t like?   11. What is one of the wildest thing you ever did in your 20s?   12. What do you value most in a friendship?   LINKS:  Radiant Mix on Instagram

This Radiant Mix episode features Sara Blanchard & Misasha Graham, co-hosts of the podcast ‘Dear White Women’, an award-winning social justice podcast for women who are open to learning more about race, history, current events and how to elevate the happiness in your life. They are best friends who met at Harvard and identify as half-white and half-Japanese. Sara & Misasha drop some great wisdom in this episode as we talk about navigating the pandemic, expert advice on how to be the change from a political slant, navigating white fragility, embodying a sense of belonging,  what unfolds when mixed Japanese girls pass as white, the art of practicing gratitude and so much more. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: The importance of caring for each other and removing blame during this global pandemic Learn about an important two-prong approach to ignite positive systemic change in our communities and the government from a legal & social justice perspective The catalyst for the ‘Dear White Women’ podcast & it’s similarities to the #blacklivesmatter movement “Whoa, you are not who I expected!” —- reactions to Sara & Misasha and the growth that comes from expanding minds The plight of mixed Hapa girls passing for white…”I’m legit.” A ‘white fragility’ breakthrough from a mixed perspective…secret tip…mindfulness  The power of a gratitude practice and watching our words when speaking on issues of race. LINKS: Dear White Women Podcast  Dear White Women on Instagram + Facebook + Twitter + Website   Next Door app    

In this episode, my daughter Ruby and I sit down to talk about how life is for us navigating the Corona Virus Pandemic.  It’s been such a challenge for everybody to deal with physical distancing, thousands of deaths and illnesses, the news! How can we stay safe and sane? How can we find joy and fun under quarantine? How do you grieve if a loved one passes away?  Ruby and I wanted to share about life with a positive slant despite so much negativity surrounding us. Tune in for some of our self-care rituals, mindfulness practices, creative ideas for at home activities and more.   SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: Gain insights into how we are dealing with social distancing Test out some of our extensive self-care rituals Navigating grief and healing Hear one teen’s experience with online learning Learn some things we love to do to keep our joy alive in the house Home made beauty hacks you should not try at home Comparison kills joy - how to keep your mind right and practice gratitude   LINKS: Instagram: @RadiantMix RadiantMix.com Email Hope: info@radiantmix.com  

Michele Rannie is an attorney in New York City practicing civil litigation and a Brooklyn Mom from the island of St. Kitts. In this episode, we talk about the trials and tribulations of being an immigrant and a woman of color within the high-powered corporate world. Michele equates her experience of showing up at her firm to the storyline of the famous film “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner” (1967) starring Sidney Poitier & Katherine Hepburn, when a white woman invites her black partner to her parents house to meet the family.  Most mixed couples can relate to some sort of shock by the family members.  We talk about how to overcome unattainable perfectionism, tips to elevate within the corporate world and so much more. If you work in the corporate world or desire elevate your professional game, may this episode inspire you.     SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: Learn tips for people of color on how to navigate the corporate world The power of understanding your self-worth and dignity Notes on how women can take their power back The wake up call that perfectionism and pressures for over-achievement just be considered equal must stop and be transformed How to navigate the multiple micro-aggressions that can lead to the “angry black woman’ stereotype What is implicit bias? Money talk and negotiating for equal pay Self-care rituals to face daily white privilege in the corporate structures    LINKS: Michele Rannie on Twitter Instagram:   @RadiantMix Email Hope: info@radiantmix.com

Lori L. Tharps is a content creator whose work lands at the intersection of race and popular culture. Lori is an associate professor of journalism at Temple University, an award-winning author, creator of the My American Meltingpot blog and podcast and a mother of three. Lori Tharps strives to use her words to broaden the conversation about race in America; to challenges racial stereotypes; to dismantle white supremacy, and to celebrate ethnic and cultural diversity whenever possible.   SHOW HIGHLIGHTS:   What is a Diversity Diva? Life as an “Other” - Lori’s Midwest life as the only black kid in town The art of friendship desegregation - how to overcome fear of being different in diverse spaces Mothering mixed kids while navigating colorism and discrimination The power of cultivating diverse relationships across cultures How to appreciate difference rather than tolerate it Confronting the truth about the outsider status Difference is good. Notes on building confidence.   LINKS: My American Meltingpot Blog The Podcast on iTunes Instagram @MyAmericanMeltingpot Facebook: facebook.com/myamericanmeltingpot Tropical Transformation Wellness Retreat  Instagram:   @RadiantMix Email Hope: info@radiantmix.com

So excited about this episode with the Dawnn Karen, a pioneer in the Fashion Psychology field, a professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Founder of the Fashion Psychology Institute and the author of her new book Dress Your Best Life. I believe fashion is art and in this conversation, you will begin to understand that fashion can also be viewed as a healing modality. It’s true! We touch upon how fashion can uplift us and reflect our moods, act as a storyteller, be a source of creative expression and more.  Dawnn specializes in styling from the inside out by bridging the gap between perception and reality. Join us fashionistas, as we go beyond the superficial to exemplify the importance of personal style.   SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: Similarities between Dawnn’s multicultural heritage and the biracial experience What is Fashion Psychology? Get the breakdown and learn the theories Fashion analysis and the #metoo movement Get key style tips to look and feel your best every day Compassion for Meghan Markle…thoughts on her personal style and Megxit Learn Dawnn’s insights on overcoming adversity amongst the naysayers The importance of self-care and fashion as a healing modality LINKS: Fashion Psychology Institute Dawnn’s Book: “Dress Your Best Life” Dawnn Karen on Instagram Tropical Transformation Wellness Retreat - www.tropicaltransformation.com Radiant Mix Instagram

Natalie Evans is an activist and the host of the  “Some Kind of Brown” podcast, whereas a primarily Indigenous Black woman, she shares her own unique perspective about Mixed and Multiracial life’s journeys and current events. In this episode, we talk about her life and journey reconnecting to her Native American heritage. Natalie offers insights on rediscovering yourself, the effects of racial misclassification, the plight of the serious epidemic Native American communities MMIW - Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and how we can help support the Native American community.   SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: Learn one woman’s story of navigating her multiracial identity in the south The importance of reconnecting with your ancestral lineage Get inspired with the dedication Natalie has for embracing and educating herself about her Native American heritage later in life The plight of refusing to be labeled “other” Bringing awareness about Indigenous causes, creativity, community and how to support Advocating for multiracial identity and accepting all of who we are LINKS:  Some Kind of Brown Podcast  Instagram Twitter Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women - www.csvanw.org Radiant Mix Instagram Tropical Transformation Wellness Retreat www.tropicaltransformation.com

In this first episode of 2020, Hope McGrath talks with Cyndie Spiegel, an in-demand keynote and TedX speaker, the founder of “Dear Grown Ass Women,” a community-led platform for women over the age of 35 and Author of “A Year of Positive Thinking.”  In this first episode for 2020, Cyndi Spiegel inspires with feminine-empowered wisdom and excellent insights on kickstarting your new year off right with confidence-boosting, boundary-setting self-care tips. We dive deep on the importance of self-love, releasing shame, building community and so much more. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: Key tips to set boundaries in your life…learn all about “liquid boundaries” Gain insights on the best way to push through fear and be vulnerable The power of kindness How to build your confidence…the answer will surprise you. The importance of women supporting women   LINKS:   Dear Grown Ass Women Cyndie Spiegel via Instagram Dear Grown Ass Women Instagram “A Year of Positive Thinking” Tropical Transformation Wellness Retreat  Radiant Mix - www.Radiantmix.com Radiant Mix Instagram   

In this episode, Hope McGrath shares reflections on a few life lessons she’s learned this year. In celebration of the launch of this Radiant Mix podcast, you’ll learn some of Hope’s  key takeaways from talking to some incredible change-makers about life, multiracial identity, multicultural existence and everything in between…lots of teachable moments. There is also some mixed pop culture news and Hope goes into coaching mode by offering some empowering visioning practices to help prepare you for the New Year.   SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: Hope gets personal but sharing some important life lessons she’s learned this year. Key inspiring takeaways from the top Radiant Mix episodes of the year Five Mixed Pop Culture Shout Outs - yes, in today’s day and age there are so many mixed individuals making incredible moves   Links: War of Art by Steven Pressfield - One of Hope’s favorite inspirational books Hope’s Daily Self-Love Practices RadiantMix.com Radiant Mix via Instagram

In this episode, I decided to bring on my daughter Ruby and niece Julia to talk about the mixed experience from their perspective.  Our conversation offers a glimpse of two teen girl city kids who share a few experiences navigating race, friends, colorism, confidence building techniques and of course hair, hair and more hair…which seems to be the biggest topic that signifies the mixed experience for girls. If you are a parent or are simply interested in hearing a unique perspective of the teen mixed experience, check it out.   SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: Fitting in and the different experiences between public and private schools in NYC How hair defines young mixed girls identity and the importance of confidence in one’s hair Stories of how colorism showed up at school and what surprised Julia about these experiences The importance of loving yourself no matter what Find out the girl’s favorite mixed influencers and how they inspire confidence in multiracial identity LINKS: A few of Julia and Ruby’s inspirational mixed girls… Jasmine Brown Joyjah Lisette Jorja Smith Zendaya  Liza Koshy Winnie Harlow