Compassionate Las Vegas Podcast with Will Rucker Will Rucker

"Justice in the pursuit of equity is going to be an ongoing conversation for generations to come. We all should have equal access and opportunities to succeed, irrespective of our backgrounds." - Kara Jenkins

About the Guest:

In this episode of Compassionate Las Vegas - the Podcast, host Will Rucker introduces us to guest Kara Jenkins, an influential figure who has been appointed by the governor to the Nevada Equal Rights Commission. For over twelve years, Jenkins has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of individuals across various protected categories such as race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or age.

She is instrumental in investigating cases of housing discrimination, employment discrimination, and public accommodation discrimination. With a legal background and appointments to significant public service roles, Jenkins's career is defined by her commitment to justice, equity, and lifting marginalized voices in the state of Nevada.

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of Compassionate Las Vegas - the Podcast, host Will Rucker engages in a profound dialogue with Kara Jenkins, diving deep into the themes of compassion and justice within the sphere of public service. Jenkins sheds light on the integral work of the Nevada Equal Rights Commission and the nuances of addressing discrimination and inequality. Kara Jenkins passionately articulates the complexities that come with enforcing equality laws, including the confidential and often under-the-radar nature of their crucial work. She touches upon the responsibilities of her commission, emphasizing the significance of giving everyone—irrespective of their background—a fair shot and access to opportunities.

This episode is a beacon for understanding the intersection of compassion and legislation, echoing the podcast's theme of making a real difference in people's lives. Jenkins also opens up about the personal aspects which shape her dedication to public service, highlighting the influence of her upbringing, the loss of her father, and her spiritual faith. The conversation navigates the terrain of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), discussing its critical role and the challenges it faces in the current societal climate.

Listeners will find inspiration in Jenkins's journey as a product of affirmative action and her determination to uplift her community through her work.

Key Takeaways:

The Nevada Equal Rights Commission is dedicated to ensuring fair treatment for individuals regardless of their immutable characteristics, tackling discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations.

Compassion is a verb; it represents daily action and intentional living to support and empower others, even in the face of adversity or discomfort.

DEI initiatives are crucial for providing the necessary exposure and opportunities for underrepresented groups to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.

Personal conviction, support from friends and family, and spiritual faith are central to sustaining one's dedication to public service.

Resources:

Nevada Equal Rights Commission Website: www.detr.nv.gov

Las Vegas Office Phone: 702-486-7161 | Reno Office Phone: 775-823-6690

 

Join us for the full episode to gain a deeper understanding of the role compassion plays in the quest for justice and how individuals like Kara Jenkins are making strides in creating a more equitable society. Don't miss out on more informative and heartening content to come from Compassionate Las Vegas.

About the Guest:

David Gershon, an esteemed founder of the Empowerment Institute, is a visionary leader who has dedicated his career to advancing the global movement of peace and empowerment. Renowned for orchestrating an event that saw a symbolic flame traversed worldwide, David ignites a spirit of peace in the hearts of global citizens.

With an ambitious mission of achieving peace on earth by 2030 and an established strategy of seven steps to get there, he seeks to usher humanity into a golden age. Gershon has also authored transformational works such as Social Change 2.0 and co-created the institute alongside Gail Straub, contributing his expertise to sculpt a more harmonious world.

Episode Summary:

In this thought-provoking episode of Compassionate Las Vegas - the Podcast, host Will Rucker welcomes the return of David Gershon to delve deeper into his ambitious mission for global peace by 2030. The conversation opens with an inspiring vision: transitioning society towards a golden age built on principles of peace and community evolution, a concept David is fervently working towards actualizing. David Gershon unpacks a comprehensive peace-building framework known as the peace game, grounded in seven foundational practices.

Rooted in empowerment, the methodology is a system designed to evolve human consciousness from the individual level outwards. Gershon shares ingenious insights on these practices, emphasizing the transformation from static paradigms to organic growth, fostering a living, evolving community. The episode traverses the path from building individual capacity for peace to cultivating universal cooperation and sowing the seeds for a movement that can tip the scales toward global harmony.

Key Takeaways:

Empowering Vision: Gershon introduces a strategic shift from pathology to a vision-centric approach, with "empowerment" being the first and foundational step of the peace game.

Oneness and Unity: By befriending 'the other' and celebrating common humanity, the practices of oneness and unity break down barriers and encourage inclusive environments.

Economic and Social Tipping Points: The peace game envisions 40 million global participants by 2030 - a tipping point that can radically change collective belief systems and social norms.

Supporting Abundance and Love: Contributions towards groups facilitating harmony bolster a spirit of abundance, while prayers and visualization for peace amplify spiritual energy.

Faith and Mobilization: Faith in the collective capacity for change culminates in inviting others to join the peace game, thus building a movement toward the envisioned golden age.

Resources:

David Gershon's book for change strategies and methodologies: "Social Change 2.0: A Blueprint for Reinventing Our World" (Available on Amazon)

Empowerment Institute (Co-created with Gail Straub): empowermentinstitute.net

Peace game and movement website: peace2030.earth

 

Join us on this enlightening journey towards global peace by tuning in to the full episode of Compassionate Las Vegas - the Podcast. This conversation with David Gershon imparts invaluable wisdom and actions that can lead us toward a collective golden age. Stay engaged with our podcast for more insightful content that enhances our mission of compassion and community transformation.

"Hope is teachable. Keep shining." - Kathryn Goetzke

About the Guest:

Kathryn Goetzke is an advocate for mental health awareness and the power of hope. A survivor of personal tragedy, she lost her father to suicide as a freshman in college and later faced her own challenges with mental health. Goetzke channeled her experiences into a mission to understand the root causes of suicide and how to foster hope as a preventative measure. She is the founder of The Mood Factory and the non-profit iFred, initiatives that rebrand mental health discussion through positive action and education. She's recognized globally for her work, notably as a Chief Hope Officer who teaches people around the world how to cultivate hope in their lives.

Episode Summary:

 In this invigorating episode of Compassionate Las Vegas, host Will Rucker engages in an illuminating conversation with Kathryn Goetzke, a beacon for promoting hope and positive mental health practices. The discussion orbits around the transformative power of hope, both as a personal and a community resource. From personal anecdotes to scientific insights, Goetzke shares her wealth of knowledge on coping mechanisms and strategies to amplify hope in individuals and cities.

After sharing her personal journey, which includes the loss of her father to suicide and her own mental health struggles, Kathryn Goetzke articulates her definition of hope—a proactive and actionable state rather than mere wishful thinking. She delves into the systematic teaching of hope, outlining the SHINE framework as a mnemonic for key aspects of hopefulness. Goetzke also announces the exciting transition of Las Vegas into a hopeful city, outlining the resources and programs designed to activate hope in the community.

Key Takeaways:

Hopefulness can be scientifically measured and taught; it's a proactive state, not just wishful thinking. The SHINE acronym (Stress Skills, Happiness Habits, Inspired Actions, Nourishing Networks, Eliminate Challenges) encapsulates the five keys to cultivating hope. Las Vegas is embarking on a transformative journey to become a hopeful city with community-wide educational resources and programs available. Teaching and learning stress management skills are essential, as stress triggers can lead to less hopeful and more reactive behaviors. Empowering teens and young adults with tools to understand and build hope is critical to combating widespread feelings of hopelessness.

Engage with the full conversation to be fueled by the optimism and actionable strategies shared by Kathryn Goetzke, and join us on Compassionate Las Vegas to be part of the growing narrative around hope as a transformative tool. Stay tuned for more episodes that empower, inform, and connect. #compassion #hope #lasvegas

In the Season 6 premiere of Compassionate Las Vegas—the Podcast, host Will Rucker interviews world-renowned psychologist and mindfulness teacher Rick Hanson. They discuss the power of compassion and the importance of empathy and caring in today's world. They delve into the challenges of overcoming the "us versus them" mentality and the need for unity and cooperation. Rick also shares insights on how individuals can make a difference and create positive change.

Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on compassion and discover how you can contribute to a more compassionate society.

"Compassion, which is bittersweet, the bitter of the empathy, but the sweet of the tender care and concern for that other person which moves you to action to relieve their suffering." - Rick Hanson

Rick Hanson is a distinguished figure in the fields of psychology and mindfulness. With a career spanning decades, he has established himself as a clinical psychologist, a senior fellow of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, and a New York Times bestselling author. Hanson is also known for his unique insights in combining neuroscience, contemplative wisdom, and practical psychology, providing transformative resources in human well-being. He is the founder of the Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom and has authored seminal works such as "Buddha's Brain," "Hardwiring Happiness," and "Resilient." His work has helped countless individuals foster greater happiness, love, and wisdom in their lives through the power of inner strength and mindfulness.

Learn more at https://rickhanson.com/

About The Guest:

Joel Kisner is a former law enforcement officer with a passion for helping victims of crime. After a long career in law enforcement, including working on a federal task force and in homicide investigations, Joel now runs his own business called Pinnacle Consulting and Advisors. He is also involved in the development of the Global Security Operations Center (GSOC) and the System of Care, two initiatives aimed at combating human trafficking and improving counterterrorism intelligence.

Summary:

Joel Kisner, a former law enforcement officer, discusses his work in combating human trafficking and improving counterterrorism intelligence. He shares his insights on compassion and the importance of caring for others. Joel explains the need for a coordinated approach to addressing human trafficking and the gaps that exist in the current system. He introduces the Global Security Operations Center (GSOC) and the System of Care, two initiatives that aim to bring together various stakeholders and resources to effectively combat human trafficking. Joel also discusses the role of artificial intelligence in these efforts and the importance of proper regulation and oversight.

Key Takeaways: Compassion is about caring and finding different ways to solve problems. The Global Security Operations Center (GSOC) aims to bring together various entities to share information and resources in combating human trafficking and improving counterterrorism intelligence. The System of Care focuses on creating a coordinated approach to addressing human trafficking, with a focus on training and support for frontline workers. Artificial intelligence can be a valuable tool in improving efficiency and effectiveness in addressing human trafficking and counterterrorism intelligence.

 

LeAnzar Stockley is a grief recovery specialist and the founder of Soul Society 61. He is certified in the evidence-based grief recovery program and helps individuals process their grief in a healthy and effective way. Summary: LeAnzar Stockley discusses the impact of the holiday season on grief and provides strategies for navigating through grief during this time. He emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to feel the emotions associated with grief and not suppressing them. LeAnzar also highlights the need for supportive relationships and offers advice on how to support someone who is grieving. He explains the difference between sympathy and compassion, and how compassion involves being present with someone in their grief rather than trying to fix or alleviate their pain. LeAnzar also explores the role of joy and gratitude in the grieving process, emphasizing that it is possible to experience both grief and gratitude simultaneously.

Key Takeaways:

It is important to allow oneself to feel the emotions associated with grief and not suppress them. Supportive relationships are crucial for navigating through grief, and it is important to let the person who is grieving lead the way in terms of what support they need. Compassion involves being present with someone in their grief, while sympathy often involves pity or feeling sorry for the person. Joy and gratitude can coexist with grief and can provide strength and support during the grieving process. "You can be grieving and grateful at the same time."