57 episodes

A podcast at the intersection of faith, race, and reconciliation. People of faith should be leaders of reconciliation however historically issues of race and culture seem to get in the way of rising above differences to find common ground through reconciliation. We discuss those challenges and sometimes we may also stray onto different topics but we'll always come back to reconciliation.

Above The Noise Grantley Martelly

    • Religion & Spirituality
    • 5.0 • 17 Ratings

A podcast at the intersection of faith, race, and reconciliation. People of faith should be leaders of reconciliation however historically issues of race and culture seem to get in the way of rising above differences to find common ground through reconciliation. We discuss those challenges and sometimes we may also stray onto different topics but we'll always come back to reconciliation.

    Episode 57 Phil Washington: My Mother's Prayers

    Episode 57 Phil Washington: My Mother's Prayers

    Phil Washington's voyage from the challenging streets of Chicago's South Side to the heights of transportation industry leadership is a narrative that resonates with the power of transformation. In a candid conversation, he shares the profound influence his family had in steering his life towards a purpose greater than he could have imagined. From the pivotal moment that rerouted his life's direction in the military to the serendipitous leap into the transportation arena, Phil's story is a masterclass in seizing life's unexpected opportunities and the profound impact of spiritual grounding.

    His reflections on situational leadership and the practice of empathy within authority come to light, offering invaluable insights for anyone seeking to lead with heart and strength. His principles, such as "proceed until apprehended," provide a framework for navigating the complexities of organizational trust and the art of managing disappointments. Phil's success is a poignant testament to the enduring power of a mother's prayers and the spiritual inheritance that transcends material success.


    #abovethenoise24
    # faith
    #reconciliation
    #race
    racialreconciliation

    Stay in touch:
    Email us at: abovethenoise24@gmail.com Facebook: @abovethenoise24 Instagram: abovethenoise_gm Podcast art by Mario Christie.

    • 1 hr 2 min
    56. Confronting Faith, Race, and Identity within Work, Worship, and Society

    56. Confronting Faith, Race, and Identity within Work, Worship, and Society

    Have you ever been in a setting where the lines between faith, race, and identity become blurred? As a person of color navigating various professional terrains—I share honest reflections on representation and integrity, and how economic decisions ripple through marginalized communities. Dr. Sims and I confront the difficulties of racial tensions within the church, advocating for justice and the courage to remember the true purpose of our vocations.

    Dr. Sims and I dissect the historical roots of institutionalized racism in religious movements and contemplate the church's role in fostering genuine reconciliation. By examining how faith shapes societal issues like health and education, we shed light on the need for actionable equality, challenging religious institutions to practice what they preach and to rethink their role in perpetuating discriminatory norms.

    We grapple with the obstacles of institutionalism, religious culturalism, and nationalism within the church. We question the conflation of cultural traditions with biblical teachings. This episode serves as a clarion call for compassion in action, urging believers to not only absorb the truth but to live it out by inviting conversations and learning from the full spectrum of history. Join us for a dialogue that promises to challenge and inspire your faith journey.
    #abovethenoise24
    # faith
    #reconciliation
    #race
    racialreconciliation

    Stay in touch:
    Email us at: abovethenoise24@gmail.com Facebook: @abovethenoise24 Instagram: abovethenoise_gm Podcast art by Mario Christie.

    • 59 min
    Episode 55: Grantley Martelly: Resilient Journeys in Faith and Culture

    Episode 55: Grantley Martelly: Resilient Journeys in Faith and Culture

    This episode peels back the layers of my life, Grantley Martelly, and the vibrant path walked under the influence of my family, particularly a mother whose faith never faltered. Dr. Andre Sims, joining me in an engaging role reversal, delves into the depths of my narrative, exploring the profound impact of spirituality and the unexpected turns that have led to this point in my life.

    The rhythm of Caribbean heritage beats at the heart of our discussion, where faith meets culture in a dance of delicate balance. The story of young musicians daring to weave reggae and Calypso into their worship is a symphony of struggle and triumph, resonating with a message of inclusivity and identity. Listeners will be transported to a world where the sanctity of traditional practices is challenged, and the beauty of cultural authenticity shines through, striking chords with a congregation as diverse as the melodies they celebrate.
    #abovethenoise24
    # faith
    #reconciliation
    #race
    racialreconciliation

    Stay in touch:
    Email us at: abovethenoise24@gmail.com Facebook: @abovethenoise24 Instagram: abovethenoise_gm Podcast art by Mario Christie.

    • 45 min
    Episode 54: Austin Franklin: Hidden Credentials

    Episode 54: Austin Franklin: Hidden Credentials

    Ever wondered how to leverage your unique strengths to propel yourself to success? Austin J. Franklin, a nationally acclaimed speaker and author, illuminates how his "five more minutes" principle and concept of hidden credentials paved the way for his triumph over academic struggles. He shares intimate snippets of his journey with us, encouraging listeners to discover and tap into their own innate qualities that bridge the gap between perceived weaknesses and strengths.

    Franklin is the founder of Good Natured Life, a company infused with kindness, friendliness, and patience (KFP) that illuminates the intersection of entrepreneurship and faith, building to the power of shared visions - a lesson he learnt from his mother, who is now the president of his company. 

    Finally, we delve into a profound exploration of faith, race, and leadership. Unpacking themes from his book, "The Difference Maker Leader," our guest presents five timeless principles for effective leadership. Highlighting the importance of vision as the bedrock of leadership, he underscores the need for adaptability, emotional intelligence, and growth positioning. This conversation is a call to action to embrace uncertainty and change, offering tools to transform disadvantage into advantage. Don't miss out on this episode—it's sure to fuel your journey towards self-improvement and leadership development.

    www.goodnaturedlife.com
    #abovethenoise24
    # faith
    #reconciliation
    #race
    racialreconciliation

    Stay in touch:
    Email us at: abovethenoise24@gmail.com Facebook: @abovethenoise24 Instagram: abovethenoise_gm Podcast art by Mario Christie.

    • 43 min
    53. Religious Nationalism – My Perspective

    53. Religious Nationalism – My Perspective

    We embark to give a historical perspective on the complexities of religious nationalism and how similar tactics are alive today to seek to establish religious/Christian nationalism in various pockets around the world including the United States of America.  We'll travel back to the colonial era, exposing how religion was weaponized as a tool of control and exploitation. Our exploration will reveal the detrimental effects of religious nationalism when it descends into intolerance and exclusivity causing societal upheaval. 

    We dissect the manipulation of religious nationalism to stoke fear, isolationism, and a sense of superiority. We shine a light on the tragic outcomes, including racism, ethnic intolerance, and an opposition to diversity. Despite these challenging realities, there is a silver lining. We delve into the transformative power of faith and the potential for individuals and communities to foster positive change. Listen in as we discuss the role people of faith can play in advancing social justice, education, medical equity, and more.

    #religiousnationalism; #christiannationalism
    #abovethenoise24
    # faith
    #reconciliation
    #race
    racialreconciliation

    Stay in touch:
    Email us at: abovethenoise24@gmail.com Facebook: @abovethenoise24 Instagram: abovethenoise_gm Podcast art by Mario Christie.

    • 14 min
    52. Ijeoma Oluo: Conversations on Race, Part 2

    52. Ijeoma Oluo: Conversations on Race, Part 2

    In this concluding episode our guest, Ijeoma Oluo: author and speaker helps us decode the true definitions of the terms: race and privilege; highlighting how racism is not just prejudice, but a systemic issue, and privilege is not a term to be weaponized but rather a descriptor of how one navigates the world. She also enlightens us on intersectionality and the importance of understanding our own privilege, as it can be a powerful tool in driving positive change.
    We explore the intricate relationship between intersectionality, race, and class in America. We delve into the real-world implications of these dynamics and the harm they can cause if used to create divisions among different social groups. We also emphasize the power of learning and supporting others, encouraging a culture of constant growth that embraces diversification of information sources and the questioning of whose voices might be missing in our everyday conversations. 
    #abovethenoise24
    # faith
    #reconciliation
    #race
    racialreconciliation

    Stay in touch:
    Email us at: abovethenoise24@gmail.com Facebook: @abovethenoise24 Instagram: abovethenoise_gm Podcast art by Mario Christie.

    • 32 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
17 Ratings

17 Ratings

black bean noodle ,

Captivating. Compelling. Worth Your Listen

The nuanced exploration of how race and faith intersect provides comprehensive understanding of systemic issues that have perpetuated racial and religious divide. The conversations, stories and interviews this podcast delves into are candid, compelling and make space for listeners to reflect on their own experiences.

Great work, Above The Noise, great work!

PotBelli ,

IMPRESSIVE INTERSECTION

It was an absolute pleasure to listen to this recent discussion of “Above The Noise”, with the Northwest Nazarene University’s President, Dr. Joel Pearsall.

I have been following Grantley Martelly’s precarious travels through the maze of what he calls “…the Intersection of Faith, Race and Reconciliation..” This last two-part episode was a riveting as all of the others.

I am amazed at the very thoughtful, researched and well presented discussions that Mr. Martelly is able to have with professionals on these very difficult subjects.

In this hyper sensitive and politically charged economy, it is very easy for a professional to slip off that precarious politically correct edge of race relations. Careers have been torpedoed by saying or doing wrong thing with respect to race.

However, it appears that all of the invited guests are able to artfully share from the heart to the zingers that Grantley seemingly hurls their way.

VERY IMPRESSIVE. I can’t wait to hear the next discussion.

Great Job Grantley.

Sam Trotman, President/CEO Space Metrics Inc.

Bajan Azusa ,

Thanks

This recent four episodes personalized the long term impact of hate. Thanks for your courage and showing the differences in all humans. Have you considered reclassifying your podcast as relationship?

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