Operation Amigos

Megan Lauterio Jensen
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Relationships
  • Updated Biweekly

Repairing the broken roads and translating "LOVE THY NEIGHBOR" into everyday action that can create lasting change in our world. Come along as we explore stories from real-life human beings, like you and me.

  1. Apr 17

    Why Did They Come? Rex Ogle

    Rex Ogle, an award-winning author, shares his journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a successful writer. His works reflect his personal experiences and the influence of his family's history. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding one's ancestral background and the power of forgiveness in overcoming past trauma. It also explores the complexities of identity and the impact of societal perceptions. The conversation delves into the impact of childhood experiences, the journey of surviving and thriving, overcoming adversity, finding gratitude, and the challenges of the writing and publishing journey. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rex Ogle05:24 The Impact Family Dysfunction31:43 The Struggle of Identity38:32 Overcoming Adversity and Finding Gratitude49:50 Empathy and Understanding

    1h 4m
  2. Why Did They Come: Delia Ruiz

    Apr 9

    Why Did They Come: Delia Ruiz

    Delia Ruiz shares her journey as a first-generation Latina author and the impact of her family's immigration on her identity. She emphasizes the importance of knowing one's family history and the challenges of adapting to a new country. Delia's love for reading is contrasted with the lack of resources in her rural hometown in Mexico, highlighting the impact of access to books on her childhood. The conversation covers themes of access to books and libraries, passion for reading and writing, career paths and opportunities, representation in literature, arranging a panel with Pam Muñoz Ryan, challenges of immigration, impact of immigration journey, personal stories in children's books, life in Mexico vs. life in the US, hopes for the future, and being an amigo to other Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Reunion07:14 Family Histories and Identity19:12 Love for Reading and Lack of Resources26:06 Representation in Literature33:41 Impact of Immigration Journey41:30 Hopes for the Future

    44 min
  3. Why Did They Come: Edward Dennis

    Apr 2

    Why Did They Come: Edward Dennis

    The podcast episode explores the journey of Edward and Megan's immigrant ancestors and the challenges they faced in the US. It delves into family connections, the reasons for migration, and the resilience and determination of immigrant families to succeed in a new country. It also emphasizes the importance of knowing and embracing one's ancestry as a source of strength and identity.

    40 min

  4. Mar 23

    A New Beginning

    Operation Amigos returns with updates on involvement in the Latinx Kidlit Book Festival, organizing writing conferences, and rebranding the mission to promote unity and dialogue. The podcast introduces a new series called "Why Did They Come," and emphasizes the importance of family history and unexpected friendships. Chapters 00:00 Return of Operation Amigos06:15 Change in Podcast Dynamics12:07 Welcome to Operation Amigos

    8 min
  5. A Letter to the World: from the white mom of 3 biracial kids

    02/16/2022

    A Letter to the World: from the white mom of 3 biracial kids

    In the 1980s and 1990s, Amy Herrin Inette attended junior high and high school in Alabama, where racism and segregation were still very much alive and thriving. She recounts her experiences, including her marriage to a Black man and the challenges they experienced with their three bi-racial children. Amy pleads with other white people to open their hearts to recognizing not just blatant racism, but subtle ignorance that results in harm to our Black brothers and sisters.

    19 min
  6. Allison Dayton: Reconciling Faith and Rainbows

    04/21/2021

    Allison Dayton: Reconciling Faith and Rainbows

    In 2017, Allison's brother Preston took his life at the same time that her son was beginning his own process of coming out. While heartbreaking for her whole family, this tragedy started a chain reaction of positive learning that will continue to stand as a part of Preston's legacy for good. Allison instituted Lift and Love as a way to help support families in the LDS LGBTQ community. She teaches others (of many faiths) how to be accepting and supportive of LGBTQ loved ones in their circles (at home, at church, at school) while still maintaining a connection to Christ. Her hope is that fewer children of God will feel the desperation her brother Preston felt as they experience deeper understanding and love from those around them.

    56 min
  7. Rabbi Benny Zippel, Founder of Project H.E.A.R.T.

    04/07/2021

    Rabbi Benny Zippel, Founder of Project H.E.A.R.T.

    Rabbi Benny Zippel founded the Chabad Lubavitch of Utah, and Project H.E.A.R.T., which aims to help at-risk youth, Jewish and otherwise, all over the state. Rabbi Zippel is a huge proponent of helping others learn that each one of us is important, valuable, and needed in this world. Join us as we chat with him about his faith, his work, and the unselfish purpose to which he has dedicated his own life.

    1 hr
  8. 12 Years in Mexico: Part 2

    03/25/2021

    12 Years in Mexico: Part 2

    Justino and Brook Mora have just realized that Justino won't be allowed back into the United States for at least ten years. What will their life look like now, starting over with almost nothing? Join us as we listen in on their incredibly hard first years trying to build a life for themselves in Mexico, the things they learned from the amazing people and culture, and how they finally made it back to the U.S. 12 years later.

    1h 2m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Repairing the broken roads and translating "LOVE THY NEIGHBOR" into everyday action that can create lasting change in our world. Come along as we explore stories from real-life human beings, like you and me.

Information

  • Creator
    Megan Lauterio Jensen
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Megan Lauterio Jensen
  • Show Website
    Operation Amigos