March has knocked on our doors, and with it, a new theme has risen. Hey reader! If you didn’t know, this single-person press also has a podcast. Yes, you read that right. The Have a Cup of Johanny Podcast is a one-woman show where I discuss embarrassing anecdotes that pushed me to learn something new. Some topics are funnier than others, but all of them hinge on personal growth.

Following the show’s mantra, this March, we are focusing on global crises that have, for whatever reason, become political. So, I am not going to lie; some were tough to record because I wondered who would disagree with me and how nasty they would be when they did. Still, if you follow the show, you have gotten to know me, and you know I cannot stay quiet, at least not for too long, especially after I have learned something new.

New information makes me want to shout from the rooftops!

So, with love, we’re diving deep into the essence of growth, change, and the undeniable value of stepping into the uncomfortable. The theme?

The Crises That Surround Us

Each Wednesday will bring a new episode where we will embark on a journey together, exploring topics that are not just current but crucial. We’re talking about the issues that make headlines, stir debates, or sometimes, sadly, get overlooked amidst the noise of our daily lives. From the humanitarian crises echoing in the shadows of conflict zones to the subtle yet significant shifts in our climate that beckon for our attention, we’re covering ground that matters.

Why Embrace Discomfort?

You might wonder, “Why focus on discomfort?” Here’s the thing – growth does not reside in the safety of our known territories. It lurks in the challenge of confronting what we do not understand, what we fear, or what contradicts our deeply held beliefs. This March, I want us to lean into that discomfort, listen, question, and reflect on what these revelations mean for us as individuals and as a collective.

Upcoming Episodes at a Glance:

• The Gaza Gaze: A closer look at what life is like in Gaza, beyond the headlines. This episode aims to humanize the narrative, shedding light on the day-to-day realities of those living amidst a longstanding conflict. In addition to Gaza we will note other humanitarian crisis happening in the world such as Yemen, Syria, Venezuela, Ethiopia and others.
• Climate Crisis – A Ticking Clock: Delving into the climate crisis, this episode will explore the long-term impacts of our current trajectory and the actionable steps we can all take to forge a different path.
• Immigration – The immigrant stereotypes: we will delve into the so-called migrant crisis through the lens of someone who lives in El Paso and who’s an immigrant themselves.
• Ukraine – A Nation’s Struggle for Sovereignty: Reflecting on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, this episode will explore the implications for global politics and the human spirit’s resilience.

The Invitation to Growth

As we navigate these topics, my goal isn’t just to inform but to challenge our perceptions, biases, and the comfort zones we’ve built around our understanding of the world. In the moments when we confront the uncomfortable, we can grow, shift, and expand our empathy beyond the confines of our own experiences.

I invite you to join me in this journey as passive listeners and active participants in a dialogue that could reshape how we see the world and our place within it. Yes, it might be uncomfortable. Yes, it might challenge us. But it’s through these challenges that we find the pathways to real change and understanding.

Let’s embrace the discomfort together, for it is in these spaces that our hearts and minds can truly expand.

PS: What is something new you learned today?