The Joyous Justice Podcast

Send us a message via text message! Link accessible at joyousjustice.buzzsprout.com. ✅ In this more intimate episode, April shares reflections from her living room and unveils exciting updates about the evolution of the Joyous Justice Podcast. From the recent and upcoming introduction of guest speakers to new series focused on social justice leaderships and diverse healing modalities, among other topics, April offers a glimpse into the expansive vision guiding the podcast forward. She also shares some key insights regarding the power of self-love and self-acceptance, inviting you to consider this specific and important element of your own self-care journey. Emphasizing the beauty of collaboration and community, April encourages active listener engagement—through questions, feedback, and connection—as an essential part of the show’s future and her relationship and connection to you. Tune in to hear what’s emerging, what’s evolving, and how you can be part of a growing movement rooted in healing, justice, and joy. _______________ Interested in hiring April as a consultant? Submit a written inquiry here or schedule a quick initial consult with her. For a limited time, you're invited to join April for a free 5-day 1:1 challenge (30-45min daily, at an optimal time you'll select together with April). Click here to schedule your free 1:1 Challenge scheduled with April today! Follow us on Instagram - @joyous.justice Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our services, programs, and to get connected! Support the show Discussion and reflection questions:

Send us a message via text message! Link accessible at joyousjustice.buzzsprout.com. ✅ In this episode, Kohenet April N. Baskin and poet, archivist, and visionary jesi "rocki" taylor dive into a rich and layered conversation about disposability and extraction of black and global majority leaders, power, and the complexities of identity, as inspired by the limited, but potent lore surrounding Vashti. Together they explore the ways harm is named and weaponized, the nature of joy as a liberatory force, and the systemic patterns of extractive labor in justice work. This is a conversation that holds nuance, challenge, and depth—an invitation to examine the spaces we navigate and the truths we carry. To learn more about jesi and connect with faer work, you can find them on Instagram and here's access to the links for their newsletter, website, and so much more! Support the show Discussion and reflection questions:

Send us a message via text message! (Link accessible at joyousjustice.buzzsprout.com. ✅ What happens when those who were once celebrated as respected and promising leaders become seen as threats? What happens when institutions benefit from the labor of Black women and and other leaders with marginalized identities, only to discard them once they begin to achieve what they were hired to do? In this revelatory episode, April N. Baskin explores Vashti’s erasure—not just as a biblical anecdote, but as a recurring pattern in movements, organizations, and professional spaces today, especially for Black women. With honesty and scholarly depth, April shares her own journey of being embraced, then excluded, from spaces she once poured herself into. She unpacks how the concept of neo-plantationism, a concept April originally coined, can help us better understand how historic domination and control patterns at still at play within contemporary professional and social spaces, and why so many courageous leaders experience systemic and harmful pushback when they are successful at advocating for real change they were hired/asked to advance. This episode is an offering of truth (including a painful and alarming story not previously shared), solidarity, and hopeful conviction—a declaration that we are not disposable. That we will not be erased. That our labor, wisdom, love, and voices matter and aren't going anywhere, despite efforts to the contrary. Show Notes access here When Black Women Go From Office Pet to Office Threat, First your boss loves you, then they dislike you. Here’s how Black women can manage the icy transition,access article hereSupport the show Discussion and reflection questions:

Send us a message! In a powerful comeback episode, April N. Baskin unpacks the roots of her deep, intentional peace amid the chaos of Trump’s 2nd presidential term. Balancing raw emotion with spiritual insight, she shares how various factors and strategies have properly resourced her to fundamentally withstand oppressive forces without sacrificing her inner calm. With a mix of fierce honesty and gentle invitation, April lays out why embracing this peace is an intentional, revolutionary act—and she lets you know how you can join the conversation through Buzzsprout messaging! Discussion and reflection questions: Links: Blog Post with link"Already Free"Interested in hiring April as a consultant? Submit a written inquiry here or schedule a quick initial consult with her. For a limited time, you're invited to join April for a free 5-day 1:1 challenge (30-45min daily, at an optimal time you'll select together with April). Click here to schedule your free 1:1 Challenge scheduled with April today! Follow us on Instagram - @joyous.justice Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our services, programs, and to get connected! Support the show Discussion and reflection questions:

In this captivating episode 139 of the Joyous Justice Podcast, a pivotal moment unfolds as April Baskin and Tracie Guy Decker delve into a heartfelt and transformative discussion: They unveil significant changes that will shape the future of the podcast, marking a new era in their journey of advocacy and growth. This episode is not just an update; it's a reflection of resilience, the power of collaboration, and the beauty of evolving paths. As April takes a bold step in a new direction, and Tracie explores exciting endeavors, they invite listeners to be part of this momentous transition. Filled with profound insights, personal revelations, and a glimpse into the future of Joyous Justice, this episode promises to be a compelling listen that will leave you inspired and curious about what lies ahead. Links: Discussion and reflection questions: Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community! Join our online community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/590922415522750 Submit a question, insight, or topic or guest suggestion at https://joyousjustice.com/connect Find April’s TikTok videos here: https://www.tiktok.com/@aprilavivabaskin Follow us on Instagram (@joyous.justice), Twitter, (@JoyousJustice), or Facebook (www.facebook.com/joyousjustice365) Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community!

Summary In this episode, Kohenet April Nichole Baskin discusses the concept of on-ramps and piloting in relation to personal growth and transitions. She explores the idea of using the new year as an opportunity for reflection and experimentation, emphasizing the importance of spacious on-ramps and the value of piloting different practices as needed. April shares her personal experiences with navigating difficult circumstances and the lessons she has learned from floating and pivoting. She encourages you to embrace or experiments with on-ramps and piloting as tools for personal growth, and creating an ecosystem for success. Discussion and reflection questions: Key Takeaways Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community! Join our online community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/590922415522750 Submit a question, insight, or topic or guest suggestion at https://joyousjustice.com/connect Find April’s TikTok videos here: https://www.tiktok.com/@aprilavivabaskin Follow us on Instagram (@joyous.justice), Twitter, (@JoyousJustice), or Facebook (www.facebook.com/joyousjustice365) Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community!

Join recently-ordained Kohenet April Nichole Baskin in a captivating examination and reconsideration of what often gets classified as "pragmatic" or "practical." April delves into the transformative power of mindfulness about language and advocates for a reframe, or at the least, thoughtful consideration of what we label as "pragmatic" and "practical." She asserts that visionary, strategic thinking and action that challenges conventional mindsets can, in fact, be some of the most pragmatic and practical thinking and actions we can employ. This episode is a vibrant blend of personal anecdotes and visionary insights, culminating in a powerful call to, when necessary, intervene when brilliant insights and strategies are being shut down or ignored because they were (in)directly labeled as impractical. Instead, as allies and practitioners, we can bridge communication gaps and embrace and pilot innovative, effective, and joyously just strategies. Key Takeaways: Redefining Pragmatism:Challenges of a Visionary Woman of Color:The Limiting Power of Language:The Visionary's Approach:Joyous Justice – Pragmatism Meets Vision:Strategic Thinking vs. Practicality:Bridging Understanding Gaps:

In this episode (recorded as an Instagram Live before April's Kohenet ordination), April unpacks and examines the buzzword term "trauma-informed." Thinking and talking about trauma has become more and more common. While this is, generally speaking, a good thing, it's important--especially with something fraught, fragile, and potentially triggering--for us to be clear about what we mean, what is possible, and what is safe. April offers a new term, "trauma-agile," to help make things clear. Discussion and reflection questions: What in this episode is new for you? What have you learned and how does it land? What is resonating? What is sticking with you and why? What feels hard? What is challenging or on the edge for you? What feelings and sensations are arising and where in your body do you feel them? Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community! Join our online community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/590922415522750 Submit a question, insight, or topic or guest suggestion at https://joyousjustice.com/connect Find April’s TikTok videos here: https://www.tiktok.com/@aprilavivabaskin Follow us on Instagram (@joyous.justice), Twitter, (@JoyousJustice), or Facebook (www.facebook.com/joyousjustice365) Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community! Want to work with us? If you are considering one of our group or executive coaching packages, but want to talk it through, you can schedule a no-obligation zoom with April: https://app.usemotion.com/meet/april-baskin/chat-w-april?d=30 All content © 2023 The Joyous Justice Podcast.

The limits our circumstances can place on us often creep in incrementally until we wake up one day and realize we aren’t allowing our full selves to shine. Originally an Instagram Live, this episode finds April reminding herself she can and has created space for what she wants and who she is. There is room for our whole selves in this big wide world–if we’re courageous enough to claim the space. Discussion and reflection questions: What in this episode is new for you? What have you learned and how does it land? What is resonating? What is sticking with you and why? What feels hard? What is challenging or on the edge for you? What feelings and sensations are arising and where in your body do you feel them? Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community! Join our online community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/590922415522750 Submit a question, insight, or topic or guest suggestion at https://joyousjustice.com/connect Find April’s TikTok videos here: https://www.tiktok.com/@aprilavivabaskin Follow us on Instagram (@joyous.justice), Twitter, (@JoyousJustice), or Facebook (www.facebook.com/joyousjustice365) Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community! Want to work with us? If you are considering one of our group or executive coaching packages, but want to talk it through, you can schedule a no-obligation zoom with April: https://app.usemotion.com/meet/april-baskin/chat-w-april?d=30 All content © 2023 The Joyous Justice Podcast.

The limits our circumstances can place on us often creep in incrementally until we wake up one day and realize we aren’t allowing our full selves to shine. Originally an Instagram Live, this episode finds April reminding herself she can and has created space for what she wants who she is. There is room for our whole selves in this big wide world–if we’re courageous enough to claim the space. Discussion and reflection questions: What in this episode is new for you? What have you learned and how does it land? What is resonating? What is sticking with you and why? What feels hard? What is challenging or on the edge for you? What feelings and sensations are arising and where in your body do you feel them? Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community! Join our online community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/590922415522750 Submit a question, insight, or topic or guest suggestion at https://joyousjustice.com/connect Find April’s TikTok videos here: https://www.tiktok.com/@aprilavivabaskin Follow us on Instagram (@joyous.justice), Twitter, (@JoyousJustice), or Facebook (www.facebook.com/joyousjustice365) Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community! Want to work with us? If you are considering one of our group or executive coaching packages, but want to talk it through, you can schedule a no-obligation zoom with April: https://app.usemotion.com/meet/april-baskin/chat-w-april?d=30 All content © 2023 The Joyous Justice Podcast.

In this contemplative episode, April reflects on key insights she gained while on vacation. Rest and fun opened up the truth that despite leaning into heart- and spirit-led living, there is still more room–and even an obligation–to be fully and truly oneself. Movement toward that truth can feel scary, since humans sometimes (often?) compromise who we are in service to belonging. But belonging based on censoring our true selves is not true belonging. Discussion and reflection questions: Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community! Join our online community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/590922415522750 Submit a question, insight, or topic or guest suggestion at https://joyousjustice.com/connect Find April’s TikTok videos here: https://www.tiktok.com/@aprilavivabaskin Follow us on Instagram (@joyous.justice), Twitter, (@JoyousJustice), or Facebook (www.facebook.com/joyousjustice365) Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community! Learn more about Brené Brown’s writing and research: https://brenebrown.com/ Want to work with us? If you are considering one of our group or executive coaching packages, but want to talk it through, you can schedule a no-obligation zoom with April: https://app.usemotion.com/meet/april-baskin/chat-w-april?d=30 All content © 2023 The Joyous Justice Podcast.

In this reprise of episode 30, April and Tracie reveal the liberatory wisdom in eight practices from Passover observance. Find April and Tracie's full bios and submit topic suggestions for the show at www.JewsTalkRacialJustice.com Learn more about Joyous Justice where April is the founding and fabulous (!) director and Tracie is a senior partner: https://joyousjustice.com/ Resources mentioned: Learn more about the characteristics of White Supremacy Culture: https://www.dismantlingracism.org/uploads/4/3/5/7/43579015/okun_-_white_sup_culture.pdf Hear the song "All my relations" by Ulali: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swgz8nocENw%20 and read the lyrics: https://www.flashlyrics.com/lyrics/ulali/all-my-relations-27

In this vulnerable episode, April shares recent experiences uncovering and working to heal old wounds including feelings of rage, betrayal, and fear. She shares details of fear she’s been navigating and ways it’s been holding her back and that she’s ready to let go of. For April, transparency around her process of feeling and transmuting suffering toward healing is a strategic move to help counter the perception that to have joy we must deny or ignore suffering. Discussion and reflection questions: Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community! Join our online community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/590922415522750 Submit a question, insight, or topic or guest suggestion at https://joyousjustice.com/connect Find April’s TikTok videos here: https://www.tiktok.com/@aprilavivabaskin Follow us on Instagram (@joyous.justice), Twitter, (@JoyousJustice), or Facebook (www.facebook.com/joyousjustice365) Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community! Want to work with us? If you are considering one of our group or executive coaching packages, but want to talk it through, you can schedule a no-obligation zoom with April: https://usemotion.com/meet/april-baskin/chat-w-april?d=30 All content © 2023 The Joyous Justice Podcast.

Resilience has gotten a bad rap recently. The ability to “bounce back” has been conflated with the requirement to bounce back into oppressive dynamics. But it’s those oppressive dynamics, not the bouncing back, that’s ultimately the problem. In this episode, April explores the difference between the gift of resilience and the ways in which it has been weaponized by capitalist and neo-colonialist contexts, and previews the work she’ll be leading in the Redefining Resilience workshop next week. Secure your spot in the workshop: joyousjustice.com/resilience Discussion and reflection questions: Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community! Join our online community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/590922415522750 Submit a question, insight, or topic or guest suggestion at https://joyousjustice.com/connect Find April’s TikTok videos here: https://www.tiktok.com/@aprilavivabaskin Follow us on Instagram (@joyous.justice), Twitter, (@JoyousJustice), or Facebook (www.facebook.com/joyousjustice365) Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community! Want to work with us? If you are considering one of our group or executive coaching packages, but want to talk it through, you can schedule a no-obligation zoom with April: https://calendly.com/aprilnbaskin/chat-w-april All content © 2023 The Joyous Justice Podcast.

In this episode of The Joyous Justice Podcast, host April Baskin talks about our relationship with thriving, why so many of us have a bad relationship, and how we can start healing it. Our relationship with the concept of thriving begins when we are very young and money is one of the core areas where we have the most negative programming. As adults, we must evaluate our beliefs associated with thriving, question them, and do the inner work. Healing your relationship with thriving is the foundation of positioning yourself and our movements for long-term sustainability and success. Discussion and reflection questions: Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community! Join our online community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/590922415522750 Submit a question, insight, or topic or guest suggestion at https://joyousjustice.com/connect Find April’s TikTok videos here: https://www.tiktok.com/@aprilavivabaskin Follow us on Instagram (@joyous.justice), Twitter, (@JoyousJustice), or Facebook (www.facebook.com/joyousjustice365) Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community! Want to work with us? If you are considering one of our group or executive coaching packages, but want to talk it through, you can schedule a no-obligation zoom with April: https://calendly.com/aprilnbaskin/chat-w-april All content © 2023 The Joyous Justice Podcast.

In today’s conversation, we’re thinking about the difference between making something happen, and making space to see what happens. We explore the transition journeys we are both on, the messaging that April is receiving from her body and the Divine while she navigates being sick, the need to slow down when in the midst of massive transformation. Discussion and reflection questions: Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community! Join our online community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/590922415522750 Submit a question, insight, or topic or guest suggestion at https://joyousjustice.com/connect Find April’s TikTok videos here: https://www.tiktok.com/@aprilavivabaskin Follow us on Instagram (@joyous.justice), Twitter, (@JoyousJustice), or Facebook (www.facebook.com/joyousjustice365) Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community! Want to work with us? If you are considering one of our group or executive coaching packages, but want to talk it through, you can schedule a no-obligation zoom with April: https://calendly.com/aprilnbaskin/chat-w-april

In this special conversation, we share some important announcements about transitions that all three members of the Joyous Justice team are embarking upon. In this season of emergence and introspection, all of our transitions are both unique, and sacredly timed and interwoven. April also describes how she’s releasing shame around how her mind works. And, we share our appreciation for Joyous Justice, this podcast, and the potent transformation that we’ve experienced and is to come. Discussion and reflection questions: Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community! Join our online community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/590922415522750 Submit a question, insight, or topic or guest suggestion at https://joyousjustice.com/connect Find April’s TikTok videos here: https://www.tiktok.com/@aprilavivabaskin Follow us on Instagram (@joyous.justice), Twitter, (@JoyousJustice), or Facebook (www.facebook.com/joyousjustice365) Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community! Want to work with us? If you are considering one of our group or executive coaching packages, but want to talk it through, you can schedule a no-obligation zoom with April: https://calendly.com/aprilnbaskin/chat-w-april

In this episode, we're sharing segments from a live Grounded & Growing class on some key foundational elements of the Success System version of the S.H.E.M.A. Process. April discusses the foundational power of shifting our focus toward what we truly want. And for those of us who may have a hard time knowing what we want, she shares a tool (a Wheel of Well-being. You can make yourself a copy from the link below) and some key questions to help guide you. Make your own copy of an interactive Wheel of Well-being here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11v7y1pvHKs8BG2DDyiZ2wfpFS5lt9P57rAzLx0KeJzI/edit?usp=sharing When thinking about what you want (next) in one aspect of your life, consider these questions: Discussion and reflection questions: Learn more about Grounded & Growing and sign up for the waitlist at joyousjustice.com/apply Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community! Join our online community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/590922415522750 Submit a question, insight, or topic or guest suggestion at https://joyousjustice.com/connect Find April’s TikTok videos here: https://www.tiktok.com/@aprilavivabaskin Follow us on Instagram (@joyous.justice), Twitter, (@JoyousJustice), or Facebook (www.facebook.com/joyousjustice365)

In this episode, we dive into a unique and enriching conversation, blending the ancient wisdom of Tu B’Shevat, the Jewish New Year of the Trees, with the cutting-edge realm of artificial intelligence technologies like ChatGPT and Lensa AI. Join us for a thought-provoking 'socratic seminar' style discussion as we explore the ethical dilemmas, biases, and potential impacts of AI on society, particularly in the context of social justice and diversity. This episode is not just a discussion; it's an insightful journey through the intersection of natural traditions and digital advancements. Tune in for a rich and engaging exploration of how to navigate the AI era with the rootedness and thoughtfulness mirrored in the growth of trees. Embrace the challenge of balancing tech trends with tree traditions, and discover the unexpected insights this juxtaposition reveals. Subscribe now and join us in co-creating a future that harmonizes the wisdom of the past with the innovations of the present! #JoyousJustice #NatureMeetsTech #AI #TuBShevat #NatureWisdom #EmergentStrategy This week, we put Tu B’Shevat, the Jewish New Year of the trees, in conversation with AI (artificial intelligence) technologies like ChatGPT and Lensa AI. We weigh in on this debate (or socratic seminar, as April calls it) and think about our pacing as AI becomes an increasingly bigger part of our lives. Explore ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com/chat Find Jo Kent Katz’ website here: https://www.jokentkatz.com/ Learn more about Ricardo Levins Morales: https://www.rlmartstudio.com Learn more about Aurora Levins Morales: http://www.auroralevinsmorales.com/ Listen to our episode titled “Slow, deep, irreversible”: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1146023/11710644 Discussion and reflection questions: Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community! Join our online community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/590922415522750 Submit a question, insight, or topic or guest suggestion at https://joyousjustice.com/connect Find April’s TikTok videos here: https://www.tiktok.com/@aprilavivabaskin Follow us on Instagram (@joyous.justice), Twitter, (@JoyousJustice), or Facebook (www.facebook.com/joyousjustice365)

The past week or so have brought an unwelcome reminder that anti-Black racism is alive and well in 21st-century America. With this as backdrop, we’re reprising episode 44. In this conversation, we respond to a common question about racial justice work and explain that because the Jewish community is a global, multi-racial people, racial justice already is and must continue to be a core Jewish value and issue. Read Josefin Dolsten’s op-ed in The Forward, entitled “As Jews, we need to speak out against DeSantis’ efforts to erase Black history:” https://forward.com/opinion/533221/jews-black-history-desantis-speak-out-erase/ Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community! Join our online community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/590922415522750 Submit a question, insight, or topic or guest suggestion at https://joyousjustice.com/connect Read more about Rabbi Leora Kaye and her work: https://reformjudaism.org/author/rabbi-leora-kaye Check out what we mean by Jews of the Global Majority here: https://joyousjustice.com/global-majority-jews Listen to April on the BBC’s Heart and Soul on Black Jewish Lives Matter to hear more about her thoughts on our global multi-racial Jewish community: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct2fnq Review the Jews of Color Field Building’s research on population demographics: https://jewsofcolorfieldbuilding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Counting-Inconsistencies-052119.pdf Check out this article about the importance of cultural competence for teams: http://www.theinclusionsolution.me/cultural-competence-part-2-why-is-it-important/ Check out our discussion/reflection questions for this episode: www.joyousjustice.com/blog/jews-talk-racial-justice-ep-44 Find April’s TikTok videos here: https://www.tiktok.com/@aprilavivabaskin Follow us on Instagram (@joyous.justice), Twitter, (@JoyousJustice), or Facebook (www.facebook.com/joyousjustice365)