We’re back for our quarterly check-in! This episode, Garland, Marissa, and Allison get real about how 2025 is treating them—emotionally, creatively, and professionally. The crew dives into the words of the year they each picked, how those intentions are holding up (or, in some cases, getting a remix!), and the rituals keeping them grounded in these all-over-the-place times.

From Topple-inspired metaphors for emotional balance to morning walks and “letting go” as a radical act, you’ll find sharp honesty and truly relatable reflections. We chat about how consuming less (media, content, even responsibilities) can actually help you do more of what matters. Plus, we cover what books, podcasts, and TV shows are getting us through—and why comfort viewing totally counts as self-care.

If you’re managing teams, scaling impact, or just trying to stay steady as the world wobbles, you’ll walk away with a healthy dose of community wisdom—and a reminder that you are so not alone.

• Quarterly Check-in Energy: Honest reflections on how “the 2025 of it all” is landing—balancing gratitude and struggle, creativity and overwhelm.

• Words of the Year Recap: The group revisits their chosen guiding words (like "anchor," "weave," "elevate," "impact," "release") and checks in on where those intentions are now.

• Emotional Grounding Rituals: Walks (headphone-free!), family time, and quiet routines that help anchor you amidst chaos.

• Letting Go as Power: Why releasing the need to control everything (including your kid’s forgotten shoes!) is the real flex.

• Input Diets: Reducing information overload; choosing lighter books, comfort TV, and creative projects over “shoulds.”

• Current Reads & Recos: History nerd alert, Gilded Age deep dives, rom-com reads, and nostalgia watches like ER and Survivor.

• Song of the Year: Musical mantras like “Defying Gravity,” “This Is Me,” and “Show Yourself”—and why the right anthem gives you courage to leap, even when your word of the year says otherwise.

• Community & Collaboration: The power of support, witnessing each other’s growth, and the magic that happens when you have people in your corner.

• Books:

• • The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron (plus real talk on the “input deprivation diet”)

  • Gilded Age histories (Allison’s pick: a book on the Rothschild women)

  • Buy Back Your Time (mentioned by Garland)

• TV:

• • ER (classic comfort watch)

  • White Lotus

  • The Pit (on HBO)

  • Survivor

  • Righteous Gemstones

• Media Approach: Intentional reduction in podcasts/news—prioritizing rest, fiction, and lighter entertainment as self-care.

• “Defying Gravity” (from Wicked)

• “This Is Me”

• “Show Yourself” (from Frozen II)

Check out the episode playlist—songs are linked in the show notes!

• How’s your year unfolding? Share your own words, mantras, or check-ins with us!

• Ready to go deeper? Join the Community Impact Collective and sign up for Garland’s newsletter https://prodigious-designer-8603.kit.com/2998145cf6

• Tag us with your reflections or what’s keeping you grounded right now:

• • Allison: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsweiss/

  • Marissa: https://www.itsmemarissag.com

  • Garland:https://www.linkedin.com/in/garlandfuller/

• #Changemakers #CommunityImpact #ImpactDriven

Don’t forget to subscribe and invite a friend who needs a community pick-me-up!

“You don't have to choose between passion and progress. Together, we create change that lasts.”
— The ReImagining Community Team

Building legacies, together.

In this energizing episode, Garland Fuller dives into a radically authentic conversation with Bahni Turpin—acclaimed actress, community leader, and founder of the SoLA Food Co-Op in South L.A. Bahni shares her journey from artist to changemaker, breaking down how lived experience and community theater opened her eyes to food injustice and inspired tangible solutions.

From her roots in New York to establishing a home and purpose in South L.A., Bahni reveals what it really takes to build a member-owned food co-op in a city shaped by food deserts and systemic inequities. She opens up about the co-op building process, the setbacks and surprises, and the incredible community momentum fueling SoLA Food Co-Op today.

• Turning Challenges Into Action:
  Bahni’s journey is all about not waiting for "someone else" to fix the gaps you see. When big chains refused to invest in her neighborhood, she imagined something bolder: a store owned by—and for—the people.

• Power of the Cooperative Model:
  A co-op isn’t just a store—it’s a movement. Every household member gets a vote and a say in how the business serves the community, from the products on the shelves to profit sharing and long-term decisions.

• Building From the Ground Up:
  Bahni shares honest reflections on how long the process can take and why showing up at farmer’s markets, collaborating with local growers, and hustling for grants matter. This is grassroots, solutions-first work.

• Disrupting Food Deserts by Design:
  The episode unpacks how systemic issues shape food access in Black and Brown communities—and how local, collective ownership can change the narrative for future generations.

• Collaboration in Action:
  The SoLA Food Co-Op journey is packed with stories of partnership—working with local farmers, coffee roasters, and organizations birthed from the Black Panther legacy—to ensure the co-op reflects and uplifts the neighborhood.

“If you’re noticing [a problem], that’s all that needs to happen for something to start changing.”
— Garland Fuller

“What if the community owned the store—what if I didn’t have to be the owner?”
— Bahni Turpin

“A co-op isn’t for sale to the highest bidder. It’s about legacy, voice, and staying power for our communities.”
— Bahni Turpin

• Interested in joining SoLA Food Co-Op?

• • $200 membership per household—for a lifetime of ownership, voting power, and community impact.

  • Visit https://www.solafoodcoop.com/ to join or donate.

• Connect in person:

• • Meet the team at their booth at the farmer’s market on the first and third Saturdays at Slauson & Crenshaw (5730 Crenshaw, 10am–3pm).

• Support their fundraising goal:

• • They’re working toward $5M to open their doors debt-free and keep the power in the community. Every donation and membership matters.

• Bring your creativity:

• • Volunteers, connectors, and cheerleaders are always needed! If you’re passionate about food justice, this is your space.

• Community Services Unlimited – Local partner and organic produce provider

• California Center for Cooperative Development – Check out their annual conference for anyone interested in building co-ops

• Aura Cafe & Life in a Bottle – Supporting local food entrepreneurs

• Bahni’s go-to community soundtrack? “Love Train” and Marvin Gaye’s hits—because building together is always better with a soundtrack.

Want more actionable inspiration?

• Subscribe to ReImagining Community for more stories that move you to act.

Let’s reimagine what’s possible. Together.
Tag us with your thoughts or questions! #Changemakers #CommunityImpact #CollaborationOverCompetition

Links & Contact Info:

• SoLA Food Co-Op Membership/Donation page: https://www.solafoodcoop.com/join

• Garland Fuller Newsletter & Community Impact Collective: https://prodigious-designer-8603.kit.com/2998145cf6

• Social: @solafoodcoop, @bahni_turpin, @garlandfuller

Building legacies. Together. See you in the community!

We’ve reached the end of an incredible first season of ReImagining Community! In this special finale, Garland Fuller and Marissa Garza look back on the moments that shaped the season, the conversations that challenged and inspired us, and the powerful ways our community is growing.

More than just a recap, this episode is about honoring the stories, connections, and impact that have come from building this space together.

🔥 Kicking Things Off (00:01:07)
Garland and Marissa reflect on what it took to launch this podcast, the energy behind each episode, and the deep sense of purpose fueling this work.

🌟 Season Highlights
A look back at the moments that sparked big ideas, new perspectives, and real action—from leadership lessons to the power of storytelling in community building.

💡 Lessons from Our Guests
We revisit key takeaways on cultural intelligence, navigating change, and balancing personal and professional growth.

💭 Personal Growth & Big Reflections
Garland and Marissa open up about how this season has shaped their own understanding of leadership, creativity, and the evolving nature of community work.

🚀 Looking Ahead to Season 2
What’s next? We’re building on this momentum with fresh conversations, deeper engagement, and even more ways for you to be part of the journey.

🎶 Season Playlist Drop
Here's a playlist of all of the songs that moved and inspired our guests this season: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/74GIZUo0A7R0atmcPmvEz7?si=R6XQu5hqTZ-jN_WuH5uv1g

📩 Join the Movement

• Be part of the Community Impact Collective—a space for changemakers building lasting impact. https://communityimpactcollective.mn.co/
• Subscribe to Garland's newsletter for insights on leadership, strategy, and community-driven action. https://prodigious-designer-8603.kit.com/2998145cf6

💬 Your Turn: What Stuck With You?
What moments from Season 1 resonated most with you? Let us know—we’d love to hear your takeaways!

To every listener, guest, and supporter—thank you. This podcast is about reimagining what’s possible when we come together with intention, and we’re just getting started. See you in Season 2!

In this episode of ReImagining Community, host Garland Fuller sits down with diversity, equity, and inclusion expert Farzana Nayani for a conversation that’s equal parts insightful and action-driven. Farzana shares her journey into human-centered consulting, breaking down how personal growth fuels impactful leadership. They explore the Know-Heal-Lead model, the power of empathetic leadership, and why psychological safety is non-negotiable in today’s workplaces. From self-awareness to building trust, this episode is packed with real talk on what it takes to create meaningful change. Farzana also dives into her books and the transformative work she’s leading—don’t miss this one!

Connect with Garland: https://prodigious-designer-8603.kit.com/2998145cf6

Follow Farzana’s work at FarzanaNayani.com

00:00 "Empathetic DEI Consulting Practice"

03:46 Reimagining Community and Personal Growth

07:51 "Understanding Yourself Model Unveiled"

09:31 "Self-Heal to Lead Others"

14:23 "Authentic, Empathetic Leadership Needed"

16:36 "Advocating for Compassionate Workplaces"

20:49 "Rebuilding Relationships Through Empathy"

25:31 "Values and Corporate Responsibility"

27:18 Mindful Leadership and Active Listening

31:31 Instinctual Leadership and Intuition

33:09 Embrace Failure, Trust Decisions

37:17 Prioritizing Trust and Safety

39:31 "Empowering Networks & Multicultural Insights"

Welcome back to ReImagining Community, the podcast where we highlight the Black and Brown changemakers shaping our communities through bold ideas, collaboration, and intentional action. Your host, Garland Fuller, is here to bring you powerful conversations that inspire action and impact.

This week, we’re sitting down with Ronda Jackson—a powerhouse entrepreneur, community builder, and advocate for personal and professional transformation. From her roots in Chicago to the creation of Paint On Purpose and her impactful third Saturday events, Ronda shares the lessons and insights that fuel her journey. She unpacks the realities of entrepreneurship, diving into her book Stay the Course: Surviving the Nine Hellish Holes of Entrepreneurship, and offers actionable wisdom on mindfulness, resilience, and building community.

In this episode, we explore:

00:00 Welcome to ReImagining Community

01:03 Meet Ronda: The Journey Behind the Name

03:55 The Birth of Paint On Purpose

07:40 Supporting Entrepreneurs & Business Owners

10:50 Why Community & Collaboration Matter

14:52 Personal Growth and Ronda’s ‘No H’ Mantra

16:35 Writing Stay the Course & Entrepreneurial Survival

20:08 Balancing Motherhood and Leadership

24:50 Reimagining Community and Philanthropy

27:53 Closing Thoughts & Next Steps

Ronda’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, purpose, and people. If you’ve ever questioned your ability to stay the course, this episode will give you the encouragement and tools to move forward with confidence.

📌 Stay Connected:

🎙️ Subscribe to ReImagining Community for more transformative conversations

📩 Connect with your host, Garland Fuller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garlandfuller/

🙌 Get to know Ronda and her work: http://linktr.ee/inthemixinc.org

🔥 Ready to build something bigger than yourself? Let’s reimagine community, together.

How do we create spaces where multicultural identities can thrive? In this episode of Reimagining Community, host Garland Fuller sits down with Jennifer Taylor, a leader with over 25 years of experience in commercial real estate who has dedicated her career to fostering belonging and amplifying diverse voices.

Jennifer unpacks the complexities of navigating cultural identities in professional and community spaces, sharing insights from her work with Ambiculture Advisors, Swirls, and SIPA. She also offers a behind-the-scenes look at how cultural nuances influence business practices—especially in places like Hawaii—and what it means to build a legacy rooted in inclusion.

If you're passionate about creating impact through intersectionality, honoring cultural heritage, and shaping spaces that embrace diverse identities, this conversation is for you.

Connect with Jennifer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifertaylor626/ or ambicultureadvisors.com

Connect with Garland: https://prodigious-designer-8603.kit.com/2998145cf6

🎧 Tune in and let’s reimagine community together.

Episode Breakdown:

⏳ 00:00 | Welcome to Reimagining Community
✨ 00:55 | Meet Jennifer Taylor
💡 01:49 | Jennifer’s Leadership & Legacy
🌍 02:36 | The Power of Amba Culture
🤝 03:39 | What It Takes to Navigate Multicultural Spaces
🍷 06:22 | Swirls: A Community with Purpose
🏢 11:03 | Jennifer’s Professional Journey
🌺 18:03 | Cultural Insights from Hawaii
🚀 22:40 | Current Projects & What’s Next
💬 31:55 | Final Reflections & Takeaways

🎙️ Subscribe & leave a review—because community starts with conversation.

In this solo episode of ReImagining Community, host Garland Fuller takes on a topic that’s all too real: fear. Whether it’s fear of failure, ridicule, uncertainty, or even success, these invisible barriers keep too many of us from stepping into our power. Garland shares her own journey of pushing past these fears, breaking down how embracing community and collaboration can make all the difference.

She also dives into her love of reading and how books can create shared experiences—shouting out The Solidarity Shelf, a flexible book club model started by her friend Marissa Garza. This conversation is a reminder that success isn’t just about what you know, but who you build with.

Tune in to explore:
✅ How to identify and work through the “four horsemen of fear”
✅ Why fear of success is real—and how to embrace it
✅ The impact of shared knowledge, community, and collaboration
✅ Why giving credit and working with others can help you thrive

If you’ve ever felt like fear is holding you back, this episode is here to remind you: you don’t have to do this alone.

Sign up for Garland's Mailing List: https://prodigious-designer-8603.kit.com/2998145cf6

Resources Mentioned in the episode:

• The Four Horseman of Fear - https://coreywilkspsyd.com/the-four-horsemen-of-fear/
• Who Not How by Dan Sullivan - https://bookshop.org/p/books/who-not-how-the-formula-to-achieve-bigger-goals-through-accelerating-teamwork-dan-sullivan/14640523?ean=9781401960582&next=t&next=t
• 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan - https://bookshop.org/p/books/10x-is-easier-than-2x-the-formula-to-expand-entrepreneurial-freedoms/18867850?ean=9781401969950&next=t&next=t
• The Solidarity Shelf - https://www.instagram.com/p/DCmQRV6R61R/

🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward reimagining what’s possible.

00:00 Welcome to ReImagining Community
00:59 Solo Episode Intro
01:26 The Four Horsemen of Fear
05:05 Navigating Fear of Failure
06:12 Facing Fear of Ridicule
07:32 Pushing Through Uncertainty
09:26 Embracing Success Without Guilt
11:04 Why Community is the Key to Courage
14:53 Let’s Talk Book Clubs
15:19 The Solidarity Shelf—A New Approach
18:09 Why Reading Builds Connection
22:30 Self-Improvement & Growth
23:17 The Power of 'Who Not How'
24:44 Finding Your Unique Strengths
27:39 Vision Holders vs. Implementers
30:16 Scaling with Integrity
34:18 The Magic of Collaboration
38:43 Celebrating the Wins
42:00 Closing Thoughts & Call to Action

📌 Loving the show? Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review—because building stronger communities starts with us.

In this episode of ReImagining Community, host Garland Fuller sits down with Eugenia Chien, a strategic planning powerhouse with over a decade of experience shaping how communities connect and engage online. From launching Muni Diaries to leading initiatives at PopSugar and Meta, Eugenia has seen firsthand how digital storytelling can strengthen communities, amplify voices, and foster meaningful partnerships.

Together, Garland and Eugenia break down the evolution of online engagement—from throwing ideas at the wall to refining strategies that create real impact. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in fostering connection post-pandemic and share actionable insights on how to build digital spaces that bring people together in powerful ways.

00:00 | Welcome to ReImagining Community
00:55 | Meet Eugenia Chien: Strategic Planning & Digital Storytelling Expert
01:40 | College Days & Career Beginnings
02:50 | From Engineering to Journalism: A Career Pivot
05:34 | The Birth of Muni Diaries: Storytelling as Community Building
08:27 | Creating & Sustaining Digital Communities
14:09 | Career Growth & The Rise of Influencer Marketing
16:47 | Navigating the Ever-Changing Digital Landscape
21:47 | The Future of Community-Building in a Hybrid World
28:46 | Expanding the Boundaries of Digital Storytelling
30:10 | The Power of Testing, Experimentation & Adaptation
31:37 | A Surprise Success Story: The Art Market & Digital Connection
36:41 | Finding the Right Partners for Sustainable Growth
41:01 | Reimagining Community Engagement Post-Pandemic
48:20 | Building Intentional Connections That Last
51:07 | Final Takeaways & Next Steps

If you're looking to deepen your understanding of digital storytelling, build stronger communities, or refine your online engagement strategies, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Connect with Garland: https://prodigious-designer-8603.kit.com/2998145cf6

Connect with Eugenia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugeniachien

🔗 Tune in and join the conversation!

#Changemakers #CommunityImpact #DigitalStorytelling