Best Inclusive Visions Of America Podcasts (2024)

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Ep #37: NSITE and Corporate America: Creating Job Opportunities for People Who Are Blind or Low Vision 34:49

1h ago34:49

34:49

Heard & Empowered was created to show that anything is possible when you show up with the right mindset and attitude. Our guest this week, Jonathan Lucus, exemplifies this ethos in everything he does as the director of NSITE, which is National Industries for the Blind’s (NIB) talent management enterprise. NSITE works with public and private corpora…

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Redefining Home: The Journey Back to Mexico 45:12

25m ago45:12

45:12

As the 2024 Presidential Elections approach, reductive narratives around immigrant identities are on the rise. Despite over 70 million first and second-generation immigrants in America, they continue to face vilification. Politicians echo alarming calls for mass deportations, but few capture the humanity of the immigrant experience. In this episode…

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Feed Drop: How to Tame Stress from The Happiness Lab 42:04

37m ago42:04

42:04

Constant worry and stress are bad for our bodies and our minds, but how can we break the cycle and relax? It turns out scientists have learned a lot from one of America's most stressed-out communities - caregivers. In this episode of The Happiness Lab, hosted by Dr. Laurie Santos, Hollywood star Steve Guttenberg talks about the toughest chapter of …

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Ep #36: How AI is Changing Jobs and Creating Opportunities for People Who Are Blind with NSITE’s Doug Goist 45:27

15d ago45:27

45:27

Dr. Hoby Wedler welcomes returning guest Doug Goist to the podcast this week. Doug is a program manager for workforce development at NSITE where he helps people who are blind and visually impaired find employment by providing training opportunities. Blindness doesn’t get adequate coverage in most diversity training, so NSITE created a program calle…

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'Our Norms Are Changing Rapidly' 43:09

10d ago43:09

43:09

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Mila Atmos, the fabulous host of Future Hindsight. Mila is renowned for her deep understanding of civic engagement and democratic participation. She has spent years amplifying the voices of changemakers and thought leaders who shape our society. But who is Mila Atmos beyond the microphone? This …

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Naming Hope: The Story Behind 'Nada’ 48:53

9d ago48:53

48:53

Today on Immigrantly, I'm excited to welcome the incredible Dr. Amra Sabic-El-Rayess. Amra is an Associate Professor at Columbia University, focusing on essential topics like social cohesion, the radicalization process, and how communities can hurt each other. But beyond her academic work, Amra has an incredible personal story—she survived the Bosn…

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Ep #35: Communications, Impacting Public Policy, and Creating Jobs with Austin Lighthouse’s Brandye Lacy 27:21

21d ago27:21

27:21

In this week’s episode, Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by Brandye Lacy, the marketing coordinator at Travis Association for the Blind, also known as Austin Lighthouse. With a passion for writing and advocacy, she excels at crafting and telling compelling stories while championing causes that break down barriers to equality and equity. Brandye began losi…

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Inheriting Narratives 50:31

4d ago50:31

50:31

Today's guest is Emily Kwong, a dedicated journalist and storyteller renowned for her outstanding work at NPR. Emily's reporting spans a broad spectrum, from climate change and science to compelling human interest stories that shed light on the rich tapestry of immigrant communities. Her keen insights and propensity to capture the essence of human …

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Ep #34: Blind for a Purpose with Envision Dallas’ Blake Lindsay 49:43

10d ago49:43

49:43

Do you ever wonder if there is a purpose for blindness? How can it be seen as a gift? This week, Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by Blake Lindsay, an author, public speaker, voice artist, and the director of communications and outreach for Envision Dallas. They explore these questions as well as discuss Blake’s fascinating story. While enjoying a 22-year…

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Fourth of July Special: The Freedom Conundrum 17:06

11d ago17:06

17:06

As we approach the 4th of July, we’re diving into the multifaceted concept of freedom. For many immigrants and diverse groups, true liberation remains elusive, overshadowed by systemic inequalities and societal barriers. What does freedom mean in a country that touts itself as the land of the free yet often makes many of us feel otherwise? Join my …

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Ep #33: Advocacy, Public Policy, and the 1% Ask with Bosma Enterprises’ Lise Pace 28:04

17d ago28:04

28:04

Dr. Hoby Wedler welcomes a familiar voice back to the podcast this week as he sits down with the Executive Vice President at Bosma Enterprises, Lise Pace, live from the 2024 NIB Public Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. Lise shares her remarkable journey from a diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa in her early 20s to the thriving and fulfilling career s…

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Community, Culture, and 'Cost of Living' 43:52

1M ago43:52

43:52

Frequent listeners of Immigrantly know that I often delve into the differences between individualistic and collectivist societies. This contrast becomes particularly striking when considering how people in individualistic cultures often face grief and struggles in isolation. Immigrants can deeply resonate with the emotional toll this solitude bring…

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Ep #32: Diversity, Mentorship, and Innovation in Leadership with NIB President and CEO Soraya Correa 57:59

1M ago57:59

57:59

Dr. Hoby Wedler welcomes a very special guest to the podcast this week: the one and only Soraya Correa, the new president and CEO of National Industries for the Blind. After starting her career as a clerk typist, Soraya rose through the ranks of the federal government to join the Senior Executive Service. She held key leadership roles at the Genera…

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From Tech To Tunes 51:15

25d ago51:15

51:15

Today’s guest is Lazou (Sherry-Lynn Lee), a multi-faceted talent who embodies the rich tapestry of a “Sino-Mauritian-Canadian-American producer, writer, and artist.” Raised in the vibrant culture of Mauritius, Lazou initially carved out a successful, nearly decade-long career in Silicon Valley as a software engineer and data scientist. However, her…

1
Ep #31: Strategic Advocacy: Influencing Public Policy on Capitol Hill with Dan Kelly 28:52

2M ago28:52

28:52

This week, Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by Dan Kelly, the Vice President of Public Policy for the National Association for the Employment of People Who Are Blind (NAEPB) and President and CEO of IFB Solutions. Dan is a dedicated advocate for the blind and visually impaired community, whose unwavering dedication shines through every aspect of his work.…

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Feed Drop: Future Hindsight podcast-Hajar Yazdiha 43:39

1M ago43:39

43:39

As we prepare for the Nationly and Sportly podcasts launch and Immigrantly's newest episodes, we are sharing an episode by our friends at the Future Hindsight episode. In this Future Hindsight episode, host Mila Atmos is joined by Hajar Yazdiha for a conversation on the role of collective memory in the myth-making of American exceptionalism. Collec…

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Ep #30: A Lasting Legacy of Employment Opportunities for the Blind and Visually Impaired with Kevin Lynch 43:45

2M ago43:45

43:45

In this episode, Dr. Hoby Wedler has the distinct pleasure of welcoming to the podcast Kevin Lynch, president and CEO emeritus of National Industries for the Blind (NIB). He retired April 30, 2023, from a 44-year career working and serving for the blind and visually impaired community in various capacities. Kevin, a visionary leader, shares his ins…

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Unearthing the Untold Stories of the South Asian Diaspora in Harlem 43:18

1M ago43:18

43:18

In this episode, I sit down with Vivek Bald, a filmmaker, writer, and scholar dedicated to uncovering the hidden histories of the South Asian diaspora. For the past twenty-five years, Vivek has explored the migration patterns and cultural impact of South Asians in the US and Britain through his documentaries, books, and academic work at MIT’s Compa…

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Ep #29: From Unemployed to Employee of the Year with Envision’s MaryBeth Clare 39:28

2M ago39:28

39:28

The human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity is strong, especially in today’s guest, MaryBeth Clare. She sits down with Dr. Hoby Wedler to discuss the setbacks she faced after losing her vision, and how those were replaced by the determination and desire to grow that have kept her going in her role as lead cashier and stocker for the military …

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From Spinning Beats to Saving Earth 45:24

2M ago45:24

45:24

Amer Jandali is the founder of 'Future Meets Present,' a social design agency dedicated to building a sustainable future. Before diving into climate activism, Amer had an exciting career as a DJ in New Mexico, where he even opened for famous acts like LMFAO (yes, the Party Rock Anthem duo). He later moved from Las Cruces to New York City to pursue …

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Ep #28: From HR to Advocacy: Rob Buettner’s Impact at Beyond Vision 36:01

2M ago36:01

36:01

In this episode, Dr. Hoby Wedler sits down with Rob Buettner, Vice President of Relationships & Business Services at Beyond Vision, to talk about leadership, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and where they merge. After being diagnosed with Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy as a young adult, Rob faced uncertainty and darkness. It wasn’t until he found a comm…

1
Exploring Realism with a Smattering of Humor 38:24

3M ago38:24

38:24

Today’s guest is someone I recently started to follow on Twitter, X whatever you call it, and I started reading her debut essay collection, “The Way You Make Me Feel: LOVE IN BLACK AND BROWN.” I am in awe of her calm honesty and unique writing style; she blends humor and realism with aplomb. Nina Sharma is a writer who focuses on humor writing. She…

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Ep #27: How BVI Advocates Can Make a Bigger Impact with NIB’s VP of Public Policy, Rick Webster 41:25

3M ago41:25

41:25

Today, National Industries for the Blind (NIB)’s Spring Conference and Public Policy Forum wraps up with the annual Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, so it's very fitting that this week Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by NIB’s Vice President of Public Policy, Rick Webster. Rick brings a unique perspective to the podcast as a sighted person passionately commi…

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Unveiling the Salvadoran Narrative: The US Foreign Policy & Its Impact 47:20

3M ago47:20

47:20

Today's guest, Daniel Alvarenga, journalist and podcast host, delves into his life as a Salvadoran American and the extensive influence of U.S. foreign policy on Central America. Raised in a Salvadoran household, he recounts his parents' migration during El Salvador's civil war and its profound impact on his worldview. Daniel addresses prevalent mi…

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Ep #26: How Changing Public Policy Will Create More BVI Jobs with Luke Messer and Jeff Mittman 41:46

3M ago41:46

41:46

This week, Dr. Hoby Wedler dives deep into the world of policy change and advocacy with two remarkable individuals, former Congressman, Luke Messer and Jeff Mittman, CEO of Bosma Enterprises. Luke, with his extensive background in politics and public service, and Jeff, a true advocate for the blind and visually impaired through his leadership at Bo…

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Decoding Depictions in Call of Duty 45:59

2M ago45:59

45:59

Join me on Immigrantly as I delve into the intricate world of gaming and representation, a topic that is not only fascinating but also highly relevant in today’s diverse gaming landscape. In this episode, I am joined by University of Chicago professors Alireza Doostdar and Ghenwa Hayek, who share insights from their groundbreaking project, ‘Gaming …

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Ep #25: BVI Advocacy, Public Policy, and Speaking Up on Capitol Hill with Vivian Fridas 38:16

3M ago38:16

38:16

Are you ready to stand up and make a real impact on the world for BVI folks? In this motivating and inspiring episode of Heard & Empowered, Dr. Hoby Wedler welcomes Vivian Fridas to the podcast to share how, regardless of ability, we can all thrive and contribute meaningfully to the world. Vivian was born with cone-rod dystrophy, and the discrimina…

1
"Happiness Is Like A Leaky Tire" 46:47

3M ago46:47

46:47

In this week's episode of Immigrantly, I dive head-first into the expansive realm of happiness. Is happiness a fleeting moment or a sustained state of being? Can it be actively cultivated, or is it an innate aspect of human existence? How do our backgrounds, personalities, and choices influence our perceptions of happiness? Our guest, Laurie Santos…

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Ep #24: Redefining Workforce Inclusion and Employment Equality with Shannon Satterfield 35:24

3M ago35:24

35:24

As we gear up for National Industries for the Blind Public Policy Forum 2024, Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by Shannon Satterfield, Director of Professional Services at IFB Solutions, to share his extraordinary journey of struggle and advocacy. Shannon was born with achromatopsia and before joining IFB Solutions, he encountered numerous challenges desp…

1
Surviving the Messed-Up System 40:22

3M ago40:22

40:22

Hey folks, join me for a chat with Yusuf Dahl, who's been through it all, from facing a potential 60-year sentence at 18 to hustling to founding his own company, Milwaukee Metro Management. And get this: he's not just any entrepreneur - he's a Princeton grad and former Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Lafayette College. We'll dive int…

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Ep #23: Leading Change for the Blind and Visually Impaired with Lee Nasehi, CEO of VisionServe Alliance 36:38

4M ago36:38

36:38

You’re in for an inspiring episode this week as Lee Nasehi, the President and CEO of VisionServe Alliance, joins Dr. Hoby Wedler! The impact of Lee’s long-standing dedication to the blind and visually impaired community cannot be overstated, and it has brought significant changes. Today, Lee shares her journey of becoming a seasoned advocate and ex…

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When AI Meets Feminist Ethics 45:19

3M ago45:19

45:19

Today's episode is a special treat for all you tech enthusiasts, Black Mirror binge-watchers, and fans of the Terminator franchise! I am delving deep into the realm of artificial intelligence, but with a twist – through the lens of feminist ethics. I sit down with the brilliant Dr. Kerry McInerney, a scholar and AI ethicist whose work sheds light o…

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Ep #22: The Importance of Self-Belief with NSITE Graduate Yasmin Campbell 35:04

3M ago35:04

35:04

If you're looking for inspiration on your job search, this week's conversation is sure to deliver. Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by Yasmin Campbell, a graduate of the NSITE program and a champion for self-belief, self-advocacy, and furthering opportunities for the BVI community. Yasmin's plans took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with retinit…

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When Is It Ok to Call Someone Resilient 44:50

4M ago44:50

44:50

Do you ever feel that the term 'resilience 'needs to capture the essence of our experiences? I sure do! Join me for a critical discussion on this topic. And guess what? I've got a special guest in the house—Vinita Srivastava, a seasoned multimedia producer, researcher, podcaster, and writer. She and I dive into her latest project, the 'Don't Call M…

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Ep #21: You CAN Find a Career You Love with Lighthouse for the Blind Seattle's LaKenia Garnes 29:18

4M ago29:18

29:18

Are you encountering challenge after challenge in your job search? If so, you need to listen in. Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined this week by LaKenia Garnes, the Purchasing Assistant for the Base Supply Center at Lighthouse for the Blind Seattle. She shares how she overcame obstacles and job rejections to finally find a position that she loves and where …

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What We Mean When We Talk About Genocide 47:15

4M ago47:15

47:15

The use of 'Genocide' in discussions about Gaza has captured global attention, stirring a complex debate around its implications. In this episode, Ernesto Verdeja, a Professor of peace studies and global politics, joins me in dissecting the meaning and application of this term within the Israel-Palestine situation. We aim to understand the term, th…

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Ep #20: Considering a Job in Manufacturing as a BVI? Brandi Hunter Shares What You Need to Know 33:05

4M ago33:05

33:05

In the search for your dream job, hard work and dedication truly do pay off, a truth vividly embodied by this week’s guest, Brandi Hunter. Serving as the Human Resources Staffing Coordinator at Blind Industries & Services of Maryland (BISM), Brandi shares with Dr. Hoby Wedler her inspiring journey to securing a job she is passionate about. Her path…

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Feed Drop: Pen's Pals: Putting on for Tehran in the Bay by Rightnowish 25:13

4M ago25:13

25:13

As you know, I am always looking for great stories that we can create in-house and share in this space. And when I heard this story, I knew I had to share it with all of you! This episode from the Rightnowish podcast delves into many familiar themes of belonging, assimilation, loss, and finding our whole selves in this society. I hope you enjoy it …

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Ep #19: Land Your Dream Job: How Hard Work Paid Off for Thomas Stivers at the Travis Association for the Blind 37:21

4M ago37:21

37:21

Get ready for an inspiring story of tenacity and hard work as Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by Thomas Stivers, Systems Administrator for the Travis Association for the Blind at Austin Lighthouse. Ever since high school, Thomas had big dreams of working with computers, but it wasn’t until later in his career that these dreams would become reality. Thoma…

1
Preserving Inclusion Amidst Political Backlash 47:08

5M ago47:08

47:08

As we witness institutions like the University of Florida and major corporations like Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan scaling back their DEI efforts due to political pressures, are we allowing divisive rhetoric to overshadow the importance of creating inclusive environments where everyone feels valued? My guest today, Netta Jenkins, is a leader in the …

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Investing in Women, Investing in Our Future 30:48

5M ago30:48

30:48

In this episode of Capital for Good we speak with three inspiring leaders in women’s health, Erika Seth Davies, Jade Kearney, and Flory Wilson, each pioneering advances in reproductive and maternal health, and each using business, investment, engagement, and advocacy as levers for social change. Davies is the CEO of Rhia Ventures, a nonprofit that …

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Ep #18: How Valley Center for the Blind is Empowering BVI Individuals to Succeed 34:29

5M ago34:29

34:29

Reynaldo Villarreal is the director of workforce development at Valley Center for the Blind (VCB) in Central California, one of NIB’s associated nonprofit agencies. He joins Dr. Hoby Wedler to share his story about blindness and the impactful work he does at VCB. Rey explains the impact a nonprofit like Valley Center for the Blind have on employmen…

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Beyond Skin Deep: Exploring the Complexities of Beauty 33:15

4M ago33:15

33:15

Today, I am diving deep into the multifaceted world of beauty – an intensely personal and profoundly public topic. The beauty landscape has undergone a seismic shift from societal perceptions to self-reflection in the age of social media and video calls. In a world where self-scrutiny is constant, have we become more conscious of our own uniqueness…

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Ep #17: Scarlet Nishimoto: From 60 Job Application Rejections to a Career Filled with Financial Stability at NIB's CMS Program 25:37

5M ago25:37

25:37

Scarlet Nishimoto endured over 60 job application rejections due to the bias and social stigma that exist around blindness in the hiring world. But her unstoppable and relentless nature, along with her heart-centered mission of helping the BVI community, led her to continue searching. Discover how she has built a meaningful, purposeful, and success…

1
“I Am Not From Here, Not From There” 38:41

4M ago38:41

38:41

Meet Ana Sheila Victorino – she's an amazing human being! Ana's all about well-being and empowerment. She co-founded "Bask & Being" for workplace wellness and hosted the Tamarindo Podcast. This podcast discusses politics, culture, and self-development and has been featured in Oprah Magazine, Latino USA, Latina Magazine, Variety Magazine's Entertain…

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Lise Strickler ’86 and Mark Gallogly ’86: Three Cairns Group, the Climate Crisis, and Climate Solutions 23:58

6M ago23:58

23:58

In this episode of Capital for Good we speak with Lise Strickler ’86 and Mark Gallogly ’86, the co-founders of Three Cairns Group, a mission driven investment and philanthropic firm focused on the climate crisis. In the years since Columbia Business School, where they met in 1986, Mark has worked in investing, philanthropy, and public policy; as co…

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Ep #16: Nina Bektic-Marrero: A Tale of Triumph From Vision Loss to Leading Business Consultant With the Help of National Industries for the Blind 48:07

6M ago48:07

48:07

Explore Nina Bektic-Marrero's remarkable journey from facing the adversity of war and vision loss to becoming a shining example of success in the business world. Nina's story is not just about overcoming obstacles, it's about transforming them into stepping stones towards greatness. Find out how she navigated from a humble beginning as a switchboar…

1
“Obviously, A Republican Feels For Me” 52:25

5M ago52:25

52:25

Today’s episode features the remarkable Negin Farsad!, a brilliant writer and comedian known for her hilarious wit and astute commentary. You might recognize Negin as the host of the popular podcast "Fake the Nation," where she engages in lively discussions about culture, politics, and everything. With an impressive lineup of guests, including lumi…

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Ep #15: Operation Full Circle: How NIB and the Army Shaped Scott Collins' Career Leap from Trainee to Contract Management Leadership 42:51

6M ago42:51

42:51

A story of perseverance and overcoming obstacles, Scott Collins shares why it's never too late to give yourself the opportunity to succeed. From losing his vision to retinitis pigmentosa to becoming the head of NIB's Contract Management Support (CMS) program, discover his unconventional journey and how he got to be in a position today where he help…

1
The Food Mashup 36:08

5M ago36:08

36:08

I'm excited to chat with the impressive Chef Jesus Diaz. From starting in a Florida sushi joint to becoming a household name on Despierta America, his journey is remarkable. With a cookbook, cooking attire line, two Emmy wins, and even a dance show victory under his belt, Chef Jesus is a force to be reckoned with. In this episode, we unpack his inc…

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Inclusive Visions Of America Podcasts

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