Center and Circle is a monthly podcast by the Tengu Center for Community Wellness that explores the connection between self and community. Through reflective conversations, we examine how personal experiences and collective wellness shape one another. It’s a space where inner awareness meets outward impact—where the center meets the circle.
In this episode of Center & Circle, we’re joined by Nana Achiaa Acquah—“Nana from Ghana”—a speaker, leader, and Waymaker whose journey has been shaped by creating opportunities and making a difference for others. Fittingly, her middle name, Achiaa, means “Waymaker.”
Together, we explore discovering the gifts we already carry and finding the courage to use them. Nana shares her belief that “your gift is your blank check,” encouraging us to look beyond job titles and traditional ideas of talent to recognize the patterns that may reveal our gifts.
We also talk about moving beyond perfection, the power of microactions, and redefining impact—not simply by how many people know our name, but by what is different because we were there.
At its heart, this episode is about recognizing what you carry, choosing to use it, and remembering that making a difference for even one person matters.
🎧 Listen, reflect, and consider: What do people come to you for?
Connect & Explore
Nana’s Free Gift Discovery: blankcheckglobal.com/assessment
Nana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/waymaker/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/waymaker/)
Tengu Center: TheTenguCenter.org
22 Jun 2026
Return to Center: Threads That Connect Us
In the first installment of Return to Center, we look back on the conversations that shaped the opening chapters of Center & Circle.
Reflecting on insights from our first three guests, we explore themes of community, service, universal patterns, mental wellness, and the connections that help us better understand ourselves and one another.
From the power of finding your community to the importance of creating space for reflection, this conversation revisits lessons learned, memorable moments, and the threads that continue to connect each guest’s unique perspective.
Join us as we pause, reflect, and return to center.
15 May 2026
Neurodiversity and the Human Workplace
In this episode of Center & Circle, we’re joined by Bettina Thompson for a conversation on neurodiversity, mental health, and how workplaces and communities can better support different ways of thinking, communicating, and experiencing the world.
Together, we explore how different ways of thinking and experiencing the world shape the workplace, relationships, and community. From mental health and accessibility to belonging and communication, this conversation highlights the importance of leading with empathy, openness, and curiosity—both professionally and personally.
At its core, this episode is about connection: how we support one another, make space for different experiences, and build environments where people can show up more fully as themselves.
Listen, watch, or both — and join the conversation.
14 Apr 2026
Episode 3: Service, Community, and Compassion
In this episode of Center & Circle, we’re joined by Stacey Lauren, Director of Operations at the Veterans Miracle Center — an organization dedicated to supporting veterans, active-duty service members, and their families through essential resources, community care, and connection.
Together, we explore the power of human connection and what it truly means to create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and welcomed—no matter where they are in life. From the impact of simple moments like a hug to the role of positivity and self-care in service-oriented work, this conversation highlights how small actions can have a meaningful and lasting impact.
We also discuss the work of the Veterans Miracle Center and the importance of community in supporting those who have served and continue to serve.
At its core, this episode is about compassion in action—and the ways connection can uplift individuals and strengthen communities.
Listen, watch, or both — and join the conversation.
Veterans Miracle Center Resources:
Website: https://www.vmcalbany.org/ (https://www.vmcalbany.org/)
Facebook Page with Podcast Episodes: https://www.facebook.com/Veteransmiraclecenter/ (https://www.facebook.com/Veteransmiraclecenter/)
YouTube Channel with Podcast Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG1nVoLMby99d6eew1G7f_w (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG1nVoLMby99d6eew1G7f_w)
In this episode of Center & Circle, we’re joined by our very first guest for a conversation on sacred geometry and the patterns that shape both nature and our lives. From breath and mindset to training and community, we explore how purpose develops through practice — and how the language we use internally influences how we move through the world.
At its core, this episode is about connection: between inner work and outward impact, discipline and growth, and the shared paths that shape who we become.
Listen, watch, or both — and join the conversation.
Resources:
Books
The Little Book of Sacred Geometry (https://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-Sacred-Geometry-Patterns/dp/1800076827/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1ISGF3K25QOQT&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.u4PWlrFka-NIJQjiGmDPehsVsm2juWliFKOcW4T4CXg6P_Yla8CdUoR4HuLzDce8IKV7xbhGlIeEgbAL9_p3vffh-RQKIVEoVEysbE-aHWo2iMRBOeE45xklJ6sSC47RtHAd_veXDGupPQWgUo__cT8Gn6oow5_XPb3IRtf0FrKN949PJkIRIleDcxcwLYuE_rBmYjQskpXifDd888A0IBf75p8G5tOPjlmnazECqIU.nSMW9JSm-_y4XIBG926pciPdl-CNbOHTAUU54duadcQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+little+book+of+sacred+geometry&qid=1772537551&sprefix=the+little+book+of+sacred%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-1)
Sacred Geometry: An A-Z Reference Guide (https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Geometry-Z-Reference-Guide/dp/1646111966/ref=sr_1_2?crid=21G5MAUUA3DSU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.uLITD8GDH9XjdT5ZCnUTxtjOoRkHVn-AT5af89kcmhc7lPw4OC7Dxp2k-Ut5nCsfow8_WyjPPDc_tcaYBugOobTU1sZdsmSv423BZ-C7B_kOxxff3k4qg8LQbHSJYmLVhfcTPamoUD-38NZKvafF5dSKuRu4SpacMRgw-hmL5P4jv7YC8xK7hKreRPkvgRKaml4ww03C9seoNVBVsDBK2-P5G19B6CrvOeG3Su62no4.5PF9OLPako04WNaUNN4uUfET5DuxMAf_ygxRLpI3Vig&dib_tag=se&keywords=sacred+geometry+a+reference+guide&qid=1772537621&sprefix=sacred+geometry+a+reference+guid%2Caps%2C108&sr=8-2)
Youtube
MorgueOfficial (https://www.youtube.com/@morgueofficial)
17 Feb 2026
Episode Preview - Purpose and Practice
In our second episode of Center & Circle, we welcome our first guest, John Savaria, for a conversation that moves from martial arts to sacred geometry — and from discipline to deep connection.
In this preview, we explore the idea that nothing in the universe is random. From snowflakes to galaxies, intricate geometric patterns shape the natural world. These same patterns influence how energy moves, how breath animates the body, and how we grow — physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Together, Diane, Ariffa, and John unpack how these universal designs mirror the way we train, breathe, connect, and evolve. What if understanding these patterns helped us better understand ourselves? What if purpose isn’t something we chase, but something we practice?
At the heart of this episode is a simple but powerful reminder: we are shaped by purpose, and purpose is shaped by connection.
Full episode drops the final week of February.
30 Jan 2026
Where It All Began
In this very first episode of Center & Circle, Diane and Ariffa—board members of The Tengu Center— reflect on the journey that brought them here. From the early seeds of a vision to creating a space for growth and connection, to the launch of this podcast, they explore what it means to center ourselves and expand into community.
You’ll hear about the inspiration behind the Tengu Center’s name, the power of personal transformation, and the moments that shaped their shared path. Whether you’re part of the Tengu family or finding us for the first time, we invite you into this story of purpose, practice, and possibility.
Tune in and join us at the intersection of self and community—where personal growth meets collective good.
12 Jan 2026
Episode Preview: "Where it all Began"
Get a glimpse of our very first episode of Center and Circle! In this short preview, Diane and Ariffa reflect on a powerful quote during the episode’s Centering Moment—a moment designed to ground us before diving into deeper conversation.
Just the beginning of something beautiful—insightful stories, grounded wisdom, and a space to grow together. Stay tuned for the full episode dropping soon!
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