Yes! We Rise

About Yes! We Rise

The Yes! We Rise podcast features solutions-seekers, change-makers, and those creating a resilient future. We share stories and strategies to inspire action to build collective resilience and community transformation. To create change, people need to feel like they belong and that they are part of a growing movement. They need to know their voice matters and that they have the inspiration, agency and ability to transform their lives and their communities. They are the key to a resilient future. From the Navajo Nation to the mountains of Appalachia, incredible work is being done by community members and leaders. Change is often sparked by inspiration: seeing what others have done, especially in similar situations and places. People see that when someone looks like them or lives in a place like theirs, and has created real, true and lasting change, change that will allow their granddaughters and grandsons to thrive — they begin to imagine what might be possible for them. No longer waiting for someone else to come and save them, they realize they are the ones they have been waiting for. But what creates that spark? What creates that inspiration? Learning through stories and examples, feeling a sense of agency and belonging, and getting fired up to kick ass creates that spark. We Rise helps community leaders and members learn to forge a new path toward creating resilience and true transformation. One person at a time, one community at a time, one region at a time, the quilt of transformation can grow piece by piece until resilience becomes the norm instead of the exception. Together, we rise.

Publisher

Christine Gyovai

Category

education · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

9 Jun 2021

Latest episode

13 Nov 2025

Latest episodes

60 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 Nov 2025

   Letting Go of the Reins: Learning to Relax into Trust

   Episode 60 of the Yes! We Rise podcast In this powerful solo reflection, Christine shares on Yes! We Rise what has unfolded during one of the most difficult seasons of her life. What began as a promising year—healthy, strong, training for her first marathon—shifted dramatically when she developed a sudden cascade of health symptoms that ultimately led to a Lyme disease diagnosis. At the same time, her family was navigating major transitions with her oldest preparing for college, and her team was facing unexpected federal funding freezes on long-standing projects. The combination became overwhelming, leaving Christine exhausted, disoriented, and unable to rely on her usual anchors. In this episode, Christine explores: The experience of watching her health rapidly change The emotional impact of hitting pause on her marathon training The grief and pride of parenting a child preparing to leave home The strain of major work uncertainties Why control stopped working—and what happened when she let go How mindfulness, movement, friendship, and creativity supported her healing A trip to Florida that became a "reset point" after finishing treatment A Season of Surrender Christine shares how this period brought her "to her knees"—but also how surrender became the doorway to trust. By releasing her grip on the outcomes she couldn't control, she discovered unexpected calm, clarity, and a renewed connection to her inner resilience. For Listeners in a Hard Season If you're navigating your own challenges, Christine offers this reflection as a companion and reminder: our strength often grows from our struggle, and sometimes the path forward begins with letting go of the reins. Links & Resources Learn more about Yes We Rise: https://www.yeswerise.org Join Christine's community work at Dialogue + Design: https://www.dialogueanddesign.com Follow on social @yeswerise

2. 

   25 Sept 2025

   Creating Connection: The Power of Nature and Community with Hub Knott

   In Episode 59 of the We Rise podcast, Christine Gyovai interviews Hub Knott, co-founder of the Living Earth School. They discuss the importance of connecting with nature and community, exploring how these connections foster personal growth and resilience. Hub shares his journey from Baltimore to the wilderness, his experiences with mentors, and the development of the Living Earth School. The conversation delves into the role of nature in healing, the significance of community, and the power of mentoring. Takeaways Connecting with nature fosters personal growth and resilience. Community plays a crucial role in individual well-being. Mentoring is about drawing out the light in others. Nature can be a powerful teacher and healer. Building relationships with nature takes time and patience. The Living Earth School offers programs for all ages to connect with nature. Hub Knott emphasizes the importance of values and a code of conduct. Creating spaces for belonging can combat loneliness. The power of storytelling in cultural and personal development. Nature connection schools aim to make themselves obsolete by integrating nature into daily life. Sound bites "Connecting with nature fosters personal growth." "Community is crucial for well-being." "Mentoring draws out the light in others." "Nature is a powerful teacher." "Relationships with nature take time." "Living Earth School connects all ages to nature." "Values and conduct are essential." "Spaces for belonging combat loneliness." "Storytelling shapes culture and development." "Nature schools aim to integrate nature into life." Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction and Hub's Background 00:03:00 Journey to the Wilderness 00:09:00 Mentoring and Community Building 00:15:00 Nature's Role in Healing 00:21:00 Living Earth School and Future Vision Keywords ·       nature connection, community building, personal growth, resilience, mentoring, Living Earth School, Hub Knott, Christine Gyovai Links from the We Rise conversation include: ·       https://livingearthva.org/ Living Nature Connected – link to purchase

3. 

   27 Aug 2025

   Creating Change with Belief, Community, and Art with Zikki Munyao

   Episode 58 of the We Rise podcast with Christine Gyovai In this episode of the We Rise podcast, Christine Gyovai talks with Zikki Munyao, who shares his inspiring journey from Kenya to the US, his experiences in the military, and his transition into philanthropy and community engagement. Zikki discusses the challenges and lessons learned from farming in Kenya, the mission of the nonprofit Just Help Africa, and the importance of education and clean water initiatives through the nonprofit. He also reflects on personal joy, trusting the process, and the power of storytelling through art. Zikki also shares about his newest global project, Consuming Carbon. Join us in this inspiring episode as we explore the transformative power of belief and its role in engaging communities and creating meaningful change. Discover how belief in oneself and a commitment to community can drive impactful change, and learn how art can serve as a legacy to tell unique stories. Tune in to be inspired by the stories of resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of a better future. Check out Zikki's bio below. Takeaways • Zikki's journey is rooted in service and community engagement. • Farming requires patience and resilience; it takes time to see results. • Just Help Africa focuses on providing clean water and education in Kenya and Nigeria. • Community involvement is crucial for the success of nonprofit initiatives. • Art can be a powerful medium for storytelling and legacy. • Personal joy comes from connecting with others and giving back. • Facing fears and self-doubt is part of the journey to success. • Starting projects, even when scared, is essential for growth. • Trusting the people around you is vital for achieving your vision. • Finding joy in your work can lead to a fulfilling life. Chapters 00:00  Introduction to Zeki Munoz 01:18  Journey from Kenya to the US 05:10  The Importance of Discipline 07:25  Farming in Kenya: Lessons Learned 13:56  Just Help Africa: Mission and Impact 19:05  Community Engagement and Partnerships 23:05  Personal Reflections and Joy 24:24  The Joy of Giving and Personal Fulfillment 25:35  Self-Understanding and Positivity in Tough Times 27:34  Navigating Feelings and Maintaining Belief 28:59  Facing Self-Doubt and Building Trust 32:53  Art as a Storytelling Medium 36:13  Climate Sustainability and Community Engagement 41:32  Lessons Learned and the Power of Starting Links from the We Rise conversation include: https://consumingcarbon.com https://munyao.art (https://munyao.art) https://www.justhelpafrica.org/ https://drjoedispenza.com/ Thanks for watching this episode! Subscribe to our channel to be notified of every new episode, and share it with three other people. See full show notes, episode transcript, and podcast app links to our show at https://yeswerise.org. Nzioki “Zikki” Munyao is a Kenyan-born artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist based in Charlottesville, Virginia. His creative journey is deeply rooted in his rich cultural heritage and global experiences, which he channels into vibrant artworks that resonate with themes of unity, nature, and the human spirit.  Zikki's artistic endeavors are centered around munyao.art, a platform where art converges with philanthropy. Through this initiative, he showcases his diverse collection of paintings and digital art while supporting various charitable causes. A significant portion of the proceeds from his art sales is dedicated to supporting girls’ education in Kenya, providing clean water, and aiding community development projects through collaborations with organizations like Just Help Africa. Zikki’s commitment to community empowerment is further exemplified through his active support of local and international non-profits, including the Makindu Children’s Program, which provides resources to orphaned and vulnerable children in eastern Kenya, and the United Way of Greater Charlottesville.  An advocate for blending art with technology, Zikki has embraced the digital art revolution by creating unique NFT collections. These digital artworks offer collectors exclusive pieces and contribute to meaningful social causes, reinforcing his belief in art’s power to drive positive change. Through his multifaceted endeavors, Zikki Munyao exemplifies the transformative power of art, business acumen, and altruism, continually striving to make a lasting impact on communities both locally and globally.

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

27 ratings

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