In this episode of Unspoken, we welcome Shannon Sedgwick Davis. Shannon is CEO of the Bridgeway Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to stopping mass atrocities, and an award-winning advocate for social justice and international human rights. Most recently, she is the author of To Stop a Warlord: My Story of Justice, Grace, and the Fight for Peace. This book powerfully tells the story of Shannon’s efforts to free Central Africa from the grip of violent rebel leader Joseph Kony and liberate his army of child soldiers.She previously served as the vice president of Geneva Global and director of public affairs at the International Justice Mission. She is an Advisory Council member of The Elders, the group of global statesmen founded by Nelson Mandela, and a board member of several organizations, including Humanity United and charity: water.

It's our deep privilege to share Shannon's story on the podcast, having walked through unthinkable circumstances in pursuit of justice for unprotected people around the world. This episode is also very special because 
we hosted a LIVE recording at Parnassus Books here in Nashville for this one! So many dear friends and family showed up to support and we could not have been more grateful. The evening was one we’ll never forget, and it’s our sincere hope that her message hits home for you as you listen wherever you are!

https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Christ-Forgotten-Reality-Everything-ebook/dp/B07B77R8T7

In this episode of Unspoken, we welcome Father Richard Rohr. Richard Rohr is a globally recognized spiritual teacher whose work is grounded in Christian mysticism, practices of contemplation and self-emptying, and compassion for the marginalized. He is a Franciscan priest of the New Mexico province and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, where he also serves as academic dean of the Living School for Action and Contemplation.  

Father Richard is the author of many books, including the best-sellers Falling Upward, The Naked Now, Breathing Under Water, The Divine Dance, and most recently, The Universal Christ. His work has been featured on Oprah’s SuperSoul Sunday, Krista Tippett’s On Being, and in the New York Times. Father Rohr's unique gift for holding space for the mystical and the universal is incomparable. It's our deep privilege to be able to share this soul with you. 

Nisolo is offering Unspoken listeners 25% off their purchase at Nisolo.com when you use code UNSPOKEN at checkout. 

 In this episode of Unspoken, we welcome Noor Tagouri, a Libyan-American storyteller and journalist. She is currently one of the most talked about young adults in the country having worked with the CBS Radio, Newsy, CTV News while being known as the first hijab-wearing news anchor on American television. Her two documentary passion projects, “The Forest Haven Story” and “Sold in America", have both served as lighthouses in culture — exposing injustices and combating the challenges facing marginalized communities. From viral stories, to global speaking tours, to releasing her own line of fashion, Noor is raising the bar every step of the way. Noor’s consistency, transparency, and philanthropy have given her a platform with hundreds of thousands of loyal supporters trusting her to tell the story right. Noor is truly a fire and hopeful force in our world today. 

In this conversation, you'll hear her share how her passion become her vocation, reveal stories of great adversity, debunk myths about the teachings of her faith, uncover her hope for the future of journalism, and explain the powerful meaning behind why her hijab is an emblem of servitude (and so much more). She models with great tenacity how living into your purpose truly changes the game and invites others to live authentically. 

Nisolo is offering Unspoken listeners 25% off their purchase at Nisolo.com when you use code UNSPOKEN at checkout. 

In this episode of Unspoken, we welcome Mike McHargue (better known as Science Mike). Mike is an author, podcaster, and speaker who travels the world helping people understand the science of life's most profound and mundane experiences. His best-selling debut book, Finding God in the Waves, has helped people in transition understand faith in the 21st century. Mike's the host of Ask Science Mike, and cohosts The Liturgists Podcast with his friend Michael Gungor. He's recently appeared before sold-out audiences in New York, Chicago, and London, and is a contributor to RELEVANT magazine, Storyline, BioLogos, and The Washington Post. 

It is no secret that Mike is one of the most profound and prominent thought leaders at the modern intersection of spirituality, science, and social justice today.  With his big heart, incomparably brilliant mind, and courageous vulnerability, Mike processes his journey thus far, explains how trauma therapy has changed his life, and gets real about the harder parts about being human. We are grateful how he shows up in the world - knowing that everything he does is about helping the spiritually homeless and frustrated accept themselves and find community, so we can all work together to make the world a better place for everyone. We hope this conversation leaves you feeling less alone and empowers you toward owning your truth.

Nisolo is offering Unspoken listeners 25% off their purchase at Nisolo.com when you use code UNSPOKEN at checkout. 

In this episode of Unspoken, we welcome the beloved and inspirational Lauren Paul. 

Lauren is a director, writer and co-founder of Kind Campaign — an internationally recognized nonprofit organization that brings awareness and healing to the negative and long-lasting effects of girl-against-girl bullying. While studying film at Pepperdine University, she had the opportunity to work on Tom Shadyac’s acclaimed documentary, I Am. That experience inspired Lauren and soon after transitioned into a life-changing journey of Lauren and Co-Founder Molly Thompson’s award-winning documentary, Finding Kind, and eventually, Kind Campaign. Kind Campaign has directly impacted a half a million girls, mending friendships by giving them the tools to apologize, uplift one another and step into their own power.  Lauren has been honored with the Public Education Lifesavers Award from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. 

Lauren's voice in the world is a gift to all of us. Her experience and wisdom are expansive, and yet, she holds it with such humility and reverence. In this conversation, you’ll hear about the things she’s done professionally, but for most of the conversation we go deep behind the curtain and meet the beautiful human being that Lauren is. Her strength as a mother and multi-faceted intellect bleeds through every moment. Lauren shares with such honesty, vulnerability, courage, and self-awareness that the world needs more of. 

Nisolo is offering Unspoken listeners 25% off their purchase at Nisolo.com when you use code UNSPOKEN at checkout. 

In this episode of Unspoken, we welcome actress and singer, Emmy Raver-Lampman — most popularly known for starring as Angelica Schuyler in the Tony award-winning Broadway musical Hamilton. She is currently starring in the popular Netflix series, The Umbrella Academy, and has also made television appearances in the hit series A Million Little Things. 

This conversation with Emmy, Miles, and Ruthie is equally as vulnerable and inspiring as it is irreverent and hilarious. This woman is powerful and her ambition is contagious. There are so many beautiful truths she unpacks that have been realized out of the unfolding of her own life. We are so inspired by the light, vibrancy, and never-ending curiosity inside of Emmy that bleeds through this conversation. She’s truly a deeply empathetic and incredibly motivated human being who has courageously shown up for her story.

Nisolo is offering Unspoken listeners 25% off their purchase at Nisolo.com when you use code UNSPOKEN at checkout. 

Many of you have probably heard of Sleeping At Last, but unfamiliar with the man behind the music and artistry. In this week's conversation on Unspoken, we have Ryan O’Neal. Ryan is a Chicago-based signer-songwriter, producer and composer who makes music under the name of Sleeping at Last. His music can be heard frequently on popular TV shows and films such as the Twilight Saga, Grey’s Anatomy, American Idol, The Fault in Our Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, The Ellen Degeneres Show and many more. He has also scored feature documentary films for SoulPancake, Charity: Water and the Global Citizen Festival in NYC.

In 2013, Ryan began the long-form concept project, Atlas, which is an ongoing series of new music to be released over the course of many years. In 2016, Ryan began The Sleeping At Last Podcast in which he explains the process and inspiration behind his music, one song at a time. He is currently hard at work on Atlas: Year Two: 25 new songs which explore the themes of human development; sense, emotions and a song for each of the nine unique Enneagram types.

Ryan is such a gift. We are touched by the way he shows up in the world, his kindness and childlike imagination bleeding into everything he creates. The stories he shares about where his love of music first began, the inner-critic that he constantly navigates, and the joys of being a father are incomparable. We hope this conversation leaves you inspired to find connection, healing, courage and strength to leave no important words unspoken. 

Nisolo is offering Unspoken listeners 25% off their purchase at Nisolo.com when you use code UNSPOKEN at checkout. 

In this episode of Unspoken, we have the honor of sharing our conversation with James Shaw Jr. — most known for making headlines and becoming a national hero after bravely disarming a gunman in Antioch, Tennessee Waffle House. Determined to turn the tragic course of events into a stepping stone, James is committed to using his voice and personal experience to make a major impact in his community.

The 29-year-old native to Nashville, now known as the “Waffle House Hero,” is currently hosting national meetings and galvanizing global thought leaders to share his community and humanitarian plan to systemically address policy change, and increase efforts to make gun control/ gun violence, mental illness and the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder a national priority. James is currently making appearances and speaking at schools, universities, corporations, conference, etc. on the above issues and recently announced his foundation, The James Shaw Jr. Foundation.

This episode is particularly special because this is James' first podcast interview since the Waffle House event.

Nisolo is offering Unspoken listeners 25% off their purchase at Nisolo.com when you use code UNSPOKEN at checkout. 

In this episode of Unspoken, we have the deep privilege of sharing our conversation with Morgan Harper Nichols — a writer, artist, and musician who makes her work around people and their stories. Morgan spent the first few years of her adult life as a college admission counselor, and then, as a full-time touring singer-songwriter and musician. It was on the road that she cultivated her curiosity and passion for the written word and art, and slowly began to share her art with others online.  Ever since then, she has created countless pieces of art inspired by what others send her — and then, sends them the art, for free. As an artist, Morgan has collaborated with publications and brands including Coach, Darling Magazine, Esquire Singapore, Jungalow, and more. As a writer, her debut book ‘Storyteller’ is a #1 Amazon Bestseller in Inspirational Poetry. 

Morgan is such a special human and we're so excited for y'all to just get a peek into the soul behind the incredible work she's doing in the world. We hope this conversation gives you the courage to pick up the mirror and make courageous eye contact with the person on the other side because we are all so deserving of self-love and belonging.  For more of her captivating work, start here.

Nisolo is offering Unspoken listeners 25% off their purchase at Nisolo.com when you use code UNSPOKEN at checkout. 

In this episode of Unspoken, we release our conversation with the incomparable and lovable Bob Goff — the two-time New York Times Best-Selling Author of both Love Does and Everybody Always. He is the Honorary Consul to the Republic of Uganda, and an attorney who founded Love Does - a nonprofit human rights organization operating in Uganda, India, Nepal, Iraq and Somalia. He's spoken all over the map, bringing his unique perspective and exciting storytelling to millions per year. Most importantly, he is driven by a desire to help others unlock their potential to love and be loved greater. Most recently, he has been hosting Dream Big Framework worldwide - an intensive two-day workshop designed to help people from all stages of life make their dreams take flight. For more see BobGoff.com and LoveDoes.org.

Nisolo is offering Unspoken listeners 25% off their purchase at Nisolo.com when you use code UNSPOKEN at checkout. 

In this episode of Unspoken, we have the unique joy and privilege to share our conversation with the beloved Arielle Vandenberg. 

Arielle is an actress, entertainer, creator, and host of The Only Child Podcast. She's one of the most popular people in online media today with well over a million people following her work. Her evolving film and television career has included everything from recurring roles in 'Meet the Browns', 'Greek', 'How I Met Your Mother', and 'CSI'. We traveled to LA to record this hilarious and deeply touching interview which brought expected laughter and some inspiring heartfelt tears. Arielle let us into a space that she doesn't often share publicly and we walked away with such respect for her and the work she does. Our hope is that Arielle's story reminds you to keep fighting, trust your gut, honor where you've come from, and continue to bring things into the light so they can't stay in the darkness.  

Follow along Arielle's journey and beautiful work here.

Nisolo is offering Unspoken listeners 25% off their purchase at Nisolo.com when you use code UNSPOKEN at checkout. 

We kick off Season 2 with the powerful and profound voice of Jon Batiste. The conversation that took place in the studio above the Ed Sullivan Theatre on Broadway is one that we trust will set the precedent for the incredible guest line-up ahead.

Born into a long lineage of Louisiana musicians, Jon Batiste is a globally celebrated musician, educator, bandleader and television personality whose musical skill, and artistic vision has captivated the hearts of many, whether solo or with his band Stay Human. Jon is a musical genius who is well-known for his role as the Musical Director of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Jon recorded and released his first solo album, Hollywood Africans this past year and received critical acclaim from his peers and press — including his first GRAMMY nomination. Strongly committed to the arts, philanthropy, education and mentoring of young musicians, Jon is currently the Artistic Director At Large of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem and Musical Director for The Atlantic. 

Our deep hope is that this episode would be your invitation toward stepping into your lineage, speaking your truth, honoring how you spend your time, and challenged by radical love.

You can follow Jon Batiste and stay up to date on all touring information, new music, videos and more here. 

Nisolo is offering Unspoken listeners 25% off their purchase at Nisolo.com when you use code UNSPOKEN at checkout. 

The wait is over and Season 2 of the Unspoken Podcast is finally here! In this teaser episode, Miles and Ruthie share their journey on the podcast thus far, dive deep into their favorite takeaways, lessons, and impactful stories from Season 1, and give a preview for the conversations coming in Season 2.

We are thrilled to share these conversations and reveal the divine collective beauty discovered when we speak our truth and share the sacred experiences that bring us back to ourselves.  We are so honored to invite you along for this journey and cannot wait to share the impact our guest are having on the world. Listen and be encouraged; that we might all find connection, healing, courage and the strength to leave no important words UNSPOKEN.

Follow us along on this journey for Season 2 here.

Nisolo is offering Unspoken listeners 25% off their purchase at Nisolo.com when you use code UNSPOKEN at checkout. 

In this episode of Unspoken, Ruthie and Miles sit down with the beloved writer, illustrator, and speaker, Mari Andrew. After a season of grief and loss in 2016, she decided to do a drawing a day and placed them on Instagram to keep herself accountable. By March 2018 she had almost a million Instagram followers and published her first book, “Am I There Yet”, which went on to be a New York Times best seller.

Join us and see what drives the amazing drawings we all see and love from Mari. She gives us the gift of words and insight into the emotions we all feel but can’t find the words for.

Discover and become absolutely obsessed with Mari's illustrations and heart-felt writings here.

In this episode of Unspoken, Miles and Ruthie have a deep and lovely conversation with Ashley LeMieux. This conversation shows the real and raw pain of grief and how you can persevere and turn your pain into meaning in this life. 

Ashley is a writer, speaker, and the CEO and founder of The Shine Project. She is a cheerleader for the underdog, believes in using her story to help others find courage to live in theirs, and her life mission is to help women have the resources they need to shine in their lives. Her company, The Shine Project, provides an online community and platform for women to find support and connection, and the jewelry products they sell are hand made by first generation college students. She operates a brick and mortar store in Nashville and Phoenix. Ashley lives in Nashville, TN with her husband and dog, and the most special times of her life were the years she was able to be a mother. 

Learn more about the Shine Project (Ashley's passion project and life work) here.

In this episode of Unspoken, be prepared for several moments of tears as well as many moments of genuine connection and joy with Jacob Bixenman. Jacob brings a sincerity and depth to this interview that draws you in and leaves you wanting to be his best friend. Jacob Bixenman is a model, photographer, and visual artist who’s worked with the likes of Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Stella McCartney, Adidas, and is the current face of Topman. He and his creative work have been featured in publications such as Vogue, V Magazine, i-D, and Them. As well, he is a passionate advocate of LGBTQ rights, which is reflected through his work and social platforms.

He is obviously next level talented but what is so beautiful about Jacob is his tender heart and his old soul. His words are covered with such grace, wisdom, insight, love and tenderness that feel way beyond his 23 years on this earth. We are so honored to share our heart friend Jacob with you today.

Learn more about Jacob's profound art and life's work here.

In this episode of Unspoken, Ruthie and Miles quickly came to understand that Azita Ardakani offers a level of intelligence and creativity so unique and pure that you can’t help but be enraptured. Azita is an entrepreneur, social activist, and human-centered communication expert with a fascinating background. 

Born in Iran, she immigrated to Canada on the tail end of the Iran/Iraq war. With a background in sociology she has consulted with the United Nations on multiple, highly successful digital media campaigns. She founded lovesocial.org, an award winning digital agency who’s developed strategies for NPR, Nike, Oprah magazine and many other organizations. She was named Forbes 30 under 30 and NY Business Journal’s women to note and Wall Street Journal’s Women to Note among many other recognitions.

In this episode of Unspoken, Miles and Ruthie thoroughly enjoyed a deep and meaningful conversation with William Matthews — known around the world as a singer/songwriter and popular recording artist that has extensively toured and performed around the world. There were many laughs during this time but also many raw, vulnerable moments and important discussions around race, religion and having great support as you navigate this life. William's passion is artistry and advocacy. 

He seamlessly blends music, cinematography & political messaging around themes like racism and climate change which have been highlighted by CNN & Yahoo. In his music documentaries & podcast work on The Liturgists - William has interviewed prominent religious & thought leaders, songwriters, scientists and global political figures. 

You can check out his body of work here — where booking requests for music and speaking engagements can be made.

In this episode of Unspoken, Ruthie and Miles interview Eduardo Garcia — a human being who embodies a kind of peace and tranquility that you cannot manufacture. If you have not heard his story, you will want to listen to this interview and then quickly watch his documentary, “Charged”. Eduardo Garcia is a man of many talents including being a chef, outdoorsman, athlete and motivational speaker & the co-founder of a national food brand, Montana Mex a clean label condiment brand.  

During a Montana backcountry hike in October 2011, Eduardo was electrocuted by a buried high voltage power source, where he suffered extensive, life-threatening injuries and had to have four ribs, his left hand and forearm amputated. This eventually lead to the creation of “Charged” He is also working on a number of media projects including “A Hungry Life” a tv concept which follows him into the wild places of the world as he creates exceptional food over a campfire. Learn more about Eduardo Garcia's work and passion here.

In this episode of Unspoken, Miles and Ruthie were able to sit down with Connie Britton in her LA home to talk about life, careers and the great joys and many challenges of parenthood. Getting to hear the heartbeat of what drives Connie is beautiful and moving. You will definitely want to take time out of your day to tune in. Connie Britton is a 4-time Emmy-nominated actress best known for her roles in Spin City, West Wing, Friday Night Lights, Nashville and American Horror Story and will soon be starring in a Bravo Media series, Dirty John. Connie also has numerous film credits and is a Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations and works in poverty eradication and women’s empowerment advocating to the American global public. Connie’s wisdom and insight is a gift and we are so honored to get to share this conversation with you.

Follow along and be inspired by the life-work of Connie Britton here.

In this episode of Unspoken, Ruthie and Miles traveled to NYC to have a great conversation with Sarah Lewis. Hearing how Sarah has overcome loss and how it has shaped who she is and where she is in life is truly inspiring and perspective shifting. Sarah is an assistant professor of history of art and architecture and African and African American studies at Harvard University and is the author of The Rise, a book about failure and creativity. She has also held curatorial positions at the Museum of Modern Art, New York and the Tate Modern, London.

Sarah’s influence and impact is powerful and lasting, particularly, in sparking a national conversation with “Vision & Justice”—the landmark issue of Aperture dedicated to photography of the black experience that explores, with eloquent reach, “what humanity looks like.” Learn more about the powerful work Sarah is a part of here.

In this episode of Unspoken, Miles and Ruthie join Tyler Hubbard—husband, new dad, friend, and member of multi-platinum duo, Florida Georgia Line—to talk life and love. Tyler shares with raw vulnerability the tensions of balancing faith, family, artistry and success and the unexpected loss of his father who installed in him the drive to not only accomplish great things but to be a great man. 

FGL has had an unprecedented record breaking cross genre successful run that shows no signs of slowing down. Somehow amongst all the success you will discover a humble passionate man who leads with heart and believes in leaving everything he influences better than he found it. As true visionaries, he and his partner, Brian Kelley, have other innovative endeavors including their newly-announced multifaceted compound in Nashville: Tribe Kelley Trading Post, Tree Vibez Music, and meet + greet, plus FGL HOUSE.

Listen to Tyler Hubbard's globally-recognized music with Florida Georgia Line here.

In this episode of Unspoken, Ruthie and Miles sat down with Sean Brock, founding chef of Husk restaurants. Fans of this James Beard award-winning chef, known for redefining rustic Southern cuisine, will be surprised to hear all that Brock has overcome from battling childhood wounds, addiction and a rare disease. He’s also picked up a new passion in guitars. Get a glimpse of a man who has fully embraced his recovery and found freedom and balance. Sean shares with such humility, honesty, vulnerability and self-awareness that the world needs more of.

Don't miss his powerful story on Season 6 of Chef's Table on Netflix here.

In this episode of Unspoken, Ruthie and Miles share space with Sophia Bush, an actress, activist and global education advocate. Sophia recently won the Nelson Mandela Change Maker Award and has spoken with Michelle Obama as an advocate for women and girls.  Sophia has taken part in countless marches in DC as well as traveled the world to build schools for underprivileged children. Sit up straight in your chair as you will want to pay attention to the important conversation that takes place here. 

It truly takes you on a journey of friendship, unconditional acceptance, and striving to have a voice and make a difference against the injustices of the world.  You can follow her most recent work as host of the podcast,  And Especially You, here.

In this episode of Unspoken, Miles and Ruthie sat down with one of the most fascinating, curious and hilarious humans on the planet, Jedidiah Jenkins. He is a writer, friend, adventurer, and executive editor of Wilderness Magazine. While listening, you'll hear how they explore the intricacies of what makes Jed the unique, lovable, brilliant world changer that he is. They dive deep into the challenges and narrative of growing up as a gay Christian in the Bible Belt in the 1980's, the importance of family and faith, and the difficulties of being true to who you are — even when it comes at a cost.  We hope you will be inspired by the amazing kindness and grace that Jed shows in every aspect of his life. His memoir to Shake the Sleeping Self, which is mentioned throughout this conversation, can be purchased online here.