In this heartfelt solo episode of Off The Beaten Podcast, host Dion McGill reflects on his military service in Afghanistan in honor of Veterans Day. He shares personal stories about his early reluctance to embrace the veteran identity, the bonds he built with Afghan soldiers, and the lessons he learned about shared humanity. McGill also explores the dangers of xenophobia and the enduring importance of solidarity, invoking the words of Fred Hampton. The episode closes with McGill’s reading of the St. Crispin’s Day speech, a moving tribute to camaraderie, sacrifice, and the unseen journeys of those who serve.

Hello Friends!

For this episode I had the opportunity to sit down with Ydalmi Noriega. Ydalmi is a Chicago transplant, as well as the Vice President of Programs and Engagement for the Poetry Foundation. After recently being labeled as a person who is redefining what poetry looks like, I had to sit down and pick her brain about her journey, and about the wide world of poetry. Enjoy!

• Hispanic Executive: Ydalmi Noriega Is Redefining What Poetry Looks Like in America
• Block Club Chicago: Words of Wonder Literary Festival Bringing ‘The Best’ Creatives To The South Side Saturday

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Hello Friends! While sitting and reflecting, it dawned on me I hadn't ever done an episode about Pride Month, which is a pretty big deal here in Chicago, so I took some time to reflect on some memories that tightly correlate in my head with the LGBTQIA+ community. It's story time!!!

Resources:

• Fatal Violence Against The Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Community in 2022
• LGBTQ Community Speaks Out Following Deaths of Two Chicago-Area Black Trans Women
• State Representative Kelly Cassidy
• Aurora Pride Parade 2022 Draws Hundreds After Almost Cancelled Over Revoked Permit Controversy
• History.com: The Stonewall Riots
• History.com: How The Mob Helped Establish NYC's Gay Bar Scene
• Full Moon Over The Stonewall: Howard Smith's Account of the Stonewall Riots
• City Cast Chicago: Remembering Mama Gloria