Taking the Middle Seat next to the Grand Rapids Feminist Film Festival

On episode 44, I’m talking with Lydia VanHoven-Cook and Courtney Stuart from the Grand Rapids Feminist Film Festival (Facebook, Facebook event, Instagram). This year’s Film Festival will be on October 27 at the Wealthy Theatre. They are in their 6th year and offer a FREE day-long film festival for all ages. The films are all short films, 20 minutes or less, “dedicated to elevating voices and showcasing talent from historically underrepresented groups in mainstream media.” The Film Fest will feature the film Teeth and have a keynote by Joyce Pierpoline. You’ll be able to get a rad t-shirt from Citizen Shirt, enjoy a jillion cool films and listen to panel discussions that span so many topics. They’re also partnering with The Learning Commons at Fountain Street Church.

Lydia mentions her zine, The Bandit Zine (Etsy, Instagram). You’ll LOVE her zines and buttons. Think holiday shopping, people.

Lydia and Courtney mention a few past films that they loved: Le Clitoris and Wrap My Hijab by Mona Haydar. So, get involved! You can volunteer and small and big ways. I think you’ll find your people there.

Lydia and Courtney mention some favorite things that include the show Pose, Instagram account @hetsexplainyourselves, Lizzo, Better Body Image Conference, affinity spaces, animal rescue.

So go to the Film Festival! Take your friends! Take your neighbors! Take the middle seat and I know you’ll find belonging, learning, and connection right there.

Taking the Middle Seat next to Amber Brandt and Olivia Fitzpatrick

On Episode 32, I’m talking to Olivia Fitzpatrick of Liv Styled (Facebook and Instagram) and Amber Brandt, The Coziness Consultant (Facebook and Instagram). They are sisters who have made it their life’s work to connect people, inspire people, and love people. Olivia is a rad stylist with impeccable style and an incredible gift to make humans feel amazing. Amber works in interior design and has approximately a zillion ideas to create welcoming spaces that elevate everyone who enters them. You’ll hear us laugh A LOT and I’m telling you right this minute, I love these women to pieces. They work in spaces that could be considered surface or frivolous but they know that their work is all about connection and love.

Olivia and Amber collaborate to create events called Bright + Becoming Events. I attended their first event and that’s where I just knew they had a special magic that I hadn’t seen before. Their spring event is April 25!! Follow Bright + Becoming to get the details as soon as they’re up. I KNOW this event will sell out quickly.

They also have A Modern Wedding Event coming up on March 23 at Mod Bettie. Olivia and Amber are the keynote speakers!! If you are planning a wedding, bless you. Almost 19 years in to my marriage, I cannot even imagine planning a wedding with hashtags and themes and creativity and organization. I am certain that you’ll love this event if a wedding event is on your horizon.

Olivia and Amber talked about their favorite things including candles, cheap mascara, and dance parties at home!!

Taking the Middle Seat is officially 1 year old! As I reflect on this past year, I am so grateful for all that the podcast has given me. Chief among those gifts is the gift of connection. Listeners, if you’re looking for genuine connection, put. yourself. out. there. Just one tiny step will do it. I promise. Humans are desperate to be heard and seen in this time of division so be that person that does the seeing and the hearing. Be the person that takes the middle seat!