Soul Force  Politics Podcast

Our conversations explore the impact of love on social change.

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Podcast Archive

This podcast is evergreen. The conversations are timeless.

In this archive, celebrities, political figures, humanitarians, artists, authors, and activists join Heather Mizeur in thought-provoking, animated, fun, and insightful conversations that teach heart-centered wisdom to strengthen our connections and soften our political divides.

We need to hear the wisdom in these conversations as much today as when they were recorded.

Season 1: 2017-2018

Season 2: 2019-2020

Season 3: 2020 Pandemic

Top Podcasts

Here is just a small sample of the celebrity guests we have featured  on the Soul Force Politics Podcast

S1E27

Chef José Andrés  

S1E14

U.S. Senator Cory Booker
(D-NJ)

S1E1 & S2E1

Melissa Etheridge  

S1E25

Alex Grey + Allyson Grey 

S1E3

Governor Larry
Hogan (R-MD)

S2E6

Dolores Huerta 

S2E4

Secretary of State,
Senator John Kerry

S1E18

Robin Wall Kimmerer  

S2E9

Father James Martin

S1E19

Sarah McLachlan  

S2E2

Sister Helen Prejean  

S2E11

Congressman Jamie
Raskin (D-MD)

Season Three

S3E3 — Heather Mizeur teaches Radical Love as a guest on Soul Soil Podcast May 28, 2020

This is a first for me as a podcaster, to have the tables turned and be answering rather than asking the questions. I was delighted to be a guest on the show, "Soul Soil Podcast" with Brooke Kornegay and I humbly invite you to take a moment, sit in nature or some other favorite quiet spot and lose yourself in our conversation. I think you will walk away with some valuable insights and inspiration. I'm here to support you on your journey to wholeness!

1:01:58

S3E2 — Resilience Test: The Week My Dog Died and I Lost My Job

Could you lose your dog and your job in the same week and be okay? I learned that for me, the answer is, "Yes." It's the gift of resilience and I want to help you build yours.

19:44

S3E1 — Of Virus & Virtues: A Voyage Within

When I stepped outside of the tiny shack that had been my isolated retreat home for 30 days in the Amazon jungle, I was entirely unaware of the unique global moment that had unfolded around me. This is the story of clueless re-entry into a world-wide pandemic and the wisdom this experience offers to navigate challenging times.

44:27

Season Two

S2E13 — “A Very Stable Genius” — Phil Rucker, Washington Post White House Bureau Chief

Phil Rucker is the White House Bureau Chief for the Washington Post whose co-authored book, "A Very Stable Genius: Donald J. Trump's Testing of America" debuted number one on the New York Times best-sellers list. In the midst of doing the full circuit of interviews on late night talk shows, National Public Radio, and major media outlets, we got to sit down with Rucker for an in-depth conversation about this hot new book on our show.

55:30

S2E12 — Forrest Pritchard | Art of Farming, Guided by Wisdom of Nature

Today’s guest is a seventh-generation Virginia farmer whose inspiring journey to the heart of sustainable agriculture made him a New York Times best-selling author. Join us for a touching and humorous look at the wisdom gained directly from nature to guide farming practices in a way that is steeped in listening to the land and its animals.

57:19

S2E11 — Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-MD) — Under Siege: Is Democracy Fragile or Resilient?

Congressman Jamie Raskin joins us on today’s show to share his brilliant insights into the foundations of our Democracy and what is at stake for the future of America’s experiment with self-governance. The last 10 minutes of the interview captures a special Soul Force Politics moment.

1:07:16

S2E10 — “Sacred Instructions: Indigenous Wisdom for Living Spirit-Based Change” — A conversation with author Sherri Mitchell

Sherri Mitchell shares with us knowledge and lived experiences that weave together the political, scientific, ethical, and spiritual aspects surrounding a multitude of complex issues that we must traverse for a deeper collective healing from the trauma of colonization. This book brings forward unique wisdom teachings from First Nations people that can set us all on a better course.

1:15:21

S2E9 — Radical Love for LGBTQ Catholics: A Conversation with Father James Martin, SJ

Today's guest is one of our country's best-known progressive voices in the Catholic church. He received a private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican to discuss his growing ministry to LGBTQ Catholics. Join us for an insightful, funny, and inspiring conversation with Father Jim Martin.

1:11:16

S2E8 — Will SCOTUS Radically Restore Half the Land of Oklahoma to Tribal Sovereignty? A Conversation with Rebecca Nagle

Today’s guest is nationally-recognized indigenous and First Nations activist, Oklahoma journalist and Cherokee Nation citizen, Rebecca Nagle. We have a brilliant conversation about a range of policy issues implicated by the pending SCOTUS decision in the Carpenter v. Murphy dispute. This is a fascinating case for anyone interested in law, public policy, indigenous rights, tribal sovereignty, land rights, and the challenges of fighting against the powerful oil and gas industry.

58:16

S2E7 — Rev. angel Kyodo williams: What is  Radical Love?

Come with me to meet the Reverend angel Kyodo williams, a social visionary who applies wisdom teachings and embodied practice to intractable social issues. Radical, redemptive, accepting love is at the core of all personal and social transformation. However, as we discuss, this is a challenging concept and one that requires us to redefine our notion of what love is.

52:36

S2E6 — Dolores Huerta: Empowering Action for Change

I am thrilled to bring you a conversation with a woman who has defined what it means to be a social justice warrior for all of her nearly 90 years in this lifetime – the unstoppable Dolores Huerta. She co-founded the United Farm Workers union with Cesar Chavez in the 1960s, was a close political ally of Robert F. Kennedy, and has spearheaded movements for the advancements of civil rights her entire career.

53:02

S2E5 — Crystal Bowersox on the “Courage To Be Kind”

Crystal Bowersox stole the nation’s heart as the darling of the 9th season of American Idol. Her voice has been described as both “dirt and diamonds.” Her music is full of light and love and she speaks a wisdom beyond her years. Join us for this beautiful conversation about struggle, redemption, love, light, kindness, and a willingness to reach across ideological divides and the political spectrum to hug perfect strangers and remind them they are loved!

56:06

S2E4 — Former U.S. Senator and Secretary of State, John F. Kerry

Today’s guest is one of America’s most accomplished and enduring public servants – decorated Vietnam War Veteran, 2004 Democratic Presidential Nominee, former U.S. Senator and Secretary of State, John F. Kerry. We discuss the global threat of climate change; war-time lessons about life, death, and government betrayal; a surprising bipartisan friendship that came from speaking truth in a Senate prayer breakfast; and thoughts about regaining America’s standing on the world stage.

47:11

S2E3 — 6 Lessons from the Covington Teens Standoff

In this episode, our host, Heather Mizeur, shares her reflections on the lessons emerging from the national debate that was stirred from the standoff between the Covington Catholic teens and a Native American drummer at the Lincoln Memorial following the Indigenous People’s March on January 18, 2019. There are some rich lessons here for all of us, should we choose to open ourselves to the opportunity.

15:22

S2E2 — Sister Helen Prejean: Infusing Our Criminal Justice System With Radical Love

Sister Helen Prejean, the spitfire Catholic nun internationally known for her work as a death penalty repeal advocate and author of the bestselling book, “Dead Man Walking,” joins Heather Mizeur for a conversation about mass incarceration, restorative justice, state executions, revenge, forgiveness, the grace of awakening, and the deep responsibility we have to take action and speak truth when we bear witness to injustice.

1:00:12

S2E1 — Melissa Etheridge & Heather Mizeur: Radical Love Can Change Politics

“How would the world be different if politics were rooted in radical love?” In this kick off to Season 2 of the Soul Force Politics podcast, join Grammy and Oscar award-winning rock star Melissa Etheridge and our host, Heather Mizeur, for an in-depth discussion on how radical love can change politics as usual.

1:02:58

Season One

S1E29 — Pulse Legacy: Love Always Wins (Part 2)

We end our first season with the release of a special two-part series dedicated to exploring the healing power of love to conquer hate in the aftermath of the tragedy at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando.

1:04:00

S1E28 — Pulse Legacy: Love Always Wins (Part 1)

We end our first season with the release of a special two-part series dedicated to exploring the healing power of love to conquer hate in the aftermath of the tragedy at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando.

1:02:53

S1E27 — Chef José Andrés: The Power of a Humble Plate of Food to Offer Hope, Love, Care & Connection

Today’s guest is one of the great humanitarians of our time — Chef José Andrés. He isn’t only a famous celebrity chef with amazing top-tier restaurants to satisfy your culinary desires. He is also leader of the World Central Kitchen, feeding millions globally in the wake of disasters.

59:17

S1E26 — “RFK: His Words for Our Times” ~ author C. Richard Allen

Few have inspired me more in public life than Robert F. Kennedy. Imagination, courage, and determination. Justice, fairness, and equality. Compassion, mixed with toughness and discipline. He promoted unity over division. He encouraged dissent to strengthen conviction. His heart was in charge. He practiced Soul Force Politics. Listen as author Richard Allen and I discuss Bobby Kennedy's lifetime legacy.

1:03:14

S1E25 — Alex & Allyson Grey: Psychedelic Mystical Experiences & the Expression of the Sacred in Visionary Art

Today's s show connects you to two extraordinary, transcendental artists that are world-renowned pioneers in showcasing the exploration of consciousness and use of psychedelics to influence the visionary art realm and the expression of the sacred. I go to New York's COSM — Chapel of the Sacred Mirrors -- to interview Alex and Allyson Grey in their personal art studios.

59:06

S1E24 — Warren Berger, author of “A More Beautiful Question”

Today’s guest is former New York Times journalist Warren Berger, the author of the provocative book, “A More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas.” Explore with us the power behind one of the most underappreciated tools – one that has been available to us since childhood – the art of asking meaningful questions to ignite change and unleash innovation and creative mastery.

59:18

S1E23 — Jennifer Hofmann: Inspired Activism from Americans of Conscience Checklist

Today’s guest is Jennifer Hofmann, author of the super-popular Americans of Conscience Checklist, which provides her 70,000 online followers with a weekly advocacy list of clear actions to address the undermining of core values by decisions at the local, state, and federal levels of government. Jennifer Hoffmann’s unique approach promotes heartfelt engagement in the work of the Resistance without amplifying polarization. Her lists are free from partisan hype, insults, and vilification.

52:31

S1E22 — Dr. Freeman Hrabowksi, Pres. of UMBC: “The True Grit Behind This Cinderella Story”

We discuss Cinderella stories today with Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, the President of UMBC – a college that made March Madness history; and a look back at his participation in the 1963 Children's March that brought the city of Birmingham to its knees through non-violent protest. Hrabowski was spat on and jailed by Bull Connor and visited by Dr. King at the tender age of 12.

54:00

S1E21 — Dr. Martine Rothblatt: A Genius Mind and a Noble Heart

Today's guest is a truly remarkable genius, tenacious innovator, and creative problem solver. She also happens to be one of the kindest, most generous, and caring humans I have met. If you have never heard Martine Rothblatt speak of the many ways she has conquered the impossible, then buckle up for a sweet ride on today's show where we meet the blending of a genius mind with a noble heart.

52:21

S1E20 — Priscilla Renea (aka Muni Long): Prolific, Award-Winning Songwriter & Soulful Vocal Artist

Priscilla Renea (known now as Muni Long) is one of freshest voices and most talented songwriters — a musical powerhouse exploding on the scene who has the ability to capture your attention through her vocals, her lyrics, her looks, AND her uncanny wisdom on how to navigate life, pivot around the barriers, meet fear with fierce truth and a heart of love, and rise above it all.

50:30

S1E19 — Sarah McLachlan ~ “World On Fire,” Find Your Voice!

The melodious and angelic sounds of Sarah McLachlan’s voice have sold more than 40 million albums, launched a successful women’s Lilith Fair concert series, and garnered three Grammy’s and twelve JUNO awards to honor her work. McLachlan has a knack for showing people how to do well by doing good. Sarah explores with us the importance of self love, kindness, and empathy mixed with the passion of a revolutionary seeking to find and stand in one’s power to change the world.

51:33

S1E18 — March For Our Lives ~ Interviews with Youth Leaders at the National Rally for Gun Reform

A movement of youth voices — led by those traumatized by the school shooting in Parkland, Florida— has captured the attention of the nation and is shifting consciousness on how to move the needle on gun reform in this country. By shining their light and showing their fierce bravery, these activists are giving permission and encouragement to youth across the country to do the same. I captured some of these voices at the national March For Our Lives rally in Washington, DC.

48:20

S1E17 — Jen Tullock: Actor, Writer, Comedian, Activist who is anything but “Disengaged.”

To spend five minutes with Jen Tullock is to be in stitches. She carries comedic turns-of-phrase and brilliant language choices that sear into your heart, open your mind, make you think, force you to laugh, and leaves you begging for more.

55:19

S1E16 — U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) On How To Be a Good Mensch

Our guest today is Maryland’s senior United States Senator, Ben Cardin. He’s often referred to around the state as, “My friend, Ben.” While he has the common man’s touch – probably one of the most humble and approachable members of the elite U.S. Senate – Ben Cardin also displays an uncommon dedication to decency, fairness, and justice all rooted in his connection with, love of, and loyalty to family and community.

45:00

S1E15 — Erricka Bridgeford, Baltimore Ceasefire 365: “You’re Not Gonna Snatch Our Greatness”

Our guest today is one of the co-founders and guiding forces of the new Baltimore Ceasefire 365 movement which is fiercely determined to turn around the City's homicide rates. We are joined today by the incomparable, Erricka Bridgeford named by the Baltimore Sun as its 2017 Marylander of the Year. Her words are laser incisions in your heart space, opening you to a deeper connection to your inner wisdom and spiritual promptings to show up in the world to make a difference.

59:35

S1E14 — U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) on the philosophy of love and social justice

Happy Valentine’s Day! Shouldn’t EVERY DAY be about love? How perfect that today’s show is dedicated to a discussion about the philosophy of love, patriotism, politics, and social justice with a man whose life, actions, and words are the very reflection of a fierce dedication to kindness, love, and compassion. Today’s guest is a United States Senator from New Jersey, Cory Booker.

53:42

S1E13 — Rebecca Alban Hoffberger, Founder of the American Visionary Art Museum

My guest today is Rebecca Alban Hoffberger — the founder, director, and principal curator of AVAM. She is a force to be reckoned with. She exudes genius. It's hard to keep up with her rapid-fire thoughts and insights; her quotes and scientific journals; her sheer joy and wonder — but what a delight to try! She opens worlds for us to explore together.

1:01:28

S1E12 — Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III (D-MA)

Today’s guest is none other than the young man many are beginning to call “The next President Kennedy.” Representing the 4th Congressional District of Massachusetts is Joseph P. Kennedy III. In our conversation, you get a glimpse into the heart of this man that makes it his mission to bring his soul’s force for good into this world through his public service. His wisdom, kindness, compassion, and dedication are exactly what we need more of in the halls of Congress.

50:21

S1E11 — Wellness & Resilience: Insights from “Modern Medicine Woman,” Deborah Mizeur

Learn how to start this year off right and keep it going great, no matter what curve balls life might throw at us. Here at Soul Force Politics, we are interested in giving you the tools to be more resilient in the face of conflict. How do we cultivate a better practice of awareness and observation to shape our perspective and navigate our health? We explore these concepts today with a very wise healer, teacher, advocate, and clinician.

48:40

S1E10 — Congressman Andy Harris (R-MD)  & Gun Control

GOP Congressman Andy Harris and Heather Mizeur have polar opposite world views, but in the aftermath of our country’s most recent mass shootings, Heather reached out to see if they could at least try to find some ways to break through the divide on gun violence, better understand each other, and foster a dialogue that might shift the stalemate on this controversial topic. Their fascinating conversation will surprise you.

1:11:19

S1E09 — a Theologian in the Senate ~ U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE)

U.S. Senator Chris Coons was trained not only at Yale Law School, but also its Divinity School. He is a wise scholar, a brilliant advocate, an astute policymaker, and a dedicated, humble public servant. We discover intimate details of his friendships in the U.S. Senate and learn why it was so challenging for him to lead the prayer breakfast for President Trump. Join us for this conversation to be inspired by the wisdom of how we can best navigate these uncertain times.

50:50

S1E08 — Robin Wall Kimmerer, Author of “Braiding Sweetgrass”

Our guest today is one of my favorite authors, a magical heart and mind who gave us all the gift of her phenomenal book, “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants.” Robin Wall Kimmerer is a mother, scientist, decorated professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. She is SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor of Environmental Biology, and the founder and director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment.

1:04:30

S1E07 — U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)

U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) is one of the most respected and astute policy analysts and legislative thinkers on Capitol Hill. In today’s conversation, we connect with him on a range of policy topics and hear his prescriptions for how activists can move the needle on tough issues like climate change and gun control. We hear about some of his successes in working across the aisle to achieve bipartisan legislative victories. And we learn more about the fun side of him not always in public view.

1:05:59

S1E06 — Actress Sonja Sohn, Director of new HBO doc film “Baltimore Rising”

Actress Sonja Sohn -- best known for her role as Detective Kima Greggs in The Wire -- discusses her directorial debut, a new HBO documentary film that takes us on a deep journey to review the hidden stories behind the civic unrest that unfolded in Baltimore after the death of Freddie Gray in police custody in 2015.

54:49

S1E05 — Jenna Johnson, Washington Post White House Correspondent

Jenna Johnson was assigned to lead the Washington Post's campaign coverage for U.S. presidential candidate, Donald J. Trump in 2015. As Trump vaulted into prominence to win his party’s nomination and eventually the general election, Johnson had a front row seat to this unconventional campaign and moment in history. In our conversation, she peels back the curtain and gives us an insider’s view of her experience of getting to know the candidate and his supporters so intimately on the campaign trail.

1:04:18

S1E04 — Rev. Delman Coates, Social Justice Advocate

Heather Mizeur and Delman Coates teamed up in 2014 to be an unlikely ticket for Governor and Lt. Governor of Maryland. A lesbian and black baptist minister, few would have paired them together, but they proved to be a charismatic force for change on the campaign trail. Their friendship endures and in this episode, they explore a revolutionary idea of a new abolitionism movement to reform the monetary system for a more compassionate, just, and socially responsible economy.

50:52

S1E03 — Governor Larry Hogan (R-MD)

Putting the notion of Soul Force Politics to the test, listeners of this episode are treated to a diverse and wide-ranging bipartisan discussion between popular GOP Governor Larry Hogan and Maryland’s most respected progressive voice, Heather Mizeur. Though from different ends of the political spectrum, they show how to disagree on policy options without being disagreeable – modeling honorable leadership and respectful dialogue on difficult topics.

1:04:09

S1E02 — Barbara Mikulski

Maryland’s most popular politician — feisty firebrand, powerhouse & glass-ceiling-breaker, former U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) — records her very first podcast ever by sitting down with Soul Force Politics. She offers her trademark charm, blunt assessments, and keen political insights, sprinkled with humor and unexpected candor about the role of faith and spirituality in a career that spans thirty years of Congressional history-making.

57:40

S1E01 – Melissa Etheridge

In this inaugural episode of Soul Force Politics, Heather Mizeur welcomes her friend and spiritual mentor, Grammy and Oscar award-winning rock star, Melissa Etheridge, to engage in a deeply personal and spirit-filled conversation about compassion, justice, mercy, and honorable leadership practices that choose love over fear to express truth and wisdom in the world.

48:54