Podcast
The Joyous Justice Podcast
Hosted by April N. Baskin · EN
The Joyous Justice Podcast is for kind, committed professionals, leaders, and spiritually-inclined folks who want to cultivate resilience, deepen their impact, and co-create justice with clarity and joy.
Leadership isn’t just about action—it’s about mindfulness, healing, wise discernment, and the courage to radically reimagine what’s possible and necessary.
If you’re ready to shift from navigating challenges in default stress mode to cultivating your capacity to increasingly lead with intentional power and co-creative wisdom, tune in!
Hosted by award-winning Black & Cherokee Jewish social justice leader and certified coach, Kohenet April Nichole Baskin.
The future is ours to co-create!
(Podcast cover art photo credit: Jill Peltzman)
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep. 144: Why I Created Joyous Justice — And Why Joy Is Not Frivolous
2w ago00:49:23Tap to summarizeSend us a message via text message! Link accessible at joyousjustice.buzzsprout.com. ✅Ep. 144: Why I Created Joyous Justice — And Why Joy Is Not FrivolousAfter a multi-year metamorphosis process and deep Afro-Indigenous coming-home work, Kohenet April Nicole Baskin returns to the podcast to more clearly articulate the deeper vision underneath Joyous Justice.In this powerful relaunch episode, April explores why joy is not frivolous, why true joy requires metabolization, and why critique alone cannot build futures.This conversation weaves together:collective liberationemotional and energetic agilitysystemic oppressionrehumanizationstrategic possibilityspiritual leadershipgrounded powerand the importance of building futures larger than fear.April shares why she created Joyous Justice as a “generative agitation and strategic intervention,” how oppressive systems condition us away from our humanity, and why reclaiming our full humanity may be one of the most important forms of resistance and collective power available to us.If you’ve been searching for a more grounded, emotionally honest, spiritually rooted, and strategically hopeful approach to leadership and liberation work, this episode is for you.Topics include:Why “joy” is often misunderstoodEmotional metabolization vs toxic positivityWhy constriction alone cannot build futuresThe GPS metaphor for liberation workRehumanization and collective liberationEmotional agility and resilienceAfro-Indigenous coming-home workSpiritual integration and leadershipBuilding sustainable movements without burnoutSubscribe to the podcast and join the Joyous Justice Weekly email list to continue the journey.If you’d like to go deeper into some of the themes explored in this episode, here are a few earlier conversations from the Joyous Justice podcast:✨ Ep. 114: What is Joyous Justice really? ✨ Ep. 121: Silly Rabbit, Joy is for Grown-Ups!✨ Ep. 122: Silly Rabbit, Joy is for Grown-Ups! (Part 2)✨ Ep. 78 / Ep. 10: Feeling Rage, Finding JoySupport the showDiscussion and reflection questions:What in this episode is new for you? What have you learned and how does it land?What is resonating? What is sticking with you and why?What, if anything feels hard? What is challenging or on the edge for you?If relevant. what feelings and sensations are arising as you reflect on themes from this episode, and where in your body do you feel them?What key insights or strategies are you carrying forward and how do you want to weave them into your living and/or leadership?
Transcribe →Ep. 143: Eclipse Vibes, Podcast Updates, and Reflections on Self-Love
Mar 27, 202500:22:18Tap to summarizeSend us a message via text message! Link accessible at joyousjustice.buzzsprout.com. ✅In this more intimate episode, April shares reflections from her living room and unveils exciting updates about the evolution of the Joyous Justice Podcast. From the recent and upcoming introduction of guest speakers to new series focused on social justice leaderships and diverse healing modalities, among other topics, April offers a glimpse into the expansive vision guiding the podcast forward.She also shares some key insights regarding the power of self-love and self-acceptance, inviting you to consider this specific and important element of your own self-care journey. Emphasizing the beauty of collaboration and community, April encourages active listener engagement—through questions, feedback, and connection—as an essential part of the show’s future and her relationship and connection to you.Tune in to hear what’s emerging, what’s evolving, and how you can be part of a growing movement rooted in healing, justice, and joy._______________Interested in hiring April as a consultant? Submit a written inquiry here or schedule a quick initial consult with her.For a limited time, you're invited to join April for a free 5-day 1:1 challenge (30-45min daily, at an optimal time you'll select together with April).Click here to schedule your free 1:1 Challenge scheduled with April today! Follow us on Instagram - @joyous.justiceVisit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our services, programs, and to get connected!Support the showDiscussion and reflection questions:What in this episode is new for you? What have you learned and how does it land?What is resonating? What is sticking with you and why?What, if anything feels hard? What is challenging or on the edge for you?If relevant. what feelings and sensations are arising as you reflect on themes from this episode, and where in your body do you feel them?What key insights or strategies are you carrying forward and how do you want to weave them into your living and/or leadership?
Transcribe →Ep. 142: Black Women & Vashti Vindicated, Part 2, with jesi "rocki" taylor
Mar 15, 202501:13:38Tap to summarizeSend us a message via text message! Link accessible at joyousjustice.buzzsprout.com. ✅In this episode, Kohenet April N. Baskin and poet, archivist, and visionary jesi "rocki" taylor dive into a rich and layered conversation about disposability and extraction of black and global majority leaders, power, and the complexities of identity, as inspired by the limited, but potent lore surrounding Vashti. Together they explore the ways harm is named and weaponized, the nature of joy as a liberatory force, and the systemic patterns of extractive labor in justice work. This is a conversation that holds nuance, challenge, and depth—an invitation to examine the spaces we navigate and the truths we carry.To learn more about jesi and connect with faer work, you can find them on Instagram and here's access to the links for their newsletter, website, and so much more!Support the showDiscussion and reflection questions:What in this episode is new for you? What have you learned and how does it land?What is resonating? What is sticking with you and why?What, if anything feels hard? What is challenging or on the edge for you?If relevant. what feelings and sensations are arising as you reflect on themes from this episode, and where in your body do you feel them?What key insights or strategies are you carrying forward and how do you want to weave them into your living and/or leadership?
Transcribe →Ep. 141: Black Women & Vashti Vindicated, Part 1: Acknowledging Pet to Threat & Countering Disposability
Mar 13, 202500:16:26Tap to summarizeSend us a message via text message! Link accessible at joyousjustice.buzzsprout.com. ✅What happens when those who were once celebrated as respected and promising leaders become seen as threats? What happens when institutions benefit from the labor of Black women and and other leaders with marginalized identities, only to discard them once they begin to achieve what they were hired to do? In this revelatory episode, April N. Baskin explores Vashti’s erasure—not just as a biblical anecdote, but as a recurring pattern in movements, organizations, and professional spaces today, especially for Black women.With honesty and scholarly depth, April shares her own journey of being embraced, then excluded, from spaces she once poured herself into. She unpacks how the concept of neo-plantationism, a concept April originally coined, can help us better understand how historic domination and control patterns at still at play within contemporary professional and social spaces, and why so many courageous leaders experience systemic and harmful pushback when they are successful at advocating for real change they were hired/asked to advance.This episode is an offering of truth (including a painful and alarming story not previously shared), solidarity, and hopeful conviction—a declaration that we are not disposable. That we will not be erased. That our labor, wisdom, love, and voices matter and aren't going anywhere, despite efforts to the contrary.Show NotesMore information and context on Vashti and Purim - access hereWhen Black Women Go From Office Pet to Office Threat, First your boss loves you, then they dislike you. Here’s how Black women can manage the icy transition, by Erika Stallings - access article hereSupport the showDiscussion and reflection questions:What in this episode is new for you? What have you learned and how does it land?What is resonating? What is sticking with you and why?What, if anything feels hard? What is challenging or on the edge for you?If relevant. what feelings and sensations are arising as you reflect on themes from this episode, and where in your body do you feel them?What key insights or strategies are you carrying forward and how do you want to weave them into your living and/or leadership?
Transcribe →Ep 140: Embodying Peace in the Face of Trump's F*ckery
Feb 27, 202500:32:33Tap to summarizeSend us a message via text message! Link accessible at joyousjustice.buzzsprout.com. ✅In a powerful comeback episode, April N. Baskin unpacks the roots of her deep, intentional peace amid the chaos of Trump’s 2nd presidential term. Balancing raw emotion with spiritual insight, she shares how various factors and strategies have properly resourced her to fundamentally withstand oppressive forces without sacrificing her inner calm. With a mix of fierce honesty and gentle invitation, April lays out why embracing this peace is an intentional, revolutionary act—and she lets you know how you can join the conversation through Buzzsprout messaging!Discussion and reflection questions:What in this episode is new for you? What have you learned and how does it land?What is resonating? What is sticking with you and why?What, if anything feels hard? What is challenging or on the edge for you?If relevant. what feelings and sensations are arising as you reflect on themes from this episode, and where in your body do you feel them?What key insights or strategies are you carrying forward and how do you want to weave them into your living and/or leadership?Links:Blog Post with link to the healing, inspirational, and educational playlist: Adversity Alchemy aka Collective Liberation or bust Link to beautiful Youtube video of Shungudzo's song, "Already Free" - one of many potent songs on April's custom Adversity Alchemy playlist!Any other links or references! Shoot us a text and we'll endeavor to oblige. :)Interested in hiring April as a consultant? Submit a written inquiry here or schedule a quick initial consult with her.For a limited time, you're invited to join April for a free 5-day 1:1 challenge (30-45min daily, at an optimal time you'll select together with April).Click here to schedule your free 1:1 Challenge scheduled with April today! Follow us on Instagram - @joyous.justiceVisit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our services, programs, and to get connected!Support the showDiscussion and reflection questions:What in this episode is new for you? What have you learned and how does it land?What is resonating? What is sticking with you and why?What, if anything feels hard? What is challenging or on the edge for you?If relevant. what feelings and sensations are arising as you reflect on themes from this episode, and where in your body do you feel them?What key insights or strategies are you carrying forward and how do you want to weave them into your living and/or leadership?
Transcribe →EP 139: A New Dawn, Not a Farewell: April's Solo-Hosting Journey & Tracie’s Evolving Role
Jan 18, 202400:31:30Tap to summarizeSend us a message via text message! Link accessible at joyousjustice.buzzsprout.com. ✅In this captivating episode 139 of the Joyous Justice Podcast, a pivotal moment unfolds as April Baskin and Tracie Guy Decker delve into a heartfelt and transformative discussion: They unveil significant changes that will shape the future of the podcast, marking a new era in their journey of advocacy and growth. This episode is not just an update; it's a reflection of resilience, the power of collaboration, and the beauty of evolving paths. As April takes a bold step in a new direction, and Tracie explores exciting endeavors, they invite listeners to be part of this momentous transition. Filled with profound insights, personal revelations, and a glimpse into the future of Joyous Justice, this episode promises to be a compelling listen that will leave you inspired and curious about what lies ahead.Links:Tracie & Emily's latest podcast: https://dtass.buzzsprout.com/For Lucifer fans!: https://lightbringers.buzzsprout.com/Discussion and reflection questions:What in this episode is new for you? What have you learned and how does it land?What is resonating? What is sticking with you and why?What, if anything feels hard? What is challenging or on the edge for you?If relevant. what feelings and sensations are arising as you reflect on themes from this episode, and where in your body do you feel them?What key insights or strategies are you carrying forward and how do you want to weave them into your living and/or leadership?Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community!Join our online community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/590922415522750Submit a question, insight, or topic or guest suggestion at https://joyousjustice.com/connectFind April’s TikTok videos here: https://www.tiktok.com/@aprilavivabaskinFollow us on Instagram (@joyous.justice), Twitter, (@JoyousJustice), or Facebook (www.facebook.com/joyousjustice365)Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community!Support the showDiscussion and reflection questions:What in this episode is new for you? What have you learned and how does it land?What is resonating? What is sticking with you and why?What, if anything feels hard? What is challenging or on the edge for you?If relevant. what feelings and sensations are arising as you reflect on themes from this episode, and where in your body do you feel them?What key insights or strategies are you carrying forward and how do you want to weave them into your living and/or leadership?
Transcribe →Ep. 138 - Accessing Onramps, Playing w Pilots, and Allowing Shift
Dec 19, 202300:35:11Tap to summarizeSend us a message via text message! Link accessible at joyousjustice.buzzsprout.com. ✅SummaryIn this episode, Kohenet April Nichole Baskin discusses the concept of on-ramps and piloting in relation to personal growth and transitions. She explores the idea of using the new year as an opportunity for reflection and experimentation, emphasizing the importance of spacious on-ramps and the value of piloting different practices as needed. April shares her personal experiences with navigating difficult circumstances and the lessons she has learned from floating and pivoting. She encourages you to embrace or experiments with on-ramps and piloting as tools for personal growth, and creating an ecosystem for success. Discussion and reflection questions:What in this episode is new for you? What have you learned and how does it land?What is resonating? What is sticking with you and why?What feels hard? What is challenging or on the edge for you?What feelings and sensations are arising and where in your body do you feel them?Key TakeawaysTake the time to reflect on your life and identify areas where you can create spacious on-ramps for personal growth and transition.Experiment with piloting different practices and approaches to see what works best for you.Embrace the new year as an opportunity for reflection and setting intentions, but remember that you can choose your own target date for personal goals.Create an ecosystem for success by identifying the path of greatest ease and leveraging your strengths and resources.Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community!Join our online community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/590922415522750Submit a question, insight, or topic or guest suggestion at https://joyousjustice.com/connectFind April’s TikTok videos here: https://www.tiktok.com/@aprilavivabaskinFollow us on Instagram (@joyous.justice), Twitter, (@JoyousJustice), or Facebook (www.facebook.com/joyousjustice365)Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community!Support the showDiscussion and reflection questions:What in this episode is new for you? What have you learned and how does it land?What is resonating? What is sticking with you and why?What, if anything feels hard? What is challenging or on the edge for you?If relevant. what feelings and sensations are arising as you reflect on themes from this episode, and where in your body do you feel them?What key insights or strategies are you carrying forward and how do you want to weave them into your living and/or leadership?
Transcribe →Ep. 137: Intentional, Visionary Leadership IS Pragmatic and Practical!
Dec 7, 202300:26:51Tap to summarizeSend us a message via text message! Link accessible at joyousjustice.buzzsprout.com. ✅Join recently-ordained Kohenet April Nichole Baskin in a captivating examination and reconsideration of what often gets classified as "pragmatic" or "practical." April delves into the transformative power of mindfulness about language and advocates for a reframe, or at the least, thoughtful consideration of what we label as "pragmatic" and "practical." She asserts that visionary, strategic thinking and action that challenges conventional mindsets can, in fact, be some of the most pragmatic and practical thinking and actions we can employ. This episode is a vibrant blend of personal anecdotes and visionary insights, culminating in a powerful call to, when necessary, intervene when brilliant insights and strategies are being shut down or ignored because they were (in)directly labeled as impractical. Instead, as allies and practitioners, we can bridge communication gaps and embrace and pilot innovative, effective, and joyously just strategies.Key Takeaways:Redefining Pragmatism: Understand how pragmatic thinking is often misinterpreted, and learn to distinguish it from default or fear-based thought patterns.Challenges of a Visionary Woman of Color: Hear April's experiences and the distinct challenges she's faced in promoting forward-thinking ideas in organizational settings.The Limiting Power of Language: Explore how language can both confine and liberate our thinking, impacting our ability to embrace innovative strategies.The Visionary's Approach: Learn the importance of transcending conventional thinking to adopt more visionary and intentional actions.Joyous Justice – Pragmatism Meets Vision: Discover how Joyous Justice programming blends practicality with strategic and visionary thinking.Strategic Thinking vs. Practicality: Understand why it's crucial to prioritize strategic thinking over mere practicality, especially when exploring new possibilities.Bridging Understanding Gaps: Emphasize the need for improved communication and collaboration to effectively bridge gaps in understanding.Support the showDiscussion and reflection questions:What in this episode is new for you? What have you learned and how does it land?What is resonating? What is sticking with you and why?What, if anything feels hard? What is challenging or on the edge for you?If relevant. what feelings and sensations are arising as you reflect on themes from this episode, and where in your body do you feel them?What key insights or strategies are you carrying forward and how do you want to weave them into your living and/or leadership?
Transcribe →Ep 136: Trauma-informed vs Trauma-agile
Sep 21, 202300:49:20Tap to summarizeSend us a message via text message! Link accessible at joyousjustice.buzzsprout.com. ✅In this episode (recorded as an Instagram Live before April's Kohenet ordination), April unpacks and examines the buzzword term "trauma-informed." Thinking and talking about trauma has become more and more common. While this is, generally speaking, a good thing, it's important--especially with something fraught, fragile, and potentially triggering--for us to be clear about what we mean, what is possible, and what is safe. April offers a new term, "trauma-agile," to help make things clear. Discussion and reflection questions:What in this episode is new for you? What have you learned and how does it land?What is resonating? What is sticking with you and why?What feels hard? What is challenging or on the edge for you?What feelings and sensations are arising and where in your body do you feel them?Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community!Join our online community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/590922415522750Submit a question, insight, or topic or guest suggestion at https://joyousjustice.com/connectFind April’s TikTok videos here: https://www.tiktok.com/@aprilavivabaskinFollow us on Instagram (@joyous.justice), Twitter, (@JoyousJustice), or Facebook (www.facebook.com/joyousjustice365)Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community!Want to work with us? If you are considering one of our group or executive coaching packages, but want to talk it through, you can schedule a no-obligation zoom with April: https://app.usemotion.com/meet/april-baskin/chat-w-april?d=30All content © 2023 The Joyous Justice Podcast.Support the showDiscussion and reflection questions:What in this episode is new for you? What have you learned and how does it land?What is resonating? What is sticking with you and why?What, if anything feels hard? What is challenging or on the edge for you?If relevant. what feelings and sensations are arising as you reflect on themes from this episode, and where in your body do you feel them?What key insights or strategies are you carrying forward and how do you want to weave them into your living and/or leadership?
Transcribe →Ep 135: Making Room for Our Whole Selves
May 25, 202300:32:17Tap to summarizeSend us a message via text message! Link accessible at joyousjustice.buzzsprout.com. ✅The limits our circumstances can place on us often creep in incrementally until we wake up one day and realize we aren’t allowing our full selves to shine. Originally an Instagram Live, this episode finds April reminding herself she can and has created space for what she wants and who she is. There is room for our whole selves in this big wide world–if we’re courageous enough to claim the space. Discussion and reflection questions:What in this episode is new for you? What have you learned and how does it land?What is resonating? What is sticking with you and why?What feels hard? What is challenging or on the edge for you?What feelings and sensations are arising and where in your body do you feel them?Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community!Join our online community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/590922415522750Submit a question, insight, or topic or guest suggestion at https://joyousjustice.com/connectFind April’s TikTok videos here: https://www.tiktok.com/@aprilavivabaskinFollow us on Instagram (@joyous.justice), Twitter, (@JoyousJustice), or Facebook (www.facebook.com/joyousjustice365)Visit https://joyousjustice.com to learn more about Joyous Justice, LLC, our team, and get connected & involved in our community!Want to work with us? If you are considering one of our group or executive coaching packages, but want to talk it through, you can schedule a no-obligation zoom with April: https://app.usemotion.com/meet/april-baskin/chat-w-april?d=30All content © 2023 The Joyous Justice Podcast.Support the showDiscussion and reflection questions:What in this episode is new for you? What have you learned and how does it land?What is resonating? What is sticking with you and why?What, if anything feels hard? What is challenging or on the edge for you?If relevant. what feelings and sensations are arising as you reflect on themes from this episode, and where in your body do you feel them?What key insights or strategies are you carrying forward and how do you want to weave them into your living and/or leadership?
Transcribe →