Podcast
The Shift: Stories of Resistance + Resilience
Hosted by Mark Travis Rivera · EN
The Shift is a podcast series exploring stories of resistance and resilience from activists, creatives, and leaders across industries who are boldly challenging the status quo. Through honest conversations and powerful storytelling, we uncover how people shift systems, narratives, and culture to create a more inclusive, just, and liberated world. If you believe in the power of stories to spark change, this is the podcast for you. It is hosted and produced by Mark Travis Rivera, CEO + Founder of The Professional Storyteller, LLC.
27episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Breaking Free from People Pleasing with Natalie Poindexter
3w ago00:38:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Shift: Stories of Resistance and Resilience, Natalie Poindexter joins Mark Travis Rivera for a powerful and honest conversation about entrepreneurship, identity, and what it truly means to become yourself.Natalie shares her journey from people pleasing and overgiving to building a life and business rooted in boundaries, clarity, and purpose. Drawing from her background in grant strategy and her experience as a Black woman founder, she reflects on the realities of entrepreneurship—navigating uncertainty, rejection, and growth without losing yourself in the process.Together, Natalie and Mark unpack the tension between authenticity and expectation, exploring how societal norms, workplace environments, and generational conditioning can shape how we show up in the world. Natalie opens up about her experience stepping into entrepreneurship after being unexpectedly let go from her job, and how that moment forced her to trust herself in a completely new way.They also discuss the importance of community, the power of saying people’s names in rooms they’re not in, and what it looks like to build connections that go beyond transactional relationships. Throughout the conversation, Natalie emphasizes the role of faith—choosing to move forward even when the path is unclear—and the importance of doing the exact opposite of what you’ve been conditioned to do in order to step fully into your purpose.This episode is a reminder that resilience is not about doing more or pushing harder—it’s about choosing yourself, setting boundaries, and trusting that you already have everything you need to move forward.Guest Bio:Natalie Poindexter is a TEDx speaker, founder, and funding systems strategist who helps leaders move from chaos to structure without burning out. With 10+ years in grant strategy, evaluation, and technical assistance—and a background in pre-hospital EMS—she brings a practical “triage + build” approach to leadership, boundaries, and sustainable impact. Natalie is the founder of NPI Consulting House and the creator of Scaffina, a platform supporting grant and procurement readiness. Her work centers ambitious women—especially women of color—in leading with clarity, confidence, and purpose.Connect with Mark:Sign up for Mark's NewsletterFollow Mark on Social MediaConnect with Natalie:Natalie’s InstagramNatalie’s LinkedInNatalie Poindexter Initiatives Questions or comments?Email us at Hello@MarkTravisRivera.com. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/dan-snyder/returning-homeLicense code: ASYBPBHYUQEWOLWEDisclaimer Note: The captions in this video are auto-generated, and while we try to ensure accuracy, you may notice a typo or error. Thank you in advance for extending grace.
Transcribe →
Becoming Yourself and Living Authentically with Dion Davis
4w ago00:51:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Shift: Stories of Resistance and Resilience, Dion Davis joins Mark Travis Rivera for a raw and layered conversation about authenticity, spirituality, and the journey of becoming yourself.Dion shares his path from being deeply rooted in evangelical ministry to ultimately stepping away in order to live fully and truthfully as a Black Latino gay man. He reflects on the internal and external tensions he faced as he navigated faith, identity, and societal expectations, and how those experiences shaped both his personal growth and his creative expression.Together, Dion and Mark unpack the complexities of religious trauma, the evolving relationship between spirituality and queerness, and what it means to reclaim faith on your own terms. They also explore the broader cultural and political landscape, discussing how belief systems can both support and suppress authenticity, and why choosing to exist unapologetically is an act of resistance.Dion opens up about the role of grief in his journey, from letting go of the life he once envisioned to embracing the unknown. He shares how giving himself space to evolve helped him reconnect with his creativity, leading to the release of his new single, Better, and a renewed commitment to living as a fully expressed artist.This episode is an honest reflection on identity, healing, and the courage it takes to choose yourself. It reminds us that authenticity is not a destination, but a lifelong process of becoming—and that in choosing ourselves, we create space for others to do the same.Guest Bio:Dion is an independent artist whose work is spiritually and emotionally layered. He blends personal insight with cultural commentary, creating music that resonates with intimacy and impact. His work is rooted in authenticity, introspection, emotional complexity, resilience, and a refusal to compromise integrity. Above all else, he is committed to authenticity within his expression, regardless of the medium.Connect with Mark:Sign up for Mark's NewsletterFollow Mark on Social MediaConnect with Dion:InstagramDion’s Music Questions or comments?Email us at Hello@MarkTravisRivera.com. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/dan-snyder/returning-homeLicense code: ASYBPBHYUQEWOLWEDisclaimer Note: The captions in this video are auto-generated, and while we try to ensure accuracy, you may notice a typo or error. Thank you in advance for extending grace.
Transcribe →
Returning to Yourself and Helping One Another with Mayda Del Valle
Apr 1500:45:08Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Shift: Stories of Resistance and Resilience, Mayda Del Valle joins Mark Travis Rivera for a deeply personal and powerful conversation about creativity, loss, and returning to yourself.Mayda shares her journey of moving back home to Chicago to support her family, navigating caregiving, grief, and major life transitions while questioning her identity as an artist. She opens up about a period where her creative voice felt distant, and how surrendering to where she was led her back to her work in a more grounded and expansive way.Together, they explore the tension between creativity and productivity, challenging the idea that we must constantly produce in order to be considered artists. Mayda reflects on how community, cultural lineage, and intergenerational living shaped her understanding of success and belonging, while Mark emphasizes the importance of honoring our humanity in a time of collective uncertainty.They also discuss what it means to hold joy and grief simultaneously, and how both can coexist as part of a full and meaningful life. Through reflections on heartbreak, healing, and creative rebirth, this conversation reminds us that even in our most difficult seasons, we are being prepared for something new.Ultimately, this episode is a call to stay rooted in our humanity, trust our inner voice, and remain connected to each other as we navigate change together.Guest Bio:Mayda del Valle was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago. She is the author of The University of Hip Hop and a winner of the 2016 Drinking Gourd Chapbook Poetry Prize from Northwestern University Press. Her full-length collection, A South Side Girl’s Guide to Love and Sex, was published by Tia Chucha Press. She began her artistic career at the Nuyorican Poets Café, where she was the 2001 Grand Slam Champion, and went on to become the National Poetry Slam Champion in the same year. She appeared in six episodes of the HBO series Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry and was a contributing writer and an original cast member of the Tony Award-winning Def Poetry Jam on Broadway. She has performed at venues across the world, including the White House in May of 2009, by invitation of President Obama and the First Lady. In 2024, Mayda was the recipient of the Letras Boricuas Fellowship, sponsored by Flamboyan Arts Fund and the Mellon Foundation. Most recently, she was selected to be the second Poet Laureate of the City of Chicago.Connect with Mark:Sign up for Mark's NewsletterFollow Mark on Social MediaConnect with Mayda:LinkedInInstagramWebsiteBuy Her BooksQuestions or comments?Email us at Hello@MarkTravisRivera.com. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/dan-snyder/returning-homeLicense code: ASYBPBHYUQEWOLWEDisclaimer Note: The captions in this video are auto-generated, and while we try to ensure accuracy, you may notice a typo or error. Thank you in advance for extending grace.
Transcribe →
Reimagining Humanity, Lessons from a Poetic Intercessor with Dr. Alysia Harris
Apr 800:32:21Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Shift: Stories of Resistance and Resilience, Dr. Alysia Harris joins Mark Travis Rivera for a powerful, thought-provoking conversation about poetry, storytelling, and the transformative power of personal testimony.Dr. Harris shares her perspective on resistance as a creative, evolving dialogue rather than simple opposition. She invites connection, imagination, and deeper understanding across differences. She also reflects on resilience as a practice of discernment, emphasizing the importance of balancing rest and action in order to sustain meaningful work.Together, they explore the role of storytelling in shaping collective memory and challenging dominant narratives, especially in a time when voices and histories are being silenced. Dr. Harris also unpacks the biggest misconception about poetry that you have to be good at it and reframes it as a practice of taking your life seriously and engaging deeply with your own experiences.Through reflections on faith, identity, and human connection, this conversation is a powerful reminder that none of us is the full story on our own. It is through sharing our stories, listening to others, and embracing complexity that we move closer to true understanding and to building a more connected, just world.Guest Bio:Dr. Alysia Nicole Harris is a poet, linguist, and passionate intercessor. With bases in Atlanta, GA; Corsicana, TX; and Rotterdam, Netherlands, Alysia gathers communities around creative expression to cultivate social and spiritual imagination at the local, urban, and global levels. Alysia received her MFA in poetry from NYU and her PhD in linguistics from Yale University. As a founding member of The Strivers Row Poetry Collective and an award-winning spoken word artist, she has amassed over 10 million views on YouTube. She has performed and taught workshops in creative writing and civic engagement across 12 countries for organizations such as the U.S. Missions to Ukraine, South Africa, and Jordan, NAACP, Yale Center for Faith & Culture, City Seminary New York, The Disrespected Literatures Conference, MoMA: PS1, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and numerous nonprofits, universities, and secondary schools. Her chapbook How We Must Have Looked Like Stars to Stars won the 2015 New Women’s Voices Contest. Alysia also served as the inaugural Arts and Soul Editor for Scalawag Magazine, a publication amplifying justice, arts writing, and cultural organizing in the US South. There she developed her passion for working with emerging writers, and honed her signature approach to journalism and arts writing as vehicles for articulating personal testimony, developing an empathetic social witness, and opening up creative pathways for spiritual engagement. During her Creative Community Care residency with City Seminary, Alysia partnered with community members to save a century-old church from demolition. In 2021 she founded Meetinghouse Revival, an organization that celebrates the history of Southern Black communities and the legacy of Black spiritual witness through the revival of historically-significant Black gathering places, intergenerational storytelling, and cultural education. Connect with Mark:Sign up for Mark's NewsletterFollow Mark on Social MediaConnect with Alysia:LinkedInInstagramWebsiteQuestions or comments?Email us at Hello@MarkTravisRivera.com. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/dan-snyder/returning-homeLicense code: ASYBPBHYUQEWOLWEDisclaimer Note: The captions in this video are auto-generated, and while we try to ensure accuracy, you may notice a typo or error. Thank you in advance for extending grace.
Transcribe →
Being Legitimate and Speaking the Truth with Aida Rodriguez
Apr 100:43:04Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Shift: Stories of Resistance and Resilience, Aida Rodriguez joins Mark Travis Rivera for a deeply personal and unfiltered conversation about identity, survival, and what it means to claim your legitimacy.Aida reflects on growing up in a family rooted in service, resilience, and protection, and how those early experiences shaped her understanding of resistance—not as performance, but as a daily choice. Together, Mark and Aida explore the weight of being “the first,” the pressure of breaking generational cycles, and the ongoing journey from simply surviving to thriving.The conversation also dives into Aida’s memoir, Legitimate Kid, unpacking the grief, responsibility, and unspoken childhood trauma and experiences that inform her storytelling. Through it all, Aida offers a powerful reminder: you are legitimate just because.This episode is an honest exploration of what it means to evolve, to speak truth to power, and to create space for yourself and others to exist freely and fully.Guest Bio:Aida Rodriguez is a comedian, writer, actor, and author—a favorite of critics and fans alike. Esquire Magazine declared of her, This is Rodriguez's genius—using comedy to turn pain into progress, to give voice to the voiceless, and to laugh instead of cry. Aida's comedy special Fighting Words is streaming on Max, and she was a standout on the Netflix Tiffany Haddish-produced hit series They Ready. She is a key collaborator on the platform’s The Max Entre Nos franchise, which features the brightest up-and-coming comedy talent. Aida was not only a breakout star of the series, but she also recently stepped behind the camera to direct and produce its current batch of specials. She is a guest writer for PopSugar, The LA Times, BuzzFeed, and Oprah Daily, as well as a regular commentator on The Young Turks. Her HarperCollins award-winning memoir, Legitimate Kid, is making its rounds with critics and the everyday people she wrote it for. She is the host of Say What You Mean with Aida Rodriguez on the Forward Network, a comedy-driven podcast featuring some of the most recognizable names in pop culture.Connect with Mark:Sign up for Mark's NewsletterFollow Mark on Social MediaConnect with Aida:InstagramWebsiteQuestions or comments?Email us at Hello@MarkTravisRivera.com. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/dan-snyder/returning-homeLicense code: ASYBPBHYUQEWOLWEDisclaimer Note: The captions in this video are auto-generated, and while we try to ensure accuracy, you may notice a typo or error. Thank you in advance for extending grace.
Transcribe →
Healing from Family Estrangement with Sydney Baloue
Mar 2500:51:39Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Shift, host Mark Travis Rivera welcomes Sydney Baloue, a multifaceted artist and advocate, to discuss themes of resistance and resilience in today's socio-political climate. They explore personal experiences of vulnerability, the importance of community, and the impact of political narratives on marginalized identities. Sydney shares insights into family estrangement and the journey towards healing, emphasizing the need for accountability and authentic relationships in a world marked by systemic oppression. In this conversation, Mark and Sydney explore generational differences in tolerance, the impact of populism and economic policies, and the flaws of trickle-down economics. They discuss the power of storytelling in shaping emotions and the importance of intersectionality within the LGBTQ+ community. The dialogue also touches on victimhood, power dynamics, and the emotional landscape of American identity, emphasizing how small changes can create significant social impact through shared stories.Guest Bio:Sydney Baloue (he/him/his/gurl!) is a writer, producer, director, dancer, archivist, and journalist. He has been a member of the ballroom community for 13 years. He was Co-executive Producer on HBO Max’s Legendary Seasons 1 and 2. In 2022, he was the first Black trans man in the Writers Guild of America after writing for The Vanishing Half (HBO) and Tom Swift (CW). Sydney is the author of a history-memoir tentatively titled Undeniable: A History of Voguing, Ballroom and How it Changed My Life (and the World). Sydney received the Martin Duberman Award at the New York Public Library in 2022-23, and he loves conducting oral histories with icons, legends, and pioneers of the ballroom scene. In 2019, Sydney made history as the first transgender man to win a voguing category at the biggest ball in New York City, The Latex Ball. When Sydney’s not voguing, he’s studying astrology or rooting for his favorite Premier League team, Arsenal Football Club, at his local pub. Come on, you Gunners!Connect with Mark:Sign up for Mark's NewsletterFollow Mark on Social MediaConnect with Sydney:InstagramLinkedInWebsite Questions or comments?Email us at Hello@MarkTravisRivera.com. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/dan-snyder/returning-homeLicense code: ASYBPBHYUQEWOLWEDisclaimer Note: The captions in this video are auto-generated, and while we try to ensure accuracy, you may notice a typo or error. Thank you in advance for extending grace.
Transcribe →
Processing Grief and Dying with Dignity with Darnell Lamont Walker
Mar 1800:54:05Tap to summarizeIn the Season Two premiere of The Shift: Stories of Resistance and Resilience, host Mark Travis Rivera sits down with author, death doula, and Emmy-nominated writer Darnell Lamont Walker. The conversation explores how facing mortality can help us live more fully, connect more deeply with others, and approach grief with honesty and compassion.Darnell shares insights from his book Never Can Say Goodbye: The Life of a Death Doula and the Art of a Peaceful End, reflecting on how his work supporting people at the end of life has shaped his understanding of community, grief, and the importance of telling our stories while we are still here.Together, Mark and Darnell discuss how grief shows up in many forms, including the loss of loved ones, relationships, and versions of ourselves we thought we would become. They also reflect on the collective grief that followed the COVID-19 pandemic and why creating spaces to talk openly about loss is essential for healing.Throughout the episode, Darnell emphasizes the power of storytelling at the end of life. From writing meaningful obituaries to encouraging people to share the stories they carry, he reminds listeners that everyone deserves to be remembered fully and truthfully. The conversation also explores the role of community in resilience and the need to build deeper connections and support with one another through life’s most difficult moments.Ultimately, this episode is not just about dying well. It is about living intentionally, loving deeply, and making sure the stories inside us are shared before it is too late.Guest Bio:Darnell Lamont Walker is a death doula, Emmy-nominated children’s television writer, producer, and explorer. Born in Charlottesville, Virginia, he creates spaces worldwide for healing through storytelling, end-of-life care, and workshops on grief, resilience, unlocking the writer within, and radical empathy. He joyfully lives in the Chattahoochee National Forest of North Georgia.Connect with Mark:Sign up for Mark's NewsletterFollow Mark on Social MediaConnect with Darnell:InstagramLinkedInWebsite Order Darnell’s Book: Never Can Say GoodbyeQuestions or comments?Email us at Hello@MarkTravisRivera.com. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/dan-snyder/returning-homeLicense code: ASYBPBHYUQEWOLWEDisclaimer Note: The captions in this video are auto-generated, and while we try to ensure accuracy, you may notice a typo or error. Thank you in advance for extending grace.
Transcribe →Becoming The Professional Storyteller (Part 2)
Nov 1900:35:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Shift, host Mark Travis Rivera opens up about his journey as a storyteller, exploring themes of resistance and resilience. He shares personal anecdotes about his identity, the impact of his disability, and how writing has been a refuge throughout his life. Mark discusses his early experiences in journalism, the challenges he faced, and the importance of representation in storytelling. The conversation emphasizes the power of stories to foster understanding and connection among diverse communities. In this conversation, Araya Baker and Mark Travis Rivera explore the significance of journalism and writing as tools for empowerment and community building, particularly for marginalized groups. They discuss the importance of personal narratives in fostering resilience and breaking cycles of oppression. The dialogue emphasizes the need for authenticity in artistic expression and the balance between faith and discipline in pursuing a creative career. In this conversation, Mark Travis Rivera and Araya Baker explore the themes of storytelling, personal growth, and the importance of authenticity. They discuss the journey of achieving personal goals, the inevitability of failure, and the significance of self-acceptance and worthiness. The dialogue emphasizes the need to honor one's calling in life while navigating the complexities of fame and identity.Connect with Mark:Sign up for Mark's NewsletterFollow Mark on Social MediaQuestions or comments?Email us at Hello@MarkTravisRivera.com. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/aspireLicense code: HH1UUNHIRJ7LUSVUDisclaimer Note: The captions in this video are auto-generated, and while we try to ensure accuracy, you may notice a typo or error. Thank you in advance for extending grace.
Transcribe →
Becoming The Professional Storyteller (Part 1)
Nov 1100:40:52Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Shift, host Mark Travis Rivera opens up about his journey as a storyteller, exploring themes of resistance and resilience. He shares personal anecdotes about his identity, the impact of his disability, and how writing has been a refuge throughout his life. Mark discusses his early experiences in journalism, the challenges he faced, and the importance of representation in storytelling. The conversation emphasizes the power of stories to foster understanding and connection among diverse communities. In this conversation, Araya Baker and Mark Travis Rivera explore the significance of journalism and writing as tools for empowerment and community building, particularly for marginalized groups. They discuss the importance of personal narratives in fostering resilience and breaking cycles of oppression. The dialogue emphasizes the need for authenticity in artistic expression and the balance between faith and discipline in pursuing a creative career. In this conversation, Mark Travis Rivera and Araya Baker explore the themes of storytelling, personal growth, and the importance of authenticity. They discuss the journey of achieving personal goals, the inevitability of failure, and the significance of self-acceptance and worthiness. The dialogue emphasizes the need to honor one's calling in life while navigating the complexities of fame and identity.
Transcribe →
Shifting Corporate Culture and Relationships with Ted Santos
Nov 400:45:04Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Shift, host Mark Travis Rivera engages in a deep conversation with leadership disruptor Ted Santos. They explore the importance of storytelling in leadership, the dynamics of resistance and resilience, and the impact of culture on organizational success. Ted shares his unique perspective on personal growth, the significance of affectionate listening, and how these concepts are woven into his groundbreaking book. The discussion highlights the intersection of personal experiences and professional insights, emphasizing the need for leaders to cultivate a deeper understanding of human behavior and connection. In this engaging conversation, Ted Santos and Mark Travis Rivera explore love, relationships, and communication complexities. They discuss the importance of affectionate listening, the misconceptions surrounding love, and the need for relationship compatibility. Ted emphasizes the impact of personal relationships on workplace productivity and advocates for a shift in corporate responsibility to foster healthier relationships in society. The discussion highlights the necessity of understanding oneself and others to create meaningful connections and improve overall well-being.Guest Bio:Ted Santos is not your typical business strategist—he’s a leadership disruptor who challenges the status quo and trains and develops CEOs, executives, and entrepreneurs to create problems instead of solving them to fuel breakthrough growth. As the creator of the Disruptive Leadership Model, Ted equips leaders to master chaos, engineer transformation, and scale the impossible without breaking their businesses—or themselves. With a background in turning struggling companies into market leaders, Ted’s unconventional strategies have helped businesses achieve what once seemed unimaginable, including doubling productivity in months and breaking through growth ceilings. His expertise extends beyond boardrooms—Ted’s groundbreaking book, "Here’s Why You Can’t Find Love," reveals how personal struggles, like broken relationships, cost U.S. businesses over $300 billion annually and provides tools for leaders to fix the hidden leaks that sabotage success.Connect with Mark:Sign up for Mark's NewsletterFollow Mark on Social MediaConnect with Ted:LinkedInQuestions or comments?Email us at Hello@MarkTravisRivera.com. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/aspireLicense code: HH1UUNHIRJ7LUSVUDisclaimer Note: The captions in this video are auto-generated, and while we try to ensure accuracy, you may notice a typo or error. Thank you in advance for extending grace.
Transcribe →