Illogical by TRUTH

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Latest Episodes:

Men Wear Pink: A Panel Discussion on Rebuilding Healthcare Trust Dec 04, 2023

How can we truly activate trust in healthcare? Uncover the solution as the panel emphasizes the pivotal role of education, transparency, and community support. Explore the profound connection between science and religion, discovering a pathway to provide accurate healthcare information and essential resources to faith communities.

Join Terrance Ruth in a powerful final episode of 'Illogical by Truth,' featuring an enlightening panel discussion with Gary Vinson, Jacqueline Whittenburg, Carmen Cauthen, and Dr. Louis Harrison. As they gather for the Men Wear Pink event, the conversation delves into the critical realm of equitable healthcare access, with a special focus on individuals and families affected by cancer.

Don't miss this engaging dialogue that goes beyond conventional narratives, offering insights into fostering a community where truth and understanding prevail. Want to be a part of the change? Tune in, join the conversation, and make a difference by supporting the fight against cancer at menwearpink.org.

Questions that were covered:
1. How has the lack of trust in healthcare systems impacted individuals and families affected by cancer?
2. What are some barriers to equitable access to healthcare in the African-American community?
3. How can we bridge the gap between science and religion to provide better healthcare information to faith communities?
4. What steps can be taken to educate and inform faith organizations about healthcare resources and information?

About our Guest:
Gary Vinson, Biopharma Operations Executive
Jacqueline Whittenburg, Executive Director of Whittenburg Foundation
Carmen Cauthen, Author & Historian
Dr. Louis Harrison, CEO, President & Co-Founder of MyCareGorithm, LLC

Illogical by TRUTH is hosted by Terrance Ruth and is produced by Earfluence!

From Vision to Action: Inside Wake County's Leadership Playbook with David Ellis Nov 20, 2023

Welcome, truth-seekers, to another riveting episode of Illogical by TRUTH. On today's episode, Terrance Ruth unravels the mysteries of county leadership with a visionary guest, David Ellis, the County Manager of Wake County. In a world where every decision shapes the community we call home, we ask the pivotal question: What sets a County Manager apart from a City Manager, and how do they navigate the unique challenges and opportunities that come their way? Join us as we not only explore the complexities of fiscal management, collaboration with government entities, and decision-making processes but also uncover the hidden gems that make county leadership indispensable. Ready for a revelation? Stay tuned, as we unearth solutions that could redefine the future of community governance on Illogical by TRUTH!

Questions we covered:

Key responsibilities and functions of your role as a County Manager.
Interactions and collaborations with other government entities, such as municipalities and cities, differ from the interactions a City Manager might have.
What strategies do you employ to address the diverse needs and demographics within your county?

About our Guests:
David Ellis is an experienced Manager and Leader with a demonstrated history of working in the government administration industry. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Budgeting, Government, Urban Planning, and Emergency Management. Strong community and social services professional who graduated from Harvard Kennedy School.

Illogical by TRUTH is hosted by Terrance Ruth and is produced by Earfluence!

Empowering Education Locally: A Conversation with Ann McColl and Dr. Dudley Flood Nov 07, 2023

Are you curious about the untold stories of educators and activists who reshaped public education through grassroots efforts? Do you wonder how local engagement can still make a difference in today's complex educational landscape? If so, you're in for a treat. Stay tuned for a conversation that will inspire you to take action and make a difference in education right now.

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Illogical by TRUTH. I'm your host, Terrance Ruth, and today we have two incredible guests who have dedicated their lives to the cause of education, each with their unique perspective on the role of local engagement in shaping the trajectory of public education. We are joined by Dr. Floyd and Ann, who have not only made significant contributions to the field but have also been instrumental in preserving the historical legacies of Jeanie Teachers and the Rosenwald Schools, highlighting the power of local activism.

Questions we covered:

Can you share what influenced your passion for education and why you find it so vital?
Enlighten our listeners about how local engagement was crucial in your efforts to promote desegregation.
What insights can you provide to help families reimagine local learning autonomy that complements the public school experience?

About our Guests:
Ann McColl is an attorney and has worked in the field of education law and policy since graduating from the UNC Law School in 1991. Her positions include legislative director for the State Board of Education, general counsel for the North Carolina Association of School Administrators and the North Carolina School Superintendents Association, and more.

Dr.Dudley Flood is an educator and champion of school integration in North Carolina. In the years following the Brown v. Board of Education decision that mandated school desegregation in the United States, Dr. Flood traveled to every corner of the state to unite divided communities and work toward integrating our public schools.

Illogical by TRUTH is hosted by Terrance Ruth and is produced by Earfluence!

Designing Connections: Unleashing Community Engagement with Tania Allen Oct 23, 2023

In this episode, host Terrance Ruth welcomes Professor Tania Allen to explore the power of design as a catalyst for community engagement. Together, they delve into Tania's journey, the importance of community engagement, and practical ways to empower residents through design thinking.

Questions for Discussion:

Why Community Engagement Matters: Tania explains the significance of leveraging design to activate and engage communities, highlighting the importance of this approach in local government.
Participatory and Co-Creative Processes: Tania clarifies the concepts of participatory and co-creative processes, emphasizing how these approaches empower residents and foster a sense of ownership.
Social Change from the Ground Up: Terrance and Tania discuss the benefits of a "ground-up" approach in driving social change, particularly by focusing on the human experience at the community level.

About our Guest:
Tania Allen is an associate professor of media arts, Design, and Technology and director of graduate programs in media, arts, design, and technology.

Faces of Compassion: Maggie Kane and Lorena McDowell on Hunger, Homelessness, and Advocacy Oct 09, 2023

Welcome back to Illogical by TRUTHJoin host Terrance Ruth as he sits down with two remarkable guests, Maggie Kane and Lorena McDowell, who have become the faces of compassion in the fight against hunger and homelessness. In this episode, they share their inspiring journeys and shed light on critical issues that often go unnoticed.

We cover questions regarding:

Lorena speaks about surprising and lesser-known aspects of housing and homelessness, encouraging listeners to gain a deeper understanding of these issues.
Maggie talks about her innovative restaurant, "A Place at the Table," and explains how she has created a space where everyone, regardless of their housing status, feels welcome and visible.
Lorena addresses housing challenges
We explore Maggie's groundbreaking initiatives in the nonprofit sector

About Our Guests
Lorena D. McDowell, MPNA… Director, Wake County Department of Housing Affordability & Community Revitalization. Dedicated, community-centered executive, with experience in Public, Private, and Non-profit sector community engagement and consulting.

= Housing First Conversation

Maggie Kane… Founder and Executive Director at A Place at the Table

= Feeding + Serving Locally

Illogical by TRUTH is hosted by Terrance Ruth and is produced by Earfluence

HBCUs and Local Governance: Unearthing Historical Significance and Shaping the Future with Dr. Everett B. Ward Sep 25, 2023

Welcome back to Illogical by TRUTH, In this episode your host Terrance Ruth engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Everett Ward, an Education and Public Affairs Consultant with a rich history of leadership in the Black community. Dr. Ward served as the 35th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and was the former President of St. Augustine, an HBCU. Together, they delve deep into the historical and contemporary roles of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in local government and local governance.

We cover questions regarding:

What was the economic impact of a growing educated black population in Raleigh, the south, and the country?
What is the future of HBCU’s role in local economies and cities? What should we be looking out for?
What led you to leadership in these areas and how do these roles create alignment in your overall story?

Terrance Ruth and Dr. Everett Ward engage in a dynamic conversation that not only uncovers the historical significance of HBCUs but also offers insights into their evolving roles in contemporary society. Join us as we explore the intersection of education, local politics, and community development in this captivating episode of Illogical by TRUTH.

About Our Guests
Dr. Everett B. Ward is an Education and Public Affairs Consultant. He’s the 35th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and former President of St. Augustine, an HBCU.

Illogical by TRUTH is hosted by Terrance Ruth and is produced by Earfluence

Building Better Communities: Design, Diversity, and Engagement with Zach Hoffman & Matt Griffith Sep 11, 2023

Welcome to another episode of Illogical by TRUTH. Your host, Terrance Ruth speaks with two remarkable guests, Matt and Zach. In this enlightening conversation, they explore the world of design, architecture, community engagement, and the importance of diversity in shaping our built environment. Matt and Zach set the stage for a thought-provoking discussion about the creative realm of design and architecture. They reflect on how their personal stories have led them to their respective roles and how their unique personalities influence their work.

Empowering Raleigh, Building a Stronger Community: Council Members Christina, Mary, Jane and Megan, Uniting for a Better City Aug 28, 2023

Welcome back to Illogical by TRUTH, the show where we dive into the stories and efforts that shape our communities. I'm your host Terrance Ruth, and in today's episode, we have a truly inspiring conversation that spotlights the remarkable women who are making waves in the city of Raleigh, North Carolina. We're joined by a group of dedicated council members who are collaborating to bring positive change and progress to their beloved city.

Our guests today are a dynamic group of women aka The New Guard, who have taken up leadership roles in the city council of Raleigh, NC. Each of them brings a unique perspective and a shared commitment to enhancing the quality of life for their fellow citizens. We're excited to welcome Council members Christina, Megan, Jane, and Mary who are here to share their stories, insights, and the incredible work they're doing.

We cover questions regarding:

How should we understand the role of local government?
What is the difference between a council member, a city manager, and a mayor?
What are some of the responsibilities of local government officials?
How does local government impact our daily lives?

It's been a privilege to have these trailblazing women on the show today. Their dedication, resilience, and collaborative spirit remind us that together, we can create cities that are not just better, but the best they can be.

About Our Guests
Christina Jones was elected in 2022 to represent District E on the Raleigh City Council. She serves on the Safe, Vibrant & Healthy Neighborhoods Committee and the Transportation & Transit Committee. She has served on numerous Raleigh boards, commissions, and committees, including the Parks, Recreation, Greenway Advisory Board, and the Community Engagement Task Force.

Illogical by TRUTH is hosted by Terrance Ruth and is produced by Earfluence

Unmasking Cultural Housing Despair: Architectural Professor's Quest to Transform the Landscape of Housing Crisis with Thomas Barrie Aug 14, 2023

On our show, today is Thomas Barrie. His perspective on the personal meaning that housing holds in our culture is helpful for our audience to hear.

We cover questions regarding-

In your book, you stated that home is a complex word that is typically charged with personal meanings... Why is that?
During your exploration of the idea of homelessness, you mentioned that in history it has played a redemptive role. How would you define redemptive and can you give us some examples?
What is one thing you think people should know about housing?

About Our Guests
Thomas Barrie is a Professor of Architecture, Director of the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Initiative at NCSU. Thomas Barrie FAIA, DPACSA teaches undergraduate and graduate design studios and history-theory seminars. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, a member of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture College of Distinguished Professors, and a member of the NC State Academy of Outstanding Faculty in Extension and Engagement.

https://www.routledge.com/House-and-Home-Cultural-Contexts-Ontological-Roles/Barrie/p/book/9781138947184

Illogical by TRUTH is hosted by Terrance Ruth and is produced by Earfluence

How to Increase Land/Home Ownership? Urban Planner and Equity Strategist, Nicole Bennett Explains! Jul 31, 2023

On our show, today is Nicole Bennett. She has expertise in environmental justice, “planning for equity”, equitable development, and consensus building. Much of her work has focused on the intersection of transportation, land use, and equity. We will highlight home ownership, increasing land, and community engagement.

We cover questions regarding-

How should we understand a city or town's typical use of future land use maps?
Understanding the difference between the comprehensive plan and the land use map?
What do you do to break down zoning cases as a planning commissioner?
Where are the opportunities to do the right thing for people?

About Our Guests
Nicole Bennett is a mom of two, a planner, advocate, equity strategist, and a product of rural Bertie County, North Carolina. Nicole developed an intense need to improve the quality of life for and give a voice to the underrepresented and marginalized. She received an undergraduate degree in Economics and a graduate degree in planning with a concentration in Community Development, both from UNC-Chapel Hill. Much of her work has focused on the intersection of transportation, land use, and equity. She currently works as an urban planner and equity strategist for VHB, where she co-leads the Mid-Atlantic Equity Team and is focused on expanding the firm’s equity practice across all disciplines and service lines.

Illogical by TRUTH is hosted by Terrance Ruth and is produced by Earfluence

Why is it Important for Empowering Local Civic Engagement? Community Engagement Data Analyst, Kristin Williams enlightens us! Jul 17, 2023

On today's episode, we speak on shedding light on local contracting (DBE) and why it is essential for empowering local civic engagement. We will connect this conversation to Mayor Maynard Jackson of Atlanta and the explosion of minority/underrepresented wealth.

We cover questions like:

How did you get into community engagement?
What role does local government have in wealth creation? (Historically and now)
What are the unknowns about municipal/local contracting?
How can we make municipal contracting make sense to the average person?
Why current approaches to tackling the inequity in government contracting aren't working (and how it actually leads to more inequity and predatory behavior).

About Our Guests
Dr. Kristin N Williams is the founder and CEO of The Amalgamation, a Raleigh-grown national ecosystem of small disadvantaged businesses working together to overcome the common hurdles in government contracting and foster equitable partnerships. She's an advocate for small business success, disadvantaged business empowerment, and public procurement reform.

Illogical by TRUTH is hosted by Terrance Ruth and is produced by Earfluence

Part #2: Exploring Ella Baker, SNCC, and the Basement of Shaw University, with James White and Marie Stark Jul 03, 2023

Part #2:
According to civil rights activist and Shaw University graduate Ella Baker, "One of the things that have to be faced is the process of waiting to change the system, how much we have got to do to find out who we are, where we have come from and where we are going."

That quote encapsulates our podcast theme, where we decode the language, decisions, and hidden areas of local power that often seem illogical to residents.

In part 2, we continue exploring Ella Baker's legacy. We dig more into correlations in today's racial/justice movements vs how Ella Baker handled them. We covered:

Ella's belief is that "Strong people do not need strong leaders."
Changing the mental model of challenging the system.
The idea of servant leadership.

About Our Guests
James White is an adjunct professor and national DEI voice. Marie Stark is the Shaw University archivist, where she cares for, preserves, and provides research assistance on the historical materials of Shaw University for students and researchers.

Illogical by TRUTH is hosted by Terrance Ruth and is produced by Earfluence

Part #1: Exploring Ella Baker, SNCC, and the Basement of Shaw University, with James White and Marie Stark Jun 19, 2023

According to civil rights activist and Shaw University graduate Ella Baker, "One of the things that has to be faced is the process of waiting to change the system, how much we have got to do to find out who we are, where we have come from and where we are going."

That quote encapsulates our podcast theme, where we decode the language, decisions, and hidden areas of local power that often seem illogical to residents.

In part 1, we explore Ella Baker's legacy, where she and other members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) set the stage for local empowerment. We dig into:

The basement of Shaw was the start of a local movement…where are the basements now? Is there evidence of a location for the early meetings of SNCC?
Who is Ella Baker and why is she unique and important to understanding local government?

Illogical by TRUTH is hosted by Terrance Ruth and is produced by Earfluence

Introducing Illogical by TRUTH May 25, 2023

Hosted by Terrance Ruth, this podcast decodes the language, decisions and hidden areas of local power that often seems illogical to residents. Our goal is to empower people to engage locally and to understand how significant it is to be aware and active at the local level. Once local government is logical, it will become meaningful and provide the benefits that allows for people to live a thriving life.

Illogical by TRUTH is hosted by Terrance Ruth and is produced by Earfluence.