Brc & Friends

Teaser for the upcoming launch of The Amalgamation with Bruce Reyes-Chow coming May 2025My name is Bruce Reyes-Chow, and you’ve found The Almagamation Podcast.  Each episode, I chat with inspiring humans: activists, artists, academics, and adventurers as we joyfully and courageously co-conspire to make the world a more loving, compassionate, and just home for everyone. Welcome to The Amalgamation.

Well, I had not originally planned on adding more episodes to The Amalgamation Podcast until it was fully ready to go. Sometimes, the world requires us to respond outside of our plans. So here's a little preview of what I will be doing in the Fall, to offer some ideas about those of you who are preaching on any given Sunday.With the shooting and presumed assassination attempt of former President Trump, I think it would be irresponsible NOT to address this happening in worship tomorrow. I hope you have the courage and willingness to do so.Here are some thoughts as you enter this space.TRANSCRIPTHave we paid attention to everything in the same manner? Certainly not, but that doesn't mean that one, necessarily, should deserve more or less humanity than the other. And the thing I would really focus on, though, tomorrow, is that violent rhetoric, when it escalates, what do we expect to happen? When we use this in, and this is across the board now, I will say, I think conservative folks tend to use it more and ther

It seems only fitting to end on a nice round number with Episode 70 of BRC and Friends. Those who have been hanging out with me for the past decades have been through a few manifestations of this space, including its very beginning as a VodCast that began 10 years ago with my very first guest, Grace Ji-Sun Kim. [Watch Episode 1]Special thanks to Co-Hosts, Laura Mariko Cheifetz, Micky ScotBey Jones, Jorge Perry Bautista, and Amy Kim Kyremes-Parks. Also, thanks to Merissa Magdael-Lauron, who composed and edited the intro and outro vibes!If you are already subscribed to BRC & Friends, you need not do anything as I’ll use the same feed for the new podcast.Thanks again and I’ll see you in Fall with Episode 1 of The Amalgamation Podcast with Bruce Reyes-ChowBUST THE ALGORITHMS by subscribing to my substack, The Amalgamation, my email list, The Communiqué, and my Youtube Channel.We can also STAY CONNECTED on the socials via Instagram, Threads, and Facebook. I occasionally hang out on other platforms via @breyesc

A few weeks ago, we were connected with the Gaza Solidarity Network to get matched with someone in Gaza who is trying to raise funds to evacuate. This is obviously not the ideal solution (ceasefire and rebuilding are), and it is unfair that some families will get paired while others will not. Occupation and genocide are also not fair, so we do what we can.From @GazaSolidarityNetworkOur philosophy: We approach evacuation efforts from a mutual aid model of "solidarity not charity." Therefore, instead of painting certain Gazan families as perfect victims or exceptionally "worthy of saving," we seek to help as many Gazans as possible from a place of respect and joint-struggle. At the same time, we must balance the inherent contradictions that come with crowdsourcing within the attention economy of social media, which requires that Palestinians share intimate details of their lives and trauma to gain visibility via social media algorithms.This project seeks to connect as many individuals as possible with vetted ca

In what seems like a lifetime ago, I posted this a few weeks back after my return from my second delegation to Palestine. Even with all of the most recent acts of terror inflicted upon the people of Gaza and the accelerated violence in the occupied West Bank, I am still left with the same question as I have been posing since last year, “What will it take to speak out and act up?”This video is crossposted on Instagram and TikTok, so any resharing or reposting would be much appreciated.Transcript As some of you know, I just returned from Palestine, my second trip this year. And once again, seeing how the Palestinian people are treated, it is heartbreakingly obvious that they live under oppressive occupation and a blatant apartheid state. If you have been silent up to now, I don't really know what more to say to convince you to act up and speak out in order to stop what the state of Israel with U. S. support is doing in Gaza and increasingly the West Bank. * How many more violent images have to show up on your s

It’s actually this week (What is time?) but anyhoo, we are headed your way New York, and we cannot wait. It's been too long since we've visited your lovely city! First things first: We already have show tickets, but help us fill out our week! Where should we eat, and what should we see?But you are also invited . . .SUNDAY, JUNE 2The Riverside Church (In person or Online)11:00 am Preaching 12:30 pm Booktalk & Signing 490 Riverside DriveNew York, NYTUESDAY, JUNE 4 6:00 pm Conversation with Natalie PerkinsSponsored by Lafayette Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn & Greenlight Books85 South Oxford StreetFort Greene, Brooklyn, NYFREE TIX/RSVP ON EVENTBRITEYou can see the rest of my summer stops here This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theamalgamation.substack.com/subscribe

On today's Episode of BRC and Friends, Bruce sits down with Sheila M. Beckford and E. Michelle Ledder Co-Authors of the 4Reals series, “Anti-Racism 4reals: Real Talk with Real Strategies in Real Time for Real Change” and “Doing Anti-Racist Business: Dislodging and Dismantling Racism with the 4reals”. Not only do we talk about how their process of moving organizations to be antiracist is different than the approach of DEI, but they also talk about their very funny origin story, parents dancing on TikTok, and so much more. They obviously had a great time, and you will too!Thanks for being here. Grab a beverage, pull up a chair, and enjoy listening to the conversation with Sheila M. Beckford and E. Michelle Ledder.JUST BUY THEIR BOOKS ALREADYDoing Anti-Racist Business: Dislodging and Dismantling Racism with the 4realshttps://bookshop.org/a/82176/9780827206816Anti-Racism 4reals: Real Talk with Real Strategies in Real Time for Real Changehttps://bookshop.org/a/82176/9780827201026CONNECT WITH SHEILASheila on Instag

On today's Episode of BRC and Friends, Bruce sits down with Alissa Charles-Findley, sister of Botham Jean and the author of the book, “After Botham: Healing from My Brother's Murder by a Police Officer.” Not only do they talk about the death of her brother and her work with other families who have lost loved ones to police violence, we talk about writing, parenting, and what keeps us whole in times of struggle.Thanks for being here. Grab a beverage, pull up a chair, and enjoy listening to my conversation with Alissa Charles-Findley.JUST BUY THE BOOK ALREADYAfter Botham: Healing from My Brother's Murder by a Police Officer by Allisa Charles-Findley with Jeremiah Cobra.https://bookshop.org/a/82176/9780827201132CONNECT WITH ALISSAAlissa on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/allisafindleyAlissa on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/allisafindleyLISTEN TO BRC & FRIENDSListen to the full episodes of BRC & Friends here:https://brc-friends.captivate.fmListen to BRC & Friends wherever you listen to Podcastsh

On episode 66 of BRC and Friends, Bruce chats with Kathy Khang and Matt Mikalatos, Co-Authors of the award-winning book, “Loving Disagreement: Fighting for Community through the Fruit of the Spirit.” They had a great time talking about writing, disagreement in today’s world, church, gymtimidation, and a little bit of hot chicken.Thanks for being here. Grab a beverage, pull up a chair, and enjoy listening to my conversation with Kathy Khang and Matt Mikalatos.JUST BUY THE BOOK ALREADYLoving Disagreement: Fighting for Community through the Fruit of the Spirit.https://bookshop.org/a/82176/9781641586153AND THEN LISTEN TO THEIR PODCASTThe Fascinating Podcasthttp://www.norvillerogers.com/podcast/fascinating/CONNECT WITH KATHYKathy’s Websitehttp://www.kathykhang.com/Kathy on Xhttps://twitter.com/mskathykhangKathy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/mskathykhang/Kathy on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/kathykhangauthor/CONNECT WITH MATTMatt on Xhttp://twitter.com/mattmikalatosMatt on Instagramhttps://www.instagram

On episode 66 of BRC and Friends, Bruce sits down with Anna Woofenden and Derrick Weston to talk about the, rumored on this show to be the best book ever written, The Just Kitchen Invitations to Sustainability, Cooking, Connection, and Celebration. Bruce has known Derrick for a very long time, sorry Anna, but also loves that Anna is also an Ennegram three. Yes, they talk about food, writing, and much much more. Bruce had a good time with two great people. Thanks for being here. Grab a beverage, pull up a chair, and enjoy listening to my conversation with Derrick Weston and Anna Woofenden.BUY THE BEST BOOK EVER!The Just Kitchen: Invitations to Sustainability, Cooking, Connection, and Celebrationhttps://bookshop.org/a/82176/9781506484112LISTEN TO THEIR PODCASThttps://foodandfaithpodcast.podbean.com/CONNECT WITH ANNAAnna’s Websitehttps://annawoofenden.comAnna on Twitterhttps://twitter.com/annawoofAnna on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/revannawoofAnna on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/revannawoofCONNECT WIT

Today on Episode 65, Bruce chats with his friend and colleague David Lamott. In this episode they talk about David's new book, but also and more importantly about chickens, parenting, and how humbling it can be standing next to a rock star.  If this Is your first time meeting David be prepared to meet a genuinely good human being who is making a difference in the world and encouraging the rest of us to do the same. Please keep in mind that we recorded this way back in September, which, in world events years, is a lifetime. Thanks for being here! Grab a beverage, pull up a chair, and enjoy listening to my conversation with David Lamotte.CONNECT WITH DAVIDDavid’s Websitehttps://www.davidlamotte.com/David on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/davidlamotte/Latest Book (2023): You Are Changing the World Whether You Like It Or Nothttps://www.davidlamotte.com/books/Latest Album (2022), Stillhttps://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/davidlamotte/stillSupport him on Patreonhttps://www.davidlamotte.com/patreon/Look Away Videoh

On episode 64 of BRC and Friends Amy Kim and I sit down with singer, musician, actor, coach, and hilarious human being Brian Falduto. Brian is known for many things, but I was first introduced to him through his songs, Same Old Country Love Song, and God Loves Me Too. We had a blast with Brian learning about his life, career, and all the things on his website that I apparently missed. We definitely had a time, so be warned prepared to laugh out loud with us, mostly at my expense.Thanks for being here. Grab a beverage, pull up a chair, and enjoy listening to our conversation with Brian FaldutoCONNECT WITH BRIANBrian’s Linktreehttps://linktr.ee/brianfaldutoBrian’s Music Websitehttps://www.brianfalduto.com/musicBrian on Youtubehttps://www.youtube.com/@BrianFaldutoMusicBrian on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/brianfaldutoBrian on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/0K43uL5uJQWsN6DFzOFhiGLISTEN TO BRC & FRIENDSListen to the full episodes of BRC & Friends here:https://brc-friends.captivate.fmListen to

On episode 63 of BRC and Friends and the final installment for Filipino American History Month 2023, I chat with Megan Reyes, journalist, podcaster, and content creator. Recently honored by Hashtag Sports as a creator of color, we not only talk about Megan's entry into sports broadcasting, but we also talked about growing up in Idaho, women's soccer, specifically the women's Philippines national team, and of course, that question and dilemma about being Filipino enough. We had a great time talking and I for one cannot wait to see what is ahead for Megan. Take a listen and you'll see why. Thanks for being here. Grab a beverage, pull up a chair, and enjoy listening to my conversation with Megan Reyes.CONNECT WITH MEGAN REYESMegan’s Websitehttps://www.meganareyes.comMegan on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/megreyes_Megan’s Between Two Worlds Podcasthttps://between-two-worlds.simplecast.comLISTEN TO BRC & FRIENDSListen to the full episodes of BRC & Friends here:https://brc-friends.captivate.fmListen to

On Episode 62 I sit down with the founders and owners of my favorite Southern CA coffee joint, Obet & Del’s in Thai Town, Hollywood. After my recent stint in SoCal, this became one of my offices because of its local vibe, great staff, and mmm, that Filipino Iced Coffee. I sat down with Josh and Heather as we talked about the beginning of Obet & Del’s, building a culture where people thrive, being a Black/Filipino family, and my yearnings for a Husky Hot Filipino. You’ll just have to listen to get more on that. It was a great conversation and you’ll love getting to know them both.Thanks for being here! Grab a beverage, pull up a chair, and enjoy listening to my conversation with Josh and Heather founders of Obet & Dels.CONNECT WITH OBET & DELSObet & Dels LinkTreehttps://linktr.ee/Obetanddels@obetanddels on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/obetanddelsLISTEN TO BRC & FRIENDSListen to the full episodes of BRC & Friends here:https://brc-friends.captivate.fmListen to BRC & Friends

On Episode 61 I sit down with San Jose local artist Kenneth Tan Kenneth was moving ahead in life and then he returned home to help care for his Lola. During that time he rediscovered his love of art and found a new way to connect with his Lola and tell her story. In this episode you'll hear about that journey, about the project Lola x Kenneth, and of course, we take on the question are you Filipino enough. Thanks for being here! Grab a beverage, pull up a chair, and enjoy listening to my conversation with Kenneth Tan of Lola and Kenneth.CONNECT WITH LOLA X KENNETHLola x Kenneth Websitehttps://www.lolaxkenneth.com/@lolaxkenneth on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/lolaxkennethLISTEN TO BRC & FRIENDSListen to the full episodes of BRC & Friends here:https://brc-friends.captivate.fmListen to BRC & Friends wherever you listen to Podcastshttps://brc-friends.captivate.fm/listenCONNECT WITH BRC & FRIENDSBRC & Friends Websitehttps://www.brcandfriends.com/BRC & Friend on Instagramhttps://www.in

On Episode 60 Dr. Dr. Robyn Magalit Rodriguez returns to the show to check in a year after leaving academia, and starting a farm. We talk about retirement from academia, what it means to start and maintain a farm, a commitment to nurturing a community and, of course the question, Are you Filipino enough? If this is the first time meeting Dr. Rodgriguez, you are in for a treat and some good old-fashioned healing of the heart, mind, and soul.Thanks for being here! Grab a beverage, pull up a chair, and enjoy listening to my conversation with Dr. Robin Magalit Rogriguez.ALL THE SHOW LINKSCONNECT WITH ROBYNRobyn’s Website, IG @madprofessora, IG @remaginationfarm, and IG @amadokhaya Recent Article, Rest and Reset at the Reimagination FarmFormer UC Davis professor Robyn Rodriguez starts a sanctuary space dedicated to healingBRC & FRIENDS: The Website | The Feeds | The Episodes | On Twitter | On Instagram | On YouTubeHOST, PRODUCER, EDITOR, COFFEE GUY, AND CUP BEARER, BRUCE REYES-CHOW: Website | LinkTree | On Ins

On Episode 59 Laura and Bruce chat with Kalaya’an Mendoza from the Nonviolent Peace Force and Across Frontlines. We, of course, talk about nonviolence, how we address racism within our communities, and a whole lot of science fiction. Kala has provided me with one of my favorite podcast moments ever. If you do not know Kala, you are in for a treat.Thanks for being here! Grab a beverage, pull up a chair, and enjoy listening to my conversation with Kalaya'an Mendoza.CONNECTION WITH KALAYA'ANKalaya'an on InstagramNon Violent Peace ForceAcross FrontlinesALL THE SHOW LINKSBRC & FRIENDS: The Website | The Feeds | The Episodes | On Twitter | On Instagram | On YouTubeCO-HOST, JORGE BAUTISTA:  On InstagramCO-HOST, LAURA MARIKO CHEIFETZ: On Instagram | On X/TwitterCO-HOST, AMY KIM KYREMES-PARKS: On Instagram | On X/TwitterCO-HOST, MICKY SCOTTBEY JONES: Website | On Instagram | On X/TwitterHOST & PRODUCER, BRUCE REYES-CHOW: Website | LinkTree | On Instagram | On X/Twitter | On Facebook | On YouTube | On BlueSky |

On Episode 58 we continue our #FilipinoAmericanHistoryMonth series. Today, I sat down with Justher Gutierrez from Malaya South Bay, Camille Valerio from LEAD Filipino, and Mark Serrano from the Filipino Youth Coalition and Filipino American National Historical Society Santa Clara Valley. They helped me get to know the Filipino Community in the South Bay a bit more and shared all of the activities taking place this month. We also talked about what it means to be “Filipino enough,” when Filipino American History Month came into our view, and how ube has gone mainstream.Thanks for being here! Grab a beverage, pull up a chair, and enjoy listening to my conversation with Justher, Camille, and Mark.First Follow @fact_sanjose on The Gram as well as all of the member organizations: @leadfilipino @fanhs.scv @fycsanjose @malaya.sbay @pawissouthbay @bnkfilamschoolsj @mvblfeastSAN JOSE #FAHM2023 FESTIVITIESSept. 8-Nov. 30Pinoytown Rising ExhibitDr. Martin Luther King Jr. LibraryOctober 3, 1PM-1:30PMFAHM ProclamationSan J

Today on BRC and Friends, Bruce is back with a minisode summer check-in with co-hosts Jorge Bautista and Laura Mariko Cheifetz.As usual, they riff off of a few prompts from Bruce. While they take on the January 6th hearings, Britney Griner, and the Supreme court, they also share about having covid and counting popsicles; who has the best tacos, Northern or Southern California, and how we keep at it in a time of so much political crappiness.This episode also gives you new theme music from Merissa Magdael-Lauron.Thanks for being here! Grab a beverage, pull up a chair, and welcome to BRC & Friends and our Summer Check-in Minisode!All the Links: If you are going to hit one link, please consider becoming a Patron on Patreon and, for as little as $1/month, support the production of this podcast.BRC & FRIENDSThe Website The FeedsThe EpisodesOn TwitterOn InstagramOn YouTubeCO-HOST: JORGE BAUTISTAOn InstagramCO-HOST: CONNECT WITH LAURA MARIKO CHEIFETZOn InstagramOn TwitterCO-HOST: AMY KIM KYREMES-PARKSOn Insta

In partnership with the church I serve, First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto, I sat down with candidate Pat Burt. We talked about affordable housing, policing, climate change, and current and future life in Palo Alto. I am grateful that Pat took time to share a bit about his life, his ideas, and his hopes for the future of Palo Alto.Watch on Youtube:https://youtu.be/RNDO33QlURQPat Burt on Twitter and Instagram:https://twitter.com/patburtpahttps://www.instagram.com/patburtpaBruce Reyes-Chow on Twitter and Instagram:https://twitter.com/breyeschowhttps://www.instagram.com/breyeschow To Stay Connected to First Presbyterian Church of Palo AltoZoom Worship Registration: http://bit.ly/ZoomWorshipFPCPAeNewsletter: http://bit.ly/fpcpaweeklyWebsite: www.fprespa.orgTwitter: www.twitter.com/fpcpaloaltoInstagram: www.instagram.com/fpcpaloaltoFacebook: www.facebook.com/fpcpaloaltoFIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF PALO ALTO is a Christian church affiliated with the Presbyterian Church USA. We are a justice-seeking, LGBTQIA+ af