On this episode I am joined by Kari and our friends Jax and Gregorian to talk about rest. We chat about challenging societal expectations around rest, prioritizing our well-being, undoing the indoctrination of being productive, and ways to rest and make space for peace. Follow the podcast on IG: @ LightingaCandlePodcast Be sure to subscribe ✅ Host IG: @ iamZulynette Show some love via CashApp: $Zulynette

In April, I hosted one of my Writing to Heal workshops at The Honeycomb Network in my hometown of Chicago. It was beautiful. After the workshop, we held a community conversation. That's what you'll be hearing today. We talk about the power of writing and art as tools of resistance, transforming pain into joy through vulnerability and self-expression, and exploring grief, love, and dismantling oppressive systems. Follow the podcast on IG: @ LightingaCandlePodcast Be sure to subscribe ✅ Host: @iamZulynette Show some love via CashApp: $Zulynettew] Thanks for listening!

Today you’ll be hearing me speaking with Ash Blount. We get into challenging the punishment culture we know, the impact of respectability politics, setting boundaries for well-being, and envisioning a liberated community. Follow the podcast on IG: @ LightingaCandlePodcast Be sure to subscribe ✅ Host: @Zulynette Host IG: @ iamZulynette Show some love via CashApp: $Zulynette

On this episode, A Poet Named Superman and I chat about the origins of A Poet Named Superman, performing as a safe space, navigating writer’s block and self fought, honoring our inner child, and slam culture. A little bit about the guest: A Poet Named Superman, otherwise known as Greg Murray, was born and raised in the small town of Neptune, NJ. He currently lives in Charlotte, NC where he curates and hosts multiple events including Release Therapy open mic - the longest running open mic in Charlotte. Along with winning multiple awards for his craft, he was named Poet of The Year in Charlotte in 2020 and again in 2021. As the reigning King of the South slam champion, he travels across the nation sharing his work. He’s released several audio projects and literary works, continuing to be a major figure in the spoken word/poetry community locally and nationally. When asked why he writes and performs, his answer is: “To save the world… one word at a time.” Follow the podcast on IG: @ LightingaCandlePodcast Be sure to subscribe ✅ Host: @iamZulynette Show some love via CashApp: $Zulynette

Today you’ll be hearing me in conversation with Denise Ruiz from The Honeycomb Network in Chicago. We chat about the tie between grief and Denise’s journey as an artist, the importance of building community and holding onto your values, and The Honeycomb Network as a space of resistance. To check out more about the Honeycomb Network visit: www.thehoneycombnetwork.com Instagram: @thehoneycombnetwork Follow the podcast on IG: @ LightingaCandlePodcast Be sure to subscribe ✅ Host: @iamZulynette Show some love via CashApp: $Zulynette

On this episode, you'll be hearing me chatting with Kari (@druunita) about her relationship with her inner child, growing up in a Latine household and the impact that had, and how she makes safe room for her inner child to stay magical. Follow the podcast on IG: @ LightingaCandlePodcast Be sure to subscribe ✅ Host: @iamZulynette Show some love via CashApp: $Zulynettew] Thanks for listening!

On Sunday June 2, I was a guest on The Word is Write's podcast "Out Loud" which centers 2SLGBTQIA+ voices. I had the opportunity to share about my upbringing, spirituality and ancestral connection, the importance of community in artistry, and reclaiming identity through poetry. And, of course, I share some of said poetry. Enjoy! Follow the podcast on IG: www.instagram.com/lightingacandlepodcast Subscribe to the channel. Show some love via CashApp: $Zulynette

Today you'll be hearing me in conversation with Chef Yari Vargas . We talk about the roots of her passion for cooking, putting culture and community at the forefront of cuisine, and the struggles and triumphs of being a Latina chef. ________________________ Yari Vargas is the executive chef & owner of Casa Yari Inc. & Catering by Casa Yari at the Logan Square area. A Chicagoan born and raised in the Humboldt park area, Chef Yari is known for adding a unique flair to Latin cuisine and wowing her guests with her imaginative hand-crafted flan. Since Casa Yari's opening in 2013, she has utilized her roots in Honduras and Puerto Rico allowing her cultures to shine through as she elevates her parents recipes. Casa Yari has been featured in several magazines and has won numerous awards and recognition not just for the food she makes but for the work she does in the community, for the community. Chef Vargas has been a special guest/host featured on Food Segments for Telemundo, WCI-U, NBC-5, Chicago’s Best TV Show, WGN-9 Adelante Chicago and Chicago Tribune. ________________________ Be sure to subscribe ✅ Host: @Zulynette Show IG: @lightingACandlePodcast Show some love via CashApp : https://cash.app/$Zulynette

Today you'll be hearing me in conversation with Chef Yari Vargas . We talk about the roots of her passion for cooking, putting culture and community at the forefront of cuisine, and the struggles and triumphs of being a Latina chef. ________________________ Yari Vargas is the executive chef & owner of Casa Yari Inc. & Catering by Casa Yari at the Logan Square area. A Chicagoan born and raised in the Humboldt park area, Chef Yari is known for adding a unique flair to Latin cuisine and wowing her guests with her imaginative hand-crafted flan. Since Casa Yari's opening in 2013, she has utilized her roots in Honduras and Puerto Rico allowing her cultures to shine through as she elevates her parents recipes. Casa Yari has been featured in several magazines and has won numerous awards and recognition not just for the food she makes but for the work she does in the community, for the community. Chef Vargas has been a special guest/host featured on Food Segments for Telemundo, WCI-U, NBC-5, Chicago’s Best TV Show, WGN-9 Adelante Chicago and Chicago Tribune. ________________________ Be sure to subscribe ✅ Host: @Zulynette Show IG: @lightingACandlePodcast Show some love via CashApp: https://cash.app/$Zulynette

Today I'll be in conversation with Andre Rochester, Sr. We'll be chatting about setting boundaries as a creative, taking care of our physical and mental health, and we go into Andre's near death experience and life and art since. ________________________________ A little bit about Andre: Andre Rochester is a Fine Artist, Curator, and Arts Advocate from the Greater Hartford region of Connecticut. He studied illustration at the University of Connecticut School of Fine Arts and completed his BA in Studio Art at Charter Oak State College. He also earned a MS in Organizational Leadership from Quinnipiac University. Andre uses his art to make statements for which words are not enough, highlighting underlying emotions connected to his subjects. It is a combination of portraiture and conceptual works linked by narratives of his own experiences. His art is a tool for healing and a catalyst for connection-letting people know they are not alone. Andre has received numerous awards for his contributions to the local arts community and continues to clear a path for others to succeed in the field through various board memberships, notably, Wadsworth Atheneum and Hartford Art School Endowment, Inc. He is an art consultant, offering his expertise for the development and leadership of public and private art initiatives. Andre also coaches emerging artists, encouraging them to develop their craft with a focus on professionalism and business acumen. He believes that with every step forward, we must make room for others to join us. _________________________________ Be sure to subscribe ✅ Host: @Zulynette Show IG: @lightingACandlePodcast Send some love via CashApp