Gathering Ground

Episode 80: Best of 2025: Stories of Care, Creativity, and Collective Power

This special "Gathering Ground" episode looks back at the most powerful conversations from 2025. Join Producer Vince Pagán-Hill as he revisits memorable moments that reveal how people create meaning, challenge injustice, and build collective power, from journalism and philanthropy to the arts, climate justice, and healthcare.

Episode 79: Living Out Loud: Queer Visibility in Action

SummaryIn this episode of “Gathering Ground,” host Mary Morten sits down with three dynamic guests (Anna DeShawn, Victor Salvo, and Haven Crawley) for a powerful conversation about queer joy, representation, and the enduring fight for LGBTQ+ equity. From grassroots media to public art, the stories shared in this episode remind us that history, creativity, and visibility are all tools for liberation.Episode Highlights- Anna DeShawn on building a Black queer media ecosystem through E3 Radio and Queer News- Victor Salvo on the creation of the Legacy Walk and why public memory matters- Haven Crawley on performing queer narratives and making space for youth expressionLinks and Resources- E3 Radio: https://e3radio.fm/- Queer News Podcast: https://e3radio.fm/queer-news/- Legacy Walk: https://legacyprojectchicago.org/legacy-walkIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Gathering Ground and leave us a review! Follow Morten Group, LLC on Instagram @mortengroup for more updates.

Episode 78: 50 Years of Care: Howard Brown Health, Legacy, and the Future of LGBTQ+ Health

In this episode of "Gathering Ground," Mary leads a powerful conversation marking the 50th anniversary of Howard Brown Health, one of the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ health organizations. With guests Staci Bush, Ron Nunziato, Jessica Halem, and current CEO Dr. Travis Gayles, the discussion traces Howard Brown’s past, present, and future.Together, they reflect on the organization’s early days, the HIV/AIDS crisis, the fight for culturally competent care, and the political realities shaping LGBTQ+ health today. From personal stories to policy, this episode uplifts a community-centered legacy and the urgent work ahead.Episode Highlights- Dr. Travis Gayles on leading Howard Brown through a shifting political and public health landscape- Ron Nunziato on the organization’s early days and its transformation during the AIDS crisis- Jessica Halem and Staci Bush on culturally competent care and the legacy of the Lesbian Community Cancer ProjectLinks and Resources- Howard Brown Health: https://howardbrown.org/- Liberating Healthcare: https://donate.howardbrown.org/campaign/678582/donateIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Gathering Ground and leave us a review! Follow Morten Group, LLC on Instagram @mortengroup for more updates.

Episode 77: News at the Crossroads

This episode of "Gathering Ground" brings together four visionary media leaders—Jhmira Alexander, Silvia Rivera, Susy Schultz, and Tracy Baim—for a candid conversation about the state and future of journalism. They explore the collapse of legacy news models, the spread of misinformation, and why community-centered, equity-driven journalism is not just a goal, but a necessity.Episode Highlights- Jhmira Alexander on building trust and centering community through storytelling at Public Narrative- Silvia Rivera on reimagining local news infrastructure at the MacArthur Foundation- Susy Schultz on creating investigative tools to dismantle systemic racism in media- Tracy Baim on the LGBTQ+ press, legacy media preservation, and Press Forward ChicagoLinks and Resources- Public Narrative: www.publicnarrative.org- Press Forward Chicago: www.cct.org/pressforward- MacArthur Foundation: www.macfound.org- Investigative Project on Race and Equity: www.raceandequityproject.orgIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Gathering Ground and leave us a review! Follow Morten Group, LLC on Instagram @mortengroup for more updates.

Episode 76: Environmental Justice and Community Power

SummaryIn this episode of "Gathering Ground," host Mary Morten welcomes Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, and Joel Brammeier, CEO of the Alliance for the Great Lakes, for a powerful conversation on environmental justice, water equity, and community voice in the Great Lakes region.They discuss the legacy of environmental racism, the role of policy and federal investment, and how community-centered solutions, from permeable playgrounds to local volunteer programs, are building climate resilience.Episode Highlights- Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis shares her path from LGBTQ+ advocacy to water leadership and her vision for community-centered infrastructure.-Joel Brammeier reflects on civic engagement, clean water access, and the regional work of the Alliance for the Great Lakes.-Both guests speak to the intersection of climate change, racial justice, and the power of community-driven solutions.Links and Resources- Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis: www.mwrd.org/commissioner-precious-brady-davis- Alliance for the Great Lakes: www.greatlakes.org- MWRD Rain Barrel Program: www.mwrd.org/rain-barrels- Learn more about your water: www.greatlakes.org/get-involvedIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Gathering Ground and leave us a review! Follow Morten Group, LLC on Instagram @mortengroup for more updates.