A big thank you to Grammy- and Oscar-award-winning musician, songwriter, and vocal artist Melissa Etheridge, who generously granted us permission to use her music as the opening and closing theme songs to our show. Season 3 is “Human Chain” from her album The Medicine Show, and Seasons 1 and 2 are “What Happens Tomorrow” from her album The Awakening.
A Podcast to Align Ancient Wisdom with Modern-Day Action
Hosted by Heather Mizeur, Maryland’s best-known voice for progressive activism, Soul Force Politics is a podcast that teaches heart-centered mindfulness to strengthen our democracy and soften our political divides. Our soul’s force for good in the world should guide our civic actions.
The underlying mission question in our work: How would the world be different if politics were rooted in radical love?
This podcast offers new tools and inspiration to build a social justice movement rooted in love. Mizeur connects intimately with her guests, often with surprising revelations. Their conversations span a variety of topics that intersect at the crossroads of policy advocacy, spirituality, social justice, and community relationships.
Soul Force Politics teaches non-violent resistance, honorable leadership, and successful civic engagement. It works to eliminate the illusion that we are separate by rejecting “Us” vs “Them” tactics in recognition that we are all connected as ONE.
Profiled by National Public Radio’s “The Big Listen” As An Up-And-Coming Podcast to Add to Your Queue:
“The interviews are not your standard political fare because Mizeur isn’t your standard (former) politician”
S3E3 — Heather Mizeur teaches Radical Love as a guest on Soul Soil Podcast
Until recently, the insights I have gathered from intense spiritual journeys and consciousness studies have been for my own personal growth. However, this pandemic and the challenging times we are navigating has encouraged me to step into a teaching role that empowers...
S3E2 — Resilience Test: The Week My Dog Died and I Lost My Job
Could you lose your dog and your job in the same week and be okay? I learned that for me, the answer is, "Yes." It's the gift of resilience and I want to help you build yours.
S3E1 — Of Virus & Virtues: A Voyage Within
Calamity is a fierce teacher. She has birthed many awakenings. When I stepped outside of the tiny shack that had been my isolated retreat home for 30 days in the Amazon jungle, I was entirely unaware of the unique global moment that had unfolded around me. This is the...
S2E13 — “A Very Stable Genius” — Inside the Trump Presidency with Phil Rucker, White House Bureau Chief for The Washington Post
Today’s guest is journalist Phil Rucker – the White House Bureau Chief for the Washington Post whose co-authored book, “A Very Stable Genius – Donald J. Trump’s Testing of America” debuted number one on the New York Times best-sellers list. In the midst of...
S2E12 — Forrest Pritchard and the Art of Farming, Guided by the Wisdom of Nature
Today’s guest is a seventh-generation Virginia farmer whose inspiring journey to the heart of sustainable agriculture made him a New York Times best-selling author for his compelling book, “Gaining Ground: A Story of Farmers’ Markets, Local Food, and...
S2E11 — Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-MD) — Under Siege: Is Democracy Fragile or Resilient?
Congressman Jamie Raskin spent 29 years as a Professor of Constitutional Law at American University’s Washington College of Law before he was elected to the U.S. Congress in 2016. You might be familiar with his dazzling intellect while watching the House...
S2E10 — “Sacred Instructions: Indigenous Wisdom for Living Spirit-Based Change” — A conversation with author Sherri Mitchell
Today’s guest is the author of an incredible book that I strongly urge you to add to your collection, “Sacred Instructions: Indigenous Wisdom for Living Spirit-Based Change.” Sherri Mitchell was born and raised on the Penobscot Indian Reservation and her...
S2E9 — Radical Love for LGBTQ Catholics: A Conversation with Father James Martin, SJ
Today’s guest is one of our country’s best-known progressive voices in the Catholic church -- freshly home from the Vatican, where he received a private audience with Pope Francis to discuss his growing ministry to LGBTQ Catholics. He came to the...
S2E8 — Will SCOTUS Radically Restore Half the Land of Oklahoma to Tribal Sovereignty? What’s at Stake in Carpenter v. Murphy: A Conversation with Rebecca Nagle
Today’s guest is nationally-recognized indigenous and First Nations activist, Oklahoma journalist and Cherokee Nation citizen, Rebecca Nagle – host of Crooked Media’s sensational new podcast, “This Land.” This Land is about "an 1839 assassination of a...
S2E7 — Rev. angel Kyodo williams: What is Radical Love?
In this episode, I have the honor of introducing you to one of my teachers — a woman whose brilliance, insight, and wisdom has been a welcome partnership on my own journey of liberation. Come with me to meet the Reverend angel Kyodo williams – only the...
S2E6 — Dolores Huerta: Empowering Action For Change
I am thrilled to bring you a conversation with a woman who has defined what it means to be a social justice warrior for all of her nearly 90 years in this lifetime – the unstoppable Dolores Huerta. She co-founded the United Farm Workers union with Cesar...
S2E5 — Crystal Bowersox on the “Courage To Be Kind”
Crystal Bowersox stole the nation’s heart as the darling of the 9th season of American Idol. Her voice has been described as both “dirt and diamonds.” Her music is full of light and love and she speaks a wisdom beyond her years. We recorded this podcast –...
S2E4 — Former U.S. Senator and Secretary of State, John F. Kerry
Today’s guest is one of America’s most accomplished and enduring public servants – decorated Vietnam War Veteran, 2004 Democratic Presidential Nominee, former U.S. Senator and Secretary of State, John F. Kerry. I was blessed to have a front-row seat to...
S2E3 — 6 Lessons from the Covington Teens Standoff
In this episode, our host, Heather Mizeur, shares her reflections on the lessons emerging from the national debate that was stirred from the standoff between the Covington Catholic teens and a Native American drummer at the Lincoln Memorial following the...
S2E2 — Sister Helen Prejean: Infusing Our Criminal Justice System With Radical Love
Sister Helen Prejean, the spitfire Catholic nun internationally known for her work as a death penalty repeal advocate and author of the bestselling book, “Dead Man Walking,” joins Heather Mizeur for a #SoulForcePolitics conversation about mass incarceration,...
S2E1 — Melissa Etheridge & Heather Mizeur: Radical Love Can Change Politics
"How would the world be different if politics were rooted in radical love?" In this kick off to Season 2 of the #SoulForcePolitics podcast, join Grammy and Oscar award-winning rock star Melissa Etheridge and our host, Heather Mizeur, for an in-depth...
029 — The Pulse Legacy: Love Always Wins (Part 2)
We end our first season of #SoulForcePolitics with the release of a special two-part series dedicated to exploring the healing power of love to conquer hate in the aftermath of the tragedy at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando. Two years ago this week, forty-nine...
028 — The Pulse Legacy: Love Always Wins (Part 1)
We end our first season of #SoulForcePolitics with the release of a special two-part series dedicated to exploring the healing power of love to conquer hate in the aftermath of the tragedy at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando. Two years ago this week, forty-nine...
027 — Humanitarian, Chef José Andrés: The Power of a Humble Plate of Food to Offer Hope, Love, Care & Connection
Today’s guest is one of the great humanitarians of our time -- Chef José Andrés. He isn’t only a famous celebrity chef with amazing top-tier restaurants to satisfy your culinary desires. He is also leader of the World Central Kitchen, a non-profit...
026 — “RFK: His Words for Our Times” ~ author C. Richard Allen
Few have inspired me more in public life than Robert F. Kennedy. Imagination, courage, and determination. Justice, fairness, and equality. Compassion, mixed with toughness and discipline. He promoted unity over division. He encouraged dissent to strengthen...
025 — Alex & Allyson Grey: Psychedelic Mystical Experiences & the Expression of the Sacred in Visionary Art
Today’s show connects you to two extraordinary, transcendental artists that are world-renowned pioneers in showcasing the exploration of consciousness and use of psychedelics to influence the visionary art realm and the expression of the sacred. I go to…
024 — Warren Berger, author of “A More Beautiful Question”
Today’s guest is former New York Times journalist Warren Berger, the author of the provocative book, “A More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas.” Explore with us the power behind one of the most underappreciated tools –…
023 — Jennifer Hofmann: Inspired Activism from Americans of Conscience Checklist
Today’s guest is Jennifer Hofmann, author of the super-popular Americans of Conscience Checklist, which provides her 70,000 online followers with a weekly advocacy list of clear actions to address the undermining of core values by decisions at the local,...
022 — Dr. Freeman Hrabowksi, Pres. of UMBC: “The True Grit Behind This Cinderella Story”
Dr. Freeman Hrabowski is the President of the University of Maryland Baltimore County – a college that made history during this year’s March Madness by being the first #16 seed to knock off a top-ranked #1 team in the history of the NCAA men’s basketball...
021 — Dr. Martine Rothblatt: A Genius Mind and a Noble Heart
Today’s guest is a truly remarkable genius, tenacious innovator, and creative problem solver. She also happens to be one of the kindest, most generous, and caring humans I have met. If you have never heard Martine Rothblatt speak of the many ways she has...
020 — Priscilla Renea: Prolific, Award-Winning Songwriter & Soulful Vocal Artist
Priscilla Renea is one of music’s freshest voices and most talented songwriters -- a musical powerhouse exploding on the scene who has the ability to capture your attention through her vocals, her lyrics, her looks, AND her uncanny wisdom on how to...
019 — Sarah McLachlan ~ “World On Fire,” Find Your Voice!
The melodious and angelic sounds of Sarah McLachlan's voice have sold more than 40 million albums, launched a successful women's Lilith Fair concert series, and garnered three Grammy's and twelve JUNO awards to honor her work. McLachlan has a knack for...
018 — March For Our Lives ~ Interviews with Youth Leaders at the National Rally for Gun Reform
A movement of youth voices -- led by those traumatized at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida in February -- has captured the attention of the nation and is shifting consciousness on how to move the needle on gun reform...
017 — Jen Tullock: Actor, Writer, Comedian, Activist who is anything but “Disengaged.”
To spend five minutes with Jen Tullock is to be in stitches. She carries comedic turns-of-phrase and brilliant language choices that sear into your heart, open your mind, make you think, force you to laugh, and leaves you begging for more. Jen isn’t just a...
016 — U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) On How To Be a Good Mensch
Our guest today is Maryland’s senior United States Senator, Ben Cardin. He’s often referred to around the state as, “My friend, Ben.” While he has the common man’s touch – probably one of the most humble and approachable members of the elite U.S. Senate –...
015 — Erricka Bridgeford, Baltimore Ceasefire 365: “You’re Not Gonna Snatch Our Greatness”
Our guest today is one of the co-founders and guiding forces of the new Baltimore Ceasefire 365 movement which is fiercely determined to turn around the City’s homicide rates through a grassroots initiative to promote new ways of thinking and being that...
014 — U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) on the philosophy of love and social justice
Happy Valentine’s Day! Shouldn't EVERY DAY be about love? How perfect that today’s show is dedicated to a discussion about the philosophy of love, patriotism, politics, and social justice with a man whose life, actions, and words are the very reflection of...
013 — Rebecca Alban Hoffberger: Founder, Director, and Principal Curator of the American Visionary Art Museum
Have you seen "The Great Mystery Show" featured at the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) until September 2nd of this year? "From psychics to physicists, it artfully peels away the veil of the unknown, playfully exploring mystery as that one secret...
012 — Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III (D-MA)
Today’s guest is none other than the young man many are beginning to call “The next President Kennedy.” Representing the 4th Congressional District of Massachusetts is Joseph P. Kennedy III. This year, when the Republican leadership was bent yet again on...
011 — Wellness and Resilience for 2018: Insights from a “Modern Medicine Woman,” Deborah Mizeur
Happy New Year! Today’s show is the first of 2018 and it is all about how to start this year off right and keep it going great, no matter what curve balls life might throw at us. Here at Soul Force Politics, we are interested in giving you the tools to be more...
010 — Congressman Andy Harris (R-MD) & Gun Control
GOP Congressman Andy Harris and Heather Mizeur have polar opposite world views, but in the aftermath of our country’s most recent mass shootings, Heather reached out to see if they could at least try to find some ways to break through the divide on gun violence,...
009 — A Theologian in the Senate ~ U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE)
A fearless and outspoken progressive Democrat, U.S. Senator Chris Coons also has the distinction of being trained not only at Yale Law School, but also its Divinity School. He is a wise scholar, a brilliant advocate, an astute policymaker, and a dedicated, humble...
008 — Robin Wall Kimmerer, Author of “Braiding Sweetgrass”
Our guest today is one of my favorite authors, Robin Wall Kimmerer, who gave us all the gift of her book, “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants.” Elizabeth Gilbert, who you know as the author of “Eat, Pray, Love,”...
007 — U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) is one of the most respected and astute policy analysts and legislative thinkers on Capitol Hill. In today's conversation, we connect with him on a range of policy topics and hear his prescriptions for how activists can move the...
006 — Actress Sonja Sohn, Director of new HBO doc film “Baltimore Rising”
Actress Sonja Sohn discusses her directorial debut, a new HBO documentary film that takes us on a deep journey to review the hidden stories behind the civic unrest that unfolded in Baltimore after the death of Freddie Gray in police custody in 2015. “Baltimore Rising”...
005 — Jenna Johnson, Washington Post White House Correspondent
Jenna Johnson has worked at the Washington Post for more than a decade and covered the Maryland General Assembly in 2014. That’s where she got to know Delegate Heather Mizeur. In September 2015, she was assigned to lead the paper’s campaign coverage for U.S....
004 — Rev. Delman Coates, Social Justice Advocate
Heather Mizeur and Delman Coates teamed up in 2014 to be an unlikely ticket for Governor and Lt. Governor of Maryland. A lesbian and black baptist minister, few would have paired them together, but they proved to be a charismatic force for change on the campaign...
003 — Governor Larry Hogan (R-MD)
Putting the notion of #SoulForcePolitics to the test, listeners of this episode are treated to a diverse and wide-ranging bipartisan discussion between popular GOP Governor Larry Hogan and Maryland’s most respected progressive voice, Heather Mizeur. Though from...
002 — Barbara Mikulski
Maryland’s most popular politician — feisty firebrand, powerhouse & glass-ceiling-breaker, former U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) — records her very first podcast with MizMaryland | Soul Force Politics and offers her trademark charm, blunt assessments, and...
001 – Melissa Etheridge
In this inaugural episode of MizMaryland: Soul Force Politics, host Heather Mizeur welcomes her friend and spiritual mentor, Grammy and Oscar award-winning rock star, Melissa Etheridge, to engage in a deeply personal and spirit-filled conversation about compassion,...