Welcome to the We Outside Podcast, where we explore leadership through the lens of spirit, restoration and transformation.
In each We Outside episode, we engage in generative conversations with inspiring Villagers, diving deep into how they center Spirit in their leadership and exploring what shifts, questions, challenges and benefits come from doing so.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration, looking to escape societal programming or simply curious about how to cultivate a more spirit-forward life, you’re in the right place.
Join us as we move beyond the confines of conventional thinking and into infinite realms of possibility.
In this conversation, We Outside host, Ain, welcomes back season one guests, Ellina Yin, Elissa Sloan Perry, Vanessa Hatakeyama and Tina Lopes to explore the themes of spirituality, personal growth and the interconnectedness of nature and time. They share their individual perspectives on how spirit manifests in their lives and the importance of being in tune with natural rhythms.
They relate to the metamorphosis of butterflies to illustrate transformation and the cyclical nature of life, while a reflection on intergenerational wisdom highlights the importance of nurturing future generations. The conversation concludes with the importance of community in spiritual exploration.
In this episode, we explore:
How time influences our spiritual practices and understanding.
Nature plays a crucial role in our spiritual connections.
Transformation as a natural part of life, much like the butterfly's metamorphosis.
Intergenerational wisdom is vital for nurturing future generations.
Listening to our bodies and spirits is key to personal growth.
New Seneca Village is a restorative residency experience that invites leaders and healers to access expansive resources for the sake of nourishing and sustaining their collective visioning for a just future.
We Outside is hosted and produced by Ain Bailey and produced and edited by Aisha Jordan.
Join us for a vibrant conversation about the interconnectedness of all beings, curiosity as a catalytic force for transformation and the counter-intuitive truth about abundance.
Lystra Germaine Sam joins host Ain Bailey for a stimulating conversation about self‑liberation and collective freedom. They trace the deep ties between nature, spirit, community, and personal growth, naming curiosity as a catalytic force for transformation. Lystra and Ain examine how a culture of urgency undermines well‑being and how curiosity, gratitude, rest, and reflection can counteract that harm. The episode celebrates the journey of transformation and the interconnectedness of all beings.
In this episode:
Self as nature
Reflection as a crucial practice for understanding our life’s journey.
Holding the complexities of leadership with love.
The rigor and reciprocity that abundance requires
The transformative power of trying and failing and trying again
Lystra Germaine Sam Bio: Lystra is a sister, an orphan, an Aunty Supreme and a dedicated practicing "good ancestor". A cultural futurist, travel architect and global experience designer who works and lives at the intersection of justice, healing, equity, decolonization, and belonging.
Continuous Becoming
Season 1 · Episode 6
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 • Duration 01:00:23
In this engaging conversation, philanthropic powerhouse and guest Aldita Amaru Gallardo and host Ain explore the ongoing journey of becoming, as well as the roles of activism and spirit in philanthropy. They reflect on the wisdom and resilience of trans communities and honor the legacy of trans leader Miss Major Griffin‑Gracy while unearthing how we can hold reverence for ourselves on our own paths of self‑discovery and belonging. The discussion also delves into the intersection of love and activism, philanthropy’s role in supporting transformative change and the importance of finding joy in small moments amid deep societal challenges.
In this episode:
Trans movements as a blueprint for resilience and innovation.
Becoming, belonging and boundaries as intentional practice
How philanthropy can support transformational - not just incremental - change.
Aldita Amaru Bio: Aldita Amaru Gallardo (she/her/ella) is a philanthropic consultant, donor organizer, and founding director of the Action for Transformation Fund, a rapid response fund resourcing trans-led organizing, healing, and power-building efforts in the United States. She is a disabled, Indigiqueer trans woman from Lima, Perú, and has called Oakland, California, on unceded Ohlone Land, home for over a decade. She is committed to resourcing generative movements working toward collective liberation and transforming philanthropy, and society writ large, so that no one is left behind. Learn more about Aldita Amaru Gallardo: @ladycaucau https://www.instagram.com/ladycaucau/?hl=en
Weaving Worlds
Season 1 · Episode 5
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 • Duration 49:56
Join us for a conversation about Vanessa’s journey in hula and her dedication to creating a nurturing work environment that calls in the future.
In this conversation, Villager Vanessa Hatakeyama joins host Ain Bailey to share her insights on the role of spirit through movement and deep connection to community. Vanessa discusses her journey in hula, the cultural roots that inform her practice, and her dedication to creating a nurturing work environment in the nonprofit sector. The conversation highlights the role of physical movement in grounding oneself, and the significance of love and compassion in leadership.
In this episode, we explore:
Cultural art of hula and how it informs the ways spirit moves through oneself
Spirit and intentionality in community
Transforming nonprofit culture
Evolving the role of leadership to create the world we want to see
“how can I create that fertile ground at work so that my people can flourish?...that it can really be a place that nurtures people and that helps that reality that I do want to live in.”
Vanessa Bio: Bay Area born and raised, Vanessa Hatakeyama is the Executive Director of the Japanese American Museum of San Jose (JAMsj). A San Jose Japantown resident for over a decade, Vanessa is deeply rooted in the local community and has fostered collaborations with artists and arts organizations to showcase and celebrate the vibrant creativity, abundant diversity, and rich cultures that thrive in the historic Japantown neighborhood. As committed to her work and community endeavors as she is, they all come second to her beautiful blended and extended family and her passion for the Hawaiian art of Hula. When she has free time she is an avid listener of podcasts, reader of books, writer of poetry and prose, and enjoys throwing inconsistently shaped mugs, bowls and plates on the pottery wheel.
The Practice of Being of Service
Season 1 · Episode 4
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 • Duration 01:01:50
Guest Kirsten Scobie joins host Ain to explore spirit, connection, and the role of ego in how we relate to others. They surface moments of intimacy—both in personal relationships and professional life—and unpack how societal systems can complicate true connection. Kirsten traces her own journey with ego, showing how it can protect yet also limit us, and they highlight humility, vulnerability, grounding practices and gratitude as tools for deeper connection. The conversation closes with reflections on building a future rooted in service and belonging.
In this episode:
Ego can protect us, but it also limit our connections.
Commitment to connection and being in service as spiritual practices
How systems and societal constructs can inhibit genuine connection.
Humility and vulnerability as a counterbalance to ego
Join us as we explore the intersections of spirit, community and civic engagement. As well as awakening to the practice of honoring ancestors for the immeasurable gifts they pass down.
In this episode, social-practice artist Ellina Yin and host Ain explore the intersections of spirit, community and civic engagement. They examine spirit as both an inner life and part of an external ecosystem, as well as the practice of awakening to and honoring ancestors for the immeasurable gifts they pass down. Ellina shares her civic‑service commitment and the power of collective action beyond the ballot box, while the conversation also touches on the role of storytelling in reframing our shared narratives.
We explore:
How intergenerational gifts inform personal direction and growth
The power of storytelling to liberate and decolonize minds.
Guest Bio: Ellina is a Cambodian American multidisciplinary social practice artist, filmmaker, journalist, and entrepreneur. They work at the intersection of art, technology, and lawmaking to create and explore new forms of civic participation. Through podcasting, in depth oral history research, and multiple artistic mediums Ellina threads together art and technology to democratize the process of lawmaking and re-imagine the way we practice democracy at a local level.
Nature’s Wisdom and our Sacred Responsibility
Season 1 · Episode 2
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 • Duration 01:03:17
Join us ‘outside’ in this episode as Ain sits down with guest Elissa Sloan Perry to dive into the abundant wisdom of nature. They discuss the trials and tribulations that come with navigating the complexity of life and the importance of listening to nature to guide us through. Elissa imparts the significance and power that curiosity has in fostering growth and the ability to listen to our instincts and find ways to thrive through challenging times. They speak about the sacred responsibility we have to ourselves, to the earth, and to community as we work towards joy - having faith in and standing firm in our virtuosity as well as in the ensemble.
Ain: the Northwest Pacific Ocean + Highway One (Sonoma and Mendocino county coastlines)
Elissa Bio: Elissa Sloan Perry (any pronouns) is of African and Mississippi Choctaw descent, hails from Missouri (Osage homelands), and is a 35-year resident of California (Miwok and Tongva homelands). She supports people with a vision for an interdependently thriving planet to be better in what they do. Director, , at Change Elemental—Elissa supports and accompanies Change Elemental clients with liberatory leadership development deepening in “be-how” and know-how for advancing change in chaos and complexity. In addition to her work with Change Elemental, Elissa teaches in the MA in Leadership Program at Saint Mary’s College where she facilitates diverse, cross-sector learning communities in developing a holistic leadership practice. You can also find Elissa writing, tap dancing, exploring other art forms, and spending time with trees. Learn more about Elissa Sloan Perry at
The Mystery of Spirit
Season 1 · Episode 1
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 • Duration 01:10:07
Join us for an intimate conversation about the nature of spirit and its influence on life and work, including the importance of intimacy with spirit and the challenges of navigating personal and collective healing.
In this conversation host Ain B. speaks with villager and human rights activist Tina Lopes to uncover the profound connections between spirit, community, and personal growth. They discuss the nature of spirit as an immense mystery that influences their lives and work, emphasizing the importance of intimacy with spirit and the challenges of navigating personal and collective healing.
The dialogue also touches on the ruthlessness of spirit in prompting transformation and the significance of community in fostering resilience. Through shared experiences and reflections, they invite listeners to consider their own relationships with spirit and the abundance that awaits them.
Introducing the We Outside podcast by New Seneca Village. Featuring host Ain Bailey alongside brilliant progressive change leaders and healers. In each We Outside episode, we engage in generative conversations with guests who are redefining what it means to live and work outside of dominant imagination, authentically and with purpose. Join us as we move beyond the confines of conventional thinking and into other realms of possibility.
Episodes are available every second and fourth Wednesday.
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The founder of Qmooniti Travel & Lifestyle - an award winning B Corp Certified travel company https://www.qmooniti.com/, and Sisters Leading Sisters, a community leadership container rooted in the Afrikan philosophy of UBUNTU: "I am because we are". My next chapter is devoted to legacy work - what can I leave behind that is truly meaningful?
New Seneca Village is a restorative residency experience that invites leaders and healers to access expansive resources (time, space, access to nature, restorative practices, intentional community and higher consciousness) for the sake of nourishing and sustaining their collective visioning for a just future.
We Outside is hosted and produced by Ain Bailey and produced and edited by Aisha Jordan.
New Seneca Village is a restorative residency experience that invites leaders and healers to access expansive resources (time, space, access to nature, restorative practices, intentional community and higher consciousness) for the sake of nourishing and sustaining their collective visioning for a just future.
We Outside is hosted and produced by Ain Bailey and produced and edited by Aisha Jordan.
New Seneca Village is a restorative residency experience that invites leaders and healers to access expansive resources for the sake of nourishing and sustaining their collective visioning for a just future.
We Outside is hosted and produced by Ain Bailey and produced and edited by Aisha Jordan.
Kirsten Bio: Kirsten Scobie is the founder of Persimmon Consulting Company, where she partners with donors, foundations, and institutions to design philanthropic strategies rooted in trust, humility, and justice. With over two decades of experience, Kirsten brings a rare blend of strategic rigor, emotional intelligence, and deep listening to help clients move resources in ways that truly build power in under-resourced communities. For more information, please see www.persimmonco.com
New Seneca Village is a restorative residency experience that invites leaders and healers to access expansive resources (time, space, access to nature, restorative practices, intentional community and higher consciousness) for the sake of nourishing and sustaining their collective visioning for a just future.
We Outside is hosted and produced by Ain Bailey and produced and edited by Aisha Jordan.
New Seneca Village is a restorative residency experience that invites leaders and healers to access expansive resources (time, space, access to nature, restorative practices, intentional community and higher consciousness) for the sake of nourishing and sustaining their collective visioning for a just future.
We Outside is hosted and produced by Ain Bailey and produced and edited by Aisha Jordan.
New Seneca Village is a restorative residency experience that invites leaders and healers to access expansive resources (time, space, access to nature, restorative practices, intentional community and higher consciousness) for the sake of nourishing and sustaining their collective visioning for a just future.
We Outside is hosted and produced by Ain Bailey and produced and edited by Aisha Jordan.
Tina Bio: For thirty-four years Tina Lopes has leaned into human rights, justice and liberation work professionally inside organizations, and personally in extended and chosen families and collectives. She’s attempted both system change in large public spheres as well as in communities stretched thin trying to shelter people thrown away by those systems. More recently Lopes has been devoted to learning how to do this same work from a radical place: rooting in self-worth, relying on the natural flow of wisdom that comes from trusting ones body voice, our collective knowing, mutual healing and innate brilliance when we reclaim abundance as our birthright. Learn more about Tina Lopes at www.tinalopes.com
New Seneca Village is a restorative residency experience that invites leaders and healers to access expansive resources (time, space, access to nature, restorative practices, intentional community and higher consciousness) for the sake of nourishing and sustaining their collective visioning for a just future.
We Outside is hosted and produced by Ain Bailey and produced and edited by Aisha Jordan.
