Complexified Institute of Religion Politics and Culture, Amanda Henderson, Iliff School of Theology

Amanda and Amy dive into the complex relationship between land ownership and belonging in the US, drawing on biblical interpretations. Amanda emphasized the significance of land in shaping political and religious beliefs, while Amy offered nuanced interpretations of the Hebrew Bible, revealing how it has been used to justify land ownership and extraction.

In this conversation, Amy and Amanda discuss the Bible's views on land and its interpretation. They explore the contradictory perspectives on land ownership and the connection between land and identity. They also examine the impact of assumptions about land in the United States and the disconnect between urban elites and the land. Amy shares her personal journey of developing a deeper connection with the land through activities like hunting and fly fishing. The conversation highlights the healing power of the land and the importance of understanding our relationship with it.

Chapters 
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:13 The Bible's Contradictory Views on Land
08:29 Genesis 1 and the Interpretation of Land
12:22 John Locke and the Interpretation of Land Ownership
14:20 The Connection Between Land and Identity
20:23 The Impact of Assumptions about Land in the United States
23:10 The Disconnect between Urban Elites and the Land
26:08 The Impact of Land Use on Communities
28:30 Personal Connection to the Land
30:26 The Healing Power of the Land
33:18 The Bible's View on Our Relationship with the Land

Guest: 
Amy Erickson is Professor of Hebrew Bible at the Iliff School of Theology. Erickson teaches a range of courses in biblical interpretation, including The Body and Sexuality in the Hebrew Bible, The Hebrew Bible and Ecology, and Jonah and Its Afterlives. Her research interests include Hebrew poetry, poetic and mythological texts in ancient West Asian literature, and the Hebrew Bible’s history of interpretation.
She has recently completed a commentary on the book of Jonah and its history of interpretation entitled Jonah: Introduction and Commentary (Illuminations; Eerdmans, 2021), and has written articles on Job, Jonah, the Psalms, Zechariah, and Amos for academic journals and edited volumes. Erickson is also a regular contributor to workingpreacher.org, the Huffington Post ON Scripture, The Christian Century, and The Encyclopedia of the Bible and Its Reception (de Gruyter). She is currently working on a book on the Hebrew Bible and ecology.
An Interview with Eerdmans Publishing Co. about Erickson’s book on Jonah.
Commentary on Psalm 146
Commentary on Psalm 121
Psalm 1: Putting Evil in Its Place

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In this episode, Amanda Henderson talks to Dr. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi, a biracial scholar and professor at the Iliff School of Theology. They explore the American dream through the lens of personal experiences and the stories of ancestors, especially focusing on the immigrant journey.
Dr. Lizardy-Hajbi shares tales of her grandparents from Italy and Puerto Rico, revealing the challenges they had to overcome to settle in America and the personal experiences tied to these journeys. The conversation touches on aspects such as name Anglicization, language loss, and various legal hurdles in the quest for the coveted American Dream. 
Also discussed is the paradoxical political situation of Puerto Rico as an intricate part of the United States, but lacking in full political representation. Amanda interrogates how religion and differing cultural contexts shaped these immigrant experiences.
00:01 Introduction and Background
01:14 Exploring the History of Puerto Rico
01:41 Guest Introduction: Dr. Kristina Lazardi-Hajbi
02:22 The Prerequisites of the American Dream
04:10 The Story of Puerto Rican Immigration
06:13 The Complexities of Puerto Rican Citizenship
10:23 The Impact of Americanization on Immigrant Families
14:48 The Italian Immigrant Experience
27:31 The Role of Religion in Immigrant Communities
33:14 Reflections on the American Dream
35:52 Conclusion and Future Plans
 
Want to Learn More?
Puerto Rico: A U.S. Territory in Crisis Article:   https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/puerto-rico-us-territory-crisis
New Partnership in 2024 with Religion News Service. Learn more about RNS here: https://religionnews.com/
 
Want to Take Action? 
Learn about immigration rights and how to take action in Colorado: https://www.aclu-co.org/en/campaigns/immigrants-rights
 
Sign up for Complexified Newsletter: https://complexified.substack.com/
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Contact us: email complexified@iliff.edu
Complexified Website: https://www.complexified.org/

In this episode, Amanda Henderson interviews Dr. Albert Hernández - a Cuban-American academic with a unique perspective on the American Dream. Dr. Hernández discusses the challenges faced by those who exist in-between cultures, feeling a lack of belonging to either. 
He shares historical perspectives on the experience of immigration to the U.S, particularly from Cuba, and explores how global political conflicts can drive individuals to relocate, seeking safety and better futures for their offspring. The episode illuminates the significance of personal and political narratives in shaping our understanding of the past and our vision for the future. The discussions range from colonial legacies, racialization, to the long road to societal change.
Lastly, it presents a reflective poem reading by Mariela Saavedra Carquin – I swear There Was a River. In Maps You Can’t Make, Mariella Saavedra Carquin confronts hard truths in this powerful debut collection, pushing through layered complexities of immigration, race, and identity to find a way forward.
00:00 Introduction: The Hyphenated Existence
00:33 Understanding the American Dream
02:04 Historical Context: Cuba and the United States
03:25 Interview with Dr. Albert Hernández: A Cuban-American Perspective
05:55 The Cuban Revolution and Its Impact
07:50 The Hyphenated Existence: A Personal Journey
09:01 The Struggle of Belonging: Between Cuban and American
10:19 The Influence of Personal History on Academic Interests
13:09 Generational Differences in Immigrant Experiences
20:22 The Complexity of Identity and the American Dream
23:39 The Role of History in Shaping Our Present and Future
30:56 The Long Haul Commitment to Change
33:12 Poetry Reading: I Swear There Was a River by Mariella Saavedra Carquin 
35:58 Conclusion and Acknowledgements
 
Guest Bios
Dr. Albert Hernández joined the Iliff faculty in 2001. He teaches courses in the history of Christianity from Medieval to Early Modern times with additional expertise in the history of the ancient Hellenistic-Roman period. His research and teaching areas include the history of mysticism and pneumatology; Muslim and Christian relations beginning with the Crusades; religious diversity in medieval Iberia and the Spanish Empire; and the history of medicine and pandemics. Hernández led the faculty design team that created the Authentic Engagement Program™ focusing his contribution on human flourishing and the philosophy of Happiness.
Poet Mariella Saavedra Carquin is a graduate of Middlebury College, holds an EdM and an MA in psychological counseling from Columbia University, and recently earned an MA from Middlebury's Bread Loaf School of English. She is a licensed mental health counselor who has practiced in clinical, higher education, and middle school settings and published in academic journals on the psychological impact of microaggressions experienced by undocumented immigrant youth. Born in Peru and raised in Miami, she currently lives in Colorado.
 
Want to Learn More?
Cuban Missile Crisis - https://www.history.com/topics/cold-war/cuban-missile-crisis
Mariella Saavedra Carquin, the poet who read one of her poems at the end of this episode. Her recently published book of poems confronts hard truths in this powerful debut collection, pushing through layered complexities of immigration, race, and identity to find a way forward.   https://www.juneroadpress.com/maps-you-cant-make
 
Want to Take Action? 
Learn about immigration rights and how to take action in Colorado: https://www.aclu-co.org/en/campaigns/immigrants-rights
 
Sign up for Complexified Newsletter: https://complexified.substack.com/
Help Make Complexified Happen - Donate here https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E345509&id=75
Contact us: email complexified@iliff.edu
Complexified Website: https://www.complexified.org/
 

In this episode, Amanda Henderson talks to Nga Vương-Sandoval, a refugee from Việt Nam and United States Refugee Advisory Board Project Manager. The conversation explores the transformation of the American Dream, immigration histories and policies, and the experiences of refugees. 
Vương-Sandoval shares her insights on the true meaning of the American Dream, which she believes should not be drowned by materialism but rather focused on essential human aspirations such as freedom, safety, and security. The episode also investigates how immigration laws shape daily life, how global events affect personal perspectives, and the complex realities of being displaced and navigating life in a foreign country.
Lastly, it presents a reflective poem reading by Mariela Saavedra Carquin on the complex realities of loss that come with displacement and resettlement in a new land.
00:02 Introduction and Overview
02:01 Understanding Immigration Laws and Policies
03:55 The Impact of Immigration Policies
05:08 Guest Introduction: Nga Vương-Sandoval
06:34 Nga's Journey and Perspective on the American Dream
13:53 The Influence of Capitalism on the American Dream
17:53 The Global Perception of the American Dream
21:20 The Role of History in Shaping Perceptions
24:22 Empowering Refugees and Asylum Seekers
28:27 Reflecting on Personal Experiences and the Concept of Home
31:20 Closing Remarks and Preview of Next Episode
 
Guest Bio
As a Việtnamese refugee, Nga Vương-Sandoval embraces her heritage and refugee experience and is empathetic to the plight and struggle of other underrepresented communities. In addition to being a TEDx Presenter, she is active in a number of advocacy roles, including being a member of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders; a founding member and public speaker with Colorado Refugee Speakers Bureau; a refugee advisor for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees Refugee Advisory Group; the first refugee elected to Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains Board of Directors and Vice-Chair of the Program Services Committee; a Noble Ambassador for Christina Noble Children’s Foundation; an advisory member for Denver’s Little Sài Gòn Redevelopment Group; and an advisory member to the Denver Elections Advisory Committee. She previously served as a Commissioner with the Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission.
Nga earned a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. In her free time, she enjoys meeting, learning and engaging with diverse communities, reading, writing op-eds on Medium.com, watching documentaries, traveling domestically and internationally, exploring and savoring cuisines locally and around the world and creating origami for her NVS Cre-Asian line that’s sold at Ruby’s Market in Denver.
 
Want to Learn More?
Hart-Cellar Act of 1965: https://cis.org/Report/HartCeller-Immigration-Act-1965
The James Truslow Adams book Nga referenced that was published in 1931– The Epic of America: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1192936.The_Epic_of_America
Mariella Saavedra Carquin, the poet who read one of her poems at the end of this episode. Her recently published book of poems confronts hard truths in this powerful debut collection, pushing through layered complexities of immigration, race, and identity to find a way forward.   https://www.juneroadpress.com/maps-you-cant-make
 
Want to Take Action? 
Learn about immigration rights and how to take action in Colorado: https://www.aclu-co.org/en/campaigns/immigrants-rights
 
Sign up for Complexified Newsletter: https://complexified.substack.com/
Help Make Complexified Happen - Donate here https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E345509&id=75
Contact us: email complexified@iliff.edu
Complexified Website: https://www.complexified.org/

Last month, we had our first live audience recording of Complexified! Amanda Henderson and Lex Dunbar welcomed Denver Drag Performers Juiccy Misdemeanor and Dixie Krystals for a provocative conversation confronting the efforts across the U.S. to ban drag performances. We laughed, we cried, we learned, and we laughed some more! 
00:02 Introduction and Welcome
00:27 The Complexified Live Episode: Why Ban Drag?
01:38 Introducing the Drag Performers: Dixie Krystals and Juiccy Misdemeanor
02:50 The Current State of Drag and LGBTQ Rights
04:41 The Origins and Evolution of Drag
10:41 The Role of Activism in Drag
12:34 The Intersection of Religion and Drag
13:35 The Impact of Politics on Drag and LGBTQ Community
18:37 The Challenges and Joys of Being a Drag Performer
46:57 The Importance of Community in Drag
49:09 Conclusion and Future Plans
 
Guest Bio & links
Lex Dunbar - Co-Host for this episode
Lex Dunbar (They/Them) is a Black ENBY, June Gemini, and Norf-Philly native. They are a passionate educator, avid protestor, dynamic workshop facilitator, and compassionate neighbor. Lex completed their second Master’s degree at Iliff School of Theology and is currently a PhD candidate in the Joint Doctoral Program at Denver University and Iliff School of Theology.
 
Guest Panelist and Performer: Juiccy Misdemeanor 
Juiccy is a dancer, artist, drag performer, and a growing icon here in Denver, Colorado. Juiccy is the recent winner of Miss Peach 2023, a dynamic performer bringing life of the party energy to the spaces she occupies. 
https://www.instagram.com/juiccymisdemeanor/
 
Guest Panelist and Performer: Dixie Krystals
Dixie Krystals has been dazzling audiences for 25 years. Her passion for community is what drives her to excellence. She is an ordained minister, bingo queen, emcee and fabulous hostess with the mostess.Dixie has been featured in Generation Drags, Streaming on Max and Camp Wannakiki Season 5 on Out TV.
https://www.dixiekrystals.com/ 
Music by DJ Erin Stereo for the live event: 
Erin Stereo is a DJ, curator and record collector from Denver, Colorado. Recently, Erin was named Best House DJ by The Denver Westword, Erin Stereo is known for spinning House music designed to ignite and delight the dance floor.
https://www.erinstereo.com/
 
Links for things shared in the episode:
Learn more about Mx, the title in place of Mr or Mrs mentioned in the show: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mx_(title)
 
Want to Learn More?
From police raids to pop culture: The early history of modern drag https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/drag-queen-drag-balls-early-history-pop-culture
12 historic LGBTQ figures who changed the world - https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/historical-lgbt-figures-activists-culture  
Anti-Drag legislation - https://people.com/politics/anti-drag-legislation-united-states/
Trans History: https://www.historians.org/research-and-publications/perspectives-on-history/may-2018/what-is-trans-history-from-activist-and-academic-roots-a-field-takes-shape
 
Want to Take Action?
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/branded/authentic-voices-of-pride/drag-as-activism/
https://glaad.org/drag/
https://action.aclu.org/give/support-drag-defense-fund
Vote! 
 
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Contact us: email complexified@iliff.edu
Complexified Website: https://www.complexified.org/

In this episode, recorded before the attacks by Hamas on Israel and the devastating response by the Israeli Military in Gaza, Colorado State Representative Iman Jodeh shares her family story of leaving Palestine in the late 1960s seeking refuge from daily discrimination and violence. Making a way meant teaching Americans about Islam and building bridges of understanding and awareness. Rep. Jodeh shares how the legacy of her parents inspires her to serve as a State Legislator and ensure future generations know the power they hold to shape their future.
 
Guest Bio & links
Representative Iman Jodeh is an American politician serving as a Democratic member of the Colorado House of Representatives from the 41st district. Elected in 2020, she is the first Muslim elected to the legislature and assumed office on January 13, 2021.
 
Want to Learn More?
History of Palestine: https://www.un.org/unispal/history/
Israel Gaza Conflict Timeline by the New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/07/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-conflict-timeline.html
 
Want to Take Action?
6 ways you can support Palestinians in Gaza by the American Friends Service Committee https://afsc.org/news/6-ways-you-can-support-palestinians-gaza
 
Sign up for Complexified Newsletter: https://complexified.substack.com/
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Contact us: email complexified@iliff.edu
Complexified Website: https://www.complexified.org/