Gathering Ground

In this annual fireside chat episode of "Gathering Ground," host Mary Morten is joined once again by friends, leaders, and truth-tellers Tracie Hall and Angelique Power. Together in Chicago, they reflect on a year marked by grief, resistance, clarity, and community. From the normalization of cruelty and censorship to the beauty of collective care and intergenerational strength, this conversation is a raw, reflective, and strategic look at what it takes to keep fighting - and keep feeling - in a world that demands both. Episode Highlights: - Angelique shares her reflections on urgency, cruelty, and the clarity required in today’s political climate. - Tracie discusses her work on Black Information Future and the threats of narrative erasure. - All three emphasize the role of self-care, ancestral wisdom, and Black joy as essential forms of resistance. If you’ve been listening to "Gathering Ground" over the years, you know this is one of our most anticipated annual conversations—and we’re so grateful you’re here for it. Find more: https://www.studiocchicago.com/gathering-ground

In this live edition of “Gathering Ground,” host Mary Morten welcomes longtime friend and Chicago media icon Tracy Baim to discuss her latest book, “Liberating Healthcare: 50 Years of Resistance, Resilience, and Healing at Howard Brown Health.” From the early days of LGBTQ+ organizing to the modern fight for inclusive, affirming healthcare, Tracy unpacks why she felt this history needed to be documented now. Together, they explore journalism, movement building, and the urgent need to preserve community memory. Episode Highlights:- Why Tracy felt compelled to document 50 years of Howard Brown Health’s legacy - The role of Windy City Times in LGBTQ+ journalism and preserving community history - Press Forward Chicago and what’s next for local, independent media Links and Resources: - Liberating Healthcare Book – donate.howardbrown.org/campaign/678582/donate- Press Forward Chicago – www.cct.org/press-forward - Windy City Times – www.windycitytimes.com

In this special live episode of “Gathering Ground,” Mary sits down with journalist Natalie Moore to talk about her new podcast, “Making: Stories Without End.” The series explores the cultural and political power of soap operas—yes, soap operas—and why they deserve a second look.Episode Highlights:- The untold history of Erna Phillips and the women behind soap opera innovation- How soaps pioneered social issue storytelling through shows like “One Life to Live” and “Guiding Light”- Natalie’s behind-the-scenes experience at “Days of Our Lives” and her journey creating this podcast passion projectLinks and Resources:- Making: Stories Without End – www.wbez.org/making-stories-without-end- WBEZ – www.wbez.org- Natalie Moore – www.natalieymoore.comIf 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.

In this episode of "Gathering Ground," host Mary Morten sits down with two influential figures in the arts: Esther Grimm, Executive Advisor and former Executive Director of 3Arts, and Avery R. Young, Chicago’s Poet Laureate. Together, they discuss the power of mentorship, the evolving role of social media in the arts, and the lasting impact of creative expression in shaping our world. Esther reflects on her two decades at 3Arts, advocating for underrepresented artists and transitioning into a new phase of creative exploration. Avery shares his journey as a poet, educator, and mentor, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, artistic resilience, and community engagement. Episode Highlights: - Esther Grimm’s reflections on leading 3Arts and her transition into new creative pursuits - Avery R. Young’s journey as a poet and mentor, and his commitment to community storytelling - The evolving role of social media in promoting artists and connecting communities Links and Resources: - Learn more about 3Arts: www.3arts.org - Follow Avery R. Young: www.averyryoung.com If 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.

In this episode of Gathering Ground, host Mary Morten is joined by two powerhouse journalists, Natalie Moore and Tracy Baim, to explore the shifting landscape of media, the critical role of local journalism, and how storytelling continues to shape public discourse.Together, they discuss the urgency of supporting independent journalism, the power of community-driven storytelling, and how media can evolve in the face of growing misinformation and disinvestment.Episode Highlights:- Tracy’s journey in LGBTQ journalism, from co-founding Windy City Times to leading Press Forward Chicago.- Natalie’s work challenging racial bias in media and her approach to storytelling beyond traditional journalism.- The increasing role of social media and media literacy in combating misinformation.Links and Resources:- Press Forward Chicago – www.cct.org/press-forward- Natalie Moore’s Work – www.natalieymoore.com- Windy City Times – www.windycitytimes.comIf 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.

In this special year-end episode of "Gathering Ground," host Mary Morten is joined by longtime friends of the podcast Angelique Power and Tracie Hall for the fifth annual Fireside Chat. Together, they reflect on the challenges, resilience, and triumphs of Black women in leadership, sharing insights into their lived experiences navigating systemic inequities, fostering self-care, and building community in their work. Episode Highlights - Tracie Hall’s reflections on taking a sabbatical for rest and recovery, the importance of self-care, and navigating personal loss. - Angelique Power’s deep engagement with Detroit’s history and community during her time at the Skillman Foundation and lessons in fostering trust and creating lasting change. - The systemic barriers Black women face in leadership roles, including the unrealistic expectations placed on "George Floyd hires."