The Unpacked Podcast

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In the season 3 finale, Micah is joined by three current Americorps and City Year New Hampshire Service Leaders - Abby Watson, Elinor Bragaw, and Kailey Johnson.

Abbey is from Kalamazoo, Michigan. There she attended school and graduated with a Master’s of Social Work degree. After studying in El Salvador and Guatemala, she realized that she wanted to explore educational systems outside of her own experiences. Abbey was introduced to City Year at a job fair and realized the organization would give her that opportunity. During her first year, she fell in love with the community and decided to return to serve again. She credits this to the amazing students and teachers that she served alongside. The relationships she built and the passion, empathy, and laughter shared by the students made her realize that she did not want her time in Manchester to be over so quickly.

Elinor is from Crozet, Virginia. She lived in the same house all her life with her family up until she moved away to college in Washington, D.C. College was a rollercoaster, but she made it to the other side and graduated from American University in Dec '19 with a degree in art history and a minor in political science. When she considered her next steps after college, she chose to serve with City Year, and her experience last year taught her that she is an educator. Her eyes were opened to the realities of the public education system and she believes it is a calling to dedicate her time to helping children have the best shot they can.

Kailey grew up in Londonderry, NH. She graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2020 and majored in psychology and justice studies. During college, Kailey was also involved with the Kappa Delta sorority where they supported the philanthropies Prevent Child Abuse America and the Girl Scouts of America. The work of these organizations inspired her to advocate for children to have happy and healthy childhoods. This belief led her to join City Year after graduation. She decided to return for another year because she truly believes in the impact City Year can have on students and the community.

Good news! Episode 15 will be coming out this Friday. Stay tuned

In this episode, Micah is joined by a childhood friend, Byron Abrigg. Byron is the cofounder, CCO, and COO of Mission Control GG, a community platform that organizes recreational esports. Byron started his career in venture capital and accelerators, serving as the Accelerator Coordinator at Stadia Ventures, an early-stage sports tech and esports VC and accelerator program in St. Louis, MO. In addition to his current work at Mission Control, Byron is also an Adjunct Professor at Saint Louis University where he graduated in 2017.

New episode coming to you this Friday!

In this season 3 episode, Micah is joined by his good friend Kai Forcey-Rodriguez . *Stefon from SNL Weekend Update voice* This episode will have everything! Kai is a future special educator and mental health professional specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorders and is currently enrolled in the Masters of Education in Developmental Psychology and Education program at the University of Toronto-Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). Kai was born in New York City, but grew up in Durham, New Hampshire. At age 7, Kai was diagnosed with Inattentive-ADHD and High Functioning Autism and over the years has learned to celebrate the unique gifts from being neurodivergent (Savant-like memory, musical savant abilities, and polyglot). Kai is a world traveller who has lived in Italy, The Netherlands, Russia, Indonesia, and now Canada and is a polyglot who speaks 8 languages. In College, Kai studied Italian Studies with a minor in Special Education Teaching where he realized both in Indonesia and in education courses his true calling which after graduating led him to serve with City Year New Hampshire. Kai finds joy working with, advocating for, supporting and understanding the needs of students and everyone around him fueled by his drive to give back and continue the legacy of his dedicated mentors and teachers from over the years. Kai also finds joy with providing comic relief e.g. jokes, wearing a green mustache, and voice impressions. Kai also credits and has deep gratitude for his own hard work to overcome life’s obstacles along with learning a lot through the unconditional support from his family, music, and his close friends from over the years who inspire me to do my best and accept/celebrate who I am. Currently, Kai lives in Toronto, Ontario and is working towards submitting his first publication about Autism and Mental Health while studying for his M.Ed at University of Toronto-OISE.

Mark your calendars, a new episode is dropping this Saturday with guest Kai Forcey-Rodriguez!

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Micah's brother, Caleb Tatebe joins the podcast for episode 12. Caleb Tatebe is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina. He earned his PhD in chemistry at Purdue University under the mentorship of Professor Suzanne Bart. Besides chemistry, Caleb has passions for sports, music, and his faith. Together with his wife, they raise their two sons (6, 3) and Australian Shepherd to do justly, love greatly, and follow in the steps of Christ [to the best of their ability].

Happy New Year! Hold on tight, a new episode is coming soon...⏳

Episode 11 is out now! Available on all platforms