In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Shaka Mitchell, founder of the Come Together Music Project, about utilizing music as a tool to deepen relationships and foster vulnerability across cultural and political divides. They discuss the origins of Mitchell's podcast, which invites guests to share songs based on specific prompts, leading to unexpected and humanizing conversations—such as a dialogue between strangers regarding their differing perspectives on safety and isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pair also explores the intersection of faith and community, touching on the nuances of celebrating Christmas in diverse households, the communal nature of holiday traditions like caroling, and the parallels between church bells and the recently approved broadcast of the Islamic call to prayer in New York City. Ultimately, the interview highlights how music serves as a universal language that can lower defenses and allow individuals from opposing backgrounds to find common ground.
Shaka Mitchell Substack:
https://substack.com/@shakamitchell
Come Together Podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/show/13xN302EaRVizFTrsDZVRq
https://podcasts.apple.com/sn/podcast/come-together-podcast/id1691123150