In this soul-nourishing episode of Highly Visible & a Little Misunderstood, host Jonathan Dumas welcomes back Aizaiah Yong, a practical theologian, educator, and writer known for his profound insights on leadership and community. As they dive deep into the essence of authenticity, they explore its many layers—from personal journeys marked by multicultural heritage to the theological and philosophical dimensions of living a true life. Aizaiah opens up about his family roots, being raised in an immigrant household, and how this has shaped his vision of unity and compassion. Together, they discuss the struggle to stay grounded amidst societal noise and how authenticity is more than just an individual pursuit; it’s a communal practice of supporting each other's growth and wholeness. They also touch on the importance of finding or creating spaces where one can be fully seen and nurtured, even in the face of societal and religious challenges. Aizaiah shares wisdom from his work, upcoming books, and the role of spirituality as a means of reconnecting with oneself. Jonathan reflects on the importance of recognizing when your environment no longer serves your growth and shares personal stories of transformation. This episode will leave you with practical insights, a renewed sense of hope, and the courage to embrace your unique journey. Be prepared to pause, reflect, and, most importantly, breathe.✨ Head to https://www.magicmind.com/highly and use code HIGHLY20 that gets you 48% off your 1st subscription or 20% off one time purchases 🧠 ✨ 🚨 Join Our Community: Don’t forget to subscribe and sign up for our email list in the YouTube description. Be part of the conversation and get exclusive content, updates, and free stickers to rep the pod! Join our email list: https://highlyvisiblepod.ck.page/684e1e911f  Whether you’ve ever questioned if you’re truly being yourself, or are curious about the messiness of authenticity, this episode is the perfect place to start. Connect with Rev. Dr. Aizaiah Yong:Website: Spiritedrenewal.org Books:  Purchase Multiracial Cosmotheandrism: A Practical Theology of Multiracial Experiences Preorder Trauma & Renewal:Toward Spiritual, Communal, and Holistic Transformation  Preorder Sacred Parenthood: Spiritual Practices for the Highs and Lows of Parenting    📺 Watchon Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HighlyVisiblePod    Ways to support the show: 👉🏾 Buy me Ko-fi ☕️: https://ko-fi.com/highlyvisiblepod   Follow us for more: 📸 Instagram: HighlyVisiblePod 🎥 TikTok: HighlyVisiblePod 🎙️ Podcast: https://linktr.ee/highlyvisiblepod   Production: Produced & Edited by: Jonathan Dumas (@highlyvisiblepod) Co-produced & Additional Editing by: Reggie Hall Email: HighlyVisiblePodcast@gmail.com   #Authenticity #Podcast #HighlyVisiblePodcast #PerformingAuthenticity #AuthenticityJourney #BeYourself #RealTalk #DeepDive #TrueSelf #AuthenticLiving #PodcastCommunity #StorytellingPodcast