The Power of Storytelling with Christopher Rivas

During today’s episode, we welcome our first visiting actor to the show! Christopher Rivas is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after multi-hyphenates - an actor, author, podcaster, and storyteller to watch. His goal is to create art that facilitates spaces of belonging, and he is deeply motivated by his own experience of finding connection through art. 
Chris believes that we are all creatives in one way or another, and shares his story of pursuing his dream. He also reveals a pivotal moment in his life where he realized that the character of James Bond is based on a Dominican man, opening up a world of opportunity in his mind through the power of representation. His experience of being told by a public speaker that his heritage left him out of the conversation about race ignited a fire within to pave the way for others like him through writing, and that is how his work Brown Enough was first conceived.
In his podcast series, Rubirosa, Chris gets real about assimilation and code-switching, asking his parents significant questions about their experience and the decisions to follow. He highlights the power of sharing your story and asking bigger questions of your family as things change to facilitate freedom. He defines ‘Brown’ as everything between Black and White, and finds meaning in the more expansive way of being in between.
His story is sure to inspire so many listeners, especially those following a non-traditional career path. You can’t afford to miss it!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Christopher Rivas
Christopher Rivas on Twitter
Christopher Rivas on Instagram
Christopher Rivas on IMDb 
Ta-Nehisi Coates
The Moth
Live Storytelling Events
Rubirosa
Brown Enough 
Call Me Kat
Ashley Menzies Babatunde
Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram
Hubspot Podcast Network

Rate & Review:
If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!