Ep 121: Love Without Reason with LaRayia Gaston
Click here for full transcript.
Ep 121: Love Without Reason with LaRayia Gaston
Episode 121: Show Notes
LaRayia Gaston might be the definition of inspiring. She is the heart behind Lunch on Me and LaRayia's Bodega, as well as the author of Love Without Reason.
In today's episode, we are rerunning an amazing conversation with LaRayia from one of the earliest and most powerful episodes of the podcast!
Tuning in, listeners will hear about all the most critical steps in LaRayia's journey, from her challenging childhood to her burgeoning and diverse career, and how she took her gifts and decided to dedicate her life to giving back to those less fortunate than herself.
It was during her time in LA, around the age of 20, that LaRayia found the place to pour her desire to help the community. Always a hard worker and a generous giver, LaRayia began finding ways to provide food for the unhoused on Skid Row, and it was out of these efforts that Lunch on Me was born.
Our guest talks about the influence that different family members had on her, how she funded this work at various points, and what has kept her going.
We also get some insight into why LaRayia spent 43 days on Skid Row herself, her meditation practice, and her spiritual beliefs, so make sure to listen in to hear it all.
Key Points From This Episode:
Escaping a sense of confinement through a love of drawing and books.
How biographies of amazing and relatable people inspired a young LaRayia.
LaRayia’s family background, childhood, and the variety of cultures she was exposed to.
Lessons from church about tithing and supporting each other.
The motherly relationship that LaRayia had with her grandmother.
LaRayia's early ideas about heaven and hell and the questions these brought up for her.
The lifelong friend that LaRayia made as an eight-year-old.
The job that LaRayia got working at her uncle’s restaurant at the age of 12.
The first time that LaRayia met an angel.
Why art, dance, and creativity were always so central to LaRayia's identity.
The seeds of LaRayia's mission to help feed people on the streets.
Success that LaRayia had working as a dancer for music videos despite not enjoying the music industry.
Reflecting on LaRayia's mental state as a young person in the entertainment industry and her innate aversion to drugs.
Moving to Los Angeles and engaging with the realities of Skid Row.
The frustration that LaRayia felt at the lack of impact that nonprofits were having in Los Angeles.
The first steps that LaRayia made setting up Lunch on Me and how she made this possible financially.
Exploring LaRayia's personal meditation practice and how it has evolved over time.
The steps that LaRayia took to find sponsored food for her project.
The mission statement at Lunch On Me and what made it different.
LaRayia talks about the idea of 'suffering well' and finding joy within the pain.
The inspiring and beautiful story of Little Kevin and its lessons about radical love.
Recounting the period in which LaRayia spent 43 days on Skid Row.
Some shocking truths about foster care, the military, and homelessness.
LaRayia's upcoming documentary, bodega, and nonprofit market.
How you can connect with Lunch on Me and contribute to this great project!
LaRayia's thoughts on the afterlife and the continued journey of our energy.
Tweetables:
“I loved the idea of creating places I haven't been. I felt very confined as a child, so I felt between art and books, those are the place I got to travel.” — @LaRayiaGaston [0:04:54]
“I always loved jazz music. I’ve always loved the '50s. I had a very, very strong connection to it.” — @LaRayiaGaston [0:06:46]
“I’ve always had in the back of my mind that people were willing to fight fire just to be heard, to be seen, to be understood. I understood that very young.” — @LaRayiaGaston [0:08:35]
“I learned very young that art didn't have to just be an expression. It could influence people.” — @LaRayiaGaston [0:09:05]
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: