In this episode of Thrive’s Healing Journey, Dr. Kate Oland sits down with longtime friend, award-winning creative leader, and Forward Party board member Brandon Rochon for a conversation about what it might look like to bring healing into American politics. Rather than focusing on winning the familiar battle of left versus right, Kate and Brandon explore the possibility of stepping outside of binary thinking, looking inward, and asking what we can build differently. Brandon shares how growing up as a “third culture kid” taught him to find the humanity connecting people across cultures and perspectives, and how that same philosophy shapes his work in creativity, storytelling, and politics. Together, they discuss the Forward Party’s emphasis on “people over parties,” independent thought, local civic engagement, electoral reform, and creating space for candidates and voters who may not feel represented by the traditional two-party system. But the conversation ultimately reaches beyond politics. Brandon describes creativity as a spiritual and cultural act and challenges listeners to see familiar problems with new eyes—what he calls “vu ja de.” He and Kate explore the difference between passion and purpose, the importance of understanding yourself, and the responsibility to use your gifts in service of something larger than yourself. From grounding and self-reflection to questioning established systems and learning when to protect your own energy, this episode asks listeners to consider whether meaningful change—political, professional, or personal—might begin from the inside out. Healing a divided culture may not require everyone to agree; it may begin with listening, curiosity, independent thought, and the willingness to imagine that something different is possible.
In this episode:
About Brandon:
Brandon Rochon is an internationally recognized creative leader, entrepreneur, and storyteller whose work sits at the intersection of creativity, culture, and human connection. As Chief Creative Officer of Notorious111 and co-founder of The Fluent Group, he has worked with global brands including Samsung, PlayStation, Coca-Cola, Louis Vuitton, and Red Bull, while using his creative practice to challenge conventional thinking, build more authentic connections, and imagine new possibilities for people and communities.
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