Should I Become a Farmer? | Reconnecting With Faith, Nature & Our Roots
Beyond the Headlines: My Grandmother's Story of St. Louis, Spanish Lake & Finding Hope
In this episode of History In Me, LaCole “Purlz” Purley reflects on a powerful storytelling practice that challenged her to rethink her relationship with nature, agriculture, spirituality, family history, and the beliefs she has carried since childhood. What begins with a conversation about farming and the familiar idea of being “dirty” or “smelling like outside” becomes a deeper journey of learning and unlearning. LaCole wrestles openly with what it means to appreciate nature as God’s creation while navigating conversations surrounding ancestors, African heritage, Black American identity, spirituality, and her Christian faith. She also reflects on memories of her late father and the traditions that brought her family together—from basketball and Monopoly to barbecues and home-cooked meals—and asks an important question: What brings your family together? The conversation then turns toward the present: the health of the Black community, processed foods, destructive eating habits, local agriculture, farmers markets, community collaboration, financial opportunity, and the importance of taking greater responsibility for what we consume and support. And one unexpected question keeps resurfacing: Should I become a farmer? This episode is an invitation to examine where your beliefs came from, reconnect with the history that shaped you, appreciate the resources God has placed around you, and consider what role you can play in building a healthier future for yourself, your family, and your community. History In Me is about honoring the past, understanding the present, and inspiring the future. Be sure to like, comment, subscribe, and share for more content! Connect with me: Quick Bio: https://lacolepurlzpurley.link My website: lacole-portfolio.netlify.app We appreciate any support to this movement! Support through Cashapp: https://cash.app/$CoCoPurlz Support through Pay Pal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lacolepurley Support through Venmo: venmo.com/u/LaCole-Purley
What is the true story of a neighborhood? Is it what we hear on the news—or what the people who have lived there for decades have experienced? In this heartfelt episode of History In Me, I sit down with my grandmother, Valeria Purley, to explore her personal journey living in the Spanish Lake community of St. Louis. She reflects on witnessing neighborhood changes over the past two decades, from declining property values and increased crime to a gradual sense of peace and renewal. Together, we discuss how media coverage can shape our perception of communities, why personal experiences often tell a different story, and the importance of preserving the voices of those who have lived through history rather than simply reading about it. More than a conversation about one neighborhood, this episode is about perspective, resilience, and choosing hope over fear. My grandmother also shares how protecting her peace, limiting negative media, and focusing on personal growth transformed the way she experiences life. This episode reminds us that every family holds pieces of history that deserve to be heard. By honoring those stories, we better understand our communities, strengthen our present, and inspire a brighter future. In this episode, you'll hear about: How Spanish Lake has changed over the years The relationship between neighborhood conditions and property values The lasting impact of the Michael Brown era on surrounding communities Why personal testimony matters more than stereotypes How constant negative news can affect our mental and emotional well-being The importance of documenting family history before it's lost Every neighborhood has a story. Every family has a history. And every voice matters. History In Me exists to honor the past, understand the present, and inspire the future—one story at a time. Connect with me: Quick Bio: https://lacolepurlzpurley.link My website: lacole-portfolio.netlify.app
What if the stories you've been told about your city, your community, and even yourself aren't the whole story? In the debut episode of History In Me, host LaCole "Purlz" Purley shares the personal experiences that inspired this podcast and explains why she's embarking on a journey to better understand the history of St. Louis, the Black community, and her own life. Growing up in North County and hearing constant messages about the dangers of St. Louis, LaCole realized that much of her perspective had been shaped by stereotypes, media narratives, and secondhand opinions rather than firsthand experiences. Now, she's choosing a different path—one rooted in curiosity, truth, and storytelling. This episode explores questions like: Why does St. Louis feel so divided? How has history shaped the Black community today? What role do media and stereotypes play in the way we see ourselves and one another? How can understanding our past help us build healthier communities and brighter futures? History In Me isn't about dwelling on the past—it's about learning from it. By honoring the stories that came before us, understanding how they influence the present, and choosing a better path forward, we can help shape stronger families, stronger neighborhoods, and a stronger St. Louis. Join LaCole as she begins this journey of discovery, challenging assumptions, celebrating overlooked stories, and inviting listeners to uncover the history within themselves. Because when we understand where we've been, we're better equipped to decide where we're going. Be sure to like, comment, subscribe, and share for more content! Connect with me: Quick Bio: https://lacolepurlzpurley.link My website: lacole-portfolio.netlify.app We appreciate any support to this movement! Support through Cashapp: https://cash.app/$CoCoPurlz Support through Pay Pal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lacolepurley Support through Venmo: venmo.com/u/LaCole-Purley