Monica discusses her path as a social worker and how her work eventually brought her to Casa San Jose. She shares the organization’s beginnings with Sister Janice Vanderneck and its growth from a small operation working out of a church basement into an organization with more than 35 staff members serving communities in Allegheny County and beyond.

The conversation explores an important distinction in Casa San Jose’s mission: advocating not simply “for” the Latino community, but “with” the community. Monica explains why people need the opportunity to speak for themselves and why assumptions about what others need can get in the way of meaningful change.

Jim and Monica also discuss belonging, racism, fear-based thinking, privilege, immigration narratives, and the challenge of deciding when a difficult conversation is worth having. Monica reflects on being both proudly Latina and proudly American, the importance of having a seat at the table, and why changing systems requires people from affected communities to be part of the decisions.

Throughout the conversation, the themes return to ideas at the heart of Fishing Without Bait: human dignity, openness, listening, compassion, and finding ways to move from frustration toward meaningful action.

This is Part 1 of our conversation with Monica Ruiz.

Programming note: We’ll return to the rest of Melissa Carey’s interview in the following weeks.

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We are joined by "The Matriarchy" including Zeke Mercer, Amanda Maslow and Paris Sahara from 880 Wrestling!

Professional Wrestling Highlights:

Mention of Lee Moriarty's impressive week and ongoing push in the wrestling scene.

Reflections on WWE's King of the Ring and Backlash events.

Independent Wrestling Scene:

Insights into the wrestling community at 880 Wrestling in New Kensington, highlighting its role as a training school and promotion platform.

The significance of 880 Wrestling's weekly live shows and its impact on the local wrestling scene.

Discussion on the growing popularity and reach of 880 Wrestling, attracting talents from various states.

Match Announcements and Upcoming Events:

Preview of upcoming matches and events at 880 Wrestling, including potential title shots for "The Matriarchy."

Mention of other local wrestling events, such as RWA and 2PW, featuring notable wrestlers and exciting matchups.

Social Media and Promotion Strategies:

Amanda's efforts in managing 880 Wrestling's social media presence, expanding its reach on various platforms.

The importance of social media in promoting wrestling events and engaging with fans.

Professionalism and Production:

The collaborative effort in running wrestling shows, emphasizing teamwork and training for new talents.

The role of producers and crew members in ensuring the smooth operation of live wrestling events.

What We Learned:

Technical Adaptability:

The team effectively managed a major technical failure by rerouting the studio setup, ensuring the show continued smoothly.

Community and Support:

The importance of community support in independent wrestling, from Patreon supporters to live chat engagement, plays a crucial role in the success of local promotions.

Wrestling Career Insights:

Zeke Mercer's experiences in various wrestling events and podcasts offer a glimpse into the life of a professional wrestler.

Amanda Maslow's journey through mental health challenges and her comeback highlights the resilience required in the wrestling industry.

Paris Sahara's representation of her community and her goals in wrestling demonstrate the significance of diversity and inclusion in the sport.

Impact of 880 Wrestling:

880 Wrestling's innovative approach to live shows and training provides a unique platform for both new and experienced wrestlers.

The promotion's growth and influence attract talents from different regions, contributing to the vibrancy of the local wrestling scene.

Social Media Strategies:

Effective social media management by Amanda has significantly boosted 880 Wrestling's visibility and fan engagement, showcasing the power of digital platforms in modern wrestling promotion.

Check out the Indy Wrestling US Network at www.indywrestling.network. For a short time, get a 7-day FREE trial to access a growing collection of content.

**A special shout out to our Manager Level Patreon supporter Bradley Ruthers (@HeelBradley)

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You can support the show at Patreon.com/wrestlingmayhemshow! Go to wrestlingmayhemshow.com for more entertainment!

Thanks to Basick Sickness (@basicksickness) for the awesome intro for the show