Humanize
In this episode, hosts Courthney and Emily reflect on the emotional impact of recent election results, examining the role of misogyny and white supremacy in shaping political representation. They critically analyze the Harris-Waltz campaign’s approach to engaging Black and Brown communities, while exploring Trump’s appeal across generations and the broader cultural shifts since the Obama era. Courthney and Emily discuss social media as both a unifier and divider, considering its potential impact if wielded by leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. They also touch on the Supreme Court's...
info_outline Kalama RisingHumanize
Can America handle its first female President of color? The unexpected exit of Joe Biden from the presidential race has catapulted Kamala Harris into the spotlight as the presumptive Democratic nominee, and we’re here to unpack this seismic political shift. On this episode of Humanize, we confront the narrative and challenges Harris is bound to face, particularly around race and gender. We dissect the fear-based tactics that often cloud critical issues and discuss the hopes that Harris will tackle pressing concerns like women's reproductive rights and broader social justice issues. This...
info_outline So you got called out. Now what?Humanize
Can confronting our own biases truly lead to a more inclusive society? Join us as we unpack the complexities of race, culture, and power dynamics within professional settings through Emily's eye-opening experience in a DEI book group focused on climate justice. When a disruptive participant challenges the discussion, Emily steps up, sparking an insightful exchange that underlines the persistent blind spots white people often have regarding the struggles faced by marginalized communities. This episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing these blind spots and the...
info_outline Unpacking DEI: From Political Battleground to Business InnovationHumanize
DEI is not just a buzzword—it's a battleground. Discover how initiatives meant to ensure equal opportunities are being twisted for profit, and the backlash they face from political factions that misuse terms like "DEI president." In this episode, we scrutinize how DEI has become politicized, drawing parallels to historical efforts like affirmative action. We will unpack the tension between DEI's noble intentions and its potential exploitation within a capitalist framework. But DEI's value in business can't be overstated. We explore how true diversity involves more than just skin color,...
info_outline "Black Jobs" [Mini]Humanize
Trump's comment about immigrants "taking black jobs" isn't just misguided—it's harmful. Join us as we, Courtney Russell Jr. and Emily Braucher, unpack the damaging implications of such statements on marginalized communities. From the recent presidential debate to the deeper complexities of racially charged language, we express our frustrations and explore how these divisive comments perpetuate stereotypes and reinforce social hierarchies. Our conversation delves into the problematic nature of labeling activities or opportunities as racially exclusive, and how these labels further marginalize...
info_outline S5E7: From Conflict Zones to Colorado: A Candidate's Journey w/Rep Junie JosephHumanize
Junie Joseph is a dedicated advocate for human rights, particularly addressing racial inequality and systemic challenges through her work in law. Her perspective on these issues is deeply influenced by her personal experiences of facing danger and adversity, including life-threatening situations that have reinforced her resilience and commitment to justice. In this episode, Junie emphasizes the interconnectedness of issues like diversity, equity, inclusion, and economic disparity, arguing that they must be tackled holistically. Her legislative work, heavily informed by her time as a human...
info_outline S5E6: Inside Incarceration: A Story of Resilience with Leon Kennedy IIIHumanize
“I have made mistakes and I have paid the ultimate cost for them and I am still here.” - Leon Kennedy III We are absolutely floored by our conversation with Leon. Here is a man who, through the darkest times imaginable, has reached into the depths of his being to find strength, perseverance and hope. Since his first incarceration at the age of 19 in Virginia, Leon has spent decades of his life behind bars in some of the U.S.’s most violent and corrupt prisons, while also battling a chronic neural disease. He was granted parole 3 years ago and lives with his wife...
info_outline S5E5: Ibram X. Kendi’s “Stamped” on NetflixHumanize
What would it look like if every person in the U.S. was well versed in the history of racism? Today we are unpacking the Netflix adaptation of Ibram X. Kendi’s “Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America”. This documentary is a must watch if you haven’t already, and check out more of our recommended resources below. Listen to hear us talk about: How denial operates White supremacy fails everyone Community and tribalism Historical opportunities for progress How do the problems of racism we are facing now compare to historical...
info_outline S5E4: Our Responsibility to Community, with Nana Boakye.Humanize
“We need to build community like our life depends on it.” We are joined today by awe-inspiring Nana Boakye; local philantropist and community builder from Ghana to Boulder. Nana chanelled his passion for soccer into “Kick2Build” community organization, and in this episode we hear how and why he created this inclusive community, and how diversity is celebrated using sports and cultural arts. Listen to hear us talk about: Community building as a long term responsibility Race and intersectionality Capitalism & white supremacy culture ...
info_outline S5E3: Curiosity vs. ComplacencyHumanize
Today we are unpacking some big themes from last week’s episode with Dr. Roberto Montoya: “CRT is Race Consciousness”. Join us as we push into edgy territory; asking ‘scary’ questions about race, expanding our comfort zones and as always, leading with love. Listen to hear us talk about: The blindness privilege The discomfort of cultural change Allowing complex feelings Cancel culture vs. curiosity culture Where we’ve come from, bringing in lineage ------------- If you’d like to support us in continuing this work, we’d be...
info_outlineHow does perfectionism undermine our activism? This conversation today is so important. We’re with Dr. Melissa Bird, discussing how our fears of messing up and being judged impedes our activism, and how our shame and guilt are leading us to action instead of our intuition.
Dr. Melissa Bird has spent her major professional life creating events, workshops, and retreats that bring people together to create community and reconnect to themselves. She works to help people tear down the walls that are keeping them stuck through spiritual regeneration and facilitation of healing from within. Her unique life purpose is to use her talents as a healer to help others tap into their intuition so that they can harness their magic.
Listen to hear us talk about:
- Melissa’s work with white female Christians
- How perfectionism and hypervigilance perpetuate white supremacy
- Raising kids to notice how racism and privilege operate in their lives
- Being taught what to feel and not in touch with our intuition
- The dangers of being led by shame and guilt
- THESE tips for regrounding when you’re feeling disconnected from yourself and your emotions.
Links:
Melissa and James created The Mermaid’s Garden to provide people a place based on the rule of radical welcome, where everyone is invited to sit at their table.
https://www.themermaidsgardenoregon.com/
Website https://www.naturalbornrebel.com/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5zJU-CK82JUTcwIDf6RSAQ
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/birdgirl1001
Twitter https://twitter.com/birdgirl1001
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/birdgirl1001/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@birdgirl1001
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-melissa-bird-016640199/
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