Facts Don’t Change Minds. People Do. A Conversation with JonRobert ‘Tat’ Tartaglione
Culture Stew
In this episode of Culture Stew, Maria sits down with psychologist and behavioral scientist JonRobert “Tat” Tartaglione to explore the complexities of human behavior, persuasion, and the psychology behind social change. Tat shares how his winding path from philosophy major to behavioral scientist was driven by a deep curiosity about human nature. He introduces a compelling metaphor of the mind as private property, explaining why people instinctively resist even the most well-intentioned efforts to “plant new ideas.” Through stories, research, and his signature clarity, Tat breaks down...
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The Power of the Pride – Women, Leadership, and the Future of Work
Culture Stew
Welcome back to Culture Stew! In this special Women's History Month episode, your host, Maria Morukian, reflects on the strength of women in leadership, the power of collaboration, and why we need to rethink the way we define workplace success. Inspired by a conversation with her daughter, Maria shares an insightful analogy comparing the cooperative and resilient nature of lionesses in a pride to the way women support each other in communities and workplaces. She challenges the outdated, aggressive leadership models often associated with masculinity and highlights research-backed reasons why...
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Transcending the Static: DEI in a Shifting Landscape
Culture Stew
In this solo episode, Maria dives into the pressing challenges facing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the wake of the new administration's executive orders. With DEI programs under increasing scrutiny and pressure, Maria discusses the broader implications for organizations in both the public and private sectors, and what they can do to uphold their commitments to equity and inclusion.
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Reheated: Die Standing with Elmer Dixon
Culture Stew
Explore the incredible journey of Elmer Dixon, co-founder of the Seattle Chapter of the Black Panther Party. From the turbulent 1960s to his role as a global diversity consultant, Elmer's story offers a unique perspective on the fight for racial justice. In this episode, Elmer Dixon shares his experiences as a Black Panther Party co-founder, detailing the challenges they faced, such as government opposition and surveillance. His journey from activism to a diversity consultant underscores the ongoing importance of addressing racial injustice and adapting strategies. Key Takeaways: Relevance...
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Transforming Reproductive Justice: Advocating for Incarcerated Women with Dr. Carolyn Sufrin
Culture Stew
In this compelling episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Morukian speaks with Dr. Carolyn Sufrin, medical anthropologist, obstetrician/gynecologist, and a leading advocate for the reproductive health and rights of incarcerated women. Dr. Sufrin shares her journey from delivering babies shackled to a bed as a young resident to leading groundbreaking research and advocacy for some of the most marginalized individuals in the healthcare system. Dr. Sufrin reflects on how her early experiences shaped her commitment to systemic change and justice, emphasizing the need for compassionate healthcare,...
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Reheated - Humanistic Leadership: Prioritizing Human Dignity and Well Being for Better Business Results
Culture Stew
We are reheating one of our favorite Culture Stew episodes! If you missed this fascinating interview with Dr. Shaista Khalji from Season June 2020, take a listen. More than ever, we need leaders who are committed to treating all humans with dignity, compassion, and respect. -- Dr. Shaista Khiliji is a professor of Human and Organizational Learning and International Affairs at George Washington University. Her research focuses on issues related to Macro Talent Development, Diversity & Inclusion, humanizing organizations/ leadership, and individual experiences with inequality. ...
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Holding Up the Mirror: Reimagining DEI and Systemic Change with Wendy Moomaw
Culture Stew
In this deeply reflective episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Morukian reconnects with Wendy Moomaw, founder of the Conscious Collaboratory, executive coach, facilitator, and systems thinker. Wendy brings her expertise in embodiment practices and her passion for uncovering leaders' potential to explore and co-create new futures with their teams and communities. Maria and Wendy dive into a heartfelt conversation about the transformative power of moving from "holding up a lens" to "holding up a mirror." They explore the vulnerability and courage required for social change agents to confront...
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Protecting Your Peace and Sustaining Momentum for Social Change
Culture Stew
In this solo episode, host Maria Morukian reflects on themes from the Culture Stew November Newsletter, exploring the challenges and opportunities in continuing the fight for social change amid a tumultuous post-election climate. Maria shares personal insights inspired by her father’s lessons as a history teacher and invites us to consider how patterns from the past can guide us toward a brighter, more equitable future. She introduces the TRU framework as a way to reconnect with our purpose and sustain the long journey ahead. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Reflecting on the...
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From Chemistry to Community: Kai Stowers on Science, Leadership, and the Human Side of Change
Culture Stew
In this episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Morukian speaks with Kai Stowers, a chemist turned Leadership and DEI Consultant and Coach. Kai shares his journey from the lab to a career centered on building high-performing, inclusive teams, driven by a passion for both science and the human dynamics of leadership. Through candid stories, he reflects on the challenges of embracing one’s full identity in professional spaces, especially as a transgender man in male-dominated fields. Maria and Kai explore the importance of empathy, community, and the resilience needed to create lasting change....
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Special Episode: Ember Roundtable at University of Colorado Denver
Culture Stew
In this special episode of Culture Stew, recorded at the University of Colorado Denver, we explore the transformative power of Ember: Igniting and Sustaining a Community of Equity Practitioners. We had the privilege of sitting down with all four facilitators, Maria Morukian, Chris Haigh, Aaron Barlin and Carmen Foster, to dive into discussions about the critical role of community in driving equity work, the concept of emergent change, and the journey toward gaining a liberatory mindset. Our conversation touched on how change often arises organically through collaboration and mutual support,...
info_outlineNavigating the Complexities of Masculinity with Maura Barclay
In this enlightening episode, Roger Moreano and Maria engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Maura Barclay, a certified change management specialist with expertise in leadership, masculinity, and privilege. Maura's unique perspective and experiences, including her background as a bodybuilder, firefighter, and gymnast, add a fascinating layer to the discussion.
Key Takeaways:
Challenging Conversations Around Masculinity and Privilege: Maura delves into her work of facilitating challenging conversations around masculinity, particularly with male leaders who may come from a traditionally socialized idea of what it means to be a man. The trio explores the dynamics of power, hierarchy, and systemic dehumanization within social structures, emphasizing the importance of addressing toxic masculinity.
Male Policing and Bystander Paralysis: The conversation highlights the phenomenon of male policing, where men intimidate each other to maintain a culture of male domination. Maura discusses the concept of bystander paralysis, emphasizing the responsibility of individuals to interrupt destructive behaviors.
Reframing Strength and Fear in Masculinity: Maura challenges the traditional notions of strength tied to physicality and problem-solving. The discussion focuses on reframing masculinity to allow for a broader definition that includes vulnerability and emotional expression. The fear of not conforming to societal expectations of strength is explored, along with strategies to address and reshape these perceptions.
This episode provides valuable insights into navigating conversations around masculinity, privilege, and leadership, offering a fresh perspective on dismantling toxic behaviors and fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment.
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Maura Barclay:
Maura Barclay is a certified Change Management Specialist, a certified Talent Optimization Leader with Predictive Index, HRCI SPHR and a Neuro Facilitation Practitioner. She has had the privilege of bringing her thought leadership as a speaker, trainer and consultant to Fortune 500 companies, the US Military, and the International Monetary Fund among others. Prior to her current role as Director of People and Culture, she served as a consultant for nearly a decade as the CEO & Founder of Changing Greatly, a culture and talent consultancy specializing in creating psychologically safe, inclusive cultures where humans love to work.