Summer Reflection Series - Episode 3: From Conflict to Connection with Todd Culp
Release Date: 08/07/2024
Culture Stew
In this episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Maroukian welcomes Judy Oyedele, founder and principal consultant of Joyedele Consulting. Judy is an organizational development practitioner and executive leadership coach with over a decade of experience helping leaders across sectors break out of the status quo and lead with clarity, ease, and strong boundaries. Judy shares reflections on her upbringing as the daughter of Nigerian immigrants in Texas and how early messages around worthiness and faith shaped her identity and resilience. She and Maria explore the evolution of self-worth beyond...
info_outlineCulture Stew
In this live and in-person episode of Culture Stew, Maria sits down with the dynamic Melanie Smith, founder of Moves with Melanie, a health and wellness company based in Silver Spring, Maryland. With a powerful blend of pharmacy expertise, fitness instruction, and integrative nutrition coaching, Melanie shares her personal and professional journey one that took her from a military childhood to pharmacy school to a life changing pivot into holistic wellness. Maria and Melanie explore: How growing up as a “military brat” shaped Melanie’s go for it mindset The realities of burnout in...
info_outlineCulture Stew
This episode of Culture Stew dives deep into the intersection of race, mental health, and systemic change with special guest Dr. Monnica T. Williams, a renowned clinical psychologist, professor, and leading researcher in racial trauma and mental health disparities. Dr. Williams joins Maria to explore the profound impact of racial injustice on psychological well-being—and how culturally informed care can lead to healing and transformation. Together, they discuss the history and ongoing harm of structural racism in mental health systems, the promise of psychedelic-assisted therapies for BIPOC...
info_outlineCulture Stew
Dr. Rehman Abdulrehman returns to Culture Stew to dive even deeper into the emotional, cultural, and systemic layers of anti-racism, leadership, and psychological wellness. A renowned clinical and consulting psychologist, Dr. Abdulrehman shares insights from his groundbreaking tools like "Bias Outside the Box," his ongoing research, and his work as founder of tesbias.com and livingwithracism.com. We explore the intersections of social justice and psychological health, the realities of DEI work in both Canada and the U.S., and the personal narratives that shape his mission. From challenging...
info_outlineCulture Stew
In this episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Morukian interviews Paolo Gaudiano, a dynamic voice in the DEI space whose journey to this work is anything but traditional. With advanced degrees in aerospace engineering and neuroscience, Paolo brings a deeply analytical lens to a field often led by personal stories and emotion. As the founder and Chief Scientist of Aleria and author of Measuring Inclusion: Higher Profits, Happier People Without Guesswork or Bias, Paolo is on a mission to make inclusion measurable, actionable, and undeniable. Throughout the conversation, Paolo shares his personal...
info_outlineCulture 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...
info_outlineCulture 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...
info_outlineCulture 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.
info_outlineCulture 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...
info_outlineCulture 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,...
info_outlineIn the third episode of our Summer Reflection Series, Todd Culp shares his experiences in conflict zones around the world. Learn how authentic connections and embracing change can bridge divides and promote peace. Todd's stories highlight the universal nature of humanity and the power of genuine communication, reminding us of the importance of seeing beyond differences to find common ground.
From Conflict to Connection: A Journey with Todd Culp
In this Illuminating episode, we delve into the fascinating world of conflict zones with Dr. Todd Culp, a distinguished professor of political science and history. With extensive research spanning regions like the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and even Ireland, Todd’s journey provides a rare glimpse into the realities of violence, terrorism, and the pursuit of peace.
Todd Culp’s Biography:
Dr. Todd Culp’s journey began in 1993 during the first Palestinian Uprising in the Middle East. He resided in the West Bank, conducting interviews with militant groups such as Islamic Jihad and Hamas, seeking to better understand the turmoil surrounding him. His experiences have since taken him to regions where terrorist attacks and violence are all too common. Notably, he interviewed Irish Republican Army (IRA) members, including an assassin serving a 284-year prison sentence.
Apart from his research and teaching, Todd actively collaborates with peace activists, committed to confronting the ongoing violence in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He often leads educational tours into these conflict zones to provide a firsthand look at the harsh realities of these battles.
Key Takeaways:
The Universal Nature of Humanity: Todd highlights the remarkable power of travel in breaking down cultural barriers and discovering the shared human experience. No matter the culture or politics, humor and laughter serve as bridges that connect us all. Authentic human connections can be formed when we are willing to laugh at ourselves and look beyond differences.
The Call for Authentic Voices: Todd emphasizes the importance of taking risks to be an authentic voice for peace and humanity. While his own experiences may sound extreme, he encourages listeners to recognize that there are countless ways to make a difference. Small acts of involvement, such as supporting peace activists, can have a significant impact.
The Value of Embracing Change: Todd highlights the inherent risk in life and how embracing change can lead to a more meaningful existence. In today’s often sterile and protected environments, stepping outside one’s comfort zone can provide a deeper sense of purpose. It’s a reminder that beauty can be found in the midst of ugliness, and pressure can lead to inspiring heights.