From Conflict to Compassion: Jewish, Muslim, and Christian Leaders Share Their Perspectives on the Israel-Gaza Crisis
Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People
Release Date: 12/20/2023
Black Modern Elder Academy: Creating a Space for Authenticity and Diverse Experiences
Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People
The Modern Elder Academy, is a space for healing, self-reflection, and personal transformation for the “Modern Elder.” It helps people redefine what it means to be a modern elder and make choices about the next phase of their lives. So, if this need is true for everyone, why is there a need for a week just for Black people? In this conversation on race, my guests and the founder, Chip Conley answer this question. My guests are Wanda Whitaker, Dr. Diane Johnson and Cassius Johnson. Hear about the significance of listening to intuition and paying attention to physical sensations in personal...
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From Guilt to Empowerment: Your Role in Dismantling Racism
Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People
Are you ready for a conversation on race, power, and Harvard in this Conversation on Race. Why are Black women leaders at Harvard and other institutions being targeted? Simma The Inclusionist, and Deborah Ashton dive deep into the controversial world of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Harvard, shedding light on the power struggles and systemic racism that still plague our society. Find out what is real, and what is witch-hunting in this scandalous attack on Black female leaders. Discover the shocking truth behind the attacks on DEI initiatives at Harvard, orchestrated by...
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Unpacking Identity, Race, and Representation in Crime Fiction
Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People
In this episode, Simma Lieberman The Inclusionist, interviews Ed Aymar, an award-winning author known for his multicultural crime thrillers. Ed, originally from Panama, shares insights into his background, military upbringing, and how he got into writing. The conversation explores the intersection of race, culture, and storytelling in the context of crime fiction. They discuss Ed Aymar's acclaimed works, such as No Home for Killers and When She Left," highlighting his unique perspective as a multicultural crime thriller writer. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on...
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A Black Executive Perspective on Race in Corporate America
Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People
In this episode of "Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People," Simma sits down with Tony Franklin, also known as Tony Tidbit, the Vice President of Advertising, Sales, and Client Partnerships at DirecTV. Tony shares his personal experiences as a Black executive in corporate America and discusses the importance of open and honest conversations about race. Simma and Tony discuss the challenges faced by people of color in corporate America, including the pressure to assimilate and the fear of being labeled as "too aggressive." Tony shares a personal story about trying to fit in by...
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Cancel Culture Unmasking the Dangers of Instant Judgment and Outrage
Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People
In this thought-provoking podcast episode, Simma, the Inclusionist, engages in a candid conversation with Patricia Mushim Ikeda, a Japanese-American Buddhist and mindfulness teacher, and Joel Davis Brown, an African-American man who is an author, an organizational development consultant and spoken word artist. Together, they delve into the controversial topic of cancel culture, exploring its impact on society and the importance of fostering dialogue across racial and ideological divides. The episode begins by addressing the viral nature of outrage and disgust on social media,...
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From Conflict to Compassion: Jewish, Muslim, and Christian Leaders Share Their Perspectives on the Israel-Gaza Crisis
Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People
In this powerful podcast episode, Simma Lieberman interviews three faith leaders from the Faith Trio - Pastor Ben Daniel, Ali Sheikhaslani, and Rabbi David Cooper. Each of these leaders brings a unique perspective and experience to the conversation, making it even more impactful. The Faith Trio is a group that aims to foster understanding and empathy among different faith communities. They recognize the increase in Islamophobia and antisemitism in today's world and believe that now, more than ever, it is crucial to come together and combat these prejudices. Throughout the episode, the...
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Unmasking the Toxicity of Racism: A Raw Conversation with The Contraband Wagon
Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People
In this episode of "Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People," Simma Lieberman welcomes her guest Will Upland (also known as Contraband). He is the creator of the show on Twitch, The Contraband Wagon. Listen to this enlightening, personal and often humorous discussion of race, racism and disruptive conversations. Will (aka Contraband) recounts times in his young life when he encountered people who tried to discourage his success, and were angry that he, the only young Black man in his class stood above everyone else for his talents and brilliance. After feeling frustrated with the...
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Confronting the Lack of Diversity in Nonprofit Leadership
Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People
In this conversation on race, Simma The Inclusionist talks with Kristen Sharpe, CEO of Non-profit Makeover, and Deedee De La Cruz, Director of Demand Generation for GiveSmart. Why is there a lack of diversity in leadership roles within nonprofit organizations? Our two guests shed light on the reason that less than 20% of executive positions are held by people of color nonprofits. Kristen Sharpe and Deedee De La Cruz, acknowledge the historical overrepresentation of white individuals in nonprofit leadership positions. There is an urgent need for greater diversity in these roles,...
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"From Apartheid to Forgiveness" a Conversation on Race
Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People
If you were a Black man imprisoned and tortured for fighting against the brutality of apartheid in South Africa, could you forgive your oppressors? Siya Twani did just that. This is a don’t miss episode. We all need to hear his story. It is especially relevant today with the slaughter of over 1,000 Israelis and the continued bombing and killing of over 1,000 Palestinians in Gaza. In this episode, Simma, the Inclusionist, welcomes guest Siya Twani, who grew up under South African apartheid and became a freedom fighter with Nelson Mandela. Siya shares his experiences of...
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Race, Sentencing, and the Criminal Justice System: A Shocking Inside Perspective A Conversation on Race with Sean Wilson, Organizing Director of Dream.Org
Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People
In this episode, Simma The Inclusionist, is joined by Sean Wilson, the organizing director of Dream.org's Justice Team. With 17 years of lived experience and direct involvement with the criminal legal system, Sean brings insight into a system that he believes is broken and in need of reform. They discuss the importance of talking about race, especially in a society where some are trying to criminalize almost everything. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the role of race in America's history. Time Stamps [00:02:13] Sweeping race conversations under the rug [00:06:03] Internal...
info_outlineIn this powerful podcast episode, Simma Lieberman interviews three faith leaders from the Faith Trio - Pastor Ben Daniel, Ali Sheikhaslani, and Rabbi David Cooper. Each of these leaders brings a unique perspective and experience to the conversation, making it even more impactful.
The Faith Trio is a group that aims to foster understanding and empathy among different faith communities. They recognize the increase in Islamophobia and antisemitism in today's world and believe that now, more than ever, it is crucial to come together and combat these prejudices.
Throughout the episode, the faith leaders share their personal experiences and perspectives on the Israel-Gaza war and other conflicts. They emphasize the importance of compassion and empathy during these challenging times. Rabbi David Cooper highlights the need to know each other on a personal level, stating, "When you know the other, all of a sudden, you're not dealing with some abstract collectivity, you're actually dealing with real human beings."
Rabbi David talks about his Palestinian and Israeli friends that he has had for years and is concerned for their safety.
Ali Sheikhaslani discusses the dehumanization that occurs during conflicts and the impact it has on both sides. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the humanity of all individuals involved and treating them with dignity and respect. Ali also mentions the need for equal rights and understanding, stating, "Unless dignity is given to Palestinians... any foreign solution... will not bring peace." Seeing so many Jewish people speak out in support of a ceasefire is inspiring to Ali and others.
Pastor Ben Daniel shares his experiences with right-wing Christians who believe in supporting Israel no matter what. He acknowledges the dangers of Christian Zionism and the underlying anti-Semitism that can be present in this ideology. He emphasizes the importance of making peace and letting go of revenge, stating, "You can't fight your way to peace. You have to make peace."
The speakers also discuss the need for individuals to genuinely feel and understand the pain of both sides involved in a conflict. They argue that it is not enough to simply pay lip service to the suffering of one side. Instead, individuals must truly feel and comprehend the pain to strategically act in a way that supports both sides. This understanding is seen as crucial in bridging the gap of identity and working towards a more inclusive society.
The faith leaders also provide solutions and action steps for listeners to promote empathy and understanding. They encourage education about different faiths and cultures, engaging in meaningful conversations with people from different backgrounds, and actively challenging stereotypes and prejudices.
Overall, this episode highlights the importance of compassion and empathy during times of conflict. It sheds light on the experiences and perspectives of these faith leaders and their commitment to promoting understanding and peace. It serves as a reminder that by knowing and empathizing with one another, we can work towards a more inclusive and compassionate world.
If you want to see a peaceful, lasting solution it’s essential to understand the pain of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Guests Bio
Ben Daniel has served as pastor and head of staff at Montclair Presbyterian Church since March of 2014.
Born in Palo Alto and raised in Mendocino, Ben earned his Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Religious Studies at Westmont College with an emphasis in urban ministry. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and was ordained in 1993. Before moving to Oakland, he he served as Pastor/Head of Staff at Foothill Presbyterian Church in San Jose for sixteen years. Prior to that, he spent four years as Pastor of the Community Presbyterian Church in Gonzales, CA.
David J. Cooper is a co-founder of Kehilla Community Synagogue and is rabbi emeritus there. He is a long-time progressive activist and community organizer. He has studied and taught on many aspects of Judaism and is also a liturgist.
Ali Sheikholeslami is one of the founders of the Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California (ICCNC), Oakland, CA, and he is currently a member of its Board of Directors. He has been active in the Oakland Faith Trio for many years.
Host Bio
Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, “Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People.”
Contact [email protected] to get more information, book her for your next DEIB event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences.
Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information
Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition)
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