Culture Stew

Culture Stew is a show dedicated to exploring diversity, inclusion, and cultural identity in its many dimensions. We explore how our identities and values influence our personal and professional lives. Through interviews with scholars, journalists, scientists, and leadership development practitioners, we’ll delve into different concepts around cultural identity, explore how to lead diverse teams and organizations, and seek ways to build bridges across cultural chasms.

Empowering Mental Wellness: A Conversation with Dr. Dominique Pritchett 04/17/2024

Inclusive Insights: A Conversation with Dr. Carol Parker Walsh 03/27/2024

Equity in Education: Navigating Challenges and Building Lasting Change with Dr. Ayanna F. Brown 03/13/2024

Equity in Education: Navigating Challenges and Building Lasting Change with Dr. Ayanna F. Brown In this episode of Culture Stew, hosts Maria Morukian and Roger Moreano engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Ayanna F. Brown. Dr. Brown shares insights into her upbringing, highlighting the powerful messages she received at an early age. They delve into the importance of Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) in education, discussing its evolution over time and its impact on student well-being and academic success. The conversation also explores the challenges facing DEI work, including misinformation and intra-community dynamics. Dr. Brown emphasizes the need for institutions to develop cultural competence and institutional will to create lasting change toward equity and inclusion. Key Areas of Discussion: Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT): Dr. Brown defines CRT as an approach that goes beyond cultural competency to encompass critical consciousness and sociopolitical responsibility. She highlights the importance of understanding students as complete human beings and fostering a sense of communal responsibility within education. Challenges to DEI Work: The discussion addresses political attacks rooted in misinformation and intra-DEI challenges. Dr. Brown emphasizes the need for effective communication to clarify what DEI entails and how it benefits everyone. She also explores the dynamics within the DEI community and strategies to address them. Creating Lasting Change: Dr. Brown emphasizes the importance of developing cultural competence and institutional will within organizations to advance equity and inclusion. She advocates for consistent assessment and data collection to inform proactive actions toward greater equity, safety, and cultural responsiveness. Visit Dr. Ayanna F. Brown's website, https://thought-spectrum.com/about/, to learn more about her work and listen to the full podcast episode for further insights! /episode/index/show/culturestew/id/30347828

Navigating Identity, Education, and Social Justice: A Dialogue with Scott Tharp 02/28/2024

Navigating Identity, Education, and Social Justice: A Dialogue with Scott Tharp In this engaging episode, podcast hosts Maria Morukian and Roger Moreano delve into a multifaceted conversation with Scott Tharp, an esteemed scholar-practitioner and educational interventionist. With a rich background in social work, curriculum design, and program evaluation, Scott shares profound insights into the early messages and values that have shaped his personal and professional journey. Early Messages and Values: Scott reflects on the pivotal messages from his upbringing, including the emphasis on seeing the best in people and the profound impact of learning about hope and resilience during his undergraduate years. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for his commitment to social justice and his belief in the transformative power of education. Political Nature of Education: Delving into the political landscape of education, Scott discusses the inherent politicization of educational practices and the importance of critically examining the choices made as educators. He highlights the necessity of framing educational work not as partisan politics, but as a means to challenge power structures and foster critical thinking in academic settings. Social Justice as a Process: Scott unpacks the concept of social justice as a dynamic process rather than a fixed goal, emphasizing the importance of continual learning, unlearning, and growth. Drawing from his expertise in curriculum design and program evaluation, he advocates for a nuanced understanding of activism within academia and beyond. Scott Tharp is an active scholar-practitioner and educational interventionist, with research interests focusing on the development and assessment of social justice education curriculum and pedagogical practices. He has published scholarly articles in prestigious journals such as the Journal of Transformative Education, Multicultural Education, Multicultural Perspectives, and Whiteness in Education. Scott is also the author of two influential books: Doing Social Justice Education: A Practitioner's Guide for Workshops and Structured Conversations (2020) and Decoding Privilege: Exploring White College Students' Views on Social Inequality (2022). Currently serving as the Associate Director for Academic Program Review and Assessment at the University of Illinois Chicago, Scott enhances students’ educational experiences by partnering with academic degree programs, institutes, and centers to regularly assess student learning and implement campus-wide review processes. With a Ph.D. in Curriculum Studies from the University of Illinois Chicago, an M.S.W. from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, and a B.A. in Sociology and Philosophy from Elmhurst College, Scott also holds an appointment as Affiliated Faculty in the MSW Program at DePaul University. His expertise extends to serving as an assessment mentor for the Higher Learning Commission's Assessment Academy and his prior leadership role on the national leadership team for NASPA’s Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Knowledge Community as the co-Chair for the Professional Development. Through engaging dialogue and thoughtful reflection, Scott and the podcast hosts navigate complex topics with depth and nuance, offering valuable perspectives on fostering inclusivity, challenging dominant narratives, and driving meaningful change in education and society. Learn more about Scott: The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the hosts and the speaker. /episode/index/show/culturestew/id/30141278

Unraveling the Threads of Identity: A Journey with Diana Cutaia 02/14/2024

Navigating the Complexities of Masculinity with Maura Barclay 01/31/2024

Navigating the Complexities of Masculinity with Maura Barclay Navigating 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. —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. /episode/index/show/culturestew/id/29723363

"A Dog Called Diversity" with Lisa Mulligan! 01/17/2024

"A Dog Called Diversity" with Lisa Mulligan! In this insightful episode, Maria and Roger sit down with Lisa Mulligan, the founder and Director of The Culture Ministry. With a rich background spanning 20 years in global organizations, Lisa is a seasoned professional in human resources, organizational change, and Diversity & Inclusion (D&I). Her dream of establishing a pragmatic and experienced business offering D&I consultancy and support services has come to fruition through The Culture Ministry. Lisa's expertise extends across devising D&I strategies, implementing inclusion initiatives, and providing credible governance reporting. She is also the host of the popular podcast 'A Dog Called Diversity,' where she explores diverse stories to foster understanding and kindness. During the episode, Maria and Roger delve into Lisa's extensive experience over the past decade. Lisa has been instrumental in supporting the development and work of employee network groups, addressing issues such as gender, LGBTIQ+, race, and disability. The conversation covers Lisa's role in devising D&I strategy, implementing initiatives, and responding to race discrimination, including the impactful work related to Black Lives Matter. Listeners gain valuable insights into Lisa's credible governance reporting, board paper preparation, and market research contributions to boards and executive teams. A key takeaway from the episode is Lisa's dedication to building a more inclusive world. Through her podcast, 'A Dog Called Diversity,' she provides a platform for people to share stories of being a bit different, fostering understanding and kindness. The episode highlights the importance of addressing topics such as disability, mental health, racism, LGBTIQ+ issues, and gender stereotypes in the broader context of Diversity & Inclusion. Don't miss this engaging episode with Lisa Mulligan! Tune in to 'A Dog Called Diversity' to explore the diverse narratives that contribute to a more inclusive society. Connect with Lisa and learn more about her impactful work at The Culture Ministry and follow @thecultureministry on LinkedIn. Take the first step towards greater understanding and kindness by immersing yourself in the world of Diversity & Inclusion through Lisa's unique perspective. More about Lisa and The Culture Ministry: A Dog Called Diversity: 2022 Inaugural APAC Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Salary Survey Report: /episode/index/show/culturestew/id/29518678

2023: A Moment with the MSM Global Consulting Team 12/20/2023

Pedals and Perspectives: Navigating Life's Adventures with Ryan Van Duzer 12/06/2023

Navigating Freedom of Speech in a Diverse Society With Greg Lukianoff 11/22/2023

Navigating Freedom of Speech in a Diverse Society With Greg Lukianoff Navigating Freedom of Speech in a Diverse Society With Greg Lukianoff In this episode of Culture Stew, we delve into the complexities of free speech in a diverse society with Greg Lukianoff. This episode explores how American society can encourage and preserve a marketplace of ideas while being mindful of the impact, opportunities and potential consequences of unfettered free expression. This episode also addresses the challenge of fostering free expression on university campuses and understanding the potential impact on underrepresented and/or marginalized individuals and groups. An unconventional perspective is introduced—the "Pure Informational Theory of Freedom of Speech." This viewpoint challenges traditional notions by emphasizing the value of understanding diverse perspectives and questioning the efficacy of banning offensive speech in a multicultural society. Join us as Maria and Roger talk with Greg about the following themes! Collective Identity and Threat Perception Individuals' varied perceptions of threats are examined with a focus on historically marginalized groups. Who determines what constitutes a threat, and should speech ever be seen as such? Speech, Mental Habits, and Censorship The discussion shifts to exploring the impact of speech on mental habits, emphasizing the importance of careful messaging. Challenges on College Campuses The conversation delves into the challenges faced on college campuses, particularly concerning the clash between free expression and protecting marginalized groups. -- Learn more about Greg and his organization, FIRE, here: Bio: Greg Lukianoff is an attorney, New York Times best-selling author, and the President and CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). He is the author of Unlearning Liberty: Campus Censorship and the End of American Debate, Freedom From Speech, and FIRE’s Guide to Free Speech on Campus, and he co-authored The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure with Jonathan Haidt. Most recently, he co-authored The Canceling of the American Mind: Cancel Culture Destroys Institutions and Threatens Us All—But There Is a Solution with Rikki Schlott. Greg is also an Executive Producer of Can We Take a Joke? (2015), a feature-length documentary that explores the collision between comedy, censorship, and outrage culture, both on and off campus, and of Mighty Ira: A Civil Liberties Story (2020), an award-winning feature-length film about the life and career of former ACLU Executive Director Ira Glasser. /episode/index/show/culturestew/id/28749483

From Conflict to Connection: A Journey with Todd Culp 11/08/2023

From Conflict to Connection: A Journey with Todd Culp Special Episode 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. Todd Culp's Books: /episode/index/show/culturestew/id/28548803

Die Standing with Elmer Dixon 10/25/2023

Global Leadership, Positivity, and Well-Being in a Changing World with Vinay Kumar 10/11/2023

Global Leadership, Positivity, and Well-Being in a Changing World with Vinay Kumar In this thought-provoking episode, Maria is hosting solo while Roger is on a well earned vacation. She speaks with Vinay Kumar, a Leadership Coach, Certified Professional Facilitator, OD Consultant, Podcaster, Global Nomad, Wildlife Stalker and Records Collector! They engage in a wide-ranging conversation exploring the intersections of global leadership, positivity, and well-being in the ever-evolving landscape of work and culture. They discuss the impact of technology, travel, and the COVID-19 pandemic on how we approach leadership and the importance of fostering gratitude and positivity in our daily lives. --- Key Takeaways: The Evolution of Global Leadership Maria and Vinay explore how global leadership has evolved over the years, from managing international teams to working with multicultural workforces in a digital and remote world. They emphasize the need for leaders to adapt to new challenges, such as building deep connections in a virtual environment and fostering intercultural skills. The Power of Gratitude and Positivity The discussion delves into the relationship between gratitude, positivity, and well-being. Vinay highlights the importance of gratitude as the foundation of positivity, stressing that recognizing and appreciating what we have can lead to a more positive mindset. The hosts share personal experiences and emphasize the role of positivity in facing adversity. The Shift in Priorities and Mindset Maria and Vinay encourage leaders and individuals to reflect on their priorities and values, especially in a fast-paced world. They discuss how the pandemic has prompted people to reevaluate what truly matters in their lives and how positivity can emerge from a mindset of gratitude. The conversation highlights the significance of being present, grateful, and pragmatic. --- This podcast episode offers valuable insights into adapting to the changing dynamics of leadership, fostering positivity in everyday life, and maintaining well-being amidst evolving global challenges. Learn more about Vinay and his podcast: /episode/index/show/culturestew/id/28284392