Bias Bender

It's been one year of Bias Bender! Can you believe it? I'm still pinching myself... Join me as we reflect on the hopes and dreams of the past year of Bias Bender. I can't thank you enough for listening along with me this past year. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Cover art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/)Original music by Adam Westerman. (Font Leroy Spotify Page)This podcast is supported in part by a 4Culture Arc Artist Fellowship.

Hi everyone! I'm back! Yay!This week's episode is about MacNolia Cox and her spelling bee career. I so enjoyed getting to learn more about her story and giving her the honor she earned early on in her life.  I hope you enjoy listening!I'd love to hear what you think of this episode. Please feel free to reach out to the podcast email at biasbender@gmail.com. Or if social media is more your speed, you can find the podcast on instagram and facebook both @biasbender.  Cover art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/)Original music by Adam Westerman. (Font Leroy Spotify Page)This podcast is supported, in part, by a 4Culture Arc Artist Fellowship. 

This week we are talking about Hattie McDaniel and her famous, complicated acting career. If you have any thoughts about this episode or the podcast in general, I'm all ears. You can reach me at the podcast email, biasbender@gmail.com, or on instagram or facebook, which are both @biasbender. I'm always curious to hear what your thoughts are!Please feel free to rate, review and subscribe this podcast wherever you are listening!Cover art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/)Original music by Adam Westerman. (Font Leroy Spotify Page)This podcast is supported, in part, by a 4Culture Arc Artist Fellowship. 

This week we are chatting about what it means to retell history. In doing so, we'll cover the story of Eliza Ann Gardner, a community leader and activist from Boston!I would love to know what you think about this week's episode. Please feel free to reach out via the podcast email, biasbender@gmail.com, or through instagram and facebook which are both @biasbender. I really do appreciate your thoughts!If you are enjoying the podcast a few ways to help are to subscribe, rate, review and tell a friend about this corner of the internet!Cover art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/)Original Music by Adam Westerman. (Font Leroy Spotify Page)This podcast is supported, in part, by an Arc Artist Fellowship. 

Welcome to a very special episode of Bias Bender! This episode was created in partnership with Broadway Advocacy Coalition (https://www.bwayadvocacycoalition.org/) as a part of my Artivism Fellowship with them!We are joined by Naquasia Pollard, an activist and mentor who was previously incarcerated for 15 years to talk about her experiences. This one is a real gift, ya'll! Naquasia is the Executive Director of Pure Legacee (https://www.purelegacee.org/), an organization that aims to mentor young girls and women who are directly impacted by the prison justice system. Please check them out and support the incredible work they are doing.  Cover Art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/)New Original Music by Adam Westerman. (Font Leroy Spotify Page)This podcast is supported, in part, by a 4Culture Arc Artist Fellowship. 

This week we are talking about the life and work of Christia Adair. She was a powerhouse who is responsible for a lot of progress, including securing a particular, very important part of our election system. Her story is not one to miss!Voting Resources:https://ballotpedia.org/Main_Pagehttps://www.vote.org/Cover art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/)Original music by Adam Westerman. (Font Leroy Spotify Page)

Hi everyone! This week we are taking the time to chat with my mom, Dale Garnes! Buckle up for some good wholesome fun as we chat about what motherhood has meant to her, and how her career fits into all the wonderful things she does. If you enjoy this episode, please let me know! You can reach out via the podcast email which is biasbender@gmail.com, or you can find Bias Bender on instagram or facebook by searching @biasbender. If you are really enjoying the show please feel free to rate, review, subscribe, and tell a friend or two!Cover art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/)Original Music by Adam Westerman. (Font Leroy Spotify Page)

This week we are talking about the incredible Oseola McCarty! If you are enjoying this podcast, please let me know! You can reach out via the podcast email which is biasbender@gmail.com, or you can find the podcast on instagram and facebook @biasbender. And if you'd really like to support the podcast, feel free to rate, review, subscribe, follow, and tell a friend!Original music by Adam Westerman. (Font Leroy Spotify Page)Cover art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/)This podcast is supported, in part, by a 4Culture Arc Artist Fellowship. 

I'm back with another episode! This week we are talking about what it means to feel safe, and what measures we go to to create the bubble of safety. The story we are focusing on is the story of Marie Van Brittan Brown and her security based invention. I'm so excited to be back and sharing new episodes with you again. If you ever want to get in contact with me please feel free to reach out! You can connect with me through the podcast email which is biasbender@gmail.com, or via instagram or facebook (when I do log on), which are both @biasbender. If you are enjoying the podcast, please subscribe, follow, rate and review! And most importantly, tell a friend or two :)Cover art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/)Original Music by Adam Westerman. (Font Leroy Spotify Page)This episode was supported, in part, by a 4Culture Arc Artist Fellowship.

This week we are talking about the life and work of Dr. Grace Lee Boggs. She was an Asian American woman who really put in the work for not only her Asian community, but also for her local Black community. We are also joined by Michelle Li, the wonderful artist who designed our cover art, to chat about her experience navigating her relationship to race. Please check her out on instagram (@michellejxli) or on her website, michellejli.com!Cover art by Michelle Li. (michellejli.com)Original music by Adam Westerman. (Font Leroy Spotify Page)

This week's episode is about the hilarious Jackie "Moms" Mabley! We're talking about her comedic career, the "chiltin's circuit," and much more! If you ever want to reach out to the podcast you can do so by sending an email to biasbender@gmail.com, or by sending a DM to the Bias Bender instagram or Facebook page (@biasbender). If you are enjoying the podcast the easiest ways to support it are by subscribing, rating, reviewing and telling a friend about the show!Cover art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/)Original Music by Adam Westerman. (Font Leroy Spotify Page)

This week we are talking about the life of Dr. Jane Ellen McAllister, the first Black woman to earn a PhD in Education in the US. We are also joined by the soon to be Dr. Kiara Butler, the CEO of Diversity talks, to chat about her student-led organization. Here's where you can find Kiara and Diversity Talks:instagram: @diversitytalks & @reallyfemalediversitytalkspd.comfacebook.com/diversitytalkspd/Cover Art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/)Original Music by Adam Westerman. (Font Leroy Spotify Page)

This week's episode is about Eliza Carpenter and her life out in the wild west!Here's where you can reach out with any and all thoughts about the podcast:Email: biasbender@gmail.comInstagram: @biasbenderFacebook: facebook.com/biasbenderIf you want to support the podcast, please feel free to rate, review, and send the link to your favorite episode to a friend!Cover Art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/)Original Music by Adam Westerman. (Font Leroy Spotify Page)

This week we are joined by the lovely Jasmine Lesane to talk about all things lighting design and to honor the story of Shirley Prendergast, a truly game changing lighting designer! Here's where you can find Jasmine!https://www.jasminelesane.com/ instagram: @jasminelesaneIn this episode I mention the movie The River Niger. If you'd like to watch on YouTube, here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clRo50Ir6q0Please let me know what you think of this week's episode! You can reach out via email, which is biasbender@gmail.com, or through the Bias Bender instagram and facebook, which are both @biasbender. If you're enjoying what you hear, please feel free to subscribe, rate, review and tell a friend or two! It really helps the podcast reach more folks :)Cover Art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/) Original Music by Adam Westerman. (Font Leroy Spotify Page)

This week we are talking about the incredible Ida B. Wells-Barnett and her historic journalistic work. Today marks 112 years of the NAACP, and since Ida was involved in the formation, now seemed like a great time to chat about her life and work!As always, please let me know what you think of this episode. You can reach out via email at biasbender@gmail.com, or through the podcast instagram or facebook (@biasbender). If you're really enjoying the show feel free to rate, review, subscribe and tell a friend or two!Cover art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/)Original Music by Adam Westerman. (Font Leroy Spotify Page)

This week's episode is about Bridget "Biddy" Mason, a real estate entrepreneur, nurse, and midwife! As always, I'd love to hear what you think about this episode. Please feel free to email the podcast at biasbender@gmail.com, or reach out via the podcast facebook or instagram pages (@biasbender). And if you're really enjoying what you hear and you want to support the show, be sure to rate, review, subscribe and tell a friend or two!Cover art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/)Original music by Adam Westerman. (Font Leroy Spotify Page)

This week I am so thrilled so share the story of Thyra J. Edwards, a social worker who took her advocacy work across the globe. We are also joined by Brittney Cobb, a licensed clinical social worker who is working hard to break down mental health stigmas in her own community. You can find Brittney at her awesome instagram @ablacktherapist or through her mental health consulting platform, https://www.bewellmentalhealth.org/. I so enjoyed our conversation, and I think you will too!Please feel free to let me know what you think about this week's episode. You can reach out to the podcast email, biasbender@gmail.com, or find the podcast on instagram or facebook (@biasbender). And if you're really enjoying what you hear, please rate, review, subscribe and tell a friend or two!Cover art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/)Original Music by Adam Westerman. (Font Leroy Spotify Page)

This week was a big week. Let's talk about it and also shed light on the story of Charlotta Bass and her historic political career. If you are enjoying this podcast, please feel free to rate, review, subscribe and tell a friend or two or three! You can always let me know what you think via email (biasbender@gmail.com) or through social media on instagram or facebook (@biasbender).Cover art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/)Original Music by Adam Westerman. (Font Leroy Spotify Page)

This week we are talking about the life and legacy of Coretta Scott King. As Martin Luther King Jr. Day is coming up, I thought it was definitely time I learn more about Coretta and her own dedication to equality. If you enjoy this or any episode of Bias Bender, please feel free to rate, review, subscribe and tell a friend! I'm also always happy to hear what you think. You can email me at biasbender@gmail.com, or reach out through the podcast instagram and facebook which are both @biasbender.Cover art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/)Original Music by Adam Westerman. (Font Leroy Spotify Page)

This week we are talking about the life and career of a woman who created so many iconic looks. Her name is Zelda Wynn Valdes, and I think you're going to want to know about all the cool things she did to make Black women feel their best!We are also joined by the lovely Olivia Anthony (@liv4olivia)! She is a fashion designer and CEO of her very own streetwear brand, LIV Streetwear. I loved getting to hear more about her journey so far, and I think you're going to enjoy how she is carving out her own space in the fashion industry today. As always, feel free to let me know what you think about this episode and the podcast in general. You can reach out via email to biasbender@gmail.com, or by sending me a message on facebook or instagram, which are both @biasbender.Cover art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/)Original Music by Adam Westerman. (Font Leroy Spotify Page)

Happy New Year! This week we are looking back on how this podcast came to be, what we've done so far, and where we are going in 2021. Thank you so much for your support so far. It really means the world to me. Feel free to reach out with any and all suggestions at the podcast email which is biasbender@gmail.com. You can also reach me by messaging me directly on instagram and facebook, which are both @biasbender. If you're feeling extra supportive go ahead and subscribe, rate, review and tell a friend about the podcast. I would really appreciate it!Cover art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/)Original Music by Adam Westerman. (Spotify Page)

This week we are talking about the feel-good story of Mae Reeves and her beautiful hats. We are also joined by the lovely Chi Ilochi (@igbohippie_), a stylist who is using her passion to help folks from all walks of life feel confident in their clothing. I'd love to know what you think about this episode. Please feel free to reach out to the podcast email, biasbender@gmail.com, or through social media on instagram and facebook, which are both @biasbender. If you are really enjoying the podcast, subscribe, rate, review, and tell a friend! It really does help a lot :)Cover art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/)Original music by Adam Westerman. (Spotify Page)

This week we are recounting the journey of Barbara Hillary! It's a windy one, so we're chatting about Harlem, Matthew Henson, polar bears, and getting outside. Buckle in and bundle up!Please let me know what you think of this episode! This week I'd also love to hear about your favorite trip or outdoor adventure in Barbara's honor. You can reach out to the podcast email which is biasbender@gmail.com, or directly on the podcast instagram and facebook pages, which are both @biasbenderHappy listening!Cover art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com)Original Music by Adam Westerman. (Font Leroy Spotify Page)

This week we are talking about the story of Sara Spencer Washington, a game changer and powerhouse in the Black beauty industry of the early 20th century! We are also joined by Asia Milia (@missasiamilia) to chat about what it's like to work in the beauty and fashion industry today. Let's get glam, folks ;)As mentioned in this week's episode, here is the link to the video with information about the editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue, Lindsay Peoples Wagner: Video LinkAs always, I'd love to hear what you think about this week's episode. And, I'm wondering what your favorite beauty product is and why. Feel free to email me at biasbender@gmail.com, or you can find the podcast on instagram or facebook (@biasbender). If you're really enjoying the show, a great way to show support is by rating, reviewing, and subscribing wherever you listen. And please tell a friend!Cover art by Michelle Li (https://michellejli.com/)Original Music by Adam Westerman (Spotify Page)

This week we are diving into the story of Alice H. Parker, an inventor and heating pioneer!If you have any thoughts about the podcast, please let me know! You can reach me via email at biasbender@gmail.com, or by finding the podcast on instagram and facebook, which are both @biasbender. And if you're really enjoying what you hear, please feel free to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen!Cover Art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com)Original Music by Adam Westerman. (Spotify Page)

This week we are looking into the life and work of Pauli Murray, a prolific activist, lawyer, episcopal priest (among many other things)!We are also joined by Kim Jackson, the newly elected State Senator of Georgia. She gives us some insight into what it's like to run a successful campaign, and how her identity as the first openly queer person elected to the Georgia State Senate helps her imagine a fuller future. As mentioned in this episode, there are two very important upcoming runoff races in Georgia for Senate positions. Here is voting information that can help guide you if you are registered to vote in Georgia: https://georgia.gov/vote-2020-runoff-elections (Spoiler alert: registration deadline is Dec. 7th!)As always, let me know what you think of this episode and the podcast in general! You can reach out via email to biasbender@gmail.com or directly to the instagram and facebook @biasbender!If you are really enjoying what you hear, please rate, review, and share with a friend!

Bias Bender is back with new episodes! This week we are exploring the story of Lena Richard, a chef from Louisiana who brought what she knows best all across the country. We are also joined by Chef Lex (@cheflexgrant), a professional chef who just recently spent time cooking for the NBA in the Playoffs Bubble!I'm so excited to keep sharing with you stories of Black women from all walks of life. If you're enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting by subscribing, rating and reviewing wherever you listen to your podcasts!You can follow Bias Bender on instagram and facebook @biasbender to keep up to date with the podcast!As always, all podcast information can be found here: https://linktr.ee/BiasBenderCover Art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/)Original Music by Adam Westerman. (Spotify Page)

This week we are exploring the story of Priscilla, a woman whose journey across the Atlantic from Africa towards the rice plantations of Charleston, SC has been captured through rare records. Together we imagine what it would be like if every Black person in this country knew even a bit more about their ancestor's personal journey.We are also joined by Dr. Edda L. Fields-Black, a history professor, librettist, and self-proclaimed expert on rice. We are talking about her personal connection with her work, and delving into her piece dedicated to remembering our ancestors who worked on rice plantations. To learn more about her piece, Requiem for Rice, check out the website here: http://www.requiemforrice.com/Please let me know what you think about this episode! Feel free to reach out via email (biasbender@gmail.com) or via Facebook or Instagram (@biasbender). If you are enjoying the show please give it a rating and review! And tell a friend or two ;)As always, all podcast info can be found here: https://linktr.ee/biasbenderCover Art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/)Original Music by Adam Westerman. (Spotify Page)

This week we are hopping the pond for the first time on this podcast to talk about a Black British woman who shook things up in the late 60s and through the 70s. We are chatting about the activism of Olive Morris just in time for the UK's Black History Month!As always, please feel free to reach out with any suggestions or thoughts. You can reach me through the podcast email, biasbender@gmail.com, or through instagram or facebook (@biasbender). If you enjoyed this week's episode, let me know by subscribing to the podcast, leaving a rating and review, and telling your friends about the show! The easiest way to send them to all the podcast info is by sending them this link: https://linktr.ee/biasbender Cover art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/)Original music by Adam Westerman. (Spotify Page)

Woo! We made it to ten episodes! This week we are unpacking the life and achievements of Alice Ball, an incredibly important chemist of the 20th century. We're talking about infectious disease, giving credit where credit is due, and the power of a young, passionate mind. Thank you so much for supporting the podcast so far. I'm always happy to hear your thoughts, feedback, and suggestions for the future. Feel free to reach out to the Bias Bender email (biasbender@gmail.com) or directly to the instagram and facebook pages (@biasbender).Cover art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/)Original music by Adam Westerman. (Spotify Page)

This week we are taking a look at the life and career of Dorothy Dandridge.We are also joined by Chanté Adams (@chantee__)to talk about what it's like to work as an actor in the film and TV industry today!As always, let me know what you think about this episode. You can reach out via email at biasbender@gmail.com, or through the Bias Bender instagram and facebook. And if you really enjoyed, feel free to rate and review the podcast!Cover art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com)Original Music by Adam Westerman. (Spotify Link)

This week we are investigating the story of Elizabeth Eckford and all that she had to go through as a fifteen year old trying to attend a new school in Little Rock during the 1957-1958 school year. Please let me know what you think about this episode! Feel free to reach out via email at biasbender@gmail.com, or via social media through the Bias Bender instagram and facebook. As always, if you enjoy, don't forget to rate and review the podcast wherever you listen! And tell a friend or two or ten! Send them this episode in particular or this link with all the podcast info: https://linktr.ee/biasbenderCover art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/)Original Music by Adam Westerman.(Spotify Page)

This week we are diving into the story of Jackie Ormes, a comic artist who shattered stereotypes through her witty characters. We are also joined by Denise Manning (@halfpintlegend), who continues to defy stereotype through her own work! As always, let me know what you think about this episode! You can get in touch through the podcast Instagram, Facebook, or email (biasbender@gmail.com). Don't forget to give the podcast a rating and review if you enjoy what you hear!All podcast info, including the newsletter signup, can be found here: https://linktr.ee/biasbenderOriginal music by Adam Westerman. (Spotify Link)Cover art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/)

This week we are taking a break from talking about Black women... in order to talk about a literal Black goddess/mermaid/spirit/deity! Let's dive in and find out about some real, long-lasting African female power. As always, let me know what you think of this episode. You can get in touch through the podcast instagram, facebook, and the podcast email. And if you really had a good time listening, dont forget to rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.All podcast info, including the newsletter signup, can be found here: https://linktr.ee/biasbenderOriginal music by Adam Westerman. (Spotify Link) Cover art by Michelle Li. (https://michellejli.com/)

This week we are looking into the story of Charlotte E. Ray, the first Black female to graduate from law school and practice law in the US. We are also joined by Sabrina Matlock, a second year law school student at William & Lee. Buckle up for a back to school episode, folks!Make sure to follow the podcast on our social media platforms on Instagram and Facebook.As always, all podcast information can be found here: https://linktr.ee/BiasBenderCover art by Michelle Li.Original music by Adam Westerman.

Welcome back! This week we are talking about the life and legacy of Mrs. Maggie Lena Walker, a Virginian financial legend. We are also chatting with Gabrielle Lawson, a young financial professional who is working hard to continue the work Maggie started over a century ago. Check out Black Money Mvmt here:https://www.instagram.com/blackmoneymvmt/I'd love to hear about all of your favorite Black-owned business. Feel free to email the podcast at mailto:biasbender@gmail.com or send a message to our Instagram and Facebook pages @biasbender All the Bias Bender links can be found here (including our new newsletter sign up!):https://linktr.ee/biasbenderOriginal music by Adam Westerman. Cover art by Michelle Li.

In this episode we dive into the story of Minnie M. Cox and her career with the USPS. Because we are currently in the middle of so much uncertainty in regards to the future of the USPS, we also are talking about ways in which we can support the USPS together. Give us a follow on Instagram at @biasbender and like our facebook page for updates and photos that go along with every episode!Any and all requests can be sent into those social media platforms, or our email is biasbender@gmail.comMusic featured in this episode is provided by Adam Westerman. Cover art by Michelle Li.

In this week's episode we are exploring the life and legacy of Septima Clark, a teacher, activist and integral player in the Civil Rights Movement. We are also joined by Kimberly Eckert, an exceptional educator from Louisiana.

Welcome to the first episode of Bias Bender! This week we'll be talking about the Negro Leagues, the integration of baseball, and the historic pitching career of Mamie "Peanut" Johnson.