Podcasts about dear white women let's get un

Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu! Happy New Year!   We like to split this episode, one we have done every year at this time of year for the last four years, into two parts – reflections and projections. You'll want to listen so you don't miss how to stay involved in what's next for us, the podcast, and 2024 as a whole.   What to listen for: Our history, identities, and what we've learned in 2023, including huge successes through the year How to submit ideas for episode topics in 2024 & book us for speaking gigs: contact us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com Stats around how Trump is looking increasingly like a dictator and how we must be vigilant in our own communities and have conversations to further our shared democratic goals About us:  A graduate of Harvard College and Columbia Law School, Misasha Suzuki Graham (she/her) has been a practicing litigator for over 15 years, and is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession as well as in her communities. She is a facilitator, writer, and speaker regarding issues of racial justice, especially regarding children, the co-author of Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism, and the co-host of Dear White Women, a social justice podcast. Misasha, who is biracial (Japanese and White), is married to a Black man and is the proud mom of two very active multiracial young boys. They live in the Bay Area of California with their largely indifferent cat. Sara Blanchard (she/her) helps build community and connection through conscious conversations, which she does as a facilitator, TEDx speaker, writer, and consultant. After graduating from Harvard and working at Goldman Sachs, Sara pursued the science and techniques of well-being and is a certified life coach, author of two books (Flex Mom and Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism), and co-host of Dear White Women, an award-winning weekly social justice podcast. Sara is biracial (Japanese and White), married to a White Canadian man, and is raising their two White-presenting girls to be compassionate, thoughtful advocates. They live in Denver, Colorado with their incredibly lovable dog.

Sara Blanchard helps build community and connection through conscious conversations, which she does as a facilitator, TEDx speaker, writer, and consultant. After graduating from Harvard and working at Goldman Sachs, Sara pursued the science and techniques of well-being and is a certified life coach, author of two books (Flex Mom and Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism), and co-host of Dear White Women, an award-winning weekly social justice podcast. Sara is biracial (Japanese and White), married to a White Canadian man, and is raising their two White-presenting girls to be compassionate, thoughtful advocates. They live in Denver, Colorado, with their incredibly lovable dog. Show notes: 00:01:50 Introducing Sara Blanchard 00:03:15 WOHASU Emcee 00:03:51 Inspiration behind your work/life purpose? 00:05:58 How her life story played a part in her mission. 00:08:28 Magical Key to Bliss 00:10:08 Science of Well-Being & Burn Out 00:12:30 Recalibrate, Reassess, & Recreate through Acceptance 00:14:10 How Her Story Began 00:17:50 Living a Conscious Life 00:18:20 Sara's Favorite Inspirational Quotes 00:25:17 Origins of Dear White Women Book & Podcast 00:34:05 MGTB Insight 00:38:00 Tools to Manifest a Happy Life 00:42:44 Contact Sara 00:44:16 Sara's Inspiration www.sarablanchard.com www.dearwhitewomen.com IG @sarablanchardauthor Conversations with Extraordinary People is a YouTube/podcast based on The Magical Guide to Bliss. It takes the listener through the year with empowering conversations. Sign up for my newsletter at www.megnocero.com #manifesting #podcast #SEASON6 #podcasts #podcast #season6 #meg #love #sarablanchard #acceptandmoveon #dreamers #dearwhitewomen#authorinterview #books #writer #author #speaker #motivational #happiness #transformational #magical --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/meg-nocero/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/meg-nocero/support

Sara Blanchard & Misasha Suzuki Graham - Co-Founders and Co-Hosts of the award-winning podcast, "Dear White Women" and co-authors of the book "Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism." They join Tavis to discuss why we need to get uncomfortable talking about racism and how to navigate these important conversations so we can protect ALL women, including AAPI women.

In this episode of Life Curious Women, host Ashley Nadine Lopez interviews Misasha Suzuki Graham, a graduate of Harvard College and Columbia Law School, she has been a practicing litigator for over 15 years, and is passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession as well as in her communities. She is a facilitator, writer, and speaker regarding issues of racial justice, especially with regards to children, the co-author of Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism, and the co-host of Dear White Women. Misasha, who is biracial (Japanese and White), is married to a Black man, and is the proud mom of two very active multiracial young boys. We get into: Her experience being biracial in this country led her to an interest in identity and justice. How reading the Supreme Court decisions in the Korematsu case led her to studying law. What inspired her and her co-founder/best friend to start the Dear White Women platform. Her experience being in white environments and passing by being biracial. Learning what was being said when white women thought there were no women of color in the space. How starting Dear White Women began as a way to help white women use their privilege to uproot systemic racism without centering themselves in the process. The importance of having difficult conversation about race and being anti-racist. Looking at racism as a systemic issue rather than an individual issue. Advice on how to start the uncomfortable conversations with adults and children. Follow Dear White Women on Instagram @DearWhiteWomenPodcast Check out Dear White Women online www.DearWhiteWomen.com -------------------------------------------------- Follow Life Curious Women on Instagram @LifeCuriousWomen Follow our host Ashley Nadine Lopez on Instagram @AshleyNadineLopez Don't forget to subscribe and sign up for our newsletter by DM'ing us on Instagram! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ashley-nadine-lopez/support

This week marks the FOUR YEAR anniversary of the Dear White Women podcast! From those first few episodes released altogether on April 15, 2019, to now… it's been quite the ride.  This year, in order to kick off year five (!!!) of the podcast, we thought we'd devote an entire shorter episode to talking about not only the past four years but what we have in store for the future (you didn't think we'd end with four, did ya?).   What to listen for:  How the podcast has evolved since its start in April 2019 The stand-out episode from this past year – hint, both of us chose Overground Railroad with Candacy Taylor Our personal whys behind doing this for the past four years Where we think the Dear White Women platform goes from here About Sara & Misasha: A graduate of Harvard College and Columbia Law School, Misasha Suzuki Graham has been a practicing litigator for over 15 years and is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession as well as in her communities. She is a facilitator, writer, and speaker regarding issues of racial justice, especially with regard to children, the co-author of Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism, and the co-host of Dear White Women, a social justice podcast. Misasha, who is biracial (Japanese and White), is married to a Black man, and is the proud mom of two very active multiracial young boys. They live in the Bay Area of California with their largely indifferent cat.   Sara Blanchard helps build community and connection through conscious conversations, which she does as a facilitator, TEDx speaker, writer, and consultant. After graduating from Harvard and working at Goldman Sachs, Sara pursued the science and techniques of well-being and is a certified life coach, author of two books (Flex Mom and Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism), and co-host of Dear White Women, an award-winning weekly social justice podcast. Sara is biracial (Japanese and White), married to a White Canadian man, and is raising their two White-presenting girls to be compassionate, thoughtful advocates. They live in Denver, Colorado with their incredibly lovable dog.

S8, EP 4: Sara Blanchard and Misasha Suzuki Graham, co-hosts of the Dear White Women Podcast join me for this week's episode as we talk about the genesis of putting together their podcast, what unlearning white supremacy and recognizing privilege means, and offering anti-racism tools. Bio: Misasha Suzuki Graham: A graduate of Harvard College and Columbia Law School, Misasha Suzuki Graham has been a practicing litigator for over 15 years, and is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession as well as in her communities. She is a facilitator, writer, and speaker regarding issues of racial justice, especially with regard to children, the co-author of Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism, and the co-host of Dear White Women, an award-winning social justice podcast. Misasha, who is biracial (Japanese and White), is married to a Black man, and is the proud mom of two very active multiracial young boys. They live in the Bay Area of California with their largely indifferent cat. Sara Blanchard helps build community and connection through conscious conversations, which she does as a facilitator, TEDx speaker, writer, and consultant. After graduating from Harvard and working at Goldman Sachs, Sara pursued the science and techniques of well-being and is a certified life coach, author of two books, and also the co-host of Dear White Women. Sara is biracial (Japanese and White), married to a White Canadian man, and is raising their two White-presenting girls to be compassionate, thoughtful advocates. They live in Denver, CO with their incredibly lovable dog. Sponsored by: VietFive Coffee: Start your day right with VietFive Coffee. Freshly grown coffee harvested straight from Vietnam and roasted in Chicago, VietFive offers rich quality tasting Vietnamese coffee straight to your soul. Visit VietFive Coffee in Chicago to grab a fresh cup and a Banh Mi to go along with it, or go to www.vietfive.com and use the code in all Caps: VMNCHIV5 to get 15% off your purchase. Circa-Pintig: The Center for Immigrant Resources and Community Arts - CIRCA Pintig is a 501c3 engaging communities through the power of the arts to challenge injustice and transcend social change. CIRCA Pintig produces timely works to provide education, activation, and advocacy. For information about upcoming events and to learn about how to get involved, visit www.circapintig.org --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/banhmichronicles/support

In this episode my guests Misasha Suzuki Graham and Sara Blanchard are founders of an amazing podcast titled Dear White Women. Misasha is a graduate of Harvard College and Columbia Law School, a practicing litigator for over 15 years, who is passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion. She is a facilitator, writer, and speaker regarding issues of racial justice, especially with regards to children, the co-author of Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism, and the co-host of Dear White Women, a social justice podcast.  Sara Blanchard helps build community and connection through conscious conversations, which she does as a facilitator, TEDx speaker, writer, and consultant. After graduating from Harvard and working at Goldman Sachs, Sara pursued the science and techniques of well-being and is a certified life coach, author of two books (Flex Mom and Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism), and co-host of Dear White Women, an award-winning weekly social justice podcast.  In this conversation we explore: + why so many people are resistant and uncomfortable with naming whiteness as an identity  + why DEI work is really about power  + why understanding history will make you a more conscious, and inclusive person  + how social change is not about appealing to the most hateful person in the room

If you asked me (Misasha) at the end of 2021 how long it had been since we published our book, I would have told you 5 years, give or take 3 - because it felt like we had been thrown into this whirlwind of activity and PR and interviews and ALL OF THE THINGS about this book. So it seems impossible that just now marks the one-year anniversary of the publication of Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism!   In honor of this one-year mark, we thought we'd sit down with each other to talk all things book, based on the questions we've gotten from so many of you over the last year: the good, the bad, the really tough, the things we'd like to forget - basically your behind-the-scenes look into our year with this book out in the world.   Plus, as a thank you for your support, keep listening for the chance to have us do a special virtual drop-in with your book club or your small group of people!!   What to listen for:  The most memorable, joyful, cringeworthy conversations we've had on TV, radio, and conversations IRL since publishing this book in October 2021 Why we wrote this book in the first place Where we'd like to see this book go next How to get us to come to YOUR book club or community - follow us on IG and get on our email list to learn more!    

Over the last 3.5 years, we've had this weekly podcast (now on episode 182!), we've written a book (Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism), and we've spoken with many different people at many different organizations.  Meaning, we've heard and learned a lot of things.   With a few exceptions, our sense is that people *want* to be seen as good people; they say they *want* to be more anti-racist.  But despite their best intentions, some things get in the way of you actually *doing* something to make positive change: You don't feel like you know enough, you don't want to make a mistake, and so you don't feel like you know what to actually do.   So this episode is meant as a kick in the pants at the end of our summer of action, to give you a LOT of ideas.  Listen through and if something sparks your interest or speaks to you, write it down; remember it; come back to it and DO it.     Listen for tips on what you can do at your kitchen table, your workplace, the voting booth, with your money, at your kids' schools if you have kids, and more.    And then the best thing you can do?  Share this episode with a friend - and let us know what you think!   Related episodes:  Episode 139: Vote for Humanity 

In our book, we talk about the federal boarding schools that were just for Native American children - and by boarding schools, we mean that the U.S. government rounded up Native children over the course of 150 years (!!), separated them from their parents and often took them hundreds of miles away… and often times, those kids never came home.    If you haven't heard that story (which is fairly common, given the erasure of the Native narrative in this country), this episode is for you, because without understanding this history, you won't understand how we are where we are now with over 570 federally recognized Native American Nations within the United States - while most people we hear say they're not sure they've ever spoken with a person of Native descent.    For more, go buy our book, Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism, and make sure you're following this podcast for more!   What to listen for:  How last year, Deb Haaland, who is the first Native American woman to hold a Cabinet office position in the US government (she's Secretary of the Interior), commissioned the first ever report on the Federal Indian Boarding School System  How the government coerced Native families into sending their kids (it really wasn't a choice), and the (horrific) conditions the children experienced in the schools - including the discovery of many unmarked graves What questions have yet to be answered, what you can do about sharing history like this including  in your kid's schools, how you can respect the Native lands you currently live on, and participate in reparations.   Click here for the full report. Listen to our episode with Crystal Echohawk here.

Have you ever been that kid who tugged at the corner of your eyes, pretending to be Asian, or maybe even mocked people of Asian descent?  In today's episode, Sara shares the story of when a little neighborhood boy did that to her.     Sure, there might be some sweeping generalizations you can make about Asian people - a lot tend to have dark hair, more almond-shaped eyes - but the truth is, in America, people who fall into the broad bucket of “Asian” have among the largest differences of all the large groupings like White, or Black, or Hispanic.  Asians are NOT all the same.   So today, we'll discuss all the basic things you need to know about the model minority myth - NO we are not all good at math nor do we all play the violin - and what you can do differently to make sure you're not that person.     For more, go buy our book, Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism, and make sure you're following this podcast for more!   What to listen for:  When and how the concept of a model minority was created The things that are wrong about the model minority myth   Three things you can do differently: catch yourself if you make assumptions about Asian people; don't ask “where are you really from?” and know why that's not okay; learn more about the many different narratives of Asian countries and people.   Related episodes: Episode 107: We have a White accountability problem Episode 112: Asians at (Public) School, with Alan Mak Episode 113: Anti-Asian Racism Ain't New, People Episode 115: Asians at Work, with Jerry Won

In 2020, after the murder of George Floyd, many of us heard the phrase “qualified immunity” for the first time in a new light - but what does the phrase even mean?  And why is it so important when we think about police, driving (or existing) while Black, and civil rights in this country?  We'll talk about all of this in today's episode, so we can help set some context for a major conversation happening in our country - one about abolition.     Listen in, and if you want more, go buy our book, Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism, and make sure you're following this podcast for more!   What to listen for:  What it is - Qualified immunity is a defense that law enforcement and other government officials can use in defense against lawsuits that ask for monetary damages for alleged civil rights violations. In other words, it's a way that officers can avoid being held liable for his or her actions. Examples of when qualified immunity has been called into action, to make it easier to understand Information about how qualified immunity is not actually a law; it was a judicial doctrine that was created and then restated by the Supreme Court through Section 1983  Why we still have qualified immunity - fear, not based in fact - and what we as a society might do differently to give victims a means of seeking justice   More information on qualified immunity through the Equal Justice Initiative and Public Justice.    Related Episodes: Episode 67: How the US Police System has Failed Black People Since Inception Link to episodes on Black Codes Episode 140: Becoming Abolitionists, with Derecka Purnell    

So our book, Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism is broken into three sections: On Being White in America; On Being Black in America; On Being a Non-Black Person of Color in America.   And here's the question we get when people see that structure: Why do we need to focus on the experiences of Black people in this country?  In this episode, we tell you why - including sharing some things we all need to (re)learn, since it's not all taught in our schools.   What to listen for:  Establishing that slavery was part of the founding of this country Why we are still talking about this, two years after the murder of George Floyd (including Misasha's personal feelings about her family's safety - and how that fear hasn't changed AT ALL over the last couple of years) Book recommendations to learn more of the history we weren't taught in schools, including The New Jim Crow, The Sum of Us, How the Word Was Passed, and our book  

All Lives Matter, Black Lives Matter, and decentering the White experience in these conversations.  That's what we're discussing in today's episode, because White people, you keep asking us what you can DO differently to be more anti-racist.  And while we won't offer a checklist, we do have an incredible, level-setting book Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism that you can buy to learn more!   What to listen for:  What Black Lives Matter *really* means Alicia Garza's quote: “Black Lives Matter doesn't mean your life isn't important - it means that Black lives, which are seen as without value within White supremacy, are important to your liberation.” The two analogies we use in reply, when someone says, “but All Lives Matter…” An explanation for why “Blue Lives Matter” is not a valid comparison or rebuttal to Black Lives Matter

White people, you keep asking us what you can DO differently to be more anti-racist.  So this summer, we're answering that question in bite-sized ways.  This isn't a checklist; this is simply a primer.  If you want more, go buy our book, Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism. Today, we're talking about what the real differences are between performative allyship and real allyship.  What does it take to actually be an ally, as opposed to just calling yourself one?  Listen in and share this episode with a friend you think might be able to talk with you about all of this!     What to listen for:  What performative allyship looks like, especially when it comes to social media How to be a better White friend What you need to DO to be a real ally (key word being DO), and concrete ways that you can make change in your own spheres of influence   Other episodes to listen to: Episode 87, on how to be an ally when you feel overwhelmed Episode 129, on how to have conversations past performative allyship with Jeff Harry

White people, you keep asking us what you can DO differently to be more anti-racist.  So this summer, we're answering that question in bite-sized ways.  This isn't a checklist; this is simply a primer.  If you want more, go buy our book, Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism. Today, we're hitting up some of the most common points of push-back or questions we get when we talk with White people.  Because let's be honest - talking about race and racism is uncomfortable… for everyone.  Listen in and share this episode with a friend you think might be able to talk with you about all of this!     What to listen for:  The shift we all need to take from being “not racist” to anti-racist Why you should never say you're colorblind Common points of pushback, including fear of cancel culture and perfectionism What do we say or do with our (White) kids? The huge amount of power women have in America to make a difference    Other episodes to listen to: Episode 71 with Colin Seale on critical thinking for kids Episode 100 with Ervin Staub, who survived the Nazi invasion  

As a graduate of Harvard College and Columbia Law School, Misasha Suzuki Graham has been a practicing litigator for over 15 years, and is passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession as well as in her communities. She is a facilitator, writer, and speaker regarding issues of racial justice, especially with regards to children, the co-author of Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism, and the co-host of Dear White Women, an award-winning social justice podcast.  Sara Blanchard helps build community and connection through conscious conversations, which she does as a facilitator, TEDx speaker, writer, and consultant. After graduating from Harvard and working at Goldman Sachs, Sara pursued the science and techniques of well-being and is a certified life coach, author of two books (Flex Mom and Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism), and also a co-host of Dear White Women. As two biracial women married into another race and raising multi-racial children, Sara and Misasha have a heartfelt conversation with us about their childhood upbringing and how the impact inspired their shared podcast and book.  In this episode, we jump right in talking about the uncomfortable conversations that seem to be avoided like privilege, the broken education system among races, and more.  Get their book on the website at www.dearwhitewomen.com Follow the latest on their podcast at Instagram: @dearwhitewomenpodcast --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alittlelesshotmess/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alittlelesshotmess/support

Curate Conversations | Episode 002 Ep. 002 | Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism This episode features Misasha Sukuzi Graham and Sara Blanchard — who met at Harvard during undergrad where they walked out of a racial identity conversation because they'd just had enough. 25 years later, they're best friends discussing and thinking about issues of race and identity and the impact it has on our communities, and our understanding of history, politics and the future of democracy. They're both biracial (japanese/white) daughters of one immigrant parent and one white parent. They co-host the podcast: Dear White Women, and recently co-wrote and published a book called: Dear White Women: Let's Get Un(comfortable) Talking about Racism. This is an honest conversation about complex problems without easy answers, and Misasha and Sara beautifully approach big topics with grace, welcoming us all into their work. In this Episode In this episode, we talk about The importance of asking why How they measure success doing work that doesn't have an end What it looks like to get uncomfortable talking about important issues in a productive way How we can reinforce “we” culture to bridge divides And they answer the question: "what do I DO to be more anti-racist?" Links mentioned in this episode: @dearwhitewomenpodcast https://www.dearwhitewomen.com/ https://www.dearwhitewomen.com/media The book: Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism The Hill Article Curate Community Membership (code PODCAST for 20% off) Special thanks to our sponsors, Parker Clay (code CURATE15) and SeaVees (code CURATE20). Music created by Queentide. A graduate of Harvard College and Columbia Law School, Misasha Suzuki Graham has been a practicing litigator for over 15 years, and is passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession as well as in her communities. She is a facilitator, writer, and speaker regarding issues of racial justice, especially with regards to children, the co-author of Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism, and the co-host of Dear White Women, a social justice podcast. Misasha, who is biracial (Japanese and White), is married to a Black man, and is the proud mom of two very active multiracial young boys. They live in the Bay Area of California with their largely indifferent cat. Sara Blanchard helps build community and connection through conscious conversations, which she does as a facilitator, TEDx speaker, writer, and consultant. After graduating from Harvard and working at Goldman Sachs, Sara pursued the science and techniques of well-being and is a certified life coach, author of Flex Mom, and co-host of Dear White Women, a social justice podcast. Sara is biracial (Japanese and White), married to a White Canadian man, an...

In this episode we are talking about race. A graduate of Harvard College and Columbia Law School, Misasha Suzuki Graham has been a practicing litigator for over 15 years, and is passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession as well as in her communities. She is a facilitator, writer, and speaker regarding issues of racial justice, especially with regards to children, the co-author of Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism, and the co-host of Dear White Women, a social justice podcast. Misasha, who is biracial (Japanese and White), is married to a Black man, and is the proud mom of two very active multiracial young boys. They live in the Bay Area of California with their largely indifferent cat. Sara Blanchard helps build community and connection through conscious conversations, which she does as a facilitator, TEDx speaker, writer, and consultant. After graduating from Harvard and working at Goldman Sachs, Sara pursued the science and techniques of well-being and is a certified life coach, author of two books (Flex Mom and Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism), and co-host of Dear White Women, an award-winning weekly social justice podcast. Sara is biracial (Japanese and White), married to a White Canadian man, and is raising their two White-presenting girls to be compassionate, thoughtful advocates. They live in Denver, Colorado with their incredibly lovable dog. Connect: www.dearwhitewomen.com Order the book Listen to their podcast here

Join FemCity Founder + CEO, Violette de Ayala with featured guests Sara Blanchard and Misasha Suzuki Graham. Tune in to hear their story and walk away inspired.   Sara Blanchard and Misasha Suzuki Graham  // Sara Blanchard and Misasha Suzuki Graham are the authors of the book Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism. They are the co-hosts of the podcast Dear White Women. Sara Blanchard also has written the book Flex Mom, and is a consultant and certified life coach. She lives in Denver. Misasha Suzuki Graham is an attorney. She lives in the Bay Area of California.  Learn more at https://www.dearwhitewomen.com  About FemCity //  FemCity offers a Free 30-Day Trial Membership and Memberships start at only $15.99. You can also learn more about launching a FemCity Chapter in your community. FemCity has been seen in Gilt, Vogue, AP News, Entrepreneur, Forbes, and MarieClaire. Learn why FemCity is more than just a women's networking group at www.femcity.com and on all social platforms @FemCity.

Middle age.  What comes to mind?  Next question:  When you think of a woman who's aged somewhere between her early 40s and mid 60s, who do you picture?  And if you're not one of then, when you're thinking about women in this age range, how do they show up in your daily life?  Do they show up?  And, what race is the woman you pictured?   Depending on your answers, and your own stage of life, you'll process the conversation with our next guest in different ways; something personal to you, or something that you might need to open your eyes to, especially if you're in any sort of people-facing business.  No matter what, it's a conversation that we should all be having more frequently.  For us, our big takeaway was that there is more than just the maiden-mother-sage concept to the trajectory of womanhood: there is also the queen phase.  That's midlife.  And that's what Valerie Albarda talks with us about, to make sure midlife women are not made to feel invisible - with the extra layer of what it's like to be a midlife woman of color. Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com What to listen for: The definition of midlife What is the invisibility trifecta, and why is it important for society to be aware of it? What are the things we can all do to open our eyes to the value that midlife women - in particular midlife women of color - can bring to the table?   About Valerie: In 2015, Valerie Albarda decided to take off her blinders and go through life with her midlife eyes wide open by embracing this dynamic and opportunistic time in her life. That same year, she created the website, Midlife-A-Go-Go, to help women navigate this pivotal time in their lives and to understand that they can enjoy the midlife and skip the crisis. In 2018, she added “Midlife-A-Go-Go the podcast!” to her roster. Her podcast meets women where they live – in the second spring of life – and has candid conversations on the ups, the downs and the “everything in between” of midlife. Valerie is a recent TEDx speaker with her Talk, “The Invisibility Trifecta: Coming Out of the Shadows.” In her Talk, she focuses on one of society's forgotten demographic: midlife women of color. She takes the idea of the ‘invisible woman syndrome' one step further and sets out to disrupt the mindset that midlife women of color are disposable. Valerie is a writer, author, podcaster, and speaker. Her writings have appeared across the web, including on HuffPost, Find UR Cool, Kindra and Midlife Boulevard.   Buy our book, Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism, and leave us a review on Amazon! Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.

Have you ever felt like you don't belong somewhere simply because of one or more of your identities? Being biracial, we've felt that way in various settings - sometimes all White crowds, sometimes Asian affinity groups.  And sometimes in rooms full of men… anyway, you get the picture.  And what we can say is that growing up that way leads to a lot of introspection, learning to tune into our own intuition to listen to the messages it's trying to tell us, and working to stop prioritizing our brains - which, if we're honest, can justify and try to explain away a lot and make us feel like we're not “enough” and need to keep going - and listen our body's messages instead.  It's something we are still working on.  I don't know if we can say it enough - we think the inner work of self awareness is the foundation of being able to do the outer work of tackling racism.  And it's work that people of all races can be part of. That's why we're so grateful that Kim Thai of Ganesh Space was willing to take the time to speak with us today about her experiences as a queer Asian woman, a person who brings mindfulness to her spaces in order to help dismantle internalized oppression.   Warning that today's episode does drop a few explicit words in it, so mind those ears.  Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com What to listen for: The power of influence that parents can have, and how Kim was led to meditation and mindfulness - and ultimately, the creation of Ganesh Space What is internalized oppression? Looking at the small things, like when we say “I'm sorry” as a way to make change The importance of having separate spaces for marginalized community members to heal, and how many people who point out the segregation tend to be in the dominant culture How to think about self-care, joy, and mindfulness to incorporate more of them in our daily lives About Kim Thai:  Kim Thai is an Emmy-award winning producer, writer, activist, and mindfulness teacher. She is the founder of GaneshSpace, a community organization dedicated to creating spaces to dismantle internalized oppression and explore identity through the lens of intersectionality. She also served as the Assistant Director of Heights Meditation, a non-profit offering free meditation to Upper Manhattan in NYC and is currently and advisor at YAP Media, an upcoming podcast production company.  She has produced video series for TED, MTV, Discovery, TLC and Animal Planet; and written for FORTUNE, Newsweek, USA Today and the Associated Press, among others. (More of her professional history here.) And is currently creating issue-based campaigns for SEIU, the world's second largest labor union in the world. She believes fiercely in the power of storytelling, understanding your body and being unapologetically yourself. She also loves to take a #yolopilgrimmage (™) as often as possible. Born and raised in Houston, Texas (like Beyoncé), she is the proud daughter of two Vietnamese War refugees and has 5 nephews, all of whom she loves equally. She moved to NYC more than a decade ago to attend J-School at Columbia University, after applying 48 hours before the deadline. She currently lives in Washington Heights with her partner and two cat-sons, Watson and Charlie, who have a larger Instagram following than her. Follow Ganesh Space on Instagram here!   Buy our book, Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism, and leave us a review on Amazon! Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.

We had a different episode planned for this week, but in light of the fight that is going down in the Senate right now, we needed to re-release this episode on the filibuster, with a special introduction as to why we should all care about the Freedom to Vote Act and The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and encourage you to call your Senators to act on the filibuster.* * If you're part of the Trump-backed forces of authoritarianism, you probably don't care. But if you truly want America to be a democracy in its current state (and if you love parts of the Constitution, you should probably be all about this too) - you should be really loudly vocally supporting both bills. The problem with bills like these though is that, much like a theory like CRT, people make judgments about what they THINK are in those bills rather than actually sitting down and reading them. And, as a great email from Heather Cox Richardson pointed out, “It's worth reading what's actually in the bills because, to my mind, it is bananas that they are in any way controversial.” We break this down, and then tell you all about the filibuster, so that you're empowered to use your voice to protect democracy. Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com What to listen for: A brief history of voter suppression and the role of the filibuster in legislative action An explanation of what the filibuster is and how it has been employed and changed What the filibuster has been used for (to block progressive legislation) How we can and should address the future of the filibuster A reminder to call the US Capitol Switchboard a 202-224-3121 to call your Senator and tell them you want the voting rights protection bills to pass   Buy our book, Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism, and leave us a review on Amazon! Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.

If you've been on LinkedIn recently, it's likely that someone you know has liked something that our next guest has written - because her posts are just THAT GOOD. But it wasn't just her LinkedIn activism that made us want to sit down with her today - it was some impactful articles that she wrote, including one for Cosmopolitan in 2019 and one for the Harvard Business Review in 2021, that made us excited to talk about something that we haven't really touched on, on the podcast to date: colorism. If you're sitting there asking yourself, what is colorism, or what does that have to do with race, systemic racism, and how we look at people - then marketing and advertising, as we've known it to always exist in the United States, has largely been doing its job. But that doesn't mean it's the right job - in fact, today, we're going to talk all about why it's so important to understand colorism as a fundamental piece of our systems that affect us all (like racism), and also the very personal impact that it can have on people. We're here to learn in 2022, and to keep asking those questions that make us think deeper and challenge what we've always been told. Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com What to listen for: What is colorism? How colorism has impacted Mita personally, as she shares in her piece in Cosmopolitan The clear ways that the marketing industry still has a problem, as she writes in Harvard Business Review  Other industries that need to be aware of the impact of our bias towards lighter skin About Mita: Mita Mallick is a corporate change-maker with a track record of transforming businesses.  She gives innovative ideas a voice and serves customers and communities with purpose.  She is currently the Head of Inclusion, Equity and Impact at Carta. She was formerly the Head of Inclusion and Cross Cultural Marketing at Unilever.  She has had an extensive career as a marketer in the beauty and consumer product goods space.  Mallick is a LinkedIn Top Voice, a contributor for Entrepreneur and Harvard Business Review, and her writing has been published in Adweek, Fast Company and Business Insider. She is also the cohost of the recently launched The Brown Table Talk Podcast, where she and Dee Marshall share stories and tips on how to help Women of Color win at work, and advice for allies on how they can show up.   Buy our book, Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism, and leave us a review on Amazon! Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.

  Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu! Or, in English, Happy New Year!   We kick off this first episode of 2022 by reintroducing ourselves, so you know who we are and where we're coming from as you listen to all the episodes to come (because you're following our show on your favorite podcast app, right?). But we also did that so we can begin engaging a skill that is urgent to focus on this year - namely, critical thinking.   In today's episode, we dive into the booming economic statistics from the US and how that stands in stark contrast to the majority of Americans who disapprove of the state of the economy, and how our news sources may be playing an outsized role in our perception of reality. There are psychological trends we want to steel ourselves against, because this applies to the Big Lie, or the January 6th insurrection, or COVID vaccines, or racism, or basically any topic that you've read about or heard about or discussed that's been in the news lately.  Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com What to listen for: How to say Happy New Year in Japanese! Plus, Sara & Misasha's personal backgrounds Factual statistics about the out-performance of the US economy in 2021, in stark contrast to polling data showing American disappointment with the economy What psychological forces are at play when we take in negative news, what we can know and do to keep ourselves from falling into common traps, and why we think critical thinking is the biggest tool we need to sharpen in 2022 Buy our book, Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism, and leave us a review on Amazon! Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.

Well, we made it to the end of 2021. As we think back on this year, we're sharing not only a little bit about the podcast and Dear White Women platform (along with our favorite episodes and guests), but also looking back at some key events of 2021, and what we did for self-care and community. Our hope for you is to listen, reflect, and think about what you're going to do to make change going into 2022. Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com What to listen for: Dear White Women achievements from the year, including our most memorable episodes and conversations What the world went through in 2021 that leads us to say we're at a major turning point of our country's democracy What we can each commit to doing in 2022   Buy our book, Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism, and leave us a review on Amazon! Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.

We're finally done with 2021… but if 2020-2021 taught us anything, it's that this period of time we are living through will be examined in the history books. Our grandkids will be asking us what life was like during the global pandemic, where we were during the January 6 insurrection, and what we did to stand up against the racial and social injustices that were made so painfully clear during this time.  So, as we re-cast this first episode of the year with you as a recap, consider what YOU did this year to make change - and what side of history you ended up finding yourself on. Then, think about how you want to show up in 2022! Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com What to listen for: Anger - how white anger is viewed differently than anger expressed by people of color, and where white anger can be expressed without repercussion (hint: it's pretty much everywhere) The power of White women and some reasons why concepts that many believe should be central to all women are not supported by a large portion of this voting bloc Conspiracy theories - what makes people vulnerable to them, and what to do about them Empathy - how and why White liberals sought legal equality in the Civil Rights Era without believing Black people to be their equals, and what true empathy might look like   Where to order your copy of Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism: https://thecollectivebook.studio/dear-white-women Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.

One thing that we've found to be true, from discussions around the book, to how to have uncomfortable conversations around the dinner or holiday tables, to sharing the stories that we are so lucky to be able to get to do on this podcast - it all comes back to how this work, the hard work of inclusion, anti-racism, and how to make lasting change, has to start first  from within. We have to see each other as humans first, and find those commonalities so that we can then address our differences. Cancel culture isn't working out. We need bridges in order to be able to see that new world. This skill of looking within - it's something that we talk about so much with our kids and their learning but something that we, as adults, largely brush to the side as one of those nebulous “nice to haves”. But that's where we go wrong. We need empathy now more than ever, and today's guest, Syah, is here to show us how to approach conversations - and indeed, all the spheres of influence that we each hold - with that empathy that we need to make intentional, lasting change. There were light bulb moments for both of us throughout this podcast, and we'd love to hear if any came up for you all as well. Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com What to listen for: The power of empathy, and the role it plays in anti-racism work What resistance Syah sees in talking about empathy in the workplace Specific exercises we can do to boost our empathy skills - these were BRILLIANT About Syah: Syah is a creative strategist, able to design and facilitate transformative experiences that expand one's awareness of themselves, other cultures, and oppressive systems. Their goal is to shift our standards for workplace culture to be more sustainable and empowering for marginalized communities.  A seasoned social justice educator, Syah is able to use their counseling psychology background to unveil hard truths in intentional ways that can be received, processed, and acted upon. Syah also serves as a proud board member of two LGBTQ+ led nonprofit organizations. Joy as Resistance which is dedicated to promoting the hope and joy of LGBTQIA2+ youth through comprehensive mental health and wellness services. And Envision: You who Supports LGBTQ+ folks struggling with mental and behavioral health challenges.   Where to order your copy of Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism: https://thecollectivebook.studio/dear-white-women Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.

Are you at risk of losing your home or car because you're behind in your payments? There's help and its free. I talk with Joan Reading, President of the Credit Counseling Center, which offers a HUD certified Foreclosure Prevention Program and a host of other supports to help deal with credit and debt issues. Call 215-348-8003 or go to www.creditcounselingcenter.org.Twitter @counselcredit Facebook.com/creditcounselingcenterInstagram creditcounselingcenterHow do we get comfortable with uncomfortable conversations about race? I speak with Sara Blanchard and Misasha Suzuki Graham the authors of “Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism” - a book to help us navigate these important conversations.https://www.dearwhitewomen.com/book. The clock is ticking and for those looking for last minute holiday gift ideas - I chat with Anthony Maffei, Wine Specialist for Fine Wine & Good Spirits. https://www.finewineandgoodspirits.com/

One of the questions that often has come up around our recent publication of our book (leave us a review on Amazon!) is what it was like to write the book during the end of 2020. And one of the things that always sticks out to us is that the problems, the racism, the treatment of non White people in this country that we wrote about in great detail throughout the book, didn't get fixed in 2020, or 2021. In fact, every single chapter that we wrote in the second and third sections of the book has reoccurred numerous times over since we wrote the book. We're not in some post racial world here. We didn't fix racism because people suddenly realized that it was still happening sometime in the summer of 2020. And our next guest knows that all too well. Tamara Winfrey-Harris wrote The Sisters Are Alright in 2015, and just released a second edition to this book this year. Not because racism is over, or we figured out intersectional feminism, or that we're even all on the same page - not at all. The second edition includes so much more information about the stereotypes and experiences of Black women in America, what we need to know when it comes to intersectional feminism, interracial friendships, and simply co-existing with and respecting everyone. In the end, the sisters are alright. But that doesn't mean that we don't have a ton of work to do - so start by listening in and reflecting on your own perceptions, experiences, and things YOU can do differently. Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com What to listen for: The four stereotypes of Black women, and how they play out in our society today (and take a moment to reflect - do you see any of these yourself?) Tamara's thoughts on if White women can be allies (spoiler alert: YES!), and what allyship really means Ways to combat our tendency to lump people into stereotypes, and instead, challenge ourselves to see people's intersectionalities and identities - their humanity About Tamara Winfrey-Harris Tamara Winfrey-Harris is a writer who specializes in race and gender and their intersection with politics, popular culture, and current events. She is the author of Dear Black Girl: Letters from Your Sisters on Stepping into Your Power, and she has been called to share her analyses in media outlets such as NPR's Weekend Edition and Janet Mock's So POPular! on MSNBC.com. Her work has also appeared in countless outlets such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, Los Angeles Times, Bitch Magazine, Ms. and other media.  Winfrey-Harris is Vice President of Community Leadership and Effective Philanthropy at the Central Indiana Community Foundation, and she speaks at university campuses nationwide. She has dedicated her life's work to advocating for Black women and girls and defying destructive social narratives that limit their potential. She is co-founder of Centering Sisters, LLC, which unapologetically addresses the needs and issues of Black women, girls, and femmes. Learn more at TamaraWinfreyHarris.com.   Where to order your copy of Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism: https://thecollectivebook.studio/dear-white-women Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.  

Our next guest is not only the author of a book we both can't wait to read - Decolonizing Wellness - but also talks specifically to those individuals who are at the intersection of BIPOC and LGBTQ identities. When you think about bodies, beauty, and self-care, that's often a group that gets lost, not only in popular consciousness but also in media portrayals of what is considered desirable or attractive. And, when you're struggling to be seen, or fit in, or even survive - this can be devastating. This was yet again one of those conversations that we didn't want to end, and each of us walked away with different ways to think about not only our own bodies, but what we put in them, how we interact with those around us with regard to wellness - especially kids, and ways in which we can better support and understand the struggle of marginalized individuals when it comes to preconceived notions of health and beauty. Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com What to listen for: How cisgender, heteronomative, Eurocentric standards of beauty that we see in mass media add to the body image concerns of queer people Additional challenges to body positivity when it comes to people who are both BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Knowing and listening to our own bodies better, including what we put into them Kids, nutrition, and diet culture About Dalia: Dalia Kinsey is a Registered Dietitian and Inclusive Wellness coach with over 10 years of experience working at the intersection of holistic wellness and social justice in public and private sectors. Dalia rejects diet culture and teaches people to use nutrition as a self-care and personal empowerment tool to counter the damage of systemic oppression. On a mission to spread joy, reduce suffering, and eliminate health disparities in the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC community, Dalia leverages years of experience creating safer spaces for clients to help teams build communication skills that create a solid foundation for inclusion and belonging. Host of the Body Liberation for All podcast and author of Decolonizing Wellness: How to Escape the Diet Trap, Heal Your Self-Image, and Achieve Body Liberation; A QTBIPOC-Centered Guide to Self-Love, Dalia continually creates wellness tools and resources that center the most vulnerable, individuals that hold multiple marginalized identities. Dalia's work can be found at https://www.daliakinsey.com/ Connect with Dalia: Instagram    Where to order your copy of Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism: https://thecollectivebook.studio/dear-white-women Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.    

We've been asked a lot about how to have uncomfortable conversations lately - namely, the reality that, yikes, my people are coming over for the holidays and how on earth do I handle it when those uncomfortable, racist, inappropriate comments and jokes come up? (Because let's be real - they're coming up.) While there is no official checklist for success, we DO have quite a number of tips to help guide you and your group into more meaningful, engaging conversations around your holiday table. Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com What to listen for: Tips for before, during, and after your holiday gatherings A selection of these tips include: knowing yourself and your why, setting healthy boundaries, using our favorite question “what do you mean by that?” using “I statements,” questions you can use to reflect on what worked/didn't work after the event. You'll want to listen to the short episode to get the whole range of how to use these tips and more!   Where to order your copy of Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism: https://thecollectivebook.studio/dear-white-women Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.  

When we sat down to talk with our next two guests, we were already big fans. They had presented as part of the Embodied Social Justice certificate course that we had taken together this summer, and their theme was clear: how we end racism. In one generation.   So, if your immediate reaction is one of incredulity, then maybe you need to hear this episode more than you think. Because their method is not one of hammering hard facts into people's heads - it's an approach based primarily on love, compassion, and our shared humanity. We talk in-depth about the conversations that can bring seemingly opposite people together, even when issues of politics and race would normally divide them. (And - if you're looking for more tips on how to HAVE those uncomfortable conversations that may be happening in the next couple of weeks around your own holiday tables, we've got those details in depth next week!). At the end of our chat, we realized that this was the conversation we all, collectively, need to have, if we're really serious about moving the needle when it comes to racism. Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com What to listen for: The importance of processing a timeline for ending racism - running TO a goal, instead of running AWAY from a goal How self-care plays into dismantling racism What happens when people focus on the humanity in each other versus constructs such as political or racial divides A specific method - if only for today - that focuses on the intentions we can all bring to our daily lives to begin the process of ending racism ABOUT JUSTIN:                     From growing up with gunshot holes outside of his bedroom window, to sharing the stage with Deepak Chopra, Justin Michael Williams knows the power of healing to overcome. He is an author, top 20 recording artist, and transformational speaker who is using music and meditation to wake up the world. When he was younger, Justin always wanted to be a singer, but a lifetime of being bullied, teased, and abused, made him give up his dream. Then after a seminal moment with his dying grandmother, Justin woke up—and his debut album premiered in the top 20 of the iTunes charts next to Britney Spears and Taylor Swift. He has since been featured by Billboard, Grammy.com, SXSW®, and shared on stages alongside some of the most compelling leaders of our time, including Marianne Williamson, Deepak Chopra, and Chaka Khan.                    With over a decade of teaching experience, Justin has become a pioneering voice of color for the new healing movement—between his podcast, keynotes, and motivational online platforms, Justin's teachings have now spread to more than 40 countries around the globe.            Justin is dedicated to using his voice to serve. To being a beacon of hope for those who are lost, and to making sure all people, of all backgrounds, have access to the information they need to change their lives.        “When people wake up to their own brilliance—it's like magic," says Williams. 'If my work and art can inspire people to do that, then I've fulfilled my mission.” His first book, Stay Woke: A Meditation Guide for the Rest of Us, was released nationwide February 11, 2020. ABOUT SHELLY:  Shelly Tygielski is the author of the book, Sit Down to Rise Up: How Radical Self- Care Can Change the World, which launched on October 26, 2021 from New World Library. She is also the founder of Pandemic of Love, a global, grass-roots, volunteer-led mutual aid community that has directly matched over 1.7 million people since the beginning of the COVID- 19 pandemic, accounting for over $57 million in direct transactions. Her work has been featured in over 100 media outlets including CNN Heroes of 2020, Forbes, Upworthy, The Kelly Clarkson Show, CBS This Morning, the New York Times and Washington Post.                Shelly has been hailed by individuals from President Joe Biden to Arianna Huffington, and Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn to Maria Shriver. Shelly is a trauma-informed mindfulness teacher named one of the “12 Powerful Women of the Mindfulness Movement” by Mindful Magazine in 2019. She teaches formalized self-care and resilience practices at organizations around the world, and is widely regarded as a self-care activist. She is happily married to her husband, Jason, and is an adoring mother to her son, Liam. As part of her own self-care, Shelly makes time for skateboarding, playing guitar and making craft cocktails. Since mid-2020, Shelly and Jason have been relocating every few months, exploring and adapting to a modern nomadic lifestyle.   Where to order your copy of Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism: https://thecollectivebook.studio/dear-white-women Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.  

We first heard about our guest today when we were all participating in the Edelweiss Book Fest as Editors' Picks and couldn't get her, or her book, out of our heads. While “abolition” has been a word largely associated with slavery, it has taken on a new meaning when it comes to the police in America. Yes, we know - this word is scary. Police reform can seem daunting. But Derecka Purnell not only understands that, but she has a framework for how we need to be thinking about this process, and what new structures can be built in its place. Listen in to hear more about becoming abolitionists, the lack of history of White resistance, Derecka's own personal thought journey, and so much more. We really enjoyed this conversation - and learned so much - and hope you do too. Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com What to listen for: How Derecka's views of the role of the police changed from her childhood to her organizer days Why police reform is something that affects all of us, not just BIPOC individuals Why the history of White resistance is missing in our history books, and what that means for abolishing the police or other similar movements About Derecka: DERECKA PURNELL received her JD from Harvard Law School and works to end police and prison violence by providing legal assistance, research, and training to community-based organizations through an abolitionist framework. Her work and writing has been featured in the New York Times, NPR, The Atlantic, the Boston Globe, Harper's Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, The Appeal, Truthout, Slate, and many other publications. She is the co-creator of the COVID19 Policing Project at the Community Resource Hub for Safety Accountability.   Where to order your copy of Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism: https://thecollectivebook.studio/dear-white-women Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.    

If you're listening to this episode on the day it's released, this is Election Day in the United States. So, if you haven't gone to vote yet, and you're not in a mail-in ballot state, go do that and come back and listen - or, if you're not sure if you're going to vote, you may want to listen right now and make time to get out and cast your ballot. Because this Election Day is really important, especially if you're in states like Virginia.   Why? Well, according to Heather Cox Richardson: “We are in an existential fight to defend our democracy from those who would destroy it. People seem to hark back to films from the 1930s and 1940s and think that so long as we don't have tanks in our streets, our government is secure. But in this era, democracies die more often through the ballot box than at gunpoint.” Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com What to listen for: Why voting at this particular juncture in history is actually part of an existential fight to preserve our democracy - and we're not exaggerating The real-life revelations about people who tried to overturn the election - and who barely failed; still, the 33 new election laws we've seen passed in 19 states will not fail. Resources you want to have, like the Hotline to the Election Protection network:  https://866ourvote.org/ or 866-OUR-VOTE, if you see something or have a question. Where to order your copy of Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism: https://thecollectivebook.studio/dear-white-women Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.  

Misasha Suzuki Graham, author, speaker, and podcaster, of the amazing duo behind Dear White Women, joins Jerry on Episode 131 of Dear Asian Americans to share her story of being a biracial Japanese American and the impact she wants to have on the world for her multiracial sons leveraging her privilege and platform. Be sure to check out her partner Sara's episode on 130!Meet Misasha, in her own words:"A graduate of Harvard College and Columbia Law School, I've been a practicing litigator for over 15 years, and am passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession as well as in my communities. I'm a facilitator, writer, and speaker regarding issues of racial justice and children, the co-author of Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism, and the co-host of Dear White Women, a social justice podcast. I'm also the biracial daughter of a Japanese immigrant, married to a Black man, and the proud mom of two very active multiracial young boys. We live in the Bay Area of California with our largely indifferent cat."About Dear White WomenDear White Women is an award-winning weekly podcast dedicated to helping White women use their privilege to uproot systemic racism. The show is hosted by Sara & Misasha, two biracial (Japanese and White) daughters of immigrants who've been best friends since they met at Harvard nearly 25 years ago. Misasha is a lawyer, amateur historian, and is married to a Black man; Sara is a life coach, facilitator, and is married to a White Canadian man. Together, as moms of very mixed-race children, they help White women use their privilege to uproot systemic racism - most recently with joint consulting work and the publication of their book Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism.Connect with Misashahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/misasha/https://www.instagram.com/dearwhitewomenpodcasthttps://www.facebook.com/dearwhitewomenpodcasthttps://www.twitter.com/DWWPodcastwww.DearWhiteWomen.com// Support Dear Asian Americans:Merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/dearasianamericans/Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/jerrywonLearn more about DAA Creator and Host Jerry Won:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrywon/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerryjwon/// Listen to Dear Asian Americans on all major platforms:Transistor.fm: http://www.dearasianamericans.comApple: https://apple.dearasianamericans.comSpotify: https://spotify.dearasianamericans.comStitcher: https://stitcher.dearasianamericans.comGoogle: https://google.dearasianamericans.com  Follow us on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dearasianamericans Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dearasianamericans Subscribe to our YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/dearasianamericans // Join the Asian Podcast Network:Web: https://asianpodcastnetwork.com/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/asianpodcastnetwork/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asianpodcastnetwork/Dear Asian Americans is produced by Just Like Media:Web: http://www.justlikemedia.comInstagram.com: http://www.instagram.com/justlikemedia

When we first thought about talking to our guest John Tateishi today, we thought about diving into the reparations process that he helped lead for Japanese survivors of the internment camps on American soil - especially as a great follow-up to our conversation with cameron whitten about reparations for slavery. Being biracial Japanese/White women, growing up in the United States meant that the history of internment camps, reparations, and the treatment of Japanese Americans as the “other” were things that we didn't necessarily learn about in school, but knew through our communities. We thought we couldn't speak to a better person about this than someone who had been deeply and critically involved in the Japanese American reparations process from the start. What we didn't expect, however, was the personal history lesson that we got - from what it was like in Manzanar, to coming back to postwar Los Angeles, to what it means to be an American. You won't want to miss this conversation - in fact, we had to cut it short when we wanted to talk to John for several more hours. Get ready to learn everything you didn't learn in school today. Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com What to listen for: John's personal experience as a young person incarcerated at Manzanar - and what it was like returning to society The makeup of Los Angeles in the post-war period - and how different communities banded together What John sees as the differences between the successful campaign he helped lead for Japanese American reparations, and what hurdles are facing Black Americans, starting with HR40 About John Tateishi: Incarcerated as a child in one of America's WWII concentration camp, John Tateishi carried that memory with him when he launched the Japanese American reparations campaign in 1978. He directed the public affairs and legislative strategies of the campaign until 1986, two years before the campaign ultimately culminated with the signing of the Civil Liberties Act.  Ten years later, he led the JACL's challenge against the Bush administration's policies that targeted Arab and Muslim communities and undermined the civil liberties of all Americans. He is the author of Redress: The Inside Story of the Successful Campaign for Japanese American Reparations (2020).   Where to order your copy of Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism: https://thecollectivebook.studio/dear-white-women Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.  

"Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible." -Maya Angelou   A graduate of Harvard College and Columbia Law School, Misasha has been a practicing litigator for over 15 years, and is passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession as well as in her communities. She is a facilitator, writer, and speaker regarding issues of racial justice and children, and co-host of Dear White Women, a social justice podcast. Misasha, who biracial (Japanese and White), is married to a Black man, and is the proud mom of two very active multiracial young boys. They live in the Bay Area of California with their largely indifferent cat. Sara helps build community and connection through conscious conversations, which she does as a facilitator, TEDx speaker, writer, and consultant. After graduating from Harvard and working at Goldman Sachs, Sara pursued the science and techniques of well-being and is a certified life coach, author of two books (Flex Mom and Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism), and co-host of Dear White Women, an award-winning weekly social justice podcast. Sara is biracial (Japanese and White), married to a White Canadian man, and is raising their two White-presenting girls to be compassionate, thoughtful advocates. They live in Denver, Colorado with their incredibly lovable dog. In this episode, Sara, Misasha, and I talk about: How to get (un)comfortable talking about racism How to understand others a little bit more How to set the example for your children Continue the conversation on Instagram @heatherchauvin_ Check out their website at: www.dearwhitewomen.com You can get their new book here: https://bookshop.org/books/dear-white-women-let-s-get-un-comfortable-talking-about-racism/9781951412319      

When you hear the word “reparations” - what do you think? If you're like us, it's probably something you sort of thought about in theory, but realize there's so much to understand that you want to hide. It's not an easy word with an easy answer or a clear path forward, nor is it uncomplicated.   Fortunately, we love to get complicated AND messy on this podcast, and so that's why we're thrilled today to have cameron whitten, the CEO of the racial justice nonprofit Brown Hope and Co-Founder of the Black Resilience Fund on today to talk about reparations, H.R. 40, Portland, and answer all of the questions you may have thought of - or even some that you have not - about reparations. Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com What to listen for: What the word “reparations” really means when we talk about healing the legacy of slavery How reparations can actually show up - is it only cash? Who should the recipients be? And how should they be paid for? What the bill HR 40 entails The history of Portland and Oregon when it comes to slavery and racism About cameron:   At the age of eighteen, cameron whitten (all pronouns) worked themself out of youth homelessness in Portland and has spent the past decade giving back to the same community that was here when they needed it most. cameron has been a leader in several movements for social change, served as the Executive Director of Q Center, and is currently the CEO of racial justice nonprofit Brown Hope and Co-Founder of the Black Resilience Fund. They serve on the board of REACH CDC and Pioneer Courthouse Square.   Where to order your copy of Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism: https://thecollectivebook.studio/dear-white-women Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.      

It's book launch day! And if you haven't already pre-ordered, it's time that you get your order in for Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism! And then tell your friends and family today about it so they order, too. Will make for some good conversations – plus, we'll be opening up a book club conversation with you in November! What to listen for, in celebration of our book launch, are the answers to a few questions we whittled down from an “Ask Us Anything” 24-hour callout we made on social media and our email list – so you'll get our real, authentic selves in response to YOUR questions. Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com Questions were: What were your initial impressions of each other? Was it friend love at first sight? How do your kids feel about your podcast and your book? What was your hardest interview and/or episode to record? Why?  Are there any episodes where you wish you had a do-over? Why?  Where do each of you record your podcast? Where are your families then?  How do you envision your work evolving going forward?   Where to order your copy of Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism: https://thecollectivebook.studio/dear-white-women Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.  

Sara Blanchard joins us today to share the "why" behind Dear White Women (DWW) podcast and inspires us to be heart-led as we deepen our commitment to social justice and anti-racist action. Listen to hear Sara's personal story of reclamation as a biracial Japanese woman. This episode includes tape from Dear White Women Podcast listen & subscribe here! ORDER a copy of the book today! DWW on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook   ABOUT SARA: Sara helps build community and connection through conscious conversations, which she does as a facilitator, TEDx speaker, writer, and consultant. After graduating from Harvard and working at Goldman Sachs, Sara pursued the science and techniques of well-being and is a certified life coach, author of two books (Flex Mom and Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism), and co-host of Dear White Women, an award-winning weekly social justice podcast. Sara is biracial (Japanese and White), married to a White Canadian man, and is raising their two White-presenting girls to be compassionate, thoughtful advocates. They live in Denver, Colorado with their incredibly lovable dog.

Remember the Titans has the specific scene that happens part of the way through the movie, when Coach Boone gets everyone out of bed in the middle of the night and tells them they're going for a run in the woods. They run to the location of the Battle of Gettysburg. And Coach Boone stands there and he tells them: “Anybody know what this place is? This is Gettysburg. This is where they fought the Battle of Gettysburg. Fifty thousand men died right here on this field, fightin' the same fight that we're still fightin' amongst ourselves today. This green field right here was painted red, bubblin' with the blood of young boys, smoke and hot lead pourin' right through their bodies. Listen to their souls, men: “I killed my brother with malice in my heart. Hatred destroyed my family.” You listen. And you take a lesson from the dead. If we don't come together right now, on this hallowed ground, we too will be destroyed - just like they were. I don't care if you like each other or not. But you will respect each other.” That's a movie, but we're in this same place right now. We've been here throughout the past 5 years and while people have chosen to look away, believing that things are better in 2021 - they're not. Listen to this episode to hear just how bad things have become - and what we can do about it, because while we are in a constitutional crisis, it's not too late to push for change and get loud. Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com What to listen for: Why the 2020 election and January 6 was so much worse than we believed, with the release of the Eastman memo What is the election reform that certain Republicans are pushing, and why we're investigating election results when no fraud has been established What's at stake if we don't abolish the filibuster - because right now, it's progress, or the destruction of our democracy The numbers to call Congress and the White House - and other ways to demand that we remove the filibuster More resources:  DWW Ep 110: Why we should all care about the filibuster Kagan's Op/Ed in the Washington Post  Call Congress at (202) 224-3121, the White House at (202) 456-1111, or your Senators or Representatives to abolish the filibuster.  Discuss what's at stake (Immigration reform, The For the People Act, The John Lewis Voting Rights Act, Reproductive rights, Gun control, Medicare for All, A Green New Deal, A $15 minimum wage, and the foundations of our democracy).   Where to pre-order Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism: https://thecollectivebook.studio/dear-white-women Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.    

Sometimes there are those books that are so hauntingly beautiful, disturbing, or touching (or all three) that you can't stop thinking about them for days after you finally put them down after binge reading them. Some of those for us are The Handmaid's Tale, or Americanah, or Song of Solomon. But recently, we found another book that we've been thinking about ever since putting it down - Beautiful Country. In her debut memoir, which she started writing in 2016 while on the subway on her iPhone, Qian Julie Wang tells her story of being an undocumented seven-year-old who arrives in New York City in 1994 with her parents from northern China - and all of the wonders and heartbreak and LIFE that happens as you come of age in a country that has expressly shown you that you don't belong, in so many ways. Talking to her was like seeing this book come to life - but we didn't just stop with the book. Listen in to hear about Beautiful Country, but also so much more, in this conversation that we didn't want to end. Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com What to listen for: What it felt like to risk everything and write openly about their move away from China Experiences growing up living in fear and poverty in New York, and how that's shaped her current career as a lawyer Her thoughts on Afghani refugees, anti-Asian hate, and what we can all do to better understand the people in our communities About the book: In Chinese, the word for America, “Mei Guo,” translates directly to “Beautiful Country.” Yet when 7-year-old Qian is plucked from her comfortable life in China where she's surrounded by friends and family and arrives in New York City in 1994, she finds the roads paved not with gold, but instead crushing fear and scarcity. Her professor parents now work in Chinatown sweatshops and sushi factories. Instead of laughing at her jokes, they fight constantly. She no longer loves school because she's too hungry to pay attention. Her mother, her sole confidante, is too sick to get out of bed, but going to the doctor isn't an option. And most distressing of all: the number one rule in America is that she must go unnoticed—or risk losing everything.  It's under this perpetual specter of deportation that we watch Qian Julie come of age. Yet, while Qian Julie's is a story of hopes dashed, it's also one of life lived tenaciously in their stead, with small, vital joys and glimmers of hope: a dollar slice of pizza, Rockefeller Center at Christmastime, a bedroom with her own door, or her very own Tamagotchi digital pet. About the author: Although the book ends when Qian Julie Wang's family leaves the US 5 years later, her remarkable true story did not end there. She attended Swarthmore College and Yale Law School and, until recently, worked as a high-powered corporate litigator in Manhattan—in fact, she wrote the book almost entirely on her iPhone during her daily subway commute. She is now pursuing her advocacy work full-time and is managing partner of Gottlieb & Wang LLP, a firm dedicated to advocating for education and discrimination rights. She regularly speaks and writes on these issues, including recent op-eds for the New York Times and Washington Post.   Where to pre-order Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism: https://thecollectivebook.studio/dear-white-women Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.    

Last week's episode was all about QAnon and how conspiracy theories can divide us as a nation. One of the things we think we can do to bridge the divide is bring mindfulness and skills around living with mindfulness into conversations about race, racism, identity, and beliefs - and to do that, we got to speak with an incredible law professor named Rhonda McGee. In speaking with Rhonda, we learned not only about the role of law in helping - and hurting - racial divides, but we also discussed the role of mindfulness in helping people come into a grounded space to do this work in the first place. Once we added in her own brand of racial awareness called ColorInsight, we left this conversation with not only some reframed concepts but a deeper understanding of why we all need to be doing this work. Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com What to listen for: How her background in law drew her into mindfulness - this part will blow your mind For those who are new to mindfulness and new to meditation, Professor McGee leading us through an actual few minutes of meditation! ColorInsight and what it means to hold race in our bodies How we can all navigate criticism - from Black people about catering to Whiteness, from White people about being racist for naming White as a race - in a more mindful way About Rhonda: RHONDA V. MAGEE is a professor of law at the University of San Francisco. Also trained in sociology and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), she is a highly practiced facilitator of trauma-sensitive, restorative MBSR interventions for lawyers and law students, and for minimizing the effects of social-identity-based bias. Magee has been a visiting scholar at the Center for the Study of Law and Society and a visiting professor of law at the University of California, Berkeley.    Where to pre-order Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism: https://thecollectivebook.studio/dear-white-women Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.  

This fall we're focused on hot-button topics. If you remember, we kicked off the fall with a conversation about the census and representation, which then moved into representation in the media and movies with Kamala Avila-Salmon, the head of inclusive content at Lionsgate Films. Today, we're here to talk about another hot button topic that we've all heard about the last couple of years but we've never touched yet on the show: QAnon. This conversation we're about to share gave us some perspective on what really was happening with the development of the conspiracy theory, what risks we face as a country if we let this fester (it's not good), and what we can each do differently that we weren't doing beforehand.   ALSO - we have one month until our book launch! For those of you who are at all interested in joining our book launch team, email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com for details on what's involved. We'd love to have you be a part of our book community! What to listen for: The basic beliefs of QAnon, and what our guests think the harm is from letting the reported 17% of the US adult population who believes in this (baseless) conspiracy theory continue The influence of women - White women - in the growth and depth of QAnon What psychological needs QAnon fills for those who have fallen down the rabbit hole Importantly - what can each of us say or do for those people in our lives who believe in QAnon?   About the authors:  Mia Bloom is the International Security Fellow at New America, professor at Georgia State University, and member of the Evidence-Based Cybersecurity Research Group. She has authored several books on violent extremism including Small Arms: Children and Terrorism (2019), Bombshell: Women and Terrorism (2011), and Dying to Kill: The Allure of Suicide Terror (2005).  Sophia Moskalenko is a psychologist studying mass identity, inter-group conflict, and conspiracy theories. She has written several books, including the award-winning Friction: How Conflict Radicalizes Them and Us (2011) and The Marvel of Martyrdom: The Power of Self-Sacrifice in the Selfish World (2019). Where to pre-order Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism: https://thecollectivebook.studio/dear-white-women Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.    

We promised last week in our intro to fall and census conversation that we'd be focusing on some hot button topics that we've seen trending of late. And representation is a huge one - especially with the recent release of the mostly Asian cast of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings - and the question of how people in the entertainment field can get “diverse” movies totally right, or totally wrong. Today we're talking with the fantastic Kamala Avila-Salmon, head of inclusive content at Lionsgate, about some hard truths around media, entertainment and diversity. In this episode, there's a lot for us to think about as consumers, and as people in our own fields who might want to make change - things to think about to make sure we're not being performative and missing the mark, but instead, digging deep and thinking holistically about changing the narrative. Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com What to listen for: The state of the entertainment industry when it comes to “diverse” films - how much money is being left on the table right now, who the target audience of these films are, and how to think about casting The day to day life and specific challenges of someone who brings integrity-filled diversity to the movies we see on our screens Kamala's theory of change when it comes to racial awareness and racial justice What we can do as audience members to demand more diversity in films Kamala's favorite movies! About Kamala:  Kamala Avila-Salmon is the Head of Inclusive Content at Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. She joined Lionsgate from Facebook, where she launched the Marketing Inclusion strategy within their Consumer Marketing team. Kamala began her career in the marketing department of RCA Records, then joined Bad Boy Records; she also worked at Universal Pictures and then moved to NBC Entertainment in TV. Kamala joined Google Play as an executive responsible for marketing campaigns to promote Google Play Music and Google Play Movies, then transitioned to the launch team for YouTube TV.   Where to pre-order Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism: https://thecollectivebook.studio/dear-white-women Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.  

Hello and welcome to Fall! What we're really excited about - besides our book coming out in mid October! - is our fall lineup of episodes. Now that we're done with our Summer of Action, we're focused on issues that have not only been in our consciousness, but ones that we've been hearing about throughout 2021 and ones that we'd like to highlight for the fall.   In September, we'll be focusing on current events and topics that you may have heard about in the news - including representation in the media, Qanon, and so much more. October will be devoted to all things voting and our political systems as we look at the practical things we all need to be aware of when we vote this November, or in 2022 - or as we read or listen to the news. Finally, in November, we'll be talking to people who are working on transformative change in their own spheres of influence, and see how they got involved in doing this impactful work.   And to kick this off - let's talk about the Census. Because we've learned a lot about who we are and our own communities with the news that's been coming out over these last few weeks. Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com What to listen for: Our summer recap and what it's like to have some kids back in school! The overview of our fall lineup Breaking down the latest census information - how the census impacts policies and elections not just for the next ten years, but for potentially the next hundred How lawmakers froze the number of members in the House of Representatives at a max - even though that cap is not mandated in the Constitution And yes, of course, how the demographics appear to be showing a marked decline in the White population of this country - and how that can be both reality and a question of more accurate data   Where to pre-order Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism: https://thecollectivebook.studio/dear-white-women Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.  

Let's talk about workplace safety. No, not that kind of workplace safety - we're here to talk about building psychologically safe workspaces, which in our opinion is a crucial conversation especially as we're reimagining workspaces in this era of COVID. And you'll want to hear this WHOLE conversation, because there are knowledge bombs just being tossed around by our guest throughout this entire episode. Today we're talking to Jeff Harry, who is the founder of Rediscover Your Play, and who works with companies and individuals to help lift their veil of BS in order to make their work more fulfilling and rediscover their joyful purpose, all the while removing what is getting in the way of their success. This conversation got us thinking, and we hope it gets you thinking too.   After this episode, which sadly is the very last in our Summer of Action, our ask is this: tell all your friends to listen to this episode, especially those with workplaces.  And take a good hard look at your own workplace. How can you make it more psychologically safe for EVERYONE who works there?   Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com What to listen for: What constitutes a psychologically safe workplace How people can navigate toxic situations and have important challenging conversations in a way that gets past performative allyship Why and how Jeff addresses toxic masculinity in his work How broad of a concept play really can be, and what are some of the necessary steps to be able to truly play - both at work and in all the other spheres of our lives About Jeff: Jeff Harry shows individuals and companies how to tap into their true selves, to feel their happiest and most fulfilled — all by playing. Jeff has worked with Google, Microsoft, Southwest Airlines, Adobe, the NFL, Amazon, and Facebook, helping their staff to infuse more play into the day-to-day. Jeff is an international speaker who has presented at conferences such as INBOUND, SXSW, and Australia's Pausefest, showing audiences how major issues in the workplace can be solved using play. Jeff was selected by BambooHR & Engagedly as one of the Top 100 HR Influencers of 2020 for his organizational development work around dealing with toxic people in the workplace. His play work has most recently been featured in the Upworthy, Mashable, Shondaland, and the NY Times. He has also been featured on AJ+, SoulPancake, the SF Chronicle, and CNN.  While we spend most of our time pretending to be important, serious grownups, it's when we let go of that facade and just play, that the real magic happens. Fully embracing your own nerdy genius — whatever that is — gives you the power to make a difference and change lives. Jeff believes that we already have many of the answers we seek, and by simply unleashing our inner child, we can find our purpose and, in turn, help to create a better world. SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES: Website: RediscoverYourPlay.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jeffharryplays Instagram: @jeffharryplays TikTok: @jeffharryplays Medium: @jeffharryplays Twitter: @jeffharryplays LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-harry-6991a94/ RESOURCES TO INSPIRE YOU TO PLAY MORE How To Stop Wasting Time Scrolling And Start Finding Joy In Play - Mashable Adults Need Playtime Just As Must As Kids - Shondaland How Do You Add Play To Grown-Up Life - Even Now - NY Times These People Who Took Risks And Found Their Purpose Through Passion - Upworthy Where to pre-order Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism: https://thecollectivebook.studio/dear-white-women Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.    

If you're listening to this episode at the time that it's being released, and you're thinking about work, you're probably thinking about returning to a physical office in this new land of the Delta variant, or perhaps you're looking for a job, or you're figuring out how to get a new job because you're done with the one that you have. Or maybe you don't want to talk or think about work at all. But the reality is - we all understand work dynamics and most of us cannot escape the reality that we do need to belong to a group that provides us with money to make a living.  So here's our question: what happens when you make a mistake at work?  What if we told you that there's another way to do business - one that focuses on love?  We were convinced that this might work after we spoke with our guests today - and read their book. Mohammed Anwar and Jeff Ma are executives at Softway, a company whose mission is to bring humanity back to the workplace. In their book, Love as a Business Strategy, they break down how this is possible. After you've heard what they have to say, here's what we'd like you to do: tell all your friends to listen (you knew that was coming!). Then buy their book from their website, and download the free resources too. Read it, and share it with your teams - both at work, and in other spheres. And then let us know what most resonated with you by emailing us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com.  Let's put humanity first at work and see where that gets us.   Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com What to listen for: The major dysfunction in Softway's company culture that led them to make a shift The biggest resistance to the idea of love in the workplace What it takes for leadership to lead a massive shift in workplace culture How using love as a business strategy affected their relationships outside the workplace About our guests: Jeff Ma Jeff spent the first decade of his career working in the video game industry, from game testing to project management. He continues to bring his love for games into everything he does, from playing with his kids to training and coaching leaders. Jeff has a burning passion for board games, magic tricks, Agile, and growth mindsets. He was born and raised in Texas, where he and his beautiful wife, Maggie, dote heavily on their wonderful children, Cody and Penelope. Mohammad Anwar Mohammad is the youngest of five children and was born and raised in Saudi Arabia by Indian parents from Bengaluru. He graduated from the University of Houston (Go Coogs) with a BS in Computer Science and started Softway at twenty, where he still serves as the President and CEO. Mohammad lives in Sugar Land, Texas, with his amazing wife Yulia, a Russian diver and five-time Olympic medalist, and his beautiful children, Sufia and Moshin. In his spare time, he enjoys fitness, watching college sports, and butchering American idioms.   Where to pre-order Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism: https://thecollectivebook.studio/dear-white-women Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.

After last week's episode with Christine Platt (aka the Afrominimalist), this scenario may sound familiar: You look around your house.  It's full of stuff - stuff that you don't wear, stuff that you don't use, stuff that you don't need. You gather everything up in bags and boxes and, once the Donate pile is big enough, you move it to the garage or outside, ready for the next step.  But then you pause. What IS the next step? Where do you take what you don't need anymore, that can provide the most help for people who really do need these things?   We sat down with Sable Schultz, the Director of Transgender Services at the Center on Colfax in Denver, Colorado, to talk about a very different - and important - way in which your donations can make not only an impact, but really show someone that they matter.   After you tell all your friends about this episode, look up the organizations that Sable mentions. Do the Google search for your own city. Think twice about where your donations go, because sometimes, even if it's not the easiest option, it's the most impactful. And remember that small things, like adding your pronouns to your email or asking someone for theirs, can make all the difference. Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com What to listen for: Small things you can do to make a difference, including ways you can choose to direct your clothing donations Gender identity vs gender expression What it means to transgender individuals to have clothing that matches their identity About Sable: Sable Schultz (she/her/hers) is the Director of Transgender Services at The Center on Colfax, where her work includes inclusivity and awareness trainings, providing resources support services for the trans community in the Denver metro area, and programming to assist in developing community awareness and engagement. Sable is a queer, poly, trans woman; social justice warrior; and witch and has been engaged in inclusivity and advocacy work for over 15 years. She has worked with the Mental Health Center of Denver, University of Denver's Center for Multicultural Excellence, the Movement Advancement Project, and the LGBTQ Student Resource Center on Auraria campus. Sable enjoys computer, console, and tabletop gaming and is active in the Leather and pagan communities. About The Center on Colfax: The Center on Colfax opened in 1976 and over the years has grown to become the largest community center in the Rocky Mountain region, giving voice to Colorado's LGBT community and playing a pivotal role in statewide initiatives to reduce harassment and discrimination. Today the Center is focused on fulfilling its mission – to engage, empower, enrich and advance the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community of Colorado – by ensuring that every member of the LGBT community has access to the programs and resources they need to live happy, healthy, and productive lives.   Where to pre-order Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism: https://thecollectivebook.studio/dear-white-women Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.

When you think about liberation, what comes to mind: Intentional action? Physical protests? Thoughtful contemplation? One thing we didn't really think about was minimalism as a form of liberation. We didn't see the connection then between liberation and simplifying until after we spoke with our guest, and read her book. Now we believe: less can be liberation. Today we interview Christine Platt, who is also known as the Afrominimalist. And in preparation, ask yourself: what is a minimalist space? Once you've got that vision, the next question is: whose aesthetic is this? After you listen to this episode, we challenge you to tell five people about this episode - and then start examining how minimalism can be liberation in YOUR life and other ways to view minimalism that aren't part of the mainstream narrative. And then go and buy her book, The Afrominimalist. Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com  What to listen for: Why minimalism is so difficult to begin to embrace in the first place What Afrominimalism does that makes it stand out from decluttering and following the Instagram vision of minimalism and Marie Kondo-ing your spaces How your energy shifts once as you transition to your own aesthetic, and how YOU can get started making changes in your own life right now About Christine:  Christine Platt is a modern-day Renaissance woman. From serving as an advocate for policy reform to using the power of storytelling as a tool for social change, Christine's work reflects her practice of living with intention. She holds a BA in Africana Studies, an MA in African-American Studies, and a JD in General Law. Christine has written over two dozen literary works for people of all ages. When she's not writing, Christine spends her time curating The Afrominimalist—a creative platform chronicling her journey to minimalism. Visit her online at TheAfrominimalist or on Instagram @afrominimalist.   Where to pre-order Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism: https://thecollectivebook.studio/dear-white-women Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.

After what seemed like five years rolled into one in 2020, it's hard to believe that we are now approximately halfway through 2021. We hope that our earlier summer episodes have given you all some ways to practically and intentionally think differently about small, yet impactful, decisions that we make as part of our everyday lives. But as we think of summer, we also think about the Summer Olympics. In general, we love everything about them - the athletics, the camaraderie, the national pride, the international nature. Really, we love it all. But what we don't love about the Olympics this year (besides holding it during a global pandemic) is how Black athletes, and in particular, Black female athletes, have been treated even prior to a single Olympic event happening (and, at the time that we recorded this, it's still unsure how and if events will happen as planned). We're breaking down that disparate treatment in today's episode, along with our thoughts about how best to show your support (the title is probably a spoiler alert there). Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com  What to listen for: The stories of Sha'Carri Richardson, Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi of Namibia, the Soul Cap, and other stories from this year's Olympics that make it clear that Black athletes are being treated differently How the Olympics isn't really about humanity and celebration of achievement, but about chasing dollars (or whatever currency you use!). Our view of what you can do to make change: consider not watching the Olympics this year.    Where to pre-order Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism: https://thecollectivebook.studio/dear-white-women Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.

Let's face it: we are an app-based, “easy button” based, instant gratification kind of society. One click of a button and we get something brought to our house: food, alcohol, flowers - basically anything you can ask for. If it's not instant, you can get it for free shipping and in two days if you're an Amazon Prime member. But, as we've often asked on this podcast, what is the true cost of your purchases when you're getting them through these apps, and not through your community and local store owners? Today we talk to one of those businesses - and the women behind it. Nirvana Soul isn't only about providing amazing coffee to the people of San Jose, California - it's about creating community through shared spaces, carefully curated art, and so much more. Be'Anka and Jeronica opened their doors during a pandemic, but in so doing they brought community to their own community - and that's priceless. Our ask for you after you listen: go find one of these spaces in your own community, go support them (and for real - not in a performative way), and then tell all your friends to do the same. We rise by lifting others, and we need each other right now more than ever. Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com What to listen for: The journey and process behind opening Nirvana Soul, including the importance of the name What the role of coffee shops is in communities (hint: it's not just about coffee) What Jeronica and Be'Anka want to share with White women about Nirvana Soul, and supporting local Black-owned businesses The intentionality that they bring into creating community for their staff, and where they see Nirvana Soul going in five and ten years into the future About Be'Anka and Jeronica: Jeronica has been in the coffee game for nearly two decades as a barista, manager, and consultant. She knows her sh*t. And Be'Anka is not just a marketer. She's a methodical, systematic, demand generation marketer who knows a thing or two about successful retail. Their combined experience of coffee and marketing operations is just as much a unique value as their sisterhood itself. Together, they are Nirvana Soul. Using the power of coffee and tea to bring people together. Where to pre-order Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism: https://thecollectivebook.studio/dear-white-women Support us through Patreon!  Learn about our virtual community – and you're welcome to join. Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.

If you've been listening to our podcast for a while, you know that we lean into heart-led action to create change - and today we get to interview an expert on where that heart-led action comes from. Terri Givens is a woman of many talents, but one of them is author, and we're talking to her about her book Radical Empathy, which provides a framework as to how we reach radical empathy for ourselves, and where radical empathy can be used to make change and bridge racial divides (hint: it's pretty much everywhere).  We're also super excited to announce that Terri is the one who wrote the foreword for our forthcoming book Dear White Women: Let's Get Uncomfortable Talking About Racism - which is now available for preorder!  Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com What to listen for:  The six steps to radical empathy - and how it's tied into action How Terri's personal story, including race, contributed to her analysis that outlines this path to bridge racial divides What role does our empathy towards ourselves play into our ability to extend empathy to others, with regards to “invisible” health issues? About Terri: Terri Givens is the CEO and Founder of Brighter Higher Ed. She is also a political scientist with more than 30 years of success in higher education, politics, international affairs, and non-profits. She is an accomplished speaker and uses her platform to develop leaders with an understanding of the importance of diversity and encourages personal growth through empathy. Terri has held leadership positions as Vice Provost at University of Texas at Austin and Provost of Menlo College (first African American and woman); professorships at University of Texas at Austin, and University of Washington. She was the founding director at the Center for European Studies at the University of Texas and led the university's efforts in Mexico and Latin America as Vice Provost for International Activities. At Menlo College she has led faculty and staff in developing programs for first-generation students, updating curriculum and infrastructure for evidence-based assessment. Terri is the author/editor of books and articles on immigration policy, European politics, and security. Her most recent book is the memoir, Radical Empathy: Finding a Path to Bridging Racial Divides. Where to buy Radical Empathy: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/radical-empathy Where to pre-order Dear White Women: Let's Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism: https://thecollectivebook.studio/dear-white-women Like what you hear?  Don't miss another episode and subscribe! Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.