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Welcome to More In Common Podcast With Rodney Campbell and Keith Richardson. This podcast is our social experiment to examine our belief that we all have more in common than that which divides us. With each new guests we have open, honest, and insightful conversation about the things that matter to them.
Episodes
Saturday Jun 05, 2021
Saturday Jun 05, 2021
Our daily lives revolve around communication.
When communication is ineffective, or lacking, the goals of companies and teams are on the line. Conversations take place numerous times throughout a day, and we can’t escape them.
Therefore, we must find a way to embrace them.
Our guests, Essential Partners, immerse us in the world of conversation and discuss how they create mission driven spaces structured on communication. They encourage our audience to lean into curiosity in hopes that engaging in conversations that help you learn a lot, not only about another person, but also yourself.
“Taking time to focus on relationships creates better results” - Essential Partners
Today we are with Katie Hyten and John Sarrouf of Essential Partners. They are Co-Executive Directors
And John is the Director of Program development.
Founded in 1989, Essential Partners equips people to live and work better together in community by building trust and understanding across differences.
Katie joined the organization after completing her graduate studies at Tufts University's Fletcher School, where her research in religious conflicts focused on the need for effective communication in complex political issues.
Katie helped develop the first university-wide inter-religious institute at Pepperdine University. She has worked with Search for Common Ground in Lebanon, RESULTS Educational Fund in Washington, DC, and as a mediator in the Massachusetts District Courts.
John was first exposed to EP's work while studying in the master's program in dispute resolution at the University of Massachusetts in Boston. Since then, John has facilitated dialogues on issues such as sustainability, gender, Israel-Palestine, religious pluralism, and technology and sexuality.
John served as the Assistant Director of Difficult Dialogues at Clark University, where he taught dialogue to faculty and students. His private consulting work has focused on mediation and transforming conflict in small workgroups and non-profit boards.
Topics we discuss:
- Embracing your own curiosity
- Picking up on something someone said.
- How jobs intersect beliefs.
- Level of curiosity of self
- Why do we stay in conversations?
- “I” statements.
- Understanding that you know can step away.
- Relationships
- People feel justified that “I don't have to like you”.
- Build relationships through conversations.
- How people see things.
- Hope
- Hope more powerful than fear.
- It is the thing that brings you life.
- Tough conversions
- They are worth having.
- How do you have them?
- How do you view conflict?
References:
- Their Website - Essential Partners
- Sophie Beren's Episode
- Synagaug shooting in Pittsburgh
- Shootings in GA spa
- Behave - Robert Sapolsky
Credits:
Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes
Thursday Jun 03, 2021
Thursday Jun 03, 2021
Our daily lives revolve around communication.
When communication is ineffective, or lacking, the goals of companies and teams are on the line. Conversations take place numerous times throughout a day, and we can’t escape them.
Therefore, we must find a way to embrace them.
Our guests, Essential Partners, immerse us in the world of conversation and discuss how they create mission driven spaces structured on communication. They encourage our audience to lean into curiosity in hopes that engaging in conversations that help you learn a lot, not only about another person, but also yourself.
“Taking time to focus on relationships creates better results” - Essential Partners
Today we are with Katie Hyten and John Sarrouf of Essential Partners. They are Co-Executive Directors
And John is the Director of Program development.
Founded in 1989, Essential Partners equips people to live and work better together in community by building trust and understanding across differences.
Katie joined the organization after completing her graduate studies at Tufts University's Fletcher School, where her research in religious conflicts focused on the need for effective communication in complex political issues.
Katie helped develop the first university-wide inter-religious institute at Pepperdine University. She has worked with Search for Common Ground in Lebanon, RESULTS Educational Fund in Washington, DC, and as a mediator in the Massachusetts District Courts.
John was first exposed to EP's work while studying in the master's program in dispute resolution at the University of Massachusetts in Boston. Since then, John has facilitated dialogues on issues such as sustainability, gender, Israel-Palestine, religious pluralism, and technology and sexuality.
John served as the Assistant Director of Difficult Dialogues at Clark University, where he taught dialogue to faculty and students. His private consulting work has focused on mediation and transforming conflict in small workgroups and non-profit boards.
Topics we discuss:
- Embracing your own curiosity
- Picking up on something someone said.
- How jobs intersect beliefs.
- Level of curiosity of self
- Why do we stay in conversations?
- “I” statements.
- Understanding that you know can step away.
- Relationships
- People feel justified that “I don't have to like you”.
- Build relationships through conversations.
- How people see things.
- Hope
- Hope more powerful than fear.
- It is the thing that brings you life.
- Tough conversions
- They are worth having.
- How do you have them?
- How do you view conflict?
References:
- Their Website - Essential Partners
- Sophie Beren's Episode
- Synagaug shooting in Pittsburgh
- Shootings in GA spa
- Behave - Robert Sapolsky
Credits:
Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes
Thursday May 27, 2021
Thursday May 27, 2021
What does being genuine look like?
Genuine people are simply who they are, all the time.
A genuine person forges their own unique path not fearing the opinions of others. Simply, they are comfortable and confident with who they are.
Our guest, TJ Bonaventura, discusses his journey to becoming the version of himself that feels genuine. In the past, his struggles of having a harsh inner critic constantly led him to feel low-self-esteem and self-doubt. Often, he found himself feeling disingenuous and like he had sold his soul.
But this is far from the truth today. He is currently a successful entrepreneur and creator of StudioPod Media. Being genuine has taught him how to be a better leader, how to surround himself with loving people and the importance of being happy, not content.
“I never want to be content I want to be happy” - TJ Bonaventura
TJ Bonaventura is the co-founder of StudioPod Media. A full-service podcast media and production company helping organizations and individuals create their podcasts.
A product of Washington State University, he spent his childhood split between a suburb of Detroit and San Francisco.
Initially, he dreamed of being in the NBA before being sucked into the silicon valley tech life. While always dreaming of being an entrepreneur, he hesitated in making that jump until finally coming to the conclusion that was the life he needed.
Topics we discuss:
- Navigating difficult conversations
- “Ask why”
- Is it from a genuine standpoint?
- If you agree or not, it becomes a healthy conversation.
- Radar
- Bullsh*t radar
- Sensing people's authenticity.
- Reflective in people Hes surrounded with
- Entrepreneurship
- Rid yourself of doubt.
- Make your own path.
- Trust your gut.
- How he’s built
- Strong inner critic
- “I never want to be content I want to be happy.”
- Taking a chance on yourself
- When to jump by mike Lewis
- Leadership
- Duty to motivate company.
- You must be wholehearted.
References:
- SaaS Technology Definition (Software as a Service)
- 'When to Jump' - Mike Lewis
- Studio Pod
- Episode about knowing your audience on their website
Credits:
Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes
Music:
Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.
All music created by DJ Rufbeats
Thursday May 20, 2021
Thursday May 20, 2021
What are your thoughts on being a Christian?
Our brains have a natural tendency to automatically judge and compare which often prevents us from listening and connecting to another's way of living.
When you first read the word “Christian” you instantly internalize your own biases and reflect those on the person that you are describing.
The reality is our identities come from many different places and not one thing defines who we are. This is the brilliance of hearing Erik’s story. His tumultuous upbringing plagued by unfortunate circumstances of debt, rejection, and hopelessness all changed when we open his heart to Jesus.
On his journey his relationship with God, this soon became the foundation for his approach to life and relationships. For him being a Christian allowed him to maintain positivity in the face of negative circumstances, and approach life with love.
Sharing his story and message of embracing and loving people where they are at, suggests that we might have more in common with someone who at first sight we might judge.
“Love people wherever they are at” -Erik Allen
Erik is truly a man of integrity, work ethic and an over-comer. Growing up with a complicated childhood and broken home, to raising himself from the age of 14.
Once Erik gave his life to Christ, his life completely turned around. He met a beautiful woman and a new chapter was written.
Now, Erik and his wife of nearly 15 years and their two children live in Northern Idaho and live a humble and blessed life. Together they are breaking the cycles handed down to them of addictions, depression, abuse, and lies. They are leaving a new legacy for their next generation built on a biblical foundation.
Along with being the sole provider for his family, Erik is an entrepreneur and avid MMA fan. Which he has created the best MMA podcast of the northwest, Top Rated MMA. With his companies Top Rated MMA and The Erik Allen Show he lifts others up and gives back to the community and veterans through great organizations like Hire Heroes USA.
Erik might have been dealt a rough hand, but with the help of his Heavenly Father and a humble heart, Erik is taking each day as it comes and making it count.
Topics we discuss:
- His core values.
- Love people where they are at.
- Don’t pass judgement on others.
- When he wakes up in the morning, he views that as a win.
- Have a kind soul and be a good person.
- How he experiences Christ
- In the morning he goes to his office to play worship music.
- During the time in the office, he reflects on what he's grateful for.
- Relationship with other men who are Christ followers.
- What life was like growing up
- Parents got divorced and met other partners at a young age.
- His mother's new man was physically abusive to his mother.
- Never felt like being at his house.
- From the ages of 18-21 he moved 21 times.
- Journey
- He realized he had to clean up his act, and only he could do that.
- One day woke up and went cold turkey on all bad habits.
- The struggle at times to Maintaining the positive in tough times
- Sharing His personal struggles and story to the world
- Notion of how to share your story.
- Sharing his personal struggles felt like a huge weight off his shoulders.
- Wife was supportive and insightful on possible implications.
References:
Credits:
Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes
Music:
Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.
All music created by DJ Rufbeats
Thursday May 13, 2021
Thursday May 13, 2021
What do you fight for?
Movements, religion, and love are a few of the many things people spend their lives fighting for.
When you find a cause or life purpose that ignites a burning passion within you, you will forever be destined to fight all your life to keep it alive and known.
A successful businessman, author, and our guest Jim Lowry embodies what it means to fight for that passion. For Jim, the burning passion is the desire to boost economic development and create wealth in minority communities.
In his book, he uses his life story and experiences to convey the advancements that are achieved through the analysis of history and willingness to learn. His life's work is a blueprint for future generations who are willing to ignite that same fire.
So, what will you fight for?
“Be diplomatic but be honest”- James H. Lowry
James H. Lowry is a business icon, sought after speaker, strategic advisor and nationally recognized workforce and supplier diversity expert and pioneer. Lowry was the first African American consultant for global consulting firm McKinsey & Company in 1968. Later, he became the first African American senior partner at the prestigious Boston Consulting Group, where he led the firm’s workforce diversity, ethnic marketing and minority business development consulting practice. Lowry continues to serve as a senior advisor to BCG, while heading his own private consulting firm, James H. Lowry & Associates.
In early 1960’s, Lowry was an associate director with the US Peace Corps, stationed in Lima, Peru, where he met Senator Robert F. Kennedy who recruited him to be a staffer at the new Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation in Brooklyn. While there, he, along with Bed-Stuy resident and actress Roxie Roker, co-hosted the pioneering television show Inside Bedford-Stuyvesant, New York City’s first program written, produced and presented by blacks at a time when blacks were largely invisible on television, or seen only in news footage about riots, protests or crime. In 1985, Lowry also co-hosted the groundbreaking television show MBR: The Minority Business Report.
In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Lowry is a teacher, mentor and leader across sectors.
Lowry encapsulated his 30 plus years of experience in the field of minority business development in the book he co-authored in 2011, Minority Business Success: Refocusing on the American Dream. His new book, Change Agent: A Life Dedicated to Creating Wealth for Minorities, is an intimate memoir that demonstrates the power of iconic mentors and pivotal opportunities leveraged across the globe, and offers solutions to the ever-widening wealth gap that plagues black and brown communities today.
Topics we discuss:
- Characterize success
- Relationship with money
- History of the Black community
- Capitalism seems to perpetuate a scarcity mindset.
- Big billionaires should flood money into black communities to help.
- Importance of building a black partner ecosystem.
- Reliance on the government.
- Compassion
References:
- Think and Grow Rich - Napoleon Hill
- Change Agent - His Book
- Francis Parker School - outside Chicago
- Embryonic Democracy
- PBS Documentary on the black church Produced by John Legend
- Crab in the Barrel analogy
- Lincoln's history of ending Slavery.
- Dr. Grant's Episode
- Pel Grants
- John Thompson - Board of IBM/Microsoft
- LBJ Quote
- Illinois Reparations
- Approval of Reparations in Reconstructions
- Kent "Lock West" Episode with M.I.C.
Credits:
Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes
Music:
Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.
All music created by DJ Rufbeats
Thursday May 06, 2021
Thursday May 06, 2021
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Have you ever wondered what box you fit into?
Naturally, our mind creates metaphorical boxes where we categorize ourselves and others. Many of us tend to find comfort and safety within our box, despite its restrictive nature.
Only a handful of people dare to step or think outside the box. Quite a cliche, we know.
Our guest Sherwyn Cooper is reflective of the achievement obtained when you step outside the box. His refusal to categorize himself and others drives this creative and compassionate conversation. With a wide variety of topics discussed, you're guaranteed to receive insight for ways in which you too can step outside of the box. “Find somebody successful and steal their knowledge,” - Sherwyn Cooper. Today we are with Sherwyn Cooper. Sherwyn was born in Boston and is an Ex-Software engineer who decided to go out on his own.
After stumbling upon Turo, a car sharing platform, while on vacation, he decided to get plugged into it and bought his first car creating his first side hustle. After a year, he had 22 cars and was an entrepreneur ready to leave his career as a software engineer.
He also created a basketball recruiting channel on YouTube called BallasTV and recently started his podcast, 6 Figure Side Hustle.
Topics we discuss: · Background o Born in Boston. o Created Turo ride sharing. o Was a software engineer because he was good at it not because he liked it. · Football Players and political views o Tom Brady o Colin Kaepernick o Drew Brees · Pressure choosing sides in politics. o Need to be demographic. o Forced in a box. o Idea that skin color is an automatic vote for one side. · Success to him o Success is relationships. o You are the average of who you hang out with. o Be honest to what is going on. o Money allows you to have options. · How he created his business o Coached basketball and would have to rent 3- 15 passenger vans. o He wanted the ability to drive a compact car for simple errands. o Saw the need for cheap easy to use cars.
References: · Joe Biden on the Breakfast Club
Credits: Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes
Music: Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive. All music created by DJ Rufbeats |
Thursday Apr 29, 2021
Thursday Apr 29, 2021
Competitive stress culture: have you experienced it and if so at what cost?
The competitive stress culture’s narrative of success pushes the idea that you must be constantly busy and stressed out to achieve a great amount of success. And if you are not stressed or busy, you are not that successful. Redefining success through self-reflection and mindfulness can reshape the emphasis and associated stressors we tie to success. Ultimately if you have lost a connection to yourself but are super successful, what does that really mean?
From firsthand experience, our guest, Dr. Jannell MacAulay, a former U.S Air Force leader and combat pilot, understands the pressure of high stress situations and the importance of succeeding.
In her career she notes how often she placed too much emphasis on achievement which stripped the joy from life. Currently she is a mindfulness advocate and shares her tools on creating the balance between harmony and work.
It is undeniable what it takes to reshape our mindset around success. You can achieve success without the cost of losing yourself.
“ We get tied up with the narratives of what we do, that we disconnect from who we are” - Dr. Jannell MacAulay
A U.S. Air Force veteran, Dr. Jannell MacAulay has managed human performance under high-stress situations for over two decades. As a military leader and combat pilot, she experienced the same stress, frustration, and fears that leaders and teams in corporate America face daily in their personal and professional lives. Her own personal journey led to earning her Ph.D. with work in the field of strategic health and human performance.
With her innovative leadership style, she was the first leader to introduce mindfulness as a proactive performance strategy within the US military.
Dr. MacAulay is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, has a master's degree in Kinesiology from The Pennsylvania State University, and a Ph.D. with work in the field of strategic health & human performance. She is a certified wellness educator, yoga instructor, and holds a certificate in plant-based nutrition.
Jannell is a TEDx speaker and mother of two, who is on a mission to help leaders and organizations excel in high-stress and rugged environments, by showing them how to lean into each moment.
Topics we discuss:
- Career Background
- Sole female in flight class.
- 13 years lived with her career in the hustle, which led to constant stress and a lack of joy.
- Found that she lost a connection to herself but was super successful.
- Important self-reflection questions
- What do I value?
- How do I define success?
- What you do is important, but who are we and what really gives us purpose.
- The 5 L’s as a self-reflection tool; Labor, Laugh, Lead, Love, Learn.
- Managing stress
- Sounds counterintuitive; but you have to go slow to go fast.
- We should all want to accelerate our success, but in pursuit of that we lose a lot.
- If you get command of your mind on the pathway to success you won't have to lose a lot; this is contrary to what society says today.
- Productivity
- Define what it means to you and understand what distractions you face.
- Distraction is the number one distractor to our productivity.
- We put too much emphasis on achievement and outcome, versus what we can control.
- We can be productive and happy if we find that harmony.
- Everyone at their own version of their best makes the best team.
- Mindfulness
- Bringing awareness to the moment
- The ability to disconnect from the noise.
- We often focus on what could happen instead of being present.
- Yerkes-Dodson law of stress
- Mindfulness tools and training
- “Mental pushups”; strengthening our attention system to focus in the moment.
- “Mindful minute” before grabbing your phone and being mindful of what you're doing.
- Focus your “flashlight” on what is important in the moment.
References:
- Her website
- Sympathetic vs. parasympathic nervous systems
- Warriors Edge
- Mindfulness
- Eustress vs. Destress
- Mike Gervais
Credits:
Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes
Music:
Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.
All music created by DJ Rufbeats
Thursday Apr 22, 2021
Thursday Apr 22, 2021
To all the women out there, how hot are you feeling?
And we don’t mean looks; we’re talking menopause.
To all the men out there, take notes, this applies to you too.
The stigma surrounding menopause prevents many women from feeling comfortable discussing the natural aging processes of the female body. It's important to create an open dialogue for women to share their experiences and have a support system through this transition, so they are not alone.
Who better to discuss this with than the creators of “Getting Hotter”, Falguni and Kruti. They discuss their personal experiences with perimenopause, and the lack of dialogue they experienced even within their friendship. This lack of dialogue became the catalyst for creating “Getting Hotter”. The idea behind “Getting Hotter” was to create a space where women could gather and feel comfortable discussing this new transition in their life. Their arsenal of tools help women find support through a community undergoing these same changes. It also is a platform to create open dialogues with others in their life such as their partners. Creating a compassionate and supportive environment that empowers women to embrace the transition is only a part of the successes of “Getting Hotter”. Tune in for an important conversation meant for every gender so you can learn a few ways on how to support those important women in your life.
“You can just let them know you're getting hotter” -Falguni and Kruti (Getting Hotter)
Falguni is a writer, director & media executive for Vice TV. A certified mindfulness coach who is an enthusiastic albeit sometimes impatient mother of an eight-year-old girl and a ten-year-old boy.
Kruti is an architect, designer, filmmaker and an all-around entrepreneurial mother of seven-year-old twins and their nine year old sister.
Both went through perimenopause, and although they are best friends, they didn't talk about it even though they were on the journey at the same time. Thus, they co-founded getting Hotter.
Let's reinforce the message that women are only "Getting Hotter"!
Topics we discuss:
- Menopause journey
- You start to heat up and feel more irritable.
- Burning sensation running up to your head.
- You experience anger without realizing it.
- Depth breaths are used as a tool to become more aware.
- What is menopause?
- Technically the sensation of menstruation, without the cycle.
- After 12 months of the onset of symptoms you have no period anymore.
- Perimenopause: giant gray area that affects daily life.
- Does not only affect women, it affects their partners too.
- Most women are unaware there going through it.
- Cultural differences
- Some religions won’t let you go to the temple on your period, because your “unclean”.
- In India women were frowned upon when on their period.
- Considered it “dirty.”
- Menopause still told less than now, stigma.
- So much of this social stigma around the uncleanliness is handed down from cultures.
- Open conversations around Menopause: bringing it into the vernacular.
- How to have the conversation with men in your life.
- This affects partners and family members not only the woman.
- How to make the conversation normal.
- Understanding that women are programmed to think we're losing something when going through menopause.
- “Getting Hotter” as a means for menopause resources.
- Natural medicine.
- Provides a toolbox for dealing with Menopause.
- Facebook group chats.
References:
- Perimenopause
- Menopause
- Getting Hotter Web Site
- Hot Flash
- Their Facebook Group
- Chrissy Teigen
- Megan Thee Stallion
- Postpartum depression
Credits:
Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes
Music:
Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.
All music created by DJ Rufbeats
Thursday Apr 15, 2021
Thursday Apr 15, 2021
“That could never be me.”
Have you ever heard or thought about this phrase before? Maybe when you were passing a homeless person on the street or discussing someone who’s political views differ from yours.
The ability to provide compassion to those who you dissociate from or disagree with, is the philosophy behind genuine compassion. Providing compassion to those who are likeminded is easy and comfortable.
Our guest Dane Flanigan emphasizes the importance of being comfortable when uncomfortable. This mindset and the entrepreneurial spirit, that he says is part of his DNA, have allowed him to embrace the fear of the unknown and chase his passions. All of which led him to where he is today-a successful CEO.
His self-reflective and positive outlook on past and present experiences reflects his affinity to always approach and see people with understanding eyes. He ultimately helps us recognize the interconnectedness of humanity and how positive life can be.
“In order to get to the positive place, we can’t be in the negative space”-Dane Flanigan
Dane Flanigan is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. He graduated from Ohio State University with a major in Political Science and a minor in Economics. He attended school in Spain at the Spanish American Institute in Sevilla to study international business and the emergence of the European Union. He received his MBA in Los Angeles where he now lives.
Dane has an extensive experience in business management and team building. During his time as a consultant, he worked in corporate due diligence performing mergers and acquisitions. His personal ventures include several real estate projects, starting Perfection Air Charter a private jet brokerage that was later sold to one of the large private jet operators in Texas and the DTLA speakeasy, Ebanos Crossing. He is now the CEO of ultraHealth Agency, a recruiting and staffing firm in Pasadena.
Dane believes in learning from everyone around him and equates his highest strength in life in his ability to listen.
Topics we discuss:
- Starting Businesses
- You cannot do everything at an elevated level.
- Picking up a new hobby of photography and starting at a low level.
- Creativity helps expand the brain.
- Believe in being consumed by the positive things in life.
- Professional Career Endeavors
- Became a corporate person when he graduated for a while.
- Got into real estate, allowed him to tap into his creative side.
- You must go with the market but with what interests you.
- Entrepreneurship was in his DNA.
- His parents provided with him with the importance of taking risks.
- Education was emphasized to him as the way to succeed.
- Lessons learned from getting into Health care.
- Who health care really is, and the people behind it.
- It's a 24-hour business, but health care professionals aren’t businesspeople.
- Different Hospitals have diverse cultures, with different goals and procedures.
- Ultra health takes a 180 approach, giving solutions to problems, but really listening to people.
- History and its importance
- We are the judge of choosing the things we like and don't.
- Learn what type of leader you do not want to be based on past leaders.
- Informs us how a society can be corrupted,
- Concluding remarks
- How can I be better?
- You do not have to be the same person as you were today.
- I want you to go out and being uncomfortable doing something for someone else.
- To get the positive, you must get away from the negative.
References:
Credits:
Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes
Music:
Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.
Guest theme: “Bad Soda” by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.
Wednesday Apr 07, 2021
Wednesday Apr 07, 2021
Inter-generational trauma is talked about a lot in the context of the oppressed.
Our guest, Dr. Donald Grant, has set out to discuss the full impacts of racism through the inter-generational trauma of the oppressor. Not as a matter of sympathy but a matter of completing the picture and truly breaking down the racist institutions and structures of this country.
We are all affected by the demons of our past, and Dr. Grant schools us with an in-depth conversation that is well worth the listen.
“We have to be able to be honest and say, white people have been told throughout their generational history that they are better than other people” - Dr. Donald Grant
Dr. Donald E Grant Jr is an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Impact practitioner and mental health expert who currently serves in two Executive Director roles: one with his boutique training and consulting firm Mindful Training Solutions and the other at Pacific Oaks College’s Center for Community and Social Impact (CCSI).
Dr Grant has a long history of direct mental health service delivery and administrative oversight for foster care systems, education systems and homeless mental wellness services. He is an international speaker and workshop facilitator, film and TV consultant and published author. His two books " A Moon for Us All" and “Black Men, Intergenerational Colonialism and Behavioral Health: A Noose Across Nations” are available now.
Topics we discuss:
- Overview of his research
- Research on children from family members in the Holocaust.
- Intergenerational experience with colonialism.
- How white generations have been impacted.
- Intergenerational lies of supremacy
- Oppressor's role is traumatic.
- Racism as an age bracket
- Inspiration for research and Occupation
- Looking at how this world is moving forward; we are constantly divided.
- Struggle within foster care; Darker skin children have a harder time getting adopted.
- White children don't have that comparable situation.
- Call to action
- Be honest how you experience “otherness”.
- Acknowledge your biases.
- Be willing to participate in the change that's occurring.
References:
- “A Moon for Us All”
- “Black Men, Intergenerational Colonialism and Behavioral Health: A Noose Across Nations”
- Holocaust
- Black Lives Matter
- Defund the Police
- Merriam-Webster; Racism
- Hillbilly Elegy
Credits:
Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes
Music:
Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.
Guest theme: “Grey to Color” by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.