Active Allyship...it's more than a #hashtag!"

On this episode of Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag! Sunni and Lisa converse with Riaz Meghji, a human connection keynote speaker, author  and an accomplished broadcaster with 17 years of television hosting experience.  He joins the show to talk about his book, Every Conversation Counts: The 5 Habits of Human Connection that Build Extraordinary Relationships.

Not only is this a must listen. interview, it is also a must read book.  Sunni and I discuss something he writes about in his book about Amy Cooper and Christian Cooper and you don't want to miss it!

If you are curious about the book, here is the book description:

You are one conversation away from changing your life. We all crave connection. We were never meant to live alone or communicate only in “likes” and retweets. In Every Conversation Counts, TV host and human connection keynote speaker Riaz Meghji digs deep into the dangers of isolation and loneliness, our social pandemic, that have been brought into sharp relief by the coronavirus crisis. He tackles a uniquely modern question: why are we so connected, and yet so alone—and how can we reconnect?

Sharing personal insights from powerful interviews and years of on-air experience, Meghji offers 5 simple habits for building extraordinary relationships. He explains how to spark authentic conversations, win trust, create new business, and collaborate effectively. Meghji points a way forward to a better future—one in which we express genuine curiosity about others, listen with our whole hearts, show up as our authentic selves, and make every conversation count.

If you aren’t already, please follow us on IG|Twitter @activeallyship.podcast! And of course, there’s our Facebook Page, Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Drop us a line or two… Be sure to Listen. Subscribe. Rate. Review. Share. the podcast!

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The Did you know Segment… will resume in June.

On this episode of Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag! The ladies chat with Professor Sherridan Schwartz about the challenges of helping medical professionals better understand the complexities of social justice and racism in the public health sector. 

Professor Schwartz,  Strategist, Policy Analyst, and Educational Leader was marinated in “bar-b-que sauce”!  Seriously, you’ve got to listen to hear the complete story!  

Houston, Texas has one of the largest medical professional populations. Right now, they’re having to deal with dual pandemics, yes, dual.  The COVID crisis and the racial injustices within the medical system.   

The ladies discuss the role of medical professionals during the murder of George Floyd, specifically, the refusal of Derek Chauvin to allow medical treatment for George Floyd.  Can you imagine?!  Whew!  So much to unpack, it’s exhausting, but necessary, absolutely necessary.

In summation, this episode includes discussions about the insurrection, people of color protesting peacefully, law and order for folks with the complexion for the connection vs. people of color, goals for being a better ally.  Listen to hear more…

If you aren’t already, please follow us on IG|Twitter @activeallyship.podcast! And of course, there’s our Facebook Page, Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Drop us a line or two… Be sure to Listen. Subscribe. Rate. Review. Share. the podcast!

Cali by Wataboi https://soundcloud.com/wataboi
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
Free Download / Stream:  https://bit.ly/wataboi-cali
Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/qXptaqHIH5g

On the Did you know Segment… Sunni and Lisa talk about their experience on a recent Clubhouse Room… it was very moving.  O yea, did you know about the two new African American muppets?!  Let’s talk about Universal Studios Officers for a moment!  How is it that officers wrestled a woman and her child to the ground…like what in the absolute fcuk?!  We’ve got to do better!  Come on Disney!  O yea, then there’s Lt. Colonel Grossman. 

On this episode of Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag! The ladies discuss Lisa’s interview with Anthropologist, Sustainability Expert and author Philip Loring.   He’s the author of Finding Our Niche: Toward a Restorative Human Ecology.

Philip  was marinated in a desire to be curious and kind and time and respect for the outdoors.  He was also a natural systems thinker from a young age and attributes those skills to his mother.  

Identity Protective Rationality… Indigenous People and the Environment… Colonialism… Cultural and Ecological Genocide… Ecology, The Environment and Racism… Environmental Policy… Hunting, Fishing… The Colonizer… these are examples of some of the terms used during the interview and follow-up discussion. 

Philip discussed the advantages of having the benefit of meeting people who live “alternate ways of living or being”…. Energy Security, Jobs… The manifest Destiny… The Savior Complex… The Premise that we’re right… The White Savior Complex…. Settler Colonialism… Flag Sticking… Assuming the space can be “ours” too… Culture Clash… Eco Modernist… Modernism… Overcoming…Animism… Natural Living System. Indigenous People. If these terms don’t pique your curiosity… whew!  

Philip also discussed how he identifies with living on Indigenous Land.   What’s the connection between sustainability and the Indigenous Land?  You’ve got to listen.

If you aren’t already, please follow us on IG|Twitter @activeallyship.podcast! And of course, there’s our Facebook Page, Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Drop us a line or two… Be sure to Listen. Subscribe. Rate. Review. Share. the podcast!

Cali by Wataboi https://soundcloud.com/wataboi
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
Free Download / Stream:  https://bit.ly/wataboi-cali
Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/qXptaqHIH5g

On the Did you know Segment… Sunni and Lisa discuss the harm of white women showing up and attempting to “own” spaces filled with trauma stricken Black and Brown people. It is an imperative for white women to show up to support and hold space for people of color… also using their privilege for purpose.  Understanding your role is critical to the survival of your well intentioned efforts.  The ladies also discuss Jane Elliott’s “Blue Eyes, Brown Eyes” exercise with her students.  Jane is a legacy and leader in spaces influenced by racism, providing many unpopular anecdotes.  

On this episode of Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag! Sunni and Lisa converse with Kimberly Seals Allers an award-winning journalist and author turned global maternal and infant health advocate. Kimberly's own motherhood journey inspired her to pivot her creative focus and analytical mind to writing about motherhood and the intersection of race, culture, policy and commercial interests. 

She was marinated in her Dad’s Jim Crow experiences based on his journey through this era in the South.  Her work ethic comes from an expectation that she has to over achieve and her awareness of privilege in her spaces… very interesting marination.

Recently, Kimberly launched her podcast, Birthright and also launched Irth, as in "birth" but without the "b" for bias. Irth, also launched last week, is a new (Yelp-like) digital platform where Black and brown women (and their partners) can get real-time ratings for their OB/GYN, hospitals, and pediatricians.

This conversation is very intense, eye-opening and disheartening at the same time.  The disparity in medical treatment and experiences in hospitalization with black and brown people needs extreme improvements… what about an overhaul?  O wait, what are your thoughts on mid-wifery or doulas to assist with the birthing process?  Yup, this is discussed too!

If you aren’t already, please follow us on IG|Twitter @activeallyship.podcast! And of course, there’s our Facebook Page, Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Drop us a line or two… Be sure to Listen. Subscribe. Rate. Review. Share. the podcast!

Cali by Wataboi https://soundcloud.com/wataboi
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
Free Download / Stream:  https://bit.ly/wataboi-cali
Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/qXptaqHIH5g

On this episode of Active Allyship…it’s more than a Hashtag!… Sunni and Lisa discuss at length, the Guilty Verdict reached in the trial of Derek Chauvin. The former Minnesota Police Officer accused of murdering George Floyd was found guilty on all three counts.

Finally, there is a collective sigh of relief… for an incident that took place almost one year ago.  The trauma of reliving the moment that will be forever etched in the memories of so many people is real.  The moments leading up to the death, correction, the murder of George Floyd was witnessed by millions.

Lisa and Sunni thought it best to dedicate this entire episode to this necessary discussion.  While there is a feeling of relief for the verdict, there’s still an eerie, uneasiness surrounding the most recent murders of black and brown humans by those sworn to protect and serve.  It feels so intentional. Like honestly, how do you mistake a gun for a taser with more than 25 years of policing and serving as a “trainer”?… this is rhetorical of course.

For sure it’s bittersweet.  Understanding that the term “happy” is relative, but doesn’t seem quite fitting for this moment… Sunni and Lisa discuss the nuances, the feelings, the emotions and how they’re coping with all that has happened.  Words are elusive, evaporating in mid-air… it’s just been so overwhelming.

If you aren’t already, please follow us on IG|Twitter @activeallyship.podcast! And of course, there’s our Facebook Page, Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Drop us a line or two… Be sure to Listen. Subscribe. Rate. Review. Share. the podcast!

Cali by Wataboi https://soundcloud.com/wataboi
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Free Download / Stream:  https://bit.ly/wataboi-cali
Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/qXptaqHIH5g

On this segment of Did you know… Sunni and Lisa acknowledge the transition of both, DMX and Prince Philip.  If you haven’t heard about the discrimination that took place Kids R Kids daycare in Roswell, GA… you’ve got to tune in. So, all the controversy surrounding the perceived disrespect of the flag by kneeling and how the soldiers fought for our freedom… it appears that the police in Virginia have no respect for our soldiers… especially after pepper spraying and physically assaulting an African American/LatinX soldier during a traffic stop.  *deep, really deep breaths*   

On this episode of Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag! Sunni and Lisa talk to  Linda Gordon, author of The Second Coming of The KKK, The Ku Klux Klan Of the 1920’s and the American Political Tradition. 

Linda shared what she was marinated in… both her parents were immigrants.  She shares her experiences growing up in a progressive home and how that shaped her views.

Linda shares with the ladies how this book came to be!  It wasn’t originally a whole ass book.  She uses words like “brilliant” and “social movement” to describe this organization.  Puzzling?  Absolutely!  *listen to hear the explanation*

Linda shares the origins of the KKK, the secrecy of it and how the next generation of klans men/women were a social movement.  Very interesting conversation, the KKK is and will always be a terrorist organization.  

Conspiracy theories?  Yes!  What’s interesting is that many of the strategies used in the 1920’s are being used today.  Any community that isn’t Anglo is a prime target. Fear-mongering. Intimidation. Inadequacies. Oz Syndrome.   

Structural Racism? Systemic Oppression? Infiltrating local, state and federal government.  Yes.  It’s real.

If you aren’t already, please follow us on IG @activeallyship.podcast! And of course, there’s our Facebook Page, Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Drop us a line or two… Be sure to Listen. Subscribe. Rate. Review. Share. the podcast!

Cali by Wataboi https://soundcloud.com/wataboi
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Free Download / Stream:  https://bit.ly/wataboi-cali
Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/qXptaqHIH5g

On this segment of Did you know… Sunni and Lisa discuss the current state of affairs, i.e. the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. This conversation led to a discussion regarding the NYPD and the lack of accountability.  Now on to Qualified Immunity… yesssssssss!  O and… the new law in place regarding marijuana… all this and more…Whew!  You’re going to have to listen!   

On this episode of Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag! Sunni and Lisa talk to  Actor, writer, Rafael Alejandro!  Rafael was marinated in the essence of Puerto Rican and Dominican heritage.  Listen to his story of growing up and maturing… Hint: President. New York Yankee. Actor. 

He shares his anger regarding the 9/11 events that unfolded in NY and his determination to examine his way of thinking about the muslim community.  The events of 9/11 forever changed the way we live and operate today, almost 10 years later. 

Rafael shares his political views and vulnerability as it relates to war and oppression and occupying other spaces, countries around the world.  Sunni contends that hate, racism and power all come from the same place.  It has everything to do with the individual and perhaps, what they’ve been marinated in or not.  Hint: The Wizard of Oz.  Think about it!  Seriously!  He also shares an example of this privilege and being in spaces that allowed him access that he may not have otherwise had.

Protesting… there’s an interesting conversation that takes place about the effectiveness of protesting… understanding that protesting doesn’t only mean showing up in a physical space.

O yea, “they want our rhythm, but not our blues”… you’ll have to listen to get the context.  If Spike Lee wasn’t Spike Lee… trust!  So much to unpack, so much!!!!! 

Rafael also shares some of his experiences in acting and the roles he has gotten which are largely stereotypes.  

If you aren’t already, please follow us on IG @activeallyship.podcast! And of course, there’s our Facebook Page, Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Drop us a line or two… Be sure to Listen. Subscribe. Rate. Review. Share. the podcast!

Cali by Wataboi https://soundcloud.com/wataboi
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Free Download / Stream:  https://bit.ly/wataboi-cali
Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/qXptaqHIH5g

On this "extra long” segment of Did you know… Sunni and Lisa attempt (albeit unsuccessful) to unpack the lunacy of folks and their absolute blind ambition to succeed at becoming lower than a snake’s belly!  The ladies discuss a number of atrocities committed against children in the Black Community. Curious: 1) the 6 year old kid who was arrested and made to appear in court for picking a fcuking tulip! 2) the 5 year old kid whose teacher made him pull toilet paper and feces from the toilet and 3) the “headmaster” who made the 11 year old kneel and apologize!  The common denominator, wait for it - white adults and black children! Just know that Sunni loses her chit discussing these atrocities… you’ve been warned.  The ladies also discuss the violent events that are happening in the Asian Community.  Understand that the show’s hosts stand in solidarity and hold space for underrepresented communities.  It’s going to take people from every culture and background to make that hate machine disappear for all eternity!

On this episode of Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag! Sunni and Lisa talk to  Bruce Reyes-Chow, author of “In Defense of Kindness…”. What an amazing human- being!  *singing* “It’s a beautiful day in this neighborhood…” Seriously!  The ladies were wondering where he was with the book during the 2019 Presidential campaign…it was most definitely needed! The context, the layout, the calls to action after each chapter… Yesssssss!  

When Bruce shares what he was marinated in, you can immediately make the connection to his life’s journey and the book.  Insightful!  Wait, he’s a comedian too, he is hilarious!  

Admittedly, one of the hosts stated that she didn’t want to read the book because she thought it was going to be too mushy and airy fairy.  Yea, no… what a totally different experience.  Of course you’ll have to listen to know who said what…but you can take a guess!

When you think of ways to show kindness, the ladies would be willing to bet “a dime to a dollar” that you wouldn’t think of Saviorism or Privilege or Resistance or Competition or Institutional Change!  These discussions and so much more!  You will not regret listening to this episode (or any of them really).  O wait, it’s extra long so, take a really long walk or drive or prepare dinner or shucks, do nothing… but listen!

If you aren’t already, please follow us on IG @activeallyship.podcast! And of course, there’s our Facebook Page, Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Drop us a line or two… Be sure to Listen. Subscribe. Rate. Review. Share. the podcast!

Cali by Wataboi https://soundcloud.com/wataboi
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Free Download / Stream:  https://bit.ly/wataboi-cali
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On the Did you know Segment… Sunni and Lisa discuss the one year anniversary of the Breonna Taylor’s murder by the Louisville, Kentucky Police Department.  Breonna and her boyfriend were none the wiser when white plain clothes police officers burst into their apartment while they were asleep, on a no-knock warrant.  The charges against her boyfriend has sense been dismissed.  Seriously, authorities spent more time trying to charge/convict an innocent man than they did pursuing the actual murderers of Breonna Taylor.  Before Breonna Taylor, there was Ahmaud Arbery, then George Floyd and countless other people of color suffering at the hands of rogue law enforcement officials. The ladies also discuss the newly released NYPD’s Civilian Complaint Review Board (police misconduct database) information.

On this episode of Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag! Sunni and Lisa converse with Jesse Ross, Diversity and Inclusion Leader, Executive Coach, and an International Speaker amongst other hats he wears.  

Jesse shared that he was marinated in community activism at a really young age.  He was the kid under the table when his mom held meetings with community leaders looking for solutions for challenges that are still present today.  You already know that you’ll have to listen to hear his response. 

One of the incredible ways Jesse uses his gift, is by facilitating conversations with white women and men on privilege and racial inequalities.  You already know Sunni asked if he thought that there were supporters of the previous president in attendance.  Jesse doesn’t refer to this platform as a “safe space”, instead it’s a space to get comfortable, sitting with discomfort and vulnerability for the majority population. 

You’ll also hear Jesse’s up close and personal account regarding the moments following the murder of George Floyd!  Yes, he lives very close, he even shares how white supremacists began to patrol his neighborhood!  

Hear the conversation regarding Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. vs. Social Justice. What say you, are they the same?

If you aren’t already, please follow us on IG|Twitter @activeallyship.podcast! And of course, there’s our Facebook Page, Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Drop us a line or two… Be sure to Listen. Subscribe. Rate. Review. Share. the podcast!

Cali by Wataboi https://soundcloud.com/wataboi
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
Free Download / Stream:  https://bit.ly/wataboi-cali
Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/qXptaqHIH5g

On the Did you know Segment… Sunni and Lisa discuss Lisa’s newfound love with the social media platform - Clubhouse!  Geez Luweez! Sunni’s on there too, but she’s attempting to exercise some balance, which sometimes seems unattainable…lol.  Seriously though, Clubhouse is a great space for conversations about any and everything!  Real connections are made too!  Now, please understand that bullshit comes with all social media platforms, to include Clubhouse…our advice - filter, filter, filter.  Moderators, stages, rooms, hallways, hand raising… yup!  O wait, you can only access Clubhouse via IOS. Sunni is super excited to have received her invite from our prior guest Leslie Short!  

On this episode of Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag! Sunni and Lisa converse with Dr. Melissa Clarke, author of the popular patient advocacy book “Excuse Me Doctor, I’ve Got What?”.  She’s a seasoned Emergency Medicine Physician and pioneering leader in population health for Fortune 500 companies, academia and hospitals. Passionate about empowering individuals to be their own best health advocates, she has been a leading voice in the COVID 19 pandemic regarding health equity for vulnerable populations. Dr. Clarke is a graduate of Harvard University, the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, and residency at Georgetown and George Washington Universities. 

O wait!  You’ve got to tune in to Dr. Clark’s Monday night Live on Facebook and Youtube!  You will not be disappointed, lots of answers given and knowledge shared!

And of course, Dr. Clarke shares what she was marinated in…yup, you’re going to have to listen! Hint: Caribbean spices too!  

Health Disparities vs. Healthcare Disparities, do you know the difference? What about the term “other them”?  The ladies are hopeful that the majority population has opened their eyes to the ongoing disparities that black and brown people have been dealing with for eons! Sunni shares her experiences dealing with the healthcare system… some things that she’d just like to forget, but feels fortunate to have the opportunity to engage and try to turn things around. Bedside manner, missing, empathy, absent, compassion…what’s that?!  THEN, there’s Covid and the Black Community!  You’ve got to tune in to hear it all!  Let’s say this…lack of trust and trauma in the healthcare system. 

If you aren’t already, please follow us on IG|Twitter @activeallyship.podcast! And of course, there’s our Facebook Page, Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Drop us a line or two… Be sure to Listen. Subscribe. Rate. Review. Share. the podcast!

Yes, you noticed the brevity in the description…great! 

Cali by Wataboi https://soundcloud.com/wataboi
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Free Download / Stream:  https://bit.ly/wataboi-cali
Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/qXptaqHIH5g