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Laura Schellhardt is a Chicago based playwright and adapter. Her original works include Air Guitar High, Auctioning the Ainsleys, The Apothecary's Daughter, The K of D, Courting Vampires, and Shapeshifters, among many others. Adaptations include The Phantom Tollbooth, The Outfit, and Creole Folktales. She is also the author of Screenwriting for Dummies. She’s a two-time Jeff Award nominee and recipient of the AATE Distinguished Play Award, the New Play Frontier’s residency, the TCG National Playwriting Residency, the Jerome Fellowship, the New Play Award from ACT in Seattle, and a Dramatist Guild Playwriting Fellowship. She has participated in the SoHo Rep Writer/Director Lab, the Women Playwrights Festival at SRC, the Kennedy Center's New Voices/New Visions Festival, the Bonderman TYA Symposium, the Ojai New Play Conference, the Denver Center New Play Summit, the Bay Area Theatre Festival, and the O'Neill National Playwright's Festival, among others. She received her graduate degree from Brown University, under Paula Vogel. She’s a former Victory Gardens Resident Playwright and current member of Walkabout Playwrights Collective and she oversees the undergraduate play Schellhardt oversees the undergraduate playwriting program in the Department of Theatre at Northwestern University.
Key Takeaways
We all hold many identities and their salience changes with time and context
Privilege can be an obstacle when you’re not aware of it but it can be a tool to empower others
What you practice grows stronger, especially with how you talk to yourself and others
What and how you give your attention is one of your most powerful tools
Effort > outcome and process > product
There’s a difference between safety and comfort and it is important to learn and grow in discomfort
Authenticity is a series of choices based on your values and intentions
Take yourself seriously but hold yourself lightly
Make connections not impressions
Guest’s Media Recommendations:
The Anti-Racist Writing Workshop: How To Decolonize the Creative Classroom by Felicia Rose Chavez (book)
Creative Acts for Curious People by Sarah Stein Greenberg (book)
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Find Guest’s work:
https://communication.northwestern.edu/faculty/laura-schellhardt.html
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For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay
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Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify.
Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger.
Email [email protected] with questions or comments about the show!
Shannon Watson is a communicator, strategist, thought leader, and civic thinker. Shannon has worked in policy public affairs roles for Majority in the Middle, Casper Corcoran, The Medical Alley Association, St. Paul Area Chamber, U.S. Bank, the Minnesota Senate and the National conference of State Legislatures. She has more than two decades of experience in electoral politics having worked on local and state-wide campaigns on both sides of the aisle in Kansas, Colorado and Minnesota. She holds a bachelor's degree in English, Theatre, and Psychology from Wichita State University and a master's degree in Advocacy and Political Leadership from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She currently lives in Minneapolis with her dog, CJ.
Key Takeaways
Unfortunately people often focus on differences first, how can we challenge ourselves to look past differences to see similarities
The more time and effort put into relationships makes people more comfortable with people who are different from them or with things they don’t understand
There’s no all or nothing — every group is varied and has diversity within it
Authenticity is about owning your successes and failures
Guest’s Media Recommendations:
The Newsroom (TV series)
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Find Guest’s work:
https://www.majoritymiddle.com/shannon-watson
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For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay
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Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify.
Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger.
Email [email protected] with questions or comments about the show!
Michael Rohd is a theatre-maker, educator, process designer, writer and facilitator. His research and creative practice is focused on civic imagination. He has a 30+ year history of projects across sectors bringing cultural activity to the work of public engagement, community planning and cross-sector coalition building. In 1992 in Washington DC he co-founded Hope Is Vital, an arts & public health program that, over 8 years, helped start up theatre-based public engagement/HIV prevention coalitions in over 80 communities around the US. In 1999, he co-founded Sojourn Theatre and served as artistic director for 20 years, co creating and directing nearly 30 devised often site specific and participatory theatre works. In 2012, he co-founded Center for Performance and Civic Practice, a collective of nine artists/facilitators who work with organizations and agencies around the country on community research, transformational process and system change. He is currently Civic Collaborations Director for One Nation One Project, a national arts/municipality/public health project & research cohort in partnership with National League of Cities; he is co-designer/co-facilitator for Art-Train, a virtual national technical assistance program in partnership with Springboard for the Arts. He recently founded the Co-Lab for Civic Imagination at the University of Montana, and he is author of the book Theatre for Community, Conflict and Dialogue.
Key Takeaways
Groups of people share something, whether that is space, time, values or goals
What is the harm of entering a space with the intention of persuading others at all costs?
Bringing people together might require different tactics depending on their goals. Reflect and dialogue with community members before jumping in
Working with a co-facilitator makes for better processes and better outcomes
When things are off, be mindful. Pause and be transparent about what might be going wrong
We all need to build our capacity for listening
Guest’s Media Recommendations:
The Candy House by Jennifer Egan (book)
Can’t Drink Salt Water by Kendra Mylnechuk Potter (play)
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Find Guest’s work:
https://howlround.com/commons/michael-rohd
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For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay
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Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify.
Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger.
Email [email protected] with questions or comments about the show!
Rhodes Perry is a bestselling author, award-winning entrepreneur, and an internationally sought-after keynoter. He helps senior executives and people leaders build belonging at work by establishing psychological safety and trust. Nationally recognized as a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) thought leader, he has over 20 years of leadership experience having worked at the White House, the Department of Justice, the City of New York and PFLAG National. Media Outlets like Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and the Associated Press have featured his powerful work. Both of his books, Belonging at Work (2018) and Imagine Belonging (2022) debuted as #1 Amazon bestsellers and were published by Publish Your Purpose Press. He earned a BA from the University of Notre Dame, and a MPA from New York University. He currently serves on the National LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce’s Transgender Inclusion Task Force, and the Cascade AIDS Project’s Board of Directors.
Key Takeaways
When people share their identities and experiences with you, receive them with care
Standing up and advocating for yourself paves the way for others to do the same
Be aware of who you intentionally including and also who you might accidentally be discluding
Push yourself out of your comfort zone to engage with many communities and people who identify differently than you
When you notice that you’re uncomfortable, note where its happening in your body, and remember that learning happens just past the edge of your comfort zone
At work it's important for everyone to have the agency to show up as authentically as they choose
Pay attention to who’s speaking, whose ideas are considered and whose aren’t
Guest’s Media Recommendations:
Disclosure (Documentary)
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Find Guest’s work:
https://www.rhodesperry.com/
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For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay
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Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify.
Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger.
Email [email protected] with questions or comments about the show!
Catherine Altman Morgan is an award-winning career transition expert and business consultant who has been coaching clients and colleagues through job and life transitions for more than 20 years. She is the founder of Point A to Point B Transitions Inc. and the author of This Isn't Working! Evolving the Way We Work to Decrease Stress, Anxiety, and Depression.
Key Takeaways
Be empathetic, use your experience and build trust
Intentionally set up a safe space by providing guidelines like
The details of what’s shared here stay here
No meanness, shaming or blaming
Its okay to get personal
Go into new situations with no expectations
Engage your curiosity
Authenticity is integration of all parts of yourself
Guest’s Media Recommendations:
Imagine Belonging by Rhodes Perry
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Find Guest’s work:
Catherine Altman Morgan | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster
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For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay
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Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify.
Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger.
Email [email protected] with questions or comments about the show!
Joe Davis is an award-winning spoken word artist and bestselling author who uses poetry to power possibility. Joe is a student and practitioner of Radical Joy, a deep-rooted wellspring of well-being that he cultivates in community through writing, music, theater, and dance. Based in Minneapolis, he tours internationally to join schools, faith spaces, and nonprofits to practice envisioning and embodying a world of collective liberation and human flourishing. Joe holds a Master of Arts degree in Theology of the Arts and also heads a multimedia production company, a soul funk band, and a racial justice education program.
Key Takeaways
Radical joy is getting to the root, depth and fullness of joy which includes the wholeness of human emotions
Art allows us to slow down and move at the pace of relationship
Lead with questions, invitations and vulnerability
The sooner we understand that race work is uncomfortable and that we’re going to mess up sometimes the sooner we can get to repair work
Find your freedom practice: a daily ritual that will help you feel more healed, whole and alive
Guest’s Media Recommendations:
Everything, Everywhere, All At Once (movie)
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Find Guest’s work:
www.JoeDavisPoetry.com
We Rise Higher: Poems and Prayers for Graduates | Sparkhousegher
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For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay
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Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify.
Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger.
Email [email protected] with questions or comments about the show!
Content warning: This episode discusses abuse and suicide. Please take care as you listen.
Shirley Buck is the author of the internationally best-selling book Sweet Freedom Whispered in My Ear. A dedicated mindset coach specializing in trauma and abuse recovery. Drawing from her own remarkable journey of overcoming years of severe abuse and trauma. In addition to her coaching expertise she is also an energy healer helping individuals find healing and empowerment. Her life’s mission is to inspire and guide others on their path to recovery, resilience and personal transformation.
Key Takeaways
Mindset is everything — it can help you learn, find joy and overcome anxiety, depression or other struggles
Learning how to change your thought process can change your life
When you’re in survival mode, it's difficult to feel and process your emotions. Once you find safety you can process your experiences.
Your identities and your past do not define your value
Take an active role in creating your life by being vulnerable and actively creating your mindset
Guest’s Media Recommendations:
The Law of Attraction by Esther and Jerry Hicks
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Find Guest’s work:
https://www.shirleybuck.com/
https://a.co/d/2PTpee2
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For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay
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Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify.
Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger.
Email [email protected] with questions or comments about the show!
Andrew Horning is a former licensed private practice psychotherapist with a Masters degree in clinical work from the University of Michigan. He is trained in EMDR, Mediation and Dispute Resolution, Gottman Couples Counseling, and Brené Brown’s Daring Way. He also hosts a podcast on relationships and coached high school basketball. Drew published his book, Grappling: White Men’s Journey from Fragile to Agile, in May, 2021. He lives in Boulder, CO with his wife of over 20 years, Genny, and their two children.
Key Takeaways
Place, where you grew up or where you live, can significantly shape your identity
Show up open-hearted and curious to the experience of others
Impact is more important to address than intent
The world has been set up to maintain our comfort but it's important to sit with discomfort in order to grow
Be fascinated by the people around you
Maintain your practice of self-compassion through breath, meditation
Authenticity is all about making your words, actions, thoughts and feelings congruent with each other
Guest’s Media Recommendations:
There Are No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz (book)
Come From Away (musical)
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Find Guest’s work:
Hoffman Institute: https://www.hoffmaninstitute.org/drew-horning/
Website: https://www.andrewhorning.co/speaking
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For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay
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Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify.
Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger.
Email [email protected] with questions or comments about the show!
Tim Wise is among the nation's most prominent anti-racist educators and authors. He has spent the past 30 years lecturing on matters of racism and racial bias in all 50 states, on over 1,500 college campuses, at hundreds of professional and academic conferences, and to corporate, non-profit, and community groups throughout North America.
He is the author of eight books, including his highly acclaimed memoir, White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son, and his latest essay collection, Dispatches from the Race War. He has contributed essays or chapters to 25 additional volumes, and his writings have appeared in dozens of popular magazines, newspapers, and scholarly journals.
Wise is a frequent commentator on CNN, MSNBC, and NPR, and his speeches have been viewed over 30 million times on various social media platforms.
Wise has served as adjunct faculty at the Smith College School for Social Work and was the 2008 Oliver L. Brown Distinguished Visiting Scholar for Diversity Issues at Washburn University, in Topeka, Kansas. He has served on the advisory boards of the Fisk University Race Relations Institute, the African American Policy Forum, and the National League of Cities' Racial Equity and Leadership Team.
He graduated from Tulane University in 1990 and received anti-racism training from the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond, both in New Orleans. And he is the host of the podcast Speak Out with Tim Wise.
Key Takeaways
Woke is being aware of ongoing systemic injustice and being concerned about altering it
Racism is a systemic force and not about “good” or “bad” people
Building a collaborative space requires constantly checking in with the things you don’t know — ask questions that make space for others’ perspectives
Some of the most radical anti-racism work is listening and supporting the needs of Black people so they can organize and lead
When you mess up, sit with the criticism, acknowledge your wrongdoing, apologize and keep moving forward
Keep holding truth to power so you understand how and why racism works in America today, then you can reconcile with your community
Authenticity is acknowledging that we are all people caught in a bad system: will you change the system or will the system change you?
Guest’s Media Recommendations:
Any work by James Baldwin (books and essays)
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Find Guest’s work:
Tim’s website: https://www.speakoutnow.org/speakers/tim-wise
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For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay
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Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify.
Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger.
Email [email protected] with questions or comments about the show!
Season’s Greetings and Season Beginning to all listeners.
Season Beginnings refers to the start of the New Year and what will be the 6th season of the podcast. I am also alluding to the slight change of brand…we will no longer call the show; Incognito the Podcast, but rather; Authenticity Belonging & Community, or ABC for short. And for many of us, our childhoods were filled with learning our ABC’s. These three words - more than anything else - truly define the focus of the show. And thus, it is with a new season beginning that I offer you Season’s Greetings!
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For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay
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Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify.
Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger.
Email [email protected] with questions or comments about the show!
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