In this episode, Mark and Branden sit down with Lisa Fields, the founder of the Jude 3 Project, to discuss the complexities of race, politics, and social justice in America. 

They delve into Lisa's background, her journey into ministry, her work with the G3 Project, and the importance of courageous conversations.

Together, Branden, Mark and Lisa to think about personal responsibility, the importance of diverse viewpoints, and the transformative power of forgiveness and grace.

In this episode, Mark and Branden explore the complexities of belonging and acceptance in today’s fragmented culture. 

Joined by artist and leader Derek Minor, who shares his journey of resisting divisive systems and promoting authentic relationships, they delve into the shifting nature of community, especially among younger generations, and the role of acceptance in fostering true connection.

With the upcoming national election, they reflect on the concept of healing, and the controversial doctrine of hell wrapping up with an exploration of how individuals can be a light in their communities amidst political and social turmoil.

In this episode, Mark and Branden delve into the complex layers of identity with guest Brian Recker, who has critically reexamined the evangelical environment. 

Brian shares his personal journey of deconstructing deeply rooted beliefs, shedding light on biases related to race, religion, and identity. The conversation explores the need for environments that facilitate the exploration of biases, the courage to challenge ingrained beliefs, and the importance of belonging. 

They also discuss the impact of evolving perspectives on community, ministry, democracy, and the tension between holding onto traditional values and embracing progressive change. 

After a two-year hiatus, hosts Branden Polk and Mark Bauer explore the personal and societal upheavals experienced during their absence. 

They discuss the importance of vulnerability, the impact of race, faith, and political divisions, and the broader challenges facing society. As they reflect on their own life transitions and the state of the world, they delve into themes of trust, leadership, and the necessity of meaningful dialogue. 

Welcome to 'Behind the Scene' with Brandon Polk and Mark Bauer, a podcast dedicated to exploring the complex layers of identity and addressing challenging topics such as racial dynamics, political divides, and gender stereotypes. This season, they will engage in raw and unfiltered conversations with diverse guests, aiming to spark change and foster compassion and connection. 

Join them on a journey of growth that goes beyond comfort zones for an enlightening and necessary dialogue.

Continuing with our #CheckTheBox theme for this season, special guest Karith Foster joins us to discuss two boxes we tend to put people in when it comes to the race conversation: Victim or villain. In reality, those labels aren't so cut and dried, especially when you introduce intersectional identities into the mix. 

Karith Foster is a comic turned motivational speaker, TV & radio personality, actress, author, blogger and entrepreneur—and her new book, 'You Can Be Perfect or You Can Be Happy,' teaches readers basic concepts for embracing life's messiness. In this episode, we discuss how we can apply these same concepts to the race conversation.

Episode Description

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*The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and do not reflect that of their employer

What are barriers to men living conscious, compassionate, connected lives in their homes and communities? How does this apply to the race conversation?

Guest: Addison Brasil, VP of branding for tethr, an online peer-to-peer support community for men.

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Behind the Seen: @behindtheseenpod

Mark Bauer: @BarkMauer

Branden Polk: @BrandenPolk

Tethr: @tethrformen

In this episode, we discuss policing behavior (behavior of police) and the act of policing other people's behavior in our day-to-day lives. Recent civil unrest around the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police has shined light on inconsistencies in what we view as acceptable policing. More often, policing of any kind is a preservation of power and is an attempt to invalidate those who are being policed.

#CheckTheBox Call to Action: Who are you policing in your life in attempt to preserve your power over them? Who is policing you in order to preserve their power over you? If you can identify that behavior is occurring, it will set you up to break free of that oppression to live a more fulfilled, balanced, healthy life.

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Behind the Seen: @behindtheseenpod

Mark Bauer: @BarkMauer

Branden Polk: @BrandenPolk

Website

Wonymedia.com/behindtheseen

*The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and do not reflect that of their employer

In this episode we discuss the killing of Ahmaud Arbery. A lot of white people are being confronted for the first time with the injustice of racism and unsure how to process it. Others are perplexed why race has to be dragged into the equation at all. In this conversation, Branden turns the questions on Mark to discuss how the unexamined identities of white moderates continue to perpetuate racism. The second part of the discussions turns to how to transform guilt into change.

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Behind the Seen: @behindtheseenpod

Mark Bauer: @BarkMauer

Branden Polk: @BrandenPolk

Website

Wonymedia.com/behindtheseen

*The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and do not reflect that of their employer

Before the Tiger King, the quarantine binge was the reality show Love is Blind, which puts strangers in neighboring cubes and allows them to get to know one another without the benefit of seeing each other. Then, they fall in love. Or at least that's the idea. But is love REALLY blind? How do subtle ways we talk even give away things about how we were raised? And if love isn't blind, should it be? That's what we're talking about in today's episode. 

Follow us on Instagram

Behind the Seen: @behindtheseenpod

Mark Bauer: @BarkMauer

Branden Polk: @BrandenPolk

Website

Wonymedia.com/behindtheseen

*The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and do not reflect that of their employer