Beyond J

A discussion about the importance of inclusion, and a story about President Luke Wood most still don’t know.

Luke Wood almost didn’t graduate from college. Which means he almost didn’t earn his master’s degree or Ph.D., almost didn’t become a respected college administrator and national leader on antiracism and inclusion.

Which, of course, means he almost wasn’t president of Sacramento State.

The story behind that “almost” is one that, despite the flurry of speeches and press, has flown under the radar during Wood’s first year at the helm of his alma mater. He shared that story and much more when he engaged in an in-depth discussion for a new episode of the “Beyond J” podcast.

Wood also touched on what it means to be a Hornet, why Sac State is pushing ahead with diversity initiatives while many colleges and universities are backing away, and the importance of launching the nation’s first Black Honors College.

Beyond J is back with new episodes, publishing every other Tuesday starting September 24.

Tammy Linn was the child of drug addicts, and grew up with instability and loss. She lived with multiple foster families and bounced around from school to school before ultimately dropping out. Unable to read and write, and eventually turned to crime before landing in prison.

Linn’s determination to turn her life around found her on the path to higher education. In this episode of "Beyond J," she recounts her journey and how Project Rebound, a college equity program on several CSU campuses, helped her along the way. Linn is joined by Sacramento State’s Project Rebound Director, Aaron Green.

Two Sac State grads—one visiting Ukraine and one at home in Sacramento— share their experiences following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Olya LeBaron learned firsthand of the invasion from friends and family in her homeland of Ukraine and watched in disbelief as events unfolded from her home in Sacramento. Meanwhile, Blake Westman woke to the sounds of explosions, gunfire, and air raids after a night out with friends during a recent visit to Ukraine.

While Olya’s journey to Ukraine to aid refugees and Blake’s escape from Kyiv to Poland are very different circumstances, their stories underscore the incredible humanitarian efforts amid devastating circumstances.

Sacramento Poet Laureate Andru Defeye’s startling declaration that “he is a recovering racist” while reading a poem he wrote for Sac State’s 2022 antiracism and inclusion Convocation blindsided host Phillip Altstatt and inspired this episode.

This thoughtful conversation about the difference between prejudice and racism, systemic power and control, privilege, and equity reveals some uncomfortable truths but is ultimately about hope.

Andru shares his journey to becoming an antiracist and offers solutions—starting with acknowledging and owning systemic truths and using the power of love to heal and create meaningful change.

Antonia Peigahi (she, her, they), director of policy and records management at Sacramento State, visits the studio to tell her incredibly personal story of coming out publicly as a transgender woman.

Together, we explore the use of language that can help all of us, as people, show respect by avoiding labels and assumptions that can be hurtful.

We sit down with Roshaun Davis, co-founder of Unseen Heroes, to discuss the topic of rebuilding community post-pandemic. He opens up about a personal and professional loss that he calls his ego death.

Roshaun says the notion of rebuilding shifts to providing outlets for communities to connect. The Sac State alumnus also mentions his four community pillars: Creativity. Community. Collaboration. Commerce.

In our second episode, we introduce you to six Sac State students who share their experience and advice entering the internship and job market during a time of uncertainty due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We’re also joined by Emma Wadiak and Stephaine Francis from the Sacramento State Career Center, who discuss how the department is helping students navigate these difficult circumstances.

Don’t miss the Career Center’s virtual events, resources and their HigherEd podcast.

In our first episode, we introduce you to Mona, a Sacramento State student who has persevered and kept her college dream alive despite daunting challenges. She has faced difficulties meeting basic needs such as food and housing as well as domestic violence and severe health challenges. And has kept going – finishing the Spring 2020 semester online along with nearly 30,000 other Sacramento State students.

Our co-host is Danielle Munoz, director of the Sacramento State CARES office, who shares her perspective on how students and others in the community can find themselves in trouble despite making good choices — and how the community can bring resources and support to change lives by changing situations.

Mona's story of challenge and determination will inspire you.