Conversations With Carole

In this powerful and practical episode of Conversations With Carole, meet Nicola Millington—visionary PR strategist, cultural curator, and author of the timely and transformative new book, SWIPE: Mastering the Art of Handling Trolls and Protecting Your Peace. From the bustling energy of the Notting Hill Carnival to the calm confidence of digital self-defense, Nicola brings 25 years of communications wisdom to the screen and the page.

This episode takes listeners on a journey through Nicola’s multicultural roots in Guyana and the UK, her philosophy of legacy business building, and the hard-won lessons that shaped her groundbreaking workbook, SWIPE. Designed to empower individuals and small business owners alike, the book offers real-life case studies, including the viral TikTok post on Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, and introduces a practical five-step SWIPE method:

 Stop. Weigh. Investigate. Protect. Educate/Exit.

Whether you're a Gen Z creator, a concerned parent, or a business leader fighting for your digital reputation, this episode arms you with tools, insight, and courage.

Why Young People Should Read This Book:

• Mental Strength in a Digital World: In an age of online aggression, SWIPE gives young people strategies to navigate trolls, protect their mental health, and preserve their peace.
• Practical Digital Wisdom: Nicola offers timeless guidance infused with cultural depth and lived experience. From decoding digital aggression to identifying bot behavior, SWIPE is a survival guide for digital natives.
• Bridging Generations: With youth depression and loneliness rising alongside internet use, SWIPE is more than a book—it’s a bridge between analog wisdom and digital resilience.
• Empowerment Through Storytelling: The book includes nine relatable case studies, making it a must-read for young leaders, creators, and everyday users navigating the fast-paced world of online engagement.

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Where to Purchase the Book at Nicola’s Website:

 https://www.marketingwithlovedigital.co.uk/swipe-landing-page

Or in the UK purchase at Amazon

In this compelling and candid episode of Conversations With Carole, host Carole Copeland Thomas sits down with longtime colleague and diversity champion Robert Principe, author of "Excuse Me While I Skip a Beat: Working to Reinvent My Life and Leadership as a White Guy". With over three decades in the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) space, Robert pulls no punches as he explores what it means to be a straight white man doing the work of equity in a divided and resistant America.

From his Italian-American roots in segregated Queens, New York, to his transformational journey as an educator, court administrator, and DEI advocate, Robert opens up about personal blind spots, cultural reckoning, and the systemic challenges that white men often ignore—or reinforce—unknowingly. His voice is not one of paternalism but of partnership, rooted in humility and a fierce commitment to truth-telling and systemic change.

The episode unpacks:

• Why Robert wrote his book for “We the People”
• The lifelong impact of privilege and unearned access
• Honest conversations about race, gender, and history
• How his work with Black women like the late Mabel Milner shaped his lens
• Why DEI efforts need glue—not just performative urgency

Carole and Robert reflect on history, health disparities, Covid, George Floyd, and even corporate responsibility—from Target’s backtracking to Costco’s unwavering stance on DEI. The episode is both sobering and galvanizing, reminding us that this moment demands bold, sustained commitment—not polite conversations.

Whether you're a CEO, DEI professional, educator, or someone just beginning to examine your own place in this movement, this episode offers deep insight, practical wisdom, and the kind of straight talk that’s rare—and necessary.

Excuse Me While I Skip a Beat: Working to Reinvent My Life and Leadership as a White Guy

An expansive, evidence-based guide on confronting personal and societal biases, Robert's book is part memoir, part DEI manual, and part call to arms. It is especially resonant for white men seeking to do better—but not limited to them. The book explores themes like historical erasure, gender inequality, economic injustice, and the transformative power of truth-telling and systems thinking.

Purchase the book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

In this compelling and eye-opening episode of Conversations With Carole, host Carole Copeland Thomas sits down with Dr. Carlton Brown, a renowned UK-based diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategist and founder of Aspire Consultancy Ltd. (https://www.aspire-consultancy.com), to unpack “The Race Paradox”—a searing critique of how and why organizations repeatedly fail when it comes to race.

Dr. Brown exposes the deep-rooted patterns of performative allyship and broken promises that permeate the corporate DEI space—both in the United Kingdom and the United States. With clarity and urgency, he explains how many companies, despite grand declarations after George Floyd’s murder in 2020, failed to deliver sustained, systemic change. His insights into the "illusion of progress" challenge organizational leaders to confront uncomfortable truths.

Carole and Dr. Brown also highlight the eerie similarities between the UK’s DEI shortcomings and those seen across U.S. corporations—particularly the retreat from racial justice commitments once media attention faded. Their conversation urges leaders to abandon box-ticking exercises and instead commit to transformative, long-term racial equity.

Dr. Carlton Brown’s Background:

Dr. Brown brings a powerful blend of executive retail experience, academic excellence, and organizational consulting to the table. With a doctorate in leadership and over 20 years of DEI expertise, he has advised companies, and institutions on how to dismantle racism from within. 

Upcoming Engagements:

Dr. Brown is a featured leader at the upcoming 2025 Black Business Entrepreneur Conference (BBEC) in London on June 25, 2025. This prestigious event brings together global Black business leaders to accelerate economic growth and leadership within the African diaspora. Learn more about the conference at: https://www.thebbec.com/2025-conference

Carole Copeland Thomas will also be speaking at the BBEC, continuing her lifelong mission to elevate racial equity and inclusive leadership across global platforms.

In Episode 51 Carole sits down with the brilliant and compassionate Rev. Dr. Thema Bryant for a conversation that resonates deeply with listeners navigating life, love, and purpose. With authenticity, insight, and grace, Dr. Thema unpacks the transformative themes from her new book, Matters of the Heart: Healing Your Relationship with Yourself and Those You Love—offering wisdom on relationships, healing from trauma, setting boundaries, and reclaiming your personal joy.

As the Past President of the American Psychological Association, a clinical psychologist, ordained minister, and professor at Pepperdine University, Dr. Thema brings a wealth of knowledge grounded in experience, spirituality, and scholarship. She speaks candidly about being raised in a legacy of liberation theology, the powerful influence of her family, and the importance of community engagement in turbulent political times.

Carole and Dr. Thema explore the weight carried by "the strong one" in families, the role of women in society, and the necessity of healing and self-affirmation. With heartfelt storytelling, they highlight the profound need to step out of people-pleasing roles and into lives of peace, balance, and agency.

Listen to this episode to learn:

• How healthy relationships impact your mental wellness
• Why it’s okay to say no and protect your peace
• The importance of mutuality in all forms of connection
• How to break patterns of over-responsibility in family systems
• How self-love differs from companionship—and why both matter
• Why creating a joyful life now (not waiting for “your person”) is a radical act
• How to turn wounds into wisdom

About Rev. Dr. Thema Bryant:

Rev. Dr. Thema Bryant is one of today’s most influential voices on healing, mental health, and spiritual wholeness. A licensed clinical psychologist and ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, she is the former president of the American Psychological Association and a leading advocate for trauma recovery and liberation-centered mental health practices.

She hails from a remarkable lineage of faith and justice. Her father, Bishop John R. Bryant, and mother, Rev. Dr. Cecilia Williams Bryant, are respected leaders within the AME Church. Her brother, Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, is the Senior Pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia and a prominent voice in civil rights and social justice.

Learn more about Dr. Thema at:

Dr. Thema’s Website

drthema.com

New Book: Matters Of The Heart

https://drthema.com/matters-of-the-heart

The African Methodist Episcopal Church

ame-church.com

The Late Rev. Cecilia Bryant (1946 - 2024) Dr. Thema’s Mother

https://afro.com/cecelia-williams-bryant-homegoing/

https://www.washingtoninformer.com/cecilia-williams-bryant-eulogy/

Bishop John Bryant, Dr. Thema’s Father (1943 - Present) Retired Bishop of the AME Church

https://www.ame-church.com/leadership/bishops-of-the-church/

https://chapel.howard.edu/node/1031

Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, Dr. Thema’s Brother. Former AME Pastor, Now Pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church

https://jamalbryant.org/

https://newbirth.org/

Kukuwa Fitness

https://www.youtube.com/@KukuwaFitness

In this milestone 50th episode of Conversations With Carole, host Carole Copeland Thomas sits down with trailblazing publisher Valerie Brandes, the founder and CEO of Jacaranda Books, one of the most dynamic independent publishing companies in the UK. This episode is a powerful narrative of Black resilience, global identity, and visionary leadership in the world of literature.

Valerie shares her remarkable journey from growing up in a large Caribbean-British family in London to building a life in California—and ultimately launching Jacaranda Books in 2012. With over 120 titles published and a mission to amplify Black and diverse voices, Valerie takes us behind the scenes of how her company was born from both necessity and belief in her own untapped power.

The conversation is rich with stories about the Windrush generation, systemic racism in the UK publishing industry, the cultural impact of books like The Spook Who Sat by the Door, and the importance of cultivating the next generation of Black publishing professionals through Jacaranda’s paid internship program.

Whether you're a writer, reader, or cultural advocate, this episode will inspire you to think globally, act boldly, and write your own story into the future.

Valerie’s Timeline And Jacaranda Books

• Valerie’s Childhood & Family History:
  One of eleven children, Valerie was raised in a working-class Caribbean family in 1970s–80s London. Her love of literature was sparked early thanks to a home filled with books and encyclopedias.
• Life in the U.S.:
  A university exchange year brought her to UC Santa Cruz, where she met her husband. She later spent nearly 20 years in California, became a bookseller at Barnes & Noble, and was active in writing groups.
• Return to the UK & Reinvention:
  Returning to the UK as a mother of two, she pursued a master’s degree in publishing studies in her late 40s—leading to the founding of Jacaranda Books.
• The Birth of Jacaranda Books (2012):
  Sparked by exclusion in traditional publishing and fueled by her global Black identity, Valerie founded her own company, starting with only a logo and a dream. Today, Jacaranda boasts 120+ titles and counting.
• Publishing Impact:
  Valerie discusses key titles, including Fashion Africa, The Book of Harlan by Bernice McFadden, and a UK reissue of The Spook Who Sat by the Door. Jacaranda’s acquisitions span the entire African diaspora.
• Windrush Legacy & Community Resilience:
  Valerie shares deeply personal reflections on the Caribbean migration to the UK, including her mother’s harrowing journey, housing discrimination, and eventual triumphs—all echoing the resilience embedded in the diaspora.
• Black Excellence in Publishing:
  Jacaranda is not only a publisher but a training ground for future professionals, offering paid internships to uplift Black and brown talent.
• Website and Bookstore:
  Jacaranda has its own e-commerce platform for direct book sales:
  Visit https://jacarandabooksartmusic.com

In this powerful and practical episode, Carole sits down with Lurie Davis, founder of Lurie Davis Wealth Management (https://www.luriedavis.org/), to talk straight about financial survival and long-term strategy during politically and economically turbulent times—especially for communities directly impacted by the Trump administration.

With decades of experience guiding clients through recessions, political shifts, and personal financial crises, Lurie offers concrete, actionable steps to stabilize your finances and build a plan for the future—even when it feels like everything is working against you.

Whether you’re worried about job security, rising costs, access to healthcare, or just trying to make ends meet, this episode is packed with strategies to help you feel less overwhelmed and more empowered.

What You’ll Learn In This Episode:

• How to create a “crisis budget” that keeps your essentials covered without spiraling into debt
• Why it’s time to revisit your spending values—not just your spending habits
• Ways to maintain or rebuild credit even after late payments or financial hits
• Smart moves to make now if you’re worried about long-term stability
• What to ask before taking out any type of loan or hardship withdrawal
• How to protect yourself if you’re facing job instability or furloughs
• How to navigate benefits, side income, and government assistance without shame or fear
• The psychological side of money: how fear and financial insecurity are weaponized—and how to push back

Lurie Davis’s Top Recommendations for Managing Money in Tough Times:

1. Create a Priority-Based Budget. Focus on essentials: housing, food, medication, transportation. Everything else is negotiable for now.
2. Pause Non-Essential Spending. Even small luxuries can drain your reserves in uncertain times. Be ruthless and strategic.
3. Check and Monitor Your Credit Weekly. Use free tools to monitor changes and dispute errors. It matters more than you think when you’re trying to recover.
4. Avoid High-Interest Loans and Cash Advances. These might feel like relief, but they often dig a deeper hole. Exhaust all alternatives first.
5. Talk to Your Lenders and Service Providers. Most people wait too long to ask for help. Many companies offer hardship programs—but only if you ask.
6. Document Everything. Keep records of calls, payments, letters, and any agreements made with creditors or service providers.
7. Diversify Income Streams. Side hustles, remote work, and bartering systems are survival tools. Don’t rely on a single paycheck.
8. Stay Politically Aware and Financially Prepared. Policy changes can have direct consequences on your wallet. Make your financial plan responsive, not just reactive.

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Lurie (Lou) Davis is a native of Lynn, Massachusetts. He is a leader and expert in Investments, Financial Planning, and Wealth Management. He received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Minor in Business Administration from Springfield College in 1986

Lurie has worked for 38 years in the financial services community. Currently, Lurie works as a Registered Investment Advisor, Financial Planner and Wealth Manager. He is the CEO and President of Lurie Davis Wealth Management, Investments, and Financial Planning based in Lynn, Massachusetts. 

Are you ready for uncertainty? In this episode of Conversations With Carole, Carole Copeland Thomas delivers 15 critical tips to help you stay financially secure, emotionally strong, and physically prepared in the face of chaos. With unprecedented political and economic shifts, federal layoffs, and social instability, being proactive is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Tune in to gain practical advice on financial preparedness, job security, mental resilience, physical health, and civic engagement. Learn where to find trusted resources and how to take control of your future.

Listen now and take action!
Share this episode with your network!

Visit these vital resources for legal and civil rights information:

• ACLU: www.aclu.org
• NAACP Legal Defense Fund: www.naacpldf.org

15 Tips for Thriving in a Chaotic Country

Financial Preparedness

1. Build an Emergency Fund – Aim for 3 to 6 months’ worth of expenses in savings.
2. Diversify Income Streams – Consider side hustles, freelance work, or a second business.
3. Stay on Top of Debt – Minimize high-interest debt to reduce financial stress.

Job & Career Security

1. Keep Your Resume & Skills Updated – Be ready for sudden job changes.
2. Expand Your Network Regularly – Build professional relationships online and in-person.
3. Consider Union or Worker Advocacy Groups – Protect your job security and rights.

Mental & Emotional Resilience

1. Develop a Daily Stress Management Routine – Use meditation, journaling, and deep breathing.
2. Limit Doom Scrolling & Social Media Consumption – Set boundaries to protect your mental health.
3. Build a Support System – Stay connected with friends, family, and support groups.

Physical & Health Preparedness

1. Stay Active & Prioritize Health – Exercise regularly to maintain physical and mental well-being.
2. Maintain Access to Health Care – Keep your insurance updated and know your options.

Civic & Community Awareness

1. Stay Informed on Policy Changes – Follow reliable news sources and know your rights.
2. Engage in Local Advocacy & Mutual Aid – Support organizations that promote resilience.

Self-Sufficiency & Crisis Readiness

1. Have a Basic Emergency Kit – Include food, water, medications, cash, and important documents.
2. Learn Self-Reliance Skills – Gain knowledge in first aid, food preservation, and situational awareness.

Final Takeaway

The chaos is real, but so is your power to prepare. Take steps today to fortify your financial, emotional, and physical well-being.

 Listen. Learn. Take Action.
Share this with those who need it most!

Follow & Subscribe

Stay updated on future episodes and critical discussions:
 Website: www.carolecopelandthomas.com

Conversations With Carole – Helping You Navigate Uncertain Times!

DEI IS LEGAL IN THE USA!!

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Carole, host Carole Copeland Thomas breaks down the critical guidance issued by 16 Attorneys General in support of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). With the Biden administration out and Trump’s new policies aiming to dismantle DEI efforts nationwide, these state leaders are pushing back, reminding businesses that DEIA remains legal, essential, and beneficial.

 Key Topics Covered:

• The February 13, 2025, announcement from 16 state Attorneys General reaffirming the legality and necessity of DEIA initiatives.
• Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s leadership in co-sponsoring this critical guidance.
• The growing legal challenges as Trump's executive orders attempt to curtail workplace diversity programs.
• Why businesses should stand firm—DEIA not only fosters equity but also strengthens the workforce, enhances company culture, and improves profitability.
• A breakdown of the 10 key takeaways from the guidance, including legal protections, economic benefits, and the ongoing fight against misinformation.

 Why It Matters:
With over 70 executive orders from the Trump administration targeting DEI, the pressure on companies to abandon inclusive policies is growing. However, these 16 AGs emphasize that DEIA remains lawful and crucial for both legal compliance and workplace success. Their collective stance serves as a lifeline for businesses navigating these turbulent times.

 Final Thoughts:
Carole passionately calls on individuals, businesses, and advocacy groups to push back—through civic engagement, corporate resilience, and community activism. The fight for DEIA isn’t just about policies; it’s about people, values, and the future of workplace equity in America.

 Listen now to stay informed, stay empowered, and stand up for DEIA!

The 16 Attorneys General Include:

1. Illinois – Kwame Raoul. Co-Sponsor
2. Massachusetts – Andrea Joy Campbell Co-Sponsor
3. Arizona – Kris Mayes
4. California – Rob Bonta
5. Connecticut – William Tong
6. Delaware – Kathy Jennings
7. Hawaii – Anne Lopez
8. Maine – Aaron Frey
9. Maryland – Anthony Brown
10. Minnesota – Keith Ellison
11. Nevada – Aaron Ford
12. New Jersey – Matthew Platkin
13. New York – Letitia James
14. Rhode Island – Peter Neronha
15. Oregon – Ellen Rosenblum
16. Vermont – Charity Clark

Click Here To Read The Attorneys General Report:

https://bit.ly/4h0vfFv

In this powerful episode, host Carole Copeland Thomas explores how to navigate and resist the challenges of Trump's administration. With sweeping policy changes, government purges, and attacks on civil rights, it's critical to stay informed and take action. Carole lays out five key strategies to help you stay engaged and empowered in the fight for democracy, justice, and equity.

Five Ways to Cope in Trump’s World

🔹 1. We've Been Here Before...Understanding History
History reminds us that America has faced dark times before. From Woodrow Wilson’s racist policies to the rise of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s, marginalized communities have always resisted oppression. Carole reflects on how Black leaders and organizations, like Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the NAACP, have fought for justice—even when government institutions stood against them.

🔹 2. The Power of Movements and Lifting Up Our Legacies
Elections come and go, but movements create lasting change. Drawing inspiration from Dr. Angela Davis, Carole stresses the importance of collective action. The Civil Rights Movement, Black Lives Matter, and ongoing DEI efforts prove that people power can push back against oppressive policies. Now is the time to uplift the legacies of those who paved the way and continue their work.

🔹 3. Call Congress
Engagement with elected officials is crucial. Call your Senators and House Representatives at 202-224-3121 and demand action on issues affecting democracy, civil rights, and social justice. Even in blue states, holding representatives accountable ensures they resist harmful policies.

🔹 4. Support Pro-DEI Businesses
Where you spend your money matters. Costco has stood firm in its commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) despite political pressure. By supporting businesses that align with your values, you help sustain the fight for fairness in corporate America.

🔹 5. Follow Civil Rights Organizations
Stay informed and get involved with leading advocacy groups like:
✔ ACLU – Protecting civil liberties and fighting unconstitutional policies (aclu.org)
✔ NAACP – Advocating for racial justice and equity (naacp.org)
✔ NAACP Legal Defense Fund – Leading legal battles for civil rights (naacpldf.org)

Take Action Now

This is a five-alarm fire—inaction is not an option. Stay informed, mobilize, and share this episode with others who care about democracy and justice. We’ve fought before, and we will fight again!

🎧 Listen now and get involved!

Join Carole as she delves into timely, thought-provoking topics that impact our democracy, civil rights, and our collective future. This special episode, recorded on the eve of Inauguration Day 2025 and the 96th birthday of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., explores the themes of leadership, servanthood, and the power of activism in uncertain times. Reflecting on history, current challenges, and the legacy of civil rights giants, Carole inspires listeners to "Wait and See, Watch and Pray, Then Act."

Whether you're seeking hope, direction, or a call to action, this podcast empowers you to make a difference in your community and beyond.

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In this episode:

• Reflections on the upcoming inauguration and its implications for democracy.
• Honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders, including Reverend Dr. Virgil Wood, Reverend Dr. Ralph Abernathy, and Coretta Scott King.
• The importance of compassionate, servant leadership and the challenges facing America today, from natural disasters to political divisions.
• A call to action for listeners to stay informed, engage in civic conversations, and support organizations that champion democracy and human rights.

Resources Mentioned:

1. ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) – aclu.org
   • Toolkits, training, and resources to uphold civil liberties and fight against injustice.
2. NAACP Legal Defense Fund – naacp.org
   • A leading organization in advancing racial justice and equality.
3. Human Rights Campaign – hrc.org
   • Advocacy and resources for LGBTQ+ rights and equality.

Upcoming Highlights:

• Carole's attendance at the nation's longest-running MLK Breakfast in Boston, featuring Angela Davis.
• Reflections on pressing issues like book bans, executive orders, and the importance of active citizenship.

Take Action:

• Share this episode with your friends and colleagues.
• Subscribe, leave a review, and visit carolcopelandthomas.com for more episodes and information about Carole's speaking services.

Final Words:
"Wait and See. Watch and Pray. Then Act. Together, we can defend democracy, protect civil rights, and create a brighter future."