By Maria Morukian
4.8
1616 ratings
The podcast currently has 101 episodes available.
In this solo episode, host Maria Morukian reflects on themes from the Culture Stew November Newsletter, exploring the challenges and opportunities in continuing the fight for social change amid a tumultuous post-election climate.
Maria shares personal insights inspired by her father’s lessons as a history teacher and invites us to consider how patterns from the past can guide us toward a brighter, more equitable future. She introduces the TRU framework as a way to reconnect with our purpose and sustain the long journey ahead.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
Reflecting on the Election Results: How the election highlights systemic divides and what it means for ongoing efforts toward justice.
Personal Practices for Resilience: Maria’s strategies for maintaining peace and momentum, including “Yes Days,” creative outlets, and nurturing community connections.
Finding Inspiration in the Orbital Perspective: How shifting our view can empower transformative thinking and collective action.
The TRU Framework
Transcend the Static: Finding quiet amidst the noise and reconnecting with purpose.
Redefine the Concept of Care: Moving beyond self-care into community and systemic care practices that sustain activism.
Unleash Our Wild Imagination: Dreaming boldly of a just future and believing in its attainability.
When the work feels overwhelming, remember you are not alone. Reach out, and together, we’ll remain TRU.
In this episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Morukian speaks with Kai Stowers, a chemist turned Leadership and DEI Consultant and Coach. Kai shares his journey from the lab to a career centered on building high-performing, inclusive teams, driven by a passion for both science and the human dynamics of leadership. Through candid stories, he reflects on the challenges of embracing one’s full identity in professional spaces, especially as a transgender man in male-dominated fields. Maria and Kai explore the importance of empathy, community, and the resilience needed to create lasting change. They discuss the complexities of navigating workplace culture as a scientist, the transformative power of trust in leadership, and the role of vulnerability in growth and solidarity.
About Kai Stowers, MA, PCC: Kai Stowers is a scientist turned Leadership and DEI Consultant with a passion for building inclusive, resilient teams. After beginning his career as a chemist focused on novel therapeutics, Kai's interest shifted toward understanding the impact of leadership and culture on human potential and organizational success. Today, Kai is an International Coaching Federation (ICF) Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with a master’s in Organizational Psychology and Change Leadership from Columbia University. His unique perspective as a transgender man and his dedication to mindfulness, intentional development, and learning bring a rich depth to his coaching practice.
In this special episode of Culture Stew, recorded at the University of Colorado Denver, we explore the transformative power of Ember: Igniting and Sustaining a Community of Equity Practitioners. We had the privilege of sitting down with all four facilitators, Maria Morukian, Chris Haigh, Aaron Barlin and Carmen Foster, to dive into discussions about the critical role of community in driving equity work, the concept of emergent change, and the journey toward gaining a liberatory mindset.
Our conversation touched on how change often arises organically through collaboration and mutual support, emphasizing that real, lasting transformation requires not just action, but deep, intentional reflection on how we engage with systems of power and privilege.
Special Thanks: A heartfelt thank you to UC Denver and the Learning Commons for providing a beautiful, inspiring space to make this conversation possible. Special thanks to Kerri Clarke and Dennis DeBay for their support, time, and thoughtful planning, as well as the recording studio for making this a seamless experience. Without their partnership, this podcast and the Ember program would not have been the same.
Learn more about Ember on the MSM Global Consulting Website: https://msmglobalconsulting.com/home/ember-igniting-and-sustaining-a-community-of-equity-practitioners-2/
Welcome to the first episode of Season 6 and the 100th episode of Culture Stew! This season, the podcast focuses on gender equity through an intersectional lens, highlighting the stories of diverse women and femme-identifying individuals whose experiences are often overlooked or misrepresented. In this episode, we are joined by Devin M. Moran and Jasmin M. Robinson, two scholars conducting research centered on Black women’s leadership and the unique challenges they face, particularly in predominantly white spaces. Devin and Jasmin share their insights on balancing the pursuit of justice with the necessity of self-care, offering reflections on how to sustain passion and purpose in this important work.
Devin M. MoranDevin is a learner, educator, and advocate for educational equity with over 11 years of experience in K-12 and higher education. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at Miami University, her research focuses on Black feminists, Black women’s pedagogies, and intergenerational joy. Devin is based in Chicago and enjoys fitness, spending time with her nieces and nephews, and indulging in sushi or buffalo wings.
Jasmin M. RobinsonJasmin is a consultant, educator, and DEI strategist with more than 12 years of experience in higher education, K-12 schools, corporate, and nonprofit sectors. As the Director of DEI Initiatives for MSM Global Consulting, Jasmin is also working toward a Ph.D. in Educational Administration, with research focused on the experiences of Black women in historically white institutions. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, thrifting, and exploring brunch spots around Chicago.
Key Topics Discussed:
Links & Resources:
Tune in Next Episode: Join us as we continue exploring gender equity through an intersectional lens with more incredible guests and stories. Don’t miss out!
Welcome to season six! This season, we are going to be experimenting with some new approaches and focusing on a central theme where exploring the experiences of women from an intersectional perspective, shifting the focus from deficit-based narratives to stories of strength, creativity, and resilience. Gender equity is a universal issue, and with reproductive rights under attack and the ongoing fight for trans and non-binary inclusion, these discussions are more critical than ever. We’re excited to welcome a lineup of inspiring guests, from those amplifying marginalized voices in literature to advocates for incarcerated women's reproductive rights. Together, we’ll dive into these issues with curiosity, hope, and a commitment to building a more equitable society.
In the third episode of our Summer Reflection Series, Todd Culp shares his experiences in conflict zones around the world. Learn how authentic connections and embracing change can bridge divides and promote peace. Todd's stories highlight the universal nature of humanity and the power of genuine communication, reminding us of the importance of seeing beyond differences to find common ground.
From Conflict to Connection: A Journey with Todd Culp
In this Illuminating episode, we delve into the fascinating world of conflict zones with Dr. Todd Culp, a distinguished professor of political science and history. With extensive research spanning regions like the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and even Ireland, Todd’s journey provides a rare glimpse into the realities of violence, terrorism, and the pursuit of peace.
Todd Culp’s Biography:
Dr. Todd Culp’s journey began in 1993 during the first Palestinian Uprising in the Middle East. He resided in the West Bank, conducting interviews with militant groups such as Islamic Jihad and Hamas, seeking to better understand the turmoil surrounding him. His experiences have since taken him to regions where terrorist attacks and violence are all too common. Notably, he interviewed Irish Republican Army (IRA) members, including an assassin serving a 284-year prison sentence.
Apart from his research and teaching, Todd actively collaborates with peace activists, committed to confronting the ongoing violence in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He often leads educational tours into these conflict zones to provide a firsthand look at the harsh realities of these battles.
Key Takeaways:
The Universal Nature of Humanity: Todd highlights the remarkable power of travel in breaking down cultural barriers and discovering the shared human experience. No matter the culture or politics, humor and laughter serve as bridges that connect us all. Authentic human connections can be formed when we are willing to laugh at ourselves and look beyond differences.
The Call for Authentic Voices: Todd emphasizes the importance of taking risks to be an authentic voice for peace and humanity. While his own experiences may sound extreme, he encourages listeners to recognize that there are countless ways to make a difference. Small acts of involvement, such as supporting peace activists, can have a significant impact.
The Value of Embracing Change: Todd highlights the inherent risk in life and how embracing change can lead to a more meaningful existence. In today’s often sterile and protected environments, stepping outside one’s comfort zone can provide a deeper sense of purpose. It’s a reminder that beauty can be found in the midst of ugliness, and pressure can lead to inspiring heights.
Our Summer Reflection Series continues with Elmer Dixon, whose journey from co-founding the Seattle Black Panther Party to becoming a global DEI consultant showcases the power of activism and strategy. Elmer shares powerful stories of standing strong against racial injustice and the Black Panther Party's community work. Discover how community efforts continue to play a crucial role in the fight for racial justice and equality.
Die Standing with Elmer Dixon
For those individuals and groups who have been the target of oppression and injustice, liberation is about finding voice to raise attention to those injustices, and at the same time centering the needs of the community. And…it’s about adapting and evolving our work to not only involve activism but also strategy.
Elmer Dixon’s journey from antiracist activism to global DEI and intercultural consultant underscores the ongoing importance of addressing racial injustice and adapting strategies.
Elmer shares his experiences as a co-founder of the Seattle Chapter of the Black Panther Party, detailing an incredible story of standing strong in the face of adversity and danger. He also recounts the often untold story of the Black Panther Party’s community work, ensuring that families and children not only had adequate food, shelter, and healthcare, but also a sense of cultural identity and pride.
Elmer's experiences with the Black Panther Party in the 1960s echo today's struggles for racial justice, highlighting the enduring fight against systemic racism and police brutality.
Elmer's subsequent metamorphosis to global DEI consultant emphasizes that all of us may need to pivot, to adapt our strategies and approaches in service of advancing the battle for equality.
As part of our Summer Reflection Series honoring the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer, we explore how embracing a liberatory mindset can drive strategic change. Kay Suarez, director of Equity in the Center, shares how waking up to new perspectives can transform community-driven equity work. She emphasizes the importance of collective action and the role each of us can play in creating a more equitable world. Kay's insights remind us that liberation is a communal effort, not a solo journey.
Summer Reflection Series - Episode 1: Awake to Woke to Work® with Kay Suarez
As part of our Summer Reflection Series honoring the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer, we explore how embracing a liberatory mindset can drive strategic change. Kay Suarez, director of Equity in the Center, shares how waking up to new perspectives can transform community-driven equity work. She emphasizes the importance of collective action and the role each of us can play in creating a more equitable world. Kay's insights remind us that liberation is a communal effort, not a solo journey.
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Awake to Woke to Work® with Kay Suarez
Join us in the first guest episode of the season as Maria and Roger have an enlightening conversation on the intersection of race, equity, and culture. Our special guest, Kay Suarez, a leading expert in this field, delves deep into the nuances of building an inclusive society where everyone has a fair shot at success.
In this episode, we explore:
The importance of acknowledging the importance of DEI work
Strategies for promoting racial equity in our communities
How embracing different perspectives can lead to innovation
The role each of us plays in creating a more equitable world
Tune in as we unravel the layers of race equity culture and uncover actionable insights that can help us build a more inclusive and harmonious future. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion on Culture Stew!
That's a Wrap on Season 5 of Culture Stew!
We’ve come to the end of another incredible season of Culture Stew. Thank you to all our amazing guests who brought insights, laughter, and profound lessons to our conversations.
In this season finale, hosts Maria Morukian and Roger Moreano dive deep into the emotional journey of DEI work, addressing both the heartfelt challenges and the practical hurdles of navigating resistance and advocacy. They explore the emotional toll DEI work can take, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and validating this labor.
Maria and Roger discuss how essential it is to foster environments where individuals can openly share their struggles and set realistic boundaries. They also underline the significance of building authentic relationships with marginalized communities, practicing self-care, and maintaining accountability in this demanding field.
Tune in as they share personal stories of facing pushback and resistance, offering valuable insights and advice on how to persevere and thrive in DEI work.
In this poignant episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Morukian engages in a profound conversation with Danne L. Johnson, Kai Stowers, and Wendy Moomaw. Together, they explore the multifaceted nature of joy, offering insights on how to cultivate resilience and authenticity in challenging times. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, the guests delve into the deeper dimensions of joy, discussing its intersection with self-awareness, societal pressures, and the pursuit of authenticity. From sensory experiences in nature to moments of self-knowing, they share practical strategies for reclaiming joy and resilience amidst adversity.
As the conversation draws to a close, Maria Morukian and her guests leave listeners with a powerful call to action. They invite listeners to embrace authenticity and cultivate joy as essential pathways to personal and collective empowerment. Encouraging listeners to explore their own joy practices and deepen their self-awareness, the guests emphasize the transformative potential of joy in navigating life's challenges. By reclaiming joy and embracing authenticity, listeners can embark on a journey of resilience, self-discovery, and meaningful connection with themselves and others.
Key Discussion Points:
Defining Joy: The guests explore the nuanced definition of joy, distinguishing it from happiness and positivity. They discuss how joy manifests in different aspects of life, from sensory experiences to moments of self-knowing.
Cultivating Joy: Sharing personal practices and reflections, the guests delve into how they cultivate joy amidst societal pressures and challenges. They highlight the importance of self-awareness, presence, and embracing authenticity.
Resilience and Self-Knowledge: Reflecting on the intersection of joy and resilience, the guests emphasize the role of deep self-knowing in navigating adversity. They discuss strategies for reclaiming power and resilience in the face of systemic barriers.
Guests:
Danne L. Johnson: An accomplished professional specializing in building inclusive cultures, Danne L. Johnson brings deep expertise in implicit bias and impactful training. She is the founder of Our Work LLC, a renowned DEIB firm.
Kai Stowers, MA, PCC: From a background in science to becoming a Leadership and DEI Consultant, Kai Stowers partners with leaders to foster inclusive teams. He holds a master’s degree in Organizational Psychology and Change Leadership from Columbia University.
Wendy Moomaw: A systems thinker and executive coach, Wendy Moomaw empowers leaders to navigate complex challenges with intentionality. She holds an MBA/MS Finance from the University of Maryland and is certified in various coaching methodologies.
The podcast currently has 101 episodes available.