Curious Creature Podcast

As I continue my journey to better understand the world we live in, particularly after George Floyd, I wanted to focus on a specific group of people: the white protester. White Americans have shown up to protest racial injustice in ways and numbers not seen in years past. Why now? What has changed? After all, racial injustice has been a part of the American fabric for hundreds of years, and videos of black men and women being killed at the hands of police have been around for decades.

Today we speak with a man whose life has been completely transformed in the wake of the latest killings, and who has now dedicated his life to the fight for racial injustice and supporting his fellow brothers and sisters of color. He is white. He is also German-American, which carries its own set of complexities. We explore his life growing up in the San Francisco bay area, his understanding of white privilege, the effect of Breonna Taylor's murder on him and what impact he hopes to have moving forward.

My first podcast for the AHS Alumni podcast was Spenser. When planning this project five years ago, he immediately came to mind as the first person I wanted to interview, simply because of how he has lived his life. Spenser's love of adventure and people led him to run his own curbside recycling company at the age of 23, embark on a solo cross country bicycle trip from Iowa to Oregon and led him to Japan to work and experience the culture.

I have a tremendous amount of respect and love for him and we have bonded over this project since its inception. We share a philosophy and passion for community, loving people and serving the world. An excellent conversation with my friend and brother.

Honored to have my high school principal and long time Ames Community School educator, Bill Ripp. I have a great amount of respect for Mr. Ripp and admire him for his love of teaching and his respect and treatment of students. He impacted many students and their families far beyond the walls of Ames High School. Thanks you to Mr. Ripp for joining be today.

Jason Crawford is a white parent raising two black children. He knows his son and daughter will experience prejudice and racism due to the color of their skin. He struggles, because as a white man, he feels he cannot rightly teach them how to deal with being marginalized, and at times treated as something less than human. His heart aches for the world his children will face as they grow into adulthood.

Jason is also a veteran, having served our country in the United States Marine Corps, where he was twice deployed to Iraq. He knows all to well the effects of violence, prejudice and fear, and has written about his experiences as both a witness and perpetrator of those actions and emotions.

Join Jason and I for an excellent conversation as we explore the challenges he faces parenting a racially diverse family, understanding white privilege and what to do with it, the slippery slope of power and moving forward from the aftermath of George Floyd. Thank you to Jason for sharing his story with us.

• Differences in how police are viewed between black and white communities
• Systematic Racism in law enforcement
• Modern definition of White Supremacy
• How to use White Privilege to upset the system mindfully and effectively
• Breaking the cycle of ignorance
• Lessons parents must teach their black children

Jolyn Brakke was a year ahead of me in high school. In my view she was very popular, athletic and attractive. My perception did not match her reality however, and it turns out, her time at Ames High was challenging. In this episode Jolyn and I talk growing up a twin, Central Junior High, Skittle woes, battling eating disorders, the pressure of varsity, finding your groove and competing in a fitness pageant at 40. Thank you to Jolyn for sharing her life with us.

One of the most raw and open podcasts I have ever done. Jessica's redemption story is fascinating, heartbreaking and inspiring all at once. Her journey from a physical, emotional and sexually abusive childhood to marriage to motherhood to biker gang to full-blown drug addict to becoming clean and reconciling her faith in God and her relationship with her family is nothing short of a miracle.

Jessica's mission is to serve others through her story. It is a story of struggle, addiction, and heartache, but more importantly, a story of hope and healing. It is a beautiful story, and I am grateful to Jessica for sharing it with us.

Bryce joins the podcast today to talk bullying, contact lenses, team sports, discipline, living abroad, divorce, friendship and renewal.

Holly and a special guest join me today to talk favorite movies, family challenges, trombone woes, teaching in the trenches and mothering an awesome kid.

Tabitha joins me today to talk about hair, high school, living in fear, overcoming those fears, mothering, self-care and mindfulness.