Fierce Compassion

In this powerful episode of Fierce Compassion, we sit down with acclaimed Indigenous author Monique Gray Smith to explore the transformative power of storytelling in healing intergenerational trauma and fostering reconciliation. Smith shares insights from her diverse body of work, from children's books to young adult non-fiction, highlighting how stories can bridge cultural divides and nurture empathy. She discusses the importance of self-compassion and the role of community in resilience. Smith also offers a poignant reflection on the impact of residential schools and other harmful policies on Indigenous communities, while emphasizing the strength and joy that persist. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the vital role of Indigenous voices in shaping a more compassionate future.

Transcript

Monique Gray Smith, an award-winning Indigenous author and speaker of Cree and Scottish heritage, weaves wisdom from her diverse lineages into stories that bridge cultures and generations. Her acclaimed works include "Speaking Our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation," "Tilly: A Story of Hope and Resilience," and beloved picture books "My Heart Fills With Happiness" and "You Hold Me Up." Through masterful storytelling, Smith illuminates paths toward reconciliation, healing, and cultural understanding. A respected voice in Indigenous literature, she dedicates her work to strengthening relationships between communities while nurturing young Indigenous readers. Her writing celebrates resilience, connection, and the transformative power of hope.

Follow Monique online:

Episode Mentions:

Danielle Daniel

Gabrielle Grimard

Julie Flett

Nicole Neidhardt

Phyllis (Jack) Webstad 

Orca Book Publishers

House of Anansi Press

Future Four Nations

Friendship Centre

You can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠

Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠⁠https://roxannemanning.com/⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠https://sarahpeyton.com/⁠

Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends!

Podcast Manager: Talli Jackson

Audio Editor: Brendan Youngquist

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, author and somatics trainer Staci Haines illuminates how our bodies hold both personal and societal trauma, and how somatic practices can transform our relationship to change-making. Through exploring core human needs for safety, belonging, and dignity, Haines reveals how polarization and political trauma live in our bodies – and how we can work with these embodied experiences to build authentic power and connection. Drawing on decades of experience in transformative justice and movement building, she offers practical wisdom for cultivating ourselves while fostering the conditions for true Beloved Community, even in times of deep division. Join us for this timely conversation about healing, action, and hope.

Episode Transcript

Staci Haines has been experimenting at the intersections of personal and social transformation for the last 30 years through the work of somatics, trauma healing, embodied leadership, and transformative justice. Staci is an innovator in the field of Somatics, focusing on how it can bring transformative capacity to social and climate justice movements and help heal the impacts of trauma and oppression. She runs online and in-person programs and teacher trainings, and partners with social and climate justice organizations.

Follow Staci online:

Episode Mentions

People:

Adrienne Maree Brown

Prentis Hemphill

Organizations:

Embodiment Institute

Generation FIVE

National Domestic Workers Alliance

Working Families Party

We're excited to be offering a limited number of live, one-on-one coaching sessions which will be shared on a special episode of the podcast. Follow this link to find out more and apply: https://bit.ly/FCCoachingCallApplication

You can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠

Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠⁠https://roxannemanning.com/⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠https://sarahpeyton.com/⁠

Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends!

Podcast Manager: Talli Jackson

Audio Editor: Brendan Youngquist

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, we explore the intersection of climate change, reproductive choices, and racial justice with Dr. Jade Sasser. Drawing on her research for Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question, Dr. Sasser illuminates how feelings about the climate disproportionately affect communities of color and impact decisions about having children. She challenges dominant narratives around population and climate change, offering a nuanced perspective on environmental racism and climate justice. Dr. Sasser emphasizes the importance of culturally competent mental health support and local climate action. Join us for an eye-opening conversation that reframes climate anxiety through an intersectional lens and explores pathways toward a more equitable, sustainable future.

[Transcript]

Dr. Jade S. Sasser is Associate Professor in the Department of Gender & Sexuality Studies at the University of California, Riverside. She received her PhD in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management from the University of California, Berkeley. Her work explores how environmental problems such as climate change and toxic exposures intersect with reproductive bodies, health, and rights. Her first book, On Infertile Ground: Population Control and Women’s Rights in the Era of Climate Change, was published in 2018 by NYU Press and won the Emory Elliott book award. Her new book, Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question: Deciding Whether to Have Children in an Uncertain Future (2024), builds on 3 years of research to analyze the relationship between climate emotions, social inequality, and reproductive anxiety in the U.S. She also has a podcast with the same name. In her free time, Jade is a DJ at a local radio station.

Follow Jade online:

Episode Mentions:

You can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠

Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠⁠https://roxannemanning.com/⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠https://sarahpeyton.com/⁠

Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends!

Podcast Manager: Talli Jackson

Audio Editor: Brendan Youngquist

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, we delve into the transformative power of nonviolence with Kit Miller, Director Emeritus of the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence. Miller shares insights from her new book, "Culture Shift: Nonviolence at Work," exploring how principled nonviolence and restorative practices can address systemic racism and foster Beloved Community. Drawing on her experiences leading diverse teams and creating innovative youth programs, Miller illuminates the interconnections between self-compassion, imperfection, and social change. Join us for an inspiring conversation that reframes nonviolence as essential medicine for our violence-sick world and offers practical wisdom for cultivating compassion in our daily lives and institutions.

Also, we are offering a limited number of live, one-on-one coaching sessions which will be shared on a special episode of the podcast. Follow this link to find out more and apply: https://forms.gle/4PqSPcJ74rLjzsUX8

Episode Transcript

Kit Miller is director emerita of the M. K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence, serving in that role 2009–2021. The work and reach of the Institute expanded greatly under her stewardship. Prior to the Institute, she worked as director/celebrator of Bay Area Nonviolent Communication in Oakland, California. Currently, Kit serves as a facilitator and educator for a variety of organizations, mainly in education, healthcare, and NGOs. Much of that time is dedicated to conflict work within teams.

Follow Kit online:

Episode Mentions

People:
Mahatma Gandhi
Martin Luther King Jr.
Bacha Khan
Tema Okun
Bernard Lafayette
Tushar Gandhi
Arun Gandhi
Howard Thurman
Dominic Barter
Heather McGhee
Rivera Sun

Books and Resources
“Culture Shift: Nonviolence at Work” by Kit Miller
“Legacy of Love” by Arun Gandhi
“The Gift of Anger” by Arun Gandhi
“Jesus and the Disinherited” by Howard Thurman
“The Sum of Us” by Heather McGhee

Organizations:
M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence
Bay Area Nonviolent Communication
Center for Nonviolent Communication
Nonviolence News
Pace e Bene

You can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠

Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠https://roxannemanning.com/⁠ and ⁠https://sarahpeyton.com/

Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends!

Podcast Manager: Talli Jackson

Audio Editor: Brendan Youngquist

Welcome to Season 3 of Fierce Compassion! To kick off the season, we look back on the year since publishing our book, "The Antiracist Heart," and share what we’ve been thinking and learning around navigating shame, owning our power, and healing the wounds within us and between us. We offer insights on the importance of nourishing ourselves through self-care and inner work, and explore our evolving understanding of what it means to nurture Beloved Community. This conversation offered us a space of connection, reflection, and delight, and we hope it feeds your inspiration to care for yourself, connect with others, and take meaningful action, no matter how small, towards creating a more just and compassionate world. 

We will be offering a limited number of live, one-on-one coaching sessions which will be shared on a special episode of the podcast. Follow this link to find out more and apply: https://forms.gle/4PqSPcJ74rLjzsUX8

Thank you for joining us as we launch our third season of diverse voices and transformative ideas around the meaning and practice of fierce compassion!

Episode Transcript

Roxy Manning, PhD is a clinical psychologist and certified Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC) trainer. She brings decades of service experience to her work interrupting explicitly and implicitly oppressive attitudes and cultural norms.

Sarah Peyton, Certified Trainer of Nonviolent Communication and neuroscience educator, integrates brain science and the use of resonant language to awaken and sustain self-compassion, particularly in the face of such difficult issues like self-condemnation, self-disgust and self-sabotage.

Follow Roxy online:

Follow Sarah online:

You can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠

Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠roxannemanning.com⁠ and ⁠sarahpeyton.com⁠.

Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends!

Podcast Manager: Talli Jackson

Audio Editor: Brendan Youngquist

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, we discuss growing infrastructure in Indigenous communities with Forest James, an entrepreneur, artist, developer, and enrolled citizen of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation. James explores how his diverse experiences in the arts, technology, and business shape his unique approach to bridging Indigenous and Western practices. He emphasizes the critical role of cultural understanding, self-compassion, and mentorship in creating sustainable solutions for Native peoples. Bringing an Indigenous lens to Beloved Community, James highlights the importance of inclusive decision-making and cross-cultural dialogue in fostering both economic development and cultural preservation. Join us!

Forest James is a highly skilled individual with a lifelong affinity for artistic thinking. With a diverse and extensive secular background, James has cultivated expertise across various domains. James has dedicated over 20 years to the film and entertainment industry, honing creative abilities and fostering a deep understanding of the sector. An enrolled citizen of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, James has actively engaged with hundreds of different tribal governments and tribal businesses, amassing valuable insights, knowledge, and a wealth of experience in planning, funding, and constructing infrastructure projects that cater to the needs of Native and Rural America. He excels in mediating between federal and state agencies, tribal governments, and tribal businesses, providing invaluable assistance in planning, funding, and executing projects aimed at promoting economic diversity within tribal communities. In recent years, James has represented a consortium of native and woman-owned companies, working towards the stabilization of intergovernmental infrastructure projects.

Transcript: https://antiracistconversations.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Fierce-Compassion-Episode-24-Transcript-Growing-Indigenous-Infrastructure-with-Forest-James.pdf

Follow Forest online

EnerTribe https://www.enertribe.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EnerTribe

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/enertribe?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/forestjames/

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@enertribe

You can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠

Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠roxannemanning.com⁠ and ⁠sarahpeyton.com⁠.

Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends!

Podcast Manager: Talli Jackson

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, we delve into the fierce vulnerability of Beloved Community with nonviolence and restorative justice practitioner Kazu Haga. Drawing on stories of transformation and reconciliation, Haga demonstrates our human capacity to transmute even the deepest harms through fierce vulnerability. Together we explore the fractal relationship between personal and systemic change, and how a stance of curiosity, compassion, and commitment to Beloved Community can sustain us and help us find our place in a diverse ecosystem of social transformation. Join us in this rich conversation as we discover how unhealed trauma impacts our world and how each of us can find our place in the work of individual and collective healing.

Transcript: https://antiracistconversations.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Episode-23-The-Fierce-Vulnerability-of-Beloved-Community-with-Kazu-Haga.pdf

Kazu Haga is a trainer and practitioner of nonviolence and restorative justice, a core member of Building Belonging, The Ahimsa Collective and the Fierce Vulnerability Network, and the author of Healing Resistance: A Radically Different Response to Harm. He works with incarcerated people, youth, and activists from around the country. He has over 20 years of experience in nonviolence and social change work, and has been an active trainer since 2000. He is a resident of the Canticle Farm community on Lisjan Ohlone land, Oakland, CA.

Follow Kazu online

Kazu's website http://www.kazuhaga.com

Facebook http://facebook.com/kazuhaga

Mentioned in the episode:

Organizations

Yes! https://yesworld.org/

The Ahimsa Collective https://www.ahimsacollective.net/

People

Josiah Royce https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josiah_Royce

Mariame Kaba https://mariamekaba.com/

Lilla Watson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilla_Watson

Chris Moore-Backman https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31395124-the-gandhian-iceberg

Reverend Nadia Bolz-Weber https://nadiabolzweber.com/

Sonya Shah https://www.ahimsacollective.net/s

Shilpa Jain https://yesworld.org/event-organizer/shilpa-jain/

You can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠

Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠roxannemanning.com⁠ and ⁠sarahpeyton.com⁠.

Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends!

Podcast Manager: Talli Jackson

Audio Editor: Brendan Youngquist

In this episode of Fierce Compassion we delve into the nuances of mindful travel and finding compassion in discomfort with speaker, author, educator, and racial equity consultant Dr. Anu Taranath. Dr. Anu offers insights into navigating discomfort and embracing empathy across borders. Her experiences and stories challenge us to reflect on our roles in a complex world, fostering deeper connections and understanding. Join us in this enriching exploration of how mindfulness in travel and journeys of discomfort can lead to greater compassion, awareness, and connection to ourselves, each other and the world.

Transcript: https://antiracistconversations.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Fierce-Compassion-Episode-22-Transcript-Mindful-Travel-and-the-Compassion-of-Discomfort-with-Dr-Anu-Taranath.pdf

Dr. Anu Taranath brings both passion and expertise as a speaker, author, educator, and racial equity consultant. In all her work, she partners with a range of people to deepen conversations on history, harm and healing. A University of Washington Seattle professor for the past 23 years, Dr. Anu knows that the most compelling conversations on race, identity, power, and belonging take place when people feel valued and heard. She has received the Seattle Weekly’s “Best of Seattle” recognition, the University's Distinguished Teaching Award, and multiple US Fulbright Fellowships to work abroad. As a consultant she has partnered with over 300 clients from National Geographic Society to the Raging Grannies. Her book "Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World" was named a Washington State Book Award Finalist, Newsweek's Future of Travel Winner in Storytelling, and included in Oprah Magazine’s “Best 26 Travel Books of All Times.”

Follow Dr. Anu online:

You can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at https://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast/

Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠roxannemanning.com⁠ and ⁠sarahpeyton.com⁠.

Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends!

Podcast Manager: Talli Jackson

Audio Editor: Brendan Youngquist

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, we discuss threats to libraries and the liberative power of books with Gavin Downing, a dedicated educator and librarian. Downing is an inspired advocate for the capacity of books to offer inspiration and accompaniment to young people, especially those with marginalized identities. In this conversation, Downing shares his experience fighting book bans, emphasizing the critical need for intellectual freedom and diverse representation in school libraries. Join us as we learn how Downing has used tools of nonviolence and advocacy to ensure that every student can receive the gifts of affirmation, delight, and dignity found in books.

Gavin Downing has been in education over 17 years, and a teacher-librarian for over 10. He successfully stopped an attempt to ban books in his school library in 2022, and has been recognized by both the Washington Library Association and the Washington Education Association for his work.

Here's the episode transcript: https://antiracistconversations.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Fierce-Compassion-Episode-21-Transcript-Libraries-Under-Threat-with-Gavin-Downing1.pdf

Mentioned in the episode:

Gavin’s Book Challenge response https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jFtxm3IXaAR6KD7JsdLR8g3Lbkb4KFna/view

Organizations

GLSEN https://www.glsen.org/about-us

Federal Way Education Association http://www.federalwayea.org/

Articles

Kent middle school librarian wins intellectual freedom award, Seattle Times https://www.seattleweekly.com/news/kent-middle-school-librarian-wins-intellectual-freedom-award/

LGBTQ+ Books Quietly Pulled From Washington State Middle School, Book Riot https://bookriot.com/lgbtq-books-quietly-pulled-from-washington-state-middle-school/

Books

Jack of Hearts (and Other Parts) by Lev AC Rosen https://www.levacrosen.com/jack-of-hearts

Are you there God, It’s me Margaret by Judy Blume https://judyblume.com/judy-blume-books/middle-books/middle-margaret/

If I was Your Girl by Meredith Russo https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/26156987

All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson https://iamgmjohnson.com/book-2/

Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Gender-Queer-A-Memoir/Maia-Kobabe/9781549304002

You can find transcripts and more episodes of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠.

Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠roxannemanning.com⁠ and ⁠sarahpeyton.com⁠.

Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends!

Podcast Manager: Talli Jackson

Audio Editor: Brendan Youngquist

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, we're thrilled to welcome Dr. Darlene Hall, a distinguished psychologist, consultant, educator, athlete, and author of Youth Development Theory & Practice: Integrating a Trauma Framework - A Social Justice Approach. Dr. Hall delves into her personal and professional journey, exploring the multifaceted role of self-compassion in dismantling systemic oppression. Together, we'll uncover effective strategies for transforming trauma and advocating social justice through compassionate action. Join us!

Dr. Hall, a Black lesbian Psychologist with strong social justice values, has provided mental health services for almost 30 years in multiple settings. She has taught at the graduate level; created an internship program for Psychology, Counseling, and Social Work students; and worked as a grantmaker in philanthropy. Currently, she has a private psychotherapy practice and consulting business.

⁠Episode transcript⁠

Follow Dr. Hall online:

Mentioned in this episode:

You can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠

Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠roxannemanning.com⁠ and ⁠sarahpeyton.com⁠.

Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends!

Podcast Manager: Talli Jackson

Audio Editor: Brendan Youngquist