Welcome to Season 2 of Peripheries! This second season of the Peripheries podcast features conversations between Rachel and guests who are closely related to the topics we explore - peripheral identities, cultural belonging, navigating a racialized world, shifting oppressive paradigms, cultivating compassion, widening the scope of inclusion, and deconstructing the race worldview. This first episode shares the story of our very own Peripheries audio engineer, Joey Hollimon. Listen in as we also explore the topics of stereotypes in sports, growing up with the biracial label in America, and making decisions about career, friends, and hairstyles amid the social landmines that the race worldview creates for those who fall in-between groups. 

This final episode for Peripheries Season 1 shares 5 letters from around the world and wraps up the content for this first podcast season. The Peripheries Reading List is also reviewed with some commentary, and listeners hear the exciting content that's coming up for Peripheries: Season 2 - launching next week! Get ready to hear new voices & fresh conversations hosted by Rachel Dolezal.

In this episode, I share my own DNA test results and discuss what meaning these test results may have for myself and others in terms of shaping racial identity. We also explore 5 action steps for ways we can effect change in the world, how we can deconstruct the race worldview and challenge institutionalized racism. 

In this episode, we hear from a woman in Israel who discusses finding belonging in a Black international community. As part of the discussion around self-defined racial identity, we explore the Jim Crow originated One Drop Rule that still operates in America to define "blackness," and why one man believes he is black under this rule due to a blood transfusion from a Black woman. By exploring how individuals define personal identities and looking closely at the social construction of racial groups, we can take a more critical look at race and how deconstructing the race worldview can help fix the problem of racism and prejudice. Agree or disagree? Join the conversation on Patreon!

In this episode of Peripheries, we explore metaphysical perspectives about race & identity, then consider two contradictory Supreme Court rulings on what constitutes "whiteness." As we continue to learn how racial boundaries are defined by those in positions of power, it becomes clear that no solid foundation or clear definition for separate human races. So, if race is a myth, then how is anyone's self-defined identity wrong?

In this episode of Peripheries, I share three letters from people around the world with their thoughts on race & identity and then give an academic overview of the three ways race & ethnicity are defined (mythical, biological, administrative). The input from the letters on how people want to see race contrast with the ways in which race has been defined and continues to be redefined in society, begging the question: Why are we so invested in redefining race in our modern era rather than letting go of this myth?

In this episode, I share a letter from a woman in the UK. This letter brings up pain around the race issue and the question of whether it is possible to transition from Black to white. I discuss cases of physical transition, racial reconstruction surgeries, and melanin reversal, as well as identity and personal evolution that doesn't require physical transitioning. We are all on a path of personal discovery and expressing our truest and best selves. Let's allow the same for others, whatever that might look like. At the end of the day, biological "race" is a myth, so however someone visualizes "racially" is not right or wrong, just a personal choice - and there is empowerment in choice. 

In this episode, I share two letters - one from Thailand and one from the U.S. These messages bring up the topic of biological family versus chosen family, and how the academic community can better cultivate a nuanced, thoughtful, and fair dialogue about race, culture, and identity. I also mention a new book, "White Girl Within," by Dr. Ronnie Gladden, and how Ronnie's story encourages us to expand our concept of acceptance and inclusion. 

In this episode, I share a letter about a roller coaster of cultural identity, family secrets, and anxiety about filling out forms. I respond to the letter with some ideas for how we could improve forms and a note about being clear about our authentic sense of self amid the perceptions and opinions of others. 

In this episode, I share a letter from Poland that brings up the realities of racism and diversity while delineating the distinction between biological differences, cultural differences, and the race worldview. By continuing to listen to episodes of Peripheries, you will build an increased vocabulary to draw from when talking about race, culture & ethnicity with your friends, family & coworkers.