Respect Circles - The Podcast

On today's episode we're exploring what code-switching is all about, and what happens when people feel the need to change their language and behavior to fit into certain environments. We'll be talking about why code switching is practiced, the danger that exists when people feel that it's needed, and what we all lose out on when people can't show up as their authentic selves. As we continue to raise issues of diversity, inclusion, and equity, we hope you find this episode informative and actionable, as we believe these conversations are a critical part of the mosaic of all organizations and communities.

We're also pleased to share that listeners can now leave us a voicemail! Please drop us a line to say hello, or if you have a question or topic that you'd like us to discuss in a future episode, let us know. All you have to do is go to https://www.respectcircles.com/voicemail/ to leave your message. We look forward to hearing from you!

As always, you can also reach us by email, [email protected] , on social media at https://www.facebook.com/respectcircles and https://www.instagram.com/respectcircles/, or by viewing our website at www.respectcircles.com too.

Thanks so much for listening! We'd love to have you subscribe to the podcast and leave us a rating and review. See you next week!

In this episode you'll hear:

• The official definition of "code-switching", plus why and how it happens [2:59]
• AJ's own experience with this practice growing up [3:36]
• Stephanie's views on code-switching from the perspective of a white person [9:04]
• What it looks like to code-switch in Corporate America [12:02]
• The tremendous losses that result from people not being able to be their full, authentic self [15:33]
• How code-switching occurs in the school system, and what studies are saying about this [22:48]
• A benefit that AJ discovered with the pandemic in regards code-switching [31:29]
• How organizations can minimize the need for code-switching, and really promote greater inclusion for all [36:11]
• Why there is so much power in representation [38:08]

Links & Resources:

https://www.respectcircles.com/10-the-power-of-hope/

https://hbr.org/2019/11/the-costs-of-codeswitching

Today we explore a topic that has become a point of controversy in the U.S. and one we believe we can all benefit from understanding more broadly. Critical Race Theory, or CRT, is a graduate-level academic concept that is more than 40 years old, created by legal scholars in the late 1970's. We both feel that we can use this week's episode as an opportunity for all of us to learn more about CRT and discuss what it is and what it is not. We look forward to hearing your learning from this episode.

We're also pleased to share that listeners can now leave us a voicemail! Please drop us a line to say hello, or if you have a question or topic that you'd like us to discuss in a future episode, let us know. All you have to do is go to https://www.respectcircles.com/voicemail/ to leave your message. We look forward to hearing from you!

As always, you can also reach us by email, [email protected], on social media at https://www.facebook.com/respectcircles and https://www.instagram.com/respectcircles/, or by viewing our website at www.respectcircles.com too.

Thanks so much for listening! We'd love to have you subscribe to the podcast and leave us a rating and review. See you next week!

In this episode you'll hear:

• What CRT is, and isn't [5:06]
• How the idea race has been viewed throughout history [7:31]
• A problematic trend that people tend to adopt around race that is common at this time [9:19]
• The reasons why CRT is such a big topic right now [10:55]
• Why black history is such a controversial subject [17:42]
• What role parents have in black history education, and the need for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) training [20:00]
• How the most amount of learning will take place when we are uncomfortable [23:26]
• Racism in the workplace, and the importance of training to combat it [24:38]
• Some action steps we can all take right now to get us moving in the right direction [30:58]
• A positive experience that AJ recently had with a coworker, and how it was such a powerful step forward [43:06]

Links & Resources:

https://nmaahc.si.edu/

https://www.nbcnews.com/southlake-podcast

https://dei.extension.org/

https://www.teachforamerica.org/

https://www.respectcircles.com/10-the-power-of-hope/

After what we've all been through collectively these past few years, today we wanted to have a discussion about hope, and the immense power that it can bring to our lives. In this episode, you'll not only hear what hope means to each of us, but we share some practical ways in which you can start living a life filled with more hope at this very moment.

We're also pleased to share that listeners can now leave us a voicemail! Please drop us a line to say hello, or if you have a question or topic that you'd like us to discuss in a future episode, let us know. All you have to do is go to https://www.respectcircles.com/voicemail/ to leave your message. We look forward to hearing from you!

As always, you can also reach us by email, [email protected], on social media at https://www.facebook.com/respectcircles and https://www.instagram.com/respectcircles/, or by viewing our website at www.respectcircles.com too.

Thanks so much for listening! We'd love to have you subscribe to the podcast and leave us a rating and review. See you next week!

In this episode you'll hear:

• A picture that caught AJ's attention, and why it represents how he personally feels about hope [2:34]
• How "hope" is defined and the ways it relates to trust [5:06]
• Why having hope is so important for our society right now [6:50]
• How being hopeful can help move you in a positive direction, even if life feels out of your control [9:26]
• Tips for holding onto hope in the most challenging of times [12:58]
• How maintaining contact with others can support them, and help you at the same time [18:36]
• Some challenges that AJ has faced in maintaining a hopeful outlook [23:43]
• What you can do to assess whether you are strengthening your "muscle of hope" [33:16]

Links & Resources:

Hope Painting by George Frederic Watts: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hope_(painting)

Brené Brown episodes on Oprah's Super Soul Sunday: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/super-soul/id1264843400?i=1000539136286

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/super-soul/id1264843400?i=1000539136249

We've received some great feedback on our recent episode, Becoming A Deliberate Listener, where we spoke about the importance of listening and really being present with people. Today we'd like to take that conversation just a little deeper, and talk about the need to suspend judgment and focus on what we can learn from the person in front of us, even if we don't agree. We explore examples of high profile individuals who have spoken out in a way that some find offensive and whether there is learning to be gained from those who make us uncomfortable. As always, we have more questions than answers and we'd love to hear your takeaways from this episode.

We're also pleased to share that listeners can now leave us a voicemail! Please drop us a line to say hello, or if you have a question or topic that you'd like us to discuss in a future episode, let us know. All you have to do is go to https://www.respectcircles.com/voicemail/ to leave your message. We look forward to hearing from you!

As always, you can also reach us by email, [email protected], on social media at https://www.facebook.com/respectcircles and https://www.instagram.com/respectcircles/, or by viewing our website at www.respectcircles.com too.

Thanks so much for listening! We'd love to have you subscribe to the podcast and leave us a rating and review. See you next week!

In this episode you'll hear:

• An opportunity that we may be missing when we fail to suspend judgment or go on the defensive when in conversation with others [3:39]
• The different aspects involved when you're being triggered by something that is said to you [7:01]
• AJ's take on the motivation behind certain actions, and why some of these actions actually may not be intended to harm you [12:21]
• The responsibility that leadership has to create an environment where all people feel comfortable [15:40]
• Our responsibilities as individuals to recognize and address our own trigger points [17:15]
• How biases come into play when one party is triggered [22:21]
• Our biggest takeaways from the conversation on listening without judgment [23:49]

Links & Resources:

https://www.respectcircles.com/7-becoming-a-deliberate-listener/

The Experiment Podcast, Who Would Jesus Mock?: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/who-would-jesus-mock/id1549704404?i=1000538553776

Dave Chappelle's The Closer on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/com/title/81228510

Looking back over the past 25 years or so, we have seen significant change in both the demographics in our country and the communities in which we live. Today, we scratch the surface on what has shifted for men in America and begin to explore what is driving behavior, especially in the last couple of years. This episode is a look at how to be better, both as men, women, and the mentors of the next generation, so that we can form a better, more inclusive, supportive, and forward-facing society.

We're excited to announce that listeners can now leave us a voicemail! Please drop us a line to say hello, or if you have a question or topic that you'd like us to discuss in a future episode, let us know. All you have to do is go to https://www.respectcircles.com/voicemail/ to leave your message. We look forward to hearing from you!

As always, you can also reach us by email, [email protected], on social media at https://www.facebook.com/respectcircles and https://www.instagram.com/respectcircles/, or by viewing our website at www.respectcircles.com too.

Thanks so much for listening! We'd love to have you subscribe to the podcast and leave us a rating and review. See you next week!

In this episode you'll hear:

• The changes being seen in college enrollment by men in this country, and how less access to education is affecting critical thinking and opportunities [6:53]
• Other ways and opportunities to get the social skills that are so desperately needed right now, and how to participate in other forms of community other than college [10:41]
• How the fear of losing positions of power and control is causing some men to act out, and why building awareness around this an important step in creating solutions to these issues [16:26]
• Why it's so important for men to volunteer to be a mentor to others, and the benefits our youth will see by having this type of support in their lives [20:38]
• Stories of men in AJ's life who have benefited from having a strong role model [23:02]
• Our challenge for listeners to step up by being a mentor, volunteering and fostering those relationships with the younger generation of this country [25:16]
• Each of our commitments to each other, ourselves, and our listeners [29:54]

Today's topic can dramatically improve the quality of our conversations and, in turn, our personal and professional relationships. In this episode, we discuss the importance of becoming a better listener, because so often we jump to our own biases and form judgments before truly processing what the other person is saying. What might be possible if we just listened more? Let's find out!

We're excited to announce that listeners can now leave us a voicemail! Please drop us a line to say hello, or if you have a question or topic that you'd like us to discuss in a future episode, let us know. All you have to do is go to https://www.respectcircles.com/voicemail/ to leave your message. We look forward to hearing from you! As always, you can also reach us by email, [email protected], on social media at https://www.facebook.com/respectcircles and https://www.instagram.com/respectcircles/, or by viewing our website at www.respectcircles.com too .

Thanks so much for listening! We'd love to have you subscribe to the podcast and leave us a rating and review. See you next week!

In this episode you'll hear:

• Personal experiences we have both had where we noticed a lack of listening taking place [6:53]
• A big lesson about learning that AJ has learned along the way [13:05]
• Tips for how we can all become better listeners [15:42]
• Specific questions to ask yourself to assess whether you area good listener [16:30]
• What the 3 levels of listening are, and why they're all important to be aware of [17:17]
• The tremendous gift that deliberate listening can give you [23:11]
• Why slowing down is such a powerful tool in the listening process [27:08]
• Self-assessments of our own listening skills [30:32]

Links & Resources:

The Power of Deliberate Listening | Ronnie Polaneczky | TEDxPhiladelphia

Three Levels of Listening - Co-Active Coaching: Henry Kmsey-House, Karen Kimsey-House, Phillip Sandhal, and Laura Whitworth, authors. https://amzn.to/3mG7RDd

Theory U: Levels of Listening: Otto Scharmer, author. https://amzn.to/2WXTx00

Be a Better Listener - Assess Yourself: https://bit.ly/3DvSKD5

Today we are excited to bring you another installment of our "Spotlights on Extraordinary People", where we have conversations with people in our communities, and more importantly, share how they are making a difference in the world. Everyone has a story and we can't wait to share this one with you.

This episode features Vivian Doctora, an inspiring mother and wife who quite literally took a leap of faith to start her own business, realizing that there never is a "perfect" time to pursue your dreams. As you'll hear, this life-changing decision has not only paid dividends for Vivian and her family, but the impact on her community has been incredible (and she's only just getting started)!

Vivian is a long-time resident of Bloomington/Normal, Illinois, and an alumni of Illinois State University. She is a proud owner of Bao Destination (ghost kitchen concept) and R Marketplace (First Food Hall of Bloomington/Normal.) After 21 years of working in the corporate world, she decided to take a chance and become an entrepreneur a few months ago. In addition to being a business owner, she is also a mom of her twins (Riley and Haley) and is married to husband Redney.

Although Vivian and Redney both have lived in different states, Bloomington feels like home to them. They both fell in love with the city because of the friendships that they have built throughout the years.

The opportunity to use food to share her culture and connect with people in the community is the driving force behind her creation of Bao Destination and R Marketplace (Opening Soon.) She is passionate about helping others and hoping her business venture will allow her to give back to the community that has given her so much.

As always, we invite and welcome your input! Send us your thoughts on what you like about the podcast, what you want to see more of, and who we should invite into the conversation as guests on upcoming episodes. You can always reach us by email, [email protected], on social media at https://www.facebook.com/respectcircles and https://www.instagram.com/respectcircles/ or by viewing our website at www.respectcircles.com.

Thanks so much for listening! We'd love to have you subscribe to the podcast and leave us a rating and review. See you next week!

In this episode you'll hear:

• Vivian's inspiring story and how she got to where she is today [2:44]
• Where she finds the courage and confidence to pursue her dreams, day-in and day-out [7:31]
• Some of the challenges that Vivian has faced going from a corporate position to owning a business [9:22]
• The ways she helps others embrace the real significance of her product [15:02]
• What Vivian is doing to encourage others to start thinking differently about Asian-owned businesses [17:22]
• How community plays a key role in her business right now, and her future plans [21:32]
• The best advice Vivian gives for young entrepreneurs looking to chase their dreams in business [26:27]

Links & Resources:

https://www.baodestination.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Baodestination

https://www.instagram.com/baodestination/

[email protected]

Today we are excited to begin what we're calling our "Spotlights on Extraordinary People." Where we'll have conversations with people in our communities, and in yours and, more importantly, we'll share how they are making a difference in the world. Everyone has a story and we can't wait to share some of them with you.

We're so honored to introduce you to today's guest, because she is someone who is using what she has learned on own personal journey overcoming addiction to significantly impact the lives of others.

Dziko (pronounced ZEE-KOH) Singleton is the co-coordinator for a harm reduction program, a peer recovery specialist, and an HIV testing counselor with the Health Brigade in Richmond, VA, and she identifies as a person in recovery.

Dziko is with Health Brigade, formerly known as The Fan Free Clinic, which has the distinction of being the first free clinic as well as the first transgender clinic and the second harm reduction program in Virginia.

You can find Richmond Harm Reduction on FB, @richmondharmreduction on IG and Health Brigade website, https://www.healthbrigade.org/.

If Dziko's story and the work she does resonates with you, she can be reached via email at [email protected] (she receives many phone calls, but answers every email!)

As always, we invite and welcome your input! Send us your thoughts on what you like about the podcast, what you want to see more of, and who we should invite into the conversation as guests on upcoming episodes. You can always reach us by email, [email protected] , on social media at https://www.facebook.com/respectcircles and https://www.instagram.com/respectcircles/ or by viewing our website at www.respectcircles.com.

Thanks so much for listening! We'd love to have you subscribe to the podcast and leave us a rating and review. See you next week!

In this episode you'll hear:

• The important work that Dziko does right now, and what led her to what she considers her true calling [4:53]
• The personal challenges she overcame with addiction that now gives her the insight to helps others do the same [6:05]
• What gives Dziko the courage to not give up on herself and the people that she helps [8:43]
• The element of hope that she can now give others [14:03]
• Why Dziko says she had to humble herself in order to accept the help that she was being offered [15:54]
• What her big dreams look like for making a difference in the lives of those she works with [19:07]
• The role that active listening can play as a catalyst for change [20:47]

Links & Resources:

https://www.healthbrigade.org/

[email protected]

The topic we are venturing into today has really been on our hearts and minds, and the question is: why are people so angry at this point in time? Where do we draw the line between people being angry because they feel like their individual rights are being stepped on, and what's needed to serve the greater good?

This episode is an invitation for each of us to have courage in speaking up about what we feel is not right, and to have difficult conversations about issues that matter. If we all just avoid these types of conversations because we fear others' reactions, then we're really missing the opportunity to learn and the richness of the dialogue that comes from broadening our perspective.

As always, we invite and welcome your input! Send us your thoughts on what you like about the podcast, what you want to see more of, and who we should invite into the conversation as guests on upcoming episodes. You can always reach us by email, [email protected], on social media at https://www.facebook.com/respectcircles and https://www.instagram.com/respectcircles/ or by viewing our website at www.respectcircles.com.

Thanks so much for listening! We'd love to have you subscribe to the podcast and leave us a rating and review. See you next week!

In this episode you'll hear:

• How AJ realized he needed help for the anger he was feeling, and the steps he took to become a better version of himself [4:12]
• The continued importance of pausing and reflecting in this process [7:38]
• The way to position yourself to have better public discussions about issues in a respectful and healthy manner [9:05]
• What you can do to step into the position of a role model for others [8:53]
• A recent personal experience that Stephanie had and how it impacted her perspective [12:16]
• AJ's thoughts on how the greater good for all has been forgotten, plus what we can all do about it [17:23]
• Why avoiding difficult conversations isn't the answer [18:13]

Links & Resources:

https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/10/politics/anger-american-electorate-cnn-poll/index.html

This is a very special episode for us, as we're recording it on the 20th anniversary of the events of September 11th, 2001 - a day that changed all of our lives. In this episode, not only do we want to reflect and share both of our own experiences from 9/11, but we also reveal some of the meaning that came out of that day for us.

As always, we invite and welcome your input! Send us your thoughts on what you like about the podcast, what you want to see more of, and who we should invite into the conversation as guests on upcoming episodes. You can always reach us by email, [email protected], on social media at https://www.facebook.com/respectcircles and https://www.instagram.com/respectcircles/ or by viewing our website at www.respectcircles.com.

Thanks so much for listening! We'd love to have you subscribe to the podcast and leave us a rating and review. See you next week!

In this episode you'll hear:

• What we both vividly remember, and will never forget, from that dark day 20 years ago [3:51]
• The ways that the country shifted following these events, and how people here came together to become kinder to each other [8:54]
• Our thoughts on the response by our country's leaders in the months following the events of 9/11 [11:37]
• An honest look at where we feel the nation stands today [15:43]
• The impact of social media on the current divide we have in our society right now [17:34]
• Why critical thinking, for each of us, will be key to heal our country [21:10]
• Our biggest takeaways from this discussion on 9/11, and where we are right now in 2021 [26:33]