Compassionate Cultures

S2:Ep:7 Reflections on Truth, Tea, and David Olusoga


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In this episode of the Compassionate Cultures Podcast, Rebbecca reflects on the powerful words and presence of historian David Olusoga. From uncovering the hidden histories behind everyday British staples like tea and fish and chips, to challenging how we frame national identity, David invites us to look more honestly at the stories we tell ourselves. He reminds us that history isn’t about guilt, it’s about truth, and that we cannot build a more compassionate society without first acknowledging what has been erased, distorted, or conveniently forgotten. We explore themes of cultural appropriation, historical sanitisation, and resilience in the face of public hostility. You’ll hear about Jamaican boxer Hezikiah Moscow, the erasure of African soldiers from World War II narratives, and how language like "West Indian merchant" masks the legacies of enslavement. Rebbecca also reflects on what it means to be calm in the face of injustice and why excellence, not anger, can be a radical tool for change. This is a heartfelt episode about truth-telling, hope, and the power of compassionate storytelling.

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Compassionate CulturesBy Rebbecca Hemmings