My Racist Friend
66 episodes - English - Latest episode: 15 days ago - ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsLong-time friends Don Griffin, Jr. and Amy Makice, LCSW explore societal issues through the authentic lens of relational-cultural practices. ’My Racist Friend’ is a podcast about the messy parts of relationships that help us grow together. Through the authentic lens of their strong mutual relationship, their goal is to model difficult conversations that can promote understanding and connection in a world that needs both.
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Episodes
Episode 4.10: Let It Burn
July 02, 2024 10:53 - 37 minutes - 34.5 MBIn this episode, hosts Don and Amy discuss the MOVE bombing in Philadelphia, a tragic and often overlooked part of American history. They delve into the background of the MOVE organization, the events leading up to the bombing, and the aftermath, including the impact on the surrounding neighborhood. The conversation also touches on broader themes of racism, police brutality, and the challenges of fostering meaningful dialogue about these critical issues. Resources and topics mentioned in th...
Episode 4.09: Here To Help - A Tribute to Dr. Dolores Finger Wright
April 20, 2024 21:31 - 32 minutes - 60.3 MBAmy and Don discuss the loss of a dear friend and colleague, Dr. Dolores Finger Wright, by reflecting on their brief experiences with her and her impact in how she lived. This podcast includes excerpts from Dr. Wright's appearance on this podcast in 2019 (season 1, episode 8) and clips from her appearance in the 2017 documentary "Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities" which highlight her experiences organizing the 1960 Greensboro Sit-In. We dearly miss you, ...
Episode 4.08: Move and Be Moved
April 03, 2024 09:00 - 28 minutes - 52.1 MBDon and Amy play with the RCT Toybox cards, focusing on a discussion around three concepts: relational movement, guilt, and calm. Resources mentioned in this episode: • "Wired to Connect" (book) https://amybanksmd.com/#av-tab-section-1-2-link • "The Jenks Presents Wired To Connect with Amy Banks, M D" (video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBzQjieV7pY My Racist Friend is a podcast about the messy parts of relationships that help us grow together. Long-time friends Don Griffin, Jr....
Episode 4.07: The Country Lane
March 14, 2024 11:25 - 18 minutes - 17.5 MBAmy and Don dive into the intricacies of popular music and the persistent racism evident in how we react to it. They react to Beyoncé's new hit "Texas Hold'em" and her venture into the country genre, looking at the resistance from certain factions of society and questioning the inherent racial prejudice within it. Resources mentioned in this episode: • "Beyoncé - TEXAS HOLD 'EM (Music Video)" posted by rauhlren https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycwtqqhV6UE • "Beyoncé Fan’s Radio Request Re...
Episode 4.06: Quiet As a Sleeping Army
March 06, 2024 10:00 - 33 minutes - 62 MBDon and Amy contemplate Paul Simon lyrics to prompt a discussion of shared suffering and challenges of staying engaged to work toward better things. Other topics along the way include finding a purpose for persisting, news of the death of Nex Benedict, being authentic about your own pain, and love's powerful role in driving life. Resources mentioned in this episode: • "The Cool, Cool River" lyrics by Paul Simon https://www.paulsimon.com/track/the-cool-cool-river-6/ • "A Federal Investigat...
Episode 4.05: Relational Images
February 29, 2024 10:00 - 21 minutes - 39.1 MBIn this episode, Don and Amy are discuss two RCT concepts: Model Me and Relational Images, those unconscious expectations that shape our interactions. Along the way, the pair talk about self-perceived flaws, binge-watching habits, societal pressures, and negativity fueling success. My Racist Friend is a podcast about the messy parts of relationships that help us grow together. Long-time friends Don Griffin, Jr. and Amy Makice, LCSW, enter into a transparent and ongoing conversation about co...
Episode 4.04: Katt and Cats and Chicken and T-Rexes
February 07, 2024 10:00 - 35 minutes - 67.3 MBDon and Amy are joined by Jay Filer, a therapist-in-training at the Bloomington Center for Connection, to take a tour of Black Joy (specifically, their Black joy) found on social media. The conversation covers struggles with and benefits of use of social media, as well as some examples of what makes Jay laugh. After this conversation, TikTok removed sound from many videos due to a copyright dispute with Universal. It is unclear when or if the soundtracks of some of Jay's video links will be...
Episode 4.03: A Full Moon in Each Eye
January 31, 2024 11:40 - 22 minutes - 42.1 MBIn this episode, hosts Amy Makice and Don Griffin Jr. delve into a thought-provoking conversation about the media's role in shaping perspectives and in turn, dividing society. The discussion ventures into the RCT concepts of "Model Me" and "Not Me" by Dr. Maureen Walker, exploring how extreme identification and fear can obstruct empathy, leading to conflicts. Resources mentioned in this episode include: "Admit Something" (Hafiz) https://www.centerforcompassionateleadership.org/admit-someth...
Episode 4.02: I Know, You Know?
January 24, 2024 10:00 - 34 minutes - 63.5 MBDon and Amy resume their conversation together with a discussion about needing to feel smart, the ignorance of believing you know everything, and being around people who are willing to work through mistakes. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Tyriq Memorial Fund (GoFundMe) https://www.gofundme.com/f/tyriq-memorial-fund Neighbor of house party where 23-year-old fatally shot: ‘We were very lucky’ (WISH-TV) https://www.wishtv.com/news/i-team-8/neighbors-narrowly-miss-gunfire-at-f...
Episode 4.01: Essentialism
January 17, 2024 10:00 - 29 minutes - 54.8 MBAmy and Don return from a long hiatus to continue their conversations about relationships and the messy parts that make connection difficult. This week, the friends discuss Essentialism, which is found in many social movements and intertwines with racism, transphobia, and the roots of feminism. Amy provides a definition of essentialism and why it is so difficult for her to move through that blocker in relationships. Additional resources: Gender essentialism and benevolent sexism in anti-tr...
Episode 3.11: Making Room for Cognitive Dissonance
March 30, 2021 21:09 - 43 minutes - 80 MBThis week, Amy and Don welcome Dr. Froswa' Booker-Drew into their conversation. Dr. Booker-Drew is the Vice President of Community Affairs & Strategic Alliances for the State Fair of Texas and shares some of her experiences and insights working with the non-profit community. Additional resources: "Froswa' Booker-Drew: A Champion for South Dallas Nonprofits" (Dallas Doing Good, by Roselle Tenorio) https://www.dallasdoinggood.com/doing-good/froswa-booker-drew-a-champion-for-south-dallas-nonp...
Episode 3.10: Mission Drift
March 25, 2021 12:52 - 27 minutes - 50.1 MBPrompted by announcements of a price increase for water services and a home-buying incentive to attract new police officers, Amy and Don discuss the complexities of government funding and the mission of policing, sharing some stories of encounters where police were called. Additional resources: "Bloomington City Council Approves 18% Water Rate Increase Starting In 2022" (Indiana Public Media, by Ethan Burks, March 18, 2021) https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/city-council-approves-cbu-wate...
Episode 3.09: Fighting Time
March 17, 2021 12:47 - 41 minutes - 75.2 MBDon and Amy welcome back Dr. Amy Banks, who brings her co-author, Isaac Knapper, to discuss their upcoming book, "Fighting Time"—a story of their 36-year journey from murder to meeting. Dr. Banks' father, Ronald, was shot and killed on April 29, 1979, as he left the Hyatt Regency hotel in New Orleans. Isaac, who along with Amy was 16 at the time, was wrongfully convicted of the murder and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole in the Louisiana State Penitentiary. She and her younger s...
Episode 3.08: Mr. Griffin Goes to Morton Street
March 09, 2021 15:03 - 29 minutes - 54.1 MBDon confirms his good news about a role change that will have him playing a large role in bridging and resolving issues within the Bloomington community. Amy shares her joy for Don as he takes on a new challenge, as well as apprehensions about increased criticism. Also included are some brief discussion of "Coming to America" and poet Amanda Gorman being followed home. Additional resources: "Deputy Mayor Mick Renneisen Plans Retirement in April" (City of Bloomington, February 17, 2021) htt...
Episode 3.07: Traditional White Art
February 20, 2021 17:37 - 25 minutes - 46.5 MBDon and Amy start this week's discussion with a job listing by the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields that sought a director to “attract a broader and diverse audience while still maintaining the Museum’s traditional, core, white art audience.” The conversation also includes antique shops selling symbols of white supremacy in Oregon, students calling out teachers and organizations for racism, and a possibly inevitable revisiting of John Hughes films. Additional resources: "Newfields j...
Episode 3.06: Uncle Buck Goes to Washington
February 14, 2021 15:51 - 33 minutes - 62.1 MBAfter talking about racism evident in a couple national news stories, Amy brings a recent example of her own racism to discuss with Don. Together, they dive deep into taking responsibility for making anti-oppression training easier, the need to let other people in relationships voice their own experience with harm, and the limited role listening and empathy plays in growth. Additional resources: "Country star Morgan Wallen sees album sales spike despite industry backlash over N-word video"...
Episode 3:05: Strategies of Survival
February 06, 2021 21:42 - 37 minutes - 68.3 MBDon and Amy discuss the Strategies of Disconnection, a key concept in Relational-Cultural Theory about the practice of hiding parts of yourself in order to maintain relationships. Amy also talks with Don about some recent news items that land on the Racism Radar—including a Southern Baptist pastor and Bloomington's new Racial Equity Task Force—and makes a pitch to listen to the New York Times serial podcast about schools, Nice White Parents, hosted by Chana Joffe-Walt. Additional resources:...
Episode 3.04: The Venn Diagram of GameStop
February 02, 2021 03:31 - 36 minutes - 66.5 MBAfter overcoming some technical problems, Don joins Amy for a wide-ranging conversation about national politics and the possibility of the GameStop short squeeze becoming common ground for both ends of the political spectrum. The friends touch on a few items in the news, including the local challenges of providing shelter for unhoused people who have been trying to survive in tents pitched in public parks. Special thanks to Six Umbrellas, whose song "Asset House" provides the beats for Don'...
Episode 3.03: A Union With Purpose
January 23, 2021 21:10 - 42 minutes - 77.3 MBFresh off of another successful peaceful transition of power in the U.S.—and despite attempts to the contrary two weeks earlier—Don and Amy enjoy the moments of joy that broke through the clouds in the form of President Joe Biden's inauguration, even as they acknowledge the problems that persist. The highlight of that event for many came from poet Amanda Gorman, whose words spoke of the messy and unfinished nature of this country. Their conversation also touches on the cult of QAnon, a new p...
Episode 3.02: Super Intentions
January 16, 2021 19:07 - 32 minutes - 60 MBAmy and Don discuss a statement from the Monroe County Black Democratic Caucus seeking transparency in the search for a new superintendent to head the local school corporation. This conversation covers the importance of representation and the problems inherent in sustaining a Good-Ol'-Boy network. The friends also note the similarities between the people who stormed the Capitol last week and those who arrived in 2019 to support the presence of white supremacists in the city farmers' market. ...
Episode 3.01: The Longest Month
January 09, 2021 20:47 - 40 minutes - 73.7 MBBack after a holiday hiatus, Don and Amy try to catch up on the events of the day: an attack on the U.S. Capitol building that delayed the certification of electoral votes for President and Vice-President. Discussion includes reactions by various groups, the comfort of being believed, and the differences in approach to mob actions by police. Additional resources: "If you had the Indiana Football Coaches Association ..." (Twitter, by @AustinHoughTGN, January 6, 2021) https://twitter.com/Aus...
Episode 2.29: Working As Designed
November 21, 2020 20:02 - 40 minutes - 55.1 MBDon and Amy are joined by Dr. Maureen Walker in discussing disruptive empathy and the challenge of engaging across difference, especially when part of that difference rejects the humanity of the other. They also explore the persistence of white supremacy across our history and within groups that are not white. This episode contains several mentions of the N-word. Additional resources: "Exclusive: Lee Atwater's Infamous 1981 Interview on the Southern Strategy" (The Nation, by Rick Perlstei...
Episode 2.28: Yet Another Boss Level
November 15, 2020 11:06 - 36 minutes - 50 MBAmy and Don share their "After-election Word Barf" to reflect on a projected victory for Joe Biden and end to the Donald Trump administration. While recognizing lots of work and difficult times remain, the friends discuss the challenges of talking to people mired in fear and end with a list of three good things that lift their spirits. Additional resources: "U.S. Presidential Election Results 2020: Biden Wins" (NBC News) https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-elections/president-results "...
Episode 2.27: Plug the Hole
November 01, 2020 14:57 - 35 minutes - 49.2 MBAs Election Day approaches, Amy and Don talk about efforts to put social workers in the local police department, and the problems inherent in that approach. Don shares the second half of a story he started in a previous episode about being harassed by local law enforcement. Plus, a little more Lovecraft Country and a plug to watch Schitt's Creek. If you missed the first half of Don's story, listen to Episode 2.23 ("Love Louder"). By the time the next episode comes out, the country will hav...
Episode 2.26: Sharing the Messy Parts of Relationships
October 20, 2020 12:24 - 41 minutes - 56.9 MBDon and Amy participated in a virtual session at the Flyover Podcast Festival, hosted online by Dimension Mill on October 8-9, 2020. In their session—"Sharing the Messy Parts of Relationships"—they talked about how they started this podcast, the impact it has had, and what they hope to accomplish by continuing to share their conversations. Thanks to Rachel Kucera, Gretchen Knapp, and everyone at Dimension Mill (including Sweetwater, for sponsoring the event). Additional resources: "Letter...
Episode 2.25: See Change
October 06, 2020 11:26 - 42 minutes - 58.1 MBFresh news that Donald Trump was hospitalized after contracting coronavirus is fodder for a discussion about loving kindness toward harmful people and the generational traumas of both enabling and suffering oppression. Amy and Don talk about the importance of making the negative impact of power visible, because you can't change what you won't acknowledge. In this episode Amy incorrectly attributes an article on power. The article, written by Jean Baker Miller in 2010, is included in the res...
Episode 2.24: Standing at the Wall of the Middle School Dance
September 30, 2020 17:19 - 42 minutes - 58.3 MBOur friends discuss threatening comments posted in response to Don sharing an article on Facebook about vehicles being used as weapons against protestors, and the limits of engaging violent speech. Amy and Don share their frustration and confusion about exchanges irreconcilable with their desire to connect across differences. Plus, more examples of things that give them strength. Additional resources: "What Amy Coney Barrett's Supreme Court Nomination Means For The 2020 Election" (NPR, by ...
Episode 2.23: Love Louder
September 13, 2020 15:43 - 48 minutes - 66.3 MBLovecraft Country again serves as a catalyst for conversation, with a recent episode of the TV series touching on the dangers to Black residents when integrating white neighborhoods. Don and Amy talk about school districting and home purchases, sparking an eclectic conversation that includes cultivating community and the recurring trauma Black people experience during this cultural awakening to white supremacy. Additional resources: "Ossian Sweet (1895-1960)" (Black Past, by Susan Bragg, J...
Episode 2.22: Living in Lovecraft Country
August 30, 2020 13:18 - 49 minutes - 67.7 MBDon and Amy discuss the impact of the new HBO series 'Lovecraft Country' (while trying to avoid any spoilers) and how it relates to the local and national stress surrounding race in America. Don shares an experience near his home confronting a group protesting the Bloomington mayor in support of law enforcement, and how his courage to challenge racist narratives online is impacting his business. NOTE: This is the second episode of the pandemic where these two friends were in the same physic...
Episode 2.21: To Live and Die in Pixie
August 22, 2020 14:49 - 39 minutes - 54.4 MBAmy and Don talk about a neighborhood petition to rename "Dixie Street" in Bloomington, reflecting on both small meaningful actions and empty gestures. Their conversation covers the presence and suggestion of racism in the songs we sing and the media we watch. NOTE: This is the first episode of the pandemic where these two friends were in the same physical space. As a result, there is a lot of background noise throughout their discussions. Additional resources: "Bloomington, Indiana: ...
Episode 2.20: Half-Pint Grunge Is Your Target Market
August 03, 2020 10:22 - 44 minutes - 61.6 MBPrompted by a recent essay calling for an end to using the pejorative 'Karen', Amy wrestles with how sexism interferes and overlaps with anti-racism work. She and Don discuss how they participate in the systems they want to change—even while they are being hurt—and the importance of being authentic in a world that values power. Additional resources: "How That 'Karen' Meme Benefits the Right" (The National Memo, by Nina Burleigh, July 18, 2020) https://www.nationalmemo.com/karen-meme "W...
Episode 2.19: Racism Has Become Patriotism
July 12, 2020 03:25 - 1 hour - 83.7 MBAfter a holiday weekend filled with racist acts and protest drew the world's attention to Bloomington, Don and Amy talk through their reactions to these events and how they are processing the visible violence in their community. Don revisits a childhood incident in a new light, and they discuss the fear that results from acts of terrorism. Additional resources: "Arrest at Monroe Lake spurs IU football players to voice concern over racial profiling" (Indiana Daily Student, by Grace Ybarra, ...
Episode 2.18: Soul Survivor
June 27, 2020 22:34 - 48 minutes - 67 MBAmy reflects on the childhood memory shared by Don in the previous episode and the difficulty in reconciling racism in someone she loves. Together, they revisit a painful moment for Don at an awards program in which they both participated, and Amy tries to reconcile the racism she carries. Additional resources: "The Violence of white (and non-Black PoC) Apologies" (Medium, by Ciarra Jones, June 9, 2020) https://medium.com/@ciarrajones/the-violence-of-white-and-non-black-poc-apologies-d1321...
Episode 2.17: Don't Let It Be a Pumpkin Spice Moment
June 18, 2020 17:44 - 47 minutes - 65.8 MBIn this week's conversation, Don wrestles with what to do with the anger aggregating with each news alert, racist Facebook post, and recalled memory. In processing how that anger has changed over time, Amy talks about our inclination to diminish or dismiss harm done by people we like. Warning: The cursing was not edited out for this episode, and (spoiler) they don't really talk about the Farmer's Market. Additional resources: "The 'Arab Spring': Five Years On" (Amnesty International) http...
Episode 2.16: Two Genies
June 12, 2020 18:07 - 39 minutes - 54.3 MBDon and Amy discuss the ongoing protests against police brutality, including both the large gathering in Bloomington on June 5 and (briefly) an inflammatory statement by the Broadening Inclusion Group of the local farmer's market that same day. They try to process some of the recent instances of violence against protestors and discuss the role RCT plays in seeking understanding. Additional resources: "Racism Is Surging in Germany. Tens of Thousands Are Taking to the Streets to Call for Jus...
Episode 2.15: Don't Write Me a Check
June 05, 2020 15:02 - 49 minutes - 68.2 MBThe last week of May was draining. The murder of George Floyd under the knee of the Minneapolis police was set up by Amy Cooper's 911 call and stalled justice for Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and many others. Don and Amy reflect on the barrage of events since their previous conversation, including the resulting protests of police brutality around the world and the outcome of policing tactics on display. They also revisit the continued presence of white supremacists in the local farmers mar...
Episode 2.14: No Time To Mourn
May 29, 2020 20:50 - 55 minutes - 76.3 MBAfter over two weeks of fever, Amy reunites with Don online for a catch-up discussion that covers opening the state before we're ready, the value of local response to helping each other, and the role of connection when someone is being bullied. The two friends also talk about raising the bar on expectations for political leaders and our shared desire to make things appear less messy. This conversation was recorded one day before the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis and a week of visibl...
Episode 2.13: Bias is in Your Body
May 13, 2020 17:09 - 1 hour - 84.2 MBWith the inclusion of psychiatrist Dr. Amy Banks on the weekly Zoom call, Don talks with two Amys this week about racism at work when discussing police shootings and gun control. Dr. Banks explains the neuroscience that bakes our prejudices into our minds and body, and they talk about the value of recalling positive relational moments to help your body feel calm. Additional resources: "Indianapolis Police Officer Shoots Man in Livestreamed Killing. Here's What to Know" (Time, by Josiah Bat...
Episode 2.12: Seeing Karen
May 04, 2020 17:24 - 53 minutes - 73.1 MBOn the cusp of Indiana announcing plans to re-open parts of the state's economy, Amy and Don invite Dr. LaShawn Williams to join their conversation from her Utah home. They discuss the response to 'Karen' and the power dynamics embedded in the that slang term. They also discuss the risks of opening up states too soon and who carries the brunt of that risk. Additional resources: "About Caucasity and the Difference Between a Becky, a Karen and a Susan" (Awesomely Luvvie, by Luvvie Ajayi, Apr...
Episode 2.11: Paused
April 26, 2020 21:53 - 43 minutes - 60 MBAs state governors take the forefront in determining how long and to what extent stay-at-home orders exist, Don and Amy check in with each other about new challenges that come with hitting Pause on familiar routines. They talk about the impact illness and sickness have had on their mood and about the changes that will need to happen for our country as it shifts away from life at home. Don also talks about his family's discussions around wearing a mask in public. Additional resources: Build...
Episode 2.10: Working the Room
April 18, 2020 05:45 - 36 minutes - 49.8 MBFrom their respective homes, Amy and Don connect through Zoom to update each other on the continued challenges of remaining at home. They explore the tensions between feeling gratitude for what privilege provides and feeling empathy toward those for whom a pandemic is risk to health and financial stability. The two friends speculate on what current behaviors they want to take with them after sheltering stops. Additional resources: Life Tribute page for Erin Marie McGarvey (Allen Funeral Ho...
Episode 2.09: Vulnerable
April 10, 2020 15:21 - 42 minutes - 58.5 MBWith birds and dogs in the background, Don and Amy catch up on another week of stay-at-home life and trying to keep COVID-19 at bay. The friends talk about taking action, as well as the need to be and privilege of being vulnerable. They also share what things are giving them hope in these stressful times. Additional resources: "Secret of Life - James Taylor" (YouTube) https://youtu.be/yHWHPPHpAj8 "Cooper Loves Ice Cream" (YouTube, by CoopersDogpatch, February 23, 2014) https://www.youtub...
Episode 2.9: Vulnerable
April 10, 2020 15:21 - 42 minutes - 58.5 MBWith birds and dogs in the background, Don and Amy catch up on another week of stay-at-home life and trying to keep COVID-19 at bay. The friends talk about taking action, as well as the need to be and privilege of being vulnerable. They also share what things are giving them hope in these stressful times. Additional resources: "Secret of Life - James Taylor" (YouTube) https://youtu.be/yHWHPPHpAj8 "Cooper Loves Ice Cream" (YouTube, by CoopersDogpatch, February 23, 2014) https://www.youtub...
Episode 2.8: Keeping It Real
April 04, 2020 17:25 - 40 minutes - 56.3 MBA week into spring break, Don and Amy talk about how they are coping with the stay-at-home order from Indiana Governor Holcomb. In their discussion, they talk about how the COVID crisis is forcing us to wrestle with our humanity and our responsibility toward both the planet and each other. Additional resources: Indiana News Releases from Governor Eric Holcomb https://www.in.gov/gov/newsroom.htm NSFH Mutual Aid for COVID-19 https://nospace4hate.btown-in.org/nsfh-mutual-aid/ People's Marke...
Episode 2.7: Spring Broken
March 25, 2020 21:40 - 50 minutes - 69.3 MBOn the cusp of a stay-at-home order from the state of Indiana, Don and Amy try to stay connected through technology. During their Zoom conference, the friends talk about the uneven impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the assumptions of our previous lives, and the challenges of evolving old routines in face of the current crisis. Additional resources: "Commodores - Zoom" (YouTube) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZiODSzUiYU "Zoom Episode one - intro" (YouTube) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=...
Episode 2.6: Mourning the Brother Man Hug
March 21, 2020 18:30 - 31 minutes - 42.9 MBBack in simpler times—aka a week ago—the social realities of living in a pandemic were just sinking in. Amy and Don follow an initial conversation about presidential politics with discussion of how the COVID-19 outbreak was disrupting their lives, including a desire to hug. The situation has changed rapidly since this conversation took place, and some of what is in this conversation may not reflect our current reality. Our hosts plan to continue talking through the mess over the next severa...
Episode 2.5: Knight Life
February 19, 2020 03:55 - 57 minutes - 79.5 MBPrompted by an episode from another podcast, Amy shares her thoughts on disentangling her identity from Hoosier basketball. She and Don talk about the recent return of former Indiana University head basketball coach Bob Knight to Bloomington and what it was like to grow up in his shadow, unpacking some of the problematic underpinnings of his behavior. Additional resources: Hidden Brain: "Passion Isn't Enough: The Rise Of 'Political Hobbyism' in the United States" (NPR podcast, 2/10/2020)
Episode 2.4: Sundown
February 13, 2020 04:00 - 50 minutes - 69.5 MBThis episode, Don and Amy invite two guests into their conversation. Aleisha Kropf asks Dr. LaShawn Williams to help her explore what it means to discover your hometown was a Sundown Town, even when you don't visit anymore. Along the way, the group discusses the culture of silence, parenting children of color, and passing as a means of survival. Additional resources: "Was your town a sundown town?" (James Loewen, UU World, 2/18/2008) "'Sundown towns': Midwest confronts its complicated rac...
Episode 2.3: The Muddle in the Middle
February 08, 2020 19:06 - 45 minutes - 62.2 MBAmy and Don explore the value and challenges of getting in the MUD—Mystery, Uncertainty, and Doubt—where vulnerability creates space for change. They look at bias in a local newspaper article on Sarah Dye, a white supremacist who remains entrenched in the Bloomington Farmers Market, and discuss the varied reaction to the recent Super Bowl halftime show. Additional resources: Native Americans and Mount Rushmore The Sordid History of Mount Rushmore Gatehouse Media Buys Bloomington's Herald...
Episode 2.2: Can of Worms
January 28, 2020 11:06 - 36 minutes - 50.1 MBDon and Amy reflect on their growth since the first episode of Season One, revisiting the role of a non-violent approach and the importance of staying connected to hold space for change. The January 19th sermon by Dr. Maureen Walker and Jada Bee's talk on dismantling white supremacy can be found in the Universalist Unitarian live stream archives. Buy "Your Racist Friend" by They Might Be Giants on iTunes