Episodes
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In this thought-provoking episode, Vernā engages with the talented Emmy-nominated storyteller Baratunde Thurston in a wide-ranging discussion covering community, unlikely allies, intergenerational lessons, and dispelling myths related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Baratunde discusses how different and seemingly unrelated peoples connection with nature has impacted his perspective of interdependence, the future prospects of community and why nature deserves the same rights humans do. Vernā and Baratunde’s conversation is a testament to the power of discourse in bridging societal divides and imagining a future rooted in shared understanding and cooperation.
Click here to learn more about Baratunde Thurston’s PBS series "America Outdoors" and the "How to Citizen" podcast. In these, he uses a blend of humor, insight, and fresh perspectives to address complex issues and help us understand how to improve society for everyone.
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In this episode of "Sundays with Vernā," Anu Gupta, CEO of BE MORE with Anu and author of Breaking Bias (to be released in September 2024), joins Vernā as the latest guest. Together, they discuss the integration of mindfulness, science, and spiritualism in their work. He explains the journey that led to him receiving a foreword from the Dalai Lama. Anu also shares insights into the scientific tools he has developed to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). Anu talks about his past struggles with mental health and how it inspired him to create the PRISM toolkit, a scientific methodology he developed to address biases. He also explains how principles of non-harming are incorporated into his DEIB practices. During the conversation, Vernā and Anu delve into the history of nonviolence in social movements worldwide. They also highlight the significance of AAPI Heritage and mental health awareness while they examine the obstacles that biases present. Vernā and Anu stress the importance of developing emotional competencies for DEI(B) work, self-love, and compassion. Anu also emphasizes the role of businesses in advancing social movements in the 21st century.
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Missing episodes?
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On this Episode of Sundays With Vernā, Verna and her guest, Dr. Jenn M. Jackson, delve into Jackson's new book Black Women Taught Us: An Intimate History of Black Feminism, her personal journey into Black Feminism, and the stories of influential Black feminist figures featured in the book. In this discussion, Jackson pays homage to Black feminist foremothers such as Toni Morrison, Ida B. Wells, and Bell Hooks, praising their resilience and ingenuity in the face of systemic obstacles and personal struggles. Their stories are instrumental in understanding the continuum of Black Feminism. Vernā and Dr. Jackson navigate the nuanced concept of freedom and the value of choice and agency on the path to equity. Jackson stresses the importance of recognizing and learning from the history and ideology of Black Feminism, with an emphasis on supporting and uplifting the community's youth as they assume the torch of advocacy and change. A powerful and compelling episode for newcomers to this philosophy seeking to learn how to support Black women in the workplace and their communities
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In this episode of Sundays with Vernā, we are featuring a powerful conversation with Robert P. Jones, author of The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy: And the Path to a Shared American Future. The research on which Robert’s latest book is based delves deeply into the painful truth of our nation’s historic violence against Indigenous people and those of African descent. By having difficult conversations, Jones brings imagination to the task of repairing past injustice, embracing equity and above all remembering: We can do better.
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In this episode, Vernā Myers brings together Kenji Yoshino, a constitutional law professor at the New York University School of Law, and David Glasgow, founding Executive Director of NYU’s Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging, to talk about their work and the future of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion across corporate America. Yoshino and Glasgow also highlight the goals behind their new book, "Say the Right Thing: How to Talk About Identity, Diversity, and Justice," a practical guide to having difficult conversations.
Click here to learn more about our guests’ work and the mission at NYU Law School's Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging. You can also read reviews and purchase copies of their new book, “Say the Right Thing: How to Talk About Identity, Diversity, and Justice,” at this website.
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In this episode, Eric Bigger, a speaker, author, executive coach, and fan favorite from The Bachelorette, shares tools and insights about his integrative approach to wellness. By healing ancestral patterns and rewriting negative self-talk, people have the potential to become and transform into their highest selves. Want a daily dose of Eric’s wisdom? Check out his book, "100 Days Of Wisdom: Wisdom For Life." Download your free Miracle Mindset Guide at this link or get 50% off Eric’s #It'sMiracleSeason merch entering promo code: MSEASON. You can also click here to connect directly with Eric and set up a complimentary phone call to discuss 1:1 coaching to achieve your life and business goals.
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In this episode of Sundays With Vernā, we're looking at the intersection of sexism, racism and oppression today as Vernā invites her dear friend Wade Davis II, Global VP for Inclusion Strategy at Netflix, to share his male journey into feminism. A formerly closeted professional football player, Wade reflects on his evolution as a man who was once completely unaware of his gender privilege and his internalized biases around femininity and vulnerability. You will come away inspired to study history and empower young boys to see the world differently – in ways that embrace gender equity and offer access to intimacy irrespective of how we identify.
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In Part II of an intimate and information-packed episode, Sundays With Vernā Myers is staying close to home. Building on their previous conversation, our host invites her child, Tres Myers, to further explore how we can create workplaces that allow trans and non-binary people to be their authentic selves. You’ll learn about the many tools we can all use to foster inclusivity and trust among marginalized people. Find out how to show up for Black, trans and non-binary people who are struggling with the compounding pressures of implicit biases. Especially in today’s hostile political climate, empathy and solidarity are everything.
Intrigued by this conversation? Interested in engaging more deeply with Verna’s work? Please visit this link to learn about the many dynamic Online Diversity and Inclusion Training Courses she offers and click here to learn more about her bestselling books, "Moving Diversity Forward: How to Go From Well-Meaning to Well-Doing" and "What if I Say the Wrong Thing?: 25 Habits for Culturally Effective People."
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Can you imagine living in a world where we fully see and appreciate one another? Where we have moved beyond the narrow identities and false assumptions that create marginalization? That’s where we’re going with this episode of Sundays with Vernā Myers, featuring an amazing, intimate conversation with a remarkable young person who also happens to be her child. Tres Myers gives us a window into what it means to be trans and non-binary in today’s world, sharing their journey from bullied, eager-to-please pre-teen to a life of self-understanding, acceptance and pride – a sense of pride Vernā celebrates and shares. You’ll come away with a clear understanding of what pronouns like they/them signify and why (even when we make mistakes) it’s so important to make every effort to use the right terms. Tres invites us to explore the difference between gender and sexuality; to look for ways to support people who are non-binary, trans or fluid; and to initiate workplace policies that foster respect, trust and a collaborative environment in which everyone feels safe to do their best work. Vernā also offers us an honest, vulnerable perspective on some of the challenges and hard truths she has navigated as a parent. It’s a jam-packed hour with a whole lot left to explore, which is why Tres will be back for a Part II not to be missed!
For those interested in engaging more deeply with Verna’s work, please visit this link (https://www.vernamyers.com/online-training/) to find all the details about the many dynamic Online Diversity and Inclusion Training Courses she offers.
If you enjoyed this episode of Sundays with Vernā Myers, you can find the full archive of past episodes at this link. Or click here to learn more about her thought-provoking bestsellers, "Moving Diversity Forward: How to Go From Well-Meaning to Well-Doing" and "What if I Say the Wrong Thing?: 25 Habits for Culturally Effective People."
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Are you ready to get on the path to truly feeling you belong and are at home in this beautiful, often painful world? This episode of Sundays With Vernā Myers highlights the work of DEI expert Ritu Bhasin and the inspiration behind her latest book, "We've Got This: Unlocking the Beauty of Belonging." Listen to learn about the variety of tools Ritu has developed along her healing journey as well as steps we can all take to reclaim joy.
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If you’re not living the happily-ever-after storybook relationship we’re conditioned to expect, then you’re being offered an opportunity! Best-selling author Resmaa Menakem joins Vernā for a lively and practical conversation about what true healing looks like for us – as individuals, couples and as a society at large. A pioneer in the work of trauma-informed therapy, Resmaa shares practical ways to unpack our psyches in the context of how we behave inside our intimate relationships in his latest book, Monsters in Love: Why You Partner Sometimes Drives You Crazy-and What You Can Do About It.
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Is it any surprise that two out of three women have been opting out of the corporate workplace in order to pursue their own thing professionally? Not to powerhouse speaker, businesswoman and author of "The First, the Few, the Only: How Women of Color Can Redefine Power in Corporate America." Deepa Purushothaman. In this episode, Deepa celebrates Women’s History Month & provides actionable ideas for advancing women and anyone else perennially sidelined in historically white, straight, male-dominated workplaces.
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Rashad Robinson, President of Color of Change, has advanced social equity across the full spectrum: Police and prison reform, judicial equity, net neutrality, public health, education and civic engagement. In this episode, Rashad shares his take on everything from book banning (did you know that 1,648 works were taken off public school shelves in 2022?) to the double-edged sword that is The Woke Act to how erasing Black history comes at great cost to us all.
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On today’s episode, Verna talks with Bishop Walter Thomas - scholar, author, and pastor of New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland - about reflections from 2022, how he’s looking ahead to 2023, and how he’s processed and reframed the reality of the Covid Era we find ourselves in. This episode includes Bishop Thomas’ wisdom about inner healing and how being part of the Black church in America has influenced and shaped what he puts his hope in. Learn more about Bishop Walter Thomas and New Psalmist Baptist Church: www.newpsalmist.org/our-pastor/
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Welcome to Sundays with Verna! In this episode we are excited to welcome Liz Plank to discuss the overturning of Roe v. Wade and how it affects the US in both the present and the future. Liz is a filmmaker, award-winning journalist, and bestselling author most recently including For the Love of Men: From Toxic to a More Mindful Masculinity. In this episode, we dive deep into the misrepresentation of abortion in America and bring to light a new wave of allyship brought to us by the latest ruling.
Learn more about Verna here
Explore Verna's library of courses for individuals and organizations at TVMCU.com
