Episodes
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In the heart of West Baltimore, a neighbourhood grapples with the profound impact of systemic inequities that have shaped its trajectory for generations. Amidst the vacant lots and dilapidated houses lies a community striving to reclaim its narrative and forge a path towards resilience and renewal. A recent immersive volunteer experience in this neighbourhood offers a glimpse into the complex web of social issues at play and the transformative power of intentional action, reflection, and belonging.
The legacy of discriminatory practices like redlining reverberates through the streets of West Baltimore, manifesting in stark disparities in housing, infrastructure, and opportunity. Redlining, which denied home loans and insurance to residents based on race, relegated minority communities to areas deemed "high risk," setting the stage for disinvestment and decline. The scars of this systemic injustice are visible in the abandoned properties that dot the landscape - a staggering 15,000 vacant houses in various states of disrepair.
Yet amidst this challenging backdrop, seeds of hope and resilience take root. Organizations like Parity are working to rehabilitate vacant houses and make them available to the community, recognizing the transformative potential of homeownership in breaking the cycle of generational poverty. By partnering with volunteers and leveraging resources, they aim to chip away at the daunting scale of the housing crisis, one house at a time.
For the volunteers who stepped into this neighbourhood, the experience was a profound lesson in the power of proximity and perspective. Confronted with the stark realities of systemic inequity, they grappled with their own assumptions and biases. The act of working alongside community members, passing buckets of debris and tearing down walls, became a metaphor for dismantling the barriers that divide us. In the process, they discovered a shared humanity and a sense of collective responsibility.
The volunteer experience also highlighted the importance of agency and ownership in driving meaningful change. Rather than simply participating in a pre-scripted program, volunteers were encouraged to take initiative, problem-solve, and contribute their unique skills and perspectives. This shift from passive participation to active agency fostered a deeper sense of investment and empowerment, as individuals recognized their capacity to make a tangible difference.
However, the true impact of the volunteer experience extended beyond the physical rehabilitation of houses. It lay in the conversations and connections forged between volunteers and community members - the sharing of stories, struggles, and aspirations. One particularly poignant exchange with a long-time resident shed light on the profound challenges faced by the community, from the absence of elder wisdom to the erosion of trust and cohesion.
The resident's words served as a powerful reminder that true transformation requires more than bricks and mortar. It demands a fundamental shift in how we relate to one another, how we build and sustain communities of care and support. It calls for a willingness to bear witness to the pain and resilience of others, to listen with empathy and act with compassion.
This is where the concept of belonging emerges as a vital thread in the tapestry of social change. Belonging is not merely about helping or fixing; it is about co-creating a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. It is about recognizing our interdependence and shared stake in the well-being of our communities. When we approach challenges with a mindset of belonging, we open ourselves up to the possibilities of collaboration, mutual understanding, and collective healing.
The volunteer experience in West Baltimore also underscored the critical role of restorative justice in addressing the harms inflicted by systemic inequities. Restorative justice seeks to repair relationships, restore dignity, and promote accountability through dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. It recognizes that true justice is not solely about punishment or retribution, but about creating the conditions for individuals and communities to thrive.
In the context of West Baltimore, restorative justice might look like bringing together community members, volunteers, and stakeholders to have honest conversations about the impact of redlining and disinvestment. It could involve collectively envisioning a future where vacant houses become homes, where streets are safe and vibrant, and where every resident has access to opportunity and resources. Restorative justice demands that we grapple with the uncomfortable truths of our past and present, while also daring to imagine and work towards a more equitable and just future.
Ultimately, the volunteer experience in West Baltimore serves as a microcosm of the larger social movements and transformations that are needed to address systemic inequities and build resilient communities. It highlights the power of intentional action, critical reflection, and authentic connection in catalyzing change. It reminds us that social change is not a spectator sport, but a participatory endeavor that requires each of us to step up, lean in, and do the hard work of building bridges across divides.
As we reflect on the lessons learned from this immersive experience, we are called to consider our own roles and responsibilities in shaping a more just and compassionate world. We are invited to examine our biases, challenge our assumptions, and expand our circles of empathy and understanding. We are urged to move beyond simply helping or fixing, and instead embrace a posture of belonging - one that recognizes our shared humanity and our collective stake in the well-being of all.
The story of West Baltimore is not unique; it is a story that echoes across countless communities grappling with the legacy of systemic injustice. But it is also a story of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of intentional action and connection. As we navigate the complex landscape of social change, may we draw inspiration and guidance from the voices and experiences of those on the frontlines - the residents, the volunteers, the changemakers who dare to imagine and work towards a better future for all.
In the end, the most profound lesson from the West Baltimore volunteer experience may be this: social change begins with a willingness to show up, to listen deeply, and to act with courage and compassion. It begins with a recognition that we are all interconnected, that our liberation is bound up with one another. It begins with a commitment to co-creating communities where everyone belongs, where every voice matters, and where justice and equity are not just aspirations, but lived realities. This is the work of a lifetime, but it is work that we must undertake together - one brick, one bucket, one relationship at a time.
Key Concepts and Terms:
Redlining: A discriminatory practice of denying loans and insurance to residents of certain areas based on race.Restorative justice: An approach to addressing harm that focuses on repairing relationships, restoring dignity, and promoting accountability through dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.Agency: The capacity of individuals to act independently and make their own choices.Belonging: A sense of being accepted and valued as part of a community or group.Systemic inequity: Unfairness or injustice that is built into the structures, policies and practices of a society or institution, leading to consistently di... -
In this episode, Jake shares a disorienting dilemma he experienced recently when visiting a place that used to hold massive importance to him. The emotions this left him with were unexpected to say the least. Chris joins in on the discussion, connecting Jake's story to one of his own - a camping trip from his youth that went unexpectedly (and dramatically) awry, and how the feelings he experienced then were reflected in a recent trip to the hospital.
Through these anecdotes, discussions on neuroscience, and insights into human behaviour, the guys dive into the subject of change. Most notably, the internal changes that occur when leaving an important person, place, or project that we've invested ourselves into.
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In this deeply personal episode, Chris and Jake explore how even small moments of exclusion can leave lasting scars by threatening our sense of belonging and social identity. They connect a story from Chris' past to the recent Republican response to the State of the Union, showing how identities can be built up but also quickly torn down by social groups.
The Power and Peril of Social IdentityOur identities are significantly based on and empowered by the groups we belong to, according to social identity theory. We derive self-esteem from our group memberships and the status of those groups. "Prototypical leaders" who embody a group's norms are seen as representatives, gaining influence. But this also makes identity precarious - the group can withdraw their endorsement at any time.
Senator Katie Britt carefully followed the playbook of how she was supposed to present herself as a young female conservative leader. But Republicans immediately mocked and criticized her speech, undermining her identity as a rising star. As Chris puts it, "I can go from prototypical leader, hey, we're gonna do this. We're gonna make this happen. Everybody rally around to 'Yeah, but you're not invited to the pool party.' And it's just it's a it's a it's a weird human dynamic that we have."
A Formative Moment of ExclusionOver 20 years ago, Chris was excited to continue hanging out with a volunteer group in Halifax and attend a pool party. But then he was told "Oh, not you Chris. You're not invited." This moment still sticks with Chris today. It tapped into deep fears of not belonging.
"Somehow I got 'Oh, not you, Chris. Not your this. You're not invited.' I felt really like that made sense. Like I could see it made sense. But it still affected me and I have thought about that often on for years about why I wasn't invited and why I cared one way or the other. Like why did that bother me?"
Chris was in his early 30s at the time, married with kids, while the others were in their early 20s. They saw Chris as more of a "fun boss" than a close friend to invite along. The age and life stage difference, while not huge, was enough to classify Chris as outside the in-group.
Missed Opportunities for Bridging DividesJake found himself caught in the middle, between his friendship with Chris and this younger friend group. He saw it as a chance to vouch for Chris and bring him into the in-group. "I could have protest I could have I did nothing. Yeah. Let it Yeah. Okay. I guess, because I wasn't it wasn't my house. It wasn't my pool. I was tagging along."
But Jake went along with it and didn't speak up, something he later regretted. It was a missed opportunity for what the two call "social bridging" - building connections across boundaries. Jake admits he was afraid of losing his tenuous status in the group if he challenged them.
Reflecting on Exclusion, Identity and Inclusion
Favoritism toward one's ingroupsStereotyping and denigration of outgroupsExclusion of those seen as outsiders
The pain of exclusion, even in small doses, comes from it threatening our social identity and sense of belonging. Our identities feel solid but are actually quite fragile, since they depend on recognition from groups. "Ingroups" and "outgroups" form easily and can lead to:Leaders and influencers can use their social capital to build bridges between groups. But it requires bravery to stick your neck out and bring others in, risking your own status. Ultimately, fostering inclusion means expanding our circles of who we see as part of "us."
By reflecting on past hurts and missed opportunities, we can gain insight into how to do better moving forward. Recognizing our own experiences of exclusion can motivate us to ensure others feel embraced. And when we witness someone being left out, we have a chance to be the one to invite them in.
Social identity theory - Developed by Henri Tajfel and John Turner, it says our sense of self significantly comes from our group memberships, or social identities. This drives group comparison and competition for self-esteem.Ingroup vs outgroup - Ingroups are social groups we identify with, while outgroups are ones we see as outside our circles. This classification often leads to ingroup favoritism and discrimination against outgroups. Ingroup bias is likely a hardwired human tendency.Prototypical leader - A group member who best embodies the group's attributes, goals and identity. Due to being seen as extremely representative of the group, they gain influence to determine group norms and membership.Social bridging - The act of building connections and relationships across different social circles or groups. Social bridges allow for improved intergroup contact, empathy, resource sharing and conflict reduction.
Key ConceptsAdditional Resources to Use
Social Identity Theory - Simply Psychology - This resource from Simply Psychology explains the concept of Social Identity Theory. It discusses how our sense of self is influenced by our group memberships and how this drives group comparison and competition for self-esteem. The article also covers the stages of social identity formation and the implications and applications of the theory."Prototypical leaders reinforce efficacy beliefs: How and ..." on Wiley Online Library provides insights into how prototypical leaders reinforce beliefs surrounding their efficacy. The study focuses on the relationship between prototypical leaders and their abilities to shape group norms and membership. The article is useful for understanding the influence and characteristics of prototypical leaders within a group."How leader and follower prototypical and antitypical ..." on Sage Journals discusses the concept of prototypical and antitypical leaders and their impact on leadership dynamics. It explores the relationship between leaders and followers and how the prototypicality of a leader influences their effectiveness. This resource provides valuable information on the role of prototypical leaders in leadership effectiveness."Leader group prototypicality and leadership effectiveness" on ScienceDirect.com examines the relationship between leader group prototypicality and leadership effectiveness. It investigates how a leader's alignment with the prototypical traits of a group influences their effectiveness in leading the group. This resource offers insights into the characteristics and impact of prototypical leaders in different group settings.Social Bridging - Institute for Social Capital - The Institute for Social Capital discusses the concept of social bridging, which refers to the act of building connections and relationships across different social circles or groups. This resource explains the benefits of social bridging, such as improved intergroup contact, empathy, resource sharing, and conflict reduction. It provides examples and insights into how social bridging can contribute to stronger social connections and community cohesion. -
In an era marked by rapid change and increasing complexity, the ways we communicate, understand ourselves, and engage with society are constantly evolving. Just as new slang terms like "mewing" and "rizz" can spread like wildfire among younger generations, leaving older folks scratching their heads, the meanings we ascribe to our experiences and the stories we tell ourselves about the world are also in flux. As we grapple with this shifting landscape, we have a powerful opportunity to question default assumptions, seek out new perspectives, and intentionally shape our individual and collective identities.
The Fluidity of LanguageOne fascinating lens through which to view this process is the fluidity of language itself. The arbitrary nature of the words and phrases we use to convey meaning becomes strikingly clear when we consider how quickly new terms can emerge and gain traction within specific subcultures or age groups. What may sound like nonsense to an outsider can hold deep significance for those in the know. This realization invites us to reflect on the narratives we've inherited about our history, our society, and ourselves - narratives that often remain unquestioned, even as they profoundly shape our worldview.
Stories We Tell OurselvesTake, for instance, the incomplete historical accounts many of us learned in school, which glossed over the brutality of colonialism or the atrocities of slavery. By seeking out more nuanced information and grappling with uncomfortable truths, we can begin to tell ourselves a more honest story about how we got here and what responsibilities we bear in the present. This process of challenging ingrained beliefs and assumptions is rarely comfortable, as it strikes at the core of our identity and sense of belonging. Yet, it is through this very discomfort that genuine growth and transformation become possible.
Identity and Social ChangeAs we navigate this path, restorative practices offer a powerful framework for facilitating constructive dialogue and fostering a more inclusive sense of "we." By coming together in a spirit of deep listening and shared responsibility, we can begin to break down the "us vs. them" mentality that so often divides us. This requires a willingness to de-center ourselves and create space for perspectives that may differ from our own. It means acknowledging our individual and collective roles in perpetuating social issues and injustice, even when doing so challenges our self-image. Ultimately, it is through this hard work of building trust, empathy, and understanding that we can begin to heal past harms and create a more just and equitable future.
Restorative PracticesOf course, this is easier said than done. The principles of restorative justice - such as focusing on repairing relationships rather than assigning blame, or prioritizing forward-looking solutions over punitive measures - can feel counterintuitive in a culture steeped in individualism and retributive thinking. That's why the role of skilled facilitators is so essential in holding space for difficult conversations and guiding participants toward constructive outcomes. By modeling curiosity, vulnerability, and a commitment to the greater good, these facilitators help create the conditions for true transformation to occur.
As we strive to evolve with intention in our personal and professional lives, we must recognize that this work is ongoing and often uncomfortable. It requires a willingness to question ourselves, to sit with complexity, and to embrace the disorienting dilemmas that can catalyze growth. But in doing so, we tap into a wellspring of potential for positive change. By committing to restorative practices in our relationships, our organizations, and our communities, we not only deepen our own self-awareness and empathy but also contribute to a larger cultural shift toward a more interconnected and compassionate world.
In the end, the stories we tell ourselves matter immensely - not only for our individual sense of meaning and purpose but for the collective narratives that shape our society. As we navigate the uncharted waters of our rapidly changing world, let us do so with courage, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the hard work of social transformation. For it is only by facing our shared challenges head-on, with open hearts and minds, that we can hope to write a new chapter in the ever-unfolding story of our human family.
Restorative JusticeTransformative LearningCognitive DissonanceSocial IdentityCollective ResponsibilityFacilitationHolding SpaceSystems Thinking
Key Terms:For Further Study:
"The Little Book of Restorative Justice" by Howard Zehr"The Speed of Trust" by Stephen M.R. Covey"The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander"My Grandmother's Hands" by Resmaa Menakem"Pedagogy of the Oppressed" by Paulo Freire -
This episode originally aired September 7, 2022.
Did this episode get you thinking, or did we miss the mark? Let us know by leaving us a message on SpeakPipe.
Good friends will give truthful feedback, even when it’s embarrassing, because they care. It’s the spinach in teeth moment or the toilet paper dragging from the shoe. Better to hear it from them than to secretly get roasted by others who, see the missteps but, say nothing. Melissa Mackay is that kind of good friend.
While driving along listening to the Cancel Culture episode from Season One, she was yelling back at the speakers about all the things she thought Chris and Jake didn’t get quite right. She reached out to Jake with some feedback and generously agreed to jump on the mic to help diversify the conversation.
In this episode we talk about the issue of Sexualized Violence. We recognize this topic can be challenging and encourage you to take care as you listen. Below are some resources in the event you need support or want to learn more.
For more information:
https://www.rw.institute/Follow Disorienting Dilemma on Twitter:
@podcastdilemmaResource and Support Links:
US: National Sexual Violence Resource Center | National Sexual Violence Resource Center
(NSVRC)
Can: Ending Violence Association of Canada Find Help Across Canada - Ending Violence
Association of CanadaCan you hear me now?: “By looking past the negative connotation that accompanies the phrase“cancel culture,” we can begin to hear the voices of those who were previously silenced by their marginalized and undue place in society’s hierarchy. Anne Charity Hudley, the chair of linguistics of African America at UC Santa Barbara, explained to Vox, “From my point of view, for Black culture and cultures of people who are lower income and disenfranchised, this is the first time you do have a voice in those types of conversations.”
Cultivating Space to Learn: “There are blurry lines between being held accountable and getting cancelled. We live in a society that is seeking to redress historically imbalanced levels of accountability while still relying on a punitive justice system. We’re trying to fix an imbalanced system with broken tools. Advocating for accountability falls short when it doesn’t revolve around empathy. Restorative justice is the answer—but we’re not there yet.”
Reverse Cancelled - Amber Heard: “Although jurors were considering civil libel claims and not criminal abuse charges, the verdict largely vindicated Depp’s allegations that Heard lied about abusing her. During testimony, Heard detailed dozens of instances of assault, and Depp
emphatically denied ever abusing her. In 2020, a U.K. judge in a civil libel case found that Depp assaulted Heard on a dozen occasions. For Scartz, who directs the clinic at the University of Georgia’s law school, the concern is about the assumptions some will make that women are lying. She fears abusers may be newly emboldened to paint their accusers as liars in retaliation for them coming forward.”Can I come back yet?: “Thanks so much to our industry for once again telling us that survivors don’t matter,” tweeted writer and producer Sarah Ann Masse. To outraged critics, Louis CK’s comeback was like five years’ worth of progress undone. But looking back, it’s hard to believe we were ever so confident in our ability to permanently separate a massively successful entertainer from an audience that still clamoured for his work. Even when Louis CK began popping up at comedy clubs in late 2018, the response from media folks and comedy scene critics was a chorus of “too soons” — as if their opinions mattered, when audiences at these events greeted him with wild applause.”
Trevor Noah on Twitter: “I said counsel Kanye not cancel Kanye”: “If you like me, or if you like anyone in your life, I hope you’d have the ability to say to that person, ‘Hey, I think what you’re doing here is wrong. I think you may be headed in a dangerous direction. And I’m saying that to you because I like you. I don’t discard you as a person,’” Noah said, before going on to hint that he hopes West can redeem himself in the eyes of the public. “I think we have gotten very comfortable discarding human beings, immediately tossing them away and making them irredeemable characters,” he said, in an apparent reference to “cancel culture.” “I think all of us should be afforded the opportunity to redeem ourselves. All of us should have an opportunity at redemption.”
It’s about damn time: “Shortly after the post and the song's rerelease, disabled people praised Lizzo for being so receptive and for responding well to the community's feedback. Thompson noted, however, that she was not surprised that Lizzo responded the way that she did. Having done work in Black progressive spaces, Thompson has seen Black people who are not versed in disability but who actively work to do better. They know the importance of understanding when they've messed up and being inclusive to everybody. Grace and room for correction are typically not given [to Black people]. The double standard of inconsistent reactions is profound. They don't trust Black people to do the right thing," she said.
BOOK: We Will Not Cancel Us: And Other Dreams of Transformative Justice, by Adrienne Maree Brown: “Cancel culture addresses real harm...and sometimes causes more. It's time to think this through. ’Cancel’ or ‘call-out’ culture is a source of much tension and debate in
American society…Originating as a way for marginalized and disempowered people to address harm and take down powerful abusers, often with the help of social media, call outs are seen by some as having gone too far. But what is ‘too far’ when you're talking about imbalances of power and patterns of harm? And what happens when people in social justice movements direct their righteous anger inward at one another.”Is cancel culture good for women?: “When it comes to strategies for pursuing ideals of justice in the real world, a practice mostly neglected by philosophers but with considerable real-life purchase is that of refusing or withdrawing a public platform or position. There are various reasons for thinking that supporting what is commonly referred to (mainly by its opponents) as “cancel culture” would further women’s interests, but I will argue that due to the background sexism in society, cancel culture is in fact bad for women.”
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Shocking images of bloodshed in war-torn regions can spur reactions ranging from momentary sympathy to outrage driving donations or protests. Yet what causes some global crises to utterly capture international attention while others fade into the backdrop of normalcy? The spotlight's fluctuations on the enduring Israeli-Palestinian conflict prompt difficult questions about the psychological tendencies shaping which human struggles we prioritize for action or concern.
In the previous episode on this podcast, “Clashing Perspectives, Shared Humanity: Finding Common Ground in Divided Times” the hosts reflected on writer Ta-Nehisi Coates' firsthand impressions visiting Palestine. He spoke about the duty not to “behold evil and just stand there.” As the tragic costs now escalate in Gaza once more, an examination of complicity and moral questions feels compelled for all who care about our shared humanity.
Probing Our Reactions to Distant Suffering
Such immense suffering often fails to capture global concern. Some crises like Syria’s human carnage can completely dominate headlines and social feeds while Gaza’s ongoing humanitarian emergency remains largely an ambient background artifact surfacing intermittently at clashes then fading again.
The sheer statistical scale of devastation in Gaza may exceed thresholds of human comprehension, causing cognitive numbing rather than emotional connection. Yet likely a bigger factor are unconscious biases dividing global populations into perceived “in-groups” more intrinsically tied to our sense of identity versus more abstract “out-groups” viewed as dissimilar others.
Extensive research shows human brains are essentially wired to show favoritism towards one’s own groups over outsiders as an evolutionary survival adaptation. This in-group partiality that privileges immediate tribal protection can unconsciously manifest today in perceiving some groups’ welfare as less worthy of concern.
While not overt malice, such embedded blindspots can enable indifference towards others’ adversity. Confronting Gaza’s deterioration requires grappling with subtle biases that allow disregarding certain groups’ wellbeing if not tied closely enough to our own concept of identities meriting consideration.
Examining Historical Precedents of Dehumanization
There are chilling common patterns seen historically across some of humanity’s darkest chapters that demonstrate immense dangers of unchecked “us versus them” antagonism.From the Holocaust to Rwandan genocide, preludes almost always included propaganda campaigns that socially designated the other group as deviant, criminal or fundamentally threatening. Such branding justified stripping basic rights and protections based not on individuals’ actions but broadly applied group labels. With outgroup members branded as dangerous rather than fellow humans, otherwise unthinkable oppression toward them became permissible within societies.
While not equating current Israeli policies to such past atrocities, the predictable psychological continuum remains: when one group’s humanity starts consciously or unconsciously weighing less in society’s eyes, graver injustices incrementally become more palatable. Preventing future oppressions requires vigilant self-interrogation whenever we catch ourselves rationalizing harms against whole groups branded as problematic or inferior. Because latent bias whispering “some lives matter less” insidiously enables systemic abuse if left unchallenged.
Grasping the Human Reality Behind HeadlinesThe sheer humanitarian emergency in Gaza is often reduced to politicized abstraction in media coverage. However, the harrowing statistics convey sobering human realities:
Over 70% of Gazans are refugees displaced from homes and livelihoods77% youth unemployment rate depriving young people economic mobilityMajority lack regular access to electricity, clean water and other basicsThese conditions exacerbated by an Israeli blockade have yielded despair for many Gazan families barely surviving, much less thriving day-to-day. Psychology experiments frequently assign monetary values for basic goods that Gazans are deprived of, highlighting the vastly divergent standards of living mere miles away amid the same contested land.
Beyond vital statistics depicting affected humans, anonymous firsthand testimonies communicate raw trauma of Gazans grappling uncertainty, grief over losing loved ones, and fading hopes for any stable, dignified future. These wrenching accounts render the conflict tangibly real compared to detached political analyses. They illuminate Palestinians’ fundamentally universal desires for security, family and fulfillment being crushed under appalling conditions no parents would wish upon their own children.
Cultivating Courage to Uphold Shared HumanityAddressing unconscious bias enabling persecution when directed at out-groups, tips from researchers like Dr. Lasana Harris call for inserting one’s own tribe into hypothetical scenarios to spark empathy through perspective-taking.
We must also catch our mental reflexes that readily dismiss or defend harm against groups perceived as distant others, whether through denying injustice severity or blatantly blaming victims. Such reactions preserve beliefs that some groups inherently warrant less moral weight.
Courage is essential, not just to acknowledge the immorality of persecuting any group, but also to trace connections to systems we participate in that directly or indirectly sustain oppression even through attempts at neutrality. As mentioned in the previous episode to this one, Ta-Nehisi Coates’ recent firsthand account witnessing Palestinian struggles states: “It is not permissible...to behold evil and just stand there.”
This sober self-reckoning proves deeply uncomfortable yet necessary for aligning reality with values prioritizing dignity, justice, and life fulfillment for all based on our shared humanity rather than group labels. Because amidst divisions and polarization that tempt narrowing concern to one’s tribe at others’ expense, the moral obligation remains not to turn away from any group’s adversity if we wish to build a world affirming every person’s worth.
Springer - or not? Reactions to ingroup and outgroup facial expressionsFourWeekMBA - Ingroup FavoritismVeryWell Mind - Emotional Numbness: Symptoms, Causes, and TreatmentStudy.com - Ingroup vs. Outgroup Bias | Definition, Differences & ExamplesWilson Center - The Five Global Dangers from the Gaza WarScienceDirect - The role of empathy in intergroup relationsScienceDirect -
Probing Our Reactions to Distant Suffering -
Conflict seems ubiquitous in modern society, whether simmering tensions around inequality or openly violent clashes rooted in complex geopolitical and historical dynamics. Making sense of these multifaceted disputes requires moving beyond surface-level takes towards more thoughtful examination. Jake and Chris model this approach through an earnest discussion around flashpoint issues like the Israeli-Palestinian crisis.
While acknowledging the intrinsic intricacy of such topics, the guys ultimately emphasize a human-centric framework focused on identity, universal needs, and everyday choices over reductive political analyses. Their conversation explores how ordinary institutions and individuals are implicated within broader social rifts, sparking reflection on our own responsibility to cultivate courage and wisdom in the face of turmoil.
Understanding Core Human Needs
When discussing tense conflicts, Jake advocates starting from a place of shared humanity rather than entrenched societal divisions. All people require basic safety, dignity, and agency regardless of ethnicity, religion, or other facets of identity. And deprivation of these fundamental needs often fuels intergroup clashes as marginalized communities resort to extreme measures, whether peaceful protests or violent insurgencies.
But conflicts tend to obscure these common roots in favor of dichotomous portrayals of innocents versus aggressors. Chris touches on the unconscious cognitive biases underlying such black-and-white conjectures, which assume one’s own group wholly justified while opponents embody unprovoked malevolence. In reality, the hosts suggest ordinary individuals on any side rarely desire harm without cause but merely react to accumulated injustice or perceived existential threats.
By recognizing the broadly similar motivations behind even enemy tactics, we can better empathize across ideological barriers. And identifying universal human requirements like security, community, and self-determination opens potential avenues for addressing unmet needs fueling tension. But first acknowledging the equal personhood beneath conflicting agendas represents an essential paradigm shift.
Drawing Connections Across Identity-Based StrugglesWhen exploring ethnic segregation enacted through Israeli governance, writer Ta-Nehisi Coates immediately contextualizes these policies against the backdrop of historical racial oppression in America. Social divisions concentrated along identity lines all share underlying roots in consolidating power by a dominant hierarchy over minority groups.
Whether separating facilities based on race or restricting settlements along religious affiliations, segregation serves to constrain marginalized life opportunities and liberties. And Chris emphasizes how easily one can view such institutional barriers as mere logistical conveniences rather than intentional subjugation when not subject to their constraints. clean
But Jake argues that tracing continuity across what may seem disconnected struggles is crucial for solidarity. Those facing persecution for any aspect of identity commonly organize across causes in recognizing the universality of their disempowerment. Such grassroots activism counterbalances embedded social systems by channeling collective outrage against widespread indignities into coordinated demands for equality from those upholding the status quo.
So realizing identity becomes weaponized to selectively confer rights and freedoms is vital for cultivating allyship across diverse marginalized factions. Though details differ, the underlying motivations and oppressive tactics echo painfully across groups barred from full participation. Solidarity thus emerges organically between the oppressed regardless of background details.
Business Responsibility Amidst ConflictWhen institutions maintain operations within volatile warzones and occupied territory, are they passively enabling violence through inaction? The hosts debate what ethical obligations corporations hold regarding conflict contexts tied to normal business activities.
As Chris highlights, many transnational companies now intersect with disputes spanning the globe. Firms founded in Israel intrinsically participate in regional turmoil regardless of their political neutrality. And conflicting allegiances between colleagues split across societal schisms muddle organizational positioning further.But Jake contends enterprises now bear communal duties of care impacting conflict dynamics. Employees represent whole persons not just professional roles, so their holistic wellbeing and safety matter. Failure to openly acknowledge dangerous climates leaves workers psychologically unsupported despite physical protection. And suppressed tensions surrounding unaddressed institutional participation in oppression often breed resentment between management and staff.
So rather than performative declarations, the hosts advise pragmatic solidarity through validating employee humanity first. No ideological position satisfies all views across profound disputes. But conspicuous silence signals disregard for very real affiliated suffering. They thus encourage concrete care and inclusion over virtue signaling.
Cultivating Everyday Moral CourageBemoaning conflicts as eternally intractable ignores individual participation in perpetuating collective harm. From our everyday conduct to the corporations we enable, each plays an incremental part in shaping wider realities. Small acts of moral courage compound over time into transformational movements.
Jake recounts an anecdote where a disadvantaged man forgoes retributive violence and dehumanization despite understandable rage. His restraint showcases that even those battered by injustice retain choice in whether to advance its infectious spread. This underscores how outspoken leaders modeling principled dissent rely on inward sacrifices we all must make through suppressed instincts and tempered behaviors.
Existing power structures prefer the illusion of powerlessness because it breeds resignation rather than resistance in the marginalized. But lived human experience proves even tremendously unjust regimes eventually crumble when enough ordinary citizens inch towards moral courage by making slightly more ethical choices within their sphere of influence. And Jake suggests today's conflicts indicate we approach a societal tipping point through cascading ripples of solidarity against interlinked oppressions.
True change thus cannot manifest through top-down interventions alone but requires bottom-up cultural shifts across countless quiet confrontations with complicity. So the hosts urge listeners first to search their souls around injustice close to home before demanding external revolutions. Internal cultivation nurtures every movement’s seminal seeds - whether through CEOs addressing organizational culture or kids resolving playground disputes. And continuous practice builds the resilience and perspective to act rightly amidst future uncertainty.
Moving Forward in UnityConflict notoriously seems to arise from factors outside individual influence, whether long-buried history or institutional inertia. But Jake and Chris reveal through thoughtful discussion how blame games often obscure our own latent Stirrings sustaining surface tensions. Whether through segregationist mentalities, apathetic inaction, or instinctive aggression, we inadvertently perpetuate division in absence of self-...
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When crisis hits, our logical brains often revert back to primeval instincts. But what if we could train our minds to transcend the urge to panic in the face of chaos? That is the premise explored in this episode, as the hosts dive into the human capacity to overcome fear in the most unexpected disasters.
The Anatomy of the Fear ResponseTo grasp why moments of crisis overwhelm our senses, we first need to understand the science underpinning our innate alarm system. Our brains are wired with an amygdala, which triggers the famous “fight or flight” response when we sense danger. This reaction floods our body with stress hormones that boost heart rate, breathing, and tension to prepare for life-threatening situations (McCorry, 2007).
While vital for responding to tangible threats, these reflexive responses often persist even when the threat is ambiguous, like public speaking or ominous news reports. Luckily, the prefrontal cortex can help regulate these impulses through logic and perspective. But as we’ll explore, training this response prepares us for when disaster strikes.
Lessons from The Unthinkable: Stories of SurvivalJake mentions a book titled The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes and Why by Amanda Ripley. This non-fiction work chronicles shocking catastrophes to uncover common threads among those who endured. From plane crashes to hostage takings, house fires to mass shootings, Ripley studies survival mindsets across public and personal disasters.
One crucial insight: while we cannot fully control external events, we have far more power over internal reactions than assumed. Both training and mindset make all the difference (Ripley 2018). Case studies throughout this episode, from 9/11 survivors to emergency first responders, illuminate tangible ways to strengthen resilience in the face of chaos.
Fostering a Survival MindsetThe hosts explore a compelling story of survivor who leveraged her prior experience to stay poised amidst the 9/11 Pentagon attack chaos:
“I started thinking about what are the stories we tell ourselves so that we can deny the most obvious chaos right in front of her right in front.”This account and others demonstrate how perception defines our reality. While denial seems counterintuitive, self-talk that frames situations as manageable unlocks greater functionality. Of course, realistic awareness remains essential for appropriate responsiveness. But regulating fear frees our minds to process information for optimal reactions.
The Primacy of PreparationAs Ripley’s book emphasizes, training and preparation may matter most for ensuring effective responses. Jake highlights this point through both research and personal anecdotes:
“The more prepared you are, the more control and less fear you will experience.”Whether it’s fire safety drills, active shooter trainings, or emergency medical exercises, realistic rehearsals embed productive patterns that kick in automatically later. Understanding logical protocols and responses in advance anchors our minds when panic threatens to take hold.
Cultivating Emotional Resilience
Beyond logistical preparation, we must also strengthen the mind’s capacity to handle duress. Self-regulation and resilience compound over time as we face manageable doses of uncertainty. Whether through self-reflection, counseling, community support or other mechanisms, processing challenging experiences allows lessons to crystallize into wisdom. For instance, Jake describes hearing his own calming self-talk during a stressful campus security incident, demonstrating how inner work bears fruit when tested.
By intentionally exposing ourselves to discomfort, reflecting on our reactions, and articulating insights with trusted sources, we gradually accumulate resilience for when disaster strikes. The authors of Verbal First Aid explain it as inoculation against future threats: “Stress is an exposure that stimulates an internal strengthening reaction.” (Pollack, 2004). The same premise holds true for bolstering crisis resilience long before calamity arrives.
ConclusionWhile violent catastrophes may seem beyond our control, cultivating awareness, preparation, and resilience could save lives - whether our own or those around us needing support. After all, disasters fundamentally boil down to human experiences, however induced. And how we navigate these unthinkable moments ultimately relies on the mental and emotional tools we've acquired to steady our minds and take wise action.
As the research and stories in this episode reveal, perception defines reality more than facts alone. Our brains constantly leverage inner resources to handle crises through self-talk, breathing techniques, and visualization. We can further cultivate these innate skills through training and conscious stress exposure. Simultaneously, logistical preparation embeds readiness to respond effectively when chaos strikes.
Strengthening social bonds and community continuity also proves vital for collective resilience and recovery. And reassurance generally outweighs invalidation when stabilizing those feeling emotionally unsafe. By layering everyday mental, logistic and social preparation, we inoculate ourselves against future threats, allowing post-traumatic growth to emerge from adversity.
While further catastrophe constantly looms, the human spirit and ingenuity to endure outlasts even the unthinkable. Our minds possess underestimated power to navigate overwhelm. And with care and courage, we can master inner mayhem and collective calamity.
Key Vocabulary Explained:
Normalcy Bias: Normalcy bias, also known as normality bias, is a cognitive bias that leads people to disbelieve or minimize threat warnings. This bias causes individuals to underestimate the likelihood of a disaster and its potential adverse effects. As a result, many people prepare inadequately for natural disasters, market crashes, and calamities caused by human error.Post-Traumatic Growth: Post-traumatic growth refers to the positive psychological changes that individuals may experience as a result of the struggle with highly challenging life crises. It is an adaptive response to adversity, leading to personal growth, resilience, and the development of a new perspective on life.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely recognized and extensively studied form of psychotherapy. It aims to change patterns of thinking or behavior that contribute to individuals' difficulties. CBT combines two therapeutic approaches: cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy.Neuroplasticity: Neuroplasticity, also known as neural plasticity or brain plasticity, is the ability of the brain to adapt and change its neural pathways based on experiences. It refers to the brain's ability to reorganize its structure, functions, and connections in response to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli. This process occurs after injuries such as stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI) and allows the brain to compensate for lost function and restore its abilities.Cognitive Dissonance: Cognitive dissonance is the m... -
We all have moments when things pile up and we feel overwhelmed. Work deadlines collide with personal responsibilities, inbox notifications keep dinging, and our mental bandwidth reaches max capacity. In times like these, it’s easy to shut down or check out from all the pressure. This survival response is a natural self-preservation tactic. But it often leaves relationships strained and goals unattained.
So how can we skillfully navigate seasons of overwhelm without losing connection or abandoning personal growth trajectories? Chris and Jake draw from their own experiences to share insights on this universal human struggle.
The Stress of Wearing Multiple HatsLife moves fast. Emails ding, duties churn without pause, and pressures creep from all sides. Stress levels rise along with heart rates. Tempers grow short as time grows scarce. We thrash against the quickening current, struggling simply to stay afloat. In these breathless moments — overwhelmed, overworked and overdue — we instinctively narrow our gaze to the churn directly around us. We sever connection in favor of productivity. We silence inspiration’s whisper urging pause under the mistaken belief that furiously treading water is the only way to survive the rapids.
Both Jake and Chris share examples of this dynamic and agree that the biggest casualty amidst seasons of high demand can be relational health. When people are under the gun, interactions get shortened and social capital gets drained. Tempers run hotter. Sensitivities heighten. And the shared trust that glues relationships together starts to fray. We being to question our abilities to manage things. We may even ask ourselves “is there something wrong with me?”The Busyness Paradox
Why with vastly expanded capacities to accomplish, do many feel increasingly inadequate? Jake argues busyness a poor proxy for productivity, functioning more as barometer for cognitive/emotional load. We mistake perpetual motion for meaningful contribution. Chris affirms, referencing recent workplace expansions leaving him overextended. More hours invested no assurance of value creation.
This paradox leaves Chris oscillating between resignation and resentment regarding overloaded obligations. Jake presses on flawed assumptions equating busyness with nobility. Purpose, not pace, align life’s work with soul’s yearning.
“We mistake activity for meaning, volume for value.”The Seductive Lie of Isolation
When feeling maxed out mentally, emotionally or physically, the instinctive response for many is to retreat inward to regroup. Pausing permits silenced wisdom to emerge. In quiet, cluttered perspectives fall away; we rediscover purpose and priorities. Away from the immediacy of demands and carefully calculating how we might strategically surrender some, soul-nourishing rhythms gently reset. But this desire for isolation, however understandable, can backfire.
Jake confessed his own tendencies to withdraw from even close relationships when overwhelmed. “The lie that is so seductive in that moment is that I can just step away, figure this out and then step back in,” Jake admitted. In reality, without intentional outreach from community during these phases, there is little impetus to return.
Chris noted that this dynamic is at play in the volunteer sector. Those overwhelmed by the situation they stepped into often simply disappear without warning. This leaves team members confused and abandoned. However, transitions in and out of service are normal and should be destigmatized. The key is establishing feedback channels so people can communicate needs without shame.
The Restorative Role of Community
Isolation proves powerless in bringing restoration. As Chris and Jake discussed, renewal happens in context of community. There is power when overwhelm is reframed from an individual burden to a collective struggle. The simple act of giving voice to feelings of exhaustion, uncertainty or defeat can help dissipate their intensity.Being willing to admit “I just can’t deal with this anymore” signals the critical first step toward freedom. Finding a sympathetic ear instead of shocked judgment makes space for the genesis of hope. This positive contagion buoys spirits and helps put circumstances into perspective.
For those coordinating volunteer teams, building a culture of openness is vital. Normalizing cycles of engagement and withdrawal sets realistic expectations. Occasional breaks should be embraced, not condemned. Similarly, avenues for easy reentry after absences prevent volunteers from drifting away permanently.
Progress Over Perfection
Seasons of overwhelm provide opportunities to reexamine priorities and realign around essentials. Instead of trying to power through every obligation, taking a strategic pause to reset goals clears the path ahead.
“Busyness serves as a barometer for emotional and cognitive load, not an indicator of meaningful productivity."
Progress is preferable over perilous striving for perfection. Learning to work in more sustainable ways prevents the inevitable burnout crash. For some, this means better time management. For others, more margin in their schedule. For still others, saying no more often to preserve energy for what matters most.Chris and Jake agreed that the best way to inoculate against depletion is by proactively investing in relationships before crunch times hit. Whether at home or work, making deposits in people’s emotional bank accounts through loving connection builds resilience for when storms inevitably come. It also mitigates the damage if hard decisions need to be made during crisis times that impact others.
So how do we build sustainability into the approach so that the work can go on but people can step back without having to step away? Rhythmically cycling between giving and receiving, pushing forward and pausing for renewal, is key for healthy long-term social impact.
Key Vocabulary:
Cognitive loadCognitive load refers to the mental effort and focus required to process tasks and responsibilities. It is the amount of mental resources needed to learn, understand, and retain information. According to the Cognitive Load Theory, there are three types of cognitive load: intrinsic, extraneous, and germane. Intrinsic cognitive load is the inherent difficulty of the task, extraneous cognitive load is the unnecessary cognitive processing imposed by the learning environment, and germane cognitive load is the cognitive processing that contributes to learning and understanding.
Cognitive load can affect learning and performance. When the cognitive load is too high, it can overwhelm the individual and lead to decreased learning and performance. On the other hand, when the cognitive load is appropriately managed, it can enhance learning and problem-solving abilities. Strategies such as breaking down complex tasks, providing clear instructions, and using visual aids can help reduce cognitive load and improve cognitive performance.
Performative altruism
Performative altruism refers to acts of helping or performing activist efforts primarily for public recognition rather than genuine concern for others. It is when individuals engage in acts of kindness or charitable actions with the intention of gaining social approval or enhancing their image rather than from a gen...
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Introduction
In a society where "busy" has become the default response to "How are you?", the latest episode of the "Disorienting Dilemma" podcast offers an insightful deep-dive into the complexities surrounding busyness, altruism, and emotional health. Jake and Chris traverse these intricate terrains with nuance, breaking down how each component impacts the other. This article aims to unpack the core themes and offer a structured narrative that enriches your understanding of these interconnected topics.
The Enigma of Busyness: Unpacking the Modern Paradox
We often associate busyness with productivity, success, or even social status. But is this frenetic pace of life truly fulfilling? Jake and Chris argue that busyness is not just about the sheer number of tasks but also about the cognitive and emotional toll they take. The irony is that in a time when technological advancements should have made life easier, many find themselves busier than ever. The conversation pivots around the idea that the nature of busyness has evolved; it's not just physical but also psychological, involving constant decision-making, reprioritizing, and navigating emotional complexities.
"Busyness is not an indicator of productivity; it's a barometer for emotional and cognitive load."Volunteerism Reconsidered: Altruism in the Age of Busyness
Volunteerism often serves as a counterpoint to the selfishness inherent in relentless busyness. However, the hosts delve into the paradox of how altruistic acts like volunteering can sometimes contribute to the cycle of busyness we're caught in. They explore the concept of "performative altruism," where the act of doing good becomes more about social validation than genuine empathy or compassion. This devalues the very essence of volunteerism, converting it into another task that contributes to our busyness, rather than an act that should bring emotional fulfillment and societal benefit.
"When altruism becomes performative, it loses its soul and adds to the noise of busyness."Emotional Labor: The Hidden Costs of Wearing Many Hats
Being busy often involves juggling multiple roles, both professionally and personally. This isn't just draining physically but also emotionally taxing. Jake and Chris dig into the concept of "emotional labor," the invisible but significant emotional and mental work involved in maintaining various roles. The discussion touches on how this can lead to burnout, a state of emotional and physical exhaustion that has been increasingly recognized as a serious health concern. They argue that understanding and acknowledging this emotional labor is a crucial step in achieving a balanced life.
"Emotional labor is the invisible thread that holds the fabric of our multiple roles together, yet it's often the most frayed."
The Equilibrium Quotient: A Quest for Balanced LivingStriving for balance in a world that glorifies busyness is a complex task. It requires a nuanced approach that goes beyond simply reducing the number of tasks. Jake and Chris introduce the concept of the "Equilibrium Quotient," a measure of how well one balances different aspects of life — work, personal interests, emotional health, and social responsibilities. Achieving this equilibrium is not a one-time act but a continual process that involves self-awareness, setting boundaries, and sometimes, the difficult act of saying no.
"Achieving equilibrium isn't a milestone; it's a continual journey of self-awareness and recalibration."The Redefinition of Success: Emotional Intelligence in a Busy World
In a compelling conclusion, the hosts challenge the conventional markers of success. They posit that in a world that often equates busyness with success, we need a redefinition. Emotional intelligence, the ability to understand and manage one's own emotions as well as those of others, emerges as a crucial marker. Emotional intelligence allows for a more nuanced approach to busyness, helping to differentiate between what is genuinely important and what is merely urgent. The dialogue emphasizes that true success is not about being perpetually busy but about leading a balanced, emotionally fulfilling life.
"In the arithmetic of life, Emotional Intelligence > Perpetual Busyness."Conclusion
As they wrap up the episode, Jake and Chris present a call to action: to be more introspective, to question our societal norms around busyness, and to truly understand the emotional dimensions of our daily lives. It's a call to move away from the surface-level glorification of busyness and delve deeper into what truly constitutes a fulfilling life. Because at the end of the day, life isn't about how busy you are, but how fulfilling your busyness makes you feel.
Concepts:
Cognitive Load: The amount of mental processing power needed to complete a task, affecting focus and decision-making capabilities.Emotional Labor: The effort required to manage and suppress emotions to achieve a specific outcome in social interactions, often in a work or volunteer setting.Performative Altruism: Engaging in acts of charity or kindness primarily for social recognition rather than genuine concern or empathy.Psychological Burnout: A state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress, often related to work or caregiving.Emotional Intelligence: The ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions, as well as recognize, understand, and influence the emotions of others.Terminology:
Reprioritizing: The act of changing the order of importance of tasks or responsibilities, often done when overwhelmed.Social Validation: The psychological phenomenon where one considers the beliefs and actions of others to be correct, often influencing their own behavior and feelings.Phrases:
"Checkbox Activism": Engaging in superficial acts of activism or altruism that require minimal effort and commitment, often just to feel good or appear socially responsible."The Cycle of Busyness": The self-perpetuating loop where one's busyness leads to more tasks and commitments, which in turn lead to increased busyness."Strings Attached": Hidden or not immediately obvious conditions or complications that come with an agreement or situation."In the Weeds": Deeply involved in the details of a complicated topic or situation, sometimes to the point of missing the larger context. -
In this episode, Chris and Jake delve into multifaceted aspects of team dynamics and communication nuances. From dissecting the essence of high-performing teams to unravelling the delicate balance between the urgency to say something and the need to shut up. At one point, Chris wonders aloud, “Why wouldn't everyone want my opinion? Everything in my life that's important is about how I perceive myself.” In this way, listeners will hear how different the co-hosts are in their contemplations and the space they take up in the world. Ironically, Jake (Mr. Restorative Justice) discloses how he is more likely to quietly (or angrily) exit relationships without providing an explanation or opportunity for dialogue. Beyond just personal anecdotes, they also explore the natural complexities of group behaviour and interpersonal communication.
Leaning into the work they do in their respective professional spaces, both Jake and Chris grapple with how to balance the individual and collective responsibility when difficult conversations are required.
Themes Explored:
Building High-Performing Teams: Reflecting on the necessity of team dynamics across diverse settings and examining the impact of relationships within these teams.Equity vs. Individual Contribution: Highlighting the idea that successful teams foster a shared identity and ensure equitable contributions while acknowledging individual strengths.Navigating Individual vs. Team Needs: Exploring challenges when personal interests clash with team dynamics and the discomforts of navigating change within teams.Speaking and Listening Dynamics: Unraveling the significance of active listening, emphasizing its role in shaping meaningful conversations.The Power of Silence: Reflecting on the value of silence in conversations and its contribution to effective communication.Urgency in Dialogue: Examining urgency's influence on conversations and the challenges it poses to active listening.Self-Reflection in Communication: Discussing personal default reactions and their influence on community interactions.Closing Thoughts:
"Does it have to be said? Does it have to be said by me? Does it have to be said right now? Unless you have all three conditions, you should shut up." – Jake’s Mom.
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The intersection of faith, activism, justice, and personal growth is often a complex and nuanced space, where philosophical musings meet the very real challenges of our world. This article delves into these intricate relationships, aiming to provide you with fresh perspectives that are as thought-provoking as they are relevant.
The Human Condition: Religion and Identity
"Religion is not just a belief system; it's the architecture of our worldviews."
It's no secret that religion often serves as a cornerstone of one's identity. Whether through the moral frameworks it provides or the communities it fosters, religion has a profound influence on how we navigate the world. However, this isn't just about following a set of rules or participating in rituals. It's about the search for meaning, an endeavour that is inherently human. Yet, what happens when this search for meaning conflicts with our social and ethical commitments? The tension arises when we grapple with issues like justice and activism, forcing us to confront the limitations of our beliefs.
The Activist's Dilemma: Striking a Balance
Activism often involves a pursuit of justice, a quest to right wrongs and address systemic issues. But there's a tension here, too. On one hand, activism requires a certain level of commitment and fervor, a deep-rooted belief that change is not just possible but necessary. On the other, this drive can lead to burnout, or worse, a descent into dogma. How do you balance the desire for immediate action with the need for sustainable change?
The Justice Paradox: Retributive vs Restorative
"True public safety transcends the absence of crime; it manifests in the presence of communal well-being."
When we talk about justice, we often think in terms of retribution: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. But what if we looked at justice from a different lens, one that focuses on restoration and rehabilitation? Restorative justice emphasizes dialogue, accountability, and community involvement. It's a system that resonates with many spiritual teachings, offering a more holistic approach to righting wrongs. The paradox lies in reconciling these two notions of justice, each valid in its own right but often at odds with one another.
Finding Meaning: The Role of Spiritual Growth
"Human behavior is not a moral compass but a complex algorithm of survival instincts and social influences."
As we navigate these complexities, the quest for personal growth remains a constant. Spiritual growth is not about reaching a final destination but rather engaging in a continual process of self-discovery. This can manifest in different ways, from delving deeper into religious texts to engaging in community service. The key here is transformative experiences—those moments that shake us to our core and prompt us to reevaluate our perspectives. These experiences act as catalysts for growth, pushing us to expand our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Beyond Dogma: The Transformative Power of Questioning
The power of questioning is often underestimated. In religious contexts, questioning can be seen as a sign of doubt or lack of faith. But the opposite is true. Questioning is the gateway to deeper understanding and, ultimately, growth. It's the catalyst for transformative experiences, those pivotal moments that redefine our relationship with the world and ourselves. So, go ahead and question. You might find that the answers lead you to a place of newfound clarity and purpose.
In sum, the journey through the intersections of faith, activism, justice, and personal growth is far from straightforward. It's fraught with dilemmas, paradoxes, and existential questions that often have no easy answers. Yet, it's precisely this complexity that makes the journey so worthwhile. As we engage in this ongoing process of exploration and self-discovery, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to a more equitable and compassionate world.
So, whether you're a devout believer, a passionate activist, a justice advocate, or someone simply seeking to better understand the human condition, remember that these paths are not mutually exclusive. They intersect in fascinating ways, offering a rich tapestry of experiences that can inform, challenge, and ultimately transform us.
And as we navigate these intersections, we would do well to remember that the process itself is as important as the destination. After all, growth is not a linear path but a winding journey, filled with twists, turns, and invaluable lessons along the way.
Concepts:
Moral Frameworks: Ethical principles or guidelines that influence decision-making, often rooted in cultural, religious, or philosophical beliefs.Systemic Issues: Problems deeply embedded within the structure of a system, often requiring comprehensive change to address, as opposed to isolated incidents or individual behavior.Burnout: A state of physical or emotional exhaustion, particularly as a result of prolonged stress or overwork, which can impact productivity and well-being.Dogma: A set of principles or beliefs prescribed by an authority as incontrovertibly true, which can discourage critical thinking and questioning.Restorative Justice: An approach to justice emphasizing the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community, often involving dialogue and communal decision-making.Retributive Justice: A system of criminal justice focused on the punishment of offenders, often through imprisonment or other forms of penalty, as a means of deterring future offenses.Behavioral Science: An interdisciplinary field that explores human behavior through systematic research and scientific methods, incorporating insights from psychology, neuroscience, and economics.Nudges and Incentives: Techniques used in behavioral science to subtly influence people's actions and choices, often designed to lead to more positive or desired outcomes.Transformative Experiences: Life-altering moments or periods that significantly impact a person's world view, often leading to personal growth, a shift in perspective, or change in behavior.Terminology:
Activism: The practice of vigorously campaigning to bring about social, political, or environmental change, often involving various forms of protest or civil disobedience.Sustainable Change: Improvements designed to last over the long term, emphasizing responsible management of resources and stakeholder inclusivity.Holistic Approach: A way of thinking or problem-solving that considers all elements of a situation, system, or issue as interconnected, rather than dissecting them into separate parts.Self-Discovery: A personal journey involving introspection and the quest for deeper understanding of one's own character, motivations, and life purpose.Equitable: Characterized by fairness and impartiality, often used in the context of social justice to describe systems or actions that treat all individuals with equal respect and dignity.Compassionate: The quality of feeling or showing empathy and concern for others, especially those in difficult or unfortunat... -
Today, we're diving deep into an intriguing topic that's been at the heart of our podcast discussions lately. We're shifting gears in our third season, turning the spotlight onto an aspect of personal and societal change that's often overlooked: the inward journey towards becoming more inclusive and equitable.
The Ecological Model of Self
We're all on a journey. It's a journey through time, across generations, and within ourselves. This holistic perspective, which we refer to as the ecological model of self, encourages us to think about our evolution—not just in terms of biological changes over millennia, but also in the context of our personal growth.
Understanding oneself requires more than introspection—it demands recognizing our place within larger communities, cultures, and ecosystems. We believe that a holistic approach, which accounts for our relationships and societal roles, is crucial for genuine personal growth.
The Neuroscience of Transformative Learning
Our journey inward isn't just philosophical or emotional—it's also neurological. Did you know that transformative learning can actually change your brain? It's true! New synaptic pathways can be formed, shifting perspectives and leading to profound personal growth. By tying adult learning theory to neuroscience, we can see that our capacity to change and grow is literally hardwired into us.
Biology and Environment: A Dance of Influence
But let's go a step further. It's not just our brains at play here. We need to consider the complexity of the biology within us—the myriad of microorganisms that share our bodies and influence our health and well-being. Our ancestors, our environment, and even our epigenetic makeup (that's the way our genes express themselves) all play a role in shaping our behaviours. It's fascinating to realize that our environment's influence isn't limited to our own lives—it can resonate through generations. This understanding adds depth to our discussions on personal transformation, emphasizing the long-lasting impacts of our actions and experiences.
The Body Component of the Internal Journey
And let's not forget the body's role in this inward journey. Our physical state is intrinsically linked with our mental state. It's a complex, two-way street. When we embark on this journey, we're not just transforming our minds; we're also going to see a physical effect in our bodies, specifically in our brain’s neural networks. And this, in turn, changes how we perceive and interact with the world.
The Takeaway
We hope you'll join us on this inward journey. It's a path toward greater inclusivity, equity, and personal transformation. Along the way, we'll delve into stories, science, and self-exploration, all with the aim of fostering greater understanding and empathy.
By understanding the complexities of our internal journey, we can better navigate the challenges of our external world. So, let's venture together into this exploration of self, society, and the profound transformations that can occur when we dare to look within.
Until next time, stay curious.
Prosocial (David Sloan Wilson) - Using science to foster cooperation and make the world better.Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain (David Eagleman) - How the unconscious mind shapes our behavior and decisions.Internal Family Systems (IFS Therapy) - Healing by connecting with different parts of oneself.Nonviolent Communication (Marshall Rosenberg) - Compassionate relating through conscious communication.Brene Brown on Vulnerability - Embracing vulnerability develops courage, compassion and connection.
Resources to Use -
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Jake and Chris do a year-end recap of their most notable moments from Season Two.
With the links to the referenced episodes below, listeners are encouraged to circle back for another listen or to go deeper by digging into the show notes and resources.
The “guys” (one of Chris’ admittedly overused words) recognize that they likely got a few things wrong this season so feel free to reach out with a different perspective. Feedback, questions or show ideas are welcome and invited via Twitter @PodcastDilemma.
Chris and Jake would like to especially thank the guests who showed up and shared their stories and perspectives this season. Those episodes introduced other voices and cemented the commitment for more guest spots next season.
Post-Season Challenge: If there is an episode you found particularly interesting, consider sharing it with a friend, posting a comment about why you like it, and rating or subscribing to the show.
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The episode Jake found most fun to record was Crumbs in the Butter, while Chris picked Transactional versus Transformative Volunteering: A Tale of Two Jarvises.
Chris carried most of the hosting duty for a recent episode on Christian Nationalism, which Jake picked as his most challenging to record, joking that he felt like an ill-prepared contestant on a quiz show.
Chris selected Too Tired to be Woke because it reminded him that it’s okay not to get things right all the time, accepting that a commitment to equity and inclusion will be exhausting at times.
Summarizing Season Two, both Chris and Jake recognized the important theme across episodes was reminding each other of their shared responsibility to actively resist and seek to dismantle systems of oppression. They selected this episode to ground the work and prompt listeners to remember the assignment: sabotaging the system.
BONUS: Everyone starts somewhere. If you're new to the podcast this season, circle back to Season One to hear how it all began. Jake and Chris routinely referenced last season’s content so there’s a link to it here! There are a few super cringy moments for sure!
Finally, a shout out and huge thank you to the show’s editor/producer, Connor Sampson, from Podstarter. Take a moment to check out some more of his work and other shows produced by Podstarter. -
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According to Pew Research, out of 199 countries and territories, “More than 80 countries favour a specific religion, either as an official, government-endorsed religion or by affording one religion preferential treatment over other faiths.” And while, "Islam is the most common government-endorsed faith, with 27 countries (including most in the Middle East-North Africa region) officially enshrining Islam as their state religion’, an additional “40 governments around the globe unofficially favour a particular religion, and in most cases the preferred faith is a branch of Christianity.”
So why is the United States of America, given the early influence of deeply religious groups such as the Pilgrims and Puritans, not a theocracy? And why, when petitioned by Christian clergy of all types, did the Founding Fathers completely reject the idea and in fact, worked to make sure the United States would not become ‘Christian’?
The answers lie in the English Civil War (actually, 3 distinct conflicts between 1642–1651). The civil war was primarily concerned with how the three Kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland should be governed. However, a central feature of the Civil War was the conflict between Protestants (of multiple varieties) and the Catholics.
During this time, John Locke began writing about “the religious intolerance and bickering that was blighting England at the time.” His later writings, Essay Concerning Human Understanding (1690) and Two Treatises of Government (also 1690) would become foundational for the Founding Fathers framework for government, the American Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.
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CURRENT REFLECTIONS ON CHRISTIAN DOMINIONISM
St. Louis Pastor Confronts Progressive Culture: ‘You’re Either Going to Conform or You’re Going to Stand Out and Be Controversial’. Wes Martin is the lead pastor at Grace Church in St. Louis, where he’s led his congregation through the turbulent times of COVID-19 and some of the political debates that have shaped our society over the last couple of years. Martin spoke to The Daily Signal about his church’s mission and why he’s boldly confronting the progressive culture that’s undermining traditional American values.”
Republicans mostly mum on calls to make GOP ‘party of Christian nationalism’: “Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia has spent much of the summer calling on her fellow Republicans to become the “party of Christian nationalism,” even selling T-shirts emblazoned with the slogan “Proud Christian nationalist.” Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference’s meeting in Texas on Aug. 5, she said the Christian nationalism label is nothing to be “ashamed” of and encouraged other members of her party to “lean in to biblical principles.”
“Christian Nationalism” Used to Be Taboo. Now It’s All the Rage: “Scholars and self-proclaimed Christian nationalists may not always mean the same thing when they use the term. Some self-identifying Christian nationalists might simply be social conservatives who advocate against gay marriage, for example. This is different from the scholarly study of those who believe the American political process itself should be overhauled to serve God—or that the reasoning undergirding the laws of the U.S. should be explicitly Christian.”
The Christian right, or the religious right, are Christian political factions characterized by their strong support of socially conservative and traditionalist policies. Christian conservatives seek to influence politics and public policy with their interpretation of the teachings of Christianity. In the United States, the Christian right is an informal coalition formed around a core of largely white conservative Evangelical Protestants and Roman Catholics. The Christian right draws additional support from politically conservative mainline Protestants and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The movement has its roots in American politics going back as far as the 1940s; it has been especially influential since the 1970s. Its influence draws from grassroots activism as well as from focus on social issues and the ability to motivate the electorate around those issues.
RELIGIOUS INFLUENCES IN THE FOUNDING OF THE UNITED STATES
Who were the Pilgrims and Puritans? “Pilgrim separatists rejected the Church of England and the remnants of Catholicism that the Church of England represented. Puritan non-separatists, while equally fervent in their religious convictions, were committed to the reformation of the Church of England and restoration of early Christian society.”
America’s Unchristian Beginnings – The Founding Fathers: “Most, despite preachings of our pious right, were deists who rejected the divinity of Jesus. The Christian right is trying to rewrite the history of the United States as part of its campaign to force its view of religion on others who ask merely to be left alone. According to this Orwellian revision, the Founding Fathers were devout Christians who envisioned a Christian nation. Not true. The early presidents and patriots were generally deists or Unitarians, believing in some form of impersonal Providence but rejecting the divinity of Jesus and the relevance of the Bible.”
Islam is the most common state religion, but many governments give privileges to Christianity: “More than 80 countries favour a specific religion, either as an official, government-endorsed religion or by affording one religion preferential treatment over other faiths, according to a new Pew Research Center analysis of data covering 199 countries and territories around the world."
Christian amendment describes any of several attempts to amend a country's constitution in order to officially make it a Christian state. In the United States, the most significant attempt to amend the United States Constitution by inserting explicitly Christian ideas and languag...
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When we first volunteer to help others, most people begin with a desire to ‘make a difference’ or ‘give back’. As we continue in the volunteer journey, we notice a strange phenomenon: the biggest difference may be happening inside us. And although we are giving back, we find we are receiving far more than we may have to offer.
In an effort to explore this dynamic, Chris and Jake pick up where they left off in a previous podcast and explore the contributions of volunteers by sharing the origin stories of two volunteers who worked at the Sunday Suppers in Halifax, both with the surname ‘Jarvis’ (unrelated).
Marguerite Jarvis acted as her neighbourhood’s unofficial resource distribution center, providing access to items that people needed and would not be able to secure on their own. Darrell Jarvis, (Chris’ dad) the other volunteer, focused his attention on bringing resources to the Sunday Supper and making sure things were organized and accessible when needed.
With seemingly little in common, both Jarvis’ found their social justice stride by routinely showing up and being their authentic selves in service to others.
Transformative Volunteering is an approach that emphasizes the exploration and application of empathy and inclusivity in corporate community engagement. Employee volunteer leaders are trained to manage social impact projects in a way that results in sustainable, systemic outcomes.
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Transformative Volunteering: Taking a transformative approach to volunteering allows us to reach beyond the immediate, transactional contexts and circumstances of volunteers and their communities. Instead of just exchanging time and resources for the reward of making a difference, the volunteer experience becomes an internalized journey – the “reward” becomes pro-social human beings with a greater capacity for empathy. When we ‘belong’ to each other in a community, we address the underlying obstacles to peace and prosperity; the idea of ‘us’ and ‘them’. Neuroscience demonstrates the deep evolutionary reasons humans fear the stranger and protect ourselves from others. So, we must move beyond this posture of charitable helping the ‘other’ while maintaining our separateness. We must know the solidarity of humanity.
3 Stages of a Volunteer Journey: “The first stage on the journey of the volunteer is one of investigation and curiosity. Like a tourist visiting a new place for the first time, a first stage volunteer is not yet sure if this experience is the right fit for them. They cannot be forced or coerced into liking it; instead, they must be given basic, experiential tasks that will allow them to look, taste, see and discover. If they’re ready, they’ll return to the space and continue through the stages. Tourists will make up about 70-80% of any group of employee volunteers.”
Don’t hate the player – hate the game: “In the game of Monopoly the playing field is equal, every player starts the game with the same amount of money. Every player has the same opportunity to roll the dice and advance (unless they go to jail). Every player follows the same set of rules. Imagine instead if one person started the game with a hundred times more money than the other players? What if one player was allowed to roll the dice twice in every turn? What if one player always had a get out of jail free card? If the rules were rigged for one player, it would be impossible for any other player to win the game. We probably wouldn’t want to play!”
Greedy or Needy: “Be sure not to fall into the evolutionary trap of tending to a narrow in-group. Though we survived by focusing on a small tribe, in the modern world, our survival depends on our ability to cooperate on a much greater scale. Especially in times of scarcity, uncertainty, and high stress, when our brains want to treat out-group members as threats, we must deliberately redefine and expand our in-group. Our new in-group, and the source of our generosity, can no longer be confined to the members of our race, ethnicity, or even species. Once we draw wider circles around our identity, our natural urge to give and cooperate will kick in. That's good even for the greediest among us because we’re truly all in this together.”
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Jake shares a recent account of being ‘voluntold’ during a hurricane in Nova Scotia earlier this year.
Although Jake's poor math skills almost ended in tragedy for his uncle, he gained some interesting insights about what it means to volunteer at your ‘highest level of contribution’.
Together, Jake and Chris consider how to have a ‘with’ posture with those we are hoping to ‘help,’ and the surprising results of being open to receive ‘help’ from those we are helping through volunteering.
Chris explains the Three Stages in the Journey of a Volunteer and the implications for each of us on that journey.
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CNN- ‘It is surreal’: Canada’s Atlantic coast residents describe devastation as Fiona wipes away homes and knocks out power for thousands. Fiona ripped through Canada’s eastern seaboard at hurricane strength after making landfall in Nova Scotian Saturday, slamming the area with fierce winds and storm surge, sapping power for hundreds of thousands, and washing away or collapsing some coastal homes.
The Restorative Lab: Realizing a more just and inclusive world by transforming society through a restorative approach. The Restorative Research, Innovation, and Education Lab, or the Restorative Lab, is both a “virtual” change lab creating the knowledge needed for social innovation across systems and sites in Canada and around the world and a physical lab serving as a hub for researchers, partners, and communities to convene and work together.
How the “Social Discipline Window” Helps Create an Empowered Classroom: Through a concept called the “social discipline window“, we can help teachers to reflect on power dynamics in their classrooms and how that is linked to students’ emotions.
An introduction to social discipline, restorative and relational-based practice: Restorative practice is a term used to describe a way of being–an underpinning ethos which enables us to build and maintain healthy relationships, resolve difficulties and repair harm when relationships breakdown. It embodies a set of core beliefs, principles and a way of being with people that proactively promotes building a sense of community and developing social capital. It creates a common language and approach for fostering a sense of social responsibility and shared accountability.
Tourist–Traveler–Guide. This is the journey of the volunteer: The great failure of volunteer coordinators lies in expecting tourists to act like guides, treating guides like tourists, and ignoring the traveler all-together. It’s time we meet people where they’re at. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
VIDEO: Empathy in motion: The 3 Stages in the Journey of a Volunteer
Infographic - The Journey of the Volunteer: Check out this resource on the Journey of the Volunteer to learn more about the three stages of the volunteer journey: Tourist, traveler and guide.Finding the Right Leaders for Employee Volunteering Teams: When it comes right down to it, the success of any company’s employee volunteering program rests on the ability to form, mobilize, and manage teams across all the regions in which the company operates. Not only
is the global spread of the workforce a hurdle, the various departments and business groups can make things very complicated. As you probably know by now, finding the right people to lead and support your program is a foundational element for a successful, scalable volunteer program. Below are the three steps to success in finding and supporting leaders in your employee volunteer program.
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Jake and Chris dig a bit deeper on the topic of homelessness and unhoused neighbours. Are the stereotypes society holds about citizens who are unhoused accurate? Or maybe, anyone of us could find ourselves unhoused depending on life events.
To explore this question, Andy Reed joins the podcast to share his story of finding himself ‘homeless’.Andy Reed is the International Trade and Incentives Program Manager with Prosper Portland and an adjunct Instructor with the Portland State University, where he has taught 65+ courses since 2002.
Who are the ‘displaced’ or unhoused? Could it happen to you? We think you’ll be surprised and shocked to hear Andy’s story.
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Portland has a Homelessness Crisis: “An estimated 5,228 people are experiencing homelessness in Portland, according to Multnomah County's 2022 Point-in-Time Count of Homelessness. With only approximately 1,365 shelter beds available you see many people living in tents, vehicles, and on sidewalks across the city.”
Homelessness in the Portland Region: “Portland’s second crisis is worse than that in most other places, and it has two causes: an under-supplied regional housing market and an unresponsive, discretionary rental assistance program. The two crises require different strategies and tactics.”
Liberal US cities including Portland change course, now clearing homeless camps: “The mayor of Portland, Oregon, recently banned camping on the sides of certain roadways, and officials are exploring other aggressive options to combat homelessness.”
History of Racist Planning in Portland: How historical racist land use planning contributed to racial segregation and inequity for people of colour in Portland.
The Pain of Social Rejection: As far as the brain is concerned, a broken heart may not be so different from a broken arm. “As researchers have dug deeper into the roots of rejection, they’ve found surprising evidence that the pain of being excluded is not so different from the pain of physical injury. Rejection also has serious implications for an individual’s psychological state and for society in general. Social rejection can influence emotion, cognition and even physical health. Ostracized people sometimes become aggressive and can turn to violence.”
Social Pain and Physical Pain: In this video, we can see the MRI results of social rejection and physical pain on the human brain (the way it reacts) which are found to be very similar.
TED TALKS: The Issue of Homelessness: A basic primer on some of the hows and whys, solutions and struggles surrounding the conversation on homelessness.
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Jake and Chris stare uncomfortably at the privilege they experience every time they leave their houses, never worrying about whether the place will be there when they get back. Far more than just a roof overhead, it is everything those structures conjure up for them. Feelings of safety, security and relaxation - a place of one’s own - to organize and set up as they see fit.
Most of their housed neighbours (or neighbors) feel the same way but, unsurprisingly, that does not extend to the unhoused community members living in tents at local parks and green spaces. Communities want “their” parks back; unhoused neighbours want dignity, safety and respect – and shelter.
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Unhoused or Homeless?: “Recently, advocates and researchers have begun to question the usage of the term “homeless,” particularly when used as a collective noun (“the homeless”). While the term is still widely used—and in some cases, preferred—by community members and the media, some argue that the term dehumanizes the people experiencing homelessness and flattens their identity into one stigmatized characteristic.”
Heaviness of Homelessness: “Social scientist Eric Weismann, who has lived experience of homelessness, says that people underestimate the mental-health impacts of being homeless. He describes the cruelty of the promise of support and housing that simply doesn’t exist or exists with a long waitlist, as well as the inability to feel safe due to the constant policing. “You’re in survival, anxiety mode all the time,” he said. “It doesn’t mean you’re a bad person, making bad choices. It’s not like you can make good choices. Good choices (like being housed) are not there.”
To Protect and Serve: “Some members of the public see the existence of encampments as a significant physical threat to the city as a whole due to the negative connotation that surrounds them. These negative attitudes often result in sweeps, which are the closing of tent cities and the forceful transfer of personal property into police or city custody. Additionally, some municipalities seek out court injunctions to mandate the destruction of encampments and the forced eviction of tenants. These tactics are often justified by claiming that encampments are not houses as they are not sanctioned by the city, do not have proper sanitation facilities, are fire hazards, and are not connected to the electrical grid.”
Pick one - CSR or ESG?: “Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is no longer just admirable business practice, it’s a demand. People are more socially conscious than ever before. A recent study by Business Wire revealed that more than a third of buyers globally are prepared to pay more for sustainable products. So, what is corporate social responsibility in detail? CSR defines the activities companies maintain to have a greater global positive impact. Developing a CSR model helps companies report its efforts to itself, stakeholders, staff, the public and the environment (local and worldwide).”
Podcast Recommendation – The Health Disparities Podcast – GUEST – Fr. Greg Boyle: “We somehow blame people for their own deaths, we blame people for their own misfortune, and it’s really, peculiar. We don’t have any kind of reverence for how complex poverty is - the disparity is. We have no reverence how the poor have to carry more than anybody else and yet, we want to demonize it. We want to get it to a place where we think it’s really about people’s moral bankruptcy.”
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Jake and Chris are joined by the author of “Becoming a Changemaker’, Alex Budak. Together, they explore what it means to be a ‘changemaker’, both in terms of how to make change happen in the world but also the internal work required. For example, what role does our own implicit bias play in scaling change at the systemic level as well as leading change through networks?
Besides authoring the book ‘Becoming a Changemaker’, he is a UC Berkeley faculty member and the co-founder of StartSomeGood.com, a platform that helps break down barriers that prevent people from enacting change, helping over 1,000 changemakers in 50 countries raise over $12 Million USD to catalyze new projects. Budak is driven by the belief that anyone—regardless of title, personality, race, gender, age, or class—can be a changemaker.
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Check out Alex's website and connect with him on LinkedIn.
Also visit StartSomeGood.com and get your own copy of Becoming A Changemaker.
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