The Culture We Speak

In this episode, a continuation of Mind Ya Mentals: Part 1 , I sit down one-on-one with Dr. Enyo Dzata to dig deeper into the mental and emotional toll of survival strategies that no longer serve us. Together, we unpack how silence, self-monitoring, and respectability perpetuate harm. This episode invites listeners to reflect on the role of solidarity in caring for our mental health, and what it m...

  In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Chad Lennon and Dr. Enyo Dzata to explore the complexities of supporting Black mental health in professional contexts.  We discuss curiosity, care, and cultural awareness as they relate to mental health and its intersections with spirituality in the Black community.  We also explore strategies for advocating for youth across settings.  Finally, the guests pro...

In this episode of The Culture We Speak, I sit down with Ms. Maria Chisolm for an engaging conversation about the power of sharing our stories and its role in shaping how we understand and serve culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) populations. Together, we explore what it truly means to serve through intentional listening, authentic engagement, and equity-centered practice. Ms. Chisolm sha...

In this episode of The Culture We Speak, I sit down with Ms. Regina Cline for a profound conversation about the experiences & challenges faced by refugee & immigrant populations, emphasizing cultural humility, active listening, & the value of embracing diversity. Cultural humility is defined as a lifelong commitment to self-evaluation, acknowledging power imbalances, & fostering re...

In this episode, Rachel Archambault, also known as the PTSD SLP, joins me for an in-depth discussion on Trauma-Informed Care and the vital role speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play in supporting clients exposed to trauma.  Emphasizing the importance of cultural humility and collaborative care, we share professional insights and highlight self-reflection as a crucial element of effective care f...

In this episode, I interview Palestinian American activist Bahia Amawi about her fight against Texas’ anti-BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) legislation.  We explore how these laws impact our work as speech-language pathologists and discuss their broader implications on free speech and global discourse about justice and human rights.  Our conversation emphasizes the crucial need for open di...

In this episode, Dr. Vishnu KK Nair and I delve into the intricate relationship between capitalism and the prevalence of biased materials and practices within communication sciences and disorders. Our candid discussion highlights trends in global service delivery and their repercussions on historically marginalized communities.  We also discuss how the pursuit of profit can deter clinicians from d...

In this episode, Shari Tucker and I engage in a thought-provoking conversation about Title IX, basketball, soccer, and equity work within the context of our personal journeys as former Division I college student-athletes.  We delve into the triumphs and challenges that shape the ever-evolving landscape of equity in the educational arena.  We also explore the transformative power of equity work and...

In this episode, Taija Sparkman and I discuss motherhood, homeschooling, and maternal mortality in the US.  We also explore her homeschooling journey and the launch of Mo At Home, Taija’s new business offering at home coaching for birthing people.   Taija Sparkman is a wife and homeschooling mama to three beautiful, brown girls. She is a childbirth coach and the owner of Mo At Home, LLC, where she...

  In this episode, Sandrine Umunoza, Manar Jaber and I explore issues relating to the violence of systemic racism on immigrant populations in Canada. We discuss their organization GAAROA and examine antiracism efforts in the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology.  Sandrine is a bilingual speech-language pathologist of Rwandan origin who practices in English and French. She lives i...

In this episode, Dr. Anick Tolbize and I discuss the challenges of forming an identity through a borrowed language and worldview.  We examine the validity of creole language and culture, the inadequacies of demographic categories, and the significance of embracing one’s own identity.  Dr. Anick Tolbize lived in the US in the state of Minnesota for five years while completing her PhD in educational...

In this mini episode, I provide updates about recent events, highlight a social media discussion about multicultural perspectives, and offer suggestions to promote equity for historically marginalized groups in 2023. Dionna Latimer-Hearn is an alumnus of Northwestern University, The George Washington University, and Notre Dame of Maryland University.  She has served as a multilingual speech-langua...

In this episode, Ms. Susana Barrios and I discuss her engagement in parent and community advocacy in Baltimore, MD. Strategies to improve educational opportunities for culturally and linguistically diverse populations are discussed. Ms. Susana Barrios is a self-described learner of life and an agent of change who currently serves as an outreach coordinator for Disability Rights Maryland.  Disabili...

In this episode, Ms. Ruskamp and I explore issues pertaining to language diversity and social activism.  She shares some insight into her experiences attending school in Oakland, CA during the Ebonics Controversy.   Ms. Simone Akila Ruskamp (she/her) is a Black woman who loves Black people. She is a co-founder of Juneteenth Santa Barbara as well as Healing Justice Santa Barbara. She has led succes...

In this episode, Dr. Karen Davis and I discuss microaggressions in communication sciences and disorders and our experiences at the 2022 National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing Convention.   Dr. Karen Davis is an associate professor at Middle Tennessee State University who has worked over 15 years as a school speech-language pathologist.  Her research interests are centered in th...

In this episode, Ms. Yalanda Ludtke and I discuss deficit mindsets and incorporating familial and societal considerations into service delivery.   Ms. Yalanda Ludtke is speech-language pathologist who currently serves as the Collaborative Partnerships Director for Higher Expectations for Racine County.  She is a leader, relationship builder, and equity advocate who works toward systemic change in...

In this episode, Dr. Lakeisha Johnson and I discuss multicultural education.  Dr. Lakeisha Johnson is an Assistant Professor in the Communication Science and Disorders program at Florida State University and a certified speech-language pathologist. She is also the director of The Village, the community outreach and engagement division of the Florida Center for Reading Research. Her primary researc...