Compassionate Cultures

How well do you know microinvalidations? By now you understand they’re a type of microaggression right? If you don’t, go back and listen to this episode.  Is “I don’t see colour a microinvalidation? What is a non-verbal microinvalidation? What is the impact?   What are microaggressions?   Tune in now to test your knowledge in this multiple-choice quiz. Why not do it with a friend or...

There is conflict in your organisations. People don’t know how to talk about race tactfully, ableism is rife, jokes are made about homosexuality and people simply are arguing over the use of personal mugs. How do organisations begin to create cultures that foster empathy? What is a compassionate culture? Listen to this key episode that takes you through the basic steps to creating compassionate cu...

Join us for an electrifying conversation with Kathryn Hanke, the brilliant mind behind Direct Personal Management Actor's Agency, as she teams up with Rebbecca to unveil the strategies and triumphs in the journey towards a more inclusive industry! Dive deep into the challenges faced by the agency and discover how they are learning to craft safe havens for ethnic minorities in this industry that he...

Welcome back to the first episode of 2024. Here I (Rebbecca) explain the exciting changes being made to the podcast so that you the listener get even more value than normal! Also, tune in the find out about an exclusive freebie just for listeners of Compassionate Cultures – the Podcast. Learn more about our work at: www.strawberrywords.co.uk

This raw conversation with two young black women who discuss the microaggressions and blatant racism they face as students at university continues (following part 1).   It comes with a trigger warning, as one student shares a particularly shocking incident she faced during freshers' week.   We implore all university staff, lecturers and especially leaders to tune in and learn as they sha...

In this captivating two-part takeover episode, join us as we delve into a profound conversation with two inspiring black women students. They courageously share their personal journeys, shedding light on the subtle yet impactful world of racial microaggressions. These remarkable individuals also extend their wisdom to organisations and higher education institutions, offering invaluable guidance on...

Do all therapists understand the needs of ethnic minorities? Is it important that your therapist has lived experience? What can you do when emotionally triggered or feel frustrated by people who do not understand you as a black person within your place of work or study? What tools can you use to cope? Have these questions answered and more in this riveting conversation with therapist Yvette Browne...

Tune in to hear the wisdom from Dr Yeow Poon the Honorary Chair of the Chinese Community Centre, CARG:Campaign Against Racism Group Trustee and Leadership Development expert for a conversation on how sinophobhia (fear or dislike of Chinese presenting people) is affecting people in and out of the workplace and how people are fighting back.   For anyone affected by issues raised in this episode...

The great rapper LL Cool J once said, “Don’t call it a comeback, I’ve been here for years”. And that’s kind of how I feel as we launch this new version of the Coffee & Antiracism podcast, now known as Compassionate Cultures – The podcast. Tune in to find out the reasons for the development and to learn about what we are doing to further embed the idea of creating compassionate cultures. It’s a...

This week Rebbecca speaks to Angelina Rizza of Voce Consult to find out how her company explores EDI using theatre. Learn how this alternative, creative method is used to open often difficult conversations about discrimination and inclusion. Angelina Rizza can be found at: https://www.angelinarizza.co.uk/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelina-rizza-insightsdiscovery-coach-trainer-speaker/

Have you ever wondered why talking about racism can make people feel so defensive? This episode explores different psychological techniques people often use to defend themselves when in conversations about race.

Rebbecca got a chance to catch up with Director of People and Culture at Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre. Ruth Power. Who says, “Fear is where we Fail.” Hear how the organisations is embracing the challenges of becoming a diverse, equitable, inclusive and antiracist organisation with the help of Strawberry Words and more. Read the Hippodrome’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and anti-racism here:...

Get behind the thinking and origins of Birmingham Race Impact Group aka BRIG with ‘tell it like it is’ activist Jagwant Johal. Originating in the immediate aftermath of the racist murder of George Floyd BRIG, hit the ground running, holding organisations and institutions to account. Jagwant speaks plainly about the organisation’s mission, challenges and what drives him personally.   Learn mor...

Hosted for the first time by Strawberry Words’ trainer Sipho Ndlovu, this episode delves into the belly of the company. Interviewing CEO Rebbecca Hemmings, Sipho draws out what is behind the antiracism methods that are particular to the company and gains personal insight into where approaches derived. Listen keenly to understand why and how the company successfully navigates conversations about ra...

After experiencing a microaggression in a theme park recently, Rebbecca felt compelled to talk about what microassaults (a type of microaggression) look like in a customer services environment, the problems with reporting them and methods to challenge them for individuals and organisations. Make sure you have your pen and paper to hand!

Host Rebbecca Hemmings gets straight to it with Leadership Coach and racial equity expert Beca Velazquez-Publes from Michigan, US. From the struggles personally faced as a Puerto Rican -Mexican in non-diverse environments to successfully normalising conversations about race through the flagship ‘Equity Drinks’, this is a must-listen-to episode. Tune in now for some golden nuggets of antiracism. Be...

Speaking with US-based marketing expert and Founder of Habras Marketing Diana Farias Heinrich, we explore what it truly means to engage genuinely with ethnic minorities. Many organisations wish to increase engagement from culturally diverse communities, but often miss key elements that fail to exude authenticity. Diana is a strong supporter of Informed Consent Practice. Listen now to learn more ab...

Joined by award winning doula Lorna Philip, Rebbecca explores black women, maternity, and racism. Find out what gaslighting and microaggressions look like in healthcare settings, the latest statistics for black women and pregnancy, what black women can do to seek better treatment and much more. If you’re from an organisation, listen to learn about how to improve services for ethnic minorities. If...

Not everyone wants to openly ask questions in an antiracism training environment, so here Rebbecca answers some of the common questions training participants ask via our post-training survey. Hear answers to questions such as: “What can you do to stop unconscious bias?” and “Do you think the world is more racist post covid?”

Have you heard the word ‘microaggression’ but don’t really understand what it really means? This episode is totally for you. Microaggressions are felt by racially marginalised people on a daily basis, and they cause significant long-term harm, yet not many people do not know what they are! Let’s redress the balance.

Following the horrific racist incident in Kent recently where a young black girl was attacked outside her school, this episode is an urgent call to schools. Learn what schools can be doing TODAY to create safer environments for black and other ethnic minority pupils.

With the recent murder of black American Tyre Nichols, many black staff members globally are being exposed to vicarious racial stress and trauma unbeknownst to many other colleagues. This episode looks at what can be done to mitigate harm caused when faced with racial incidents.

With lots of societal debate around the similarities and differences of unconscious bias and racism, this episode aims to provide clarity on the terms and what that mean for individuals and society.

Starting with an overview of the podcast, this episode offers a little insight into what I have noticed when teaching others about antiracism? Listen to hear if you see yourself in any of these descriptions.