Culture Stew

In this solo episode, host Maria Morukian reflects on themes from the Culture Stew November Newsletter, exploring the challenges and opportunities in continuing the fight for social change amid a tumultuous post-election climate. Maria shares personal insights inspired by her father's lessons as a history teacher and invites us to consider how patterns from the past can guide us toward a brighter,...

In this episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Morukian speaks with Kai Stowers, a chemist turned Leadership and DEI Consultant and Coach. Kai shares his journey from the lab to a career centered on building high-performing, inclusive teams, driven by a passion for both science and the human dynamics of leadership. Through candid stories, he reflects on the challenges of embracing one's full identity...

In this special episode of Culture Stew, recorded at the University of Colorado Denver, we explore the transformative power of Ember: Igniting and Sustaining a Community of Equity Practitioners. We had the privilege of sitting down with all four facilitators, Maria Morukian, Chris Haigh, Aaron Barlin and Carmen Foster, to dive into discussions about the critical role of community in driving equity...

Welcome to the first episode of Season 6 and the 100th episode of Culture Stew! This season, the podcast focuses on  gender equity through an intersectional lens , highlighting the stories of diverse women and femme-identifying individuals whose experiences are often overlooked or misrepresented. In this episode, we are joined by Devin M. Moran and Jasmin M. Robinson , two scholars conducting rese...

Welcome to season six! This season, we are going to be experimenting with some new approaches and focusing on a central theme where exploring the experiences of women from an intersectional perspective, shifting the focus from deficit-based narratives to stories of strength, creativity, and resilience. Gender equity is a universal issue, and with reproductive rights under attack and the ongoing fi...

In the third episode of our Summer Reflection Series, Todd Culp shares his experiences in conflict zones around the world. Learn how authentic connections and embracing change can bridge divides and promote peace. Todd's stories highlight the universal nature of humanity and the power of genuine communication, reminding us of the importance of seeing beyond differences to find common ground. From...

Our Summer Reflection Series continues with Elmer Dixon, whose journey from co-founding the Seattle Black Panther Party to becoming a global DEI consultant showcases the power of activism and strategy. Elmer shares powerful stories of standing strong against racial injustice and the Black Panther Party's community work. Discover how community efforts continue to play a crucial role in the fight fo...

As part of our Summer Reflection Series honoring the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer, we explore how embracing a liberatory mindset can drive strategic change. Kay Suarez, director of Equity in the Center, shares how waking up to new perspectives can transform community-driven equity work. She emphasizes the importance of collective action and the role each of us can play in creating a more equ...

That's a Wrap on Season 5 of Culture Stew! We've come to the end of another incredible season of Culture Stew. Thank you to all our amazing guests who brought insights, laughter, and profound lessons to our conversations. In this season finale, hosts Maria Morukian and Roger Moreano dive deep into the emotional journey of DEI work, addressing both the heartfelt challenges and the practical hurdles...

In this poignant episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Morukian engages in a profound conversation with Danne L. Johnson, Kai Stowers, and Wendy Moomaw. Together, they explore the multifaceted nature of joy, offering insights on how to cultivate resilience and authenticity in challenging times. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, the guests delve into the deeper dimensions of joy, discussing...

In this episode of Culture Stew, hosts Maria Morukian and Roger Moreano meet with Veronica H. Moore, a dedicated professional with a profound passion for enhancing educational experiences and fostering inclusive environments. Veronica shares insights from her diverse background, spanning leadership, program development, and community advocacy. She discusses the importance of mental, physical, and...

Empowering Mental Wellness: A Conversation with Dr. Dominique Pritchett In this episode of Culture Stew, hosts Maria Morukian and Roger Moreano engage in a dynamic conversation with Dr. Dominique Pritchett, a mental wellness strategist, speaker, therapist, and podcast host. Dr. Pritchett's extensive expertise spans from clinical psychology to social work, guiding organizations and individuals towa...

Join us for a dynamic discussion on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace in this episode of Culture Stew. Our guest, Dr. Carol Parker Walsh, CEO and Strategic Advisor of Carol Parker Walsh Consulting, is here to share her expertise and insights. Dr. Parker Walsh's impressive credentials include a J.D., Ph. D., and nearly three decades of experience in law, academia, and executive lead...

In this episode of Culture Stew, hosts Maria Morukian and Roger Moreano engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Ayanna F. Brown. Dr. Brown shares insights into her upbringing, highlighting the powerful messages she received at an early age. They delve into the importance of Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) in education, discussing its evolution over time and its impact on student w...

In this engaging episode, podcast hosts Maria Morukian and Roger Moreano delve into a multifaceted conversation with Scott Tharp, an esteemed scholar-practitioner and educational interventionist. With a rich background in social work, curriculum design, and program evaluation, Scott shares profound insights into the early messages and values that have shaped his personal and professional journey....

In this episode of Culture Stew, hosts Maria Morukian and Roger Moreano engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Diana Cutaia. Together, they explore the intricate layers of identity formation, challenging gender norms, and reimagining success through the lens of peace-building. Join us as we unravel the threads of identity with Diana Cutaia.   Navigating Personal and Cultural Messages: Dia...

Navigating the Complexities of Masculinity with Maura Barclay   In this enlightening episode, Roger Moreano and Maria engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Maura Barclay, a certified change management specialist with expertise in leadership, masculinity, and privilege. Maura's unique perspective and experiences, including her background as a bodybuilder, firefighter, and gymnast, add a f...

In this insightful episode, Maria and Roger sit down with Lisa Mulligan, the founder and Director of The Culture Ministry. With a rich background spanning 20 years in global organizations, Lisa is a seasoned professional in human resources, organizational change, and Diversity & Inclusion (D&I). Her dream of establishing a pragmatic and experienced business offering D&I consultancy and support ser...

In today's episode, Maria and Roger are joined by the rest of the MSM Global Team, Jasmin Robinson, and Melissa Graetz.  The conversation centered on reflections of 2023 and forecasts for 2024.  The team shared what they are grateful for and the high moments from the past year at MSM Global Consulting. They delved into the current challenges they see in  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and...

Ryan Van Duzer, a Boulder native and seasoned adventurer, as he shares his incredible journey of falling in love with bicycle travel. Growing up in the scenic landscapes of Colorado, Ryan's early exposure to the Rocky Mountains and the outdoors instilled in him a deep respect for nature, a value that continues to shape his life. From the open-minded and progressive community of Boulder to his expe...

Navigating Freedom of Speech in a Diverse Society With Greg Lukianoff In this episode of Culture Stew, we delve into the complexities of free speech in a diverse society with Greg Lukianoff. This episode explores how American society can encourage and preserve a marketplace of ideas while being mindful of the impact, opportunities and potential consequences of unfettered free expression. This epis...

Special Episode  In this Illuminating episode, we delve into the fascinating world of conflict zones with Dr. Todd Culp, a distinguished professor of political science and history. With extensive research spanning regions like the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and even Ireland, Todd's journey provides a rare glimpse into the realities of violence, terrorism, and the pursuit of peace.   Todd Culp's...

Explore the incredible journey of Elmer Dixon, co-founder of the Seattle Chapter of the Black Panther Party. From the turbulent 1960s to his role as a global diversity consultant, Elmer's story offers a unique perspective on the fight for racial justice. In this episode, Elmer Dixon shares his experiences as a Black Panther Party co-founder, detailing the challenges they faced, such as government...

In this thought-provoking episode, Maria is hosting solo while Roger is on a well earned vacation. She speaks with Vinay Kumar, a Leadership Coach, Certified Professional Facilitator, OD Consultant, Podcaster, Global Nomad, Wildlife Stalker and Records Collector! They engage in a wide-ranging conversation exploring the intersections of global leadership, positivity, and well-being in the ever-evol...

Join us in the first guest episode of the season as Maria and Roger have an enlightening conversation on the intersection of race, equity, and culture. Our special guest, Kay Suarez, a leading expert in this field, delves deep into the nuances of building an inclusive society where everyone has a fair shot at success. In this episode, we explore: 🌍 The importance of acknowledging the importance o...