First Name Basis Podcast

Recently the church that I belong to, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, published an announcement that they are going to regulate the artwork that is displayed in our meeting houses. This was an exciting announcement because all of the paintings that they chose depict our Savior, but it was also really disappointing because the artwork is not inclusive of the people in our church. I...

White privilege is one of the strongest pillars that upholds racism. In her article "White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack" Peggy McIntosh describes white privilege as: " An invisible package of unearned assets that I can count on cashing in each day, but about which I was "meant" to remain oblivious. White privilege is like an invisible weightless knapsack of special provisions, maps,...

Immigration is one of those things that we really struggle to agree on as a country. No matter your feelings or political leanings, everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect and that is what we need to teach our children. In this episode we talk to Abraham and Madison Carrasco, a multiethnic family who has gone through the immigration process. Abraham shares the intimate details of...

In this episode you will learn the first three things you can do to talk to your children about racism.  Teach them that race is a social construct that was created to justify slavery  Teach them about implicit bias ( Implicit Association Test ) Teach them how to respond with humility when someone tells them that they have done/said something racist   This episode was originally aired on 3 in 30 P...

It seems like we need to shout it from the rooftops because most Americans are pretty convinced that Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day, and that is just not true. Cinco de Mayo is the commemoration of Mexico's victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla. It was an amazing feat for the 2,000 Mexican soldiers to stave off the large army of 6,000 French soldiers.  In this episode we discu...

This episode answers the number one question I've been asked since starting First Name Basis: How do I know whether to say "Black" or "African-American"?  I went straight to the source and asked a number of my friends and family how they prefer to identify and why. Listen to hear from: Mielle Harmon Ken Clarke Ramiah Jackson Antony Deshay  Nina Clarke-Telfer  Laura Schnell    Articles, Studies, &...

We had an amazing conversation on Instagram and I really didn't want you to miss it! I shared a post about resisting the temptation to be seen as a savior and becoming a liberator instead. Then, one of the members of our First Name Basis fam asked what it looks like to be a liberator and we launched into an awesome conversation about 5 things that we can all do to be liberators.  The five things w...

I'm sure you've seen the headlines: The Black community has been hit the hardest by the coronavirus. Infection rates in Black counties are 3 times that of infection rates in majority white counties. The CDC reports 33% of deaths are coming from the Black community, even where they only make up 14% of the population. This has so many of us asking: Why?  Government leaders and physicians have all ta...

What did you learn about Rosa Parks growing up? You may have learned, like I did, that she was a tired seamstress on her way home from work and when a bus driver asked her to give up her seat to a white person it was the last straw so she decided not to stand. Well she was a seamstress, but the true story is so much more exciting than that. Rosa Parks was a high ranking member of the NAACP and her...

Dr. Seuss books are some of the most popular books across the globe, but should it stay that way?  In this episode we explore the fact that Dr. Seuss wrote more than just children's books — he was also the author of countless racist comics, ads, and political cartoons. So, as parents who value inclusion, what do we do?  The Untold Story of Dr. Seuss details his writings outside of children's books...

In this episode my dad and I dig deep about the importance of Black History Month. This is one of my favorite conversations I've ever had on the podcast because it is just that, a conversation. When I was growing up late night conversations with my dad were some of my most cherished moments. He has a way of building you up and inspiring you, while at the same time keeping it completely real, holdi...

The books that we have in our bookshelves speak volumes about who and what we value. In this episode I share the 3 steps to making your child's bookshelf more inclusive and diverse.  Step 1: Take inventory of your bookshelf — do you have books that are both mirrors and windows? Do you have any books that perpetuate stereotypes? Step 2: Try, try, try new books. Step 3: Purchase the books you love f...

Lunar New Year is right around the corner. What are you doing to teach your children about the traditions and history of this holiday?  Listen in to my conversation with children's author Andrea Wang to learn how we can bring Chinese culture into our homes and get involved with the Chinese community in our area. Not only is Andrea a talented, hilarious writer, she also has two boys and an advanced...

If creating a society that is just and inclusive is our goal, we need to do more than post a quote and a photo on social media on Martin Luther King Day. In this episode we give you three concrete things you can do on Martin Luther King Day with your family that will truly honor his legacy.  Give your children context about who we are celebrating and why  Attend an event Support Black-owned busine...

We have the opportunity to celebrate one of America's greatest heroes this month, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. During the month of January we will learn about the untold story of Dr. King and give you the tools you need to confidently teach your children about his life and his legacy.  In this episode she covers: His background and upbringing  His time in college/graduate school How he came to be th...

Michael Bennet is a husband, father of two, and an attorney for the Navajo Nation.  In this episode he shares: The importance of looking outside yourself to learn about the culture of others  His family's Thanksgiving traditions and how we can focus on gratitude during the holidays The significance of Navajo language and culture in his own life firstnamebasis.org  Song Credit: "Away" by Geographer...

In this episode we interview Ryan Kamper. Ryan is from the Diné (Navajo) Nation. He is of the Folded arms people born for the Anglo-Saxon people, his maternal grandfather is of the Blackstreaked woods people and his paternal grandfather is Anglo-Saxon.  Ryan grew up on the reservation and moved to the city when he was 12 years old. He received an Associates of arts from Paradise Valley community c...

So now that you know the untold story of Thanksgiving, how in the world do you teach your children about it?  Don't worry one bit friend, I have 4 concrete things you can do to make sure you are being honest and inclusive this fall! Tell the real story of Thanksgiving. Share resources with your child's teacher. Celebrate Native American Heritage Month. Research harvest festivals around the world....

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and that means that us parents are faced with the question of what to tell our children about this (somewhat controversial) holiday. You probably remember having a part in the annual school play reenacting the "First Thanksgiving" and you know that's no longer (and never was) appropriate because it paints a pretty inaccurate picture of what happened all thos...

In this episode we interview Ivan Aragon, a DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipient. Ivan is from Chihuahua, Mexico and came to the United States with his family when he was 9 years old. He shares his experience growing up as an undocumented immigrant in Phoenix, AZ. Listen to hear: Ivan's powerful story of hope and hard work The difference between Hispanic & Latinx  The DACA progr...

In this episode we interview Catrina Gandara, a fellow podcaster who was born and raised in Mexico. Catrina grew up celebrating Dia De Los Muertos and has carried on those traditions with her family, as well as created new, meaningful traditions! Catrina teaches us: the history of Dia De Los Muertos the difference between Dia De Los Muertos and Halloween  using Dia De Los Muertos to teach your chi...

In this episode we interview Chad Kennedy, a Deaf ASL Professor at BYU and UVU. Chad teaches us the following: His experience at a hearing school vs. a Deaf school His preference for identity-first language How to communicate respectfully with Deaf people if you are hearing Stereotypes about Deaf people Deaf Pride How hearing families can get involved and learn about the Deaf community  Articles,...

In this episode, we share stories of how we've used the lessons we learn through First Name Basis in real life.  Jasmine tells the story of how she was taught the history of Ruby Bridges when she was in 3rd grade. It's difficult history and it wasn't easy to process especially at such a young age. Now that Jasmine is a teacher herself, she recently had an opportunity to teach her third graders abo...

In this episode we get a brief overview of Deaf history and culture, including the history of American Sign Language.  Carter begins the episode discussing his background and how he came to know ASL, and he shares an embarrassing story about the time he asked a Deaf person if they could lipread. Then we talk about the troublesome legacy of Alexander Graham Bell and his impact on Deaf education in...

This episode is a treat!  We talk with Carter's little brother, Parker, who has Down syndrome.  Parker shares some details of his life and what he wants us to know about him.  We also talk with Carter and Parker's mom, Kay, about what it's like to raise a child with Down syndrome.  Parker is a cool guy and he and Kay share some great insights.  Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episo...