Humanize: Stories from the Heart about Social Justice

In this episode, co-hosts Courthney and Emily welcome educator, martial artist, and systems thinker Ian Sanderson (Mohawk Nation, Turtle Clan) for a wide-ranging conversation about authenticity, Indigenous worldviews, and what it means to stay in relationship during deeply polarized times. Ian draws from more than 25 years of work integrating Indigenous, Eastern, and Western traditions to explore...

In our first full video episode, Courtney and Emily reflect on the journey of The Humanize Podcast —how an unlikely partnership that began during the pandemic has grown into over 100 conversations centered on race, humanity, and courageous dialogue. The conversation then turns to a deeply personal parenting question: Should white parents teach their children about the N-word? Emily shares why she'...

How do student-athletes balance speaking out with staying in the game? In this episode, we explore the delicate tension between advocacy and career security for college athletes—where using your voice can come with both purpose and risk. DaWon Baker joins us for our final live audience podcast at the Museum of Boulder for a powerful conversation about the role of sports in social change. From the...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Amy at the Museum of Boulder, surrounded by the living history of Black resilience and brilliance. Against this backdrop, Amy shares her deeply personal journey—navigating the tensions between authentic leadership and the performative demands often placed on DEI professionals. With vulnerability and clarity, Amy reflects on what it means to be hired f...

Live from the Museum of Boulder, filmmaker Katrina Miller ("This Is Not Who We Are") joins us for a powerful conversation on DEI in today's turbulent political climate. We tackle the myths surrounding DEI, including the idea of reverse discrimination, and explore how historical context shapes these debates. Katrina highlights the importance of open dialogue, equity, and small acts of resistance th...

LIVE AT THE MUSEUM OF BOULDER (Part 1) In this episode, we bring you an eye-opening conversation with the remarkable artist Adderley Grant-Lorde. Her journey unfolds against the backdrop of Boulder, Colorado, where she strives to amplify Black voices and carve out spaces for diversity in a predominantly white city. By sharing her personal story, Adderley highlights the crucial role of community re...

In this episode, hosts Courthney and Emily reflect on the emotional impact of recent election results, examining the role of misogyny and white supremacy in shaping political representation. They critically analyze the Harris-Waltz campaign's approach to engaging Black and Brown communities, while exploring Trump's appeal across generations and the broader cultural shifts since the Obama era. Cour...

Can America handle its first female President of color? The unexpected exit of Joe Biden from the presidential race has catapulted Kamala Harris into the spotlight as the presumptive Democratic nominee, and we're here to unpack this seismic political shift. On this episode of Humanize, we confront the narrative and challenges Harris is bound to face, particularly around race and gender. We dissect...

  Can confronting our own biases truly lead to a more inclusive society? Join us as we unpack the complexities of race, culture, and power dynamics within professional settings through Emily's eye-opening experience in a DEI book group focused on climate justice. When a disruptive participant challenges the discussion, Emily steps up, sparking an insightful exchange that underlines the persistent...

DEI is not just a buzzword—it's a battleground. Discover how initiatives meant to ensure equal opportunities are being twisted for profit, and the backlash they face from political factions that misuse terms like "DEI president." In this episode, we scrutinize how DEI has become politicized, drawing parallels to historical efforts like affirmative action. We will unpack the tension between DEI's n...

Trump's comment about immigrants "taking black jobs" isn't just misguided—it's harmful. Join us as we, Courtney Russell Jr. and Emily Braucher, unpack the damaging implications of such statements on marginalized communities. From the recent presidential debate to the deeper complexities of racially charged language, we express our frustrations and explore how these divisive comments perpetuate ste...

Junie Joseph is a dedicated advocate for human rights, particularly addressing racial inequality and systemic challenges through her work in law. Her perspective on these issues is deeply influenced by her personal experiences of facing danger and adversity, including life-threatening situations that have reinforced her resilience and commitment to justice. In this episode, Junie emphasizes the in...

"I have made mistakes and I have paid the ultimate cost for them and I am still here."   - Leon Kennedy III   We are absolutely floored by our conversation with Leon. Here is a man who, through the darkest times imaginable, has reached into the depths of his being to find strength, perseverance and hope.  Since his first incarceration at the age of 19 in Virginia, Leon has spent decades of his lif...

What would it look like if every person in the U.S. was well versed in the history of racism? Today we are unpacking the Netflix adaptation of Ibram X. Kendi's "Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America". This documentary is a must watch if you haven't already, and check out more of our recommended resources below.    Listen to hear us talk about: How denial ope...

"We need to build community like our life depends on it."  We are joined today by awe-inspiring Nana Boakye; local philantropist and community builder from Ghana to Boulder. Nana chanelled his passion for soccer into "Kick2Build" community organization, and in this episode we hear how and why he created this inclusive community, and how diversity is celebrated using sports and cultural arts.   Lis...

Today we are unpacking some big themes from last week's episode with Dr. Roberto Montoya: "CRT is Race Consciousness". Join us as we push into edgy territory; asking 'scary' questions about race, expanding our comfort zones and as always, leading with love.   Listen to hear us talk about: The blindness privilege  The discomfort of cultural change  Allowing complex feelings  Cancel culture vs. curi...

This is such a special episode, we've been waiting 2 years to release it! Today we are talking all things CRT (Critical Race Theory) with Dr. Roberto Montoya, Associate VP of Partner Success for Hispanic Serving Institutions. Weaving poetry, personal experiences and academia, Dr. Montoya gives us an insightful framework to understand CRT, race consciousness and why having race explicit conversatio...

Annnnnd we're back! Hitting the ground running. Today we're talking all things Barbie, human supremacy, and audacious love. This season is fresh, engaging and jam-packed with vulnerability - jump on in everyone, let's do this.    Listen to hear us talk about:  Why are we still giving Trump attention? Patriarchy, capitalism & white supremacy Going against the stream of societal conditioning  Activi...

Originally released Jan 24, 2022: [Update, The CAAAS in now open!] What exactly IS radical inclusivity and what does it have to do with Critical Race Theory? On today's episode we're excited to be joined by Dr. Reiland Rabaka to dive into this with us and explain how radical inclusivity goes beyond race. Dr. Rabaka is a professor at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and the founder of the groun...

Originally released July 11, 2022: How do we distinguish between sadness and remorse and individual guilt? How do we teach the youth that you can feel shame for something your country did, without feeling responsible? We have all heard about the controversy surrounding Nikole Hannah-Jones and The 1619 Project. Now you can hear directly from Nikole herself. As an award winning investigative reporte...

Originally Released Dec 22, 2021: Are you wondering how a prep school-raised white girl from Boston and a Black man from Atlanta like us teamed up to collaborate on a mission to work towards progression to help dismantle systems of oppression? On today's episode, we're bringing you a "getting to know us" episode and diving into the yin and yang that is us, our stories, how we met, and what brought...

We can't believe it, we've made it to the end of Season 4. What a year of absolutely mind-blowing conversations and guests. With gratitude and excitement, we leave you with these final reflections on dismantling white supremacy, sitting in discomfort, and doing the work.  Season 5 is coming to you soon in full force, we can't wait to see you there.    Listen to hear us talk about:  What gives us t...

"I'm not here to reform. I'm here to abolish, I'm here to dismantle." - Jocelyn Rodriguez  What does it mean to have a radical approach? For Joceyln Rodriguez, it's about pushing the norm, and often being the only one doing it. Today we're talking (surprize!) about dismantling white supremacy, this time with a focus on education & our value systems that surround it. We didn't want this conversatio...

"Whoa whoa whoa - I'm not a white supremacist…" White supremacy is a pretty hard thing to talk about without all the defenses coming up and the conversation quickly ending. In this episode we talk about the difference between 'being a white supremacist' and living in 'white supremacy culture', what that means for our society, workplace, and how it holds us all back.  Listen to hear us talk about:...

We're weighing in on the heated debate erupting across our country in the wake of Tyre Nichols murder. Tyre, a black man, was pulled over and subsequently killed by black police officers. Is this racist? Let's ask better questions.  Our heartfelt condolences go out to Tyre's family and community.  Listen to hear us talk about: - Was this interaction racist? Embracing nuance.   - White supremacy is...