Whatsjust presents Critical Conversations: Recent Episodes
Dr. Abigail Henson
Dr. Abbie Henson dives into critical conversations with those who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system- whether through lived experience, research, or both. These conversations get into the weeds on complex justice-related issues and encourage listeners to think critically, challenge existing narratives, and cultivate change through dialogue. Guided by the belief that systemic change stems from individual change and individual change stems from exposure to new ideas and a heightened awareness of self and others, the purpose of this podcast is to ultimately inspire the widespread transformation of the criminal justice system.
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This episode is step ten in the 10-Step Toolkit to Having Critical Conversations featuringSteven Windisch, the Director of the Crime and Security Data Analytics Lab in the Terrorism Research Center at the University of Arkansas. Dr. Windisch's research breaks away from approaches limited to specific phases of the extremist’s life course, such as their period of incarceration. Instead, his research emphasizes the accumulation of risk factors (e.g., physical abuse) and life events (e.g., divorce) that occur during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood and how these experiences increase one’s susceptibility to accepting extremist beliefs.
In this episode, we:
- discuss risk factors to lead to extremism
- examine the role of compassion and exposure in creating change
- the importance of support systems in drawing people out of extremism
- tangible tools to aid and be open to change
If you have any questions or comments you would like addressed in the Q&A with Dr. Windisch, please email whatsjustpod@gmail.com And please follow Whatsjust on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and subscribe to the weekly newsletter to get details on where and when the Live Q&A is happening!
And, as always, please review, subscribe, and share with everyone you know :)
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Timestamps:
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This episode is step nine in the 10-Step Toolkit to Having Critical Conversations featuringBarret Michalec, director of the Center for Advancing Interprofessional Practice, Education and Research (CAIPER), and an associate professor in the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation. Michalec’s research examines humility, empathy, and belonging, particularly within the healthcare field.
In this episode, we:
- discuss the difference between empathy and sympathy
- explore how to build emotional resilience
- define the concept of emotional contagion
- provide practical exercises for building empathy
If you have any questions or comments you would like addressed in the Q&A with Dr. Michaelec, please email whatsjustpod@gmail.com And please follow Whatsjust on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and subscribe to the weekly newsletter to get details on where and when the Live Q&A is happening!
And, as always, please review, subscribe, and share with everyone you know :)
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Timestamps:
02:57 Understanding Empathy vs. Sympathy
03:26 Empathy in Critical Conversations
04:35 Empathy in Leadership
05:22 Judicial Empathy and Bias
07:58 Emotional Contagion in Clinical Settings
09:35 Building Emotional Resilience
13:47 Empathy Exercises and Practices
19:54 Innate Empathy and Adversity
25:02 Empathy, Vulnerability, and Humility
35:54 Expanding Empathy Beyond In-Groups
39:52 Understanding Limits and Vulnerability
42:39 The Science Behind Empathy
44:46 Empathy in Healthcare
48:34 Measuring Empathy
57:52 Practical Exercises for Building Empathy
01:04:34 Empathy and Decision Making
01:08:16 Three Captivating Things
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This episode is step eight in the 10-Step Toolkit to Having Critical Conversations featuringAlison Wood Brooks, a Professor of Business Administration and Hellman Faculty Fellow at the Harvard Business School who was recently named a Best 40-Under-40 Business School Professor by Poets & Quants. Her book TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves will be published by Crown (Penguin Random House) in January 2025.
Her research on the science of conversation has been published in prestigious academic journals, including the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, and Psychological Science, as well as in popular media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The New York Times, Scientific American, and Harvard Business Review.
In this episode, we discuss:
- how to build a secure identity
- the power of hedging and receptive language
- mechanisms for holding accountability in conflict
- ways to move away from small talk
- tangible tools to release defenses in conversation
If you have any questions or comments you would like addressed in the Q&A with Dr. Brooks, please email whatsjustpod@gmail.com And please follow Whatsjust on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and subscribe to the weekly newsletter to get details on where and when the Live Q&A is happening!
And, as always, please review, subscribe, and share with everyone you know :)
Become a supporter of the show with a monthly subscription (amount of your choice) and get a shoutout in upcoming episodes!
Timestamps:
02:11 The Influence of Being a Twin
04:40 Exploring Self-Talk and Its Impact
06:32 Defining Conversation and Defensiveness
08:24 The Complexity of Conversations
10:29 The Dance of Communication
16:01 Navigating Sensitive Topics
19:39 Layers of Conversation Conflict
27:15 Building a Secure Identity
29:46 The Power of Receptive Language
32:21 Personal Reflections on Defensiveness
35:07 Accountability in Conversations
38:45 Navigating Difficult Conversations
44:41 The Art of Deep Conversations
51:28 Practical Tools for Better Conversations
54:48 Three Captivating Things
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This episode is step seven in the 10-Step Toolkit to Having Critical Conversations featuringDr. Mariel Buqué, an Afro-Latina psychologist and author of the best-selling book, Break the Cycle: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma. She earned her doctoral degree in psychology at Columbia University, where she trained as a holistic mental health fellow within Columbia University's Irving Medical Center. Within this role, she focused on helping Black and Latine community members overcome trauma and build better health; a mission she continues to carry into her consultation with health organizations and Fortune 500 companies.
In this episode, we discuss:
- why breaking the cycle of trauma is imperative for connection
- the impact of inflammation on physical health and mental wellbeing
- the impact of prolonged crisis on our DNA
- the relationship between ancestral knowing and epigenetics
- tools to heal intergenerational trauma
Don't forget to check out the bonus episodes that feature an audience Q&A and the Soundbath led by Dr. Buqué. And please follow Whatsjust on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and subscribe to the weekly newsletter to get details on where and when the Live Q&A is happening!
And, as always, please review, subscribe, and share with everyone you know :)
Become a supporter of the show with a monthly subscription (amount of your choice) and get a shoutout in upcoming episodes!
Timestamps:
02:32 Understanding Intergenerational Trauma: Definitions and Dynamics
04:46 The Role of Vulnerability in Healing and Connection
10:57 Challenging Traditional Therapy: Beyond Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
14:21 The Inflamed Mind: Rethinking Depression and Healing
16:44 Holistic Approaches to Mental Health: A New Paradigm
25:15 The Power of Ancestral Wisdom and Resilience
34:06 Confronting the Mental Health Crisis with New Perspectives
35:19 The Impact of Prolonged Crisis on Our DNA
35:35 Breaking the Cycle: Why It's Essential for Critical Conversations
35:45 Understanding Our Nervous System's Response to Stress
37:23 Reprogramming Our Bodies for Better Conversations
41:14 Introducing DRIVE: A Tool for Navigating Difficult Conversations
46:22 Exploring the Questions of What Happened to You
47:39 The Importance of Contextualizing Intergenerational Trauma
51:48 Ancestral Knowing and Western Medicine: Bridging the Gap
55:33 Practical Steps for Addressing Intergenerational Trauma
01:02:33 Breaking the Cycle Beyond Procreation
01:05:32 Three Captivating Things
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This episode is step six in the 10-Step Toolkit to Having Critical Conversations and featuresJulian Treasure, a top-rated international speaker and award-winning author on the power of sound and the skills of speaking and listening for both individuals and organizations. Julian’s five TED talks have been viewed more than 150 million times; one of them is the sixth most-viewed of all time. He is also an audio branding consultant who uses innovative biophilic soundscapes in retail and hospitality spaces.
In this episode, we discuss:
- the difference between listening and hearing
- the impact of noise on our relationships and conversations
- the power of music and sound in shaping behaviors
- the perfect setting for critical conversations
- tools to harness the art of listening
If you have any questions or comments you would like addressed in the Q&A with Julian Treasure, please email whatsjustpod@gmail.com. Don't forget to follow Whatsjust on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and subscribe to the weekly newsletter to get details on where and when the Live Q&A is happening!
And, as always, please review, subscribe, and share with everyone you know :)
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Timestamps:
01:20 Julian Treasure: The Sound Expert
06:01 Understanding Listening vs. Hearing
09:27 The Personal Nature of Listening
18:21 The Impact of Listening on Critical Conversations
29:22 The Power of Context in Communication
31:16 The Unseen Impact of Noise Pollution
32:21 How Sound Affects Us: A Deep Dive
35:14 The Power of Music and Sound in Shaping Behavior
36:47 Crafting the Perfect Setting for Critical Conversations
38:48 The Art of Listening: Enhancing Interpersonal Communication
48:04 Exploring Silence and Its Varieties
56:46 Three Captivating Things
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This episode is step five in the 10-Step Toolkit to Having Critical Conversations and featuresDr. Natalie Nixon, a creativity strategist and keynote speaker. She is valued for her accessible expertise in creativity, the future of work, and innovation. Natalie has been named among the top women keynote speakers by Real Leaders and BigSpeak and has features in Forbes, Fast Company, and INC. She is the author of the award-winning book, The Creativity Leap: Unleash Curiosity, Improvisation and Intuition at Work, and her firm, Figure 8 Thinking, was named among the top women-led innovation firms by Core 77.
In this episode, we discuss:
- the influence of inquiry on innovation and creativity
- the different question typologies
- how the power of inquiry distinguishes the rule-makers from the rule-followers
- tangible tools to enhance your inquiry skills
If you have any questions or comments you would like addressed in the Q&A with Dr. Nixon, please email whatsjustpod@gmail.com. Don't forget to follow Whatsjust on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and subscribe to the weekly newsletter to get details on where and when the Live Q&A is happening!
And, as always, please review, subscribe, and share with everyone you know :)
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Timestamps:
00:00 The Power of Silence and Inquiry
00:28 Introducing Critical Conversations Podcast
01:12 Step Five: Mastering the Art of Asking Questions
01:28 Spotlight on Dr. Natalie Nixon: Creativity and Inquiry
02:05 Exploring Inquiry with Dr. Nixon
04:05 Personal Reflections on Inquiry and Relationships
05:35 Embracing Ambiguity and the Unknown
07:35 The Role of Questions in Expanding Creativity
12:19 Inquiry as a Tool for Connection and Empathy
17:29 Cultural Contexts and the Art of Asking
21:56 Silence, Confidence, and the Inquiry Process
40:03 Practical Steps to Cultivate Inquiry
51:55 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead
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This episode is step four in the 10-Step Toolkit to Having Critical Conversations and features Dr. Peter T Coleman, a professor of psychology and education at Columbia University and a renowned expert on constructive conflict resolution, intractable conflict, and sustaining peace. Dr. Coleman has authored or edited a dozen books, well over 100 scientific articles and chapters, is the recipient of various awards, and his work has been featured in media outlets such as The New York Times, The Guardian, Nature, Scientific American, PBS Newshour, and Harvard Business Review. Hismost recent book, The Way Out: How to Overcome Toxic Polarization(2021) focuses on breaking through the intractable polarization plaguing the U.S. and other societies.
In this episode, we:
- discuss the benefit of conflict
- explain how to navigate political discussions with family, friends, and strangers
- identify the importance of tolerance
- provide tools for conflict resolution
If you have any questions or comments you would like addressed in the Q&A with Dr. Coleman, please email whatsjustpod@gmail.com. Don't forget to follow Whatsjust on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and subscribe to the weekly newsletter to get details on where and when the Live Q&A is happening!
And, as always, please review, subscribe, and share with everyone you know :)
Become a supporter of the show with a monthly subscription (amount of your choice) and get a shoutout in upcoming episodes!
Timstamps:
00:00 Intro
01:32 Insights from Dr. Peter T. Coleman on Conflict and Polarization
03:41 Understanding Polarization: Definitions and Implications
04:43 The Constructive Side of Political Differences
09:11 Personal Stories and the Power of Intention in Conversations
13:40 Dialogue vs. Debate: Strategies for Meaningful Conversations
20:23 The Role of Self-Awareness in Navigating Conflict
27:59 Practical Tips for Reducing Conflict and Enhancing Understanding
33:52 Exploring the Mind-Body Connection in Conflict Resolution
35:13 The Evolution of Human Conflict and Settlement
35:53 Navigating Political Discussions at Family Gatherings
36:48 Setting the Tone for Constructive Conversations
37:40 Conflict Resolution in the Classroom: A Case Study
39:41 The Challenge of Changing Minds and the Power of Listening
44:50 Complicating the Narrative: Beyond Two Sides
58:27 The Importance of Tolerance and Understanding in Conflict
01:01:14 Personal Interests Beyond Conflict Resolution
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This episode is step three in the 10-Step Toolkit to Having Critical Conversations and features Dr. Todd B. Kashdan, a Professor of Psychology at George Mason University, and a leading authority on well-being, curiosity, courage, and resilience. He has published over 200 scientific articles, his work has been cited over 35,000 times, and he received the American Psychological Association's Award for Distinguished Scientific Early Career Contributions to Psychology. His books The Art of Insubordination, Curious? and The Upside of Your Dark Side have been translated into over 15 languages. His writing has appeared in the Harvard Business Review, National Geographic, and other publications, and his research is featured regularly in media outlets such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, Fast Company, and Time Magazine.
In this episode, we:
- define curiosity
- identify ways to become more "psychologically flexible"
- discuss why curiosity is key to conversation
- provide tangible tools to cultivate curiosity
If you have any questions or comments you would like addressed in the Q&A with Dr. Kashdan, please email whatsjustpod@gmail.com. Don't forget to follow Whatsjust on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and subscribe to the weekly newsletter to get details on where and when the Live Q&A is happening!
And, as always, please review, subscribe, and share with everyone you know :)
Become a supporter of the show with a monthly subscription (amount of your choice) and get a shoutout in upcoming episodes!
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(02:39) The Journey from Panic Attacks to Curiosity
(08:35) Curiosity as a Tool for Personal Growth
(12:22) Cultivating Curiosity: Strategies and Insights
(17:13) Curiosity in Relationships and Social Dynamics
(24:27) Curiosity as a Lifelong Learning Skill
(29:22) Innovative Decision-Making Processes
(30:09) Exploring Psychological Flexibility
(35:54) The Power of Self-Distancing
(40:20) Curiosity as a Tool for Critical Conversations
(51:47) The Role of Curiosity in Understanding and Inclusion
(55:07) Three Captivating Things
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This episode is step two in the 10-Step Toolkit to Having Critical Conversations and features Dr. Rodolfo Mendoza-Denton, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, with expertise in stereotyping and prejudice from the perspective of both target and perceiver, intergroup relations, and how these processes influence educational outcomes.
In this episode, we:
- define the three elements of bias
- discuss the importance of bias in critical conversations
- examine how bias is an outcome of fear
- provide tangible practices to address personal biases
If you have any questions or comments you would like addressed in the Live Q&A with Dr. Hanson, please email whatsjustpod@gmail.com. Don't forget to follow Whatsjust on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and subscribe to the weekly newsletter to get details on where and when the Live Q&A is happening!
And, as always, please review, subscribe, and share with everyone you know :)
Become a supporter of the show with a monthly subscription (amount of your choice) and get a shoutout in upcoming episodes!
Timestamps:
(00:01:22) Defining Bias
(00:08:02) Rudy's Personal Story on Food Addiction
(00:14:27) Addressing Bias in a Safe Space
(00:15:12) Providing Grace During Critical Conversations
(00:21:17) Addressing Bias as a Skill to Hone
(00:31:02) Bias and Fear
(00:24:28) Science Behind Self-Awareness
(00:39:39) Cultural Associations
(00:44:19) Tangible Practices to Address Personal Biases
(00:46:49) Three Captivating Things
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This episode is step one in the 10-Step Toolkit to Having Critical Conversations and features Dr. Rick Hanson, a psychologist, senior fellow at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, and New York Times bestselling author. His seven books have been published in 31 languages and include Making Great Relationships, Neurodharma, Hardwiring Happiness, and Buddha's Brain, with over a million copies in English alone. He's the founder of the Global Compassion Coalition and the Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Studies. He's also the co-host of the Being Well podcast, which has been downloaded over 10 million times. His free newsletters have 250, 000 subscribers, and his online programs have scholarships available for those with financial needs.
In this episode, we:
- define mindfulness and self-awareness and contrast the two
- discuss the importance of self-awareness in critical conversations
- unpack the science behind self-awareness
- provide tangible practices to becoming more self-aware
If you have any questions or comments you would like addressed in the Live Q&A with Dr. Hanson, please email whatsjustpod@gmail.com. Don't forget to follow Whatsjust on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and subscribe to the weekly newsletter to get details on where and when the Live Q&A is happening!
And, as always, please review, subscribe, and share with everyone you know :)
Become a supporter of the show with a monthly subscription (amount of your choice) and get a shoutout in upcoming episodes!
Timestamps:
(00:00:00) Defining Mindfulness and Self-Awareness
(00:09:11) Why Self-Awareness is Important in Critical Conversations
(00:12:39) How Self-Awareness Creates Joy
(00:16:26) How Self-Awareness Cultivates Connection to Others
(00:17:18) Horizontal vs. Vertical Self-Awareness
(00:21:38) Self-Awareness and Vulnerability
(00:24:28) Science Behind Self-Awareness
(00:35:13) Self-Awareness in the Face of Adversity
(00:40:09) Tangible Practices to Enhance Self-Awareness
(00:55:29) Three Captivating Things
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Today's episode features New York Times best-selling author, neuroscientist, and developmental psychiatrist, Dr. Bruce Perry.
In this episode we discuss:
- why we need to start asking "What happened to you?" rather than "What's wrong with you?
- how relationships and connection can counterbalance the negative health impacts of trauma
- how our brains interpret stress and influence our abilities to cope
If you have any questions or comments that you would like addressed in the YouTube series Office Hours with Abbie and Juwan please email ccofficehours@gmail.com
And, as always, please review, subscribe, and share with everyone you know :)
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Today's episode features Iya Affo, the founder of Heal Historical Trauma Culture Wellness Academy, and the International Historical Trauma Association.
In this episode we discuss:
- how trauma creates neurological dysregulation
- how self-care can be used as a stress-prevention tool
- why it's important to teach police about historical trauma
If you have any questions or comments that you would like addressed in the YouTube series Office Hours with Abbie and Juwan please email ccofficehours@gmail.com
And, as always, please review, subscribe, and share with everyone you know :)
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Today's episode features Ashley Bell, CEO of Readylife, a new Black-owned bank that is making homeownership more achievable for those often left out of the global economy.
In this episode we discuss:
- the racist history of the American banking system
- the truth behind how credit scores are created
- how homeownership is a key component for racial equity
If you have any questions or comments that you would like addressed in the YouTube series Office Hours with Abbie and Juwan please email ccofficehours@gmail.com
And, as always, please review, subscribe, and share with everyone you know :)
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Today's episode features Dr. Jordan Hyatt, an associate professor in the Department of Criminology and Justice Studies at Drexel University, where he also sits as director of the Center for Public Policy.
In this episode we discuss:
- a pilot program in a Pennsylvania prison that is attempting to emulate the Scandinavian prison model
- how the prison environment impacts correctional officers
- whether it's possible for prisons to be humane places
If you have any questions or comments that you would like addressed in the YouTube series Office Hours with Abbie and Juwan please email ccofficehours@gmail.com
And, as always, please review, subscribe, and share with everyone you know :)
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Become a supporter of the show with a monthly subscription (amount of your choice) and get a shoutout in upcoming episodes!
Today's episode features Are Hoidal, Senior Advisor for the Norwegian Correctional Service and recent author of The Norweigan Prison System: Halden Prison and Beyond. For 14 years, Are served as the prison warden at Halden prison, known to be the most humane prison in the world. In this episode we discuss:
- the importance of rehabilitation versus retribution
- how to lower recidivism rates in the United States
- why treating incarcerated individuals with respect and dignity creates positive outcomes
- whether the Halden model can be incorporated into the abolitionist agenda
If you have any questions or comments that you would like addressed in the YouTube series Office Hours with Abbie and Juwan please email ccofficehours@gmail.com
And, as always, please review, subscribe, and share with everyone you know :)
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Today's episode features Dr. Fredrick Echols, Chief Executive Officer of Cure Violence Global, a violence prevention organization. Prior to becoming CEO of CVG, Dr. Echols served as the Director of Health and Health Commissioner for the City of St. Louis and was a physician in the U.S. Navy. In this episode we discuss:
- the reason for the uptick in violence during the COVID-19 pandemic
- why a "for us by us" approach to violence prevention is more effective than traditional criminal legal models
- how our social context impacts our health
- how to reach equity in the health, wellness, and safety space
If you have any questions or comments that you would like addressed in the YouTube series Office Hours with Abbie and Juwan please email ccofficehours@gmail.com
And, as always, please review, subscribe, and share with everyone you know :)
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Dr. Carl Hart is a neuroscientist and professor of Psychology at Columbia University and is also the author ofDrug Use for Grown-Ups: Chasing Liberty in the Land of Fear. In this episode we:
- uncover the benefits of drug use
- debunk several myths including that (1) drugs destroy the brain, and (2) drugs cause violence and crime
- discuss the feasibility of drug legalization
- examine the importance of harm reduction efforts, including drug testing
- provide listeners data to support the argument for alternative solutions to preventing harm and violence
If you have any questions or comments that you would like addressed in the YouTube series Office Hours with Abbie and Juwan please email ccofficehours@gmail.com
And, as always, please review, subscribe, and share with everyone you know :)
To stay up to date on all of the latest announcements, be sure to subscribe to the weekly newsletter!
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Dr. Alex Vitale is the author of End of Policing, a Sociology professor at Brooklyn College, and the coordinator of the Policing and Social Justice Project. He has spent the last 25 years writing about policing and consults both police departments and human rights organizations internationally. In this episode we:
- unpack the differences between the concepts of police abolition and police reform
- discuss the social and financial costs of policing
- examine existing community-based and state-led interventions beyond policing that are found to enhance public safety
- provide listeners data to support the argument for alternative solutions to preventing harm and violence
If you have any questions or comments that you would like addressed in the YouTube series Office Hours with Abbie and Juwan please email ccofficehours@gmail.com
And, as always, please review, subscribe, and share with everyone you know :)
To stay up to date on all of the latest announcements, be sure to subscribe to the weekly newsletter!
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This episode features a critical conversation with Dr. H. Jean Wright, the Deputy Commissioner for Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and the Director of the Behavioral Health and Justice division. In this episode, we discuss social determinants of health and specifically how the criminal justice system impacts the health of all those in contact with it. We also discuss tangible ways to create a healthier society, including healing circles and restorative practices.
In this episode, I’m joined by Stacey Torrance. Stacey was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole at the age of 14. Upon the supreme court ruling that sentencing children to life without parole was unconstitutional, Stacey was released after 30 years in prison. In this episode, we speak about how he maintained hope throughout his sentence, the harsh reality check he confronted upon returning home, his experiences with restorative justice, and how proximity and conversation can challenge assumptions and contribute to the healing process.
This critical conversation features Abd’allah Lateef, the Senior Strategic Advisor and Racial Equity Specialist at the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth. Sentenced to life without the possibility of parole as a child, Abd’allah was resentenced and released in 2017 after spending over 30 years in prison. In this episode, Abd’allah provides an intimate account of the effects of prison on the mind, body, and soul. As a means of moving forward, we discuss how public safety can and should be achieved by restoring community rather than seeking retribution.
This episode features Michael A., a teaching assistant at the University of Kent in England and motivational speaker. Michael was incarcerated at the age of 16 and spent 12 years in the UK prison system and was released in the summer of 2020. In this episode, we speak on how police action can instigate criminal engagement, what it was like to be incarcerated and released during a global pandemic, and how the prison experience incites PTSD.
This critical conversation features Dr. Rashawn Ray, a fellow at The Brookings Institution, and a Sociology Professor and the Executive Director of the Lab for Applied Social Science Research at the University of Maryland. In this episode, we discuss some of the public health issues stemming from racism. Dr. Ray also presents some tangible solutions to America’s policing crisis, including abolishing qualified immunity, implementing insurance policies and malpractice liability for individual officers, and providing officers with housing subsidies to live in or around the communities they patrol.
This episode features Kamilah Newton, a writer, advocate, and previous participant of Justice Home, an alternative to incarceration program hosted by the Women’s Prison Association. This episode exposes the unique gendered experience of the criminal justice system, highlighting the cycle of victimization and the pervasiveness of trauma that the majority of justice-involved women experience. Kamilah speaks about what it is like being a mother to Black children in America today, what it is like being a co-parent to an incarcerated father, what her personal experience was like with the criminal justice system, and how to think critically about what safety means and what victims need from first responders.
This week's critical conversation features Michael Fischer, a writer, activist, and advocate. Michael was incarcerated for 2 years in upstate New York and in this conversation, we speak about how social connections significantly impacted his opportunities upon re-entry, how his whiteness and the location of his arrest impacted his experiences with the criminal justice system, how to hold individuals accountable and increase public safety without relying on prisons, and how the binary constructs of "violent" and "nonviolent" offenders are detrimental to the pursuit of equity and justice.
This episode features a critical conversation with Dr. Monica Bell. Dr. Bell is an Associate Professor of Law as well as an Associate Professor of Sociology at Yale University. In our conversation, we speak about some of Dr. Bell's proposals for reducing harm until we abolish racist systems, including anti-segregation policing and community racism response funds. Our discussion highlights the importance of combating complacency in reformist efforts as well as the importance of holding the community accountable for individual acts of routine racism.
This episode features Carl Williams, a man who, at the age of 17, was arrested for a murder he did not commit. After waiting in jail for 3 years pre-trial, Carl was ultimately sentenced to life without parole. For 23 years, Carl maintained his innocence in prison and fought for his life. Finally, in August of 2020 , Carl was released...into a global pandemic. This conversation touches on what it means to be free as a Black man in America, the importance of holding criminal justice agents accountable for "taking innocent lives," and the long-lasting impact of the prison experience.
This episode features a critical conversation with Dr. Reuben Jonathan Miller, assistant professor in the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice at the University of Chicago and author of the new book, Halfway Home: Race, Punishment, and the Afterlife of Mass Incarceration. Dr. Miller’s book tells the story of prison release and community reentry through the experiences of individuals he worked with closely and followed for over a decade. In our conversation, we discuss how disadvantage is the root of crime, which is cultivated and perpetuated by our laws and criminal justice policies. We undercover the difference between true accountability and our present forms of punishment and discuss how prisons do not adequately achieve safety for anyone in our society. When thinking about ways to enhance security and pursue justice, we discuss the importance of creating a sense of belonging for all, as our work demonstrates how individual and local-level alienation causes global harm.
There has been A LOT of critical content delivered over these last 10 episodes- here is your cheat sheet. In this episode, Abbie highlights the main takeaways and over-arching themes throughout and draws attention to possible solutions for a more just society.
In this episode, I speak with Maleek Jackson, owner of Maleek Jackson Fitness Boxing Gym in Philadelphia. Maleek spent 10 years in prison from ages 16-26 and in our conversation, we contextualize criminal behavior, interrogating how, for those in the streets, it is not about “right” or “wrong” but about doing what you need to do to survive with the limited opportunities available. We discuss how chaotic environments, resulting from racist systems and structures, tend to muffle positive messages promoted through community-based programs, mentors, and old heads. Maleek describes the individuals who influenced him throughout his life, for better or worse, and emphasizes the multifacetedness of each individual’s identity. Ultimately, this conversation serves to humanize those so often demonized, complicate deficits-based narratives about those deemed “bad” and provide insights into the influential and often conflicting roles of mentors and environments.
This episode challenges pretty much everything we know and think about the concept of resilience. Dr. Payne explains how resilience is traditionally a value-laden construct that is seen as synonymous with “goodness” or “morality.” Dr. Payne makes the argument that resilience is simply action that serves to perpetuate an individuals survivability, and cites gun violence, drug dealing, pimping and other street hustles as examples of resilience. We discuss how Black oppression is a requirement for white wealth and how notions of resilience, particularly when used to describe marginalized communities, and capitalism are intrinsically tied. Listeners are encouraged to keep an open mind throughout the discussion as it turns most pre-existing definitions and beliefs about racial and social politics on their head.
This episode features a critical conversation with Dr. Andrea Boyles, visiting professor of Sociology and Africana Studies at Tulane University. Dr. Boyles is also the author of two books: You Can’t Stop the Revolution: Community Disorder and Social Ties in Post-Ferguson America and Race, Place, and Suburban Policing: Too Close for Comfort. In today’s episode, Andrea speaks about how place impacts police encounters, specifically for Black folks in suburban spaces, and how, in order to understand the extent of the tenuous relationship between police and minoritized communities, it is necessary to examine the cumulative and escalating officer-civilian interactions that often occur prior to a police shooting. The conversation touches on why policy change is imperative for holding systems accountable and creating a more equitable society and concludes with a discussion on how police brutality and interpersonal community violence are both outcomes of the same racist practices. Andrea spits fire in this episode and I strongly suggest having a pen and pad handy.
In this episode, I am joined by Gregrory Coachman, a Philadelphia-based social entrepreneur and the founder of the lifestyle brand, Urban Recreation. The original audio draws from a webinar that took place during the height of the summer 2020 protests and highlights how the kinds of contentious interactions with police that we saw during the protests are a part of everyday life for many young Black folks in marginalized communities. This discussion also focuses on the importance of empowering the community from within and drawing from community members' existing strengths. Greg encourages listeners to consider their own expertise and to donate knowledge rather than to simply donate money. Finally, our conversation investigates how to speak with those who hold opposing views, noting the importance of conversation and curiosity and how, in order to be heard, it is imperative to listen.
In this episode, I speak with Laiken Jordahl, a Borderlands Campaigner with the Center for Biological Diversity. In our conversation, Laiken describes the devastation that the border wall is wreaking on the land, wildlife, and indigenous communities. We speak about how, like prisons, the border wall serves as a false symbol of safety that is touted to make "America" secure but, in reality, is causing direct harm to American communities. Laiken schools us on the legal loopholes that have justified the destruction of indigenous sacred sites and shares stories of activism occurring in indigenous communities. If you would like to support tribal land and the communities most impacted by the wall construction, please consider donating to the Oodham Land Bail Fund.
During his 10 years in prison, Dawan Williams was able to meet some of society's "Missing Men." These men served as mentors and guided Dawan into a process of change. Since returning home 6 years ago, Dawan has dedicated his life to mentorship and serves as the coordinator for Mural Art's Restorative Justice Guild program and as the program director for No'Mo. In this episode, Dawan describes the impact of paternal incarceration, the importance of personal accountability, and how to respond to crime in restorative and productive ways. Ultimately, he explains how responding with compassion and support is a far better deterrent of future crime than punishment.
Dr. Nikki Jones is a professor in the Department of African American Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, and the author of two books, Between Good and Ghetto: African American Girls and Inner-City Violence and The Chosen Ones: Black Men and the Politics of Redemption. In this episode, we speak about the differences between internal and external motivations and expectations for redemption, particularly for those who have served time in prison. We speak about the need for opportunities to "do good" in the community to demonstrate personal growth, and explore how Black men with criminal records navigate the difficulties often faced when attempting to distance themselves from the criminal label. The episode concludes with a discussion on how many of those who have contributed to racial inequality in America are now attempting to seek their own redemption and what a redeemed society might look like.
In this episode, I am joined by co-creator of Whatsjust, co-founder of the Urban Youth Leadership Academy in Philadelphia, and Criminal Justice Ph.D. candidate, Juwan Bennett. Juwan and I attended graduate school together and were both mentored by a pioneering prison abolitionist, Kay Harris. Together, we unpack the concept of abolition and provide a brief history of police and prisons in America. Juwan and I challenge the purpose of punishment and what we deem criminal- acknowledging how the law is fluid and everchanging. In addition, we interrogate how we define justice and whether our means of achieving justice are outdated (spoiler: they are). This conversation should inspire critical thought and ultimately shift worldviews.
We’re back with the next Critical Conversation! In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Whitney Hollins, educator, advocate, researcher, and justice-impacted individual. Dr. Hollins’s father was in prison for 25 years of her life. According to the common narratives about children of incarcerated parents, Dr. Hollins was at-risk for being incarcerated herself. However, she went on to receive her Ph.D. and has dedicated her life to shifting these narratives and calling out the systems that stigmatize, adultify, and criminalize children who have experienced parental incarceration. This is a very critical conversation that highlights the importance of language and encourages listeners to challenge and expand their worldviews.
For more information on Dr. Hollins, please visit https://www.docwhitneyq.com/
Chris is a social entrepreneur, storyteller, artist, social justice advocate, and author of The Master Plan: My Journey from Life in Prison to a Life with Purpose. After spending 16 years in prison, Chris has spent the last 8 years in the Baltimore community dedicated to easing the reentry process for others and immersing himself in the arts. I have had many people reach out to me over the last several months asking how they can contribute to the cause of social justice. With this in mind, Chris and I will be discussing his story and how to frame your practice and passion so that your daily work has a greater and more positive social impact. For more about Chris Wilson check out https://chriswilson.biz/