Our True Colors: Recent Episodes
Shawna Gann
Our True Colors is a podcast that explores the challenges of being racially ambiguous and focuses on identity and belonging. What’s it like when you fit everywhere yet belong nowhere all at the same time? If you or someone you care about might be considered a racial riddle, an ethnic enigma, and a cultural conundrum, this show is for you! Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting, LLC, a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) firm aimed to help you and your organization move forward in your DEI journey beyond compliance by offering support through strategic planning, DEI training, and through consulting and coaching. Visit www.truecolorsdei.com for more information and to schedule a free consult.
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Welcome to Our True Colors. This brief introduction gives you the full picture of what the show is about, who I am, and what you can expect in every season.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why I started this podcast and what “racial riddle, ethnic enigma, and cultural conundrum” really mean.
- How different co-hosts join me each season — and why that rotating perspective matters.
- The kinds of stories you’ll hear, from families, professionals, and my own lived experience.
- Why belonging is at the heart of every conversation.
👉 Want to connect?
Look for the link above to send me a direct message or let's connect online! You can find the links right here in the show notes.
Welcome to the community!
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.
Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
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If you’re new here, this short trailer will give you a taste of Our True Colors. You’ll hear how the show explores identity, belonging, and life in the in-between spaces.
Subscribe now and then check out the full Start Here episode for a deeper dive into what we’re about.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.
Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
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For the first time, I’m joined by my full family—my husband Chad and our kids, Christian and Ariana—in a double-length finale to close out Season 5 of Our True Colors.
We get into it all:
- Identity, hair, and insecurities
- What people assume about us as a couple
- Family culture, music, and travel
- How our kids make sense of their biracial identity
- What it really means to belong
It’s funny, vulnerable, unscripted—and filled with moments we’ve never shared, even with each other.
Let's stay in touch!
- Shawna on LinkedIn
- True Culture on LinkedIn
- The Culture Clinic Newsletter
- True Culture Coaching and Consulting
- Our True Colors on Instagram
- Season 5 Episodes on YouTube
- Contact Me Directly
Stuff to Explore and Learn More About:
- Our True Colors "Start Here" episode
- W.E.B. Du Bois & Double Consciousness
- J.D. Vance...calls Kamala Harris a chameleon
Previous Episodes with Christian Gann/Aimee Amour:
- Intersecting Communities: BLM and Pride
- Hey, Queen! Talking Racial Ambiguity with Christian Gann and Aimee Amour
- Follow Aimee Amour on Instagram and TikTok
- Check out this special edition Culture Clinic featuring Christian and Aimee
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.
Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
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In this rich and vulnerable episode, Dr. Shawna Gann welcomes Belgian-French author, historian, and researcher Victoria Kabeya to discuss the complexities of multigenerationally mixed identity. From the trauma of slavery to the politics of racial categorization, Victoria shares personal stories, global insights, and the intellectual foundations behind her groundbreaking books. Together, they explore what it means to be Multi-Generationally Mixed—not just biologically, but culturally, historically, and emotionally.
Stuff to Check Out:
- Matriarch by Tina Knowles
- Mixing: A History of Anti-Miscegenation Laws in the U.S.
- Free People of Color in Colonial Louisiana
- BET: A ‘Love & Hip Hop’ Star’s Blackness Is Being Questioned
- NPR: For Some People of Appalachia, Complicated Roots
- The Melungeons
- YouTube: Understanding the Melungeons
- Arab Center DC: The Colonial Legacy in the Arab World
- NPR Code Switch: Why Rachel Dolezal Can Never Be Black
- HowStuffWorks: When Irish Immigrants Weren’t Considered White
- YouTube: The Asian Man Who Wanted to be White
Don't forget to subscribeand follow us on Instagram and new for Season 5, check us out on and YouTube and keep up with True Culture on LinkedIn.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
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This week, Dr. Shawna Gann—joined by her co-host Kat—welcomes Dr. Geoffrey Greif and Victoria Stubbs, LCSW-C, for a thoughtful and timely conversation about interracial and interethnic relationships, raising mixed-race children, and navigating identity across lines of race, culture, and experience.
The discussion is rooted in research and real-world insight from their forthcoming book When Family Relations Are Race Relations, and it touches on how societal events press into private life, how couples process racial identity differently, and how families work through tension, silence, and love in the face of cultural difference.
The episode was inspired by a moment of curiosity: Special thanks to Neal Augenstein, reporter at WTOP, whose segment sparked this episode.
And while Loving Day itself isn’t the focus of the conversation, the timing of this episode’s release—just ahead of June 12—makes it a powerful moment to reflect. In the intro, Dr. Gann shares a bit of history about the Loving v. Virginia decision, the legacy of Mildred and Richard Loving, and what “Virginia is for Lovers” means to her personally as someone in an interracial family.
🔗 Resources & Mentions
💛 Loving Day & Reflection
- “Remember. Reflect. Celebrate. Loving Day.” – Dr. Gann on LinkedIn
- Virginia is for Lovers – About the slogan
🎥 Pop Culture Mentions
- Cheerios Ad Featuring a Mixed-Race Family (YouTube)
- Today Show Article – Cheerios Ad Backlash
- A Simple Favor – Film Mentioned
- The Wicked Wiz of Oz: The Rusical – RuPaul’s Drag Race (YouTube)
Don't forget to subscribeand follow us on Instagram and new for Season 5, check us out on and YouTube and keep up with True Culture on LinkedIn.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
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In this episode of Our True Colors, Shawna is joined by co-host Rachel Sadler and special guest Ian Gibbs-Hall—a DEI advocate, thought leader, and creator of Curiosity Architecture. With over a decade of experience creating inclusive environments, Ian offers a fresh framework that invites us to move beyond checkboxes and binaries and into deeper, more curious ways of seeing one another.
Together, they explore identity, belonging, masculinity, and the limitations of social categories—highlighting how “other” doesn’t just mean different, but often means left out. From coloring books to Frozen 2, neoliberalism to Mr. Clean, this conversation is as layered as it is enlightening.
And yes—you’ll want to check out the video version for the moment Ian reacts to Shawna revealing she used to work at Blockbuster Video.
✉️ Want to submit a question for the final episode? Use the message feature above to send a text.
📚 Referenced Resources & Links
- The Ethics of Identity by Kwame Anthony Appiah: Buy the book | Watch a video about his work
- Commentary on the Mr. Clean Commercial (yes, that one): Watch it here
- What’s a “Soy Boy” anyway? Read more on the term and its cultural baggage
🎧 Related OTC Episodes
- CJ Gross on Navigating Identity & Nuance
- Londell Jackson on Masculinity & Belonging
Don't forget to subscribeand follow us on Instagram and new for Season 5, check us out on and YouTube and keep up with True Culture on LinkedIn.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
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In this powerful episode of Our True Colors, Dr. Shawna Gann is joined by Cindy Ogasawara and Kara De Maine, leaders in the Resounding Love Interfaith Gospel Choir—a multiracial, interfaith, LGBTQ+ embracing choir grounded in African American musical traditions and active anti-racism practice.
Together, they explore:
- The complexities of racial identity, especially for those with mixed or ambiguous backgrounds
- What it means to be part of a community that doesn’t just sing together—but heals together
- How they’ve created a choir that holds joy and accountability side by side
- The connection between leadership, cultural humility, and inclusion
You’ll also hear how Resounding Love continues to hold space for marginalized voices in a time when Pride celebrations are shrinking and DEI efforts are under attack.
🎶 All of the music featured in this episode is performed by Resounding Love Interfaith Gospel Choir.
More Stuff to Check Out:
- These Words are Disappearing in the New Trump Administration
- From Free Speech to Fear Speech: When Language Becomes a Liability
- Sinners (2025) – A dramatic film that weaves blues and gospel influences into a story of justice, family, and faith.
- Resounding Love Songs Featured in this Episode:
- Spiritual Medley
- Waymaker
- It is Well
- Wonderful Is Your Name
- How Excellent
Don't forget to subscribeand follow us on Instagram and new for Season 5, check us out on and YouTube and keep up with True Culture on LinkedIn.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
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In this episode of Our True Colors, Dr. Shawna Gann is joined by Hallie Pritchett — a public health leader, facilitator, and equity strategist — for a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation about identity, belonging, and the challenges of showing up fully at work. Hallie reflects on growing up mixed-race in the Pacific Northwest, parenting a child who's already navigating complex identity questions, and how her lived experience has shaped her approach to leadership and equity in health systems.
Together, Shawna and Hallie explore:
- The social landscape of race in the Pacific Northwest
- Raising children who present racially differently from their parents
- Bridging across difference in mission-driven workspaces
- How assumptions about identity can lead to workplace missteps
- What it takes to create truly inclusive and psychologically safe environments
- The emotional complexity of DEI fatigue and boundary-setting
- Adult learning theory, code-switching, and why language still matters
Resources & Mentions:
- Jodi-Ann Burey & Ruchika Tulshyan’s article: Stop Telling Black Women They Have Imposter Syndrome (HBR)
- The 5 S's of Engagement: Navigating Your Path Through Allyship
Follow Hallie on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hallie-pritchett/
More from Shawna:
- Visit: https://www.truecultureconsulting.com
- Follow Our True Colors on Instagram
- Subscribe to The Culture Clinic via True Culture Coaching & Consulting on LinkedIn
Don't forget to subscribeand follow us on Instagram and new for Season 5, check us out on and YouTube and keep up with True Culture on LinkedIn.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
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In this episode, Shawna sits down with Londell Jackson—educator, strategist, and author of Between the Opposites—for a powerful conversation about the complexities of identity. From growing up mixed-race in Denver to navigating masculinity as a same-gender-loving Black and Latino man, Londell shares his deeply personal journey of self-discovery, cultural belonging, and emotional growth. Together, they explore themes like authenticity, inherited narratives, and the courage it takes to confront our “shadow self.”
Topics Covered:
- Growing up multiracial and feeling “not enough” for any one group
- Redefining masculinity beyond social expectations
- Why curiosity, empathy, and vulnerability are keys to connection
- The lenses we inherit vs. the ones we choose
- How identity journeys evolve across our lifetime
Resources Mentioned:
- Between the Opposites by Londell Jackson
- Carl Jung’s concept of the Shadow Self
- NeverEnding Story: Atreyu’s Mirror Scene
Don't forget to subscribeand follow us on Instagram and new for Season 5, check us out on and YouTube and keep up with True Culture on LinkedIn.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
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In this rich and candid episode of Our True Colors, Shawna is joined by Rachel, returning co-host and fellow deep thinker and wonderful guest Annemarie Shrouder, international speaker, facilitator, and bestselling author of Being Brown in a Black and White World.
Together, they explore what it means to hold a “both/and” identity—especially as mixed-race or multiracial individuals navigating a world obsessed with binaries. Annemarie shares the powerful story behind her personal “aha” moment, the birth of the both/and framework, and the bridge-building superpower that comes with embracing complexity. They also talk about parenting multiracial children, code-switching across cultures, internalized shame, and the liberating work of self-acceptance.
We laugh, reflect, and get real about everything from childhood perms to generational healing, from the politics of hair to the power of poetry—and yes, even resting as resistance.
Topics include:
- The emotional journey of embracing multiracial identity
- Both/and as a tool for belonging and bridge-building
- Raising confident, culturally rooted children
- What happens when whiteness is the assumed default
- Why identity is a lifelong journey, not a one-time decision
Mentioned in this episode:
- Imagined Communities:
Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism - SPECIAL EPISODE: The Little Mermaid of Color
- When Black Girls Watch “Wicked,” It Hits Differently
- Wicked’s Elphaba Has Always Been Black. Cynthia Erivo’s Stunning Performance Cements It
- JK Rowling tells of anger at attacks on casting of black Hermione
- Who is Black?
- ‘One-drop rule’ persists
Don't forget to subscribeand follow us on Instagram and new for Season 5, check us out on and YouTube and keep up with True Culture on LinkedIn.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
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In this powerful conversation, Dr. Kalya Castillo—a Black and Japanese psychologist and trauma-informed therapist—joins Shawna to explore identity, racial ambiguity, and the lived experiences of multiracial individuals. Together, they unpack what it means to grow up without cultural mirrors, the coded messages around hair and professionalism, and how mixed-race identity can shape the way we’re seen, valued, and understood.
Kalya shares insights from her research on the hypersexualization of Black and Asian women, and how these dynamics often show up in the workplace and therapeutic settings. She also offers a deeply personal reflection on motherhood, internalized bias, and the work of helping others navigate the in-between spaces of identity with compassion and clarity.
Stuff to check out from mentions in the episode:
- "How Are You?" A Question of Depth and Trust
- The Tahitian woman behind Paul Gauguin's paintings
- SheaMoisture - Break The Walls
- The Pain We Carry by Natalie Y. Gutiérrez
- What Is Trauma-Informed Therapy?
- Whites Distrust Biracial People When Their Racial Presentation Varies
- You're called a 'model minority' as an Asian American — until they decide you aren't
Don't forget to subscribeand follow us on Instagram and new for Season 5, check us out on and YouTube and keep up with True Culture on LinkedIn.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
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In this episode, Dr. Shawna Gann and Rachel Sadler sit down with Urmi Hossain—polyglot, author, global citizen, and financial services professional—for a deep conversation about identity, cultural complexity, and belonging. Urmi, who describes herself as "Bengali by blood, Italian by birth, and Canadian by law", shares her experiences as a third culture person navigating family expectations, global transitions, and what it means to truly belong.
The three discuss the nuanced layers of culture, race, and language—what it’s like to be misunderstood or misidentified, how appearances influence assumptions, and why storytelling matters. Urmi also shares insights from her book Discovering Your Identity: Rebirth from Interracial Struggle, a memoir chronicling her personal and cultural evolution as a South Asian woman raised in Italy.
Don't forget to subscribeand follow us on Instagram and new for Season 5, check us out on and YouTube and keep up with True Culture on LinkedIn.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
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What does it mean to be a leader when traditional leadership models weren’t designed with you in mind? In this episode of Our True Colors, we sit down with Dr. Jenny Vazquez-Newsum, an educator, leadership expert, and founder of Untapped Leaders, to explore how identity shapes leadership.
Dr. Vazquez-Newsum shares her journey navigating leadership as a biracial woman, why mainstream leadership theories often exclude marginalized voices, and how we can redefine leadership in a way that’s authentic and inclusive. We talk about unlearning outdated models, embracing the power of lived experiences, and tapping into the unique perspectives that diverse leaders bring to the table.
Join us for a deep and thought-provoking conversation on how we can expand what it means to lead—and why embracing untapped leadership is the key to changing the workplace and beyond.
🔗 Connect with Dr. Jenny-Vazquez-Newsum:
- Website: untappleaders.com
- Instagram: @untappleaders
- LinkedIn: Jenny Vazquez-Newsum
Don't forget to subscribeand follow us on Instagram and new for Season 5, check us out on and YouTube and keep up with True Culture on LinkedIn.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
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What does it mean to navigate the world as a mixed heritage individual when belonging feels just out of reach? In this episode, Shawna and co-host Kat Aragon welcome Marcel De Jonghe, Head of DEI&B for Europe’s largest local authority, to explore identity, belonging, and the intersections of race and culture. Marcel shares his personal journey as a Zimbabwean-Belgian navigating life in the UK, the challenges of being "not quite Black enough" and "not quite White enough," and how his work in equity and inclusion is shaping a more thoughtful, empathetic world. The conversation covers microaggressions, the power of "sensitive curiosity", and how we can all work toward fostering true belonging—at work, at home, and in our communities. Tune in for an insightful and heartfelt discussion about identity, advocacy, and breaking down barriers.
Stuff to check out from mentions in the episode:
- What’s the difference between “Inuit” and “Eskimo”?
- What's in a Name? The Meaning of "La Raza"
- The changing categories the U.S. census has used to measure race
- 1930 Census Instructions to Enumerators
- "Instructions to Enumerators" [ORIGINAL]
- Who’s White? Who’s Black? Who Knows?
- John Agard reads his poem, Half-Caste and Half-Caste (John Agard)
Don't forget to subscribeand follow us on Instagram and new for Season 5, check us out on and YouTube and keep up with True Culture on LinkedIn.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
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In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Victoria K. Malaney-Brown, a scholar-practitioner at Columbia University and the first-ever Director of Academic Integrity for undergraduates at Columbia College and Columbia Engineering, joins us to explore the nuanced realities of multiracial identity. From her deeply personal poem "Outside of the Box" to her groundbreaking research on multiracial college students, Dr. Malaney-Brown sheds light on the complexities of navigating identity, privilege, and belonging. We dive into monoracism, critical consciousness, and the importance of creating spaces where mixed-race individuals feel seen and heard. Whether you're mixed-race, a parent, an ally, or someone looking to expand their understanding, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration.
You can find Dr. Malaney-Brown on LinkedIn and on Instagram.
Here's some more stuff to check out:
- Multiracial Experiences in Higher Education: Contesting Knowledge, Honoring Voice, and Innovating Practice
- Preparing for Higher Education’s Mixed Race Future: Why Multiraciality Matters
- Racial Identity and Census Categories
- What is Critical Consciousness?
- American College Personnel Association
- Critical Mixed Race Studies Association (Learn about the membership here!)
- Multiracial and Transracial Adoptee Network (MTAN)
- National Conference on Race and Ethnicity
Don't forget to subscribeand follow us on Instagram and new for Season 5, check us out on and YouTube and keep up with True Culture on LinkedIn.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
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In this episode, Shawna Gann is joined by graduate student Brieanna Hairston cohost Rachel Sadler. Together, they explore the complexities of racial identity, inclusion, and belonging through the lens of multiracial and racially ambiguous individuals.
Brieanna shares personal experiences growing up in a predominantly White area, navigating racial microaggressions from an early age, and finding her place in diverse academic and professional settings. Rachel reflects on the intersection of race, culture, and societal expectations, providing a candid perspective on navigating life as a biracial Black woman. The conversation touches on the effects of colorism, cultural stereotypes, and fetishization, while highlighting the importance of representation and the evolving understanding of multiracial identities. The group also discusses the role of community, historical contexts like Sundown Towns, and the need for equity-driven progress in the workplace and beyond.
Tune in for a powerful dialogue about embracing authenticity, breaking stereotypes, and creating inclusive spaces in both personal and professional spheres.
You can also watch the episode on YouTube!
Stuff to Check Out:
- Sundown Towns
- Sundown Towns: A Hidden Dimension of American Racism
- Historical Database of Sundown Towns
- The ‘Black Wife Effect’
Don't forget to subscribeand follow us on Instagram and new for Season 5, check us out on and YouTube and keep up with True Culture on LinkedIn.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
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In this thought-provoking episode, Shawna sits down with Dr. Jenn Noble, psychologist, educator, and advocate for mixed-race families, to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in parenting mixed-race children. Together, they explore:
- The nuances of mixed-race identity and how it shapes a child’s experience.
- Why starting conversations about race with children isn’t as daunting as it seems.
- How parents’ own experiences can influence their approach to raising mixed-race kids.
- Practical strategies to help children embrace their full identity while navigating societal complexities.
Dr. Jenn shares powerful insights on meeting children where they are, supporting their growth, and how race and identity education can start with simple, age-appropriate concepts like melanin. This episode is packed with actionable advice for parents and thought-provoking stories for listeners of all backgrounds.
You can also watch the episode on YouTube!
Follow Dr. Jenn on Instagram: @drjennpsych and learn more about her work at Free to Be Collective.
Stuff to check out from mentions in the episode:
- Unwrapping the Gift of Dialogue: Race Talk with Meredith and Cindy
- Redress and Reparations for Japanese American Incarceration
- Apologizing for the enslavement and racial segregation of African-Americans
Don't forget to subscribeand follow us on Instagram and new for Season 5, check us out on and YouTube and keep up with True Culture on LinkedIn.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
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In this deeply reflective episode of Our True Colors, Shawna and guest Shari Baker dive into the emotional aftermath of the recent presidential election. Together, they unpack the complexities of identity, solidarity, and the nuances of navigating blackness in America. From the broader societal implications of the election to the personal journeys of mixed-race identity, Shawna and Shari offer a thought-provoking and heartfelt conversation about resilience, collective grief, and the power of community. Tune in to explore how we can heal, learn, and move forward—together.
Guest Shari Baker, DEIJ strategist and co-founder of The Wells Collective, shares her insights on black identity, coalition-building, and fostering equity in challenging times.
You can also watch the episode on YouTube!
Stuff to check out from mentions in the episode:
- Kamala Harris’ racial and cultural background at the convention
- Why the term “BIPOC” is so complicated, explained by linguists
- Is It Time To Say R.I.P. To 'POC'?
- BAME We're Not the Same
- For Black women, Harris’s loss creates new wound
- The Blue Bracelet Movement, Explained
- A Look at Racial Incongruence
- Racist text messages sent to Black recipients, including children
- Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome
Don't forget to subscribeand follow us on Instagram and new for Season 5, check us out on and YouTube and keep up with True Culture on LinkedIn.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
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Summary
In this engaging conversation, Shawna, Rachel, and Kat introduce Hady Mendez, a DEI expert, who shares her journey and insights on employee resource groups, cultural wisdom, and the challenges of navigating racial identity. The discussion highlights the need for allyship, the evolving understanding of racial categories, and the significance of joy and community support in personal and professional growth.
You can also watch the episode on YouTube!
Takeaways
- Mixed race identity is complex and varies greatly among individuals.
- Self-advocacy is crucial for underrepresented groups in the workplace.
- Cultural idioms can provide valuable life lessons and wisdom.
- The importance of employee resource groups in fostering community and support.
- Allyship is essential for creating inclusive environments.
- Racial categories in forms often fail to capture the diversity of identities.
- Colorism exists within the Latino community and affects perceptions of privilege.
- Personal narratives and experiences shape our understanding of identity.
- Joy and positivity can be powerful tools for personal growth.
- Community connections can provide validation and support in shared experiences.
Stuff to check out from mentions in the episode:
- Planning for the 2030 Census is Underway
- Coming to Our Census: Are the Race and Ethnicity Questions Needed?
- How the Census Bureau Stood Up to Donald Trump’s Meddling
- Why the 2030 census will likely show a drop in 'white' Americans
- Who The Census Misses
- Chapter 1: Race and Multiracial Americans in the U.S. Census (Census taker decided race)
Don't forget to subscribeand follow us on Instagram and new for Season 5, check us out on and YouTube and keep up with True Culture on LinkedIn.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
MESSAGE ME HERE!
In this insightful episode, Dr. Shawna Gann sits down with DEI experts Lauren Dike and Katrina Liew Wilson for a candid discussion on the shifting landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The conversation explores the evolving role of DEI in the workplace, the pressures of being a "talking head" in the field, and the challenges of racial and cultural identity. Lauren and Katrina share their personal journeys navigating mixed-race backgrounds, dealing with imposter syndrome, and embracing authenticity while leading change. They also address the complexity of DEI rebranding, the struggle for collective healing, and the nuanced experiences of being Black and multiracial in America.
Tune in to hear about the intersection of wellness, inclusion, and belonging, as well as the power of redefining what it means to "fit in" versus truly belonging. The episode concludes with thoughts on Kamala Harris's potential presidency, and the ongoing need for hope and active participation in shaping a more inclusive future.
This episode offers a refreshing take on DEI that challenges common assumptions and invites listeners to rethink how we approach identity and equity in today's society.
You can also watch the episode on YouTube!
Extra Stuff to Check Out:
- Kamala Harris on The Breakfast Club (2019)
- Tema Okun on Her Mythical Paper on White Supremacy
- White Supremacy Culture – Still Here...A Short History of the Original Article
Don't forget to subscribeand follow us on Instagram and new for Season 5, check us out on and YouTube and keep up with True Culture on LinkedIn.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Join the conversation — Send a Text Message!
In this episode, Shawna Gann and Rachel Sadler engage with author Christopher "CJ" Gross, an expert in cultural transformation, to discuss the concepts in his book, What's Your Zip Code Story? Together the group discusses implications on personal and professional experiences. They explore how one's background and community can shape perceptions, opportunities, and biases in the workplace. The discussion emphasizes the importance of mentorship, understanding class migration, and the need for a supportive culture that fosters growth and inclusivity, including expanding your zip code story through meeting new people, going to different places, and trying new things. Throughout the conversation, they highlight the significance of being aware of biases and the necessity of creating psychological safety in mentorship relationships.
Stuff mentioned in the episode that you should check out:
- The Financial Perks of Being Tall
- Stereotype Threat
- Half of U.S. states have passed the CROWN Act to ban hair discrimination
Want to be a guest or know someone who should join us? Click this link to complete the guest interest form.
Don't forget to subscribe!
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is sponsored by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Join the conversation — Send a Text Message!
In this episode, Shawna Gann introduces the new season of the podcast with one of her two co-hosts, Kat Aragon. They discuss their cultural backgrounds, the importance of representation in the beauty industry, and the need for advocacy and allyship. Kat shares her experiences as a makeup artist and the challenges faced in ensuring diversity in beauty products. The conversation emphasizes the significance of taking action in allyship and the importance of creating spaces for underrepresented voices.
Other stuff to check out:
- Vintage Bandaid Commercial
- Browndages
- This Is the Worst Way to Make an Inclusive Foundation Shade
- This brand made a BLACK Foundation!?
- The 5 S's of Engagement: Navigating Your Path Through Allyship
Want to be a guest or know someone who should join us? Click this link to complete the guest interest form.
Don't forget to subscribe!
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is sponsored by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Join the conversation — Send a Text Message!
In this episode, Shawna Gann introduces co-host Rachel Sadler, and together they explore the complexities of racial identity, particularly focusing on the experiences of biracial individuals. They discuss the fluidity of identity, the impact of family dynamics on self-identification, and the societal constructs surrounding race and gender. The conversation also gets into the privileges associated with racial ambiguity, the challenges faced in workplace settings, and the increasing recognition of multiracial identities in America. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of community and the need for critical discussions about identity and privilege.
Rachel Sadler is an empowerment coach and founder of Rae of Light Coaching, specializing in helping women unlock their potential and navigate personal and professional challenges. With a strong background in DEI facilitation, anti-racism education, and cultural competency training, Rachel is dedicated to advancing social justice and equity.
Other stuff to check out:
- The Infuriating Journey From Pet To Threat: How Bias Undermines Black Women At Work
- The Persistence Of Pet To Threat
- The US will become ‘minority white’ in 2045, Census projects
- The Myth of a Majority-Minority America
- GOP Rep. Burchett calls Kamala Harris a "DEI hire"
- What Might It Mean When Critics Call Someone A DEI Hire?
- Vice President Kamala Harris Is Anything But a DEI Hire
- How Italians Became ‘White’
- "[Trump] is the Avatar for their Grievance"
Want to be a guest or know someone who should join us? Click this link to complete the guest interest form.
Don't forget to subscribe!
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is sponsored by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Join the conversation — Send a Text Message!
Welcome back!
Join Dr. Shawna Gann and new co-hosts Kat Aragon and Rachel Sadler for Season 5 of Our True Colors, launching in September!
This season, we will continue exploring the unique challenges of being racially ambiguous with personal stories and expert insights on identity, belonging, and diversity. Engage with us by texting your thoughts and stories through the link above, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!
Want to be a guest or know someone who should join us? Click this link to complete the guest interest form.
Don't forget to subscribe!
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is sponsored by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Join the conversation — Send a Text Message!
Welcome to the community!
This introductory episode introduces listeners to the premise of Our True Colors. In this opening episode, I discuss terms and concepts surrounding issues of race. The links below are here for your reference and to learn more.
Want to be a guest? Click this link to send me your thoughts on how you could add to the convo as a guest on the show!
I encourage you to reach out to me and share your thoughts! What topics would you like to discuss? Do you have some feedback? Would you like to respond to an episode? Reach out with a direct text.
Link further exploration:
- Race as a Social Construct
- Human Genome Project
- Race, Ethnicity, and Culture with Jelly Beans
- Eugenics and Scientific Racism
- Biden Administration's Proposal for Updated Census Data Collection
- Honorary Whiteness - Eduardo Bonilla-Silva
- Colonialism
- Culture
- Being a Third Culture Kid
- Intersectionality
- Blumenbach and "Caucasian"
- More on Blumenbach and the term "Caucasian"
- The Construction of Race and Racism
Want to be a guest? Click this link to send me your thoughts on how you could add to the convo as a guest on the show!
Don't forget to subscribe!
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is sponsored by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
This introductory episode introduces listeners to the premise of Our True Colors. In this opening episode, I discuss terms and concepts surrounding issues of race. The links below are here for your reference and to learn more.
I encourage you to reach out to me and share your thoughts! What topics would you like to discuss? Do you have some feedback? Would you like to respond to an episode? Check out www.truecultureconsulting.com where you can also send me a message.
Welcome to the community!
Link further exploration:
- Race as a Social Construct
- Human Genome Project
- Race, Ethnicity, and Culture with Jelly Beans
- Biden Administration's Proposal for Updated Census Data Collection
- Honorary Whiteness - Eduardo Bonilla-Silva
- Colonialism
- Culture
- Being a Third Culture Kid
- Intersectionality
- Blumenbach and "Caucasian"
- More on Blumenbach and the term "Caucasian"
- Gender Neutral Terms
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is sponsored by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
This is it, y'all! The last episode of OTC! Join the cohosts and me as we reflect on this journey and enjoy the sampler platter we've prepared for you as we talk about the themes we explored, lessons learned, and incredible growth over the years!
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit True Colors Consulting!
About This Episode:
Part 1: The Mixed Tape with Jason
- Season 2: I'm Gumbo, Baby!
- Season 2: What's in a Name?
Part 2: The Mixed Tape with Shannon, Carmen, and Yolandie
- Season 4: Kickin it with Karlton Hoskins
- Season 1: Coming to Our Census
- Season 3: Good Vibes Family Reunion
- Season 3: Sticks and Stones
- Season 1: Growing Up Ambiguously Across the Generations
- Season 3: Unwrapping the Gift of Dialogue
- Season 3: A Mother's Love
- Season 1: Talking H & M: Race and Royalty
Other Stuff:
- Animated map shows the evolution of American accents
- NPR Code Switch: Talk American
- Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents
Socials:
- Shawna on LinkedIn
- Shannon on LinkedIn and Instagram
- Carmen on Instagram and Twitter
- Yolandie Hamilton on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook
“Meet the Cohosts” Episodes:
- Season 1: Meet Shannon
- Season 2: Meet Jason
- Season 3: Meet Carmen
- Season 4: Meet Yolandie
This week I am joined by Joquina M. Reed, my colleague and dear friend.
She is the founding steward of J Reed Consulting LLC. She is also the curator behind the Please Say Black podcast as well as the Divesting from Whiteness Podcast. Kina is deeply committed to global reparations for chattel enslavement and creating shared humanity.
In this episode we explore new perspectives on belonging and how learning more about our identities can provide a welcome anchor to our personal narratives.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!
Yay! Yolandie is back after taking a few months to be with her little one (if you listen carefully, you'll hear a little bit from her, too! 👶). In this episode, Yolandie (and sometimes Olivia) tells us about a play she is working on and the complexities of identity and stereotypes. This all made me very curious and, despite my congestion (sorry, y'all - guess I was keepin' it real), I had lots of questions for her about her experiences and the premise of the play.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!
References
- By the Way, Meet Vera Stark
- Meet Yolandie! Season 4 Cohost
- Will Smith in Emancipation
- Will Smith Has A Candid Answer After Getting Asked Why He Wanted To Make A Movie About Slavery
- Will Smith Explains Why He Avoided Making Movies About Slavery: 'I Wanted to Be a Superhero'
- SPECIAL EPISODE: The Little Mermaid of Color
- The racist backlash to The Little Mermaid and Lord of The Rings is exhausting and extremely predictable
Prepare to be inspired! On this episode of OTC, I am talking with Dija Henry. Together we discuss her work in film and how the work supports the empowerment of authenticity all the way from the people contributing to the film to those viewing it. We go on to discuss the nuances of having a multicultural family and the connections that younger generations are making cross-culturally – a notion that is good for all of us to practice, including one's sense of belonging, particularly when you are racially ambiguous. We also talked about art being central to our lives, and there's a little bit of 80's and 90's nostalgia sprinkled in, too!
Dija is a multi-award winning actress, filmmaker and CEO and founder of Blue House Entertainment, which is a social impact entertainment company dedicated to telling diverse stories that facilitate heart changing conversation to elevate our culture to a more equitable, inclusive and empathetic society. She also works to coach individuals who are working on their first film. In her free time, Dija likes to read, travel, watch movies with her family and have meaningful conversations with others. She's very grateful she has been able to take her family to two of their three countries of origin. India is next on the list!
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!
References and Resources
- Belonging: A Culture of Place
- Find Dija Henry on Instagram
- Check out The Blue House on Instagram, too!
On this episode of Our True Colors, I had the opportunity to spend time with Velda Thomas - sharing our thoughts on identity, growth, and belonging.
Velda Thomas is the author of Blended: Perspectives on Belonging. She was born and educated in England, UK with family ancestry from Africa, the Caribbean, and the America's. Healing modalities have always been of interest to Velda. She has a love of plants and herbal remedies. For Velda, somatic and ritual experiences weave passion with grounded human experience for creativity and freedom of expression.
Velda has worked as a kindergarten teacher, adult educator, birth doula, massage therapist, sound practitioner and writer. She is a horsewoman, nature lover, mover of the body and world traveler. Velda is currently living in Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula in the USA.
Together, Velda and I talk about belonging to oneself and her sense of vibrational alignment with nature.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!Resources and References
- Musicians are Hooking Up Synthesizers to Plants for New Sonic Possibilities
- Connect Your Plant To A Moog Synth With MIDI Sprout
- The Woman King (2022)
- Whites Distrust Biracial People When Their Racial Presentation Varies, Rutgers Study Finds
- Asian Americans are Skeptical of Biracial People’s Racial Loyalties
(Note: Jacqueline Chen is a former Our True Colors Guest. Check out her episode here.)
What a fantastic episode I have for you this week! I am joined by Joe Huang-Racalto, a Civil Rights lobbyist, who works for organizations that defend people who are enslaved in labor and sex trafficking, abused children, minorities living with HIV/AIDS, and humane animal welfare. He retired from Capitol Hill on June 1, 2017 as Chief of Staff. During his Congressional career, he focused on civil rights for women and LGBT Americans. He successfully led efforts to enact the Matthew Shepherd and James D. Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act, the Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA), and the reversal of Don't Ask Don't Tell. Additionally, he worked with his colleagues to successfully block cuts to Title IX.
Warning
This episode includes sensitive discussions of topics, such as suicide and other topics, which may be difficult for some listeners.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!
References and Resources:
- Barney Frank
- Who is protected from employment discrimination?
- GOP lawmakers push historic wave of bills targeting rights of LGBTQ teens, children and their families
- Justice Thomas urges U.S. Supreme Court to feel free to reverse precedents
- Supreme Court Dobbs Decision
- Child Welfare League of America
- What is Kinship Care?
- The (Only) 5 Fears We All Share
Rach Kass is a Nursing Station Technician (NST), life coach, and podcast host and joins us for this episode to talk about her experiences as the White mother of her five biracial children. Also joining us as a guest host, while Yolandie takes some time with her new little one, is Sarah Bacerra - a two-time former guest on OTC. Rachel and her husband, Chris, also host and produce Infusion Health Podcast.
In this episode, she talks with us about being a White mom to biracial children and what that means for their family.
Warning
This episode includes sensitive discussions of topics, such as suicide, abuse, violence, and overt racism, that may be difficult for some listeners.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!References
Sarah Bacerra Episodes:
- Growing Up Ambiguously
- Processing COVID-19: A Minisode
References and Resources:
- History made: Bruce’s Beach has been returned to descendants of Black family
- White Kids: Growing Up with Privilege in a Racially Divided America
- How The Adultification Bias Contributes To Black Trauma
- Impression Management and Self Presentation (Goffman)
In this very special episode, I have a one-to-one real-talk session with my son, Christian Gann. Christian is back for his second interview on Our True Colors. If you missed the first interview, you can check it out here. It's linked below, as well.
In this episode, Christian talks about his experiences as a multiracial makeup artist and drag queen and shares his perspectives as Aimee Amour. You don't want to miss it!
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!References
References in this Episode:
- Aimee Amour on Instagram
- Aimee Amour on TikTok
- Intersecting Communities: Pride & BLM
This week we are back with Part 2 of the interview with Amy Daniels. If you missed Part 1, you can check it out here. In this episode, Amy and I continue our conversation about her lived experiences as a Korean woman who was adopted by White parents and what it's meant moving through spaces where people around you have certain expectations about your identity. We talk about her experiences dating, the "Guest Pass", and even the importance of names.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!
For Further Exploration
- The Color of Whiteness
- The Problem with ‘People of Color’: It Implies Whiteness is the Default
- Whiteness and White Privilege
This episode is the first of a 2-part interview with my friend, Amy Daniels. I'd been wanting to interview her for a couple of years now, and she happened to be hanging out my place when we were like...let's do this! Amy is a superstar recruiter in the management consulting industry in the DC Metro area - sometimes called the "DMV" since it encompasses parts of Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
In this first part of her interview, Amy talks about navigating situations when people make assumptions about her identity, particularly as it pertains to her having been transracially adopted. Together we talk about the strange things folks do when they aren't sure "what you are" or "where you're from".
Don't forget to follow or subscribe to the show so you don't miss Part 2, which will be coming out soon.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!
References & Resources
- Key & Peele - Dating a Biracial Guy
- Lee Atwater's Infamous 1981 Interview on the Southern Strategy (Contains strong language)
- "Double Consciousness and the Veil" by W.E.B. Du Bois: Summary and Analysis
Daniel Washington is an I/O Psychology Master's graduate with a passion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. He was born in New York City but raised in Atlanta, GA and moved back to New York City in August of 2018 to further his education in I/O Psychology. I received my Master's from Touro College in the summer of 2020. He is now I'm working towards furthering my career in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
In this episode, Daniel talks with me about his identity journey and the way he has been working to confront the anti-Blackness that he grew up with. Realizing it was the first step - and what a hard realization! Check out this episode to hear his story.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!
In this special episode of Our True Colors, Yolandie and I discuss Disney's new live action Little Mermaid, starring Halle Bailey as Ariel. Join us for this important conversation about social expectations and redefining norms.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!
REFERENCES
The Little Mermaid Trailer
AI Technology Making Little Mermaid White
Charlotte La Bouff - "Man Catchin' Beignets"
RELATED ARTICLESA New Ariel Inspires Joy for Young Black Girls: ‘She Looks Like Me’
The Hashtag That Changed the Oscars: An Oral History
Researchers have found a major problem with ‘The Little Mermaid’ and other Disney movies
The Original Version Of Cinderella Might Shock You
Here's How Disney Is Continuing To Honor Tiana, The First Black Disney Princess
Cheerios ad with mixed-race family draws racist responses
DIVERSITY ON THE STAGE AND SCREEN
Whitney Houston Cinderella
Alice in Wonderland: Sherman Hemsley
Alice in Wonderland: Sammy Davis Jr.
JK Rowling tells of anger at attacks on casting of black Hermione
J.K. Rowling Defends Casting Black Actress as Hermione in ‘Harry Potter’ Play
Shereen Ahmed dreamed of playing Eliza Doolittle, not Princess Jasmine. Her wish came true
HEART-WARMING REACTIONSInstagram: feminist
TikTok: brotherboy knows what's up
After a bit of a summer break, Yolandie and I are back with our guest Ashnie Butler. Ashnie's story starts on the island of Trinidad with roots going back to Southern India. She has lived on the east and west coast of the United States, currently residing in Portland, Oregon, with her non-binary teenager. Her passion for cooking took her to culinary school and started her journey of learning about cultures and people through their food. Once Ashnie completed her B.A. in American Multicultural Studies, she began seeking to affect change through economic justice. Her training in Theater of the Oppressed, Courage Conversations, Mindfulness and Coaching allows her to hold various racial and cultural identities with awareness, skill and presence, pointing individuals, groups and folks with organizations to their own best selves.
In this episode, Ashnie shares her experiences of exploring and coming to understand her identity as it manifest in different settings outside of and inside of the United States. Her story leads to a compelling conversation of self-realization and social identity.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!
Related to the convo:
"Double Consciousness and the Veil" by W.E.B. Du Bois: Summary and Analysis
In this episode of Our True Colors, we welcome Karlton Hoskins, #1 International Best Selling Author, Business Owner, Real Estate Investor, and Strategist. In this episode we talk about business and go all the way back to roots. Do NOT miss this fascinating conversation that takes us around the world and back in time.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!
Resources related to the convo:
- What Became of the Taíno?
- From Acadian to Cajun
- The Creole Community in The United States of America, a story
- What's the difference between Cajun and Creole—or is there one?
In this fantastic episode with Payal Beri, we discuss what it's like living abroad for an extended amount of time as 3rd Culture folks. Along the way we talk about how this has equipped us to be empathetic and applying these life lessons to what we do every day. Come along for the ride!
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!
In this intriguing episode of Our True Colors, Sandra Hunter joins us to talk about her work with Wild Women Leaders of Colour and shares her own experiences of identity and "herstory". Together we talk about leaning on each other...and our ancestors...for support as we as women of color navigate space historically dominated by white men.
Resources related to the convo:
- How a Lack of Sponsorship Keeps Black Women Out of the C-Suite
- Sista, Sista: How A Mentor Can Be The Key To Advancing Your Career
- Battling the stereotypes: why black women need mentors not ‘angry’ labels
- A Road Map for Advancing Women in Tech
- Former IKEA boss reveals the trick to going through a store in 5 minutes
- ‘My Parents Decided To Outwit Everyone By Giving Their Daughter A White Man’s Name’
- Job Applicants With ‘Black Names’ Still Less Likely to Get Interviews
- The hidden tax on being different (HBR)
- There is a tax on being different (Financial Times)
- Harvard Study Says Minority Job Candidates Are 'Whitening' Their Resumes When Looking for Jobs
I am so happy to welcome back Season 3 Cohost, Carmen Watson, to talk with me about the news of the US Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. I wanted to know her thoughts and perspectives as a Canadian and understand what conversations are happening among our neighbors to the north. Join us for this special episode as we discuss this incredibly impactful Supreme Court decision.
Resources to Check Out
- Woman Whose Conception Sparked Roe v. Wade Case Breaks Silence: 'I'm Keeping a Secret but I Hate It'
- If Clarence Thomas were consistent, he'd oppose Loving v. Virginia
- Interracial Marriage Under Attack: Thinking the Unthinkable
- Clarence Thomas Signals Same-Sex Marriage and Contraception Rights at Risk After Overturning Roe v. Wade
- What access to abortion looks like across Canada
- Trudeau calls U.S. Roe v. Wade reversal of abortion rights 'horrific'
In this episode, we talk with Rahimeh Ramezany about identity and making assumptions about who people are and what their lived experiences must be. Rahimeh is a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Intercultural Specialist, whose work is focused on addressing the experiences of marginalized ethnic, racial, and religious communities in the United States, in order to create change on individual, interpersonal, and systemic levels. Rahimeh has a Master's degree in Intercultural Communication from San Jose State University, and has worked at multiple DEI-focused nonprofits and consulting firms.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!
Ruthie Bowles is a US Army Veteran, mom to four kids, and lives in Maryland with her family, goats, and chickens. She focuses on bringing awareness to the unethical tactics and strategies in the small business coaching and consulting industry. Ruthie is also an audiobook narrator.
She joins OTC this episode to talk about the difference between work-life balance and work-life harmony. Too often we try to juggle everything all at once rather than looking for how we can do some ebb and flow. Ruthie also talks with us in this episode about teasing out powerful coaches and consultants from those who are just out to pitch slap you. While everyone can use a great coach, Ruthie warns about those with unhealthy marketing and sales tactics that are all about selling hot air and not results.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!
References you might find interesting:
- Work-Life Harmony
- Belgium, Portugal And Other European Countries Prohibit Managers From Contacting Employees Outside Of Working Hours
Join Yolandie and me this week as we chat with my wonderful friend, Twanette Barrett. She is a retired army vet and now a life coach living in Bali, Indonesia.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!
While Washington, DC is the city where he resides, Dr. Christopher Riddick
is a proud son of North Carolina and hails from the rural county of Gates. His upbringing was significant in shaping his identity and fuels many of his passions today. Dr. Riddick is intent on helping organizations truly exhibit what they frequently say but are often challenged to demonstrate: that people are their most valuable assets. Dr. Riddick is a devoted husband and father of three. He is a lover of music, bacon, and bourbon and enjoys quality time with friends when any or all three are present.
In this episode we focus on belonging...even within one's perceived cultural community. Dr. Riddick shares his experiences with trying to fit in when not seen as Black enough or when seen as too Black. He also talks with Yolandie and me about judgment associated with the perceived identity of one's significant other.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!
Here are some other resources to check about topics mentioned in this episode:
- Colorism and the Paper Bag Test
- Code-switching: 4 Forum voices on what it is – and why we need to talk about it
- Why dark-skinned black girls like me aren't getting married
Katrina Strohl (they/she/him) served as an Aviation Structural Mechanic in the US Navy. In 2018, Katrina decided to take their own life after internalizing the behavior of an unsafe workplace. They now serve others through their work in psychological safety, mental health and boundary strategy for people who share their identities or their lived experiences.
This work includes Absolutely Not!, the weekly live podcast dedicated to providing examples of setting personal boundaries at work and the vocabulary needed to name harm in those spaces. Katrina is Black, Sāmoan and Queer and lives with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and a Substance Use Disorder.
Heads up: This episode contains strong language.
In this episode, Katrina talks with Yolandie and me about the ambiguity...of racial ambiguity (did you catch that?). We also discuss how we can watch out for the characters of white supremacy culture - no matter how you racially identify. We also talk about how the media can influence how we see ourselves and how others see us.
Find out more about Katrina by visiting their website here.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
This episode and others are sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!
Here are some other resources to check about topics mentioned in this episode:
- The term "Latinx" is used by just 3% ofUS Hispanics
- POC, WOC, BIPOC and other terms labeling people of color
- The Costs of Code-Switching
Welcome to Season 4 of Our True Colors! I am happy to introduce my co-host for this season, Yolandie Hamilton. She'll be hangin' with us for the season, so get to know a little bit about her in this episode.
Yolandie Hamilton is a personal style and confidence coach, mom and proud to be the very interesting mix of Jamaica and Poland, with a lot of other stuff in there. She is passionate about giving women back to themselves through style and connecting with others to learn what they are passionate about. She also performs in community theatre and teaches kids improv at summer camps. She is excited to bring her perspective from small town Michigan to the show.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
This episode and others are sponsored by True Colors Consulting - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion support that goes beyond compliance!
Join Carmen and me as we talk about our experiences, what we've learned, and the takeaways from Season 3.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
Our guest this week is Stefanie Kurgatt. Stefanie was born in Eldoret, Kenya but moved to the states at a young age and most of her childhood was spent in Tallahassee, Fl. She attended Georgetown University, where she earned her B.S. in Healthcare Management/Policy and M.S. in Health Systems Administration. She holds a great interest in health disparities, community health, and social determinants of health and strives to increase access to care for the underserved. In her spare time, Stefanie loves to workout, go on runs and bike rides around DC, and cook. She loves being outside and going on different adventures/road trips. Most recently Stefanie embarked on her first backpacking trip and is excited for more outdoor adventures!
In this episode, Stefanie talks with Carmen and me about her experiences going on her identity journey as a biracial immigrant and the confidence she has gained learning to accept and love herself for who she is and her desire for others recognize the whole person for who they are and all the goodness they bring to the table.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
Dr. Charletta Wilson is an industrial & organizational psychologist, an International Coaching Federation (ICF) Certified Professional Coach, Global Team Coach, TEDx Speaker and Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator at CaPeesh Consulting LLC. For over two decades, she’s served thousands of clients in business startups, leadership and organizational development. In our interview, Dr. Wilson shares stories of how she was introduced to colorism and how it parlayed with stories of not being good enough. With this talk, she is able to put language to hard experiences that may, otherwise, go unnoticed in our everyday biases.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
Haley and Megan are sisters who grew up in rural Louisiana. Haley is now a school psychologist working in South Louisiana. Megan lives in New Orleans and works in the film industry. These sisters love history and started making a list of historical figures who were mixed race a few year ago. Two years ago they decided to turn their list into a blog. Since then they’ve been adding more people to the list and sharing blog or Instagram posts about them. Some of the people on the list are well known historical figures who many don’t realize were mixed race, like Booker T Washington or Alexandre Dumas. Others are less well known, but still have incredible stories and accomplishments.
Check out this episode where we talk about these figures and more!
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
In light of the continued violence against Asian communities around the US and, indeed, around the world; and in an effort to bring renewed awareness, I am bringing back an episode from earlier this year.
Daniel Quan-Watson has lived an unusual mix of being at the very center of powerful institutions and structures and being on the outside of so many other aspects of daily life in Canada and North America. He holds the highest rank possible in Canada's Public Service, the equivalent of an Under-Secretary in the US. He speaks English and French with the same ease, has lived in 13 places across Canada, visited every part of the country, has written legislation that will be in place for generations, led one of the greatest National Parks systems in the world, and has played a role in helping shape how Canada faces some of its most challenging questions. He is also the first ever federal government Deputy Minister (equivalent to an Undersecretary in the United States) to be of Chinese-Canadian ancestry.
By birth, Mr. Quan-Watson is of Chinese-Canadian, Irish and Polish ancestry. He was adopted and raised lovingly by the descendants of Scottish, English and Welsh immigrants to Canada. He joins Carmen and me as our special guest this episode to discuss his open-letter response to an article by Rex Murphy asking whether racism is still a problem in Canada. Check out the links below for more background on this episode.
REX MURPHY: Canada is not a racist country, despite what the Liberals say
DANIEL QUAN-WATSON: An Answer to Rex Murphy's Questions on Racism in Canada
Other enlightening reads:
- Self-Care Tips For Asian Americans Dealing With Racism Amid Coronavirus
- How to support Asian American colleagues amid the recent wave of anti-Asian violence
- What Racial Terms You Should Avoid
- Understanding the Stressors and Types of Discrimination That Can Affect Multiracial Individuals
- Biracial couple shares experience, advice on having conversations about race with children
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
My guest this week is Nikki Innocent. Nikki is a 2-time TEDx speaker, certified women’s leadership coach, diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) strategist and the host of the podcast Checkbox Other, that focuses on the journey toward belonging.
Five years ago, Nikki left behind her career in corporate America to live and lead fully as herself focusing on belonging, releasing the pressure to “fit in” and embracing the ways she differed as a creative, biracial, Millennial woman. Nikki’s work focuses on fostering a new generation of leaders looking to leverage their unique power and privilege to lead their lives authentically to make the future a more inclusive place.
In this episode, Nikki and I talk about her journey away from corporate America into her new adventure of entrepreneurship. We also talk about her experiences being "other" in a number of situations and how she helps leaders in organizations navigate tricky discussions. Following the interview, my co-host Carmen and I discuss "Cancel Culture" and "Calling In vs. Calling Out". Carmen shares this interesting NYT article about Loretta J. Ross, a professor at Smith College, who teaches a course on the topic.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
My guest this week is Dr. Shantel Gabrieal Buggs. Dr. Buggs is an assistant professor of sociology and African American studies at Florida State University, specializing in research on multiracial identity, representation, and romantic, sexual, and family relationships. She is currently working on an edited collection of essays on "queering" consent for LGBTQ people in the #MeToo era and her first monograph on the online dating experiences of multiracial women in Central Texas. She's also collaborating on several other projects exploring race, gender, and inequality within higher education.
Her primary research agenda focuses on multiracial identity, family dynamics, and interracial relationships (race, gender, intimacy, culture), and she has written about the online dating experiences of self-identified multiracial and multiethnic women as well as other pieces such as how the BLM movement is shaping how women vet partners and how multiracial women view their relationships as interracial.
Check out this episode where we discuss online dating and the future of the US in light of shifting demographics and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
Maris Lidaka is a filmmaker in Los Angeles and the creator of the Blended Future Project. Maris talks with me about his experience growing up mixed both in a mostly white suburb but also abroad in high school. This experience allowed him to gain some perspective on race and who he is.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
Natalie Forest, Ph.D. an intuitive transformational Mentor with a background in history and teaching. She is a teacher inside and out in all she does. She helps people going through a "midlife crisis" reconnect with their own unique self through addressing "the Hidden Power of Patterns" so that they can finally live their lives, their way.
Natalie is from Germany, studies U.S. and "USSR" history to become an experts in issues relating to equality in the U.S. through her studies of history, humanities, psychology and life - transferring skills all along the way. She lives in Maryland with her daughter and husband and enjoys volunteering with her daughter, reading, yoga, and travels. She is the CEO of the SAAS company iDueSystems, Executive Director for The Women of Global of Change, a columnist for The Los Angeles Tribune, a speaker, author and more.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
Sarah Lotus Garrett is a life coach working with mixed adults and monoracial parents of mixed children. She was born and raised in northern California and has lived in Northern Italy for the past 15 years. She is a woman, daughter, sister, mother, wife, auntie, friend, world citizen, chef, gardener, creator of beautiful things, a napper, and a joy seeker.
You can check out her work on her Mixed Bloom Room site, where can also learn about her courses. Don't forget to follow her on Instagram, too!
P.S. You can check out the "butters" video here. 😂
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
How was the topic of race handled in your household? Something you've always discussed or an area that typically went untouched?
Meredith and Cindy Palomo are a super cool lesbian couple living in the Kansas City area. They recently paused a three-year endeavor as foster parents. They're lucky to have three amazing daughters, aged 20, 17, and 3. They have a passion for sharing what they know about trauma-informed care, and have a deep belief that every child deserves to grow up with a connection to their roots, biological and otherwise.
Meredith Palomo and Lauren Wiggins are sisters and grew up in the suburbs of Kansas City. Now mothers, each living in a city with a rich activist culture, they've started grappling again with what it means to be bi-racial, black, and women and what they hope to share with their children about their experiences.
On this episode of OTC, these wonderful women come together to discuss these experiences and their plans for bringing up their children after having reflected on their own childhoods.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
Daniel Quan-Watson has lived an unusual mix of being at the very center of powerful institutions and structures and being on the outside of so many other aspects of daily life in Canada and North America. He holds the highest rank possible in Canada's Public Service, the equivalent of an Under-Secretary in the US. He speaks English and French with the same ease, has lived in 13 places across Canada, visited every part of the country, has written legislation that will be in place for generations, led one of the greatest National Parks systems in the world, and has played a role in helping shape how Canada faces some of its most challenging questions. He is also the first ever federal government Deputy Minister (equivalent to an Undersecretary in the United States) to be of Chinese-Canadian ancestry.
By birth, Mr. Quan-Watson is of Chinese-Canadian, Irish and Polish ancestry. He was adopted and raised lovingly by the descendants of Scottish, English and Welsh immigrants to Canada. He joins Carmen and me as our special guest this episode to discuss his open-letter response to an article by Rex Murphy asking whether racism is still a problem in Canada. Check out the links below for more background on this episode.
REX MURPHY: Canada is not a racist country, despite what the Liberals say DANIEL QUAN-WATSON: An Answer to Rex Murphy's Questions on Racism in Canada Other interesting reads:
- What Racial Terms You Should Avoid
- Understanding the Stressors and Types of Discrimination That Can Affect Multiracial Individuals
- Biracial couple shares experience, advice on having conversations about race with children
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE **for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!**
I had the pleasure to welcome the reigning Mrs. Tennessee for 2020 - 2021, Mrs. LaFaye Noel. Not only is LaFaye active in her community and beyond, she speaks of intersectionality, self-esteem, and skills to bring confidence to just about any situation with the wisdom of a mother of four, educator, and a shining example of diversity, equity, and inclusion advocating for minorities through her platform “Unicorns: We Belong!”.
LaFaye Noel began competing as a teen and now steps into a new division. She’s served as a coach, contestant, and even a pageant mom. After being deflected from competing due to her same-sex marriage, LaFaye was determined to make a difference with an organization that aligns with her beliefs and values.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
Katie Andresen is the host & producer of Mixed Kid Chronicles, a podcast for the mixed up and mixed race. This week my guest is Podcaster Katie Andresen, the creator and host of Mixed Kid Chronicles. She shares her identity story and what it’s been like as a podcaster talking with others. In this Episode we talk about “otherness” overseas and general experiences of being racially ambiguous. Carmen weighs in, too - don’t miss it!
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
My guest this week is life coach and counselor, Brittany George. Brittany was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada and is the founder of Mixed Mental Health. She focuses on identity alignment and building confidence and community. Mixed men and women can find relatable content on her site about what it is liked to be mixed and how your mental health is affected by what we experience.
In this episode, Brittany talks a little bit about her program for women, but also shares a bit of her story, even as she continues her own identity journey. You can find Brittany on Instagram and on Facebook.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
Rara Imler is a native CHamoru born and raised on Guam. She is a comedian, writer, actor, and adult entertainer based out of Atlanta, Georgia. She has joined me on the show to discuss what it means to be a mixed-race Islander and the difficulties experienced when trying to assimilate and be fully accepted into one's respective culture(s). In this interview, she describes this phenomenon as not being unique when experiencing life on the island, but that it can impact Americans in the continental U.S. as well. You can catch up with Rara on Twitter @islandgoth.
More about CHamoru (Chamorro) History and Culture:
- Spelling variants
- Culture and History
- More Culture and History
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
Hang with me and my cohosts from Seasons 1 through 3 in this special episode as we discuss our reaction to the US Presidential Election. Shannon Edwards (Season 1), Jason Mitchum (Season 2), and Carmen Watson (Season 3) join me to talk about our perspectives, our hopes, and our disappointments. Carmen, who is Canadian, gives us her viewpoints as a neighbor from the north.
Stick around to the very end to hear the song that is giving me life these days - LOVE IT! Check out Only You by Kidd and Queen on Spotify or find it wherever you like to stream your music.
Be safe everyone, and don't forget to join the community on Instagram and Facebook. You can join the FB group to discuss all the goings on in the world of racial ambiguity.
Love y'all!
Here is some additional info for you to explore:
- How are Electoral College Electors Chosen?
- Three-Fifths Compromise
- Understanding the Three-Fifths Compromise
- DC Taxation without Representation
- Can DC Make it 51?
- Will Washington, DC and Puerto Rico be Granted Statehood?
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
The time has arrived. Election Day in America is here. With me to discuss the significance of this election, the very fulcrum of the future direction of America, is my guest, April Powers.
April is the Managing Director of First Impression Rx, a full service consulting firm that helps fortune 500, nonprofits, and government agencies manage differences through training and diversity and inclusion strategy. She is also the Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer for the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators. Prior to this, she led inclusion efforts at NestléUSA as well as Amgen. She is Bluish (black and Jewish), bilingual, has lived in the US, South America and Europe and, thus brings a global perspective with local understanding to her clients' goals in the inclusion space.
Join us as we discuss this important event. And if you are eligible and haven't yet cast your ballot - be ready with a plan for Election Day!
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
This week I am joined by the cast of Blasian Narratives Vol. I. Some have gone on to take on a diverse range of endeavors but this project continues to connect them. It has been five years since Volume 1, and now the group is back together to discuss their perspectives on being Black and Asian.
Visit blasianproject.org/ for more about the Blasian Project and follow them on Instagram.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
This week my guest is Therese Kempf, who is a therapist in NYC. She specializes in working with trauma and couples, and has a unique focus in working with Racism as Trauma. Therese is also a body based therapist (Sensorimotor Psychotherapy) and helps her clients see the body as a main source of information as well as a primary channel for healing. She has also been featured in a short film called The Devolution of Love, where she is a couples therapist discussing the nuances of dating in the Tinder culture today. She was also in the Netflix film She Did That!, a film about black entrepreneurial women.
In this episode she and I discuss the different ways that racism can impact us and cause trauma - even when not directly. I invite you to this conversation as well as the discussion that follows with my co-host, Carmen. Below you can find more information on some of the topics discussed in the follow up discussion.
Want to know more about Therese and what she does? Check out her IG accounts here and here for more.
Racial Disparities in Health Care
- Centers for Disease Control
- Association for American Medical Colleges
- American Bar Association
- New York Times
Joyce Echaquan
- BBC
- Time
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
I am happy to welcome Zakiya Mabery CEO of B Global Diversity Inclusion Strategic Planning. In this episode of Our True Colors, Zakiya talks with me about the intersections of being a black woman with disabilities. Zakiya is active in the world of diversity and inclusion (D&I) and her new book, Diversity and Inclusion in the Age of COVID, will be available for pre-sale at the end of October, in which she has sound advice for executives navigating the world of D&I.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
Wanda Booth is a business strategist helping the Million Dollar Business Divas achieve financial freedom and purpose in their online business. She also served 25 years in the US Army where conversations of race, diversity, and equal opportunity are often discussed. Wanda currently lives in Kansas raising her three children to understand their true selves.
In this episode, she talks with me about her experiences as a black woman raising her multiracial children and her efforts to shield them from the racist hurt that she experienced in her younger years.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and join the community on Instagram to continue the conversations!
Richard Pierre is a filmmaker who was born in the US but is currently living in Toronto, Canada. He joins me to talk about his experiences that led him down the path to film-making and also talks about the day that he became black. Don't miss this episode as we dive deep into the nuances of race and culture and the power of seeing oneself reflected on-screen. Films like What Are You are and added importance when created by mixed folks.
Check out WhatAreYouFilm.com to learn more about Richard's films and follow him on Instagram @WhatAreYouFilm. Visit his website at richardbpierre.com to check out more of his work.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
Joshua Grant, a researcher working with the Transitional Justice Resource Center in Kosovo, talks with me about his studies in transitional justice. He is passionate about issues of race in international relations as well as what is happening in the US. In this conversation, we compare recent and historical events in the context of what we are experiencing in America and around the world today.
Below are some resources to get you started on your own research surrounding these topics:
History of Policing in Americahttps://www.insider.com/history-of-police-in-the-us-photos-2020-6
Black Codes and Reconstructionhttps://www.insider.com/history-of-police-in-the-us-photos-2020-6
Greensboro Massacrehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aYuqI_69g0
https://www.wunc.org/post/40th-anniversary-greensboro-massacre
https://belovedcommunitycenter.org/truth-reconciliation/
The Southern Strategyhttps://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences/applied-and-social-sciences-magazines/southern-strategy
Transitional Justice in Action
https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/14/europe/nazi-grandfather-store-scli-intl-grm/index.html
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
Cedric Stout is with Carmen and me for this second episode of the season. Cedric, aka Skycedi, is from the United States but is currently living in Seoul, South Korea. He is a filmmaker, photographer, and YouTuber.
In this conversation, Cedric talks about what is was like growing up being half-Korean and half-Black. He walks us through the various stages of his identity journey, helping us to further appreciate the goodness and beauty in being multicultural.
Check out Skycedi on YouTube to learn more about him and what he's up to. His YouTube channel is about him and his girlfriend sharing stories of culture, whether it be from the lens of being half-Korean, or highlighting different aspects of Korea. They do discussions, short films, mini-documentaries, and vlogs on the channel.
If you want to check out Cedric's photography, follow him on Instagram: @skycedi
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
Welcome to Season 3 of Our True Colors! I would also like to welcome my co-host for this season, Carmen Watson! She was a guest in Season 2 - I encourage you to go back and check out her episode if you haven't already heard it. This first episode of the season further introduces you to Carmen.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info and to read more about Carmen.
Jason and I close out the season talking about the experiences we had and the topics covered. Be sure to subscribe or follow so you don't miss the start of Season 3!
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
Why should you make red beans and rice on Mondays?
How did okra make it to the US?
As we near the end of the second season, Jason and I take the opportunity to chat with our Aunties and learn about these Creole facts and more! Listen in to this warm, heartfelt convo with Aunt Bianca and Aunt Daphne and immerse yourself in all that is lagniappe. We round out this season's theme of family as we continue our journey in identity as we embrace family, food, and creole culture in this packed episode. Enjoy!
Laissez les bons temps rouler!Let the good times roll!If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
Welcome back to part two of a fantastic reunion story. Join me with my guest Carmen Watson and her cousin, Rebecca Godard, as they discuss their families sweet story of rediscovery. Check out Rebecca's story from a previous episode here:
https://www.truecolorscast.com/episodes/episode/489e8c18/identity-validity-and-online-spaces-interview-with-rebecca-godard
and if you missed part one, you can find it here
https://www.truecolorscast.com/episodes/episode/48e5f2d7/reshaping-an-identity-with-guest-carmen-watson.
Enjoy!
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
In this episode I chat with my guest, Carmen Watson, about her journey of self-identity. Carmen is Chinese and white and grew up just about all over Canada, in places like British Columbia (BC), Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, and the Northwest Territories. She moved back to British Columbia in 2014, to start university in Vancouver. She holds a BA in History (Honors) and International Relations from the University of British Columbia, with a focus on decolonization (see her recommended reading list below).
It wasn't until she was attending university that she actually accepted that she was a person of color. It really struck her in the second or third year of "uni" that she actually fit in with the themes she was looking at in her classes about decolonization; she could finally put words/themes/social concepts to the feelings she'd had her whole life. She found it to be a benefit that she was living in a city with one of the largest Chinese-Canadian populations, and a part of that includes a large number of people who are mixed, just like her.
She always knew that she didn't quite fit in with the 'white' kids, but I never really saw herself as someone whose experiences were in fact shaped/impacted/driven by the intersections of gender, race and class. You can't miss this episode as Carmen and I discuss this journey!
Check out some of Carmen's reading recommendations if you are interested in decolonization. Both are scholars/writers/artists and really detail the lived experiences of Indigenous women :
Leanne Simpson's Dancing On Our Turtle's Back
Lee Maracle's I am Woman
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
Join me this week as I interview author Ashley Boren. We discuss her new book Sounds Perfect and the growth of the two main characters, Kat and Stella. Kat and Stella, both multiracial with Mexican and White ethnic backgrounds, have completely different life experiences. Ashley and I also discuss how people with differing perspectives navigate today's social climate.
Ashley is from San Diego, CA and she's a recent graduate from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she studied communication and professional writing. She is also a recipient of the University Service Award, given in recognition of dedicated service to the University, its students, and the community.
Find Sounds Perfect on Amazon!
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
This week I am sharing another bonus episode - a Father's Day special! Hang with my dad and me for this Pop-isode where we talk about coffee, current events, and classics. You'll even catch my mom's cameo if you listen carefully. 😄
Enjoy!
This week we take a look at how two marginalized communities come together at an intersection. I have this discussion with my guest this week, my son Christian Gann. Together we discuss his experiences being multiracial, what it's like being a member of the black community and the LGBT community, and the challenges that come with it.
Christian is a photographer and musician. You can find him at @cxgann on Instagram.
Be sure to listen all the way through to check out new music by Kidd and Queen with the release "Weight on Me".
Below I have listed lots of resources for topics references in the episode.
Intersection of LGBT Pride and Black Live Matter
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/06/05/pride-month-lgbtq-rights-black-civil-rights/3127774001/
- https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/07/us/lgbtq-pride-month-events-in-solidarity-with-black-lives-matter-trnd/index.html
Trans Women of Color
- https://www.glaad.org/amp/beginner-guide-transweek-2018
Justice for Tony McDade
- https://www.motherjones.com/crime-justice/2020/05/tony-mcdade-tallahassee-florida-police-shooting-death/
- https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/tony-mcdade-shooting-death-tallahassee-1008433/
Racial Discrimination in Dating Apps
- https://theconversation.com/grindr-is-deleting-its-ethnicity-filter-but-racism-is-still-rife-in-online-dating-140077
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/abrambrown/2020/06/02/race-protests-are-forcing-dating-apps-to-reconsider-the-value-of-their-ethnicity-filters/#6afa403f768f
- https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/sep/29/wltm-colour-blind-dating-app-racial-discrimination-grindr-tinder-algorithm-racism
LGBT Body Type Names
- https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/gay-culture-twink-grindr-body-image-eating-disorders-a8360001.html
- https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-51270317
In this episode, I joined Ku'ulani Keohokalolefor her webinar to talk about the recent events that have resurfaced blatant issues of racist-driven actions against communities of color the roles that each of us plays when it comes to addressing and acting on solutions to these issues.
Below are several resources that address topics referenced during the webinar. Please explore!
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
Healthcare Disparities
https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/how-we-fail-black-patients-pain
https://www.oprahmag.com/life/health/a23100351/racial-bias-in-healthcare-black-women/
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/25/upshot/doctors-and-racial-bias-still-a-long-way-to-go.html
Disparities in Education
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffraikes/2019/09/19/we-can-challenge-systemic-racism-one-school-district-at-a-time/#6152c3457e42
https://unitedwedream.org/tools/research/report-systemic-racism-in-education/
Housing Segregation
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/race/reports/2019/08/07/472617/systemic-inequality-displacement-exclusion-segregation/
https://www.thoughtco.com/redlining-definition-4157858
Housing Discrimination/Gentrification
https://projects.newsday.com/long-island/real-estate-agents-investigation/
https://www.navigatehousing.com/racial-steering/
https://indyreader.org/content/gentri%EF%AC%81cation-equals-racism-me
Unequal Pay
https://www.citylab.com/equity/2019/03/racial-wealth-gap-income-inequality-black-white-households/585325/
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/women/news/2019/08/22/473775/racism-sexism-combine-shortchange-working-black-women/
Anti-Blackness
https://www.yesmagazine.org/education/2020/04/07/lets-talk-about-anti-blackness/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/janicegassam/2020/06/01/recognizing-and-dismantling-your-anti-blackness/#1b397f554472
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/21/nyregion/black-hair-decriminalization-ny.html
https://wp.nyu.edu/steinhardt-appsych_opus/hair-alteration-practices-
Jason is back with me this week to talk with me about my interview with Jamie Keener, a student earning her masters degree in medieval English literature at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. Jamie examines medieval race in texts surrounding Faerie and part-elf, part-human individuals. Her interest in the development of racial identity emerged from her own experiences growing up as a mixed race and third culture kid in both China and the United States. Join us as we talk about racial identity in the context of her personal experiences and her studies.
Jamie is a biracial (Chinese and white-American) individual who has grown up between China and the US. She discusses her experiences as a child, especially while living in China, wanting to be white. At the international middle school she attended, she endured exclusion from cliques that didn't find her to be white enough. Listen to her story as she recounts wrestling with her identity as she got older and finally learning to accept and appreciate her Chinese heritage and appreciate the fact that she could be "both/and" while simultaneously being "neither/nor."
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
Words cannot describe the struggle we are facing in America right now - a struggle that stems from America's original sin of racism. We are witnessing protesters take to the street all around the US and others around the world taking a stand against the injustices demonstrated daily again people of color - particularly black Americans. This brings so many confusing emotions and thoughts of uncertainty as we begin to see ourselves and each other through different lenses.
This week I am joined by Dr. Anita Foeman and her husband, Nate Terrell, to discuss coping with the murder of George Floyd through the lenses of black, white, and racially ambiguous people. Nate is a licensed clinical social work with 40 years of practice. Nate is the author of Achieving Self-Compassion. Dr. Anita Foeman teaches in the communications and media department at West Chester University and focuses on intercultural and organizational communication. Together, the two have developed and facilitated diversity and inclusion training.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
Additional References:
CNN Reports
https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2020/05/31/los-angeles-washington-protest-lemon-sot-ctn-vpx.cnn
https://youtu.be/owjr87EH0wY
MSNBC Reports
https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/watch/protesters-in-minneapolis-take-knee-chant-names-of-people-who-have-died-at-hands-of-police-84137541989
What a fun episode this is! I am opening up a little more of my world to you and introducing my younger sister, Titia! You may know that my co-host, Jason, is my older brother, but now with this episode, we are bringing our little sis into the mix. The best part? This is the first time that the three of us have been together on the same call. We haven't all been in the same room together yet, but the day will come.
Enjoy!
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
Dr. Jacqueline Chen (Jackie) is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Utah. She is a California native now living and working in Salt Lake City. Dr. Jacqueline M. Chen is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Utah. A California native, she now lives and works in Salt Lake City. The majority of her research focuses on understanding how monoracial people (White Americans, Asian Americans, Black Americans) perceive and view multiracial individuals, specifically whether they are likely to view multiracial people as fellow group members.
In this episode, she and I discuss fitting in or belonging from the perspective of "perceivers", those who try to discern the racial or ethnic background of others.
To see more of Jackie's work, check out a recent article that she published with her graduate student, Jasmine Norman: "I Am Multiracial".
If this is your first time with OTC, check out Season 1 Episode 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
On this Mother's Day edition of Our True Colors, you get a sneak peak into a mother-daughter convo. Make sure you wish a happy Mother's Day to all the moms in your life!
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Rebecca Godard is a graduate student at the University of British Columbia. She studies stigma and social support, particularly as it pertains to online communities and other forms of computer-mediated communication. In this episode she discusses the importance of her Chinese heritage, especially having spent some of her formative childhood years living in China. We talk about her experiences as a multiracial person who often passes as white, especially to white people.
Rebecca is in the process of working on her study and will soon need participants for a survey. Write to me at truecolors@shawnagann.com for more information.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
Jason and I check in with a minisode during this strange world of COVID-19. No heavy topics this week - just a time to talk over our Coronavirus experiences. We talk about our own experience staying home, acknowledging that we are are together even when alone.
"🎵 Things look so bad everywhere 🎵", but we know there is hope, y'all! Hang in there, everyone! Stay home to stay safe!
Special thanks to the Ndlovu Youth Choir for granting me permission to include your feel-good vibes when we all need some uplifting music of hope and inspiration with your beautiful rendition of Higher Love - their music soothes the soul!
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
April is the month of the military child, and my guest this week talks about her unique experiences and how they have led her down the path of being an advocate for others. Michaela currently lives in San Francisco living & working in San Francisco and is working for a study abroad nonprofit bringing college & graduate students from US and international universities to the Bay Area for internships. Her education is in international studies & French, and she has a Masters in Nonprofit Administration.
She grew up as a mixed kid in a military family and has experienced the ambiguity and difficulties of being mixed in a lot of places throughout the US, in addition to what it's like to be mixed while traveling internationally in various regions of the world. Like a lot of mixed people, she grew up never quite belonging to either side of my identity and have gone through different phases of acceptance/denial/wrestling with who she is and what exactly who she is "supposed" to be.
Join us for her story!
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
I had the distinct pleasure of chatting with Dr. Chanel Meyers, who is currently a Postdoctoral Scholar at York University. In this episode, she shares her fascinating story of her personal journey of multiracial identity as it applied in the various settings where she has lived and how it influenced her professional life, as well. Is she white? Asian? Both? Check out this episode to learn more!
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
Just about everyone around the world has been impacted by COVID-19. Are we able to suppress our selfish human tendencies and look out for others. This crisis of this coronavirus will pass but there will be other crises of nature, just as there has been in the past. Ask yourself: who am I valuing? Listen in on this convo as Jason and I discuss this with return guest, Sarah Bacerra.
Sarah Bacerrais an inclusion advocate, speaker, and activist in San Diego, CA. She has spent much of her career in leadership development and learning effectiveness, specifically through the lens of fostering belonging in organizations.
With a focus on intersectional activism, Sarah has served on the board for Women’s March San Diego since 2017 and in 2019 served as the March Co-Director. As a Learning & Performance Consultant for ELM Learning, she specializes in creative learning experiences that inspire growth and change in the world’s leading organizations.
Sarah has had the privilege of working with hundreds of non-profits, entrepreneurs, and startups, all with an eye to ensuring inclusivity and respect for all voices. Sarah’s daily inspiration are her two daughters, Lily and Ruby.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
Join Jason and me as we discuss my time with my guest, Tahishia Powell. We continue the conversation about the appropriation of terms, specifically the word "tribe", but the conversation takes a turn and we discuss privilege. Tahishia is the co-author of the Facebook Page Mixed Messageswhich is dedicated to combating racist behavior as well addressing the biases and problematic behavior in the biracial community. Their goal is to also uplift the voices of the communities of color that tend to get washed out by white supremacy. You should definitely check it out!
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
We all know words matter. Words have power - there's no doubting that. But...where is the line between what we want words to mean and what the words mean to others? Join Jason and me this week as we welcome Andrew and Lisa and we discuss our thoughts on this issue and how it relates the change of the shows title from Tribe and True to Our True Colors.
This episode features Lisa Woolfork, the creator of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where black lives matter. She is the host and producer of Stitch Please, the podcast that centers black women, girls, and femmes in the sewing community. She is also an English professor at the University of Virginia where she specializes in African American Literature and Culture.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
Welcome to Season Two, Y'all! So happy to be back and thrilled to introduce my co-host for the season, Jason Mitchum. Jason is my big brother and here to chat all things OTC with a focus on family as the theme in this second season.
In this first episode of the season we talk about our personal experiences of racial ambiguity and also the coolness of slippers!
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
In the final episode of the season, Shannon and Shawna discuss the predicament of the beloved prince and princess of Sussex. Harry and Meghan may no longer be addressed with royal highness, but this is of their own volition. In an effort to escape the craziness of publicity and tabloids, the royals have decided to take a step back from their roles. Was the move in reaction to a racial backlash? We discuss this and how it applies to us who are not royal.
Listen to the end to catch the vibes of musical artist Xavior and his song "Bad Habits" featuring vocals by Tome. You can find "Bad Habits" and his other music on Spotify at:
You can also check out his photography!
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
Analia Albuja is a PhD candidate in social psychology at Rutgers University who joins me to talk about her academic research, which explores the identity denial and identity questioning experiences of biracial and bicultural people. She has studied how frequently these experiences happen, how people interpret them, and the associated psychological outcomes that come as a result.
This episode also features music by artist Robynn Briean. Check out her music on Soundcloud**.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.**Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
Father and Daughter, both multiracial, come together this week to talk about what it was like growing up during their time. Shannon and I weigh in as Sarah Bacerra, an activist and with Women's Marches, and Troy Chapman, jazz guitarist, discuss the differences and the similarities of their experiences.
Sarah Bacerrais an inclusion advocate, speaker, and activist in San Diego, CA. She has spent much of her career in leadership development and learning effectiveness, specifically through the lens of fostering belonging in organizations.
With a focus on intersectional activism, Sarah has served on the board for Women’s March San Diego since 2017 and in 2019 served as the March Co-Director. As a Learning & Performance Consultant for ELM Learning, she specializes in creative learning experiences that inspire growth and change in the world’s leading organizations.
Sarah has had the privilege of working with hundreds of non-profits, entrepreneurs, and startups, all with an eye to ensuring inclusivity and respect for all voices. Sarah’s daily inspiration are her two daughters, Lily and Ruby.
Troy Chapmanis a jazz guitarist...and Sarah’s dad. Based on Whidbey Island, WA, Troy can be found playing gypsy jazz with The Hot Club of Troy, modern jazz guitar with The Troy Chapman Group and Baroque Guitar with The Island Consort. Alongside collaborator Andre Feriante, Troy developed the captivating show “Cythara: The History of the World According to the Guitar,” a fascinating ride through musical history. As you might have guessed, Troy likes to play guitar.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
In this episode, Shawna and Shannon head down to the National Mall in Washington DC to ask people to share their thoughts about the upcoming 2020 US Census with respect to the race questions. How do people in our nation's capital feel about the possible inclusion of ethnicity? Should race be a question included in the census at all? Why or why not? Come along as catch the vibe!
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
Resources:
Links to more info about the 2020 US Census:General Census Info:
- https://2020census.gov/en.html
- https://2020census.gov/en/about-questions.html
- https://2020census.gov/en/census-data.html
On including ethnicity as part of the questionnaire:
- https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/program-management/memo-series/2020-memo-2018_02.pdf
- https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/04/20/seeking-better-data-on-hispanics-census-bureau-may-change-how-it-asks-about-race/ft_17-04-17_census_questionnaire/
Studies mentioned in the episode:
- https://www.publicschoolreview.com/blog/white-students-are-now-the-minority-in-u-s-public-schools
- https://www.brookings.edu/research/less-than-half-of-us-children-under-15-are-white-census-shows/
Dating is tricky enough without throwing racial ambiguity in the mic, would you agree? Shawna and Shannon discuss the awkwardness of dating while racially ambiguous. It's been a little while since Shawna has been in the dating scene, but she discusses her experiences earlier in life. She even shares a little bit of dating advice. Come along for the chat!
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
This week, Shannon and I continue our discussion about DNA testing and racial identity. We continue to react to the insight provided by Dr. Anita Foeman, a professor at West Chester University. Her studies racial narrative and identity with regard to DNA ancestry results provides a fascinating backdrop to the decisions that people make regarding their identity and even how, without a DNA test, they may choose to identify as something that was not part of their original narrative.
Dr. Foeman studies the sociological experiences surrounding DNA testing when it comes to one's narrative of their racial background. She teaches in the communications and media department at West Chester University and focuses on intercultural and organizational communication. She is the founder and co-investigator of the DNA Discussion Project (mentioned above), and leads a course called Identity in the Age of Ancestral DNA.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
Dr. Anita Foeman shares the details of her DNA Discussions Project and talks with me about how one's racial narrative may or may not change based on the results. Should you be extended certain rights dependent upon what the DNA test reveals? What if the results are completely different than what you expected? Shannon and I react to the insight and ponder the possibilities.
Dr. Foeman studies the sociological experiences surrounding DNA testing when it comes to one's narrative of their racial background. She teaches in the communications and media department at West Chester University and focuses on intercultural and organizational communication. She is the founder and co-investigator of the DNA Discussion Project (mentioned above), and leads a course called Identity in the Age of Ancestral DNA.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
Ever feel the frustration of trying to find your place in society - constantly straddling racial or cultural lines? What about when others try to tell you where you belong? Join Shannon and I as we discuss the puzzlement and pressure of having to BE in some "place". Let's talk about it!
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
In this episode we discuss the studies of Dr. Sarah Gaither, who studies multiracial identity. Though we don't know a lot about the development of our racial identities, there have been some very interesting insights - including physical reactions to racial situations.
Dr. Gaither is an assistant professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University in North Carolina and where she runs the Identity & Diversity Lab. She specializes in studies surrounding biracial and social identities as well as racial interactions, racial categorization, and social development. One of her areas of focus is understanding how having multiple social or racial identities affects behavior and fluidity of identity.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
Let's get to know Shannon Edwards, my guest co-host for season one. We will touch on the many experiences we have had as racially ambiguous women from the perspectives of varying generations.
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
Get to know your host, Shawna Gann, in this mini episode. You'll learn a little bit about where I am from, where I've been, and some of the experiences that l have paved the way to Our True Colors (formerly "Tribe and True").
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show.
Visit www.truecolorscast.com for more show info!
This introductory episode introduces listeners to the premise of Our True Colors. In this opening episode, I discuss terms and concepts surrounding issues of race. The links below are here for your reference and to learn more.
I encourage you to reach out to me and share your thoughts! What topics would you like to discuss? Do you have some feedback? Would you like to respond to an episode? Contact me at www.truecolorscast.com to send me a message.
Welcome to the community!
Resources:
American Sociological Association: Race and Ethnicity
https://www.asanet.org/topics/race-and-ethnicity
Race as a Social Construct
https://www.racialequitytools.org/resourcefiles/Western%20States%20-%20Construction%20of%20Race.pdf
Culture
https://www.livescience.com/21478-what-is-culture-definition-of-culture.html
Being a Third Culture Kid
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20161117-third-culture-kids-citizens-of-everywhere-and-nowhere
"African-American" vs "Black"
https://www.nytimes.com/1988/12/22/opinion/negro-black-and-african-american.html
Blumenbach and "Caucasian"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XozX7WW6-uM
Our True Colors is sponsored by True Colors Consulting, LLC, a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) firm aimed to help you and your organization move forward in your DEI journey beyond compliance by offering support through strategic planning, DEI training, and through consulting and coaching. Visit True Colors Consulting for more information and to schedule a free consult.