Fierce Compassion

In this powerful season finale of Fierce Compassion, hosts Roxy Manning and Sarah Peyton turn inward to reflect on the urgent questions facing us in these turbulent times: How do we stay human in the face of inhumanity? Where do we put our life energy? And what does fierce compassion look like when we’re stretched thin? With honesty, humor, and heart, Roxy and Sarah share personal stories of grief, resistance, and hope—exploring the importance of capacity, community, and choosing where to show up. Tune in for a deeply moving conversation that invites you to reflect, reconnect, and recommit to your own authentic contribution.Episode TranscriptYou can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠⁠https://roxannemanning.com/⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠https://sarahpeyton.com/⁠Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends!Podcast Manager: James BoutinAudio Editor: Brendan Youngquist

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, we listen in on a powerful coaching conversation between Roxy and Savanah, who reflect on a painful rupture in a once-trusted relationship. Savanah shares what it was like to experience a microaggression from someone she thought was a close friend. Together, they unpack the layers of hurt, power, and self-doubt that followed—and what it might mean to speak up now, even after years of silence. Roxy offers gentle guidance as Savanah explores how to stay true to her values and reach for connection without losing herself.Episode TranscriptSavanah is a thoughtful seeker and community member committed to living from the heart. With a background shaped by mindfulness practice and deep relational inquiry, she brings sensitivity to questions of authenticity, power, and belonging. Savanah’s journey has included navigating complex dynamics of class, race, and conditional love—both in her family and spiritual communities. Through storytelling and reflection, she invites us into the courageous work of self-trust, healing, and choosing relationships rooted in dignity and mutual respect.You can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠⁠https://roxannemanning.com/⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠https://sarahpeyton.com/⁠Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends!Podcast Manager: James BoutinAudio Editor: Brendan Youngquist

In this special coaching episode of Fierce Compassion, Roxy and Prabha reflect on the challenges of engaging in hard conversations with presence and care. They explore how recognizing emotional responses and making space for dialogue can foster deeper understanding. Together, they examine the importance of holding grief, pausing when needed, and navigating conflicting strategies with intention. Through their reflections, they offer insights into when to engage, when to interrupt, and when to step back for support. Join us for this thoughtful discussion on authentic connection, wise action, and finding common ground even in challenging moments.Episode TranscriptOur guest in this coaching episode is Prabha, an Indian-Australian psychologist and public health professional, who has worked in the areas of trauma and human rights for over 30 years. Prabha has spent much of her life adapting to different cultures. In this coaching call with Roxy, Prabha seeks support with the challenge of having an honest, meaningful conversations with a longtime friend who reacts differently to the genocide in Gaza than her —while still maintaining some sense of connection.You can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠⁠https://roxannemanning.com/⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠https://sarahpeyton.com/⁠Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends!Podcast Manager: James BoutinAudio Editor: Brendan Youngquist

In this special episode of Fierce Compassion, we invite you into two deeply moving live coaching sessions with Sarah Peyton. First, we meet Ouida, who longs to show up authentically with her father and son, yet finds herself caught in patterns of silence shaped by childhood and generational agreements. Through Sarah’s resonant coaching, she begins to reclaim her voice. Then, Lara courageously explores an unsettling moment of implicit bias, tracing its roots to early social conditioning and systemic oppression. These conversations reveal the hidden contracts we carry—about power, belonging, and voice—and offer an opportunity for all of us to reflect, heal, and move toward greater freedom.Episode TranscriptOur first guest in this coaching episode is Ouida Patten, a bi-cultural Black woman raised in the Southern United States. In this coaching call with Sarah Peyton, Ouida opens up about her journey of navigating generational patriarchy, breaking cycles of silence, and reclaiming her voice. With honesty and vulnerability, she and Sarah demonstrate how coaching can support deep self-inquiry, connection, and emotional liberation.Our second guest is Lara, a white Mid-Atlantic American with Western European roots. In this powerful conversation, Lara reflects on how unconscious biases can take shape through early encounters with racial discrimination in school and then show up in unexpected moments throughout adulthood. With courage and introspection, she works with Sarah to unpack these internalized patterns, opening the door to greater awareness, accountability, and connection. You can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠⁠https://roxannemanning.com/⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠https://sarahpeyton.com/⁠Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends!Podcast Manager: James BoutinAudio Editor: Brendan Youngquist

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, we welcome Shilpa Jain, former executive director of YES!, to explore the art of deep listening, conflict transformation, and participatory leadership. Shilpa shares how her upbringing in a tight-knit Jain community shaped her understanding of interdependence and belonging. We discuss how storytelling fosters connection across divides, the importance of co-creating spaces of healing, and the role of fractals in systemic change. With wisdom drawn from decades of community-building, Shilpa offers insights on navigating conflict with courage and compassion. Join us for a conversation on how small, intentional acts of connection can build a more just and loving world. TranscriptShilpa Jain is currently rooting herself in Oakland/Berkeley, CA. For 11+ years, she served as the Executive Director of YES!, working with social changemakers at the meeting point of internal, interpersonal and systemic change. Prior to taking on this role, Shilpa spent two years as the Education and Outreach Coordinator of Other Worlds and ten years as a learning activist with Shikshantar: The Peoples’ Institute for Rethinking Education and Development, based in Udaipur, India. She has facilitated dozens of transformative leadership gatherings with thousands of multigenerational leaders from over 50 countries. She is passionate about dance and music, organic and natural farming, upcycling and zero waste living, asking appreciative questions and being in community. A focus on healing, forgiveness, compassion, love and wholeness permeates all of her work and life. Follow Shilpa online:Substack - https://shilpajain.substack.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/shilpa.jain.3194/Episode Mentions:Dr Martin Luther King JrBliss BrowneAppreciative Inquiry by David Cooperrider and Diana WhitneyYes! JamsCoumba ToureMargaret J. WheatleyDerrick JensenYou can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠⁠https://roxannemanning.com/⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠https://sarahpeyton.com/⁠Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends!Podcast Manager: James BoutinAudio Editor: Brendan Youngquist

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, we welcome Christine Saxman. Christine is a racial equity facilitator, coach, and co-author of Being White Today: A Road Map for a Positive Anti-Racist Life. Christine shares her journey from classroom teacher to a full-time anti-racism educator. We explore the role of self-compassion in navigating mistakes, the power of loving accountability, and the challenges of working with white people at different stages of racial awareness. Christine offers insights on embracing both/and thinking, breaking down white defensiveness, and fostering transformation without reinforcing shame. Join us for a nuanced, deeply reflective conversation on what it means to engage in anti-racism with courage and care. Episode Transcript Christine Saxman is the co-author of Being White Today: A Roadmap for a Positive Antiracist Life with Shelly Tochluk and the Western State Center’s Toolkit “Confronting Conspiracy Theories and Organized Bigotry at Home: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers” with Shelly Tochluk and Joanna Schroeder. Her racial justice work has been featured on NPR’s Life Kit and other shows. A seasoned racial equity facilitator, coach, and consultant with twenty years of experience, she guides White people to transform into healthy antiracist change agents. She also co-facilitates interracially to help organizations to build cross-racial equity transformation into leadership. She can be found at christinesaxman.com. Follow Christine online: Website: BeingWhiteToday. com LinkedIn: Christine Saxman X/Twitter: ⁠@BeingWhiteToday⁠ Instagram: Being White Today  Episode Mentions: bell hooks Shelly Tochluk Being White Today: A Roadmap for a Positive Antiracist Life White Privilege Conference SEED SURJ White Rage by Carol Anderson Ismalis Nunez NPR’s Life Kit You can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠ Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠⁠https://roxannemanning.com/⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠https://sarahpeyton.com/⁠ Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends! Podcast Manager: James Boutin Audio Editor: Brendan Youngquist

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, community leader Ben McBride shares his journey from experiencing both love and othering in his San Francisco upbringing to becoming a bridge-builder between divided communities. Drawing on his work with law enforcement, community violence intervention, and diverse faith communities, McBride offers a compelling vision for moving beyond political polarization through radical belonging. He explores how practicing self-compassion and genuine curiosity about those different from us can transform societal divisions, while offering practical wisdom for building bridges in our own communities. Join us for this timely conversation about choosing connection over division and co-creating a world where everyone belongs. Episode Transcript Ben McBride is a visionary leader of radical belonging. He is the Co-Founder of Empower Initiative, a leadership development firm that fosters belonging through immersive learning. Through his dedicated work as an internationally recognized peacemaker, faith leader, activist, and sought-after speaker, Ben uniquely develops strong leaders and builds dynamic cultures of empathy, allyship, and belonging. Follow Ben McBride online: Website: https://fosteringbelonging.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjmcbride/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialbenmcbride/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benjmcbride Episode Mentions: john a. powell Jennifer Eberhardt and her book, Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice that Shapes What We See, Think, and Do Valerie Kaur and her book, See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love Empower Initiative The Othering and Belongining Institute Eyes on the Prize Documentary Series I Have a Dream speech by Martin Luther King Jr You can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠ Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠⁠https://roxannemanning.com/⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠https://sarahpeyton.com/⁠ Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends! Podcast Manager: Talli Jackson Audio Editor: Brendan Youngquist

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, cultural geographer and storyteller Carolyn Finney illuminates the intricate relationship between race, nature, and belonging. Drawing from her journey from actor to environmental justice advocate, Finney explores how storytelling can bridge divides and create more inclusive understandings of nature. She challenges conventional narratives about outdoor spaces, emphasizing that nature exists beyond recreation and resource extraction. Through personal insights and scholarly wisdom, Finney demonstrates how vulnerability and authentic dialogue can transform our approach to environmental justice. Join us as we explore what it means to build Beloved Community—one that embraces all people and the natural world that surrounds us. Episode Transcript Carolyn Finney, PhD, is a cultural geographer, storyteller, and author focused on identity, difference, and environmental issues. Her work challenges representation in media and environmental organizations, exploring how privilege shapes environmental discourse. With a background in acting and extensive travel, Finney's unique perspective blends artistic and academic approaches. She's a Fulbright Scholar, former U.S. National Parks Advisory Board member, and author of "Black Faces, White Spaces: Reimagining the Relationship between African Americans and the Great Outdoors." Finney's expertise spans media appearances, writing for major publications, and teaching at prestigious institutions - she is currently a scholar/artist-in-residence at Middlebury College. Currently working on a new book and performance piece, she continues to bridge gaps between race, land, and belonging in the United States. Follow Carolyn online: Website Instagram LinkedIn X / Twitter Episode mentions: Alice Randall and "The Wind Done Gone”  Anna Deavere Smith and "Twilight Los Angeles" Bryan Stevenson Cornel West Carl Sagan James Baldwin and Margaret Mead and "Rap on Race" John Muir You can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠ Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠⁠https://roxannemanning.com/⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠https://sarahpeyton.com/⁠ Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends! Podcast Manager: Talli Jackson Audio Editor: Brendan Youngquist

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, we explore the transformative power of anti-racism work with Rainbow Markell, an educator whose journey spans decades of early childhood education and diversity training. From awkward fourth-grade moments to profound realizations about intergenerational trauma, Rainbow shares candid insights that will make you laugh, reflect, and maybe tear up. She offers practical strategies for cultivating inclusivity, emphasizing self-compassion, curiosity, and the power of saying "yes" to growth. Join us for a heartwarming conversation that invites us to examine our biases, embrace vulnerability, and recognize our shared humanity. Discover how small actions—even a simple smile—can create ripples of change in ourselves and our communities. Transcript coming soon! As a facilitator, Rainbow Markell has worked with thousands of people in communication, anti-racism, DEIB, and trauma-informed care. Most of those people have been under the age of 5! As an Early Care and Education provider, Rainbow learned to implement Active Listening and the importance of social-emotional health for the children, and finds work with adults is surprisingly similar. As a white womon, Rainbow believes in saying yes to any opportunity that comes her way to be anti-racist, to unlearn bias, show compassion and make a difference in the world. It has only been recently that she has applied these concepts to herself. Follow Rainbow online: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Episode Mentions:  Embrace RaceJulie Kurtz and The Center for Optimal Brain IntegrationThe National Coalition Building InstituteLee Mun Wah and StirFry Resmaa Menakem Tema Okun You can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠ Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠⁠https://roxannemanning.com/⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠https://sarahpeyton.com/⁠ Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends! Podcast Manager: Talli Jackson Audio Editor: Brendan Youngquist

In this thought-provoking episode of Fierce Compassion, we are joined by Tiokasin Ghosthorse, a member of the Itazipcola and Mnicoujou Lakota of the Sakowin Oyate and the founder of First Voices Radio. Ghosthorse challenges our understanding of language, activism, and our relationship with the Earth, offering insights into Indigenous perspectives that transcend conventional Western thinking. He explores the concept of being "Earth Activators," rather than activists, emphasizing the need to shift from anthropocentric views to a more holistic, relational way of being. Ghosthorse's unique blend of traditional knowledge and contemporary insight invites listeners to reconsider their connection to the planet and each other, inspiring a deeper, more intuitive approach to compassion and environmental stewardship. Transcript Tiokasin Ghosthorse is a member of the Itazipcola and Mnicoujou Lakota of the Sakowin Oyate and draws upon the language, history, culture, philosophy, and traditions of the Indigenous peoples of the Western Hemisphere.  A survivor of the “Reign of Terror” from 1972 to 1976 on the Lakota Reservations in South Dakota and the US Bureau of Indian Affairs Boarding and Church Missionary School systems designed to “kill the Indian and save the man,” Tiokasin has a long history of Indigenous activism and advocacy. He spoke as a 15-year-old at the United Nations - Lake Geneva, Switzerland. Tiokasin was a 2016 Nominee for a Nobel Peace Prize from the International Institute of Peace Studies and Global Philosophy. Tiokasin is the Founder, Host, and Executive Producer of First Voices Radio syndicated to over 120 public, community, and commercial radio stations in the US and Canada. Additionally, he is a master musician known for performing worldwide in over 50 countries. Tiokasin is also a co-author of the forthcoming Earth Mind and published Butterfly Against the Wind. He describes himself as “a perfectly flawed human being” and is most importantly, a Sundancer in the cosmology of the Lakota Nation. Follow Tiokasin online: Akantu Intelligence First Voices Radio Facebook Instagram Twitter/X LinkedIn Patreon You can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠ Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠⁠https://roxannemanning.com/⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠https://sarahpeyton.com/⁠ Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends! Podcast Manager: Talli Jackson Audio Editor: Brendan Youngquist

In this powerful episode of Fierce Compassion, we sit down with acclaimed Indigenous author Monique Gray Smith to explore the transformative power of storytelling in healing intergenerational trauma and fostering reconciliation. Smith shares insights from her diverse body of work, from children's books to young adult non-fiction, highlighting how stories can bridge cultural divides and nurture empathy. She discusses the importance of self-compassion and the role of community in resilience. Smith also offers a poignant reflection on the impact of residential schools and other harmful policies on Indigenous communities, while emphasizing the strength and joy that persist. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the vital role of Indigenous voices in shaping a more compassionate future. Transcript Monique Gray Smith, an award-winning Indigenous author and speaker of Cree and Scottish heritage, weaves wisdom from her diverse lineages into stories that bridge cultures and generations. Her acclaimed works include "Speaking Our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation," "Tilly: A Story of Hope and Resilience," and beloved picture books "My Heart Fills With Happiness" and "You Hold Me Up." Through masterful storytelling, Smith illuminates paths toward reconciliation, healing, and cultural understanding. A respected voice in Indigenous literature, she dedicates her work to strengthening relationships between communities while nurturing young Indigenous readers. Her writing celebrates resilience, connection, and the transformative power of hope. Follow Monique online: Website Facebook Instagram Twitter/X YouTube Episode Mentions: Danielle Daniel Gabrielle Grimard Julie Flett Nicole Neidhardt Phyllis (Jack) Webstad  Orca Book Publishers House of Anansi Press Future Four Nations Friendship Centre You can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠ Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠⁠https://roxannemanning.com/⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠https://sarahpeyton.com/⁠ Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends! Podcast Manager: Talli Jackson Audio Editor: Brendan Youngquist

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, author and somatics trainer Staci Haines illuminates how our bodies hold both personal and societal trauma, and how somatic practices can transform our relationship to change-making. Through exploring core human needs for safety, belonging, and dignity, Haines reveals how polarization and political trauma live in our bodies – and how we can work with these embodied experiences to build authentic power and connection. Drawing on decades of experience in transformative justice and movement building, she offers practical wisdom for cultivating ourselves while fostering the conditions for true Beloved Community, even in times of deep division. Join us for this timely conversation about healing, action, and hope. Episode Transcript Staci Haines has been experimenting at the intersections of personal and social transformation for the last 30 years through the work of somatics, trauma healing, embodied leadership, and transformative justice. Staci is an innovator in the field of Somatics, focusing on how it can bring transformative capacity to social and climate justice movements and help heal the impacts of trauma and oppression. She runs online and in-person programs and teacher trainings, and partners with social and climate justice organizations. Follow Staci online: Website Instagram Linkedin Facebook Politics of Trauma and Healing Sex The Politics of Trauma 2.0 Soma SJ Episode Mentions People: Adrienne Maree Brown Prentis Hemphill Organizations: Embodiment Institute Generation FIVE National Domestic Workers Alliance Working Families Party We're excited to be offering a limited number of live, one-on-one coaching sessions which will be shared on a special episode of the podcast. Follow this link to find out more and apply: https://bit.ly/FCCoachingCallApplication You can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠ Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠⁠https://roxannemanning.com/⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠https://sarahpeyton.com/⁠ Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends! Podcast Manager: Talli Jackson Audio Editor: Brendan Youngquist

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, we explore the intersection of climate change, reproductive choices, and racial justice with Dr. Jade Sasser. Drawing on her research for Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question, Dr. Sasser illuminates how feelings about the climate disproportionately affect communities of color and impact decisions about having children. She challenges dominant narratives around population and climate change, offering a nuanced perspective on environmental racism and climate justice. Dr. Sasser emphasizes the importance of culturally competent mental health support and local climate action. Join us for an eye-opening conversation that reframes climate anxiety through an intersectional lens and explores pathways toward a more equitable, sustainable future. [Transcript] Dr. Jade S. Sasser is Associate Professor in the Department of Gender & Sexuality Studies at the University of California, Riverside. She received her PhD in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management from the University of California, Berkeley. Her work explores how environmental problems such as climate change and toxic exposures intersect with reproductive bodies, health, and rights. Her first book, On Infertile Ground: Population Control and Women’s Rights in the Era of Climate Change, was published in 2018 by NYU Press and won the Emory Elliott book award. Her new book, Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question: Deciding Whether to Have Children in an Uncertain Future (2024), builds on 3 years of research to analyze the relationship between climate emotions, social inequality, and reproductive anxiety in the U.S. She also has a podcast with the same name. In her free time, Jade is a DJ at a local radio station. Follow Jade online: Jade Sasser Ph.D LinkedIn Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question podcast Episode Mentions: Britt Wray, PhD Momnibus Act Redlands CA Climate Action Plan Soka Gakkai Yale Center for Climate Communication You can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠ Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠⁠https://roxannemanning.com/⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠https://sarahpeyton.com/⁠ Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends! Podcast Manager: Talli Jackson Audio Editor: Brendan Youngquist

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, we delve into the transformative power of nonviolence with Kit Miller, Director Emeritus of the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence. Miller shares insights from her new book, "Culture Shift: Nonviolence at Work," exploring how principled nonviolence and restorative practices can address systemic racism and foster Beloved Community. Drawing on her experiences leading diverse teams and creating innovative youth programs, Miller illuminates the interconnections between self-compassion, imperfection, and social change. Join us for an inspiring conversation that reframes nonviolence as essential medicine for our violence-sick world and offers practical wisdom for cultivating compassion in our daily lives and institutions. Also, we are offering a limited number of live, one-on-one coaching sessions which will be shared on a special episode of the podcast. Follow this link to find out more and apply: https://forms.gle/4PqSPcJ74rLjzsUX8 Episode Transcript Kit Miller is director emerita of the M. K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence, serving in that role 2009–2021. The work and reach of the Institute expanded greatly under her stewardship. Prior to the Institute, she worked as director/celebrator of Bay Area Nonviolent Communication in Oakland, California. Currently, Kit serves as a facilitator and educator for a variety of organizations, mainly in education, healthcare, and NGOs. Much of that time is dedicated to conflict work within teams. Follow Kit online: Kit's website ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Culture Shift: Nonviolence at Work Episode Mentions People:Mahatma GandhiMartin Luther King Jr.Bacha KhanTema OkunBernard LafayetteTushar GandhiArun GandhiHoward ThurmanDominic BarterHeather McGheeRivera Sun Books and Resources“Culture Shift: Nonviolence at Work” by Kit Miller“Legacy of Love” by Arun Gandhi“The Gift of Anger” by Arun Gandhi“Jesus and the Disinherited” by Howard Thurman“The Sum of Us” by Heather McGhee Organizations:M.K. Gandhi Institute for NonviolenceBay Area Nonviolent CommunicationCenter for Nonviolent CommunicationNonviolence NewsPace e Bene You can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠ Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠https://roxannemanning.com/⁠ and ⁠https://sarahpeyton.com/ Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends! Podcast Manager: Talli Jackson Audio Editor: Brendan Youngquist

Welcome to Season 3 of Fierce Compassion! To kick off the season, we look back on the year since publishing our book, "The Antiracist Heart," and share what we’ve been thinking and learning around navigating shame, owning our power, and healing the wounds within us and between us. We offer insights on the importance of nourishing ourselves through self-care and inner work, and explore our evolving understanding of what it means to nurture Beloved Community. This conversation offered us a space of connection, reflection, and delight, and we hope it feeds your inspiration to care for yourself, connect with others, and take meaningful action, no matter how small, towards creating a more just and compassionate world.  We will be offering a limited number of live, one-on-one coaching sessions which will be shared on a special episode of the podcast. Follow this link to find out more and apply: https://forms.gle/4PqSPcJ74rLjzsUX8 Thank you for joining us as we launch our third season of diverse voices and transformative ideas around the meaning and practice of fierce compassion! Episode Transcript Roxy Manning, PhD is a clinical psychologist and certified Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC) trainer. She brings decades of service experience to her work interrupting explicitly and implicitly oppressive attitudes and cultural norms. Sarah Peyton, Certified Trainer of Nonviolent Communication and neuroscience educator, integrates brain science and the use of resonant language to awaken and sustain self-compassion, particularly in the face of such difficult issues like self-condemnation, self-disgust and self-sabotage. Follow Roxy online: Roxy’s website LinkedIn Instagram YouTube Follow Sarah online: Sarah’s website X / Twitter Instagram YouTube You can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠ Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠roxannemanning.com⁠ and ⁠sarahpeyton.com⁠. Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends! Podcast Manager: Talli Jackson Audio Editor: Brendan Youngquist

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, we discuss growing infrastructure in Indigenous communities with Forest James, an entrepreneur, artist, developer, and enrolled citizen of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation. James explores how his diverse experiences in the arts, technology, and business shape his unique approach to bridging Indigenous and Western practices. He emphasizes the critical role of cultural understanding, self-compassion, and mentorship in creating sustainable solutions for Native peoples. Bringing an Indigenous lens to Beloved Community, James highlights the importance of inclusive decision-making and cross-cultural dialogue in fostering both economic development and cultural preservation. Join us! Forest James is a highly skilled individual with a lifelong affinity for artistic thinking. With a diverse and extensive secular background, James has cultivated expertise across various domains. James has dedicated over 20 years to the film and entertainment industry, honing creative abilities and fostering a deep understanding of the sector. An enrolled citizen of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, James has actively engaged with hundreds of different tribal governments and tribal businesses, amassing valuable insights, knowledge, and a wealth of experience in planning, funding, and constructing infrastructure projects that cater to the needs of Native and Rural America. He excels in mediating between federal and state agencies, tribal governments, and tribal businesses, providing invaluable assistance in planning, funding, and executing projects aimed at promoting economic diversity within tribal communities. In recent years, James has represented a consortium of native and woman-owned companies, working towards the stabilization of intergovernmental infrastructure projects. Transcript: https://antiracistconversations.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Fierce-Compassion-Episode-24-Transcript-Growing-Indigenous-Infrastructure-with-Forest-James.pdf Follow Forest online EnerTribe https://www.enertribe.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EnerTribe Instagram https://www.instagram.com/enertribe?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/forestjames/ Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@enertribe You can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠ Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠roxannemanning.com⁠ and ⁠sarahpeyton.com⁠. Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends! Podcast Manager: Talli Jackson

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, we delve into the fierce vulnerability of Beloved Community with nonviolence and restorative justice practitioner Kazu Haga. Drawing on stories of transformation and reconciliation, Haga demonstrates our human capacity to transmute even the deepest harms through fierce vulnerability. Together we explore the fractal relationship between personal and systemic change, and how a stance of curiosity, compassion, and commitment to Beloved Community can sustain us and help us find our place in a diverse ecosystem of social transformation. Join us in this rich conversation as we discover how unhealed trauma impacts our world and how each of us can find our place in the work of individual and collective healing. Transcript: https://antiracistconversations.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Episode-23-The-Fierce-Vulnerability-of-Beloved-Community-with-Kazu-Haga.pdf Kazu Haga is a trainer and practitioner of nonviolence and restorative justice, a core member of Building Belonging, The Ahimsa Collective and the Fierce Vulnerability Network, and the author of Healing Resistance: A Radically Different Response to Harm. He works with incarcerated people, youth, and activists from around the country. He has over 20 years of experience in nonviolence and social change work, and has been an active trainer since 2000. He is a resident of the Canticle Farm community on Lisjan Ohlone land, Oakland, CA. Follow Kazu online Kazu's website http://www.kazuhaga.com Facebook http://facebook.com/kazuhaga Mentioned in the episode: Organizations Yes! https://yesworld.org/ The Ahimsa Collective https://www.ahimsacollective.net/ People Josiah Royce https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josiah_Royce Mariame Kaba https://mariamekaba.com/ Lilla Watson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilla_Watson Chris Moore-Backman https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31395124-the-gandhian-iceberg Reverend Nadia Bolz-Weber https://nadiabolzweber.com/ Sonya Shah https://www.ahimsacollective.net/s Shilpa Jain https://yesworld.org/event-organizer/shilpa-jain/ You can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠ Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠roxannemanning.com⁠ and ⁠sarahpeyton.com⁠. Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends! Podcast Manager: Talli Jackson Audio Editor: Brendan Youngquist

In this episode of Fierce Compassion we delve into the nuances of mindful travel and finding compassion in discomfort with speaker, author, educator, and racial equity consultant Dr. Anu Taranath. Dr. Anu offers insights into navigating discomfort and embracing empathy across borders. Her experiences and stories challenge us to reflect on our roles in a complex world, fostering deeper connections and understanding. Join us in this enriching exploration of how mindfulness in travel and journeys of discomfort can lead to greater compassion, awareness, and connection to ourselves, each other and the world. Transcript: https://antiracistconversations.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Fierce-Compassion-Episode-22-Transcript-Mindful-Travel-and-the-Compassion-of-Discomfort-with-Dr-Anu-Taranath.pdf Dr. Anu Taranath brings both passion and expertise as a speaker, author, educator, and racial equity consultant. In all her work, she partners with a range of people to deepen conversations on history, harm and healing. A University of Washington Seattle professor for the past 23 years, Dr. Anu knows that the most compelling conversations on race, identity, power, and belonging take place when people feel valued and heard. She has received the Seattle Weekly’s “Best of Seattle” recognition, the University's Distinguished Teaching Award, and multiple US Fulbright Fellowships to work abroad. As a consultant she has partnered with over 300 clients from National Geographic Society to the Raging Grannies. Her book "Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World" was named a Washington State Book Award Finalist, Newsweek's Future of Travel Winner in Storytelling, and included in Oprah Magazine’s “Best 26 Travel Books of All Times.” Follow Dr. Anu online: Dialogues for Justice: http://www.anutaranath.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.anutaranath/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-anu-taranath123/ AFAR magazine Unpacked: https://www.afar.com/authors/anu-taranath You can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at https://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast/ Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠roxannemanning.com⁠ and ⁠sarahpeyton.com⁠. Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends! Podcast Manager: Talli Jackson Audio Editor: Brendan Youngquist

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, we discuss threats to libraries and the liberative power of books with Gavin Downing, a dedicated educator and librarian. Downing is an inspired advocate for the capacity of books to offer inspiration and accompaniment to young people, especially those with marginalized identities. In this conversation, Downing shares his experience fighting book bans, emphasizing the critical need for intellectual freedom and diverse representation in school libraries. Join us as we learn how Downing has used tools of nonviolence and advocacy to ensure that every student can receive the gifts of affirmation, delight, and dignity found in books. Gavin Downing has been in education over 17 years, and a teacher-librarian for over 10. He successfully stopped an attempt to ban books in his school library in 2022, and has been recognized by both the Washington Library Association and the Washington Education Association for his work. Here's the episode transcript: https://antiracistconversations.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Fierce-Compassion-Episode-21-Transcript-Libraries-Under-Threat-with-Gavin-Downing1.pdf Mentioned in the episode: Gavin’s Book Challenge response https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jFtxm3IXaAR6KD7JsdLR8g3Lbkb4KFna/view Organizations GLSEN https://www.glsen.org/about-us Federal Way Education Association http://www.federalwayea.org/ Articles Kent middle school librarian wins intellectual freedom award, Seattle Times https://www.seattleweekly.com/news/kent-middle-school-librarian-wins-intellectual-freedom-award/ LGBTQ+ Books Quietly Pulled From Washington State Middle School, Book Riot https://bookriot.com/lgbtq-books-quietly-pulled-from-washington-state-middle-school/ Books Jack of Hearts (and Other Parts) by Lev AC Rosen https://www.levacrosen.com/jack-of-hearts Are you there God, It’s me Margaret by Judy Blume https://judyblume.com/judy-blume-books/middle-books/middle-margaret/ If I was Your Girl by Meredith Russo https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/26156987 All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson https://iamgmjohnson.com/book-2/ Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Gender-Queer-A-Memoir/Maia-Kobabe/9781549304002 You can find transcripts and more episodes of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠. Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠roxannemanning.com⁠ and ⁠sarahpeyton.com⁠. Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends! Podcast Manager: Talli Jackson Audio Editor: Brendan Youngquist

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, we're thrilled to welcome Dr. Darlene Hall, a distinguished psychologist, consultant, educator, athlete, and author of Youth Development Theory & Practice: Integrating a Trauma Framework - A Social Justice Approach. Dr. Hall delves into her personal and professional journey, exploring the multifaceted role of self-compassion in dismantling systemic oppression. Together, we'll uncover effective strategies for transforming trauma and advocating social justice through compassionate action. Join us! Dr. Hall, a Black lesbian Psychologist with strong social justice values, has provided mental health services for almost 30 years in multiple settings. She has taught at the graduate level; created an internship program for Psychology, Counseling, and Social Work students; and worked as a grantmaker in philanthropy. Currently, she has a private psychotherapy practice and consulting business. ⁠Episode transcript⁠ Follow Dr. Hall online: Intersections Consulting LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode: Athlete Ally Black Girls Run Black Marathoners Front Runners Gay Games NCAA Inclusion Forum North American Gay Volleyball Association Oakland Running Festival Sin CIty Classic Team San Francisco Women's Sports Foundation You can find more episodes and transcripts of Fierce Compassion at ⁠http://antiracistconversations.com/fierce-compassion-podcast⁠ Stay current with Roxy and Sarah's personal work at ⁠roxannemanning.com⁠ and ⁠sarahpeyton.com⁠. Like this podcast? Leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your friends! Podcast Manager: Talli Jackson Audio Editor: Brendan Youngquist