INCOGNITO the podcast

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Steven Sapp and Mildred Ruiz-Sapp! Steven and Mildred are the founders and directors of UNIVERSES, a national Ensemble Theater Company of multi-disciplined writers and performers of color, who fuse theater, poetry, dance, jazz, hip hop, politics, down home blues and Spanish boleros to create moving, challenging and entertaining works for the stage. In this episode, Steven and Mildred talk to Michael about their experiences creating art with others and the importance of lifting every person’s voice in this pursuit, even if they cannot do it themselves.  Steven and Mildred share their philosophy of treating everyone in a rehearsal room how they want to be treated and how they were raised to treat others, and the essential truth that everyone always has something to bring to the table. Key Takeaways - Fight for your identity: it’s up to you how you identify, not others - Treat people the way you want to be treated - Everybody has something to bring to the table - Everyone's voice deserves to be lifted - Whether a person is in the audience or onstage, they are a part of the event Steven & Mildred’s Media Recommendations: - Use your technology to capture beautiful moments and your elders; save your memories - Dive into your genealogy/family history - Sidney (film) on Apple TV - A Raisin in the Sun (film, 1961) __ Find Steven & Mildred’s work: - Universes Website: http://universesonstage.com/index.html __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Nina Kissinger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Larry Thompson! Larry is a lawyer, law professor, and former US Deputy Attorney General under President George W. Bush. In this episode, Michael and Larry discuss the necessity of teamwork, transparency, and a willingness to listen and speak honestly to the cultivation of an inclusive workplace. Larry shares his insight into the incredible benefit of diversity in work environments, both for the employees as well as the company as a whole, and the words he lives by from his mentor Judge Griffin Bell: “there is no limit as to what you can accomplish so long as you don’t care who gets the credit.” Key Takeaways - There is no “I” in team - Be willing to listen - Be honest - Speak with candor - Be transparent, don’t have a hidden agenda - Make sure everyone is on the same page Larry’s Media Recommendations: - Georgy Girl (film, 1966) __ Find Larry’s work: - University of Georgia, School of Law: https://www.law.uga.edu/profile/larry-d-thompson - Finch McCranie LLP: https://www.finchmccranie.com/larry-d-thompson.html __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Nina Kissinger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Trinity Villanueva! Trinity is an advocate on the intersections of justice, liberation, and creative and artistic spaces. An incredibly multi-talented person, Trinity now serves as a Managing Partner at TOSHA, an organization which partners with the creative industry to cultivate inclusive workplace cultures through mindful leadership practices. In this episode, Michael and Trinity discuss the importance of deciding your identity for yourself, meeting people where they are, and showing up to learn instead of to impress. And, Trinity shares her philosophy when it comes to creating workplaces in which everyone feels they have the opportunity to thrive. Key Takeaways: Don’t allow external forces decide who you are Meet people where they are Which voices are missing or have been ignored If you move by yourself you move quickly, but if you move together, you move farther Sit in discomfort Validation and ego can cloud our ability to learn Trinity’s Media Recommendations: The Set Boundaries Workbook: Practical Exercises for Understanding Your Needs and Setting Healthy Limits (book) by Nedra Glover Tawwab Lighter: Letting Go of the Past, Connect with the Present and Expand the Future (book) by Yung Pueblo Heartstopper (TV) on Netflix __ Find Trinity’s work TOSHA: https://www.toshacc.com/team __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Nina Kissinger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Mary Amrita Arden! Mary holds a Master’s degree in public health, is a certified Neuro-Linguistic Programming coach, and, since 1991, has been a teacher and coach at the Hoffman Institute, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to transformative adult education, spiritual growth, and the personal dimensions of leadership. In this episode, Michael and Mary discuss the need to be present, get out of your own way, and surrender to change. It is truly an exploration of what it means to live a fulfilled and connected life by prioritizing introspection and growth above all. Key Takeaways: Be present Notice what needs to shift Get out of the way Surrender rather than resist Question your beliefs Our brains need to be trained…Praying and meditation are training Mary’s Media Recommendations: The Wild Edge of Sorrow: Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief (book) by Francis Weller and Lichael Lerner __ Find Mary’s work Hoffman Institute: https://www.hoffmaninstitute.org/ __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Cecilia B. Loving! Cecilia is the Senior Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at PBS, where she is responsible for developing organizational strategy, providing ongoing advice and counsel, and cultivating future partnerships. With over 20 years of experience as a practicing attorney, Cecilia has held various DEI leadership roles for a wide variety of businesses and government agencies, including the New York Fire Department, New York City’s Commission on Human Rights, the Legal Aid Society, and more. In this episode, Michael and Cecilia discuss the essential building blocks of DEI work: finding common ground with those around you, deeply listening to what others have to say, and always taking time to breathe and practice mindfulness. Key Takeaways: Be still, listen Deep listening Build common ground Move forward together Give to self and others Breathe __ Find Cecilia’s work Cecilia’s Book: Unbroken Circles: Holding Space, Finding Forgiveness and Transcending Edges Cecilia’s Website: www.mindfulnessgroup.blog __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Nina Kissinger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Toni Wynn! Toni is a museum content curator, DEI speaker, and poet who sees big and small to craft inspired opportunities for engaging and learning. In this episode, Michael and Toni discuss the importance of living in kindness, celebrating the arts, and having compassion towards both ourselves and others, and Toni shares her philosophy of being a kindness cheerleader for those around her. Key Takeaways: Live in Kindness Check in with people Ask questions Bring warmth to a space Care for yourself the way you would care for a loved one Arts are important Toni’s Media Recommendations: Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (play) by August Wilson __ Find Toni’s work Toni’s Website: www.toniwynn.com __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Nina Kissinger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Ronnie Malley! Ronnie is a multi-instrumentalist musician, theatrical performer, producer, and educator, who has collaborated with artists internationally, composed and consulted for many cultural music projects in film and theater, appeared as a guest artist on several works, and is executive director of Intercultural Music Production in Chicago. In this episode, Michael and Ronnie discuss the incredible universality of music, the importance of exploring cultures beyond your own, and using the arts as a means of connection. Ronnie shares stories from his experiences bringing music across the country and world, and his conclusion that Metallica can indeed bring us all together. Key Takeaways: Be a person of good conscious You can see your identity as an obstacle or a way in Learn someone else’s language Go beyond the surface Use the arts to connect Ronnie’s Media Recommendations: The Alchemist (book) by Paulo Coelho The Prophet (book) by Kahlil Gibran The Mysticism of Sound and Music (book) by Hazrat Inayat Khan The Ornament of the World (book) by Maria Rosa Menocal The Outliers (book) by Malcolm Gladwell __ Find Ronnie’s work Ronnie’s Website: www.ronniemalley.com __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Nina Kissinger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Alderman Debra Silverstein! Alderman Silverstein has been the representative of Chicago’s 50th Ward since 2011, working tirelessly to make her neighborhood a better place for the many residents who call it home through both groundbreaking projects and everyday actions. In this episode, Michael and Alderman Silverstein discuss the importance of reaching out to others, opening yourself up to engagement with those in your community, and treating people with the respect and recognition that they deserve. Additionally, Alderman Silverstein shares her strategies for connecting a community by recognizing its diversity as its greatest strength above all. Key Takeaways: Listen, but hear as well Be down to earth, honest, truthful Don’t wait for folks to come to you Provide information, have an open door, treat people with respect, and collaborate Alderman Silverstein’s Media Recommendations: Schitt’s Creek (TV) on Netflix __ Find Alderman Silverstein’s work Chicago’s 50th Ward: www.50thwardchicago.com __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Nina Kissinger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Angela Ford! Angela is the founder and executive director of The Obsidian Collection Archives, an organization that works to preserve Black historical journalism through digital archiving in hopes of making the historic and factual accounts of Black life in the United States accessible to the public and, in doing so, illuminating Black culture for the world to better see and understand. In this episode, Michael and Angela discuss the importance of being direct and deliberate, exposing oneself everyday to cultures outside of your own, and establishing trust with any community you wish to work with. Angela shares her belief that the majority of people do want to help and be a part of the solution, and discusses the incredible power that comes from harnessing this collective desire for good. Key Takeaways: Be direct, be deliberate Deliberately follow people from other cultures, make it normal Establish and build trust People really do want to help AND want to be a part of the solution Never apologize for being yourself Angela’s Media Recommendations: The Spook Who Sat by the Door (book) by Sam Greenlee The Spook Who Sat by the Door (film) directed by Ivan Dixon __ Find Angela’s work The Obsidian Collection website: www.theobsidiancollection.org __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Nina Kissinger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

Welcome back to another season of INCOGNITO the podcast! In the first episode of Season 3, I not only tell the story of how this podcast came to be, but also reflect on the many fantastic tools and practices towards creating a more diverse and inclusive society that guests have shared with me and INCOGNITO listeners throughout the first two seasons. I offer my pitch for why people should listen to INCOGNITO, and discuss the ways in which this podcast can offer valuable strategies and insight to listeners from all walks of life. Key Takeaways: Everyone has a role to play in creating a more diverse and inclusive society We have so much to learn from those who are doing the important work of diversity and inclusion in their workplaces and communities as a part of their leadership Find the strategies and techniques that resonate with you and allow them to inform how you engage with others __ If you want to support INCOGNITO the podcast, here are some things you can do: Rate and review the podcast! We rely on ratings and reviews to help others discover INCOGNITO, so please take a minute to leave a rating if you can. Become a sponsor! Do you have a company or work for a company who may be interested in sponsoring our podcast? Email us at info@incognitotheplay.com and we would be happy to discuss a sponsorship deal. Share your suggestions! Do you know someone who would be a great guest on our show? Is there a topic you would like us to discuss? Let us know at info@incognitotheplay.com Follow us on Instagram! Keep up with our work and updates about the podcast by following us @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Nina Kissinger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

We have reached the end of season 2 of INCOGNITO the podcast! Thank you to everyone who has listened, left reviews, and shared with others; we have been so excited to see the response to the podcast so far, and hope to keep bringing you helpful insight and tools towards creating a more inclusive society next season. For the final episode of our second season, I reflect on the many incredible contributions this season’s guests have made in the exploration of identity and authenticity, and share my own thoughts and reflections about what it means to understand one’s own identity and the unique journeys we must all go on to reach this point. Key Takeaways: We are either open to the journey of identity and welcome the discoveries or we are closed to it and make it much more difficult “The goal of the hero’s journey is yourself. Finding yourself.” Each of us come to understand our identities differently; we may share things with others but everyone arrives at their own unique identity in their own way The journey of identity is continuous and fluid; the question is how do we share this with people around us, especially in regard to the workplace? The more we feel included in our workplace, the more fulfilling a job is and the better people perform Set necessary boundaries with others People bringing their whole selves to work, particularly in a diverse workplace, is beneficial at every level Ask questions! __ INCOGNITO the podcast will return after the New Year with more exciting episodes, so please subscribe and be on the lookout! Here are 5 things you can do in the meantime: Buy a book! Incognito: An American Odyssey of Race and Self Discovery and Nobody Wants To Talk About It are available for purchase at incognitotheplay.com/publications or on Amazon. Those who purchase a book from our website will receive a signed copy. Share the podcast with 5 friends! Ask those friends to share with 5 of their friends. Our audience growth relies on your help. Become a sponsor! Do you have a company or work for a company who may be interested in sponsoring our podcast? Email us at info@incognitotheplay.com and we would be happy to discuss a sponsorship deal. Share your suggestions! Do you know someone who would be a great guest on our show? Is there a topic you would like us to discuss? Let us know at info@incognitotheplay.com Follow us on Instagram! Keep up with our work and updates about the podcast by following us @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Nina Kissinger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Bessie Alcantara! Bessie is the executive director of Alternatives Inc, a nonprofit organization based in Chicago that inspires young people to create a just future through practices that heal individuals, restore communities, and transform systems. In this episode, Michael and Bessie discuss the importance of accountability and transparency in a workplace, inviting ownership of work and mission, and the incredible clarity that understanding the values of yourself and others can bring. Bessie shares the necessity for living in a way that is true to your values, whatever those may be, and how self-awareness around these values leads to authenticity. Key Takeaways: How do you define yourself? Restorative Justice promotes healing for all Treat people as human, as people BUILD relationships Ask for accountability without creating harm Offer honesty, be direct and invite ownership Listen, respond and follow-through Look for shared values Bessie’s Media Recommendations: The Woman King (movie) __ Find Bessie’s work Alternatives website: https://alternativesyouth.org/ __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Nina Kissinger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Josie Whittlesey! Josie is the executive director of Drama Club Inc, a nonprofit organization that cares for youth, particularly those who are incarcerated and court-involved, by creating space for them to thrive, using improv as their guide. Through the use of play, storytelling, and role playing, Drama Club’s programs help young people to develop prosocial bonds, executive functioning skills, empathy, and imagination. In this conversation, Josie and Michael talk about the importance of play as a means of creating safe spaces, the necessity for consistency and persistence when it comes to this kind of work, and the reason that one of the best tools we have towards creating a more inclusive and just society is proximity. Key Takeaways: PLAY…is the best way to build trust Storytelling In America, white people don’t have to think about being “the other” Show up consistently (be reliable) Be persistent (low and slow) Act without ulterior motives (wanting power or to be liked) Proximity is everything Josie’s Media Recommendations: A Strange Loop by Michael R. Jackson currently running on Broadway at the Lyceum Theatre (musical) __ Find Josie’s work Drama club website: https://www.dramaclub.org/ __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Nina Kissinger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Andre Watson! Andre is the Assistant Director for National Security under Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the principal investigative component of the Department of Homeland Security. In this interview, Michael and Andre discuss the nuances of navigating Andre’s various identities both in and outside of the workplace, what it means to foster strong relationships in the workplace based on mutual respect and curiosity, and the importance of aligning opportunities with individual passions wherever possible. Andre and Michael discuss what it means to be called to leadership and the truth proven time and again that we have more in common than not. Key Takeaways: Never ask someone to do something you haven’t done or wouldn’t be willing to do Leverage opportunities as a means of improving connections We have more in common than not Learning about someone’s passions and experiences makes us better leaders Building strong relationships is crucial to leadership Align opportunities with passion (where possible) to increase the likelihood of success The character of a person must match the calling of leadership Four tips: 1) patience 2) open mind 3) willingness to listen 4) seek support Andre’s Media Recommendations: True North: Discover Your Authentic Leadership by Bill George and Peter Eagle Sims (Book) Leadership Promises for Everyday by John C. Maxwell (Book) __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Nina Kissinger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Dr. Kimberly Narain! Dr. Narain completed her residency in Primary Care Internal Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. Following fellowships at Harvard Medical School and UCLA, Dr. Narain served as a Specialty Training Advanced Research Fellow in the Department of General Internal Medicine & Health Services Research at UCLA, where she later earned a Ph.D. in Health Services from the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, and is now an Assistant Professor In-Residence at the UCLA School of Medicine. In this conversation, Michael and Dr. Narain discuss the importance of creating work environments in which everyone can contribute, seeing yourself as in relationships of mutual benefit with others as opposed to in competition with them, and looking for the win-win in every situation. Dr. Narain shares what inspired her to write her new book, The Cycle of a Dream: A Kid’s Introduction to Structural Racism in America, and the many benefits of seeking out different perspectives and untold stories at all ages. Key Takeaways: Everyone has something to contribute when under the right circumstances Practice humility; think of others first Don’t be wedded to the strategy, be wedded to the goal Stop seeing yourself in competition with others, remove hierarchy Ask: What’s missing, can I help? Appreciate people’s time Lead with self-reflection instead of blame Look for the win-win: setting aside oneself to serve others will ultimately benefit everyone Seek out different perspectives, look for untold stories Start small Dr. Narain’s Media Recommendations: The Ezra Klein Show, “We Build Civilizations on Status. But We Barely Understand It.” (Podcast) __ Find Dr. Narain’s work Dr. Narain’s book: The Cycle of a Dream: A Kid’s Introduction to Structural Racism in America __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Nina Kissinger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Illinois State Representative Theresa Mah. Representative Mah made history in 2016 when she became the first Asian American elected to serve in the Illinois General Assembly. She is a former college professor with a Ph.D. in modern American history and teaching experience in history, ethnic studies, and Asian American studies. Throughout Representative Mah’s time in public service, she has worked with advocacy groups on a variety of issues such as immigrant rights, workers rights, voting rights, language access, and health care. In this interview, Michael and Representative Mah discuss her journey to becoming a state representative and the barriers she faced in getting elected, what it means to truly listen to and champion the voices of the community you serve, and the importance of reaching down to pull others up alongside you every step of the way. Key Takeaways: Be present and listen Step outside your privilege Reach down to pull others up Invite people to have space to contribute Magnify people’s voices Representative Mah's Media Recommendations: Panchinko by Min Jin Lee __ Find Representative Mah's work www.reptheresamah.com __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Nina Kissinger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Jamie Price, the Executive Director of the Sargent Shriver Peace Institute (SSPI) and author of the new book, Spiritualizing Politics without Politicizing Religion: The Example of Sargent Shriver. In addition to his work with SSPI, Jamie holds several academic posts, including research professor and Founding Director of the Insight Conflict Resolution program in the School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, and affiliate professor in the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies at the University of Malta. In this interview, Michael and Jamie discuss the deep place from which one must approach public service, the importance of seeking to understand how someone is using their mind as opposed to trying to change it, and the simple truth that we all as people have much more in common than not. Jamie shares what his study of and work with Sargent Shriver and the SSPI have taught him not only about conflict resolution and leadership, but also the need for spiritual realism and self-transcendence in today’s divisive political climate. Key Takeaways: We are here because we are connected Nurture spontaneous interest in being compassionate and serving one another Encounter people on their own terms Ask: What do you need? How can I help? Spirit pulls us toward what is good and true How do you pay attention to that deep place? Reject the notion that we have to be polarized Jeff’s Media Recommendations: Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders (Audiobook) Rectify (TV Series) __ Find Jamie’s work Jamie’s Book: Spiritualizing Politics without Politicizing Religion: The Example of Sargent Shriver Sargent Shriver Peace Institute __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Nina Kissinger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Randy Ryan! Since leaving the military, Randy has been working with underserved communities as a means of continuing his service to the nation as a civilian. Randy led the Teaching Gardens program for the American Heart Association, growing it to include over 500 schools nationally, and now serves as the Manager of the California Initiative for the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC), whose mission it is to mobilize military veterans to feed America. In this conversation, Randy and Michael discuss the power of healing others to heal oneself, the necessity of serving your community in a meaningful way, and the importance of exposing yourself to new ideas and cultures. Randy shares his insight as to what it means to be an engaged citizen and leader, and the deep connection he has found between authenticity and personal growth. Key Takeaways: There is no better way to heal than to to heal others Do MORE than vote…serve your community! Get outside of your community and expose yourself to other ideas and cultures Build trust Authenticity is growth Randy’s Media Recommendations: Everybody Pays by Maurice Possley and Rick Kogan __ Incognito the podcast is now on Instagram! Follow us @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Nina Kissinger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews E. Patrick Johnson! E. Patrick is the Dean of the School of Communication and Annenberg University Professor at Northwestern University, as well as a prolific performer, scholar, and author, and a 2020 inductee into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. In this episode, Michael and E. Patrick discuss the necessity of expressing grace towards others and leading with integrity, particularly when it comes to uniting people across a variety of identities. E. Patrick shares his technique of radical listening and holding space for others to fill as a means of seeing people in their entirety and moving closer towards understanding them. Key Takeaways: Express grace Race is a fiction, racism is not Try not to think about how identity might be an obstacle and instead focus on task at hand Lead with integrity Ask Practice radical listening and listening with compassion Everybody has a story to tell, but they don’t always get a chance to tell it Hold the space Bring your full self to every context Recognize the value of people who serve others E. Patrick’s Media Recommendations: A Strange Loop by Michael R. Jackson currently running on Broadway at the Lyceum Theatre (musical): https://strangeloopmusical.com/ __ Find E. Patrick’s work E. Patrick’s Website: https://epatrickjohnson.com E. Patrick’s Published Works: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=e.+patrick+johnson&crid=ZAG9II36I263&sprefix=E.+Patrick%2Caps%2C100&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_10 __ Incognito the podcast is now on Instagram! Follow us @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Nina Kissinger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

On the first episode of Season 2, Michael talks with Emmy-winning actor and meditation teacher Jeff Kober. Michael and Jeff discuss what it means to bring your whole self to every space, how to treat yourself and others with kindness and compassion, and the importance of recognizing our universal connection of love by fighting for the good instead of against the bad. In this interview, Jeff shares stories and observations from his own life that have led him to key insights about what it means to live and work alongside people who you may disagree with, but nevertheless respect and value as fellow human beings. Key Takeaways: Look to give rather than to get Keep your side of the street clean Your opinions are the least interesting thing about you Everyone is doing their very best at every moment If I attack someone, the only thing they can do is defend I am something other than my thoughts and feelings How do we fight from a loving place? Jeff’s Media Recommendations: Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master: A Yogi’s Autobiography by Sri M (Book) Both Sides Now sung by Joni Mitchell & Brandi Carlile (Video) __ Find Jeff’s work Jeff’s Website: www.jeff-kober.com Jeff’s Book: Embracing Bliss: 108 Daily Meditations Jeff’s Podcast: Embracing Bliss with Jeff Kober __ EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT: Incognito the podcast is now on Instagram! Follow us @incognitotheplay __ Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify. Editing and co-production of this podcast by Nina Kissinger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!