Authenticity, Belonging, Community

Gail Plant is an inspirational Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging advocate. She attended Drexel University, where she received her B.A. in Computer Information Systems. Immediately following graduation from Drexel in 1995, she began her career with a local company, where she worked for 27 years until her retirement in June 2022. During her tenure, she held several leadership roles within the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts. Gail received her M.A. in Leadership Development in 2015, and she has spent the last 28 years coaching, mentoring, and leading others on the journey of embracing and fostering the value of themselves and others. Key Takeaways: If you’re the smartest person in the room, then you need a new crowd Remain teachable Listen to young people Being an ally means speaking up in the moment, not after the fact An inclusive society starts at the individual level V.A.L.U.E. – Victorious, Authentic, Loving oneself, Uniqueness, Empowerment Valuing you starts with you  Honor everyone’s perspective in a room Authenticity is the ability to be yourself in every situation, regardless of the circumstances, and, in doing so, unleash your full potential Guest’s Media Recommendations: Sound Of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot (Film) __ 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!

Emily McConnell is a collaborator, designer, educator, and researcher based in Chicago. She has been the resident costume designer at the CCPA Theatre Conservatory at Roosevelt University since 2007, designing almost 100 productions during that time all while managing the costume shop and teaching and supervising students. Starting in the fall of 2024, she will also be serving as the Program Director for Interdisciplinary Theatre Studies and the Curriculum Coordinator for Technical Theatre. She has been an Artistic Associate at Steep Theatre since 2011 and worked as a freelance designer in Chicago theatre since 1999 with credits including The House, Northlight, Oak Park Theatre Festival, Lifeline Theatre, and The Gift. Her research into collaborative methods in theatrical design has presented that research at conferences including the Association for Theatre in Higher Education and the American Theatrical Costume Association, and her writing has been published in HowlRound Theatrical Commons and Theatre Design and Technology Magazine. She holds a BA in Drama from Dartmouth College and an MA in Theatre Design from Northwestern. Key Takeaways: Proximity is not enough – gaining new knowledge and expanding your awareness is essential to progress Be mindful of the identities present in the spaces you are in (including your own) Determine the priorities of everyone in the room – ask yourself how you can support these goals Transparency is key to resolving conflicts in the workplace Honesty should be the starting point Present the problem, not the solution Mutual investment in collaboration will bring about the best outcome Authenticity means being honest and open about your strengths, vulnerabilities, and limitations Guest’s Media Recommendations: The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley __ Find Guest’s work: Emily’s Website: https://www.emilymccdesign.com/ Emily’s Blog: https://www.emilymccdesign.com/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!

Lusanda Mayikana is the Dean of Pluralism and Multicultural Affairs at Lake Forest Academy. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Social Justice from Lancaster University (U.K.), a Master of Arts in English Education from the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa), and a Master of Arts in English from Middlebury College. Lusanda came to Lake Forest Academy in 2003 after spending a year as a Harvard-South Africa fellow in the African American Studies department and the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University. As the Dean of Equity, Pluralism, Inclusion, and Community, Lusanda is committed to fostering an inclusive culture and community where all members enjoy belonging, agency, and support. Her focus on bridging by listening, engaging, and intentionally organizing emphasizes connectedness, understanding, and learning about our varied lived experiences. Key Takeaways: “I am because of those around me” Meet people where they are Be curious  Play to the strengths of you and those around you Slow down Take the time to listen to others, even those you disagree with Authenticity comes from self-knowledge, self-awareness, and sincerity Trust who you are Create spaces where people can take risks and, in doing so, be their authentic selves Guest’s Media Recommendations: Learning to Disagree by John Inazu (book) __ Find Guest’s work: Lake Forest Academy: https://www.lfanet.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!

Dr. Damon Cates has been the President & CEO of One Hope United since 2024. Damon received a BA from Millikin University, an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and an EdD from the University of Pennsylvania. He joined One Hope United from the University of Chicago, where, for over 16 years of service, he led alumni relations and development programs for several of the University’s academic units. In addition to UChicago, Damon has also held leadership fundraising positions at the University of Pennsylvania and Stanford University. Damon is a sought-after speaker who regularly presents at conferences. He has published articles on enhancing constituent engagement and building organizational capacity, and was appointed by Governor JB Pritzker to the Illinois Youth Budget Commission in 2023.   Key Takeaways: Be honest about your lived experience – you can always find commonalities with others  Be aware of the assumptions you make of others on face value Be mindful of the shame that can be attached to certain identities – allow yourself and others to share your/their identity on your/their own terms Engage in your community and the causes you support in whatever ways you can Never underestimate the power of being with people in person Be present and intentional in interactions with others Authenticity comes from passion Guest’s Media Recommendations: Beautiful Thing (film) __ Find Guest’s work: One Hope United: https://onehopeunited.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!

Jeffrey Spahn is the founder and president of Leading Leaders Inc. For more than 20 years he has researched, coached and inspired top business executives and their teams through the distinctive collective leadership process of We the Leader. Jeff’s journey into leading leaders was sparked by experiences of collective flow in high school and as a letterman on the University of Michigan football team. His business degree from the University of Michigan and doctorate from the University of Chicago ground his practice in sound scholarship. Jeff’s most recent publication is the book, We the Leader, published by McGraw-Hill. Key Takeaways: We are all both leaders and followers Collective flow comes from explicitly stating shared intentions to foster connection Mutual investment within a community allows us to see others as valuable and vital Ask questions – be curious Practice dialogue – stay open to new ideas Try things and take risks to foster new connections Assert your beliefs – don’t impose or withhold – and be ready to let them go Reframe difference from something to avoid or attack to an opportunity to create Authenticity requires community – to be authentic you need to allow others to be authentic Guest’s Media Recommendations: Mary Parker Follett – Prophet of Management: A Celebration of Writings from the 1920s (book) edited by Peter F. Drucker __ Find Guest’s work: Jeff Spahn’s Website: https://wetheleader.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!

Dr. Beth-Sarah Wright, an Atlanta-based author, dynamic speaker, and strategic thought partner, writes to inspire transformation and change in communities, institutions, and personal lives. Her impactful work tackles deep-rooted challenges that demand identity shifts and enhanced capacities to achieve lasting, meaningful change. Dr. Wright champions authenticity, striving to align our aspirational identities with our lived realities. Dr. Wright is the author of seven influential books, served for 10 years on the senior leadership team as the director of enrollment management at the largest parish Episcopal school in the country, and serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in Psychiatry at Emory School of Medicine.  Key Takeaways: Define yourself: “If I didn’t define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people’s fantasies for me and eaten alive” – Audre Lorde Respect the dignity of every human being  Take the time to pause and look again  Your identity is not an obstacle – if it feels like one, it has not been truly seen Be careful of the ideas about certain identities you may project onto others Ask questions – be curious We have the power to write new beginnings and endings to our stories Lead with DIGNITY: Diversity, Identity, Growth, Nurture, Integrity, Transparency, Yield Authenticity is when aspirational identity aligns with lived reality Guest’s Media Recommendations: Tiny Love Stories: True Tales of Love in 100 Words or Less (book) edited by Daniel T. Jones and Miya Lee __ Find Guest’s work: Dr. Beth-Sarah Wright’s Website: https://bethsarahwright.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!

T. Mark Meyer is a psychotherapist and a consultant for the world’s largest corporations, leading workshops on conflict resolution, authenticity, and authentic management. He coaches professional athletes in discovering their purpose and counsels both couples and individuals. After founding and spearheading several successful companies, Mark connected with his authentic self and refocused his professional aspirations. He’s a business coach and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Master Practitioner who uses his personal experience to help others live their most authentic lives. Key Takeaways: Authenticity is a life-long journey Accomplishments won’t bring you happiness if you don’t know your purpose in life Accept people where they are – go with the flow Authenticity and purpose drive innovation and creativity in workplaces Authenticity is as much about being yourself as it is about allowing others to be themselves Stay curious and non-judgemental  Shift your thinking from “what should I accomplish now?” to “who do I want to be now?” Guest’s Media Recommendations: The Myth of Normal (book) by Dr. Gabor Maté __ Find Guest’s work: T. Mark Meyer’s Website: https://tmarkmeyer.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!

Sean DeMarco Garcia is the Founder/Coordinator of Astrochemistry Consulting LLC, which offers training and coaching sessions in de-escalation and crisis intervention for frontline workers. They teach individuals how to humanely deescalate those experiencing an emotional or mental wellness crisis both in personal and professional interactions. Sean has written a book on his de-escalation work throughout his life entitled “It Isn’t About You,” and has 30+ years of experience as a naval veteran, police officer, and head of the private security department for a hospital. Key Takeaways We are all connected Curate a worldview that is based in culture Experience as much of the beauty of the world as you can Be careful of your perceptions of others and the way these can influence your own behavior Three things to live by: empathy, listening, and validating emotions It’s not about you – everyone is dealing with something Slow down – don’t rush to respond Prioritize self-care and encourage others to do the same Be curious – learn about the perspectives and cultures of others Guest’s Media Recommendations: It Isn’t About You (book) by Sean DeMarco Garcia __ Find Guest’s work: AstroChemistry Consulting: https://actc11.com/home-page  __ 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!

Elaine Ho serves as NASA’s Chief Diversity Officer, providing executive and transformative leadership over diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) policy and programs for the entire NASA workforce. Ho is a long-time public servant who has been connected to DEIA throughout her career, having held multiple high-level positions at the Department of Agriculture, IRS, and the White House. Prior to her federal service career, Ho was a practicing attorney, specializing in employment law and workplace diversity and inclusion, and served over four years active duty as an Air Force criminal prosecutor. Key Takeaways: Representation matters – you have to see it to be able to achieve it Collaboration is everything Trust is the foundation of successful collaboration Meet people where they are at – put yourself in their shoes Demonstrate the value of DEIA to get people onboard There are times to be right and there are times to understand  Be yourself, everyone else is already taken Authenticity is a lifelong state of self-reflection  Guest’s Media Recommendations: The Space Race (documentary) __ Find Guest’s work: NASA: https://www.nasa.gov/ __ 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 7, Michael offers his thoughts on the demonstrated value of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in our society and the high cost of its politicization in the U.S. Michael shares his insight into navigating the divisive world we find ourselves in and reminds listeners that DEI is a human issue, not a political one.  __ For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram. __ 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!

Laura Schellhardt is a Chicago based playwright and adapter. Her original works include Air Guitar High, Auctioning the Ainsleys, The Apothecary's Daughter, The K of D, Courting Vampires, and Shapeshifters, among many others. Adaptations include The Phantom Tollbooth, The Outfit, and Creole Folktales. She is also the author of Screenwriting for Dummies. She’s a two-time Jeff Award nominee and recipient of the AATE Distinguished Play Award, the New Play Frontier’s residency, the TCG National Playwriting Residency, the Jerome Fellowship, the New Play Award from ACT in Seattle, and a Dramatist Guild Playwriting Fellowship. She has participated in the SoHo Rep Writer/Director Lab, the Women Playwrights Festival at SRC, the Kennedy Center's New Voices/New Visions Festival, the Bonderman TYA Symposium, the Ojai New Play Conference, the Denver Center New Play Summit, the Bay Area Theatre Festival, and the O'Neill National Playwright's Festival, among others. She received her graduate degree from Brown University, under Paula Vogel. She’s a former Victory Gardens Resident Playwright and current member of Walkabout Playwrights Collective and she oversees the undergraduate play Schellhardt oversees the undergraduate playwriting program in the Department of Theatre at Northwestern University.   Key Takeaways We all hold many identities and their salience changes with time and context Privilege can be an obstacle when you’re not aware of it but it can be a tool to empower others What you practice grows stronger, especially with how you talk to yourself and others What and how you give your attention is one of your most powerful tools  Effort > outcome and process > product There’s a difference between safety and comfort and it is important to learn and grow in discomfort Authenticity is a series of choices based on your values and intentions Take yourself seriously but hold yourself lightly Make connections not impressions Guest’s Media Recommendations: The Anti-Racist Writing Workshop: How To Decolonize the Creative Classroom by Felicia Rose Chavez (book) Creative Acts for Curious People by Sarah Stein Greenberg (book) __ Find Guest’s work: https://communication.northwestern.edu/faculty/laura-schellhardt.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 Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

Shannon Watson is a communicator, strategist, thought leader, and civic thinker. Shannon has worked in policy public affairs roles for Majority in the Middle, Casper Corcoran, The Medical Alley Association, St. Paul Area Chamber, U.S. Bank, the Minnesota Senate and the National conference of State Legislatures. She has more than two decades of experience in electoral politics having worked on local and state-wide campaigns on both sides of the aisle in Kansas, Colorado and Minnesota. She holds a bachelor's degree in English, Theatre, and Psychology from Wichita State University and a master's degree in Advocacy and Political Leadership from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She currently lives in Minneapolis with her dog, CJ.  Key Takeaways Unfortunately people often focus on differences first, how can we challenge ourselves to look past differences to see similarities The more time and effort put into relationships makes people more comfortable with people who are different from them or with things they don’t understand There’s no all or nothing — every group is varied and has diversity within it Authenticity is about owning your successes and failures Guest’s Media Recommendations:  The Newsroom (TV series) __ Find Guest’s work: https://www.majoritymiddle.com/shannon-watson __ 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 Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

Michael Rohd is a theatre-maker, educator, process designer, writer and facilitator. His research and creative practice is focused on civic imagination. He has a 30+ year history of projects across sectors bringing cultural activity to the work of public engagement, community planning and cross-sector coalition building. In 1992 in Washington DC he co-founded Hope Is Vital, an arts & public health program that, over 8 years, helped start up theatre-based public engagement/HIV prevention coalitions in over 80 communities around the US. In 1999, he co-founded Sojourn Theatre and served as artistic director for 20 years, co creating and directing nearly 30 devised often site specific and participatory theatre works. In 2012, he co-founded Center for Performance and Civic Practice, a collective of nine artists/facilitators who  work with organizations and agencies around the country on community research, transformational process and system change. He is currently Civic Collaborations Director for One Nation One Project, a national arts/municipality/public health project & research cohort in partnership with National League of Cities; he is co-designer/co-facilitator for Art-Train, a virtual national technical assistance program in partnership with Springboard for the Arts.  He recently founded the Co-Lab for Civic Imagination at the University of Montana, and he is author of the book Theatre for Community, Conflict and Dialogue. Key Takeaways Groups of people share something, whether that is space, time, values or goals What is the harm of entering a space with the intention of persuading others at all costs? Bringing people together might require different tactics depending on their goals. Reflect and dialogue with community members before jumping in Working with a co-facilitator makes for better processes and better outcomes When things are off, be mindful. Pause and be transparent about what might be going wrong We all need to build our capacity for listening Guest’s Media Recommendations: The Candy House by Jennifer Egan (book) Can’t Drink Salt Water by Kendra Mylnechuk Potter (play) __ Find Guest’s work: https://howlround.com/commons/michael-rohd __ 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 Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

Rhodes Perry is a bestselling author, award-winning entrepreneur, and an internationally sought-after keynoter. He helps senior executives and people leaders build belonging at work by establishing psychological safety and trust. Nationally recognized as a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) thought leader, he has over 20 years of leadership experience having worked at the White House, the Department of Justice, the City of New York and PFLAG National. Media Outlets like Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and the Associated Press have featured his powerful work. Both of his books, Belonging at Work (2018) and Imagine Belonging (2022) debuted as #1 Amazon bestsellers and were published by Publish Your Purpose Press. He earned a BA from the University of Notre Dame, and a MPA from New York University. He currently serves on the National LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce’s Transgender Inclusion Task Force, and the Cascade AIDS Project’s Board of Directors. Key Takeaways When people share their identities and experiences with you, receive them with care Standing up and advocating for yourself paves the way for others to do the same Be aware of who you intentionally including and also who you might accidentally be discluding Push yourself out of your comfort zone to engage with many communities and people who identify differently than you When you notice that you’re uncomfortable, note where its happening in your body, and remember that learning happens just past the edge of your comfort zone At work it's important for everyone to have the agency to show up as authentically as they choose Pay attention to who’s speaking, whose ideas are considered and whose aren’t Guest’s Media Recommendations: Disclosure (Documentary) __ Find Guest’s work: https://www.rhodesperry.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 Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

Catherine Altman Morgan is an award-winning career transition expert and business consultant who has been coaching clients and colleagues through job and life transitions for more than 20 years. She is the founder of Point A to Point B Transitions Inc. and the author of This Isn't Working! Evolving the Way We Work to Decrease Stress, Anxiety, and Depression. Key Takeaways Be empathetic, use your experience and build trust Intentionally set up a safe space by providing guidelines like The details of what’s shared here stay here No meanness, shaming or blaming Its okay to get personal Go into new situations with no expectations Engage your curiosity Authenticity is integration of all parts of yourself Guest’s Media Recommendations: Imagine Belonging by Rhodes Perry __ Find Guest’s work: Catherine Altman Morgan | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster __ 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 Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

Joe Davis is an award-winning spoken word artist and bestselling author who uses poetry to power possibility. Joe is a student and practitioner of Radical Joy, a deep-rooted wellspring of well-being that he cultivates in community through writing, music, theater, and dance. Based in Minneapolis, he tours internationally to join schools, faith spaces, and nonprofits to practice envisioning and embodying a world of collective liberation and human flourishing. Joe holds a Master of Arts degree in Theology of the Arts and also heads a multimedia production company, a soul funk band, and a racial justice education program. Key Takeaways Radical joy is getting to the root, depth and fullness of joy which includes the wholeness of human emotions Art allows us to slow down and move at the pace of relationship Lead with questions, invitations and vulnerability The sooner we understand that race work is uncomfortable and that we’re going to mess up sometimes the sooner we can get to repair work Find your freedom practice: a daily ritual that will help you feel more healed, whole and alive Guest’s Media Recommendations: Everything, Everywhere, All At Once (movie) __ Find Guest’s work: www.JoeDavisPoetry.com We Rise Higher: Poems and Prayers for Graduates | Sparkhousegher __ 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 Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

Content warning: This episode discusses abuse and suicide. Please take care as you listen. Shirley Buck is the author of the internationally best-selling book Sweet Freedom Whispered in My Ear. A dedicated mindset coach specializing in trauma and abuse recovery. Drawing from her own remarkable journey of overcoming years of severe abuse and trauma. In addition to her coaching expertise she is also an energy healer helping individuals find healing and empowerment. Her life’s mission is to inspire and guide others on their path to recovery, resilience and personal transformation. Key Takeaways Mindset is everything — it can help you learn, find joy and overcome anxiety, depression or other struggles Learning how to change your thought process can change your life When you’re in survival mode, it's difficult to feel and process your emotions. Once you find safety you can process your experiences. Your identities and your past do not define your value Take an active role in creating your life by being vulnerable and actively creating your mindset   Guest’s Media Recommendations: The Law of Attraction by Esther and Jerry Hicks __ Find Guest’s work: https://www.shirleybuck.com/ https://a.co/d/2PTpee2 __ 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 Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

Andrew Horning is a former licensed private practice psychotherapist with a Masters degree in clinical work from the University of Michigan. He is trained in EMDR, Mediation and Dispute Resolution, Gottman Couples Counseling, and Brené Brown’s Daring Way. He also hosts a podcast on relationships and coached high school basketball. Drew published his book, Grappling: White Men’s Journey from Fragile to Agile, in May, 2021. He lives in Boulder, CO with his wife of over 20 years, Genny, and their two children. Key Takeaways Place, where you grew up or where you live, can significantly shape your identity Show up open-hearted and curious to the experience of others Impact is more important to address than intent The world has been set up to maintain our comfort but it's important to sit with discomfort in order to grow Be fascinated by the people around you Maintain your practice of self-compassion through breath, meditation  Authenticity is all about making your words, actions, thoughts and feelings congruent with each other Guest’s Media Recommendations: There Are No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz (book) Come From Away (musical) __ Find Guest’s work: Hoffman Institute: https://www.hoffmaninstitute.org/drew-horning/  Website: https://www.andrewhorning.co/speaking __ 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 Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

Tim Wise is among the nation's most prominent anti-racist educators and authors.  He has spent the past 30 years lecturing on matters of racism and racial bias in all 50 states, on over 1,500 college campuses, at hundreds of professional and academic conferences, and to corporate, non-profit, and community groups throughout North America. He is the author of eight books, including his highly acclaimed memoir, White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son, and his latest essay collection, Dispatches from the Race War. He has contributed essays or chapters to 25 additional volumes, and his writings have appeared in dozens of popular magazines, newspapers, and scholarly journals. Wise is a frequent commentator on CNN, MSNBC, and NPR, and his speeches have been viewed over 30 million times on various social media platforms. Wise has served as adjunct faculty at the Smith College School for Social Work and was the 2008 Oliver L. Brown Distinguished Visiting Scholar for Diversity Issues at Washburn University, in Topeka, Kansas. He has served on the advisory boards of the Fisk University Race Relations Institute, the African American Policy Forum, and the National League of Cities' Racial Equity and Leadership Team. He graduated from Tulane University in 1990 and received anti-racism training from the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond, both in New Orleans. And he is the host of the podcast Speak Out with Tim Wise.  Key Takeaways Woke is being aware of ongoing systemic injustice and being concerned about altering it Racism is a systemic force and not about “good” or “bad” people Building a collaborative space requires constantly checking in with the things you don’t know — ask questions that make space for others’ perspectives Some of the most radical anti-racism work is listening and supporting the needs of Black people so they can organize and lead When you mess up, sit with the criticism, acknowledge your wrongdoing, apologize and keep moving forward Keep holding truth to power so you understand how and why racism works in America today, then you can reconcile with your community Authenticity is acknowledging that we are all people caught in a bad system: will you change the system or will the system change you? Guest’s Media Recommendations: Any work by James Baldwin (books and essays) __ Find Guest’s work: Tim’s website: https://www.speakoutnow.org/speakers/tim-wise __ 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 Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!

Season’s Greetings and Season Beginning to all listeners. Season Beginnings refers to the start of the New Year and what will be the 6th season of the podcast.  I am also alluding to the slight change of brand…we will no longer call the show; Incognito the Podcast, but rather; Authenticity Belonging & Community, or ABC for short.  And for many of us, our childhoods were filled with learning our ABC’s.  These three words - more than anything else - truly define the focus of the show.  And thus, it is with a new season beginning that I offer you Season’s Greetings! __ 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 Emma Yarger. Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!