Navigating Freedom of Speech in a Diverse Society With Greg Lukianoff

In this engaging episode, podcast hosts Maria Morukian and Roger Moreano delve into a multifaceted conversation with Scott Tharp, an esteemed scholar-practitioner and educational interventionist. With a rich background in social work, curriculum design, and program evaluation, Scott shares profound insights into the early messages and values that have shaped his personal and professional journey.

1. Early Messages and Values: Scott reflects on the pivotal messages from his upbringing, including the emphasis on seeing the best in people and the profound impact of learning about hope and resilience during his undergraduate years. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for his commitment to social justice and his belief in the transformative power of education.
   
   
2. Political Nature of Education: Delving into the political landscape of education, Scott discusses the inherent politicization of educational practices and the importance of critically examining the choices made as educators. He highlights the necessity of framing educational work not as partisan politics, but as a means to challenge power structures and foster critical thinking in academic settings.
   
   
3. Social Justice as a Process: Scott unpacks the concept of social justice as a dynamic process rather than a fixed goal, emphasizing the importance of continual learning, unlearning, and growth. Drawing from his expertise in curriculum design and program evaluation, he advocates for a nuanced understanding of activism within academia and beyond.

Scott Tharp is an active scholar-practitioner and educational interventionist, with research interests focusing on the development and assessment of social justice education curriculum and pedagogical practices. He has published scholarly articles in prestigious journals such as the Journal of Transformative Education, Multicultural Education, Multicultural Perspectives, and Whiteness in Education. Scott is also the author of two influential books: Doing Social Justice Education: A Practitioner's Guide for Workshops and Structured Conversations (2020) and Decoding Privilege: Exploring White College Students' Views on Social Inequality (2022).

Currently serving as the Associate Director for Academic Program Review and Assessment at the University of Illinois Chicago, Scott enhances students’ educational experiences by partnering with academic degree programs, institutes, and centers to regularly assess student learning and implement campus-wide review processes. With a Ph.D. in Curriculum Studies from the University of Illinois Chicago, an M.S.W. from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, and a B.A. in Sociology and Philosophy from Elmhurst College, Scott also holds an appointment as Affiliated Faculty in the MSW Program at DePaul University. His expertise extends to serving as an assessment mentor for the Higher Learning Commission's Assessment Academy and his prior leadership role on the national leadership team for NASPA’s Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Knowledge Community as the co-Chair for the Professional Development.

Through engaging dialogue and thoughtful reflection, Scott and the podcast hosts navigate complex topics with depth and nuance, offering valuable perspectives on fostering inclusivity, challenging dominant narratives, and driving meaningful change in education and society.

Learn more about Scott:

• Doing Social Justice Education - Book

• Decoding Privilege - Book

• Friere deep cuts - Article 

The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the hosts and the speaker.

In this episode of Culture Stew, hosts Maria Morukian and Roger Moreano engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Diana Cutaia. Together, they explore the intricate layers of identity formation, challenging gender norms, and reimagining success through the lens of peace-building. Join us as we unravel the threads of identity with Diana Cutaia.

Navigating Personal and Cultural Messages: Diana Cutaia shares insights into how the messages she received from her family, culture, and upbringing shaped her understanding of identity and her role in the world. Growing up as a middle child amidst trauma, she developed a keen awareness of her surroundings, which evolved into a valuable skill for her work.

Challenging Gender Norms and Expectations: Reflecting on her experiences as a CISgender woman, Diana discusses the pressures to conform to narrow gender stereotypes and the struggles she faced in finding her authentic self. Rejecting societal norms, she embarked on a journey to redefine what it means to express femininity and masculinity.

Coaching Peace: Redefining Success and Building Empathy: Through her initiative, Coaching Peace, Diana strives to transform the narrative surrounding sports and cultivate environments of compassion, respect, and understanding. By challenging traditional coaching methods rooted in competition and aggression, she advocates for a holistic approach that fosters empathy, equity, and genuine connection.

This episode delves into the complexities of identity formation, the importance of challenging societal norms, and the transformative power of fostering peace and empathy in communities. Join us as we unravel the threads of identity with Diana Cutaia.

Navigating the Complexities of Masculinity with Maura Barclay

 In this enlightening episode, Roger Moreano and Maria engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Maura Barclay, a certified change management specialist with expertise in leadership, masculinity, and privilege. Maura's unique perspective and experiences, including her background as a bodybuilder, firefighter, and gymnast, add a fascinating layer to the discussion.

 Key Takeaways: 

Challenging Conversations Around Masculinity and Privilege: Maura delves into her work of facilitating challenging conversations around masculinity, particularly with male leaders who may come from a traditionally socialized idea of what it means to be a man. The trio explores the dynamics of power, hierarchy, and systemic dehumanization within social structures, emphasizing the importance of addressing toxic masculinity.

Male Policing and Bystander Paralysis: The conversation highlights the phenomenon of male policing, where men intimidate each other to maintain a culture of male domination. Maura discusses the concept of bystander paralysis, emphasizing the responsibility of individuals to interrupt destructive behaviors. 

Reframing Strength and Fear in Masculinity: Maura challenges the traditional notions of strength tied to physicality and problem-solving. The discussion focuses on reframing masculinity to allow for a broader definition that includes vulnerability and emotional expression. The fear of not conforming to societal expectations of strength is explored, along with strategies to address and reshape these perceptions.

This episode provides valuable insights into navigating conversations around masculinity, privilege, and leadership, offering a fresh perspective on dismantling toxic behaviors and fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment.

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Maura Barclay:
Maura Barclay is a certified Change Management Specialist, a certified Talent Optimization Leader with Predictive Index, HRCI SPHR and a Neuro Facilitation Practitioner. She has had the privilege of bringing her thought leadership as a speaker, trainer and consultant to Fortune 500 companies, the US Military, and the International Monetary Fund among others. Prior to her current role as Director of People and Culture, she served as a consultant for nearly a decade as the CEO & Founder of Changing Greatly, a culture and talent consultancy specializing in creating psychologically safe, inclusive cultures where humans love to work.

In this insightful episode, Maria and Roger sit down with Lisa Mulligan, the founder and Director of The Culture Ministry. With a rich background spanning 20 years in global organizations, Lisa is a seasoned professional in human resources, organizational change, and Diversity & Inclusion (D&I). Her dream of establishing a pragmatic and experienced business offering D&I consultancy and support services has come to fruition through The Culture Ministry. Lisa's expertise extends across devising D&I strategies, implementing inclusion initiatives, and providing credible governance reporting. She is also the host of the popular podcast 'A Dog Called Diversity,' where she explores diverse stories to foster understanding and kindness.

During the episode, Maria and Roger delve into Lisa's extensive experience over the past decade. Lisa has been instrumental in supporting the development and work of employee network groups, addressing issues such as gender, LGBTIQ+, race, and disability. The conversation covers Lisa's role in devising D&I strategy, implementing initiatives, and responding to race discrimination, including the impactful work related to Black Lives Matter. Listeners gain valuable insights into Lisa's credible governance reporting, board paper preparation, and market research contributions to boards and executive teams.

A key takeaway from the episode is Lisa's dedication to building a more inclusive world. Through her podcast, 'A Dog Called Diversity,' she provides a platform for people to share stories of being a bit different, fostering understanding and kindness. The episode highlights the importance of addressing topics such as disability, mental health, racism, LGBTIQ+ issues, and gender stereotypes in the broader context of Diversity & Inclusion.

Don't miss this engaging episode with Lisa Mulligan! Tune in to 'A Dog Called Diversity' to explore the diverse narratives that contribute to a more inclusive society. Connect with Lisa and learn more about her impactful work at The Culture Ministry and follow @thecultureministry on LinkedIn. Take the first step towards greater understanding and kindness by immersing yourself in the world of Diversity & Inclusion through Lisa's unique perspective.

More about Lisa and The Culture Ministry: https://www.thecultureministry.com/about 

A Dog Called Diversity: https://adogcalleddiversity.buzzsprout.com/

2022 Inaugural APAC Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Salary Survey Report: https://www.thecultureministry.com/2022-apac-di-salary-survey 

In today’s episode, Maria and Roger are joined by the rest of the MSM Global Team, Jasmin Robinson, and Melissa Graetz.  The conversation centered on reflections of 2023 and forecasts for 2024.  The team shared what they are grateful for and the high moments from the past year at MSM Global Consulting. They delved into the current challenges they see in  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and what keeps them up at night. They discussed strategies to sustain momentum in the face of resistance and pushback. Tune in for a candid and inspiring discussion on preserving joy and commitment in the pursuit of a more diverse and inclusive professional journey.

 Remember to write a five-star rating!!

Ryan Van Duzer, a Boulder native and seasoned adventurer, as he shares his incredible journey of falling in love with bicycle travel. Growing up in the scenic landscapes of Colorado, Ryan's early exposure to the Rocky Mountains and the outdoors instilled in him a deep respect for nature, a value that continues to shape his life.

From the open-minded and progressive community of Boulder to his experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer in Honduras, Ryan's tales resonate with the importance of connecting with people and cultures. Discover how a once shy kid evolved into a confident explorer, fostering rich cultural exchanges with communities around the world.

As Ryan takes you on a ride through his adventures, from selling newspaper subscriptions in Boulder to cycling through remote villages in Baja Mexico, you'll gain insights into the transformative power of travel. Explore the challenges he faced, from storms and hurricanes to unexpected encounters, and learn how each experience contributed to his unique perspective on life. There’s even a moving tale about 2023’s Burning Man!

Ryan's stories highlight the beauty of embracing the unknown, the importance of open hearts in connecting with others, and the richness that comes from immersing oneself in diverse cultures. Join us for an inspiring episode that celebrates the spirit of adventure, human connection, and the magic of the open road.

Subscribe to Ryan’s YouTube channel here! https://www.youtube.com/@duzer 

Find more information about Ryan’s book here! https://www.duzertv.com/mybook   

Navigating Freedom of Speech in a Diverse Society With Greg Lukianoff

In this episode of Culture Stew, we delve into the complexities of free speech in a diverse society with Greg Lukianoff. This episode explores how American society can encourage and preserve a marketplace of ideas while being mindful of the impact, opportunities and potential consequences of unfettered free expression. This episode also addresses the challenge of fostering free expression on university campuses and understanding the potential impact on underrepresented and/or marginalized individuals and groups.

An unconventional perspective is introduced—the "Pure Informational Theory of Freedom of Speech." This viewpoint challenges traditional notions by emphasizing the value of understanding diverse perspectives and questioning the efficacy of banning offensive speech in a multicultural society. Join us as Maria and Roger talk with Greg about the following themes! 

Collective Identity and Threat Perception

• Individuals' varied perceptions of threats are examined with a focus on historically marginalized groups. Who determines what constitutes a threat, and should speech ever be seen as such?

Speech, Mental Habits, and Censorship

• The discussion shifts to exploring the impact of speech on mental habits, emphasizing the importance of careful messaging.

Challenges on College Campuses

• The conversation delves into the challenges faced on college campuses, particularly concerning the clash between free expression and protecting marginalized groups. 

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Learn more about Greg and his organization, FIRE, here: https://www.thefire.org/about-us/our-team/greg-lukianoff?category=1575

Bio:

Greg Lukianoff is an attorney, New York Times best-selling author, and the President and CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). He is the author of Unlearning Liberty: Campus Censorship and the End of American Debate, Freedom From Speech, and FIRE’s Guide to Free Speech on Campus, and he co-authored The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure with Jonathan Haidt. Most recently, he co-authored The Canceling of the American Mind: Cancel Culture Destroys Institutions and Threatens Us All—But There Is a Solution with Rikki Schlott. Greg is also an Executive Producer of Can We Take a Joke? (2015), a feature-length documentary that explores the collision between comedy, censorship, and outrage culture, both on and off campus, and of Mighty Ira: A Civil Liberties Story (2020), an award-winning feature-length film about the life and career of former ACLU Executive Director Ira Glasser.

Special Episode 

In this Illuminating episode, we delve into the fascinating world of conflict zones with Dr. Todd Culp, a distinguished professor of political science and history. With extensive research spanning regions like the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and even Ireland, Todd's journey provides a rare glimpse into the realities of violence, terrorism, and the pursuit of peace.

Todd Culp's Biography:

 Dr. Todd Culp's journey began in 1993 during the first Palestinian Uprising in the Middle East. He resided in the West Bank, conducting interviews with militant groups such as Islamic Jihad and Hamas, seeking to better understand the turmoil surrounding him. His experiences have since taken him to regions where terrorist attacks and violence are all too common. Notably, he interviewed Irish Republican Army (IRA) members, including an assassin serving a 284-year prison sentence.

Apart from his research and teaching, Todd actively collaborates with peace activists, committed to confronting the ongoing violence in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He often leads educational tours into these conflict zones to provide a firsthand look at the harsh realities of these battles.

Key Takeaways:

The Universal Nature of Humanity: Todd highlights the remarkable power of travel in breaking down cultural barriers and discovering the shared human experience. No matter the culture or politics, humor and laughter serve as bridges that connect us all. Authentic human connections can be formed when we are willing to laugh at ourselves and look beyond differences.

The Call for Authentic Voices: Todd emphasizes the importance of taking risks to be an authentic voice for peace and humanity. While his own experiences may sound extreme, he encourages listeners to recognize that there are countless ways to make a difference. Small acts of involvement, such as supporting peace activists, can have a significant impact.

The Value of Embracing Change: Todd highlights the inherent risk in life and how embracing change can lead to a more meaningful existence. In today's often sterile and protected environments, stepping outside one's comfort zone can provide a deeper sense of purpose. It's a reminder that beauty can be found in the midst of ugliness, and pressure can lead to inspiring heights.

Todd Culp's Books:
The Friends Whose Names I'll Never Know
Whiskey with Freedom Fighters, Tea with Terrorists

Explore the incredible journey of Elmer Dixon, co-founder of the Seattle Chapter of the Black Panther Party. From the turbulent 1960s to his role as a global diversity consultant, Elmer's story offers a unique perspective on the fight for racial justice.

In this episode, Elmer Dixon shares his experiences as a Black Panther Party co-founder, detailing the challenges they faced, such as government opposition and surveillance. His journey from activism to a diversity consultant underscores the ongoing importance of addressing racial injustice and adapting strategies.

Key Takeaways:

• Relevance Across Eras: Elmer's experiences with the Black Panther Party in the 1960s echo today's struggles for racial justice, highlighting the enduring fight against systemic racism and police brutality.
• Community Empowerment: The Party's grassroots initiatives, including food assistance and healthcare, exemplify the power of community-based programs in addressing racial disparities.
• Legacy and Adaptation: Elmer's transition to a diversity consultant emphasizes the need for adaptive strategies and collective action in the ongoing battle for equality.

Join us for a powerful conversation with Elmer Dixon, shedding light on his remarkable journey and his unyielding commitment to advancing racial justice. Don't miss this episode on the podcast.

In this thought-provoking episode, Maria is hosting solo while Roger is on a well earned vacation. She speaks with Vinay Kumar, a Leadership Coach, Certified Professional Facilitator, OD Consultant, Podcaster, Global Nomad, Wildlife Stalker and Records Collector! They engage in a wide-ranging conversation exploring the intersections of global leadership, positivity, and well-being in the ever-evolving landscape of work and culture. They discuss the impact of technology, travel, and the COVID-19 pandemic on how we approach leadership and the importance of fostering gratitude and positivity in our daily lives.

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Key Takeaways:
The Evolution of Global Leadership

Maria and Vinay explore how global leadership has evolved over the years, from managing international teams to working with multicultural workforces in a digital and remote world. They emphasize the need for leaders to adapt to new challenges, such as building deep connections in a virtual environment and fostering intercultural skills.

The Power of Gratitude and Positivity

The discussion delves into the relationship between gratitude, positivity, and well-being. Vinay highlights the importance of gratitude as the foundation of positivity, stressing that recognizing and appreciating what we have can lead to a more positive mindset. The hosts share personal experiences and emphasize the role of positivity in facing adversity.

The Shift in Priorities and Mindset

Maria and Vinay encourage leaders and individuals to reflect on their priorities and values, especially in a fast-paced world. They discuss how the pandemic has prompted people to reevaluate what truly matters in their lives and how positivity can emerge from a mindset of gratitude. The conversation highlights the significance of being present, grateful, and pragmatic.

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This podcast episode offers valuable insights into adapting to the changing dynamics of leadership, fostering positivity in everyday life, and maintaining well-being amidst evolving global challenges.

Learn more about Vinay and his podcast: SHINY HAPPY PEOPLE with Vinay Kumar