Get Uncomfortable

On this episode of Get Uncomfortable, Adam and Cherise Freyner discuss various aspects of race, identity, and parenting, particularly in the context of interracial relationships and raising multiracial children. Cherise shares her personal experiences as a white mother of multiracial children and discusses the challenges her children face in terms of racial identity. The conversation also touches on the importance of acknowledging and affirming blackness in a society where systemic racism is prevalent. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of self-reflection, open communication, and active anti-racism efforts in raising multiracial children and navigating a racially diverse society. It also touches on the role of white parents in advocating for racial equity and understanding the experiences of their children of color.Join the Conversation:We value your feedback and welcome your questions or suggestions for future topics. Reach out to us via email at rachelhanson10@gmail.com or adam@hearadamspeak.com, or leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Don't forget to share this episode with friends and family to help spread the conversation and encourage others to "Get Uncomfortable."

On this episode of Get Uncomfortable, Adam Smith has a conversation with multi-passionate professional, Latonya Pinkard. Over the course of the conversation, we discussa range of topics, including education, student-athletes, systemic challenges, and the power of recognizing and respecting one another's humanity. LaToya's experiences as an educator and her dedication to helping students succeed are central themes throughout the discussion.Stay Connected:Host's Website: HearAdamSpeak.comGuest: LaTonya Pinkard on LinkedInJoin the Conversation:We value your feedback and welcome your questions or suggestions for future topics. Reach out to us via email at rachelhanson10@gmail.com or adam@hearadamspeak.com, or leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Don't forget to share this episode with friends and family to help spread the conversation and encourage others to "Get Uncomfortable."

Main Discussion Points:Overview of Affirmative Action:Explanation of affirmative action as a policy aimed at addressing historical inequalities and promoting diversity.Mention of the Michigan case as an example of affirmative action's complexities.Impact on Legacy and Donor Preferences:Discussion on how affirmative action policies have evolved and whether they address legacy and donor preferences.Highlighting the Michigan case and how points and preferences were given exclusively to certain racial groups.Critique of Approach:Critique of how affirmative action policies have been challenged in court, often overlooking reserved points exclusively for whiteness.Emphasis on not addressing the institutional racism that created the need for affirmative action.Holistic Admissions Approach:Explanation of the shift to holistic admission after 2003, considering the whole student rather than assigning specific points.Highlighting Sandra Day O'Connor's prediction about the decline of race-based preferences over time.Affirmative Action in Recent Years:Mention of the Fisher case and its connection to Edward Blum's efforts to challenge affirmative action.Discussion of the Harvard and University of North Carolina cases involving Asian American plaintiffs.Diversity and Reality of Admissions:Examination of diversity statistics in college admissions, including the percentage of Asian and white students.Noting the lack of representation for certain minority groups and addressing legacy and donor factors.Myths and Realities of Affirmative Action:Debunking myths about affirmative action leading to unqualified individuals getting admitted.Explaining the shift to holistic admission and the removal of standardized test requirements.Expanding Affirming Action and Solidarity:Discussion about expanding affirmative action to other marginalized communities beyond race.Advocating for a collective approach that benefits everyone and challenges systemic inequities.Importance of Intersectionality:Emphasizing the importance of intersectional analysis when addressing discrimination and inequities.Recognizing that various forms of discrimination are interconnected and need to be addressed together.Rainbow Coalition and Collective Action:Reference to the concept of a Rainbow Coalition that unites diverse groups for social change.Urging collective action for justice, equity, and systemic change.Call for Change and Better Society:Urging a proactive approach to create a more just and equitable society.Emphasizing the need for policy changes, compassion, and collaboration.Conclusion:Reiteration of the importance of working together to address systemic inequalities.Acknowledgment of the potential for positive change through collective efforts.Stay Connected:Host's Website: HearAdamSpeak.comGuest: Dr. Zach Ritter on LinkedInJoin the Conversation:We value your feedback and welcome your questions or suggestions for future topics. Reach out to us via email at rachelhanson10@gmail.com or adam@hearadamspeak.com, or leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Don't forget to share this episode with friends and family to help spread the conversation and encourage others to "Get Uncomfortable."

Description:In this episode of "Get Uncomfortable," host Adam Smith delves deep into the topic of affirmative action in college admissions with his guest, Dr. Zach Ritter. They discuss the historical context of affirmative action, its impact on different communities, and its relevance in modern-day America. Dr. Ritter, a scholar and diversity inclusion educator, sheds light on the systemic racism and inequality that persist despite progress made over the years. The conversation brings to the forefront the need for a more comprehensive understanding of affirmative action, its origins, and the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized communities.Episode Highlights:Introduction to the guest, Dr. Zach Ritter, a diversity inclusion educator and Vice President of Leadership Development at the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles.The origins of affirmative action: Exploring its historical context dating back to the Freedmen's Bureau in 1865 and its relevance today.Affirmative action and the impact on different racial and ethnic groups, including white women, during the early 1900s.The exclusion of black and brown people from government benefits such as the GI Bill after World War II and how it perpetuated inequality.The rise of the Civil Rights Movement and the push for affirmative action in the 1960s and 1970s.The landmark Supreme Court case, Bakke v. University of California, and its impact on quotas and college admissions.The Gratz v. Bollinger and Grutter v. Bollinger cases and their role in shaping affirmative action policies in the early 2000s.Understanding racism as a set of rigged rules and the need for systemic change to address inequality.Guest Bio:Dr. Zack Ritter received his PhD in higher education from UCLA and has been actively involved in diversity and inclusion education. He has served as the Associate Dean of Students at California State University Dominguez Hills and is currently the Vice President of Advancement at Jewish World Watch. Dr. Ritter also teaches a course called "The Revolution Might Be Televised: Social Justice History through Music and Movies."About the Show:"Get Uncomfortable" is a thought-provoking podcast hosted by Adam Smith that dives deep into conversations about race, politics, religion, and more. The show aims to challenge conventional beliefs and promote open discussions on critical social issues to foster understanding and empathy.Stay Connected:Host's Website: HearAdamSpeak.comGuest: Dr. Zach Ritter on LinkedInJoin the Conversation:We value your feedback and welcome your questions or suggestions for future topics. Reach out to us via email at rachelhanson10@gmail.com or adam@hearadamspeak.com, or leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Don't forget to share this episode with friends and family to help spread the conversation and encourage others to "Get Uncomfortable."Support the Show:If you enjoy "Get Uncomfortable," there are several ways you can support the show. Write a review on Apple Podcasts, share an episode with a friend, or consider booking Adam Smith as a speaker for your organization to continue the important discussions started on the podcast..

In this episode of Get Uncomfortable, host Adam Smith has a discussion with Juliana Dewitt, LaNissa Swiney, and Leron Collier about existing as a multiracial POC in our country Introduction:Introduce the episode and provide a brief overview of the discussion.Highlight the importance of embracing and understanding multiracial identity.Mention the speakers involved in the conversation.Segment 1: Conflicting Identity ExperiencesSpeaker shares personal experiences of feeling caught between racial identities.Discusses how society's perception of being "halfway" or "not fully" belonging to a particular racial group affected their sense of identity.Reflects on the challenges faced in both white and black communities and the struggle to fit into a specific racial box.Segment 2: The Power of Positive Racial ExperiencesSpeaker reflects on a transformative moment during Barack Obama's presidential nomination and the impact it had on their perception of opportunities and hope.Highlights the significance of receiving support and acceptance from the black community, which helped them embrace their identity as a black individual.Emphasizes the importance of teaching future generations to embrace and appreciate their racial and cultural backgrounds.Segment 3: The Role of Supportive ParentsSpeaker shares the unique experiences and influences of having a white father who embraced black culture.Discusses how their father's love and acceptance provided a sense of security in their multiracial identity.Explores the differences between the support provided by white mothers and black mothers, with a focus on survival versus comfort.Segment 4: Loving from a DistanceSpeaker discusses the challenges of maintaining relationships with family members who struggle to accept their multiracial identity.Shares personal experiences of being caught between conflicting expectations from different sides of their family.Talks about the decision to create distance from family members who hold racist views or fail to fully embrace their blackness.Segment 5: Wrestling with Identity and AcceptanceSpeaker delves into the complexities of embracing their blackness while acknowledging their white heritage.Reflects on the struggle of being seen as "not fully black" due to their multiracial background.Discusses the need for education and understanding within their white family to address issues of white privilege and cultural differences.Conclusion:Reflect on the importance of love, acceptance, and allowing space for multiracial individuals to define their own identities.Emphasize the significance of embracing and celebrating diverse racial and cultural backgrounds.Thank the speakers for their vulnerability and contributions to the discussion.Outro:Encourage listeners to leave reviews, share the episode, or reach out with feedback.Thank the audience for listening and invite them to tune in to future episodes.Get Uncomfortable with Adam A. Smith is produced in partnership between Adam A. Smith and Rachel Hanson.If you're interested in sponsoring Get Uncomfortable please feel free to reach out to Adam (adam@hearadamspeak.com) or Rachel (rachelhanson10@gmail.com).

On this episode of Get Uncomfortable, we're joined by Willie Carver, 2022 Kentucky Teacher of the Year and author of Gay Poems for Red States. Adam and Willie discuss the challenges associated with being an openly gay teacher in the rural south and the importance of directing resources toward supporting those who are marginalized by the "old/new" school.You can connect with Willie at his website and purchase Gay Poems for Red States anywhere you get books!Get Uncomfortable with Adam A. Smith is produced in partnership between Adam A. Smith and Rachel Hanson.If you're interested in sponsoring Get Uncomfortable please feel free to reach out to Adam (adam@hearadamspeak.com) or Rachel (rachelhanson10@gmail.com).