Humanize: Stories from the Heart about Social Justice

Courthney Russell Jr and Emily Braucher

It's easy to say you believe in social justice, but engaging in honest conversations about race can be deeply uncomfortable, vulnerable, messy, and complex. Join co-hosts Courthney Russell (social entrepreneur, activist and doctor) and Emily Braucher (keynote speaker and mom) as they take on the kind of interracial dialogue needed to disrupt the current social order and create equity.

  1. 2d ago

    Can We Just Be Human? Authenticity in the Age of Cancel Culture

    In this episode, co-hosts Courthney and Emily welcome educator, martial artist, and systems thinker Ian Sanderson (Mohawk Nation, Turtle Clan) for a wide-ranging conversation about authenticity, Indigenous worldviews, and what it means to stay in relationship during deeply polarized times. Ian draws from more than 25 years of work integrating Indigenous, Eastern, and Western traditions to explore why many of today's social challenges can't be solved through more certainty or better answers. Instead, he invites us toward curiosity, humility, and a more relational way of understanding ourselves and one another. Together, they explore: Why relationship, not individuality, has always been at the heart of healthy communities. How white supremacy and colonial thinking disconnect us from one another and from the natural world. The difference between authenticity rooted in ego and authenticity rooted in honest self-inquiry. Why saying "I don't know" may be one of the most courageous acts of leadership. How communities can hold people accountable while still making restoration possible. Why fear, certainty, and the need to be right often prevent genuine connection. What Indigenous perspectives on systems, complexity, and reciprocity can teach us about navigating today's cultural tensions. Rather than offering simple answers, this conversation encourages listeners to ask deeper questions: Who is the "self" we're trying to be authentic to? What happens when we choose relationship over certainty? And how might a little more humility help us humanize one another? Follow Humanize on Instagram: www.instagram.com/thehumanizepodcast Support Humanize: https://www.patreon.com/thehumanizepodcast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehumanizepodcast Contact us: info@thehumanizepodcast.com

    1h 13m
  2. 5d ago

    Should White Parents Teach Their Kids the N-Word?

    In our first full video episode, Courtney and Emily reflect on the journey of The Humanize Podcast—how an unlikely partnership that began during the pandemic has grown into over 100 conversations centered on race, humanity, and courageous dialogue. The conversation then turns to a deeply personal parenting question: Should white parents teach their children about the N-word? Emily shares why she's wrestling with the question as her children become more exposed to history, music, and conversations about race. Courtney offers a thoughtful perspective on why avoiding the topic gives the word more power, emphasizing that children should understand its historical weight, why it has been used to dehumanize Black people, and why it is not a word for white people to use. Together, they explore: Why difficult conversations shouldn't be avoided simply because they're uncomfortable. How parents can introduce complex topics based on a child's curiosity and readiness—not a specific age. The importance of teaching historical context instead of creating taboo. The difference between criticizing white supremacy culture and criticizing white people. How systems—not individuals alone—shape inequality, using medicine as one example of how bias becomes normalized. Why raising compassionate, informed children requires honest conversations rather than silence. As always, the episode isn't about having all the answers—it's about creating space for curiosity, vulnerability, and the kinds of conversations that help us humanize one another. www.thehumanizepodcast.com YOUTUBE: @thehumanizepodcast Join our community for exclusive episodes and to support our work: https://www.patreon.com/thehumanizepodcast

    32 min
  3. 04/24/2025

    Live @MoB (Part 4): The Student Athlete's Platform: Fighting for the won on and off the field w/DaWon Baker

    How do student-athletes balance speaking out with staying in the game? In this episode, we explore the delicate tension between advocacy and career security for college athletes—where using your voice can come with both purpose and risk. DaWon Baker joins us for our final live audience podcast at the Museum of Boulder for a powerful conversation about the role of sports in social change. From the 2015 Mizzou football strike to the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, we look at how athletes and institutions can challenge white supremacy culture and amplify marginalized voices. Shaped by the uprisings in Ferguson following the death of Michael Brown, DaWon brings a deeply personal lens to this work. He shares the behind-the-scenes strategies and support systems that help athletes navigate issues like police brutality, racial injustice, and the ongoing tension between visibility and vulnerability. Guided and informed by great audience engagment, the conversation connects past to present—from the legacy of Tommy Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics to the enduring influence of Dr. Harry Edwards. DaWon also reflects on how institutions like CU Boulder can engage with their own Black histories and reimagine what inclusion looks like on and off the field. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about sports as a platform for protest—and the courageous leadership required to make change from within. (0:00:05) - Exploring Diversity and Activism in Sports DeJuan Baker shares his journey in fostering inclusive team cultures and the impact of neglected conversations on race and social justice.   (0:11:29) - Empowering Athletes Beyond Sports Passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion in sports, using it as a platform for social change and encouraging student-athletes to do the same.   (0:22:13) - Empowering Athletes to Speak Out Empowering athletes to speak out on social issues while providing resources and strategic planning to protect their positions.   (0:26:28) - Navigating Athlete Activism and Title IX Athletes' role in societal issues, navigating involvement effectively, providing resources and platforms for expression, potential for significant protests, Title IX and gender equality in sports.   (0:31:02) - Navigating Diversity and Critical Thinking Trans rights in sports and societal inclusion, parallels with immigration and historical narratives, and the role of sports in fostering understanding and unity.   (0:45:05) - Recognizing Color While Treating Equally Recognizing and respecting racial identity, engaging in productive conversations about race, and promoting education for growth.   (0:48:02) - Athlete Activism and Influence Sports and social activism intersect, with historical examples and modern implications, highlighting athletes' roles in advocacy.   (0:56:01) - Athlete Choices in HBCUs Hiring high-profile coaches at HBCUs can elevate these institutions, but sustained commitment is needed to create lasting change.   (0:59:41) - Connecting History and Athlete Empowerment CU's efforts to connect with Black history, preserve stories, and improve alumni relationships for young students and athletes.   (1:11:31) - Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in Sports CU's shifting dynamics support Black community through new faculty and staff, voting engagement, athletics, and affinity groups.

    1h 18m
  4. 04/08/2025

    Live @MOB (Part 3): The Cost of Performative Progress: Lessons from a Liberal Bubble w/Dr Amy Pickens

    In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Amy at the Museum of Boulder, surrounded by the living history of Black resilience and brilliance. Against this backdrop, Amy shares her deeply personal journey—navigating the tensions between authentic leadership and the performative demands often placed on DEI professionals. With vulnerability and clarity, Amy reflects on what it means to be hired for visibility rather than voice, and the emotional armor many are forced to wear in spaces that fail to honor full humanity. Her story challenges us to move beyond optics and into a deeper understanding of inclusion rooted in trust, care, and truth-telling. We follow Amy into the healing spaces she's reclaimed—like yoga, hiking, and sound baths—where rest becomes a radical act of resistance. She speaks to the transformative power of sisterhood, creativity, and ancestral connection as essential tools for resilience and collective liberation. This episode is a call to action for leaders and listeners alike: to center lived experience, honor Black wisdom, and nurture spaces where wellness and justice are not at odds. Dr. Amy reminds us that authentic change starts with inner alignment and is sustained by community, courage, and care. Join us in listening deeply to Dr. Amy's story—and in recommitting to the work of meaningful, embodied equity. FInd out more about Dr Amy and her business here: https://www.apcoachingconsulting.com/   (0:00:00) - Amplifying Black Voices in Boulder Co-hosts facilitate authentic conversations about race, exploring performative progress and fostering healing for Black women at the Museum of Boulder. (0:05:15) - Navigating Performative Progress in Leadership DEI work requires genuine, humanity-centered leadership and prioritizing self-care to avoid performative progress and exhaustion. (0:17:55) - Healing Through Yoga and Social Justice Leadership, social justice, and personal wellness intersect in reclaiming outdoor spaces for healing and resistance. (0:24:24) - Centering Ancestral Wisdom in DEI Community spaces like Urban Sanctuary must prioritize ancestral wisdom and tailored DEI efforts for healing and wellness. (0:39:22) - Personal Accountability and Social Change Prioritizing self-care and personal accountability for systemic change, acknowledging immigration stories, and contributing to personal and collective progress through journaling. (0:46:35) - Resisting and Healing DEI conversations require planting seeds, leaning into discomfort, centering harm repair, and prioritizing healing and empowerment. (1:01:33) - Creating Inclusive Healing Spaces Through Yoga Valuing diverse experiences, creating inclusive spaces for healing and community, and prioritizing authentic connections in communal settings. (1:11:33) - Rest, Healing, and Authentic Activism Rest and healing are forms of resistance and empowerment for Black women, highlighting the importance of honoring lineage and aligning work with personal purpose. (1:18:23) - Staying Committed to Social Justice DEI work faces challenges and resistance, with a focus on commitment and authenticity, societal shifts, and the impact of exclusionary pasts. (1:30:44) - Recognizing Support in Social Justice Showing support and recognition for those doing significant work, personal experiences, involvement with Museum of Boulder.

    1h 30m
  5. 01/28/2025

    Live @MoB (Part 1): Art, Activism, and Amplifying Black Voices in Boulder w/ Adderly Grant-Lorde

    LIVE AT THE MUSEUM OF BOULDER (Part 1) In this episode, we bring you an eye-opening conversation with the remarkable artist Adderley Grant-Lorde. Her journey unfolds against the backdrop of Boulder, Colorado, where she strives to amplify Black voices and carve out spaces for diversity in a predominantly white city. By sharing her personal story, Adderley highlights the crucial role of community responsibility in shaping identity, especially for marginalized groups. We tackle the transformative potential of art and activism as Adderley recounts her efforts to use creativity as a force for societal change. Amidst the challenges brought on by the pandemic, she discovered an inner purpose that propelled her to action, reminding us of the profound impact each of us can have when we're true to ourselves. Through her inspiring narrative, we discuss the importance of fostering power from within and nurturing individuality, especially for the younger generation facing societal pressures. Join us as we explore themes of parenting, unity and kindness, championed through Adderley's vibrant art exhibits and community engagements. By questioning societal norms that divide us, we advocate for a more understanding and compassionate world. This episode is not just a conversation—it's an invitation to imagine, create, and contribute to an environment where everyone's unique gifts are celebrated.  Find Adderly:www.adderlyart.com, instagram: @adderlyart If you'd like to support Humanize in continuing this work, we'd be honored if you'd consider donating here: https://www.patreon.com/thehumanizepodcast  More about our "Amplifying Black Culture in Boulder" live series at the Museum of Boulder: We reached out to partner with the Museum of Boulder with the intent to explore the Black experience in Boulder through our live podcast series, "Amplifying Black Culture in Boulder." Luckily for us they were game!  Make a reservation for the next event here: https://museumofboulder.org/events/the-humanize-podcast-live-recording/ Connect with us on social media as we continue to share updates and insights on this empowering journey: Instagram: https://instagram.com/thehumanizepodcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/thehumanizepodcast  Email: info@thehumanizepodcast.com

    58 min
5
out of 5
51 Ratings

About

It's easy to say you believe in social justice, but engaging in honest conversations about race can be deeply uncomfortable, vulnerable, messy, and complex. Join co-hosts Courthney Russell (social entrepreneur, activist and doctor) and Emily Braucher (keynote speaker and mom) as they take on the kind of interracial dialogue needed to disrupt the current social order and create equity.

You Might Also Like