Sundays With Verna Verna Myers

In this thought-provoking episode, Vernā engages with the talented Emmy-nominated storyteller Baratunde Thurston in a wide-ranging discussion covering community, unlikely allies, intergenerational lessons, and dispelling myths related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Baratunde discusses how different and seemingly unrelated peoples connection with nature has impacted his perspective of interdependence, the future prospects of community and why nature deserves the same rights humans do.  Vernā and Baratunde’s conversation is a testament to the power of discourse in bridging societal divides and imagining a future rooted in shared understanding and cooperation. 
Click here to learn more about Baratunde Thurston’s PBS series "America Outdoors" and the "How to Citizen" podcast. In these, he uses a blend of humor, insight, and fresh perspectives to address complex issues and help us understand how to improve society for everyone.
 

In this episode of "Sundays with Vernā," Anu Gupta, CEO of BE MORE with Anu and author of Breaking Bias (to be released in September 2024), joins Vernā as the latest guest. Together, they discuss the integration of mindfulness, science, and spiritualism in their work. He explains the journey that led to him receiving a foreword from the Dalai Lama. Anu also shares insights into the scientific tools he has developed to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). Anu talks about his past struggles with mental health and how it inspired him to create the PRISM toolkit, a scientific methodology he developed to address biases. He also explains how principles of non-harming are incorporated into his DEIB practices. During the conversation, Vernā and Anu delve into the history of nonviolence in social movements worldwide. They also highlight the significance of AAPI Heritage and mental health awareness while they examine the obstacles that biases present. Vernā and Anu stress the importance of developing emotional competencies for DEI(B) work, self-love, and compassion. Anu also emphasizes the role of businesses in advancing social movements in the 21st  century.
 
 

On this Episode of Sundays With Vernā, Verna and her guest, Dr. Jenn M. Jackson, delve into Jackson's new book Black Women Taught Us: An Intimate History of Black Feminism, her personal journey into Black Feminism, and the stories of influential Black feminist figures featured in the book. In this discussion, Jackson pays homage to Black feminist foremothers such as Toni Morrison, Ida B. Wells, and Bell Hooks, praising their resilience and ingenuity in the face of systemic obstacles and personal struggles. Their stories are instrumental in understanding the continuum of Black Feminism. Vernā and Dr. Jackson navigate the nuanced concept of freedom and the value of choice and agency on the path to equity. Jackson stresses the importance of recognizing and learning from the history and ideology of Black Feminism, with an emphasis on supporting and uplifting the community's youth as they assume the torch of advocacy and change. A powerful and compelling episode for newcomers to this philosophy seeking to learn how to support Black women in the workplace and their communities

In this episode of Sundays with Vernā, we are featuring a powerful conversation with Robert P. Jones, author of The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy: And the Path to a Shared American Future. The research on which Robert’s latest book is based delves deeply into the painful truth of our nation’s historic violence against Indigenous people and those of African descent. By having difficult conversations, Jones brings imagination to the task of repairing past injustice, embracing equity and above all remembering: We can do better.

In this episode, Vernā Myers brings together Kenji Yoshino, a constitutional law professor at the New York University School of Law, and David Glasgow, founding Executive Director of NYU’s Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging, to talk about their work and the future of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion across corporate America. Yoshino and Glasgow also highlight the goals behind their new book, "Say the Right Thing: How to Talk About Identity, Diversity, and Justice," a practical guide to having difficult conversations.
Click  here to learn more about our guests’ work and the mission at NYU Law School's Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging. You can also read reviews and purchase copies of their new book, “Say the Right Thing: How to Talk About Identity, Diversity, and Justice,” at this website.
 

In this episode, Eric Bigger, a speaker, author, executive coach, and fan favorite from The Bachelorette, shares tools and insights about his integrative approach to wellness. By healing ancestral patterns and rewriting negative self-talk, people have the potential to become and transform into their highest selves.
 
Want a daily dose of Eric’s wisdom? Check out his book, "100 Days Of Wisdom: Wisdom For Life." Download your free Miracle Mindset Guide at this link or get 50% off Eric’s #It'sMiracleSeason merch entering promo code: MSEASON. You can also click here to connect directly with Eric and set up a complimentary phone call to discuss 1:1 coaching to achieve your life and business goals.