Conversations With Carole

Carole Copeland Thomas

"Conversations with Carole" is meant to build a community where we can talk about current and historical issues relevant to our times. I've been in the cross culture business for many years and celebrate the past work I've done in radio. It made sense NOW to move the conversation to a podcast format where we can all get involved!=====As an award-winning keynote speaker, trainer, and global thought leader, since 1987, Carole Copeland Thomas moderates the discussions of critical issues affecting the marketplace. She has her pulse on the issues affecting working professionals and regularly consults with industry leaders. She has spent 36 years cultivating relationships and partnerships with local, national, and international sponsors, including Walmart, Amtrak, and Emirates Airlines. Carole is the past president of The National Speakers Association -New England Chapter and was on the leadership team of Black NSA. Carole is a blogger and social media enthusiast using various technology platforms to enhance her business development activities.  Carole has been featured in the New York Times, Boston Globe, Black Enterprise, ABC Radio, and CBS News. She is the author of eight books and is the Past National Vice Chair of the National Black MBA Association Carole is a 28-year member of the National Speakers Association (NSA) and an active member of Black NSA. She won the President Emeritus Award for the leadership role she played during the 2017-2018 NSA New England Chapter Year. Visit Carole's website at www.carolecopelandthomas.com.

  1. AUG 6

    8/6/2025 EPISODE #55 Art, Ancestry, and Advocacy: GYNECOLOGY ART EXHIBITION with LILLY MARCELIN

    Guest: Lilly Marcelin, Founder & Executive Director of the Resilient Sisterhood Project (RSP) Host: Carole Copeland Thomas Episode Length: ~43 minutes Original Air Date: August 5, 2025 Featured Event: Call and Response: Gynecology Art Exhibition Location: Urban Farming Institute of Boston Date & Time: Saturday, August 9, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM Tickets: $20 | urbanfarminginstitute.org Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, Carole Copeland Thomas sits down with Haitian-born activist and visionary leader Lilly Marcelin, founder of the Resilient Sisterhood Project (RSP), to explore the intersection of art, medicine, Black history, and reproductive justice. What begins as a conversation about an upcoming art exhibition evolves into a profound journey through the untold stories of Anarcha, Betsy, and Lucy—three teenage enslaved girls subjected to brutal gynecological experiments in the 1840s by Dr. James Marion Sims, often lauded as the “father of modern gynecology.” Marcelin shares how her early work with survivors of gender-based violence led her to uncover the silenced reproductive struggles of Black women—both past and present. She recounts the birth of the Resilient Sisterhood Project and its commitment to lifting the veil on generational medical inequities and racism through education, advocacy, and the arts. The conversation highlights the upcoming Call and Response exhibition, featuring haunting and humanizing portraits by New York-based artist Jules Arthur. With six original paintings of Anarcha, Betsy, and Lucy, the exhibit reclaims their stories and invites attendees to witness history through an unapologetically Black and feminist lens. This episode is a tribute to resilience, remembrance, and the sacred power of storytelling. Don’t miss it. Links Mentioned: Resilient Sisterhood Project: rsphealth.orgUrban Farming Institute of Boston: urbanfarminginstitute.org

    40 min

  2. JUL 12

    7/12/2025 EPISODE #54 SWIPE: Take OnThe Trolls-Online Self Defense with Nicola Millington

    In this powerful and practical episode of Conversations With Carole, meet Nicola Millington—visionary PR strategist, cultural curator, and author of the timely and transformative new book, SWIPE: Mastering the Art of Handling Trolls and Protecting Your Peace. From the bustling energy of the Notting Hill Carnival to the calm confidence of digital self-defense, Nicola brings 25 years of communications wisdom to the screen and the page. This episode takes listeners on a journey through Nicola’s multicultural roots in Guyana and the UK, her philosophy of legacy business building, and the hard-won lessons that shaped her groundbreaking workbook, SWIPE. Designed to empower individuals and small business owners alike, the book offers real-life case studies, including the viral TikTok post on Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, and introduces a practical five-step SWIPE method:  Stop. Weigh. Investigate. Protect. Educate/Exit. Whether you're a Gen Z creator, a concerned parent, or a business leader fighting for your digital reputation, this episode arms you with tools, insight, and courage. Why Young People Should Read This Book: Mental Strength in a Digital World: In an age of online aggression, SWIPE gives young people strategies to navigate trolls, protect their mental health, and preserve their peace.Practical Digital Wisdom: Nicola offers timeless guidance infused with cultural depth and lived experience. From decoding digital aggression to identifying bot behavior, SWIPE is a survival guide for digital natives.Bridging Generations: With youth depression and loneliness rising alongside internet use, SWIPE is more than a book—it’s a bridge between analog wisdom and digital resilience.Empowerment Through Storytelling: The book includes nine relatable case studies, making it a must-read for young leaders, creators, and everyday users navigating the fast-paced world of online engagement.================================================= Where to Purchase the Book at Nicola’s Website:  https://www.marketingwithlovedigital.co.uk/swipe-landing-page Or in the UK purchase at Amazon

    47 min

  3. JUN 10

    6/9/2025 Episode #53 ROBERT PRINCIPE: STRAIGHT WHITE GUY ON DEI

    In this compelling and candid episode of Conversations With Carole, host Carole Copeland Thomas sits down with longtime colleague and diversity champion Robert Principe, author of "Excuse Me While I Skip a Beat: Working to Reinvent My Life and Leadership as a White Guy". With over three decades in the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) space, Robert pulls no punches as he explores what it means to be a straight white man doing the work of equity in a divided and resistant America. From his Italian-American roots in segregated Queens, New York, to his transformational journey as an educator, court administrator, and DEI advocate, Robert opens up about personal blind spots, cultural reckoning, and the systemic challenges that white men often ignore—or reinforce—unknowingly. His voice is not one of paternalism but of partnership, rooted in humility and a fierce commitment to truth-telling and systemic change. The episode unpacks: Why Robert wrote his book for “We the People”The lifelong impact of privilege and unearned accessHonest conversations about race, gender, and historyHow his work with Black women like the late Mabel Milner shaped his lensWhy DEI efforts need glue—not just performative urgencyCarole and Robert reflect on history, health disparities, Covid, George Floyd, and even corporate responsibility—from Target’s backtracking to Costco’s unwavering stance on DEI. The episode is both sobering and galvanizing, reminding us that this moment demands bold, sustained commitment—not polite conversations. Whether you're a CEO, DEI professional, educator, or someone just beginning to examine your own place in this movement, this episode offers deep insight, practical wisdom, and the kind of straight talk that’s rare—and necessary. Excuse Me While I Skip a Beat: Working to Reinvent My Life and Leadership as a White Guy An expansive, evidence-based guide on confronting personal and societal biases, Robert's book is part memoir, part DEI manual, and part call to arms. It is especially resonant for white men seeking to do better—but not limited to them. The book explores themes like historical erasure, gender inequality, economic injustice, and the transformative power of truth-telling and systems thinking. Purchase the book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

    1h 1m

  4. MAY 6

    5/5/2025 EPISODE #52: THE RACE PARADOX — WHY ORGANIZATIONS FAIL ON RACE with DR. CARLTON BROWN

    In this compelling and eye-opening episode of Conversations With Carole, host Carole Copeland Thomas sits down with Dr. Carlton Brown, a renowned UK-based diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategist and founder of Aspire Consultancy Ltd. (https://www.aspire-consultancy.com), to unpack “The Race Paradox”—a searing critique of how and why organizations repeatedly fail when it comes to race. Dr. Brown exposes the deep-rooted patterns of performative allyship and broken promises that permeate the corporate DEI space—both in the United Kingdom and the United States. With clarity and urgency, he explains how many companies, despite grand declarations after George Floyd’s murder in 2020, failed to deliver sustained, systemic change. His insights into the "illusion of progress" challenge organizational leaders to confront uncomfortable truths. Carole and Dr. Brown also highlight the eerie similarities between the UK’s DEI shortcomings and those seen across U.S. corporations—particularly the retreat from racial justice commitments once media attention faded. Their conversation urges leaders to abandon box-ticking exercises and instead commit to transformative, long-term racial equity. Dr. Carlton Brown’s Background: Dr. Brown brings a powerful blend of executive retail experience, academic excellence, and organizational consulting to the table. With a doctorate in leadership and over 20 years of DEI expertise, he has advised companies, and institutions on how to dismantle racism from within.  Upcoming Engagements: Dr. Brown is a featured leader at the upcoming 2025 Black Business Entrepreneur Conference (BBEC) in London on June 25, 2025. This prestigious event brings together global Black business leaders to accelerate economic growth and leadership within the African diaspora. Learn more about the conference at: https://www.thebbec.com/2025-conference Carole Copeland Thomas will also be speaking at the BBEC, continuing her lifelong mission to elevate racial equity and inclusive leadership across global platforms.

    42 min

  5. APR 21

    4/21/2025 EPISODE #51 MATTERS OF THE HEART with REV. DR. THEMA BRYANT

    In Episode 51 Carole sits down with the brilliant and compassionate Rev. Dr. Thema Bryant for a conversation that resonates deeply with listeners navigating life, love, and purpose. With authenticity, insight, and grace, Dr. Thema unpacks the transformative themes from her new book, Matters of the Heart: Healing Your Relationship with Yourself and Those You Love—offering wisdom on relationships, healing from trauma, setting boundaries, and reclaiming your personal joy. As the Past President of the American Psychological Association, a clinical psychologist, ordained minister, and professor at Pepperdine University, Dr. Thema brings a wealth of knowledge grounded in experience, spirituality, and scholarship. She speaks candidly about being raised in a legacy of liberation theology, the powerful influence of her family, and the importance of community engagement in turbulent political times. Carole and Dr. Thema explore the weight carried by "the strong one" in families, the role of women in society, and the necessity of healing and self-affirmation. With heartfelt storytelling, they highlight the profound need to step out of people-pleasing roles and into lives of peace, balance, and agency. Listen to this episode to learn: How healthy relationships impact your mental wellnessWhy it’s okay to say no and protect your peaceThe importance of mutuality in all forms of connectionHow to break patterns of over-responsibility in family systemsHow self-love differs from companionship—and why both matterWhy creating a joyful life now (not waiting for “your person”) is a radical actHow to turn wounds into wisdomAbout Rev. Dr. Thema Bryant: Rev. Dr. Thema Bryant is one of today’s most influential voices on healing, mental health, and spiritual wholeness. A licensed clinical psychologist and ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, she is the former president of the American Psychological Association and a leading advocate for trauma recovery and liberation-centered mental health practices. She hails from a remarkable lineage of faith and justice. Her father, Bishop John R. Bryant, and mother, Rev. Dr. Cecilia Williams Bryant, are respected leaders within the AME Church. Her brother, Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, is the Senior Pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia and a prominent voice in civil rights and social justice. Learn more about Dr. Thema at: Dr. Thema’s Website drthema.com New Book: Matters Of The Heart https://drthema.com/matters-of-the-heart The African Methodist Episcopal Church ame-church.com The Late Rev. Cecilia Bryant (1946 - 2024) Dr. Thema’s Mother https://afro.com/cecelia-williams-bryant-homegoing/ https://www.washingtoninformer.com/cecilia-williams-bryant-eulogy/ Bishop John Bryant, Dr. Thema’s Father (1943 - Present) Retired Bishop of the AME Church https://www.ame-church.com/leadership/bishops-of-the-church/ https://chapel.howard.edu/node/1031 Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, Dr. Thema’s Brother. Former AME Pastor, Now Pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church https://jamalbryant.org/ https://newbirth.org/ Kukuwa Fitness https://www.youtube.com/@KukuwaFitness

    31 min

  6. APR 19

    4/18/2025 EPISODE #50 BLACK BOOK PUBLISHING IN THE UK WITH VALERIE BRANDES

    In this milestone 50th episode of Conversations With Carole, host Carole Copeland Thomas sits down with trailblazing publisher Valerie Brandes, the founder and CEO of Jacaranda Books, one of the most dynamic independent publishing companies in the UK. This episode is a powerful narrative of Black resilience, global identity, and visionary leadership in the world of literature. Valerie shares her remarkable journey from growing up in a large Caribbean-British family in London to building a life in California—and ultimately launching Jacaranda Books in 2012. With over 120 titles published and a mission to amplify Black and diverse voices, Valerie takes us behind the scenes of how her company was born from both necessity and belief in her own untapped power. The conversation is rich with stories about the Windrush generation, systemic racism in the UK publishing industry, the cultural impact of books like The Spook Who Sat by the Door, and the importance of cultivating the next generation of Black publishing professionals through Jacaranda’s paid internship program. Whether you're a writer, reader, or cultural advocate, this episode will inspire you to think globally, act boldly, and write your own story into the future. Valerie’s Timeline And Jacaranda Books Valerie’s Childhood & Family History: One of eleven children, Valerie was raised in a working-class Caribbean family in 1970s–80s London. Her love of literature was sparked early thanks to a home filled with books and encyclopedias.Life in the U.S.: A university exchange year brought her to UC Santa Cruz, where she met her husband. She later spent nearly 20 years in California, became a bookseller at Barnes & Noble, and was active in writing groups.Return to the UK & Reinvention: Returning to the UK as a mother of two, she pursued a master’s degree in publishing studies in her late 40s—leading to the founding of Jacaranda Books.The Birth of Jacaranda Books (2012): Sparked by exclusion in traditional publishing and fueled by her global Black identity, Valerie founded her own company, starting with only a logo and a dream. Today, Jacaranda boasts 120+ titles and counting.Publishing Impact: Valerie discusses key titles, including Fashion Africa, The Book of Harlan by Bernice McFadden, and a UK reissue of The Spook Who Sat by the Door. Jacaranda’s acquisitions span the entire African diaspora.Windrush Legacy & Community Resilience: Valerie shares deeply personal reflections on the Caribbean migration to the UK, including her mother’s harrowing journey, housing discrimination, and eventual triumphs—all echoing the resilience embedded in the diaspora.Black Excellence in Publishing: Jacaranda is not only a publisher but a training ground for future professionals, offering paid internships to uplift Black and brown talent.Website and Bookstore: Jacaranda has its own e-commerce platform for direct book sales: Visit https://jacarandabooksartmusic.com

    46 min

  7. APR 4

    4/3/2025 Episode #49 – MONEY MANAGEMENT IN TOUGH TIMES with LURIE DAVIS

    In this powerful and practical episode, Carole sits down with Lurie Davis, founder of Lurie Davis Wealth Management (https://www.luriedavis.org/), to talk straight about financial survival and long-term strategy during politically and economically turbulent times—especially for communities directly impacted by the Trump administration. With decades of experience guiding clients through recessions, political shifts, and personal financial crises, Lurie offers concrete, actionable steps to stabilize your finances and build a plan for the future—even when it feels like everything is working against you. Whether you’re worried about job security, rising costs, access to healthcare, or just trying to make ends meet, this episode is packed with strategies to help you feel less overwhelmed and more empowered. What You’ll Learn In This Episode: How to create a “crisis budget” that keeps your essentials covered without spiraling into debtWhy it’s time to revisit your spending values—not just your spending habitsWays to maintain or rebuild credit even after late payments or financial hitsSmart moves to make now if you’re worried about long-term stabilityWhat to ask before taking out any type of loan or hardship withdrawalHow to protect yourself if you’re facing job instability or furloughsHow to navigate benefits, side income, and government assistance without shame or fearThe psychological side of money: how fear and financial insecurity are weaponized—and how to push backLurie Davis’s Top Recommendations for Managing Money in Tough Times: Create a Priority-Based Budget. Focus on essentials: housing, food, medication, transportation. Everything else is negotiable for now.Pause Non-Essential Spending. Even small luxuries can drain your reserves in uncertain times. Be ruthless and strategic.Check and Monitor Your Credit Weekly. Use free tools to monitor changes and dispute errors. It matters more than you think when you’re trying to recover.Avoid High-Interest Loans and Cash Advances. These might feel like relief, but they often dig a deeper hole. Exhaust all alternatives first.Talk to Your Lenders and Service Providers. Most people wait too long to ask for help. Many companies offer hardship programs—but only if you ask.Document Everything. Keep records of calls, payments, letters, and any agreements made with creditors or service providers.Diversify Income Streams. Side hustles, remote work, and bartering systems are survival tools. Don’t rely on a single paycheck.Stay Politically Aware and Financially Prepared. Policy changes can have direct consequences on your wallet. Make your financial plan responsive, not just reactive.========================== Lurie (Lou) Davis is a native of Lynn, Massachusetts. He is a leader and expert in Investments, Financial Planning, and Wealth Management. He received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Minor in Business Administration from Springfield College in 1986 Lurie has worked for 38 years in the financial services community. Currently, Lurie works as a Registered Investment Advisor, Financial Planner and Wealth Manager. He is the CEO and President of Lurie Davis Wealth Management, Investments, and Financial Planning based in Lynn, Massachusetts.

    31 min

  8. MAR 11

    3/11/2025 Episode #48 Be Prepared In A Chaotic Country

    Are you ready for uncertainty? In this episode of Conversations With Carole, Carole Copeland Thomas delivers 15 critical tips to help you stay financially secure, emotionally strong, and physically prepared in the face of chaos. With unprecedented political and economic shifts, federal layoffs, and social instability, being proactive is no longer optional—it’s essential. Tune in to gain practical advice on financial preparedness, job security, mental resilience, physical health, and civic engagement. Learn where to find trusted resources and how to take control of your future. Listen now and take action! Share this episode with your network! Visit these vital resources for legal and civil rights information: ACLU: www.aclu.orgNAACP Legal Defense Fund: www.naacpldf.org15 Tips for Thriving in a Chaotic Country Financial Preparedness Build an Emergency Fund – Aim for 3 to 6 months’ worth of expenses in savings.Diversify Income Streams – Consider side hustles, freelance work, or a second business.Stay on Top of Debt – Minimize high-interest debt to reduce financial stress.Job & Career Security Keep Your Resume & Skills Updated – Be ready for sudden job changes.Expand Your Network Regularly – Build professional relationships online and in-person.Consider Union or Worker Advocacy Groups – Protect your job security and rights.Mental & Emotional Resilience Develop a Daily Stress Management Routine – Use meditation, journaling, and deep breathing.Limit Doom Scrolling & Social Media Consumption – Set boundaries to protect your mental health.Build a Support System – Stay connected with friends, family, and support groups.Physical & Health Preparedness Stay Active & Prioritize Health – Exercise regularly to maintain physical and mental well-being.Maintain Access to Health Care – Keep your insurance updated and know your options.Civic & Community Awareness Stay Informed on Policy Changes – Follow reliable news sources and know your rights.Engage in Local Advocacy & Mutual Aid – Support organizations that promote resilience.Self-Sufficiency & Crisis Readiness Have a Basic Emergency Kit – Include food, water, medications, cash, and important documents.Learn Self-Reliance Skills – Gain knowledge in first aid, food preservation, and situational awareness.Final Takeaway The chaos is real, but so is your power to prepare. Take steps today to fortify your financial, emotional, and physical well-being.  Listen. Learn. Take Action. Share this with those who need it most! Follow & Subscribe Stay updated on future episodes and critical discussions:  Website: www.carolecopelandthomas.com Conversations With Carole – Helping You Navigate Uncertain Times!

    30 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

"Conversations with Carole" is meant to build a community where we can talk about current and historical issues relevant to our times. I've been in the cross culture business for many years and celebrate the past work I've done in radio. It made sense NOW to move the conversation to a podcast format where we can all get involved!=====As an award-winning keynote speaker, trainer, and global thought leader, since 1987, Carole Copeland Thomas moderates the discussions of critical issues affecting the marketplace. She has her pulse on the issues affecting working professionals and regularly consults with industry leaders. She has spent 36 years cultivating relationships and partnerships with local, national, and international sponsors, including Walmart, Amtrak, and Emirates Airlines. Carole is the past president of The National Speakers Association -New England Chapter and was on the leadership team of Black NSA. Carole is a blogger and social media enthusiast using various technology platforms to enhance her business development activities.  Carole has been featured in the New York Times, Boston Globe, Black Enterprise, ABC Radio, and CBS News. She is the author of eight books and is the Past National Vice Chair of the National Black MBA Association Carole is a 28-year member of the National Speakers Association (NSA) and an active member of Black NSA. She won the President Emeritus Award for the leadership role she played during the 2017-2018 NSA New England Chapter Year. Visit Carole's website at www.carolecopelandthomas.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Carole Copeland Thomas
  • Years Active
    2007 - 2025
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Conversations With Carole
  • Show Website
    Conversations With Carole