Real Talk: A Diversity in Higher Ed Podcast Southern Connecticut State University

KC, Saïeda, and Danielle get behind the mic together one last time to recap season 7 and reflect on the group's time together as cohosts of Real Talk. For those who aren't caught up, this marks KC's final episode, concluding six seasons as the show's lead host. Join us in wishing KC farewell @realtalkhighered on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

KC, Saïeda, and Danielle talk with sociologists Dr. Cassi Meyerhoffer (Imprisoned: Interlocking Oppression in Law Enforcement, Housing, and Public Education) and Dr. Venice Michalsen (Mothering and Desistance in Re-Entry) about interlocking systems of oppression, the responsibility of researchers to communities, and the possibilities of abolition.

Tune in for a special announcement by KC, followed by a fascinating talk with Drs. Marian Evans and Anuli Njoku about their new book, Navigating Academia During Covid-19: Perspectives and Strategies from BIPOC Women. Don't miss this important and timely conversation about mentorship, fostering health and well-being on a community level, and the birth story of this beautiful book.

KC and Real Talk team member, Cindy Cardozo, engages three theatre professionals—Mike Skinner, associate professor of theatre at Southern Connecticut State University; Rebecca Goodheart, producing artistic director at Elm Shakespeare; and Rachel Alderman, associate artistic director for Long Wharf Theater— in a conversation about the significance of the arts in promoting social change and initiating discussions about contemporary social justice issues. They delve into the crucial aspects of community and empathy development fostered by performing arts, along with emphasizing the importance of arts education.

KC, Danielle, and Saïeda talk with Amelea Lowery, a graduate student in Yale’s Master of Public Health program, about trauma and healing, how to tap into and create community when you’re new to town, and liberation through the land. 

KC, Saïeda, Danielle, and Zoe talk with student leader and Marisa Howard, a student resident advisor, about friendships in college — how to create community, navigate tricky situations, and make healthy connections.