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For the first time, I’m joined by my full family—my husband Chad and our kids, Christian and Ariana—in a double-length finale to close out Season 5 of Our True Colors.

We get into it all:

• Identity, hair, and insecurities
• What people assume about us as a couple
• Family culture, music, and travel
• How our kids make sense of their biracial identity
• What it really means to belong

It’s funny, vulnerable, unscripted—and filled with moments we’ve never shared, even with each other.

Let's stay in touch!

• Shawna on LinkedIn
• True Culture on LinkedIn
• The Culture Clinic Newsletter
• True Culture Coaching and Consulting
• Our True Colors on Instagram
• Season 5 Episodes on YouTube
• Contact Me Directly

Stuff to Explore and Learn More About:

• Our True Colors "Start Here" episode
• W.E.B. Du Bois & Double Consciousness
• J.D. Vance...calls Kamala Harris a chameleon

Previous Episodes with Christian Gann/Aimee Amour:

• Intersecting Communities: BLM and Pride
• Hey, Queen! Talking Racial Ambiguity with Christian Gann and Aimee Amour
• Follow Aimee Amour on Instagram and TikTok
• Check out this special edition Culture Clinic featuring Christian and Aimee

If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.

Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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In this rich and vulnerable episode, Dr. Shawna Gann welcomes Belgian-French author, historian, and researcher Victoria Kabeya to discuss the complexities of multigenerationally mixed identity. From the trauma of slavery to the politics of racial categorization, Victoria shares personal stories, global insights, and the intellectual foundations behind her groundbreaking books. Together, they explore what it means to be Multi-Generationally Mixed—not just biologically, but culturally, historically, and emotionally.

Stuff to Check Out:

• Matriarch by Tina Knowles 
• Mixing: A History of Anti-Miscegenation Laws in the U.S.
• Free People of Color in Colonial Louisiana 
• BET: A ‘Love & Hip Hop’ Star’s Blackness Is Being Questioned
• NPR: For Some People of Appalachia, Complicated Roots
• The Melungeons
• YouTube: Understanding the Melungeons
• Arab Center DC: The Colonial Legacy in the Arab World
• NPR Code Switch: Why Rachel Dolezal Can Never Be Black
• HowStuffWorks: When Irish Immigrants Weren’t Considered White
• YouTube: The Asian Man Who Wanted to be White 

If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.

Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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This week, Dr. Shawna Gann—joined by her co-host Kat—welcomes Dr. Geoffrey Greif and Victoria Stubbs, LCSW-C, for a thoughtful and timely conversation about interracial and interethnic relationships, raising mixed-race children, and navigating identity across lines of race, culture, and experience.

The discussion is rooted in research and real-world insight from their forthcoming book When Family Relations Are Race Relations, and it touches on how societal events press into private life, how couples process racial identity differently, and how families work through tension, silence, and love in the face of cultural difference.

The episode was inspired by a moment of curiosity: Special thanks to Neal Augenstein, reporter at WTOP, whose segment sparked this episode.

And while Loving Day itself isn’t the focus of the conversation, the timing of this episode’s release—just ahead of June 12—makes it a powerful moment to reflect. In the intro, Dr. Gann shares a bit of history about the Loving v. Virginia decision, the legacy of Mildred and Richard Loving, and what “Virginia is for Lovers” means to her personally as someone in an interracial family.

🔗 Resources & Mentions

💛 Loving Day & Reflection

• “Remember. Reflect. Celebrate. Loving Day.” – Dr. Gann on LinkedIn
• Virginia is for Lovers – About the slogan

🎥 Pop Culture Mentions

• Cheerios Ad Featuring a Mixed-Race Family (YouTube)
• Today Show Article – Cheerios Ad Backlash
• A Simple Favor – Film Mentioned
• The Wicked Wiz of Oz: The Rusical – RuPaul’s Drag Race (YouTube)

If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.

Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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In this episode of Our True Colors, Shawna is joined by co-host Rachel Sadler and special guest Ian Gibbs-Hall—a DEI advocate, thought leader, and creator of Curiosity Architecture. With over a decade of experience creating inclusive environments, Ian offers a fresh framework that invites us to move beyond checkboxes and binaries and into deeper, more curious ways of seeing one another.

Together, they explore identity, belonging, masculinity, and the limitations of social categories—highlighting how “other” doesn’t just mean different, but often means left out. From coloring books to Frozen 2, neoliberalism to Mr. Clean, this conversation is as layered as it is enlightening.

And yes—you’ll want to check out the video version for the moment Ian reacts to Shawna revealing she used to work at Blockbuster Video.

✉️ Want to submit a question for the final episode? Use the message feature above to send a text.

📚 Referenced Resources & Links

• The Ethics of Identity by Kwame Anthony Appiah: Buy the book | Watch a video about his work
• Commentary on the Mr. Clean Commercial (yes, that one): Watch it here
• What’s a “Soy Boy” anyway? Read more on the term and its cultural baggage

🎧 Related OTC Episodes

• CJ Gross on Navigating Identity & Nuance
• Londell Jackson on Masculinity & Belonging

If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.

Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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In this powerful episode of Our True Colors, Dr. Shawna Gann is joined by Cindy Ogasawara and Kara De Maine, leaders in the Resounding Love Interfaith Gospel Choir—a multiracial, interfaith, LGBTQ+ embracing choir grounded in African American musical traditions and active anti-racism practice.

Together, they explore:

• The complexities of racial identity, especially for those with mixed or ambiguous backgrounds
• What it means to be part of a community that doesn’t just sing together—but heals together
• How they’ve created a choir that holds joy and accountability side by side
• The connection between leadership, cultural humility, and inclusion

You’ll also hear how Resounding Love continues to hold space for marginalized voices in a time when Pride celebrations are shrinking and DEI efforts are under attack.

🎶 All of the music featured in this episode is performed by Resounding Love Interfaith Gospel Choir.

More Stuff to Check Out:

• These Words are Disappearing in the New Trump Administration
• From Free Speech to Fear Speech: When Language Becomes a Liability
• Sinners (2025) – A dramatic film that weaves blues and gospel influences into a story of justice, family, and faith.
• Resounding Love Songs Featured in this Episode:
  • Spiritual Medley
  • Waymaker
  • It is Well
  • Wonderful Is Your Name
  • How Excellent

If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.

Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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In this episode of Our True Colors, Dr. Shawna Gann is joined by Hallie Pritchett — a public health leader, facilitator, and equity strategist — for a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation about identity, belonging, and the challenges of showing up fully at work. Hallie reflects on growing up mixed-race in the Pacific Northwest, parenting a child who's already navigating complex identity questions, and how her lived experience has shaped her approach to leadership and equity in health systems.

Together, Shawna and Hallie explore:

• The social landscape of race in the Pacific Northwest
• Raising children who present racially differently from their parents
• Bridging across difference in mission-driven workspaces
• How assumptions about identity can lead to workplace missteps
• What it takes to create truly inclusive and psychologically safe environments
• The emotional complexity of DEI fatigue and boundary-setting
• Adult learning theory, code-switching, and why language still matters

Resources & Mentions:

• Jodi-Ann Burey & Ruchika Tulshyan’s article: Stop Telling Black Women They Have Imposter Syndrome (HBR)
• The 5 S's of Engagement: Navigating Your Path Through Allyship

Follow Hallie on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hallie-pritchett/

More from Shawna:

• Visit: https://www.truecultureconsulting.com
• Follow Our True Colors on Instagram
• Subscribe to The Culture Clinic via True Culture Coaching & Consulting on LinkedIn

If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.

Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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In this episode, Shawna sits down with Londell Jackson—educator, strategist, and author of Between the Opposites—for a powerful conversation about the complexities of identity. From growing up mixed-race in Denver to navigating masculinity as a same-gender-loving Black and Latino man, Londell shares his deeply personal journey of self-discovery, cultural belonging, and emotional growth. Together, they explore themes like authenticity, inherited narratives, and the courage it takes to confront our “shadow self.”

Topics Covered:

• Growing up multiracial and feeling “not enough” for any one group
• Redefining masculinity beyond social expectations
• Why curiosity, empathy, and vulnerability are keys to connection
• The lenses we inherit vs. the ones we choose
• How identity journeys evolve across our lifetime

Resources Mentioned:

• Between the Opposites by Londell Jackson
• Carl Jung’s concept of the Shadow Self 
• NeverEnding Story: Atreyu’s Mirror Scene

If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.

Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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In this rich and candid episode of Our True Colors, Shawna is joined by Rachel, returning co-host and fellow deep thinker and wonderful guest Annemarie Shrouder, international speaker, facilitator, and bestselling author of Being Brown in a Black and White World.

Together, they explore what it means to hold a “both/and” identity—especially as mixed-race or multiracial individuals navigating a world obsessed with binaries. Annemarie shares the powerful story behind her personal “aha” moment, the birth of the both/and framework, and the bridge-building superpower that comes with embracing complexity. They also talk about parenting multiracial children, code-switching across cultures, internalized shame, and the liberating work of self-acceptance.

We laugh, reflect, and get real about everything from childhood perms to generational healing, from the politics of hair to the power of poetry—and yes, even resting as resistance.

Topics include:

• The emotional journey of embracing multiracial identity
• Both/and as a tool for belonging and bridge-building
• Raising confident, culturally rooted children
• What happens when whiteness is the assumed default
• Why identity is a lifelong journey, not a one-time decision

Mentioned in this episode:

• Imagined Communities:
  Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism
• SPECIAL EPISODE: The Little Mermaid of Color
• When Black Girls Watch “Wicked,” It Hits Differently
• Wicked’s Elphaba Has Always Been Black. Cynthia Erivo’s Stunning Performance Cements It
• JK Rowling tells of anger at attacks on casting of black Hermione
• Who is Black?
• ‘One-drop rule’ persists
• The Hummingbird Parable: What We Can Do For Earth

If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.

Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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In this powerful conversation, Dr. Kalya Castillo—a Black and Japanese psychologist and trauma-informed therapist—joins Shawna to explore identity, racial ambiguity, and the lived experiences of multiracial individuals. Together, they unpack what it means to grow up without cultural mirrors, the coded messages around hair and professionalism, and how mixed-race identity can shape the way we’re seen, valued, and understood.

Kalya shares insights from her research on the hypersexualization of Black and Asian women, and how these dynamics often show up in the workplace and therapeutic settings. She also offers a deeply personal reflection on motherhood, internalized bias, and the work of helping others navigate the in-between spaces of identity with compassion and clarity.

Stuff to check out from mentions in the episode:

• "How Are You?" A Question of Depth and Trust
• The Tahitian woman behind Paul Gauguin's paintings
• SheaMoisture - Break The Walls
• The Pain We Carry by Natalie Y. Gutiérrez
• What Is Trauma-Informed Therapy?
• Whites Distrust Biracial People When Their Racial Presentation Varies
• You're called a 'model minority' as an Asian American — until they decide you aren't

If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.

Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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In this episode, Dr. Shawna Gann and Rachel Sadler sit down with Urmi Hossain—polyglot, author, global citizen, and financial services professional—for a deep conversation about identity, cultural complexity, and belonging. Urmi, who describes herself as "Bengali by blood, Italian by birth, and Canadian by law", shares her experiences as a third culture person navigating family expectations, global transitions, and what it means to truly belong.

The three discuss the nuanced layers of culture, race, and language—what it’s like to be misunderstood or misidentified, how appearances influence assumptions, and why storytelling matters. Urmi also shares insights from her book Discovering Your Identity: Rebirth from Interracial Struggle, a memoir chronicling her personal and cultural evolution as a South Asian woman raised in Italy.

If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.

Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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What does it mean to be a leader when traditional leadership models weren’t designed with you in mind? In this episode of Our True Colors, we sit down with Dr. Jenny Vazquez-Newsum, an educator, leadership expert, and founder of Untapped Leaders, to explore how identity shapes leadership.

Dr. Vazquez-Newsum shares her journey navigating leadership as a biracial woman, why mainstream leadership theories often exclude marginalized voices, and how we can redefine leadership in a way that’s authentic and inclusive. We talk about unlearning outdated models, embracing the power of lived experiences, and tapping into the unique perspectives that diverse leaders bring to the table.

Join us for a deep and thought-provoking conversation on how we can expand what it means to lead—and why embracing untapped leadership is the key to changing the workplace and beyond.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Jenny-Vazquez-Newsum:

• Website: untappleaders.com
• Instagram: @untappleaders
• LinkedIn: Jenny Vazquez-Newsum

If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.

Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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What does it mean to navigate the world as a mixed heritage individual when belonging feels just out of reach? In this episode, Shawna and co-host Kat Aragon welcome Marcel De Jonghe, Head of DEI&B for Europe’s largest local authority, to explore identity, belonging, and the intersections of race and culture. Marcel shares his personal journey as a Zimbabwean-Belgian navigating life in the UK, the challenges of being "not quite Black enough" and "not quite White enough," and how his work in equity and inclusion is shaping a more thoughtful, empathetic world. The conversation covers microaggressions, the power of "sensitive curiosity", and how we can all work toward fostering true belonging—at work, at home, and in our communities. Tune in for an insightful and heartfelt discussion about identity, advocacy, and breaking down barriers.

Stuff to check out from mentions in the episode:

• What’s the difference between “Inuit” and “Eskimo”?
• What's in a Name? The Meaning of "La Raza"
• The changing categories the U.S. census has used to measure race
• 1930 Census Instructions to Enumerators
• "Instructions to Enumerators" [ORIGINAL]
• Who’s White? Who’s Black? Who Knows?
• John Agard reads his poem, Half-Caste and Half-Caste (John Agard)

If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.

Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Victoria K. Malaney-Brown, a scholar-practitioner at Columbia University and the first-ever Director of Academic Integrity for undergraduates at Columbia College and Columbia Engineering, joins us to explore the nuanced realities of multiracial identity. From her deeply personal poem "Outside of the Box" to her groundbreaking research on multiracial college students, Dr. Malaney-Brown sheds light on the complexities of navigating identity, privilege, and belonging. We dive into monoracism, critical consciousness, and the importance of creating spaces where mixed-race individuals feel seen and heard. Whether you're mixed-race, a parent, an ally, or someone looking to expand their understanding, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration.

You can find Dr. Malaney-Brown on LinkedIn and on Instagram.

Here's some more stuff to check out:

• Multiracial Experiences in Higher Education: Contesting Knowledge, Honoring Voice, and Innovating Practice
• Preparing for Higher Education’s Mixed Race Future: Why Multiraciality Matters
• Racial Identity and Census Categories
• What is Critical Consciousness?
• American College Personnel Association
• Critical Mixed Race Studies Association (Learn about the membership here!)
• Multiracial and Transracial Adoptee Network (MTAN)
• National Conference on Race and Ethnicity

If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.

Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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In this episode, Shawna Gann is joined by graduate student Brieanna Hairston cohost Rachel Sadler. Together, they explore the complexities of racial identity, inclusion, and belonging through the lens of multiracial and racially ambiguous individuals.

Brieanna shares personal experiences growing up in a predominantly White area, navigating racial microaggressions from an early age, and finding her place in diverse academic and professional settings. Rachel reflects on the intersection of race, culture, and societal expectations, providing a candid perspective on navigating life as a biracial Black woman. The conversation touches on the effects of colorism, cultural stereotypes, and fetishization, while highlighting the importance of representation and the evolving understanding of multiracial identities. The group also discusses the role of community, historical contexts like Sundown Towns, and the need for equity-driven progress in the workplace and beyond.

Tune in for a powerful dialogue about embracing authenticity, breaking stereotypes, and creating inclusive spaces in both personal and professional spheres. 

You can also watch the episode on YouTube!

Stuff to Check Out:

• Sundown Towns
• Sundown Towns: A Hidden Dimension of American Racism
• Historical Database of Sundown Towns
• The ‘Black Wife Effect’

If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.

Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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In this thought-provoking episode, Shawna sits down with Dr. Jenn Noble, psychologist, educator, and advocate for mixed-race families, to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in parenting mixed-race children. Together, they explore:

• The nuances of mixed-race identity and how it shapes a child’s experience.
• Why starting conversations about race with children isn’t as daunting as it seems.
• How parents’ own experiences can influence their approach to raising mixed-race kids.
• Practical strategies to help children embrace their full identity while navigating societal complexities.

Dr. Jenn shares powerful insights on meeting children where they are, supporting their growth, and how race and identity education can start with simple, age-appropriate concepts like melanin. This episode is packed with actionable advice for parents and thought-provoking stories for listeners of all backgrounds.

You can also watch the episode on YouTube!

Follow Dr. Jenn on Instagram: @drjennpsych and learn more about her work at Free to Be Collective.

Stuff to check out from mentions in the episode:

• Unwrapping the Gift of Dialogue: Race Talk with Meredith and Cindy
• Redress and Reparations for Japanese American Incarceration
• Apologizing for the enslavement and racial segregation of African-Americans

If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.

Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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In this deeply reflective episode of Our True Colors, Shawna and guest Shari Baker dive into the emotional aftermath of the recent presidential election. Together, they unpack the complexities of identity, solidarity, and the nuances of navigating blackness in America. From the broader societal implications of the election to the personal journeys of mixed-race identity, Shawna and Shari offer a thought-provoking and heartfelt conversation about resilience, collective grief, and the power of community. Tune in to explore how we can heal, learn, and move forward—together.

Guest Shari Baker, DEIJ strategist and co-founder of The Wells Collective, shares her insights on black identity, coalition-building, and fostering equity in challenging times.

You can also watch the episode on YouTube!

Stuff to check out from mentions in the episode:

• Kamala Harris’ racial and cultural background at the convention
• Why the term “BIPOC” is so complicated, explained by linguists
• Is It Time To Say R.I.P. To 'POC'?
• BAME We're Not the Same
• For Black women, Harris’s loss creates new wound
• The Blue Bracelet Movement, Explained
• A Look at Racial Incongruence
• Racist text messages sent to Black recipients, including children
• Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome

If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.

Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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Summary

In this engaging conversation, Shawna, Rachel, and Kat introduce Hady Mendez, a DEI expert, who shares her journey and insights on employee resource groups, cultural wisdom, and the challenges of navigating racial identity. The discussion highlights the need for allyship, the evolving understanding of racial categories, and the significance of joy and community support in personal and professional growth.

You can also watch the episode on YouTube!

Takeaways

• Mixed race identity is complex and varies greatly among individuals.
• Self-advocacy is crucial for underrepresented groups in the workplace.
• Cultural idioms can provide valuable life lessons and wisdom.
• The importance of employee resource groups in fostering community and support.
• Allyship is essential for creating inclusive environments.
• Racial categories in forms often fail to capture the diversity of identities.
• Colorism exists within the Latino community and affects perceptions of privilege.
• Personal narratives and experiences shape our understanding of identity.
• Joy and positivity can be powerful tools for personal growth.
• Community connections can provide validation and support in shared experiences.

Stuff to check out from mentions in the episode:

• Planning for the 2030 Census is Underway
• Coming to Our Census: Are the Race and Ethnicity Questions Needed?
• How the Census Bureau Stood Up to Donald Trump’s Meddling
• Why the 2030 census will likely show a drop in 'white' Americans
• Who The Census Misses
• Chapter 1: Race and Multiracial Americans in the U.S. Census (Census taker decided race)
• The changing categories the U.S. census has used to measure race

If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.

Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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In this insightful episode, Dr. Shawna Gann sits down with DEI experts Lauren Dike and Katrina Liew Wilson for a candid discussion on the shifting landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The conversation explores the evolving role of DEI in the workplace, the pressures of being a "talking head" in the field, and the challenges of racial and cultural identity. Lauren and Katrina share their personal journeys navigating mixed-race backgrounds, dealing with imposter syndrome, and embracing authenticity while leading change. They also address the complexity of DEI rebranding, the struggle for collective healing, and the nuanced experiences of being Black and multiracial in America.

Tune in to hear about the intersection of wellness, inclusion, and belonging, as well as the power of redefining what it means to "fit in" versus truly belonging. The episode concludes with thoughts on Kamala Harris's potential presidency, and the ongoing need for hope and active participation in shaping a more inclusive future.

This episode offers a refreshing take on DEI that challenges common assumptions and invites listeners to rethink how we approach identity and equity in today's society.

You can also watch the episode on YouTube!

Extra Stuff to Check Out:

• Kamala Harris on The Breakfast Club (2019)
• Tema Okun on Her Mythical Paper on White Supremacy
• White Supremacy Culture – Still Here...A Short History of the Original Article 

If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.

Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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In this episode, Shawna Gann and Rachel Sadler engage with author Christopher "CJ" Gross, an expert in cultural transformation, to discuss the concepts in his book, What's Your Zip Code Story? Together the group discusses implications on personal and professional experiences. They explore how one's background and community can shape perceptions, opportunities, and biases in the workplace. The discussion emphasizes the importance of mentorship, understanding class migration, and the need for a supportive culture that fosters growth and inclusivity, including expanding your zip code story through meeting new people, going to different places, and trying new things. Throughout the conversation, they highlight the significance of being aware of biases and the necessity of creating psychological safety in mentorship relationships.

You can also watch the episode on YouTube.

Stuff mentioned in the episode that you should check out:

• The Financial Perks of Being Tall
• Stereotype Threat
• Half of U.S. states have passed the CROWN Act to ban hair discrimination

If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.

Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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In this episode, Shawna Gann introduces co-host Rachel Sadler, and together they explore the complexities of racial identity, particularly focusing on the experiences of biracial individuals. They discuss the fluidity of identity, the impact of family dynamics on self-identification, and the societal constructs surrounding race and gender. The conversation also gets into the privileges associated with racial ambiguity, the challenges faced in workplace settings, and the increasing recognition of multiracial identities in America. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of community and the need for critical discussions about identity and privilege.   

Rachel Sadler is an empowerment coach and founder of Rae of Light Coaching, specializing in helping women unlock their potential and navigate personal and professional challenges. With a strong background in DEI facilitation, anti-racism education, and cultural competency training, Rachel is dedicated to advancing social justice and equity.   

You can also watch the episode on YouTube!

Other stuff to check out:

• The Infuriating Journey From Pet To Threat: How Bias Undermines Black Women At Work
• The Persistence Of Pet To Threat
• The US will become ‘minority white’ in 2045, Census projects
• The Myth of a Majority-Minority America
• GOP Rep. Burchett calls Kamala Harris a "DEI hire"
• What Might It Mean When Critics Call Someone A DEI Hire?
• Vice President Kamala Harris Is Anything But a DEI Hire
• How Italians Became ‘White’
•  "[Trump] is the Avatar for their Grievance"

If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.

Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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In this episode, Shawna Gann introduces the new season of the podcast with one of her two co-hosts, Kat Aragon. They discuss their cultural backgrounds, the importance of representation in the beauty industry, and the need for advocacy and allyship. Kat shares her experiences as a makeup artist and the challenges faced in ensuring diversity in beauty products. The conversation emphasizes the significance of taking action in allyship and the importance of creating spaces for underrepresented voices.

You can also watch the episode on YouTube!

Other stuff to check out:

• Vintage Bandaid Commercial
• Browndages 
• This Is the Worst Way to Make an Inclusive Foundation Shade
• This brand made a BLACK Foundation!?
• The 5 S's of Engagement: Navigating Your Path Through Allyship

If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.

Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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Join the cohosts and me as we reflect on this journey and enjoy the sampler platter we've prepared for you as we talk about the themes we explored, lessons learned, and incredible growth over the years during what we thought would be the last episode.

But it's not!

OTC is coming back for a 5th season, Fall 2024. Stay tuned!

About This Episode:

Part 1: The Mixed Tape with Jason

• Season 2: I'm Gumbo, Baby! 
• Season 2: What's in a Name? 

Part 2: The Mixed Tape with Shannon, Carmen, and Yolandie

• Season 4: Kickin it with Karlton Hoskins
• Season 1: Coming to Our Census
• Season 3: Good Vibes Family Reunion
• Season 3: Sticks and Stones
• Season 1: Growing Up Ambiguously Across the Generations
• Season 3: Unwrapping the Gift of Dialogue
• Season 3: A Mother's Love
• Season 1: Talking H & M: Race and Royalty

Other Stuff:

• Animated map shows the evolution of American accents
• NPR Code Switch: Talk American
• Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents

If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.

Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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This week I am joined  by Joquina M. Reed, my colleague and dear friend.
She is the founding steward of J Reed Consulting LLC. She is also the curator behind the Please Say Black podcast as well as the Divesting from Whiteness Podcast. Kina is deeply committed to global reparations for chattel enslavement and creating shared humanity.  

In this episode we explore new perspectives on belonging and how learning more about our identities can provide a welcome anchor to our personal narratives. 

If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.

Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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Yay! Yolandie is back after taking a few months to be with her little one (if you listen carefully, you'll hear a little bit from her, too! 👶). In this episode, Yolandie (and sometimes Olivia) tells us about a play she is working on and the complexities of identity and stereotypes. This all made me very curious and, despite my congestion (sorry, y'all - guess I was keepin' it real), I had lots of questions for her about her experiences and the premise of the play.

References

• Meet Yolandie! Season 4 Cohost
• Will Smith in Emancipation
• Will Smith Has A Candid Answer After Getting Asked Why He Wanted To Make A Movie About Slavery
• Will Smith Explains Why He Avoided Making Movies About Slavery: 'I Wanted to Be a Superhero'
• SPECIAL EPISODE: The Little Mermaid of Color
• The racist backlash to The Little Mermaid and Lord of The Rings is exhausting and extremely predictable

If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.

Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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Prepare to be inspired! On this episode of OTC, I am talking with Dija Henry. Together we discuss her work in film and how the work supports the empowerment of authenticity all the way from the people contributing to the film to those viewing it. We go on to discuss the nuances of having a multicultural family and the connections that younger generations are making cross-culturally – a notion that is good for all of us to practice, including one's sense of belonging, particularly when you are racially ambiguous. We also talked about art being central to our lives, and there's a little bit of 80's and 90's nostalgia sprinkled in, too!

Dija is a multi-award winning actress, filmmaker and CEO and founder of Blue House Entertainment, which is a social impact entertainment company dedicated to telling diverse stories that facilitate heart changing conversation to elevate our culture to a more equitable, inclusive and empathetic society. She also works to coach individuals who are working on their first film. In her free time, Dija likes to read, travel, watch movies with her family and have meaningful conversations with others. She's very grateful she has been able to take her family to two of their three countries of origin. India is next on the list!

References and Resources

• Belonging: A Culture of Place
• Dija on Instagram
• Check out The Blue House on Instagram, too!

If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.

Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.