In episode 6, Drs. Brandy Liebscher and Danielle Beck talk with Stephen Lennstrom about his commitment to anti-racism and racial reconciliation as a pastor and theologian. Stephen shares personal stories and insights as a white man and Christian seeking to find his place in the transformative and liberating work of racial justice.
At the beginning of this episode, Brandy and Danielle also tackle the question, “Is Facing Ourselves a Christian podcast?” **Spoiler alert** Yes and no.
In this episode, Stephen references Howard Thurman’s seminal book, Jesus of the Disinherited, which you can learn more about here.
In episode 5, co-host Brandy Liebscher sits down with her dad, Larry Liebscher, a retired police officer, to talk about police brutality. Their conversation was recorded following the deaths of Philando Castile (St. Paul, Minn.) and Alton Sterling (Baton Rouge) who were shot and killed by police July 2016. Brandy and her father attended a community rally in response to these shootings, in solidarity with the African American community, which Larry wrote about in a blog entitled, "A Retired Cop Reflects on This Week's Tragedies" (which you can read here). In this episode, Brandy talks about being the daughter of a police officer as well as a strong proponent of the Black Lives Matter movement; and her dad reflects on his commitment to law enforcement, while also troubled by recent police shootings.
Also be sure to check out Michelle Alexander's seminal work, The New Jim Crow. Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness and Ava DuVernay's documentary on race and mass incarceration, 13th (streaming now on Netflix).
In episode 4, Drs. Brandy Liebscher and Danielle Beck grapple with the reality of a Trump presidency. They share their own emotional turmoil in the wake of this election, mindful of the fear, pain, and anger of those already vulnerable and marginalized in the United States. They also discuss their resolve to support white people who are committed to anti-racism and racial justice and what that means for the Facing Ourselves podcast. And if you're worried about those upcoming conversations with friends and family at Thanksgiving, they got you covered there, too.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out Brandy’s article about the importance of "repurposed space" for white people committed to racial justice.
For support and guidance on moving forward, including how to handle those difficult conversations at Thanksgiving, be sure to check out these resources:
Brittany Packnett's article White People: What is your plan for the Trump presidency?
Southern Poverty Law Center's Speak Up: Responding to Everyday Bigotry
Showing Up for Racial Justice Thanksgiving discussion guide
PICO National Network (multi-faith community organizing)
In episode 3, Drs. Brandy Liebscher and Danielle Beck interview Erina Kim-Eubanks, a Korean-American minister serving in Northern California. Erina talks about a trip she took this summer with a group of clergy to Ferguson, MO. During this trip the clergy participated in a protest at The Muny (St. Louis) in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. She talks about how this experience impacted her personally, the importance of protest and disruption, as well as the roles we each can play in the work of racial justice.
Read more about Erina's experience in Ferguson here.
Have you ever felt uncomfortable or defensive when talking about race or racism? Or have you ever received feedback that you were being insensitive when all you were trying to do was understand? In episode 2, Drs. Brandy Liebscher and Danielle Beck discuss common emotional reactions you might have in the midst of difficult conversations and experiences related to racial tension and they offer insights and guidance regarding how to recognize and work through these reactions. Anyone feel strongly about Colin Kaepernick's recent protest during the national anthem? Yep. They talk about that, too.
In episode 1, Drs. Brandy Liebscher and Danielle Beck introduce their new podcast, share why they created a podcast specifically for white people, and talk about their own commitment to racial justice, anti-racism, and racial reconciliation.
Be sure to check out Dr. Brandy Liebscher's blog about "repurposed space" for white people who are committed to racial justice. Clink link here.
Coming soon, a podcast for white people about racial justice, anti-racism, and racial reconciliation. Hosted by psychologists Drs. Brandy Liebscher and Danielle Beck.