We understand that everyone is at different stages when it comes to understanding, internalizing, and speaking out against systemic racism and Black Lives Matter. But it’s important to know that even if a lot of the information coming out these days is new to you, it’s not new. At all.
Or as Rene Syler put it on this week’s episode of Spawned: “Here we are. Again.”
Whether you feel “woke” or “just waking up,” this country is in a major period of growth, and we know it’s hard to keep up. In part because so many activists and thought leaders are revealing new ideas, new analyses, new information about racism every day.
So we’re grateful that Rene, a veteran broadcast journalist, witty author, prolific public speaker and Black mom of two, lent us her time and her voice this week to discuss racism in America — not just what it means to be racist (the definition may surprise you), but what you can do to help make changes, even in small ways that can have big impact.
(Rene’s a busy mom too! She gets that multi-tasking parents can’t all focus on the news 24/7, let alone head out to protests every weekend.)
We really hope you’ll give us 30 minutes this week. Because as Rene also said, “We’re seeing some things we can no longer ignore.”
Listen to our episode here, right now. And please be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode.
Top image: Maria Oswalt
Some of Rene’s recommendations
Read: White Fragility by Robin d’Angelo, which she’s discussing now in her Tough Topics Book Club online
Listen to:: Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History podcast
Follow: @MichaelHarriot on Twitter
Watch: Just Mercy, streaming everywhere free right now
And of course you can follow Rene at @GoodEnufMother on Twitter, on Instagram, and on her personal Facebook page for all the good unfiltered political talk. And humor! Also check out Communicators Academy, where she coaches others to be better public speakers too.
This week’s awesome sponsors:
The Whystle App
If you’re concerned about product safety, the Whystle App is a fantastic resource for new parents. And seasoned parents too, for that matter. Just download the iOS App (Android coming soon!) and you can track the brands you use — from children to pets, food, medicine and household items — and even get automatic alerts should the products you own be recalled.
Sometimes companies wait to issue safety information or don’t provide the whole story. Whystle makes sure you get all the facts from orgs like the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the FDA, the CDC and more so you know whether you need to return something for a replacement or refund, or toss it right away.
Download Whystle today. It’s like having a safety expert right in your pocket.
Breyers CarbSmart
Eating your feelings a little more often these days? Us too! So if you don’t yet know about Breyers CarbSmart. from America’s #1 ice cream brand, you’ll want to. It’s a truly delicious line of sweet frozen treats with just 3 to 5 grams net carbs per serving, all under 150 calories, and they’re even a good source of fiber.
They’re so good, we’ve even taken to hiding them from our kids! (Because hello, summer.)
CarbSmart is available in the tubs we love for DIY sundaes, as well as bars in yummy flavors like caramel swirl, chocolate covered almond, vanilla, and peanut butter. Plus, Breyers has partnered with American farmers to ensure all their treats are made with 100% grade A milk and cream.
Find Breyers CarbSmart at all major retailers, from Target to Kroger, even Amazon Pantry.
Our Cool Picks of the Week
Rene: A tiny portable home projector by Apeman. which even plays Netflix. Perfect for social distancing backyard movie nights. For more ideas, also check out our post on Cool Mom Tech on 4 awesome home projectors
Liz: Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don’t Know by Malcolm Gladwell (total coincidence that Rene brought him up as well!) — in particular the audiobook from Audible or Libro.fm which feels more like a podcast.
Kristen: Our guide to Father’s Day food gifts from Black-owned businesses. You don’t have to be a father to love them either!
