Changing Lenses

As I reflect back on the first season of the podcast, it’s become clear to me that systemic change starts with personal change. I believe true inclusion and equity requires sacrificing some of our self-interests, like power, position, even profit. The question is – are we willing to make change happen, if it means changing and sacrificing ourselves? In this season finale, I share my thoughts on the “business case” and the costs of true inclusion, equity and diversity; why inclusion policies and training are not enough; and what’s next for Changing Lenses. (The podcast will take a short hiatus, but will be back in 2021!) Full shownotes, transcript and music credits at: https://www.changinglenses.ca/podcast/episode-09---season-finale---are-we-ready-for-real-change%3F

“I think our greatest fear is that people are jumping into it just because it's good opportunity, or it's good PR. As opposed to knowing, and thinking, and believing that this could actually make us all better as a people.” Rev. Dr. Timothy Tang, Director of Tyndale Intercultural Ministries, shares with us what cultural competency means, how it benefits us in life and work, the challenges that practitioners face, and easy (and fun!) ways we can all grow our intercultural awareness. (No training programs required!) Full shownotes, transcript and music credits at: https://www.changinglenses.ca/podcast/episode-08---diversity-isn%E2%80%99t-just-skin-colour%2C-with-rev.-dr.-timothy-tang

“First, in order for racism and discrimination to continue, you need silence. And the second is the 'Otherwise Good People' who won't stand up and support the target of the discriminatory behavior.” Shanaaz Gokool, human rights activist and former CEO, is fighting for freedom from workplace discrimination – for herself, and countless others whose stories we don’t know, because they have been silenced and unsupported. In this episode, Shanaaz courageously shares her personal story of discrimination, and gives practical ways that we can effect change, especially at the Board level. Shanaaz also gives three tips for people who may be experiencing workplace discrimination, and invites you to contact her for more support: linkedin.com/in/shanaaz-gokool Full shownotes, transcript and music credits at:  https://www.changinglenses.ca/podcast/episode-07---%E2%80%9Cotherwise-good-people%E2%80%9D-in-workplace-discrimination%2C-with-shanaaz-gokool

What happens when capital markets and individual landlords control access to a fundamental human right? A house or condo has changed from being a place to live, and a shelter for families, into a profit-making business – something to help us retire earlier. Join us as Alyssa Brierley, human rights lawyer, explains the reasons for the global housing crisis, shares real-life stories of tenant eviction and discrimination, and challenges us to put people before profit. Full shownotes and transcript at: https://www.changinglenses.ca/podcast/episode-06---when-a-house-is-not-a-home%2C-with-alyssa-brierley

How should the COVID vaccine be distributed? Why do we have to pay for our own life-saving drugs? Why does Canada’s healthcare system rank second last out of 10 countries? We discuss these questions and more, in part 2 of our healthcare series with Doret Cheng, a practicing pharmacist and university lecturer on global health. Please join us for this important discussion that impacts every Canadian. Full shownotes, transcript and music credits at: https://www.changinglenses.ca/podcast/episode-05-%E2%80%93-it%E2%80%99s-not-healthcare-without-pharmacare%2C-with-doret-cheng

In this two-part series on healthcare in Canada, we explore (and dismantle) some myths about our “free, universal” system which is so lauded by Americans. Join us for part one, as pharmacist Doret Cheng takes us behind the scenes of a Toronto Family Medicine Clinic, putting a human face to stigmatized patients. If you think that the problems of homeless people and drug addicts are just housing and mental health – it’s time to change your lens. Full shownotes, transcript and music credits at: https://www.changinglenses.ca/podcast/episode-04---not-so-universal-healthcare%3A-caring-for-the-uncared-for%2C-with-doret-cheng

Dave Addison is a former corporate executive and survivor of alcohol addiction and mental illness. Now as a Peer Support Champion and Mental Health Advocate, he tells his very personal story, and how current sufferers and their supporters can find hope. Full shownotes and transcript at: https://www.changinglenses.ca/podcast/episode-03---hope-amid-darkness-with-dave-addison [00:03:03]  Ch1: Dave’s story of alcohol abuse, mental illness, and HOPE [00:16:00]   Ch2: Dismantling stigmas and debunking myth [00:26:50]  Ch3: Changing the conversation [00:34:30]  Ch4: Peer Support Champions and employer supports [00:43:12]   Ch5: Where to get help – for yourself, a coworker or loved one

Dr. Rehman Abdulrehman, a psychologist specializing in diversity and inclusion, shares more about his personal experiences with religious discrimination, and his ideas for real allyship and change. We also chat about a surprising difference between Americans and Canadians; Colourism (even among People of Colour); and how we can be more relatable and likeable. Shownotes and transcript:  https://www.changinglenses.ca/podcast/episode-02---part-2---i-am-canadian-with-dr.-rehman-abdulrehman Have questions or feedback? https://www.facebook.com/changinglensesca/posts/139825521164643 Music Credits: What Words Can't Describe, by Vlad Gluschenko License: CC BY 3.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en Beautiful Modern Rock Pop Guitar All Goodness Background Music, by Royalty Free Music License: CC BY-NC-ND 3.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en

Dr. Rehman Abdulrehman, a psychologist specializing in diversity and inclusion, shares his personal experiences of racism and discrimination – as a child, and as professional.  We also chat about explaining privilege to White people; being accepted as Canadians; and the “false truth” of multiculturalism in Canada. Music Credits: What Words Can't Describe, by Vlad Gluschenko License: CC BY 3.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en Beautiful Modern Rock Pop Guitar All Goodness Background Music, by Royalty Free Music License: CC BY-NC-ND 3.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en

"One of the things that is interesting with speech and voice is, it's not - it's not like race, right? You can change the way you talk, and you can change it to varying degrees. But just because you can, should you?" In our first-ever episode, Katie Gore, a speech-language pathologist, talks about diversity and inclusion when communicating at work. We discuss “sounding less Black”; changing our accents (or not); changing voice gender; power perceptions and “executive presence”; and how employers can be more supportive and inclusive. Full shownotes, transcript and music credits at: https://www.changinglenses.ca/podcast/episode-01-full---speak-and-be-heard-with-katie-gore

An excerpt from the pilot episode, Speak and Be Heard. Guest Katie Gore, a speech language pathologist, talks about diversity and inclusion around speaking and communication in the workplace. Theme music credit - Morning Sun, by ANtarctic Breeze.

Preview my first ever podcast, sharing stories and experiences of different Canadians to broaden our perspectives. In this trailer, you'll hear a bit of my own story, and how Changing Lenses can impact inclusion and social equity. This trailer references Rev. René August of Freedom Road, speaking in this webinar. Theme music credit:  Last Battle and Inspirational Cinematic Trailer, by Ashamaluev Music.