Tyler Adams of the GoodPain Podcast opens up about how a life-altering event involving his youngest daughter cracked his heart open and expanded his understanding of privilege, complicity with oppressive systems, and what it really means to live in alignment with his values, including using storytelling to make heart-to-heart connections that create lasting change.

He shares his experiences with the complexities of navigating loss, confronting privilege, subverting the status quo, and the power of staying connected to our humanity.

Tyler encourages listeners to resist the "path of least resistance," refuse to be passive participants, and to remember the importance of collective action and accountability on the journey toward justice.

Stay Connected with Tyler and GoodPain by visiting their Website: https://goodpainco.com/

LISTEN TO RELANDO'S GUEST EPISODE ON GOODPAIN - This Just Ain't Working For Us: https://goodpainco.com/podcast/goodpain-podcast-season-02-episode-20-this-just-aint-working-for-us-relando-thompkins-jones-social-justice-origin-stories/

🔔 If you haven't already...SUBSCRIBE to Social Justice Origin Stories on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@socialjusticeoriginstories?sub_confirmation=1

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💬 SHARE YOUR STORY OR FEEDBACK Your voice helps shape this community and may be featured in a future episode.

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🎧 LISTEN & FOLLOW

Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991

Wherever You Get Your Podcasts: https://pod.link/1771268991

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/

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Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.

00:00 Breadcrumbing Change

01:54 Risk And Paralysis

03:40 Humility And Legacy

06:36 Show Intro And Mission

07:49 Meet Tyler...

dr. monique liston, founder of Ubuntu Research and Evaluation, tells the story of how her dissertation research on human dignity for Black people led her to root her organization in the concept of ubuntu: “I am because we are” as a rejection of individualistic, capitalist thinking and a response to anti-Blackness and data violence.

She shares how navigating academic and professional spaces as a Black woman moved her to create an environment where smart Black girls are affirmed and where teams can interrupt harmful narratives, misinterpretations, and visual depictions about Black communities.

dr. liston connects Ubuntu to abolitionist leadership, describes Ubuntu Research and Evaluation’s “undisciplined” and “ungovernable” approach, and encourages listeners to read books, write books, and embody Ubuntu right where they are.

Follow Ubuntu Research & Evaluation

Website: www.ubunturesearch.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ubunturesearch/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ubunturesearch

🔔 If you haven't already...SUBSCRIBE to Social Justice Origin Stories on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@socialjusticeoriginstories?sub_confirmation=1

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💬 SHARE YOUR STORY OR FEEDBACK Your voice helps shape this community and may be featured in a future episode.

Email: stories@socialjusticeoriginstories.com

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Or leave a comment below

🎧 LISTEN & FOLLOW

Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991

Wherever You Get Your Podcasts: https://pod.link/1771268991

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/

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LinkedIn (Relando): https://www.linkedin.com/in/relandothompkinsjones/

LinkTree for more: https://linktr.ee/SocialJusticeOriginStories?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZzPfl3gCm5NY9C_Y-glRzwDu-8BvHfkCJaQlDihfrQxbYWC1dnxgRL2kU_aem_kmgEcokBmDt8WaAtlWQMQQ

Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.

00:00 Dignity and Ubuntu Roots

03:04 Humanity Quote and Abolition

05:52 Show Intro and Guest Welcome

08:24 monique liston Background

09:40 Activation and Ancestral Seeds

12:00 Founding Ubuntu and Data Violence

17:24 Why Ubuntu Name Matters

...

Kwesi A. Robertson shares about his journey through corporate America, pop culture, and the experiences that shaped his awareness of social justice. He describes the patterns that led him to recognize why access to vulnerability isn't a level playing field, noting how popular self-help and success narratives often hide an "underbelly" that ignores systemic barriers while blaming individuals for the negative outcomes they experience.

Kwesi defines social justice as a form of love and a foundational lens for understanding reality, urging listeners to seek connection, shared language that actually acknowledges the complexity of our experiences, and shared responsibility to build spaces where everyone can fully show up.

🔔 If you haven't already...SUBSCRIBE to Social Justice Origin Stories on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@socialjusticeoriginstories?sub_confirmation=1

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💬 SHARE YOUR STORY OR FEEDBACK Your voice helps shape this community and may be featured in a future episode.

Email: stories@socialjusticeoriginstories.com

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Or leave a comment below

🎧 LISTEN & FOLLOW

Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991

Wherever You Get Your Podcasts: https://pod.link/1771268991

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567841874653

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LinkedIn (Relando): https://www.linkedin.com/in/relandothompkinsjones/

LinkTree for more: https://linktr.ee/SocialJusticeOriginStories?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZzPfl3gCm5NY9C_Y-glRzwDu-8BvHfkCJaQlDihfrQxbYWC1dnxgRL2kU_aem_kmgEcokBmDt8WaAtlWQMQQ

Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.

Timestamps:

00:00 Packing Up the Persona

00:53 Rage at Vulnerability

01:26 Who Gets to Be Seen

02:28 Not Written for Me

03:28 Questioning the Boundaries

04:22 Self Help Underbelly

05:51 Justice Beneath Anger

07:00 Show Intro and Mission

08:11 Meet the Guest Kwesi

15:31 Activated by the Book

21:41 Body Cost of Success

25:55 Family Roots and Unlearning

31:27 Weighted Vest at Work

37:45 Writing Finds Community

42:30 Pop Culture as Justice Lens

48:27 Learning Black History Playbook

52:08 Choosing Justice Forward

53:56 Advice With Conditions

55:51 Pop Culture Empowerment

58:05...

Social Justice Origin Stories started off as a podcast, but is growing into something more. This is your guided tour of everything available on Social Justice Origin Stories' YouTube channel (so far).

In this episode of Design Decisions, you'll learn about the categories, special series, and the playlists that are available, so you'll know where to explore and what you'll find when you get here.

🔔 If you haven't already...SUBSCRIBE to Social Justice Origin Stories on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@socialjusticeoriginstories?sub_confirmation=1

❤️ SUPPORT THE PROJECT Support this work by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories

💬 SHARE YOUR STORY OR FEEDBACK Your voice helps shape this community and may be featured in a future episode.

Email: stories@socialjusticeoriginstories.com

Leave a Voice Note: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com/contact/ or https://www.speakpipe.com/socialjusticeoriginstories

Or leave a comment below

🎧 LISTEN & FOLLOW

Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991

Wherever You Get Your Podcasts: https://pod.link/1771268991

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567841874653

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sjoriginstories.bsky.social

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/social-justice-origin-stories/

LinkedIn (Relando): https://www.linkedin.com/in/relandothompkinsjones/

LinkTree for more: https://linktr.ee/SocialJusticeOriginStories?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZzPfl3gCm5NY9C_Y-glRzwDu-8BvHfkCJaQlDihfrQxbYWC1dnxgRL2kU_aem_kmgEcokBmDt8WaAtlWQMQQ

Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.

00:00 Channel Tour Intro

01:18 Project Pillars Overview

01:30 Personal Journeys

04:02 Organizational Histories

05:58 Educational Segments

08:52 Community Voices

10:55 Weaving Our Voices

13:45 Annual In Community Series

14:19 Playlists And Themes

23:10 Design Decisions Series

24:11 Wrap Up And Invitation

Realizing social justice is not a simple or linear process, and the weight of the work can wear us down. Whether you are actively engaged on the front lines of your work, taking time to rest, or simply trying to survive the everyday realities of living within oppressive systems, we need you.

Social Justice Origin Stories is here to remind you that wherever you are in the struggle, these stories are for you.

🔔 If you haven't already...SUBSCRIBE to Social Justice Origin Stories on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@socialjusticeoriginstories?sub_confirmation=1

❤️ SUPPORT THE PROJECT Support this work by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories

💬 SHARE YOUR STORY OR FEEDBACK Your voice helps shape this community and may be featured in a future episode.

Email: stories@socialjusticeoriginstories.com

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Or leave a comment below

🎧 LISTEN & FOLLOW

Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991

Wherever You Get Your Podcasts: https://pod.link/1771268991

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567841874653

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sjoriginstories.bsky.social

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/social-justice-origin-stories/

LinkedIn (Relando): https://www.linkedin.com/in/relandothompkinsjones/

LinkTree for more: https://linktr.ee/SocialJusticeOriginStories?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZzPfl3gCm5NY9C_Y-glRzwDu-8BvHfkCJaQlDihfrQxbYWC1dnxgRL2kU_aem_kmgEcokBmDt8WaAtlWQMQQ

Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.

00:00 These Stories Are For You

02:05 Why Social Justice Origin Stories Exists

02:43 For When You Cannot Speak

04:24 Healthy Community Spaces

04:59 Honoring Rest And Limits

06:18 When I Get Tired Too

07:27 Storytelling Reconnects Us

08:44 You Matter. Take Breaks When You Can

09:34 Final Reminder And Gratitude

This is Design Decisions: a space where I share news and updates about Social Justice Origin Stories as it continues to grow and evolve. More than updates and announcements, though, it’s a space for meaning-making, where I expand on the ideas, values, and design decisions that shape this work. It’s a space to think out loud, and a place where I talk through what it's like to build social justice origin stories in this time we’re living in, and the things I learn and experience along the way.

🔔 If you haven't already...SUBSCRIBE to Social Justice Origin Stories on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@socialjusticeoriginstories?sub_confirmation=1

❤️ SUPPORT THE PROJECT Support this work by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories

💬 SHARE YOUR STORY OR FEEDBACK Your voice helps shape this community and may be featured in a future episode.

Email: stories@socialjusticeoriginstories.com

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🎧 LISTEN & FOLLOW

Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991

Wherever You Get Your Podcasts: https://pod.link/1771268991

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567841874653

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sjoriginstories.bsky.social

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/social-justice-origin-stories/

LinkedIn (Relando): https://www.linkedin.com/in/relandothompkinsjones/

LinkTree for more: https://linktr.ee/SocialJusticeOriginStories?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZzPfl3gCm5NY9C_Y-glRzwDu-8BvHfkCJaQlDihfrQxbYWC1dnxgRL2kU_aem_kmgEcokBmDt8WaAtlWQMQQ

Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.

00:00 Why Stories Matter

00:13 Admiration Without Pedestals

00:45 Demystifying Courage

01:00 Inviting People In

01:44 Storytelling Connects Dots

02:09 Podcast Growth and Impact

02:30 Three Series Overview

03:16 Introducing Design Decisions

03:55 Updates and Meaning Making

04:27 Closing Thanks

This is Volume 3 of “For Those Who'll Come After“, a special series from Social Justice Origin Stories. In this series, storytellers reach across time, sharing messages and reflections for future generations, sharing what they want them to know, remember, and carry forward in the ongoing pursuit of social justice.

🔔 If you haven't already...SUBSCRIBE to Social Justice Origin Stories on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@socialjusticeoriginstories?sub_confirmation=1

❤️ SUPPORT THE PROJECT Support this work by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories

💬 SHARE YOUR STORY OR FEEDBACK Your voice helps shape this community and may be featured in a future episode.

Email: stories@socialjusticeoriginstories.com

Leave a Voice Note: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com/contact/ or https://www.speakpipe.com/socialjusticeoriginstories

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🎧 LISTEN & FOLLOW

Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991

Wherever You Get Your Podcasts: https://pod.link/1771268991

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567841874653

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sjoriginstories.bsky.social

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/social-justice-origin-stories/

LinkedIn (Relando): https://www.linkedin.com/in/relandothompkinsjones/

LinkTree for more: https://linktr.ee/SocialJusticeOriginStories?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZzPfl3gCm5NY9C_Y-glRzwDu-8BvHfkCJaQlDihfrQxbYWC1dnxgRL2kU_aem_kmgEcokBmDt8WaAtlWQMQQ

Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.

00:00 Series Purpose

00:44 Bloom Where You're Planted

01:21 Plant Seeds Anyway

02:39 Hope as a Practice

03:08 Defining Critical Hope

04:18 Minneapolis Reality Check

06:54 Follow Your Innate Sense of Justice

07:37 Use Fear as Fuel

08:52 Challenge Old Rules

10:05 Keep Talking Across Differences

11:15 Gather Many Skills for Life

13:23 Legacy and Love

14:15 Closing Reflection

15:58 Subscribe and Support

This is Volume 4 of The Justice We Imagine, a special series from Social Justice Origin Stories. This series focuses on storytellers' responses to three essential questions:  

When is true social justice possible? What shapes our approach to the work? And why does understanding and sharing our social justice origin stories matter?

As you listen to their responses, reflect on what your answers might be.

🔔 If you haven't already...SUBSCRIBE to Social Justice Origin Stories on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@socialjusticeoriginstories?sub_confirmation=1

❤️ SUPPORT THE PROJECT Support this work by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories

💬 SHARE YOUR STORY OR FEEDBACK Your voice helps shape this community and may be featured in a future episode.

Email: stories@socialjusticeoriginstories.com

Leave a Voice Note: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com/contact/ or https://www.speakpipe.com/socialjusticeoriginstories

Or leave a comment below

🎧 LISTEN & FOLLOW

Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991

Wherever You Get Your Podcasts: https://pod.link/1771268991

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567841874653

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sjoriginstories.bsky.social

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/social-justice-origin-stories/

LinkedIn (Relando): https://www.linkedin.com/in/relandothompkinsjones/

LinkTree for more: https://linktr.ee/SocialJusticeOriginStories?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZzPfl3gCm5NY9C_Y-glRzwDu-8BvHfkCJaQlDihfrQxbYWC1dnxgRL2kU_aem_kmgEcokBmDt8WaAtlWQMQQ

Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.

00:00 Series Introduction

00:28 When True Social Justice Is Possible

02:39 Mutual Accountability

03:40 Inclusion And Wholeness

05:01 Power And Decision Making

05:39 Love And Humanity

06:52 Ancestors And History

10:43 Pain Into Purpose

11:47 Why Sharing Our Social Justice Origin Stories Matter

13:52 Preserving Oral Histories

17:07 Stories Build Community

19:58 Closing And Call To Action