We’re watching fascism unfold in real time.
The worst part? We're told to stay neutral. To debate both sides.
I’m done compartmentalizing my humanity.

This new episode asks: how do we stay awake in a world that wants us to go numb? How do we resist the grind, the gaslighting, the urge to look away — and still choose joy, rest, and each other?

A new podcast series begins now. For those holding both hope and heartbreak.

Referenced in the episode:

Jonathan Dent – Astrologer

https://www.jonathanldent.com/

Naomi Klein - The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism

https://www.ted.com/talks/naomi_klein_how_shocking_events_can_spark_positive_change?language=en

Licensed intro music from NoMo

Vinny Welsby (they/them) is a world-leading expert on dismantling anti-fat bias and diet-culture, TEDx speaker, and best-selling author. They went from being homeless and abused with self-esteem that was achingly low into the courageous fat activist and change maker they are today. Vinny helps people fall in love with their bodies and is dedicated to shifting the way society views fat bodies.

Follow and connect with Vinny through any of the following:

Website: https://fiercefatty.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fierce.fatty/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fiercefatty
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/vinnywelsby
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fierce-fatty-podcast/id1481565570

What is Vinny watching and reading right now?

• F.D Signifier: https://www.youtube.com/@FDSignifire
• Tradwives and the White Supremacists Who Love Them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgQeoMEj0NY
• Dr. Pimple Popper: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgrsF4TYwmrV0QsXb8AoeHQ
• 90 Day Fiance: https://www.discoveryplus.com/

Licensed intro music from NoMo

I first came across Chris Hooten on LinkedIn about a month ago when I had so many thoughts swirling in my head around the silence of so many equity and inclusion professionals in my circles of influence with the ongoing genocide in Gaza. A deliberate choice to uphold a sense of comfort in a job that requires you to be truth tellers and deeply uncomfortable to uphold a sense of integrity. Chris’s perspective that they were openly and unapologetically sharing online felt like the truth that so desperately needed to be said, and so I invited them to join me in dialogue in exploring the dire need for integrity in the work of equity and inclusion, especially for white practitioners who hold a deep amount of privilege and access.

Meet Chris:

Chris Hooten (they/them) is a leading speaker, advisor, and advocate for LGBTQ+, neurodivergent and BIPOC affirming cultures and with over ten years in leadership, advocacy, and professional development, Chris has worked alongside incredible organizations like the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden & Glass, Levy Restaurants, POCIS Seattle, and Bastyr University to build equitable and and accessible organizations. They inspire clients to embrace intersectional neurodiversity to remove barriers and promote success for all. They offer a range of services, including workshops, professional development, speaking engagements, and coaching that solves equity challenges. To learn more about their impact, visit chrishootenconsulting.com.

LinkedIn post from Chris that inspired this episode here.

References from the episode:

Norman Finkelstein - https://www.normanfinkelstein.com/
Maintenance Phase podcast: https://www.maintenancephase.com/
The Myth of Normal by Dr. Gabor Mate: https://drgabormate.com/book/the-myth-of-normal/
Israeli government admits to sterilizing Ethiopian Jewish women: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/israel-gave-birth-control-to-ethiopian-jews-without-their-consent-8468800.html

Licensed intro music from NoMo