Episodes
A Living Archive
Explore a growing collection of ThoughtCasts documenting the evolution of ideas across culture, education, health, economics, leadership, community development, faith, and human flourishing.
The Architecture of Extraction
with Jerome Paige
The Architecture of Extraction: Private Equity State Capitalism and the Sacred Economics of Human Resilience Jerome Paige reintroduces the framework from his recent book—"private equity state capitalism"—describing it as an attempt to define the disturbing contemporary system of governance, one that prioritizes the extraction and concentration of value, often at the expense of marginalized communities. Out of this context, Jerome Paige and his brother offer the concept of “African Americanism”—a living tradition, distilling the everyday strategies and survival skills passed down through Black history. The premise: to move Black history from mere remembrance to active application, useful “24/7, 365” as a toolkit for resilience and change. African Americanism, as Jerome Paige outlines, offers a “fourfold path,” beginning with the courage to “testify, talk truth to power, and say what’s real.” In a climate that obstructs open expression and collective organization, this first step is both radical and essential. Profound Conversations is written and produced by the AALIANETWORK; Technical Production by Erika Christie; Associate Producer Wanda Belle; Moderator/ Navigator Dr. Mwata Sankara (Kevin Washington).
How Do Your Personal Values Affect the Work You Do?
with Shawn-Paul Harrison, Samuel Shareef & Michael Browning
A panel discussion on how personal values, especially trust, underpin effective coalition-building in medical and community fields. Featuring Shawn-Paul Harrison, Samuel Shareef, and Michael Browning on the importance of trust in health and public health work within communities of color.
Managing Health and Wellness During Turbulent Times
with Imam Johari Abdul Malik, Dr. Farha Abassi & Chaplain Tahara Akmal
Episode 01 of the Profound Conversations series. Imam Johari Abdul Malik, Dr. Farha Abassi, and Chaplain Tahara Akmal share best practices for families to thrive during times of heightened stress and uncertainty, drawing on clinical mental health, chaplaincy, and Islamic knowledge.
Beyond the Acronym: Labor, Leadership and the Future of DEI
with Dr. Carlen Carey
Dr. Carlen Carey explores how DEI is the latest iteration of a historic impulse to hold institutions accountable for equity of access. A deep dive into the relationship between labor rights, belonging, and systemic change — from the John Punch decision to today's corporate rollbacks.
Shifting Culture through Film
with Jeffrey Friday
A conversation with Jeffrey Friday, founder and president of the American Black Film Festival, on transformative leadership in the arts, lifting up Black artists, and the power of culture to shift consciousness. From humble beginnings of 90 attendees in 1997 to 8,000+, ABFF has launched careers like Will Packer, Ryan Coogler, and Issa Rae.
DEI Deconstructed
with Fatimah Linda Howard, JD
Fatimah Linda Howard, JD examines the current controversy surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. In part one of this two-part series, she dispels common myths about DEI's connection to affirmative action and explores why organizations are reneging on promises made during the George Floyd era.
Critical Disparities in Baltimore Amid Coronavirus
with Andre Robinson
Andre Robinson speaks candidly about the critical systemic disparities in Baltimore laid bare by the coronavirus crisis — from broken communication channels to the dangers of normalizing deviance in underfunded communities.
Self-Care Milestones: Reclaiming Wellness for Life Balance
with Joia Jefferson Nuri & Latifa Muhammad Turner
Joia Jefferson Nuri (certified executive leadership coach) and Latifa Muhammad Turner (master Reiki teacher) explore how women can balance financial stability, family, health, and joy while resisting burnout. A conversation about sacred rest, wellness practices, and reclaiming wholeness.