Beyond Race Podcast
Beyond Race Podcast
Brian Gillet & VJ Smith
Beyond Race Podcast presents a weekly conversation that is frank, provocative yet friendly about sensitive topics around race, social issues and politics.
Brian & VJ Welcome Their First Listener Guest - Nik!
Brian and VJ welcome their first listener guest – Nik!  They discuss Nik’s experiences living in 3 different countries, family, favorite episodes, media, racism and diversity training at home and work.   
Jun 13, 2021
47 min
A CONVERSATION WITH TONI ANN JOHNSON
VJ and Brian welcome awarding winning writer Toni Ann Johnson for a lively conversation about her new novella Homegoing and her challenges with growing up in one of the few Black families in the predominantly white suburb of Monroe, New York.
Jun 1, 2021
1 hr 2 min
Adam Toledo, Racism Against Latinx & The Split-Second Decision Standard
VJ & Brian explore the disturbing death of a 13-year-old Latino boy, the violent history of racism against Latinx people and the lethal split-second decision standard. 
May 17, 2021
25 min
The Police.......DEFUND or DEMOLISH?
VJ & Brian discuss the history and question the future of the police institution in America.  Unconscionable police brutalities dictate that change needs to happen in order to save lives.  Our intent is to educate and make us all think about what “To Protect and To Serve” should mean in our country. 
May 12, 2021
29 min
The Reckoning of George Floyd's Murder
VJ & Brian discuss the trial and verdict of George Floyd's murderer. We share our thoughts about the trial, the verdict and the great lengths the prosecution has had to go to gain people's awareness and understanding.
May 7, 2021
23 min
Voter Suppression....AGAIN??
VJ and Brian talk about the new wave of voter suppression laws that are sweeping states across the country under the guise of "Voter ID Laws" and making America "safe" against voter "fraud". Buckle up and Hang on for this one!!!
May 6, 2021
45 min
A Conversation with Rev. Aldana Allen
VJ & Brian have an engagingly moving conversation with Rev. Aldana Allen, Pastor  of the Providence United Methodist Church in Western North Carolina. The Reverend is making a name for himself in bridging racial divides as he leads a primarily white congregation.https://www.pumc-salisbury.org/
Apr 26, 2021
55 min
Devin Galaudet Talks the Baha'i Faith & the Elimination of Prejudice
This week, VJ & Brian talk to author  of "10,000 Miles With My Dead Father's Ashes" Devin Galaudet.  Devin is also the Editor and Publisher of the well-established, "In The Know Traveler" series of websites, and  also publishes several other travel-inspired websites. We talk to Devin about his Baha'i faith and how that faith brought him to a feeling of peace, tranquility and how his faith enhances his acceptance of all races.https://devingalaudet.comhttps://www.amazon.com/Devin-Galaudet/e/B079P8S6JJ%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
Apr 13, 2021
1 hr 7 min
How to Change Someone's Mind
VJ & Brian talk about learning skill sets that have been proven to get through to people set in their beliefs. These tips could well put you on your way to convincing others that racism is real.
Apr 6, 2021
23 min
Racist Expressions
VJ & Brian talk about words and expressions that are considered offensive. We explore their origins and talk about whether they're still considered offensive or perhaps have become so diluted through time they have come to mean something else. There are others on our list that started out innocently and people have made them offensive. Do YOU use any of them?
Mar 26, 2021
51 min
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