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Prof. Gerald Torres and Dr. Michel Gelobter sit down with the Heartwood Podcast team to share their reflections on the Environmental Justice movement and the outstanding work at Yale's Center for Environmental Justice (YCEJ). The leaders at YCEJ and Dr. Easley draw from a deep history of Environmental Justice to express their vision for their efforts. They discuss how their vision is realized through initiatives and projects like the 2025 Environmental Joy Congress, AI tools to empower communities, and arguments supporting grassroots activists.

Kaytia King joins The Heartwood Podcast in this episode and shares her wisdom on how to work around zero-sum thinking and scarcity mindsets that cause some to fear DEI, her journey towards entrepreneurship as one of cultivating fullness and joy, and how the path of being a DEI entrepreneur is one of constant learning and adaptation.

Sharyn Lopez and Candi Fulcher join the Heartwood Podcast to discuss what can only be described as "radical care" in the educational and public health fields. These two leaders discuss what it means to serve people and the importance of keeping each other's best interests in mind as we care for one another and our planet.

Julius Mims joins Bennett Olupo on this special episode of the Heartwood Podcast, where they explore Environmental Justice. The episode was inspired by Julius' strong desire to raise awareness about the importance of environmental justice through his perspective as a young activist fighting pollution in the Twin Cities (Minnesota).

Prof. Mickey Fearn wraps up his series of conversations with Dr. Easley, sharing valuable wisdom through storytelling. Among many lessons, Professor Fearn and Dr. Easley discuss the history of discretionary time, reaffirm diversity as an asset, and warn about the victimization entitlement system. This episode is a must-listen, so be sure to tune in!

Prof. Mickey Fearn discusses the importance of parks and recreation for communities to thrive in a work-centered culture, how inclusion makes some people uncomfortable despite being a great source of innovation, doing the inner work to move through reconciliation, and the importance of creativity in today's world.

Prof. Mickey Fearn shares about his experience encouraging creativity in workplace cultures that can feel constricting, how ethnicity and culture are assets for organizational creativity, and his reflections on the path to becoming the Deputy Director of the National Park Service.

The Heartwood Podcast will be joined by Prof. Micky Fearn for a special four-part series as a art of this season. In the first episode of the series, the former Deputy Director for the National Park Service shares his observations and reflections on nature and humanity. Tying in spirituality, he describes the foundational patterns that tie the earth together- setting the tone for conversations that you cannot afford to miss!

This special episode of the Heartwood Podcast explores the brotherhood created among members of The Easley Branch record label and their artistic expression. RaShad Eas, B God Body, and JS2000 discuss their use of music to overcome challenges and enhance their experience in university and professional settings. The members also speak to the equanimity they exude and the importance of their desire for more knowledge. Tune in and don’t miss out on this wisdom. They are joined by DJ Green as he films.

This special episode of the Heartwood Podcast explores the brotherhood created among members of The Easley Branch record label and their artistic expression. RaShad Eas, B God Body, and JS2000 discuss their use of music to overcome challenges and enhance their experience in university and professional settings. The members also speak to the equanimity they exude and the importance of their desire for more knowledge. Tune in and don’t miss out on this wisdom. They are joined by DJ Green as he films.

In this episode, recorded a few days after the 2024 presidential election, Professor Pat makes his return to Heartwood. He shares some timeless wisdom with us about getting through uncertain, challenging times with unity and grace.

Dr. Easley has been on a six season-long journey with the Heartwood podcast, having now recorded over fifty episodes with a highly diverse group of guests. He joins Bennett to reflect on the podcast’s roots, how it has grown over time, how he has grown with it, and what the future holds for the next fifty.

On this episode, Isaac interviews RaShad Eas, aka Dr. Easley as a hip-hop artist, about his latest project titled D.E.I. RaShad Eas talks about the themes behind each track on the album, and the roles of family, friends, and faith in his personal journey. Join us for a glimpse into the creative mind of our own Dr. Easley as he moves from the interviewer seat to the other side of the mic.

On this episode, Dr. Easley, Bennett and Isaac are joined by a returning guest from season one, Dr. Darin Latimore, Deputy Dean of Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer at Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Latimore discusses the continued need for diversity and inclusion in today’s climate, where the field needs to go in an environment that is becoming more hostile towards DEI, and the importance of mentorship and support structures for DEI practitioners. Dr. Latimore speaks as an individual in this interview. His viewpoints and opinions are not meant to represent Yale.

Esaac, Pwint, and Bennett, each with their unique perspectives, join Dr. Easley to discuss their experiences at Yale School of the Environment. Their roles as leaders on campus, promoting a just and equitable learning environment, are deeply influenced by their upbringing and background. These factors are intricately linked to their research areas of focus, such as food sovereignty and access to outdoor spaces for recreation. The episode offers insights into campus activism, little-known history about environmental conservation, and how these three individuals draw strength from each other to maintain their joy.