129 : Can Activist Theater Artists Bring DEI Back from the Dead? Part 1

Can artists revive the powerful, but increasingly vilified, values of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in America?As DEI initiatives face growing backlash and politicization, many wonder whether the ideals of inclusion and justice can still thrive. This show originally shared in 2023 is the first episode of a three-part series that invites listeners into a raw, eye-opening performance that uses the language of live theater to confront bias, spark honest dialogue, and explore how the arts can illuminate our shared humanity in even the most divided spaces.Discover how Breaking Ice, a pioneering DEI theater program, turns lived workplace tension into transformative learning experiences.Hear firsthand stories from healthcare professionals reckoning with identity, bias, and privilege in a system built on healing.Learn how art can dismantle defensiveness and create space for courageous, necessary conversations in complex institutions.Listen now to witness how storytelling and performance are cutting through silence to challenge division and inspire real change from the inside out.*****Change the Story / Change the World is a podcast that chronicles the power of art and community transformation, providing a platform for activist artists to share their experiences and gain the skills and strategies they need to thrive as agents of social change.Through compelling conversations with artist activists, artivists, and cultural organizers, the podcast explores how art and activism intersect to fuel cultural transformation and drive meaningful change. Guests discuss the challenges and triumphs of community arts, socially engaged art, and creative placemaking, offering insights into artist mentorship, building credibility, and communicating impact.Episodes delve into the realities of artist isolation, burnout, and funding for artists, while celebrating the role of artists in residence and creative leadership in shaping a more just and inclusive world. Whether you’re an emerging or established artist for social justice, this podcast offers inspiration, practical advice, and a sense of solidarity in the journey toward art and social change.