Breaking Bias with Anu Gupta

In this conversation on race, Anu Gupta talks about race, bias, and solutions. Anu Gupta thinks we are all biased, and that we all need to be "Breaking Bias," every day. In this episode, he shares his story of how other people's bias almost caused him to take his life.  Anu Gupta is a renowned meditation teacher, human rights lawyer, scientist, and author of the book  "Breaking Bias.'" The discussion centers around the profound impact of biases, including Anu's personal experiences with racial 'othering' and post-9/11 Islamophobia, which led to his severe mental health struggles. He introduces the PRISM framework (Perspective-taking, Prosocial behavior, Individuation, Stereotype replacement, and Mindfulness) as a set of tools for fostering systemic change and understanding. Anu's initiative, Be More With Anu, and his call to action for greater awareness and inclusive practices highlight the steps people can take to break through their biases. Our society is experiencing a mental health crisis where too many people are "othered" because of skin color, and other differences and feel like they don't belong. By "Breaking Bias," we can increase empathy, connection, and reduce fear of differences. Listen to this episode or watch it on YouTube, but don't miss this conversation on race. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 01:06 Guest Introduction: Anu Gupta 02:18 The Importance of Discussing Race 04:39 Anu Gupta's Personal Journey 10:57 Understanding Bias and Its Impact 27:35 The Prism Toolkit for Reducing Bias 33:49 Understanding Systemic Racial Issues in Policing 34:58 The Historical Roots of Racial Bias 36:53 Kamala Harris and the Intersection of Bias 40:39 Introducing PRISM: A Toolkit for Bias Reduction 43:57 Personal Stories of Overcoming Bias 46:37 Engaging in Conversations About Bias 54:47 Final Thoughts and Resources   Guests Bio: Anu Gupta is an educator, lawyer, scientist, and the founder and CEO of BE MORE with Anu, an education technology benefit corporation that trains professionals across corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors to advance DEIB and wellness by breaking bias. His work has reached 300+ organizations training more than 80,000 professionals impacting over 30 million lives. As a gay immigrant of color, he came to the work of breaking bias after almost ending his life due to lifelong experiences with racism, homophobia, and Islamophobia. The realization that bias can be unlearned helped lead him out of that dark point and inspired a lifelong mission to build a global movement for social healing based on principles of mindfulness and compassion. A peer-reviewed author, he has written and spoken extensively, including on the TED stage, the Oprah Conversation, Fast Company, Newsweek, and Vogue Business.    Click here to DONATE and support our podcast All donations are tax deductible through Fractured Atlas. Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, "Everyday Conversations on Race." Contact [email protected] to get more information, book her as a speaker for your next event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences. Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition)    Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Tiktok Website    Previous Episodes How Can Art Eliminate Racism? Growing Up Biracial in a White World: Desiree Chang's Journey of Identity and Race Will Music Transcend Racial Divides? Loved this episode?  Leave us a review and rating