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PODCAST · education

Compassionate Cultures

by Rebbecca Hemmings

Bringing humanity, compassion, and logic to conversations about discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

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Episodes

  1. S3:Ep:7 Celebrating Antiracist Healthcare in Birmingham – Part 2

    Rebbecca Hemmings is joined by Melanin Moods, the team behind the Beyond the Fade Project, and Strawberry Words associate trainer Sipho Ndlovu. Dr Chanelle Dennis and Talisa Mesquitta explore how barbershops, storytelling, and trusted community spaces are becoming vital locations for early...

  2. S3:Ep:6 Celebrating Antiracist Healthcare in Birmingham – Part 1

    This episode brings together two influential voices who are reshaping what equitable and compassionate healthcare looks like in Birmingham. Olaunde Awe, Managing Director of Ilera Health, and Dr Tonye Sikabofori, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, join Rebbecca Hemmings to explore the realities of...

  3. S3:Ep:5 Migrants, Belonging, and the Reality Behind the Headlines – A Conversation with Salman Mirza

    In this deeply honest conversation, Salman Mirza shares unfiltered insights into the real priorities for migrants and asylum seekers in the UK today and they might not be what you expect. Drawing on decades of lived experience, from his early years in Luton to his current work supporting asylum...

  4. S3:Ep:4 Professor Partha S Kar on Tackling Racial Inequality in Healthcare

    We had the privilege of speaking with Professor Partha Kar, Type 1 Diabetes and Technology Lead at NHS England, whose influence has shaped healthcare policy and practice across the country. As a proud Bengali clinician, Professor Kar has dedicated his career to improving health outcomes for...

  5. S3:Ep:3 AI in the Age of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – A Conversation with Eugene Hilton

    In this thought-provoking episode of The Compassionate Cultures Podcast, host Rebbecca Hemmings speaks with Eugene Hilton, founder of North Star AI Solutions, about the promises and perils of artificial intelligence in today’s workplaces. As organisations increasingly turn to AI to streamline...

  6. S3:Ep2 Embedding DEI in Evolving Times - Part 2

    Part 2 of our first live edition of the Compassionate Cultures podcast is now streaming. At the start of this episode, our panel takes on a pressing question: how is the widespread public showcasing of the St George’s flag creating challenges inside the workplace? And what are leaders doing to...

  7. S3:Ep:1 Embedding DEI in Evolving Times - Part 1

    UK societal discourse around who is deemed deserving and who is not is becoming increasingly polarised. The flags, the migrant hotel protests, and the marches are all symbols of this growing discontent. But how does the workplace contend with these issues when they inevitably seep through its...

  8. S2:Ep:11 Autism in the Workplace with Carla Dereveux

    This week on Compassionate Cultures, we’re joined by Carla Devereux, a psychotherapist and leadership development specialist. Drawing on both personal and professional experience, Carla offers a nuanced exploration of autism in adulthood, particularly in the workplace. In this insightful...

  9. S2:Ep:10 Cultural Humility and Safety with Helen Harrison

    In this episode, Rebbecca is joined by the Assistant Director of Public Health at Birmingham City Council to discuss the Cultural Humility and Safety programme, a pioneering initiative that equips staff with the tools to navigate discrimination, antiracism, power dynamics, and compassionate...

  10. S2:Ep:9 Disrupting the Deficit Narrative with Kevin J Brazant

    In this straight-talking episode, we’re joined by Kevin J Brazant, practitioner-academic, creator of Disrupt the Discourse Co-Creation Framework™ and founder of Lounge Akademics. With roots in grassroots activism and a growing academic portfolio, Kevin brings a rare and necessary perspective on...

  11. S2:Ep:8 Creating a World Where Potential Isn’t Wasted - James Adeleke

    What does it take to build a world where careers aren’t determined by background or privilege? In this energising episode of Compassionate Cultures, host Rebbecca Hemmings speaks with James Adeleke, founder and CEO of Generation Success. From being awarded the Freedom of the City of London to...

  12. S2:Ep:7 Reflections on Truth, Tea, and David Olusoga

    In this episode of the Compassionate Cultures Podcast, Rebbecca reflects on the powerful words and presence of historian David Olusoga. From uncovering the hidden histories behind everyday British staples like tea and fish and chips, to challenging how we frame national identity, David invites us...

  13. S2:Ep:6 Debunking Myths About Sexual Harassment

    In this episode of Compassionate Cultures, Rebbecca unpacks some of the most persistent myths surrounding sexual harassment. From the damaging belief that false reports are common, to the idea that sexual harassment only affects young women, Rebbecca sets the record straight with facts…

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  14. S2:Ep:5 Sexual Harassment at the Crossroads of Race and Gender

    Some individuals face a heightened risk of sexual harassment due to the intersecting aspects of their identity. In this episode, we explore the critical intersection of race and gender, highlighting how stereotypes rooted in both can create environments ripe for harm. What might appear to be…

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  15. S2:Ep:4 Behind the Scenes of Cultural Humility Training

    In this episode Strawberry Words Trainers Sipho, Rebbecca and Naomi, discuss their experience of delivering cultural humility training. Cultural Humility is a framework that offers a compassionate way through learning about systemic discrimination and racism. We absolutely love it and think all...

  16. S2:Ep:3 Men’s Health, Menopause & Meaningful DEI Work

    In this two-part special recorded during my visit to the Health and Wellbeing at Work Show at the NEC in Birmingham (11–12 March), I set out to gather the most urgent questions and insights relating to equity, diversity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. In part two, I continue to share key...

  17. S2:Ep:2 “Where Do You Begin With EDI?” and Other Questions

    During my visit to the Health and Wellbeing at Work Show (held at the NEC, Birmingham on 11th-12th March), my job was to collate the most pressing EDI-related questions and to learn. In this episode and the next, I share my thoughts and learning on: how companies can start on their EDI journeys,...

  18. S2:Ep:1 Season 2 Begins - Fresh Insights and Bold Moves

    Welcome back to Compassionate Cultures for an exciting Season 2! We've been hard at work behind the scenes, growing, learning, and expanding our impact. In this episode, we take you inside our latest projects, share key insights from our journey, and reveal what's in store for the season ahead.…

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  19. New Season Trailer

    The new season is about to launch on Friday 7th March! After that, you can catch it every Wednesday for the next 10-15 weeks

  20. S1:Ep:40 Racial Gaslighting

    Racial gaslighting is a reality that racially marginalised individuals often face, yet it remains an issue that many still don't address. In this episode, Rebbecca delves into the dynamics of racial gaslighting, breaking down how it manifests and providing insights into recognising it. When we...

  21. S1:Ep:39 Talking About Racism is So Divisive!

    A commonly held belief and comment frequently asked of us at Strawberry Words is “Why do you always talk about racism?” Often followed by the statement “It’s so divisive!”. In this episode, therefore, Rebbecca breaks down the common reasoning behind these words and assesses how they can actually…

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  22. S1:Ep:38 Supporting Racially Marginalised Pupils After the Riots

    In this particularly necessary episode of Compassionate Cultures, we explore how U.K. schools can better support racially, religiously and culturally marginalised pupils in the aftermath of the recent U.K. riots. While many schools have anti-discrimination and anti-bullying policies in place…

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  23. S1:Ep:37 Dealing with Racial Trauma - Part 2

    In this essential continuation from last week's episode, Rebbecca concludes her deeply personal and insightful discussion on the lasting effects of racial trauma following the recent race riots in England. In part two, she delves deeper into the emotional toll these events have taken on…

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  24. S1:Ep:36 Dealing With Racial Trauma Part 1

    In the wake of the recent race riots that have shaken communities across England, many individuals are grappling with the profound effects of racial trauma. In this deeply moving episode, Rebbecca opens up with raw honesty about how these events have touched her life and the lives of those around...

  25. S1:Ep35: Interview with Philosopher Daniel Stone

    Sipho Ndlovu guest hosts this interview with Birmingham’s philosopher, Daniel Stone. Tune in to hear about Daniel’s journey from inner-city Handsworth Birmingham through the Halls of Oxford University (whilst navigating tricky racial terrain), to now offering a neutral space for the exploration…

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  26. S1:Ep:34 The Importance of Inclusive Language

    How has your organisation ensured that staff understand the importance of and how to use inclusive language? Recently, a few U.K. companies have faced legal action because of a lack of knowledge about what is and isn’t acceptable (such as calling someone the wrong name or using sexist language)....

  27. S1:Ep:33 Breaking Down Cultural Competence

    In this episode, we dive into the fundamentals of cultural competence. Discover what cultural competence entails and why it is crucial in modern workplaces. Rebbecca Hemmings shares practical strategies for improving cross-cultural communication and encouraging an inclusive environment. We also...

  28. S1:Ep:32 What is Cultural Humility?

    Join us on the Compassionate Cultures Podcast for an insightful episode defining Cultural Humility. In just 18 minutes, we unpack the concept of cultural humility and its critical role in fostering inclusive and respectful workplaces. Using afro hair discrimination in UK schools as an example, we...

  29. S1:Ep:31 How To Exercise Soft Power

    How do you make change when you feel you have little or no power? Maybe you aren’t in a typical position of leadership, or you feel your influence is limited. In this episode, Rebbecca explores how she successfully uses her soft power and influence to make change. This conversation is based on a...

  30. S1:Ep:30 Live Lesson on Racial Microaggressions

    Tune into this episode for exclusive access to the talk on racial microaggressions I (Rebbecca Hemmings) gave at the Health and Well-Being Show at Work in March 2024 at the Birmingham NEC. Understand the word, learn the different types of microaggressions, and hear plenty of examples. Get two…

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  31. S1:Ep:29 Reducing Unconscious Bias According to Harvard University

    Continuing this series on undoing unconscious biases, in this episode I take a look through a section of the academic paper Follow the Science: Proven Strategies for Reducing Unconscious Bias by David Hoffman and Helen Winter from Harvard Law School. What a fascinating read! Tune in to learn…

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  32. S1:Ep:28 Undoing Unconscious Biases on The Apprentice

    An interaction on the UK TV show The Apprentice forms the basis of this episode on undoing your unconscious biases. Using a situation that occurred between two show participants, where one displayed their biases toward the other, I talk through a method to identify, challenge and address her...

  33. S1:Ep:27 Undoing Unconscious Bias - Contact Theory

    Learn how using Contact Theory developed by theorist Gordon Allport can help you to reduce or diminish your unconscious biases. Let us know what you thought about this episode. Listen to the Compassionate Cultures Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and the Strawberry Words website.

  34. S1:Ep:26 5 Ways to Attract the “Hard-to-reach”

    Many organisations find it tricky to attract ethnic minorities for projects, consultations, jobs, etc… In this episode I share my 5 top tips to consider when embarking on such a task. Make sure you’re taking notes! Learn about common pitfalls, how to change thinking around the term…

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  35. S1:Ep:25 Avoiding Defence Triggers & Centring Joy

    This week’s guest came all the way from Arizona, US. Racial justice expert and founder of 4 Da Hood, Frank Velasquez Jr spoke ‘frankly’ and openly about the challenges faced and powerful techniques used in developing leaders from global majority backgrounds. Listeners learn why ‘asset-based’...

  36. S1:Ep:24 Black Women and Misogynoir

    In the immediate aftermath of the recent racist and sexist comments made about the first British Black MP Diane Abbott, this episode was created to help black women process the pain felt and to offer allies ways to support them. By breaking down the meaning of the term ‘misogynoir’ and sharing…

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  37. S1:Ep23: How to Be an Ally

    One of the most frequently asked questions during training is: “How can I be an ally?”. Sharing scholar Tema Jon Okun’s 6 R’s of Antiracism, Rebbecca explains in clear terms some of the key actions that can be taken to help racialised people get justice and with the fairness they deserve. This is...

  38. S1:Ep:22 Tales from Eire: Living Through Discrimination in Ireland

    British born Helen Gibson has been living on the beautiful isle of Ireland for over 30 years. In that time, the racial climate has changed. In this episode Helen talks about her experiences, the challenges faced by some racialised people and the effects of the migrant crisis currently taking…

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  39. S1:Ep:21 Black Men, Vulnerability and Creativity Part 2

    Continuing the conversation from Part One, Nathan and Sipho explore the animation industry and its role communities and increasing diversity. Nathan speaks of ‘building bridges’ between communities and creativity, and the potential to address mental health issues. Listen to the Compassionate...

  40. S1:Ep20: But What About Irish People?

    Having been invited to deliver antiracism training in Ireland, I had to grapple with the challenge of talking about race, racism and antiracism in an Irish context. Given the nation’s history of having to face racism themselves, this raised all sorts of issues. Tune in to find out how I navigated...

  41. S1:Ep:19 Black Men, Vulnerability and Creativity

    Guest hosted by Strawberry Words’ trainer and creative Sipho Ndlovu, he interviews award-winning animator and entrepreneur, Nathan Addai. They CAREfully speak about Nathan’s work as a creative, his multi-media brand and black men’s mental health in a creative context. Listen to The Mentalist…

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  42. S1:Ep:18 “She Never WANTED to Be an Activist!”

    Director & co-writer of the play Wanted (produced by Gazebo Theatre) tells the hidden stories of trailblazing women. In this episode we spend time learning about Olive Morris, a British-Jamaican woman, member of the Black Panthers, and an activist for women’s and squatter’s rights, and Tonia’s...

  43. S1:Ep:17 5 Reasons I Sometimes Avoid the Tough Topics

    When talking about race, sometimes I feel the need to avoid the more difficult topics and moments. Find out the 5 reasons why I do this as they may prove useful to you when in similar circumstances. Let me know what you thought about this episode: On Instagram:...

  44. S1:Ep:16 I Wish I Had Said This!

    Faced with a microaggression, what do you say in the moment? How can you respond if you’ve been accused of a racial microaggression? Listen as I work through an incident in the park with a lady and her dog, where I didn’t say what I now wished I had said. Let us know what you thought about this...

  45. S1:Ep:15 Who You Calling BAME Quiz?

    Challenge yourself in this multiple choice quiz and learn more about suitable language to use when talking about people from ethnic minority backgrounds. This is one of the most commonly asked about topic when we deliver antiracism training. Let us know how you did on the quiz…. On Instagram:...

  46. S1:Ep:14 Girls' Education is a Waste of Time

    Having to deal with attitudes as “Girl’ 'education is a waste of time” and “Do as the man says…” are no easy feats, but Sponsor a Gambian Girl is doing it. Co-Founder of the charity Annetta Paps-King talks about the reasons for setting it up and the challenges they face. Listen to how this small...

  47. S1:Ep:13 Why I Stopped Talking About Race

    Tune in to hear why I (Rebbecca Hemmings) stopped talking about race and racism for 10 years! Racial trauma is very real. Listen here: https://www.strawberrywordscourses.co.uk/blog, Spotify or Apple Podcasts Learn more about the Dealing with Microaggressions Training Workshop on 22nd February…

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  48. S1:Ep:12 Three Creative Ways to Explore Culture & Identity in Schools

    Whether you are a school teacher, lecturer or trainer, these 3 tried and tested creative exercises can be used to help spark discussion about culture, identity, discrimination and so much more. Listen here: https://www.strawberrywordscourses.co.uk/blog, Spotify or Apple Podcasts Learn more about...

  49. S1:Ep:11 Finding Kindness in Dispute Rebecca Eldredge

    How do you set up safe conversations? Why, when and how should you ask questions when discussing difficult topics? What approaches can you take to manage disagreements kindly? Get the answers to these questions and more in this riveting episode with psychologist, speaker and specialist in social...

  50. S1:Ep:10 Book Look: SWAY

    Take a quick look through the information-packed, well-researched and illuminating book: SWAY Unravelling Unconscious Bias by Pragya Agarwal. Learn key unconscious biases, get an overview of the book and Rebbecca’s top take-away’s. Learn more about unconscious biases, systemic racism and...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Bringing humanity, compassion, and logic to conversations about discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

HOSTED BY

Rebbecca Hemmings

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Compassionate Cultures have?

Compassionate Cultures currently has 74 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Compassionate Cultures about?

Bringing humanity, compassion, and logic to conversations about discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

How often does Compassionate Cultures release new episodes?

Compassionate Cultures has 74 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Compassionate Cultures?

You can listen to Compassionate Cultures on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Compassionate Cultures?

Compassionate Cultures is created and hosted by Rebbecca Hemmings.
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