Episodes
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The Cuts That Cure w/ Herb Phelan
Trauma surgeon and author, Arthur Herbert joins us to discuss his debut novel The Cuts That Cure. Arthur was born and raised in small town Texas. He worked on offshore oil rigs, as a bartender, a landscaper at a trailer park, and as a social worker before going to medical school. For the last...
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Carceral-Community Epidemiology w/ Eric Reinhart
Health justice researcher, Eric Reinhart, discusses the intersection of mass incarceration and public health.
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“Standoff: Race, Policing, and a Deadly Assault That Gripped a Nation” w/ Jamie Thompson
Award-winning journalist Jamie Thompson discusses her book about the July 7, 2016 mass shooting that killed five Dallas police officers.
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“Gun Fight” w/ Constitutional Law Professor Adam Winkler
Adam Winkler is a professor of constitutional law at UCLA who joins us to discuss his book “Gun Fight: The Battle Over The Right To Bear Arms In America.”
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COVID-19, healthcare equity, and criminal justice reform w/ Dr. Meghan Novisky
Dr. Meghan Novisky, assistant professor of criminology at Cleveland State University, discusses the intersection of COVID-19, healthcare access in prisons, and criminal justice reform.
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Do Federal Agents Belong In Chicago Without Permission From Local Government?
Dr. Alex Piquero, Chair/Professor of the Department Sociology at the University of Miami explains why this watershed moment for racial justice in America should not fail because we let perfection be the enemy of progress. Follow Dr. Piquero on Twitter @DrAexPiquero.
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"Flamethrower" w/ US Marine Corps veteran Bryan Mark Rigg
Veteran of the US Marine Corps and Israeli Defense Force, military historian Bryan Mark Rigg discusses his latest book, "Flamethrower: Iwo Jima Medal of Honor Recipient and U.S. Marine Woody Williams and His Controversial Award, Japan's Holocaust and the Pacific War."
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NYPD Homicide Detective Says "Yes" To Ending Qualified Immunity, But "No" To Defunding The Police.
One month after a Minneapolis police officer killed George Floyd, retired NYPD homicide detective and hostage negotiator Alfred S. Titus, Jr. shares his perspective on qualified immunity and defunding the police.
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Transparency & Trust: The Role of Civilian Oversight of Police w/ Jesuorobo Enobakhare
As a volunteer public servant appointed by the Mayor of Dallas, TX, to Chair the Community Police Oversight and Board, Jesuorobo Enobakhare works to promote public safety through enhanced collaboration between civilians and law enforcement.
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Qualified Immunity & The Murder of George Floyd w/ Clark Neily
Clark Neily, the Vice President for Criminal Justice at the Cato Institute, explains why qualified immunity "Is the cornerstone for our near-zero accountability policy for law enforcement."
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Physician Activism in the Era of COVID-19 w/ Dr. Andrew Goldstein
In season 2 we first met physician-activist Dr. Andrew Goldstein (Twitter: @AndrewMakeTweet) in the episode "When Healthcare and Politics Unite." Currently, he is serving at the epicenter of the COVID-19 in New York and explains the importance of physician activism in response to the pandemic.
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Retired Sgt. Kenny Kissiedu: 20 Years in the NYPD
Sgt. Kenny Kissiedu shares his story of growing up in Bronx, NY to become a 20-year veteran of the NYPD. BrianWilliamsMD.com.
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Social Justice & Community Policing w/ 20-year NYPD veteran Dr. Darrin Porcher
Dr. Darrin Porcher is a 20-year veteran of the NYPD, professor of criminal justice at Pace University, and frequent contributor to Fox, CNN, and MSNBC. In this episode, he talks about the intersection of social justice and community policing, and the challenges of gaining trust with…
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Police Talk 101 w/ T. Hop the Super Cop
Senior Corporal Terrance Hopkins (b.k.a. T. Hop the Super Cop) explains the unique challenges of being an African-American law enforcement officer in a polarized world. He shares his journey from an impoverished childhood in Oklahoma to become a 29-year veteran of the Dallas Police Department,...
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Road Trips, Segregation, and Whole Hog BBQ w/ Daniel Vaughn
Daniel Vaughn, the barbecue editor for the Texas Monthly, shares the untold history of black-owned barbecue joints in Texas and talks about his latest cookbook, Whole Hog BBQ: The Gospel Carolina of Barbecue with Recipes from Skylight Inn and Sam Jones BBQ. You can catch up with Daniel on…
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Faith, Purpose, & Leadership w/ Rev. Matthew Ruffner
Rev. Matthew Ruffner is the senior pastor at the Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas, and recognized as one of the top "20 under 40" leaders in the city. He shares his journey that led him past potential careers in politics and business to a seminary school in Atlanta, GA. Rev....
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A Better Definition Of Violence
What is the definition of violence? I thought I knew until Dr. Laurie Punch, an associate professor of trauma and acute care surgery at Washington University in St Louis, expanded my understanding of the concept. Dr. Punch is an accomplished surgeon, TED speaker, and community leader who has been...
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Why it's time to reconsider the label "minority" in academic medicine
Dr. Sylk Sotto is the Vice Chair for Faculty Affairs, Development, and Diversity at Indiana University School of Medicine. She explains her discomfort with labeling people as minorities, and how we can use more inclusive language in academic medicine. Follow Dr. Sotto on Twitter @drssotto. And I...
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"The Arsonist In The Office" w/ Pete Havel
Author and speaker Pete Havel shares his personal story of resilience while giving practical tips on how to navigate toxic work environments. Learn more at PeteHavel.com. Also, I invite you to connect with me at BrianWilliamsMD.com.
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Sex Offenders, SCOTUS, and the Separation of Powers w/ Clark Neily
What does a Supreme Case about the Sex Offender and Notication Act (SORNA) have to do with the separation of powers detailed in the US Constitution? Clark Neily, Vice President of Criminal Justice at the Cato Institute in Washington DC. explains how SCOTUS is at the center of changing how...
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Dismantling White Supremacy: Whose Job Is It Anyway? w/ Carrie Stewart
Carrie Stewart is an Intercultural Communication Consultant. She explains the work she does to promote constructive dialogue about America's legacy of racism and how to dismantle the structures perpetuating white supremacy. And I invite you to connect with me at BrianWilliamsMD.com.
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A Candid Talk About Gender Identity w/ Dr. Michaela West
Trauma surgeon Dr. Michaela West shares her courageous story of embracing her identity as a transgender woman. Hear how the transition impacted her career, relationships, and sense of self. And I invite you to connect with me at BrianWilliamsMD.com.
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"Poverty Powerball" w/ Derrich Phillips
Derrich Phillips shares his story from a childhood of extreme poverty and violence, to combat service in the US Army, to his current successes as a speaker, author, and entrepreneur. We discuss his book Poverty Powerball where he shares life lessons on how to "turn adversity into your winning...
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Forget Obama & Ignore Trump? Dr. Brian Dixon's Plan To Fix US Healthcare
Child psychiatrist Dr. Brian Dixon shares his innovative plan to solve the American healthcare crisis. We discuss his book and learn how you - yes you - are as culpable as the government, insurance companies, hospitals, and more for contributing to the waste within this trillion-dollar industry....
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How Achieving Workplace Diversity Is Like Baking A Cake
Beverly Thompson is a diversity and inclusion specialist who explains that diversity is "not just about race." With that mantra we spend the remainder of our conversation talking about... baking cakes. Take a listen and you'll understand why. I invite to follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn, or check…
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Privilege, Activism & Zen Meditation
Second-year medical student, and graduate of the elite Hockaday school in Dallas, TX, Lilly shares her journey from Buddhist monastery to student-activist. Listen to learn what she means by knowing that her "privilege was at play" as she worked to promote healthcare equity on Chicago's South…
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Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists From Immigrant Families Talk Social Justice In Medicine
On this episode, my last before moving from Dallas to Chicago, I met Suja John and Steven Vela for happy hour. We shared food, drinks, and heartfelt goodbyes while discussing their proud immigrant heritage and passion for serving the underserved. I invite to follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn, or…
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Blogging While Black w/ Shawn Williams
How does a blogger end up alongside major media covering a presidential debate? Shawn Williams, Vice President at Allyn Media, is a published author (Blogging While Black) and community leader improving the lives of African-Americans in Dallas. Hear him break down his life as a blogger…
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From White House Intern To Change Agent w/Areesa Somani
What is it like to read President Obama's mail? Areesa Somani describes her experience doing just that as a White House intern to now working in the One America Movement where she facilitates bridge-building conversations in communities across the country. Follow me at brianwilliamsmd.com or sign...
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Men's Health Month w/ Dallas Cowboys Veteran Timmy Newsome
For Men's Health Month we visit with Dallas Cowboys veteran Timmy Newsome. One of six kids who grew up on a farm he tells how he had zero aspirations to play in the NFL when he went to college, but an unexpected storied collegiate career landed him with the Dallas Cowboys. I had the opportunity…
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Gun Violence (Pt. 5): How The Judiciary Has Abdicated Its Duty To Protect Your Rights
What do the right to bear arms, judicial abdication, and the Cato Institute have in common? Clark M. Neily III - author of "Terms of Engagement: How Our Courts Should Enforce The Constitution's Promise Of Limited Government." He explains why protecting your rights is not the same as restricting...
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Gun Violence (Pt. 4): Violence Comes In Many Forms w/ Dr. Tanya Zakrison
Do you know how 'structural' violence combined with 'cultural' violence results in 'direct' violence? We visit with trauma surgeon and public health expert Dr. Tanya Zakrison who shares her expertise. During our interview, she deconstructs these topics and more while taking us on a fascinating...
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Gun Violence (Pt. 3) - "Purpose over Position" w/Dr. Joseph Sakran
On Episode #3 of our gun violence series we visit with trauma surgeon Dr. Joseph Sakran. He shares how a life-threatening gunshot wound to the neck at age 17 propelled him on a journey to where he is now a national figure advocating to reduce firearm related injuries and death in America. Tune in...
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Gun Violence (Pt. 2): The Survivors w/ Kathy Shorr
Documentary photographer Kathy Shorr shares her journey from experiencing a home invasion at gunpoint to photographing 101 survivors of gunshots, most of whom were filmed at the location of their shootings. Join us as we discuss her book "Shot: 101 Survivors of Gun Violence in America." This is...
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Gun Violence (Pt. 1): Deconstructing Structural Violence w/ Dr. Rob Winfield
"Let's talk about the root causes of gun violence, not just the guns themselves." The words of trauma surgeon Dr. Rob Winfield who kicks off our week-long series covering firearm violence. Dr. Winfield describes a unique approach to combatting urban gun violence - actually collaborate with the...
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The Intersection of Diversity & Marketing w/ Veleisa Burrell
What challenges do women of color face in the profession of marketing? Veleisa Burrell, President of Narrative Evolution, shares her journey from corporate America to founding her own communications company, and her passion for amplifying the voices of women of color. To learn about your host,...
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Science Writer, Author, & Disease Detective - Dr. Seema Yasmin
Dr. Seema Yasmin is an Emmy-award winning journalist, author, medical doctor and professor. In this episode she discusses her book, "The Impatient Dr. Lange: One Man's Fight to End the Global HIV Epidemic." It chronicles the story of her mentor who was killed on Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, and...
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The Role Social Identity And Self Identity Play In Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion w/ Kamilah Collins
Stereotype bias, imposter syndrome, and authenticity. What does it all really mean? The interplay of social versus self identity informs our daily interactions. Kamilah Collins, an equity and inclusion consultant, explains how malalignment of these two identities can impact you as an individual,...
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Turning Bystanders Into First Responders w/ Dr. Josh Bobko
What would you do in the aftermath of a disaster such as a mass shooting? Dr. Josh Bobko, founder of First CARE Provider, describes the work his organization does to equip bystanders with the knowledge to serve as first responders.
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Human Trafficking: It's Not Just About Sex w/ Dr. Vania Bright
While our group waited for a table for Sunday brunch, Dr. Vania Bright, a sociologist visiting from Minneapolis, MN, had me enthralled discussing her dissertation on human trafficking. Once I learned she had a flight to catch in a few hours, and with time on our hands, we continued our discussion...
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Surgery, Violence, and Culture w/ Dr. Simon Fitzgerald - host of "Knife at the Gunfight"
Dr. Simon Fitzgerald is a trauma surgeon in New York City, and hosts of one of my favorite podcasts - "Knife at the Gunfight." Join us as Dr Fitzgerald shares his thoughts about the intersection of the surgery, violence, and culture. You can follow Dr. Fitzgerald on Twitter @SlyFitz. And don't...
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Faith (Pt. 4): The Intersection of Faith And Social Justice w/ Rev. Daniel Kanter
The Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter is senior minister of the First Unitarian Church of Dallas, Texas, and author of the book "Faith For The Unbeliever." I am also a member of his church. On a sunny Sunday afternoon following service, I cornered him to get his thoughts on the role religion can play in the...
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Faith (Pt. 3): The Neverending Pursuit Of Racial Justice w/ Rev. Michael W. Waters
Michael W. Waters is founding pastor of Joy Tabernacle African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church in Dallas, Texas. As pastor, professor, award-winning author, activist, and social commentator, Waters’ words of hope and empowerment inspire national and international audiences.
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Faith (Pt. 2): "Worshiping God And Serving Humanity" w/ Almas Muscatwalla
Almas Muscatwalla believes that "worshiping God and serving humanity" are the only two purposes of life. She is the Executive Director of Faith Forward Dallas, an active member of the Ismaili Muslim Community, and serves on the board for the Dallas-Fort Worth Muslim Jewish Advisory Council…
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Faith (Pt. 1): God & Guns w/ George Mason
We visit with George Mason, senior pastor for the Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, TX. He shares his thoughts on the intersection of gun violence and religion, and how to have constructive dialogue with someone who believes in their "god-given right" to own a gun.
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“Bringing Light Not Heat To Public Discourse” w/ Bruce Bond
Bruce Bond is co-founder of the Common Ground Committee. It is a citizen-led initiative free of a political agenda and financial influences that is committed to “Bringing Light Not Heat To Public Discourse”. Bruce brings together thought leaders and influencers of opposing opinions to show that...
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Prosecuting Sex Crimes w/ David Henderson
David Henderson is a trial lawyer and world champion public speaker. Before his current role as a civil rights attorney, Dave served in the Special Crimes Division of the district attorney’s office. He has tried over 70 jury cases to a verdict, ranging from civil cases to human trafficking to...
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Fighting Cancer In The Era Of Precision Medicine w/ Rome Madison
Rome Madison epitomizes the entrepreneurial spirit. He has scaled the mountain of adversity to become a genomic industry expert, author, public speaker, and more. Listen as he shares his story of tenacity, and breaks down the role precision medicine has in the future of cancer therapy.
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The Destructive History Of The Language Of Hate w/ Dr. Beth Griech-Polelle
Beth A. Griech-Polelle is the Kurt Mayer Chair of Holocaust Studies and Associate Professor of History at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA. In her book "Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust" she explains the pivotal importance of the destructive power of discriminatory language in the...
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Branded A Criminal: From The Clinic To The Courthouse And Back w/ Dr. Jarret Patton
Doctor Jarret Patton offers sound advice to aid those who, like him, have been under attack from medical boards, certification agencies, hospital systems, legal systems, or the public at large.