The Difficult Tea Podcast

Let’s Talk About Language – Podcast hosts Montreece Payton-Hardy and Ken Meeker discuss some of the problems that can arise from language, the anxiety and fear of “getting it wrong,” and how to approach discussions on or about race.  About the Hosts: Montreece is a staunch advocate for Accessibility, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity – ABIDE. Her lived experience is foundational in her passion for creating greater digital inclusion and accessibility. Montreece is intentional and strategic in her approach to any subject. She possesses the education, training, and experience necessary to provide honest, candid perspectives on a variety of important issues and topics. www.theversavox.com Ken is a Certified Professional Coach specializing in leadership, executive, and career coaching. A fierce advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility modeled in social justice, Ken brings a unique perspective to DEI. Nationally recognized for his commitment to disability advocacy and involved in national initiatives to create opportunities for traditionally marginalized groups, he is not afraid to take on tough topics. www.vitalitycareercoaching.com ITEMS DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE:  UN Human Rights Report 2022 “Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor” by Layla Saad, Sourcebooks 2020. “So You Want to Talk About Race” by Ijeoma Oluo, Seal Press 2018

On this episode, join podcast hosts, Montreece Payton-Hardy and Ken Meeker as they discuss why understanding and acknowledging history are vital to progress. DISCLAIMER - This episode discusses social justice and could be triggering for some people. About the Hosts: Montreece is a staunch advocate for Accessibility, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity – ABIDE. Her lived experience is foundational in her passion for creating greater digital inclusion and accessibility. Montreece is intentional and strategic in her approach to any subject. She possesses the education, training, and experience necessary to provide honest, candid perspectives on a variety of important issues and topics. www.theversavox.com Ken is a Certified Professional Coach specializing in leadership, executive, and career coaching. A fierce advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility modeled in social justice, Ken brings a unique perspective to DEI. Nationally recognized for his commitment to disability advocacy and involved in national initiatives to create opportunities for traditionally marginalized groups, he is not afraid to take on tough topics. www.vitalitycareercoaching.com SUGGESTED READING FOR THIS EPISODE "The Sum of Us" by Heather McGhee "Why We're Polarized" by Ezra Klein

What about the kiddos? –  Podcast hosts Montreece Payton-Hardy and Ken Meeker ask “Who is being served by the current foster care system?” Also discussed is the tragic murder of Emmitt Till.  About the Hosts: Montreece is a staunch advocate for Accessibility, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity – ABIDE. Her lived experience is foundational in her passion for creating greater digital inclusion and accessibility. Montreece is intentional and strategic in her approach to any subject. She possesses the education, training, and experience necessary to provide honest, candid perspectives on a variety of important issues and topics. www.montreece.com Ken is a Certified Professional Coach specializing in leadership, executive, and career coaching. A fierce advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility modeled in social justice, Ken brings a unique perspective to DEI. Nationally recognized for his commitment to disability advocacy and involved in national initiatives to create opportunities for traditionally marginalized groups, he is not afraid to take on tough topics. www.vitalitycareercoaching.com ITEMS DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE:  Texas Custody LawsWoman who's claim led to the lynching of Emmitt Till dies.

We’re All In This Together – Join podcast hosts Montreece Hardy & Ken Meeker for an honest and candid conversation about the “war on woke.” What is it and what are the implications on the progress made toward greater inclusion of traditionally marginalized groups. Pull up a chair and join the conversation.  About the Hosts: Montreece is a staunch advocate for Accessibility, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity – ABIDE. Her lived experience is foundational in her passion for creating greater digital inclusion and accessibility. Montreece is intentional and strategic in her approach to any subject. She possesses the education, training, and experience necessary to provide honest, candid perspectives on a variety of important issues and topics. www.montreece.com Ken is a Certified Professional Coach specializing in leadership, executive, and career coaching. A fierce advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility modeled in social justice, Ken brings a unique perspective to DEI. Nationally recognized for his commitment to disability advocacy and involved in national initiatives to create opportunities for traditionally marginalized groups, he is not afraid to take on tough topics. www.vitalitycareercoaching.com ITEMS DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE:  “Reinforcements: how to get people to help you” by Heidi Grant-Halvorson “On Critical Race Theory: why it matters & why you should care” by Victor Ray “Dark Money: the hidden history of the billionaires behind the rise of the radical right” by Jane Mayer

Perception Problems – On this episode of the Difficult Tea Podcast, hosts Montreece Hardy & Ken Meeker discuss how societal perceptions of different demographic groups can sometimes lead to very different outcomes.  About the Hosts: Montreece is a staunch advocate for Accessibility, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity – ABIDE. Her lived experience is foundational in her passion for creating greater digital inclusion and accessibility. Montreece is intentional and strategic in her approach to any subject. She possesses the education, training, and experience necessary to provide honest, candid perspectives on a variety of important issues and topics. www.montreece.com Ken is a Certified Professional Coach specializing in leadership, executive, and career coaching. A fierce advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility modeled in social justice, Ken brings a unique perspective to DEI. Nationally recognized for his commitment to disability advocacy and involved in national initiatives to create opportunities for traditionally marginalized groups, he is not afraid to take on tough topics. www.vitalitycareercoaching.com ITEMS DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE:  Texas Family Fights for newborn “Caste” by Isabel Wilkerson AZ Central Article – Arizona’s Department of Child Safety

What does it mean to be kind? Would you help a stranger in need? In America, the wealthiest nation ever to exist, there is a severe housing affordability and homelessness crisis. The number of people who struggle just to cover the basics of life is ever-increasing. What gets in the way of helping others – and how can each of us contribute to the well-being of us all? Join podcast hosts Montreece Hardy and Ken Meeker as they discuss their views on kindness and helping others. How can we do more of the right thing while also protecting ourselves from getting into sticky situations? Grab a chair and join us, we have the tea. Discussed in this episode: “Caste” by Isabel Wilkerson, Random House Publications  “Reinforcements: how to get people to help you” by Heidi Grant-Halvorson, Harvard Business Review Press 2018 Information on Homelessness in America: Council for the Homeless Coalition for the Homeless Father Joe’s Villages 11 Myths about Homelessness in America

When things don't turn out as planned, who or what is to blame? Sometimes, we get in our own way and self-sabotage - other times we do it to others. How can we recognize this pattern and put the breaks on it before we harm ourselves and our relationships. Join hosts Montreece Hardy and Ken Meeker as they discuss their perspectives.

Let's face it, life can be tough. Everyone, no matter who they are, will face challenges. For many, people, certain struggles become trauma. Join podcast host Montreece Hardy and Ken Meeker as they discuss their approach to addressing life's challenges and trauma. Get comfortable, because on this episode it's all about the trauma drama.  *Disclaimer: Nothing contained on the difficult tea podcast is to be considered professional advice. If you or anyone you know is in crisis, please seek help from a licensed mental health provider in your area, or call or text the crisis helpline at 988 from any phone.

Welcome to our new podcast! We hope you will find the conversation engaging and insightful. We are two very different people who share a common goal and vision of a more inclusive, accessible, and diverse world where we all can show up fully as our authentic selves.  About the hosts: Montreece is a staunch advocate for Accessibility, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity – ABIDE. Her lived experience is foundational in her passion for creating greater digital inclusion and accessibility. Montreece is intentional and strategic in her approach to any subject. She possesses the education, training, and experience necessary to provide honest, candid perspectives on a variety of important issues and topics. www.montreece.com  Ken is a Certified Professional Coach specializing in leadership, executive, and career coaching. A fierce advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility modeled in social justice, Ken brings a unique perspective to DEI. Nationally recognized for his commitment to disability advocacy and involved in national initiatives to create opportunities for traditionally marginalized groups, he is not afraid to take on tough topics. www.vitalitycareercoaching.com

Welcome to the Difficult Tea Podcast – a podcast where your hosts, Montreece Hardy and Ken Meeker, take a deep dive into topics that can be difficult for some people to openly discuss. We believe that the best way to build bridges and generate understanding between people is to have open, honest, empathetic, and candid conversations with an open mind, curious heart, and kind consciousness. Join us as we dive into culture, race, gender, discrimination, disability, education, and the intersectionality of it all. Your table is ready, and we have the tea… About the hosts: Montreece is a staunch advocate for Accessibility, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity – ABIDE. Her lived experience is foundational in her passion for creating greater digital inclusion and accessibility. Montreece is intentional and strategic in her approach to any subject. She possesses the education, training, and experience necessary to provide honest, candid perspectives on a variety of important issues and topics. www.montreece.com Ken is a Certified Professional Coach specializing in leadership, executive, and career coaching. A fierce advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility modeled in social justice, Ken brings a unique perspective to DEI. Nationally recognized for his commitment to disability advocacy and involved in national initiatives to create opportunities for traditionally marginalized groups, he is not afraid to take on tough topics. www.vitalitycareercoaching.com