This Conversation Matters

The conversation covers the challenges of farm business management, the impact of government policies on farming, and the importance of diversification for sustainability. It also delves into family succession planning, financial pressures, and the future outlook for farming. The speakers, Eric and Erica Sawatzke and Deron Erickson, provide advice for farmers and discuss the use of technology in modern farming practices.TakeawaysChallenges of farm business managementImpact of government policies on farmingDiversification in farming for sustainabilityChapters00:00 Growing Up on Farms and Early Careers11:36 Family Succession Planning and Challenges19:17 Impact of Regulations and Diversification25:07 Farm Transition and Future Outlook37:42 Advice for Farmers and Use of TechnologyBONUS Beyond the Story: Kennedy Earle introduces author Shayla Michelle about her book Echo in the Distance

This promo for the Autism Awareness Month conversation highlights the key areas of communication, social interaction, and restrictive behavior patterns that doctors look for when diagnosing if someone meets the criteria for being on the autism spectrum. Guests are Tracy Parent and Jaime Parent.The full episode is on YouTube at ShereeCurryMediahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9gKpjpC3dEAnd on various podcast platforms.TakeawaysSpectrum of autism: Communication, social interaction, and restrictive behavior patterns.Dynamic characteristics: Autism is a spectrum disorder with dynamic characteristics.

This conversation explores the positive impact of social media on autism awareness and the journey of individuals with autism. Guest Sheletta Brundidge covers the role of social media as a tool for spreading information, promoting awareness, and providing support for families and individuals affected by autism. Additional guests, Jaimie and Tracy Parent, discuss the unmasking process and seeking diagnosis, the importance of support networks, supporting families and advocacy, community engagement and sensory issues, advocacy and lobbying for autism services, and misunderstandings about autism along with an overview of their book 'The Mission at Home' for military families navigating life with loved ones on the autism spectrum.TakeawaysSocial media as a tool for autism awarenessPositive influence of social media on autism journey Importance of support for families with autismAdvocacy and lobbying for autism servicesChapters00:00 Positive Impact on Autism Journey24:39 Unmasking and Seeking Diagnosis30:12 Advocacy and Lobbying for Autism ServicesBonus: Beyond the Story with Robin Washington

This episode features insights from three distinguished general counsels (Bryan Phillips, Dorothy Capers, and Kevin Armstrong) discussing their career paths, the importance of diversity in the legal profession, and the evolving role of general counsel in corporate leadership. They share personal stories, strategic advice, and the significance of mentorship and relationship-building in advancing in the legal field.This Conversation Matters honors attorneys for International Be Kind to Lawyers Day, held annually the second Tuesday in April. Guest 1: Dorothy Capers, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at CH RobinsonGuest 2: Kevin Armstrong, General Counsel and Advisory Board Director of Spectrum RoboticsGuest 3: Bryan Phillips, Sr. Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, and Chief Compliance Officer at Inspire Medickeywords: Legal careers, Diversity in law, General counsel, Corporate leadership, Mentorship, Legal profession, Black lawyers, Career development, Law industry, Diversity and inclusionkey topicsCareer pathways for lawyersDiversity and inclusion in the legal industryThe evolving role of general counsel in corporationstitlesFrom Civil Rights to Corporate Leadership: The Journey of Black GCsBuilding Diversity in Law: Insights from Top General CounselsSound Bites"The number of Black GCs has risen from 1% to 5%.""GCs need a general sense of enough areas of law.""Relationship building is key to success in law."Chapters00:00Introduction to Legal Diversity and Inclusion02:34Career Pathways in Law11:50The Role of General Counsel18:21The Importance of Mentorship and Relationships20:21Insights from Kevin Armstrong on Legal Careers27:39Navigating Legal Risks and Responsibilities30:48The Importance of Networking in Law33:21Empowering Black Lawyers in Securities Law34:53Building a Legal Function in a Growing Company36:20The Journey to Law: Family Influence and Education41:39The Impact of Law on Lives and Society44:09Embracing a Generalist Mindset in Law46:42Increasing Representation of Black General Counsels50:54The Ongoing Importance of Diversity and Inclusion51:41 Beyond the Story: Shayla Michelle on Echoes in the DistanceListen at 6 p.m. on Power1047.fm on Tuesdays or follow on YouTube @ShereeCurryMediaResourcesBlack General Counsel 2025 InitiativeHoward University School of LawThomson Reuters Legal Tech PanelSpectrum RoboticsInspire Medical Systems

“When Black and Brown women are safe, all women are safe.” - Lakeisha LeeLearn how Lakeisha Lee turned the tragedy of the 2013 murder of her sister into advocacy through the Brittany Clardy Foundation.In this conversation, we explore Lakeisha’s journey, the foundation’s mission, and how community involvement can drive significant change in addressing violence against women, particularly Black women.TakeawaysAdvocacy for Black and Brown womenIntersectionality of issuesImportance of community supportChaptersIntroduction and Background - 2:10Brittany's Disappearance - 2:30Family's Efforts and Challenges - 5:21Athena's Story - 7:54Finding Strength and Advocacy - 11:52Brittany's Foundation and Initiatives - 17:12Legislative Efforts and Task Force - 21:36National Advocacy and Partnerships - 24:53Public Awareness and Support - 46:20Solidarity with Indigenous Communities - 49:07Beyond the Story: 51:41Listen at 6 p.m. on Power1047.fm on Tuesdays or follow on YouTube @ShereeCurryMedia

Lakisha Lee shares the tragic loss of her sister, Brittany Clardy, and the impact it had on her life. In this short clip, she emphasizes the perpetual injustice faced by Black women. Her full story can be found in Episode 4 of This Conversation Matters. The episode coincides with the Day on the Hill, supported by The Minnesota Office for Missing and Murdered Black Women, founded in part because of Brittany Clardy's tragic murder.Find full episodes on podcast platforms and subscribe on the YouTube channel of host Sheree Curry. https://www.youtube.com/@ShereeCurryMediaTakeawaysCultural sensitivity in storytellingAdvocacy for justice and safety of Black women

Athena Joy Curry has been missing for 15 years. She is the baby sister of Sheree Curry, the host of "This Conversation Matters." In an upcoming episode, Sheree speaks with their other sister, Aisha Magee Curry. The conversation delves into the emotional journey of coping with the disappearance of a loved one. It explores their initial concerns, the impact on the family, and the emotional toll of hope and disappointment.Prior to this episode set to debut in May, Sheree first will speak with Lakeisha Lee, the sister of Brittany Clardy, another Black woman who went missing and was soon found murdered. Catch the episode with Lakeisha Lee on April 7, 2026, wherever you find your podcasts or on Sheree's YouTube channel: @ShereeCurryMedia.

This one-minute clip from This Conversation Matters explores the historical alliance between the Jewish and Black communities against oppression and discrimination, highlighting the two-way support and solidarity between the two groups.Hear the full conversation with journalist Robin Washington and Dr. Yohuru Williams on podcast platforms and YouTube channel @ShereeCurryMedia.TakeawaysAlliance between Jews and Blacks against oppression and discriminationHistorical two-way support between Jews and BlacksChapters00:00 Historical Alliance Against Oppression and Discrimination

This episode of This Conversation Matters explores the historical and contemporary relationship between the Black and Jewish communities, highlighting their shared experiences, alliances, and challenges. It also delves into the role of journalism in telling the stories of ethnic communities and the importance of seeking truth despite challenges and attacks. Host, Sheree Curry, is both Black and Jewish, with special co-host Laurie Fitz from AM950 Connections Show. Guests include Dr. Yohuru Williams of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas and Journalist Robin Washington.TakeawaysShared experiences and alliances between the Black and Jewish communitiesThe vital role of journalism in telling the stories of ethnic communitiesChapters00:00 Exploring Black and Jewish Alliances05:22 Challenges and Prejudices Faced11:48 Creating Spaces and Communities17:34 The Role of Journalists in Telling StoriesBonus: Beyond the Story with Quote from Jasmine McBride

This trailer highlights a conversation exploring the intersection of antisemitism and anti-Black racism, the fractured history within the Black community, and the shared history of oppression between Black Americans and Jews. With guest Dr. Yohuru Williams of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, it delves into the historical context and challenges faced by both communities.Dr. Williams and journalist Robin Washington will be guests on Episode 3 of This Conversation Matters, coming out just ahead of Passover and anniversary of Dr. King's assassination. TakeawaysIntersection of Anti-Semitism and anti-Black racismFractured history within the black communityShared history of oppressionChapters00:00 Intersection of Racism and Anti-Semitism11:07 Fractured History within the Black Community16:22 History of Blacks and Jews in Urban Centers

Karyn Parsons, who played Hilary Banks on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, discusses her own upbringing in the 70s and contrasts it with her mother's experiences in the Jim Crow South and the civil rights era, and her daughter's post the murder of Georg Floyd. She emphasizing the generational differences in their encounters with race. Karyn spoke with Sheree Curry originally for an article that appeared in USA Today. You can catch the 50 minutes of that conversation on the ShereeCurryMedia YouTube channel, or on Spotify and podcast platforms under "This Conversation Matters." Subscribe for forthcoming episodes.TakeawaysGenerational differences in experiences with raceImpact of historical events on racial experiencesChapters00:00 Generational Experiences with Race

W. Kamau Bell speaks with Sheree Curry on the role of conversations as a catalyst for change, rather than the change itself. Hear the full Ep. 1 of This Conversation Matters on Spotify or: https://youtu.be/PMF49lB7cjoTakeawaysCreate a space for free-flowing and judgment-free conversationsConversations are the tip of the change spear, not the change itselfChapters00:00 Creating a Safe Space for Conversations

Karyn Parsons, who played Hilary Banks on the 1990s sitcom Fresh Prince of Bel Air speaks on This Conversation Matters about what it was like growing up biracial in America. She discusses her crush on Lenny Kravitz, the values her parents instilled in her and what she's up to now through her Sweet Blackberry Foundation.Her conversation with host Sheree Curry was originally recorded for an article in USA Today's Race in America edition.The conversation covers Karyn Parsons' early passion for acting, experiences of racial identity and belonging, growing up in Southern California, challenges of interracial relationships, teaching children about race, relocation and family life, involvement in a family film project, and reflections on mixed race identity. The conversation delves into Karyn Parsons' family heritage, upbringing, and the diverse backgrounds of her parents. It then explores the mission and inspiration behind the Sweet Blackberry Foundation, followed by a discussion on her literary projects and the exploration of biracial identity. The conversation concludes with personal reflections on the influence of family, racial identity, and the experiences of biracial children.TakeawaysPassion for acting from a young ageReflections on racial identity and belonging Exploring family heritage and upbringingThe impact of storytelling on education and empowermentChapters00:00 Early Passion for Acting06:12 Hair and Racial Identity12:19 Interracial Relationships18:07 Teaching Children About Race23:21 Family Film Project28:36 Mixed Race Identity37:13 Sweet Blackberry Foundation47:28 Personal Reflections

What does it mean to be mixed race in America today and how is that experience shaped by family, identity and the world around us?In this episode, I speak with comedian and filmmaker W. Kamau Bell, creator of the HBO Max documentary "1000% Me: Growing Up mixed." He, along with a family featured in his documentary, discuss raising mixed race children in America and what life is like for some mixed-race individuals. The conversation delves into the experiences of mixed-race individuals, the inspiration behind the documentary, the process of creating a film about mixed-race children, conversations about race and racism, the impact and feedback of the documentary, challenges and controversies, the evolution of racial categorization, and future projects and reflections. In the second half of the show, the brothers in one of the families delve into their upbringing as a Black Filipino and the generational changes in experiences and perspectives.This Conversation Matters is a weekly show about the social issues shaping our communities and our lives.TakeawaysMixed-race experiences are diverse and often underrepresented in mainstream media.Conversations about race and racism are essential for understanding and addressing societal issues. The impact of the documentary on biracial experiences and perspectives