Bernard Smalls: Identity Across Culture and Context

Techawat with Benjamin Morse

First, let me say welcome to the conversation, it's great to have you here! I’ve decided to embark on this journey as a way to reconnect with some of the most influential people I’ve met in my life and to share their stories with you. I’m here to bring people together from across different walks of life to discuss the things that really matter and explore the depths of revolutionary change brought about by travel. Travel ignites change. It helps us identify what’s important and empowers us to dissect and challenge the status quo. Wherever you are on your pursuit of greatness and authenticity, this podcast will embolden your dreams and inspire creativity.

I couldn’t be more excited to have Bernard Smalls as my first guest. Bernard is an animating and brilliant individual who’s always been able to inspire those around him. As we detail in this episode, Bernard and I first met on October 3, 2011 as we were getting ready to embark on a two year service as Peace Corps Volunteers in Ethiopia. From the moment that I met Bernard, I knew we’d be lifelong friends with a storied history. In this conversation we talk about our relationship over the years from simple acquaintances to best friends (Bernard officiated my wedding, to another Peace Corps Volunteer). We unpack Bernard’s story, from being born in Germany to an African American military dad and a white German mother. We sort through Bernard’s heroic and ever-evolving journey exploring what identity means across culture, religion, context, and time. We discuss what it was like to be an LGBTQIA+ individual abroad and across cultures and how he’s been able to embrace his authentic identity through struggle and resilience. We also touch on environmental education and the future of our planet, our younger generations, and what Bernard is doing to affect positive change in his community.

This one has it all, so proud of Bernard for stepping into his most authentic and genuine self for this episode. I hope you enjoy it!

To connect with Bernard, give him a follow on Instagram: @bernardcsmalls

Please also subscribe to the Techawat with Benjamin Morse podcast on your favorite platform, it is greatly appreciated! Also, you can connect with me on Instagram at: @benjamin_august_blair

Original Music by Elly Daftuar, connect on Instagram: @elecaster

Logo by Jeff Butler, connect on Instagram: @butlejef2

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