Theatre IS for you! with Michael Travis

The Ebony Road Players Podcast

#Arts #Ebony Road Players

33:58

In this episode, we delve into the concept of being "qualified" in the workplace, examining who gets labeled as such, who doesn't, and the underlying reasons. We explore "competency checking"—the practice of scrutinizing individuals' abilities—and how it disproportionately affects underrepresented groups, often going unnoticed or unchallenged. Our discussion aims to redefine qualifications in a fair, equitable, and actionable manner. Our guest, Shari Dunn , is an accomplished journalist, former attorney, news anchor, CEO, university professor, and sought-after speaker. She has been recognized as Executive of the Year and a Woman of Influence, with her work appearing in Fortune Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Ad Age, and more. Her new book, Qualified: How Competency Checking and Race Collide at Work , unpacks what it truly means to be deserving and capable—and why systemic barriers, not personal deficits, are often the real problem. Her insights challenge the narratives that hold so many of us back and offer practical solutions for building a more equitable future. Together, we can build workplaces and communities that don’t just reflect the world we live in, but the one we want to create. A world where being qualified is about recognizing the talent and potential that’s been overlooked for far too long. It’s not just about getting a seat at the table—it’s about building an entirely new table, one designed with space for all of us. Connect with Our Guest Shari Dunn Website& Book - Qualified: https://thesharidunn.com LI: https://www.linkedin.com/today/author/sharidunn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesharidunn Related Podcast Episodes: How To Build Emotionally Mature Leaders with Dr. Christie Smith | 272 Holding It Together: Women As America's Safety Net with Jessica Calarco | 215 How To Defy Expectations with Dr. Sunita Sah | 271 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music…

2 года назад 55:33

MP3•Главная эпизода

This week Edye is joined by Michael Travis, longtime friend and theatre mate. The two take a journey down memory lane, spanning over thirty years of doing theatre in West Michigan. You'll hear about the importance of respecting Black art, the lasting impact of theatre experiences and how there is truly something for everyone in the world of theatre. Enjoy the episode and get inspired, no matter your age, race or experience to become a part of the theatre community.
Note: This episode was too touching to edit.

20 эпизодов

Theatre IS for you! with Michael Travis

The Ebony Road Players Podcast

published 2 года назад

MP3•Главная эпизода

20 эпизодов

#Arts #Ebony Road Players

Все серии

1
Loving Outside of the Box with Brian and Julianne Howe-Bouwens 41:31

2 года назад41:31

41:31

In continuing the theme of Loving Day, this week Edye is joined by her good friends Brian Bouwens and wife Julianne Howe-Bouwens. They sat down to talk about how sometimes the best love for us is the kind that challenges us to step outside of the box that the world often tries to force us to stay in. Listen to this "Loving" couple's meet-cute and how their love has flourished over the years.…

1
Having Difficult Conversations in Safe Spaces with Rob Schuitema and Dr. Stephanie Ogren 24:27

2 года назад24:27

24:27

This week Edye is joined by Rob Schuitema, Director of Public Programs and Dr. Stephanie Ogren, VP of Science & Education both of the Grand Rapids Public Museum. In exploring the newly formed partnership between Ebony Road Players and the Grand Rapids Public Museum, the tree discuss how beautiful it can be when themes overlap and bring forward new connections. Think about this... The content may not be easy to be a part of but when these conversations are had in a safe space and in an intentional way, it provides the opportunity to learn and understand one another. This understanding bridges the gap of divisiveness. We hope you enjoy this week's episode.…

1
Fighting Censorship with Randy Goble 25:17

2 года назад25:17

25:17

This week, Edye is joined by Randy Goble, Director of Engagement for Kent District Library. As Ebony Road Players prepares to present "Alabama Story" by Kenneth Jones, Edye and Randy explore how libraries are the first target in all attempts at censorship. You may not know all the fights our librarians and library administrators encounter but you should know that their efforts to keep the libraries representative of the communities they serve never ends. We hope you enjoy the episode and it moves you to take a visit to your local library soon!…

1
Claimed Nowhere, Belonging Everywhere 39:33

2 года назад39:33

39:33

The Ebony Road Players Podcast is back for Season 2! We're starting the season off by diving deep into some 'Loving' issues as we gear us to celebrate Loving Day on June 12. This week Edye is joined by a new friend, Reaiah True. Listen as they talk candidly about the sense of belonging or lack thereof when your identity doesn't fit into the box your environment tries to put you in. How relatable is the feeling of being claimed nowhere but belonging everywhere?…

1
Owning Your Journey with Michelle Covington 42:19

2 года назад42:19

42:19

Art helps us identify with one another and expands our notion of "we" from local to global- Anonymous This week Edye is joined by Michelle Covington, Vice President of Advancement at ICCF Community Homes, moving people from homelessness to home ownership and every step in between. Join us as the ladies take us on a journey of their own personal experiences with what it means to own your own path and how art is often the beacon we need to bridge the gap between every next step.…

1
Dream Big with Lisa Knight 44:56

2 года назад44:56

44:56

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world" -Harriet Tubman This week, Edye sits down with longtime friend, Lisa Knight, Executive Director of Girls Choral Academy, actress, director, singer, entrepreneur and the first Black woman to serve as Grand Rapids City Commissioner for the 2nd Ward. The ladies take you on a journey guided by the power of dreaming.…

1
Hope and Courage are Contagious with Dr. Amy Dunham Strand 32:29

2 года назад32:29

32:29

This week Edye is joined by Dr. Amy Dunham Strand, Director of the Jane Hibbard Idema Women's Studies Center and Associate Professor of Women's Studies at Acquinas College. Their conversation reflects on this quote from Former First Lady Michelle Obama, "But don't ever underestimate the importance you can have, because history has shown us that courage can be contagious, and hope can take on a life of its own." As you listen, consider how your hope and courage have inspired others throughout your life.…

1
A Very Special Guest 51:07

2 года назад51:07

51:07

This week we've turned the table and we have our lovely host, Edye Evans Hyde in the hot seat. She and our guest host, Quianna Babb are taking you on a journey, winding through experiences as Black women, artists and navigating the world of community theatre with Ebony Road Players. From beginning to end, this episode is full of insights, reflections and hope for the future. We're so happy you could join us.…

1
Equity in Education with Jevon Willis 34:51

2 года назад34:51

34:51

This week, Edye is joined by Jevon Willis, Director for the Center of Diversity & Inclusion at Hope College and they're talking about what equitable education looks like and how diversity and inclusion has to be equitable in order for it to be successful. "I believe that education is the civil rights issue of our generation. And if you care about promoting opportunity and reducing inequality, the classroom is the place to start. Great teaching is about so much more than education, it is a daily fight for social justice." - Arne Duncan Join in on the conversation on our Facebook page @ Ebony Road Players.…

1
Why DEI? with Latoya Booker & Dr. Rhae-Ann Booker 1:00:34

2 года назад1:00:34

1:00:34

Have you ever privately wondered why Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is such a hot-button issue in so many spaces? Well this episode is for you. This week Edye is joined by Latoya Booker, Executive Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Davenport University and Dr. Rhae-Ann Booker, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at University of Michigan Health West, (no relation) and they're breaking it down for you. From education, to healthcare, to libraries, the ladies are discussing how DEI plays a part in it all.…

1
Art as Historical Record with Deborah Pryor-Bayard 45:24

2 года назад45:24

45:24

This week Edye is joined by Deborah Pryor-Bayard, educator and Education Coordinator of GRAAMA (Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives) as well as a former board member of Ebony Road Players. The ladies take a deep dive into the importance of art in documenting history. Exploring this quote from August Wilson, " I believe in the American Theatre. I believe in its power to inform about the human condition, its power to heal... its power to uncover the truths we wrestle from uncertain and sometimes unyielding realities," Edye and Deborah discuss how art helps us pass our stories on to future generations. These lessons help us to remember the sacrifices of those who came before us. You can get in on the conversation on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/EbonyRoadPlayers/…

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Theatre IS for you! with Michael Travis 55:33

2 года назад55:33

55:33

1
Aspirations, Challenges & the Space Between with Dwandra Lampkin 32:10

2 года назад32:10

32:10

This week Edye is joined by Dwandra Lampkin, actor, director, playwright, professor at West Michigan University and friend of Ebony Road Players. The ladies explore what its's like to blaze a trail between your aspirations and challenges to create the life you're meant to live. You'll hear about Dwandra's journey in a field many think they don't belong. May this week inspire you to reach for the stars!…

1
The Intersection of Art & Education with Lisa Norris 43:50

2 года назад43:50

43:50

This week, Edye is joined by her good friend and President of the Ebony Road Players Board of Directors, Lisa Norris. The two go in depth about the importance of the arts in the world of education and why funding arts programming is crucial to the success of young learners and adults alike.

1
Theatre Nerds with Ja'Nay Duncan & Perry Dixon 39:33

2 года назад39:33