Best Bianca Renee Podcasts (2025)

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S11 E212:The Work Is About Empowering, Not Doing: Innovative Leadership With Harry Hawkins 1:14:14

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24h ago1:14:14

1:14:14

Dr. Gee welcomes Harry Hawkins back to the show again to discuss what it means to lead a cross-cultural organization that is focused on empowering the Black community. Harry Hawkins has moved into the President and CEO role of the non-profit Nehemiah, as Dr. Gee transitions into new endeavors. The two innovative leaders discuss what it is like serv…

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S11 E211: The Erasure Of History: "It's A Shell Game Of The Most Grotesque Kind" With Professor of History, Stephen Kantrowitz 1:08:03

14d ago1:08:03

1:08:03

Dr. Gee and Professor Stephen Kantrowitz discuss the erasure of history that has happened in other nations in order to understand the current US government attempts to control historical information and ideology. You will be shocked to hear the ways that historical and scientific research are being attacked through elimination of funding and discre…

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S11 E210: “You Can Determine Your Future By How Much You Invest In Your Children”: Kaleem Caire Is Building For Our Children 1:13:22

28d ago1:13:22

1:13:22

Kaleem Caire shares how his family, their audacity, and legacy have inspired him to create change in Madison. They discuss how Kaleem challenged Dr. Gee to build something new - his church, social justice non-profits, The Center for Black Excellence and Culture. The inspiration came from each other to see something new built. Listen to how educatio…

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S11 E209: "You Cannot Dream For Another Person": Dr. Audrey Mukwavi Matimelo Empowers South Africans To Create Transformation 1:12:12

1M ago1:12:12

1:12:12

Dr. Gee talks with his friend Dr. Audrey Mukwavi Matimelo about her passion for empowering others through the "Self Help Group Concept." Hear how this approach to maximize inherent gifts and talents for social and economic transformation, is not only needed in South Africa but also in the US where our systems are failing us. Dr. Audrey shares how t…

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S11 E208: "I Think They Will Be Coming From All Across The Country": Dr. Ruben Anthony Talks Madison's South Side Black Renaissance 1:06:41

2M ago1:06:41

1:06:41

Hear about Dr. Ruben Anthony’s early years in the Bronx, where he saw the birth of hip-hop in his community and the excellence of Black arts at The Apollo. These two leaders and visionaries discuss what the new developments in Southern Madison means to the community, state, and the country. They also break down the Black and race-related dynamics i…

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S11 E207: Dr. Gee’s Therapy Session With Dr. Chris Bass: Healing From Loss, Mourning, And Family Transitions 40:06

2M ago40:06

40:06

Dr. Gee talks to returning guest Dr. Chris Bass about the mourning process of losing his mother over the previous year. They talk about the need for rest and space in mourning in order to have the energy to focus on the work that would have made his mother proud. Hear about the activities and accomplishments that honor his mother going forward. Dr.…

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S11 E206: "It Costs You Something To Navigate Whiteness" With Dr. Angela Byars-Winston 1:20:58

3M ago1:20:58

1:20:58

Returning guest, Dr. Byars-Winston, is the inaugural chair of the UW- Madison’s Institute of Diversity Science. She honestly explores what doing research on causes of group-based discrimination and what effective ways to eliminate discrimination look like in our current social and political environment. They discuss that more people than the media …

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S11 E205: "It Feels Out Of Control": How White People Are Processing This Political Moment With Jeremy Holiday And Eli Steenlage 1:18:44

3M ago1:18:44

1:18:44

Dr. Gee had been hearing reactions from his white friends that they are surprised and deeply discouraged by what our government is doing to American society. To hear a just few perspectives on this political moment, podcast producers Jeremy Holiday and Eli Steenlage join the conversation to talk about their own feelings and what they are hearing. D…

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S11 E204: Wicked Pt.2 Conversation: How Black Womanhood Is Invested In The Elphaba Role With Lexi Gee 1:07:53

4M ago1:07:53

1:07:53

Dr. Gee is joined by his daughter, Lexi Gee, to discuss the depth of Black womanhood in the film version of Wicked. Lexi brings a wealth of story and cultural criticism to topic as she has recently been appointed the Curator of Stories position at The Center for Black Excellence and Culture. Hear about how she is establishing the library and readin…

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S11 E203: A Burgeoning Movement Across The Country To Fight Back And Build Something Better: Ben Wikler Talks About What's Next 1:04:22

4M ago1:04:22

1:04:22

Ben Wikler returns to the show again in this wild political moment both locally and nationally. As he is stepping out of his role as Chair of Wisconsin Democratic Party he is energized by a recent state Supreme Court win. Dr. Gee asks him about how the Black community fits into the vision of the Democratic Party in the current environment. Are Blac…

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S11 E202: "Now The Role Will ALWAYS Be Black!": - Revealing The True Colors Of Wicked With Broadway and TV Star Angela Robinson Whitehurst 1:12:32

5M ago1:12:32

1:12:32

Angela Robinson Whitehurst returns to the show to bring her Broadway experience to discussing Wicked and the translation from stage to screen. Dr. Gee and Angela discuss the timing of seeing race brought to the forefront of this version of Wicked, compared to when the stage musical was first a part of our culture. The power of fantasy and musical s…

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Colm Tóibín and Silas House 56:01

5M ago56:01

56:01

This conversation features best-selling author Colm Tóibín, interviewed by Silas House, former Kentucky Poet Laureate (2023-2025). They discuss Tóibín’s book “Long Island” before a live audience at the University of Louisville, Kentucky Author Forum. This conversation was recorded on April 14th, 2025, at the Kentucky Center in Louisville. Irish nov…

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S11 E201: Things That Make You Go... S*** With Lilada Gee 1:04:43

5M ago1:04:43

1:04:43

Dr. Alex Gee and his sister commiserate on some things lately that make them wonder what is going on - things that make them say "Hmmm..." You won't want to miss this honest conversation full of some real talk that explores some serious issues in their lives right now. These two leaders let you in some topics that make them a bit annoyed. And you a…

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S11 E200: Audacity: Season 11 Mic Check 17:46

6M ago17:46

17:46

It's Season 11! And it's the 200th episode! This occasion calls for something special. Dr. Gee brings starts the season with his signature Mic Check to set the tone. He speaks to this moment with a spoken word poem and some commentary on what these times mean for us all. Dr. Gee lays out a call to audacity. Listen up! alexgee.com Support the Show: …

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Sebastian Junger and Rachel Martin 52:46

7M ago52:46

52:46

This conversation features best-selling author Sebastian Junger, interviewed by NPR Podcast Host Rachel Martin. They discuss Junger’s book “In My Time of Dying: How I Came Face-to-Face with the Idea of an Afterlife” before a live audience at the Kentucky Author Forum. This conversation was recorded on February 3rd, 2025, at the Kentucky Center in L…

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S10 E199: “Will The Report Change Anything?”: Dr. Angela Byers-Winston and Ray Allen Discuss Systemic Change For The Black Experience On A University Campus 1:12:29

9M ago1:12:29

1:12:29

Dr. Gee returns to the discussion of his involvement in a university report on the Black Community Experience at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In episode 188 he discussed the upcoming report with UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin and now that the report is public, he is joined by fellow board members on the ad hoc committee. Dr. Angela …

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S10 E198: Revealing The Secrets Of The Universe With Trailblazing Astronomer Eric Wilcots 1:13:44

9M ago1:13:44

1:13:44

Dr. Gee returns to the topic of a childhood fascination with astronomy as he takes a journey through the cosmos with Eric Wilcots, University of Wisconsin-Madison dean of the College of Letters & Science and Professor of Astronomy. Both began their interest in astronomy at a young age with the same model of telescope. Professor Wilcots explains how…

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S10 E197: Ending The Cycle Of Police Violence With Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison 1:05:27

10M ago1:05:27

1:05:27

Dr. Gee has an honest discussion with author and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. Their conversation starts with southern cooking and how food provides insights into our histories and continues into how race relations impact policing. Ellison has written a book about his experience leading the prosecution when the Derek Chauvin case came t…

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Jim Sciutto and Jane Perlez 55:18

10M ago55:18

55:18

This conversation features CNN Anchor and Chief Security Analyst Jim Sciutto, interviewed by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jane Perlez. They discuss Sciutto’s book “The Return of Great Powers: Russia, China, and the Next World War” before a live audience at the Kentucky Author Forum. This conversation was recorded on November 25th, 2024, at the…

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S10 E196: "I’m Not Going To Wait For Them To Write The History," Pulitzer Prize Winning Author And Cultural Commentator Leonard Pitts Discusses His New Novel 54 Miles 1:11:52

10M ago1:11:52

1:11:52

Dr. Gee and Leonard Pitts discuss bringing American history to life in order to reclaim the role of Black people in the development of the nation. Both men share the power of story to display the experience of the Black community in history and today. Leonard speaks to the Black experience through journalism, academic scholarship, commentary, and h…

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S10 E195: A Letter To A Black Brother: Marquis Hunt Calls Young Black Men To A Greater Narrative 1:13:07

11M ago1:13:07

1:13:07

Dr. Gee starts his conversation with faith leader and professional musician Marquis Hunt by talking about addressing young Black men to understand that they do have voice that can matter. Marquis wrote a letter to a “Black Brother” as “a call to every Black man who’s ever felt overlooked, undervalued, or trapped in a system that wasn’t built for us…

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Joan Baez and Diane Rehm 56:26

11M ago56:26

56:26

This conversation features musician, activist and poet Joan Baez, interviewed by journalist and radio host Diane Rehm. They discuss Baez’s book “When You See My Mother, Ask Her to Dance: Poems,” before a live audience at the Kentucky Author Forum. This conversation was recorded on October 21st, 2024 at the Kentucky Center in Louisville. Joan Baez h…

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S10 E194: "How Do I Operate In This Reality?": A Raw Post-Election Conversation With Dr. Gee and Jeremy Holiday 54:11

11M ago54:11

54:11

Dr. Alex Gee has a special episode to talk through and process the recent election from his perspective. He is joined by Black Like Me producer Jeremy Holiday for a raw conversation that seeks to break down first thoughts on how community and justice minded people look ahead in our current landscape. They share their raw feelings and reflections in…

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S10 E193: The Shape Of My Eyes: Finding Cross Cultural Healing and Hope With Spiritual Leader and Author Dave Gibbons 1:09:08

11M ago1:09:08

1:09:08

Hear about how spiritual leader and author David Gibbons felt that he wrote his memoir as a way to process his life and his experience, calling the book The Shape of My Eyes. In an honest conversation, Dr. Gee and David break down what “model minority” means for Asian Americans and African Americans. They consider how this concept also worked towar…

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S10 E192: Live Event with Special Guests Bianca Martin and Lilada Gee 1:20:10

11M ago1:20:10

1:20:10

Dr. Gee hosts a special episode recorded live with an audience and a young jazz group in summer 2024 at Cafe Coda in Madison, WI. The night was a celebration of the 10th season of Black Like Me and Dr. Gee brought together Black podcast hosts to talk about their unique position. Bianca Martin hosts the City Cast Madison podcast. She is skilled in a…

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Amor Towles and Alexandra Jacobs 56:00

11M ago56:00

56:00

This conversation features bestselling author Amor Towles, interviewed by New York Times Book Critic Alexandra Jacobs. They discuss Towles’ book “Table for Two: Fictions” before a live audience at the Kentucky Author Forum. This conversation was recorded on September 30, 2024, at The Kentucky Center in Louisville. Amor Towles is the author of The N…

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S10 E191: "Grandma's Got A Gun!?": A Forceful History of Black Resistance with Author and Historian Dr. Kelli Carter Jackson 1:15:13

11M ago1:15:13

1:15:13

Black resistance to white supremacy is often reduced to a simple binary between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s nonviolence and Malcolm X’s “by any means necessary.” Dr. Gee discuss how in her book, We Refuse, historian Kellie Carter Jackson urges us to move past this false choice, offering an unflinching examination of the breadth of Black responses …

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S10 E190: If You Want A Place To Be More Diverse, Someone Has To Stay: President Of The American Bar Association (ABA) Michelle Behnke Is The Change She Wants To See 1:11:13

12M ago1:11:13

1:11:13

Dr. Gee talks to Michelle Behnke about how she is motivated by the commitment of the The American Bar Association (ABA) to make the nation and their community better. Michelle is inspired by the ABA's mission of defending liberty and pursuing justice through professional development throughout the nation. They discuss how to encourage Black people …

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S10 E189: “Let’s Watch What Black Women Will Do,” Ben Wikler Brings The Inside Story Of Black Women In The Presidential Campaign 52:11

1y ago52:11

52:11

Hear the inside story on the transition from Joe Biden to Kamala Harris as the presidential candidate from Ben Wikler, Chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party. Ben considers how Harris has been active as the Vice President and making energetic appearances but the broader media has chosen not to report on this angle of Harris until her presidential …

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S10 E188: Looking To The Future By Reckoning With The Past With UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin: Part 1 54:46

1y ago54:46

54:46

Dr. Gee has an in-depth conversation with University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin on what the university is doing to improve the sense of belonging for students of color. Their discussion covers Dr. Gee's participation in a committee working to recognize the universities history with students of color and what can be done moving…

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Bianca Bosker and Patrick Bringley 43:53

1y ago43:53

43:53

This conversation features journalist and author Bianca Bosker, discussing her book, “Get the Picture” with writer Patrick Bringley. Bianca Bosker is The New York Times bestselling author of “Cork Dork” and a contributing writer at The Atlantic. In “Get the Picture,” Bosker throws herself into the nerve center of art, and the people who live for it…

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S10 E187: "Say it Loud!": Season 10 Mic Check 1:03:32

1y ago1:03:32

1:03:32

Dr. Gee kicks off the new season with his signature mic check episode. Season 10 is going to be big and he is saying it loud! Hear Dr. Gee unfiltered and get a preview of the season. The Black Like Me Podcast is also creating some new opportunities for listeners to connect and interact with the show and other listeners. You can Join the Black Like …

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S9 E186: "I Want To Restore Respect To This Population," Dr. Carey Gleason, M.D. And Dr. Fabu Carter Talk Madison's Cutting Edge, Culturally Innovative Alzheimer's Research 1:04:55

1+ y ago1:04:55

1:04:55

This is the second in a series on Alzheimer’s on both a personal and medical research level, focused on the impact on Black and Indigenous people. Hear about Dr. Gee’s collaboration with University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Alzheimer’s Research Department, including his guests Dr. Carey Gleason, MD and Dr. Fabu Carter. Dr. Carey Gleason shares the sci…

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S9 E185: "We Made A Decisions To Make Memories And Laugh... 'Cause We'd Have The Rest Of Lives To Mourn.": Dr. Gee And Rev. Lilada Talk About Losing Their Mom To Alzheimer's Disease. 53:30

1+ y ago53:30

53:30

This is the first in a series on Alzheimer’s on both a personal and medical research level, focused on the impact on Black and Indigenous people. Rev. Lilada and Dr. Alex Gee share funny stories about their mother after the effects of Alzheimer’s. They discuss some of the signposts of Alzheimer’s for others dealing with those in their lives They al…

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Renée Fleming and Richard Powers 57:46

1+ y ago57:46

57:46

This conversation features renowned singer Renée Fleming, interviewed by author Richard Powers. They discuss Fleming’s book “Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness” before a live audience at the Kentucky Author Forum. This conversation was recorded on April 8, 2024 at The Kentucky Center in Louisville, Ky. Renée Fleming is one …

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S9 E184: "Black Bikers Do Community Service...It's In The Charter": Dr. Gee Talks With Wolf Pack Patriarch Nolan Dunham 54:25

1+ y ago54:25

54:25

Dr. Gee welcomes Nolan Dunham, one of the founders of the Madison chapter of the Black Motorcycle Club. They connected while Nolan was working in the community. He explains the history of why the original Black motorcycle clubs were formed. Nolan also talks about misrepresentations of motorcycle groups with the club’s commitment to the community an…

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S9 E183: "I Didn't Understand How Incredibly White and Segregated Madison Was": Andrea Dearlove Talks About Her Allyship Journey With Justified Anger 37:58

1+ y ago37:58

37:58

Justified Anger had drastically shifted the experiences and thinking of the white people who have become connected through the educational opportunities. Andrea Dearlove was an early attendee of Justified Anger's Black History for a New Day course and it drastically transformed her personal and professional priorities. She discovered that when whit…

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S9 E182: "What The Hell Are You Doing Working On These White People": The Complexity Of Dealing With Racism As A Social Entrepreneur With Consultant Jim Bower 1:13:20

1+ y ago1:13:20

1:13:20

Dr. Gee talks with the experienced consultant, Jim Bower, about empowering visionary leaders to actually create the social change that they envision. Listen in on the ongoing conversation these two men have about how to approach the cross-cultural work of addressing racism in a local community, in particular through their work in developing The Cen…

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S9 E181: Awareness Of White People Will Have To Shift: 11,000 Court Cases With The Court Observer's Sandi Reinardy and Aaron Hicks 1:07:30

1+ y ago1:07:30

1:07:30

Sandi Reinardy discusses how she and the Court Observer team have developed the program with the goal of holding the court accountable and advocating for a just system. Hear how it is unavoidable to see the impact of race in the courtroom and sentencing process. Sandi shares how the data they collect is used and how the system responds to informati…

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Ann Patchett and Kevin Wilson 57:51

1+ y ago57:51

57:51

This conversation features best-selling author and book store owner Ann Patchett, interviewed by author and professor Kevin Wilson. They discuss Patchett’s book “Tom Lake” before a live audience at the Kentucky Author Forum. This conversation was recorded on February 12th, 2024 at the Kentucky Center in Louisville. ANN PATCHETT is the author of nin…

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S9 E180: The World I Believed In Never Existed: Creating And Sustaining Justified Anger Change With Rev. Lilada Gee and Harry Hawkins 1:25:27

1+ y ago1:25:27

1:25:27

What was it like to try to create systemic change after the release of Dr. Gee's Justified Anger article? Hear how the article was encroaching on white people’s territory with pushback to maintain the system from guests Rev. Lilada Gee and Harry Hawkins. Mr. Hawkins provides perspective on the release of the Justified Anger article from someone who…

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S9 E179: The Ripple Effect: Justified Anger's Innovative Ways Of Measuring Change With Dr. Karen Reece 1:14:05

1+ y ago1:14:05

1:14:05

Dr. Karen Reece explains Justified Anger's innovative research and strategic approach to Justice centered systems change work. As Justified Anger took off as a movement, Dr. Reece gives insight into the funding of Black-led organizations and the struggle to create long term solutions and change. Dr. Reece clarifies the difference between quantitati…

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Bonus! Parked Thoughts 1:57

1+ y ago1:57

1:57

In this moment I was parked in a car & I sat for a while. I love to do this for my solitude & to see nature. I love the freedom of it to sit, and be calm with nothing around you bothering you. I have these moments alot. Now I turned them into Parked Thoughts. This Parked Thought is for women & our journey. I am grateful to share them with you as Go…

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S9 E178: Black Like Mama: A Look At Life After My Mom’s Recent Passing 1:14:37

1+ y ago1:14:37

1:14:37

On this special episode, Dr. Alex Gee and his sister Lilada Gee reflect on the passing of their mother, Ms. Verline Gee. They celebrate her memory with stories and insights from her life. For decades, Ms. Verline created a profound impact in the Madison community as a mentor to young leaders, social worker, poet, published author, family therapist,…

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S9 E177: The Tip Of The Spear: Managing The Leading Edge Of Change With Kaleem Caire 1:02:12

1+ y ago1:02:12

1:02:12

Dr. Gee is joined again by his friend Kaleem Caire to look at the atmosphere around Justified Anger in the early years and how the initiative has created change over the last 10 years. They reflect on having breakfast together on the day that the original Justified Anger article was released and talked about how the truth of the article would be re…

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S9 E176: "We Haven't Arrived Yet": Reflecting On The Reception Of Justified Anger Ten Years Later With Renee Moe and Joe Parisi 1:22:10

1+ y ago1:22:10

1:22:10

Dr. Gee welcomes Renee Moe (President & CEO at United Way of Dane County) and Joe Parisi (Dane County Executive) to dicsuss how they experienced the release of the Justified Anger article and aftermath. They reflect on how the original article caused a stir in some of the civic and community arenas, displaying the racial disparity alive in these sy…

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S9 E175: What I Remember Of My Twenties Was Losing My Mentors: Dr. Gee's Reflections On Life at 60 With Life-Long Friend Pastor David Smith 1:14:07

2y ago1:14:07

1:14:07

Dr. Gee considers his career, relationships, and community impact as he reaches the age of 60. His life-long friend David Smith joins the conversations as they recall stories of their youth, beginning as community leaders, and how the world has changed in their shared 60 years. You can be sure that they bring plenty of stories, funny anecdotes, and…

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S9 E174: Anger And Courage: Publishing Justified Anger with Paul Fanlund and Phil Haslanger 59:27

2y ago59:27

59:27

Dr. Gee welcomes Paul Fanlund, editor and publisher of The Capital Times, and journalist Phil Haslanger to the show to discuss the publication of Dr. Gee's article, entitled Justified Anger. Hear the inside story of how Dr. Gee’s groundbreaking articles changed the community and changed The Capital Times newspaper itself. The three men talk about t…

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Stephen Bright and James Forman Jr. 55:03

2y ago55:03

55:03

This conversation features renowned lawyer and Professor of Law at Yale and Georgetown Universities, Stephen Bright, interviewed by Pulitzer Prize-winner and Yale Law Professor James Forman Jr. They discuss Bright’s book, “The Fear of Too Much Justice: Race, Poverty, and the Persistence of Inequality in the Criminal Courts” before a live audience a…

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S9 E173: Justified Anger In My Own Voice 36:50

2y ago36:50

36:50

Dr. Gee returns to the original article that started the Justified Anger initiative, as he reads the article in his own voice. Season 9 is exploring the ten years of system transformation that has resulted from the wake up call to the racial disparities present in Dr. Gee's local community of Madison, WI. This reading and Dr. Gee's introduction set…