Conversations With Carole - podcast cover

Conversations With Carole

Carole Copeland Thomaswww.carolecopelandthomas.com

"Conversations with Carole" is meant to build a community where we can talk about current and historical issues relevant to our times. I've been in the cross culture business for many years and celebrate the past work I've done in radio. It made sense NOW to move the conversation to a podcast format where we can all get involved!

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As an award-winning keynote speaker, trainer, and global thought leader, since 1987, Carole Copeland Thomas moderates the discussions of critical issues affecting the marketplace. She has her pulse on the issues affecting working professionals and regularly consults with industry leaders. She has spent 36 years cultivating relationships and partnerships with local, national, and international sponsors, including Walmart, Amtrak, and Emirates Airlines. Carole is the past president of The National Speakers Association -New England Chapter and was on the leadership team of Black NSA. Carole is a blogger and social media enthusiast using various technology platforms to enhance her business development activities.
 

Carole has been featured in the New York Times, Boston Globe, Black Enterprise, ABC Radio, and CBS News.

She is the author of eight books and is the Past National Vice Chair of the National Black MBA Association

Carole is a 28-year member of the National Speakers Association (NSA) and an active member of Black NSA. She won the President Emeritus Award for the leadership role she played during the 2017-2018 NSA New England Chapter Year.

Visit Carole's website at www.carolecopelandthomas.com.

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Episodes

7/12/2025 EPISODE #54 SWIPE: Take OnThe Trolls-Online Self Defense with Nicola Millington

In this powerful and practical episode of Conversations With Carole , meet Nicola Millington —visionary PR strategist, cultural curator, and author of the timely and transformative new book, SWIPE: Mastering the Art of Handling Trolls and Protecting Your Peace . From the bustling energy of the Notting Hill Carnival to the calm confidence of digital self-defense, Nicola brings 25 years of communications wisdom to the screen and the page. This episode takes listeners on a journey through Nicola’s ...

Jul 12, 202547 min

6/9/2025 Episode #53 ROBERT PRINCIPE: STRAIGHT WHITE GUY ON DEI

In this compelling and candid episode of Conversations With Carole , host Carole Copeland Thomas sits down with longtime colleague and diversity champion Robert Principe , author of "Excuse Me While I Skip a Beat: Working to Reinvent My Life and Leadership as a White Guy" . With over three decades in the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) space, Robert pulls no punches as he explores what it means to be a straight white man doing the work of equity in a divided and resistant America. From hi...

Jun 10, 20251 hr 1 min

5/5/2025 EPISODE #52: THE RACE PARADOX — WHY ORGANIZATIONS FAIL ON RACE with DR. CARLTON BROWN

In this compelling and eye-opening episode of Conversations With Carole , host Carole Copeland Thomas sits down with Dr. Carlton Brown , a renowned UK-based diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategist and founder of Aspire Consultancy Ltd. ( https://www.aspire-consultancy.com ), to unpack “The Race Paradox”—a searing critique of how and why organizations repeatedly fail when it comes to race. Dr. Brown exposes the deep-rooted patterns of performative allyship and broken promises that perme...

May 06, 202542 min

4/21/2025 EPISODE #51 MATTERS OF THE HEART with REV. DR. THEMA BRYANT

In Episode 51 Carole sits down with the brilliant and compassionate Rev. Dr. Thema Bryant for a conversation that resonates deeply with listeners navigating life, love, and purpose. With authenticity, insight, and grace, Dr. Thema unpacks the transformative themes from her new book, Matters of the Heart: Healing Your Relationship with Yourself and Those You Love —offering wisdom on relationships, healing from trauma, setting boundaries, and reclaiming your personal joy. As the Past President of ...

Apr 21, 202531 min

4/18/2025 EPISODE #50 BLACK BOOK PUBLISHING IN THE UK WITH VALERIE BRANDES

In this milestone 50th episode of Conversations With Carole , host Carole Copeland Thomas sits down with trailblazing publisher Valerie Brandes , the founder and CEO of Jacaranda Books, one of the most dynamic independent publishing companies in the UK. This episode is a powerful narrative of Black resilience, global identity, and visionary leadership in the world of literature. Valerie shares her remarkable journey from growing up in a large Caribbean-British family in London to building a life...

Apr 19, 202546 min

4/3/2025 Episode #49 – MONEY MANAGEMENT IN TOUGH TIMES with LURIE DAVIS

In this powerful and practical episode, Carole sits down with Lurie Davis, founder of Lurie Davis Wealth Management ( https://www.luriedavis.org/ ), to talk straight about financial survival and long-term strategy during politically and economically turbulent times—especially for communities directly impacted by the Trump administration. With decades of experience guiding clients through recessions, political shifts, and personal financial crises, Lurie offers concrete, actionable steps to stabi...

Apr 04, 202531 min

3/11/2025 Episode #48 Be Prepared In A Chaotic Country

Are you ready for uncertainty? In this episode of Conversations With Carole , Carole Copeland Thomas delivers 15 critical tips to help you stay financially secure, emotionally strong, and physically prepared in the face of chaos. With unprecedented political and economic shifts, federal layoffs, and social instability, being proactive is no longer optional—it’s essential . Tune in to gain practical advice on financial preparedness, job security, mental resilience, physical health, and civic enga...

Mar 11, 202530 min

2/23/2025 EPISODE #47 Truth to Power: 16 Attorneys General Support DEI

DEI IS LEGAL IN THE USA!! In this powerful episode of Conversations with Carole , host Carole Copeland Thomas breaks down the critical guidance issued by 16 Attorneys General in support of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). With the Biden administration out and Trump’s new policies aiming to dismantle DEI efforts nationwide, these state leaders are pushing back, reminding businesses that DEIA remains legal, essential, and beneficial. Key Topics Covered: The February 13, 2025...

Feb 24, 202521 min

2/11/2025 EPISODE #46 Podcast Show Notes: Five Ways to Cope in Trump’s World

In this powerful episode, host Carole Copeland Thomas explores how to navigate and resist the challenges of Trump's administration. With sweeping policy changes, government purges, and attacks on civil rights, it's critical to stay informed and take action. Carole lays out five key strategies to help you stay engaged and empowered in the fight for democracy, justice, and equity. Five Ways to Cope in Trump’s World 🔹 1. We've Been Here Before...Understanding History History reminds us that Americ...

Feb 12, 202526 min

1/19/2025 Episode #45 Wait & See. Watch & Pray. Then Act.

Join Carole as she delves into timely, thought-provoking topics that impact our democracy, civil rights, and our collective future. This special episode, recorded on the eve of Inauguration Day 2025 and the 96th birthday of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., explores the themes of leadership, servanthood, and the power of activism in uncertain times. Reflecting on history, current challenges, and the legacy of civil rights giants, Carole inspires listeners to "Wait and See, Watch and Pray, The...

Jan 20, 202512 min

12/31/2024 EPISODE #44 Positive Reward Actions for DEI

In this powerful end-of-year episode of Conversations with Carole , Carole Copeland Thomas delivers an inspiring message about resilience and action in the face of challenges to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Reflecting on the transformative events of 2024, Carole highlights both setbacks and triumphs in the fight for equity and justice, urging listeners to take proactive steps in supporting organizations that remain committed to DEI principles. Key Topics Covered: The Current Landscape...

Jan 01, 202529 min

EPISODE #43 Project 2025—The Trump Playbook Chapter 14 Part 2: Control Women’s Bodies - Healthcare - Abortions-Head Start

Project 2025 is the 920+ page document that will become the playbook for the Trump Administration should he win the presidency in November 2024. It declares war on the cultural dynamics of American society, including the African-American community, other communities of color, the LGBTQ community, and those whose religious ideologies are left of center. Today's podcast specifically looks at the second half of Chapter 14, which articulates anti-trans procedures, altering Medicaid and redefining th...

Nov 16, 202434 min

EPISODE #42: The Great Debate Kamala Harris -vs. Donald Trump The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

In the presence of 67 million worldwide viewers, The Great Debate, like no other, resulted in spectacular results earlier this week when Vice President Kamala Harris presented her reasons why she would make a better President than former President Donald Trump . The results weren't even close. Harris, who won the debate, dealt a crushing blow to Trump who didn't want to shake her hand at the beginning of the event, never looked her in the face, and never called her by her name. Carole walks you ...

Sep 13, 20241 hr 23 min

EPISODE #41 Project 2025—The Presidential Playbook Chapter 14 Part 1: Control Women’s Bodies - Healthcare - Abortions

Project 2025 is the 920+ page document that will become the playbook for the Trump Administration should he win the presidency in November 2024. It declares war on the cultural dynamics of American society, including the African-American community, other communities of color, the LGBTQ community, and those whose religious ideologies are left of center. Today's podcast specifically looks at the first half of Chapter 14, which articulates the control of women’s bodies through abortion restrictions...

Sep 02, 202433 min

EPISODE #40 Project 2025—The Presidential Playbook Part 2: Eliminate The US Department of Education

Project 2025 is the 920+ page document that will become the playbook for the Trump Administration should he win the presidency in November 2024. It declares war on the cultural dynamics of American society, including the African-American community, other communities of color, the LGBTQ community, and those whose religious ideologies are left of center. Today's podcast specifically looks at the second half of Chapter 11, which articulates the dismantling and ending of the US Department of Educati...

Aug 06, 202442 min

EPISODE #39 Project 2025—The Presidential Playbook Part 1: Eliminate The US Department of Education

Project 2025 is the 920+ page document that will become the playbook for the Trump Administration should he win the presidency in November 2024. It declares war on the cultural dynamics of American society, including the African-American community, other communities of color, the LGBTQ community, and those whose religious ideologies are left of center. Today's podcast specifically looks at Chapter 11, which articulates the dismantling and ending of the US Department of Education. States' rights ...

Jul 29, 202437 min

EPISODE #38 THE STATE OF AMERICA: PEOPLE POLITICS PROTESTS With Bill Wells, Jr.

There's so much going on in the United States that it's difficult to have thoughtful conversations without understanding the complexities of our issues. From the June 27th presidential debate to an attempted assassination to the Republican National Convention, Carole talks to her special guest to help clarify what is happening and why. Join us for a thoughtful conversation with business leader and corporate collaborator Bill Wells Jr., Past Chair of the National Black MBA Association. ==========...

Jul 18, 202456 min

EPISODE #37 Learn About 5 Ways To Enhance Your Summer Cross-Cultural Collaborations

Summer is the perfect time of year to sit back, relax, and enhance your cross cultural collaborations. Whether you're traveling to new destinations, exploring different cuisines, or engaging in cultural festivals, summer provides endless opportunities to immerse yourself in diverse traditions and perspectives. It's a season ripe for forging new friendships, learning new languages, and experiencing the beauty of multicultural interactions firsthand. As the sun shines brightly, let it inspire you ...

Jul 12, 202417 min

6/24/2024 EPISODE #36 LGBTQ PRIDE MONTH Religion, Resistance, Relationships

From LGBTQIA to she/her/hers, the language, descriptions, and ideological frameworks are ever-evolving. Gender identity is separate from gender expression. And these categories are also separate from sexual orientation. I self-identify as a cisgender woman whose sexual orientation affirms my attraction to men. What does all this mean? And how do you use the word "they" when referencing a single person?? It's Pride Month, June 2024, and we will deep dive into the LGBTQ community to understand how...

Jun 25, 202430 min

EPISODE #35 LGBTQ 101 & Words and Terminology You’ve Never Explored Part 1

From LGBTQIA to she/her/hers, the language, descriptions, and ideological frameworks are ever-evolving. Gender identity is separate from gender expression. And these categories are also separate from sexual orientation. I self-identify as a cisgender woman whose sexual orientation affirms my attraction to men. What does all this mean? And how do you use the word "they" when referencing a single person?? It's Pride Month, June 2024, and we will deep dive into the LGBTQ community using the words t...

Jun 14, 202424 min

EPISODE #34 Celebrating Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Mai Du

May is Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and we end this month with the second of two terrific guests from the Asian American community. Today's guest is Mai Du (pronounced My-Dew) who entered the United States as a Vietnamese (and ethnic Chinese) refugee and has become one of the leading social justice advocates in Metro Boston. She owns the Way Lum Kung Fu & Tai Chi Academy, which has two locations in Metro Boston. She is also passionate about the Asian Americ...

May 30, 202445 min

EPISODE #33 Celebrating Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Stephanie Chen

May is Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month and we end this month with the first of two terrific guests from the Asian American community. Today's guest is Stephanie Chen , nutritionist by day and activist leader with the National Association of Asian American Professionalism (NAAAP) during her spare time. We learn about Stephanie's fascinating background that took her all around the United States and three years living in China. She's one of many up-and-coming leaders ...

May 30, 202436 min

EPISODE #32 Exactly How Does Carole Market Her Business???

Carole details the 10 different ways that she markets her business, stays relevant and keeps getting business year after year. 1 Email List - List Building ( www.amyporterfield.com ) 2 Lead Magnets 3 Referrals 4 Podcast 5 Books/Guidebooks 6 Exhibit Booths 7 Guest on Other Podcasts 8 Live Virtual Events 9 Live In-Person Events 10 Social Media Platforms Speaking & Training. ( carolecopelandthomas.com ) Coaching and Consulting. ( carolecopelandthomas.com ) Sponsorships/Events ( mssconnect.com )...

May 27, 202427 min

EPISODE #31 Exactly How Does Carole Make Money???

Bottom Line…You Have To Make Money In Order To Stay In Business!! This podcast will walk you through the 5 main ways that Carole generates income to sustain and grow her business. Speaking & Training. ( carolecopelandthomas.com ) Coaching and Consulting. ( carolecopelandthomas.com ) Sponsorships/Events ( mssconnect.com ) Memberships ( mssglobalsummit.com ) Licensing ( mssglobalsummit.com ) So sit back, relax, and enjoy this segment, where you will learn the ins and outs of generating steady ...

May 17, 202426 min

EPISODE #30 Exactly What Does Carole Do For A Living???

There are people in my family who still don't understand what I do for a living. This podcast will walk you through a day in my life and how I have been a professional communicator for more than 36 years. I've worked for large and small organizations and have continued to reinvent myself for decades. That's the best way to stay competitive and relevant in the marketplace. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this segment, where you will learn about who I am and what I do for a living. ============= Her...

May 09, 202421 min

Episode #29 BLACK CHURCH SERIES: UNDERSTANDING THE AME CHURCH

I'm a lifetime member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and have always been proud of its history. The AME Church is the oldest or one of the oldest Black denominations in the United States, with its 1787 roots nestled in Philadelphia as the nation formed its beginning. Richard Allen, the first elected and consecrated Bishop of the AME Church, was the visionary founder of this denomination. Allen's global insight and insistence on the denomination keeping its Methodist roots have been th...

Apr 24, 202437 min

EPISODE #028 Reinventing Success: Galen Bingham's Corporate - Coaching Gameplan

Leadership strategist Galen Bingham takes us on his personal journey through the corporate doors of success, evolving into executive coaching. He's a generation corporate veteran; Galen successfully leveraged three decades of executive experience at Kraft Foods, Imperial Sugar, and Coca-Cola, traveling and living in multiple states and cities across the US. His executive coaching business has skyrocketed, influencing the path of over 975 executives in seven countries. In today's podcast, we will...

Apr 12, 202436 min

EPISODE #027: Why Black Greek Organizations Exist: Sororities, Fraternities, & Their History In America

Steeped in history going back to the early 1900s, nine Black fraternities and sororities have paved the way to economic progress, educational aptitude, and social relevance throughout Black communities across the United States. They are a part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, founded in 1930, and it remains a vibrant organization in our nation to this day. I am a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, one of the "Divine Nine." Vice President Kamala Harris is a proud member of Alpha Kap...

Apr 07, 202439 min

EPISODE #026 Big Shoes To Fill: The Legacies Of Dr. Dorothy Height and Sarah Ann Shaw

As we end our salute to Women's History Month, there are big shoes to fill when the conversation turns to two great Americans. One was a national icon who sat at the table with the great civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The other was a local/regional hero, the first African-American hired as a news reporter for WBZ TV here in Boston. Regardless of their popularity on the national stage, their effectiveness is far-reaching and has had social and economic implications fo...

Mar 28, 202429 min

EPISODE #025 The Truth About Critical Race Theory: What It Is. What It Isn’t. How It’s Been Hijacked.

Critical Race Theory CRT has become a political football tossed around the United States so much that the original concept is unrecognizable to those who originated it in the 1970s. It is a legal framework that examines the complexities of racial discrimination, and it is connected to power, gender, and other societal categories. Contrary to popular opinion, CRT has never been taught in elementary schools, let alone other secondary classrooms. This podcast is designed to separate fact from ficti...

Mar 22, 202423 min
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