In 2020, following calls for racial justice, U.S. businesses committed over 35 billion dollars toward racial equity in the workplace. But still, corporate offices remain overwhelmingly white. According to a recent study by Mckinsey , less than 30% of corporate managers are people of color. This week on Disrupted, we’ll hear from individuals pushing for greater equity in the workplace. GUESTS: Minda Harts - Founder and CEO of The Memo LLC and author of Right Within: How to Heal from Racial Trauma...
Jan 05, 2022•49 min•Season 2Ep. 65
From a shocking insurrection at the Capitol, to the rise of cryptocurrency, and the continuing fight for voting rights, 2021 brought more disruptions – and our show has attempted to make sense of this complicated world.This week on Disrupted, we’re wrapping up the year listening back to a few of our favorite conversations of 2021. GUESTS: Nancy Yao Maasbach – President of the Museum of Chinese in America Andrew Kahrl - Professor of African-American Studies and History at The Carter G. Woodson In...
Dec 29, 2021•49 min•Season 2Ep. 64
This episode originally aired on March 31st, 2021 This moment in American history can feel unprecedented. But white supremacist violence and debates over whose rights really matter are hardly new. This hour on Disrupted, we re-air conversations with two authors who provide crucial historical and theoretical context to this moment. Keisha N. Blain co-edited Four Hundred Souls, A Community History of African America. Jamal Greene is the author of How Rights Went Wrong: Why Our Obsession With Right...
Dec 22, 2021•49 min•Season 2Ep. 63
Materials scientist Ainissa Ramirez has made it her mission to tell the stories of little known inventors. She shines a light on the women and people of color that have helped create everything from the ice cream scoop to the GPS. This week on Disrupted, a conversation with Ainissa Ramirez. GUESTS: Ainissa Ramirez - Materials scientist, science evangelist, author of The Alchemy of Us: How humans and matter transformed one another This week's episode was produced by James Szkobel-Wolff, Zshekinah...
Dec 15, 2021•39 min•Season 2Ep. 62
This week, ten candidates were selected to join NASA's latest class of Astronauts. They will join the Artemis program, which expects to send humans to the moon for the first time since 1972. The new cohort will be one of NASA’s most diverse ever.On today's episode, hear from two Black Americans who helped pave the way for the next generation of NASA astronauts and administrators. GUESTS: Leland Melvin - Engineer, former NFL Wide Receiver, and retired NASA Astronaut. He’s also the author of Chasi...
Dec 08, 2021•49 min•Season 2Ep. 61
During the pandemic, many people turned to art to process their feelings and cope with loss. Others turned to local artists to contextualize the current moment. Art has the unique ability to comfort us and get us through difficult times. Today, three New Haven artists and disruptors on the ways they are using art to affect change. GUESTS: Kwadwo Adae - Visual Artist and founder of the Adae Fine Art Academy. Alisha Crutchfield McClean - Fashion Consultant and Owner of the New Haven store Bloom . ...
Dec 01, 2021•49 min•Season 2Ep. 60
This episode originally aired on August 11th, 2021 Trees are one of New England’s most treasured resources. But in Connecticut cities, a painful history of racism and redlining has led to fewer trees. During this holiday week, we look back at a show from this summer about our urban tree canopy in Connecticut. And, our region loses nearly 38 square miles of forestland each year. How can we fight deforestation in our backyard? GUESTS: Drew Goldsman - Urban Conservation Director for the Nature Cons...
Nov 24, 2021•49 min•Season 2Ep. 59
As more people confront the realities of climate change, our society’s relationship with food is changing. This week, the ways we access our food. We’ll hear from a man who spent just 5 dollars feeding himself over two years, by mastering the art of dumpster diving. We also hear from an indigenous ethnobotanist who shares the ways we can all lessen our impact on nature. And, a conversation with a young activist and academic fighting to end food deserts. Guests: William Reid – Food waste expert, ...
Nov 17, 2021•49 min•Season 2Ep. 58
America is home to many spiritual practices that were once considered evil - like Brujeria or Hoodoo. But today, more people are looking to reclaim these ancestral traditions.This hour on Disrupted, we hear how slavery gave birth to Hoodoo and how young African-Americans are embracing their past. We learn about Brujeria, a witchcraft tradition from Latin America. And, the legacy of Pamela Coleman-Smith - a forgotten artist who changed the face of tarot cards. Guests: Yvonne Chireau – Professor o...
Nov 10, 2021•49 min•Season 2Ep. 57
In September, TikTok surpassed over a billion monthly users . And the app is fundamentally changing how creators reach an audience online. This week, how TikTok is changing our relationship with media. We’ll hear from a TikTok creator about how he’s staying relevant. A professor reveals how TikTok's impacting childhood development. And a look at TikTok’s stronghold on the music industry. Guests: Gohar Khan – TikTok creator who provides college admission tips and advice @Goharsguide , and CEO and...
Nov 03, 2021•49 min•Season 2Ep. 56
Capitalism is a major driving force in American society. But the COVID-19 Pandemic has shown that the system doesn’t work for everyone and what we prioritize matters. This hour on Disrupted, a conversation with political scientist Margaret Levi on the future of our economy and how we can find dignity in work. And economist Janelle Jones talks about the importance of the Black female workforce. GUESTS: Margaret Levi - Director of Center for Advanced Study in Behavioral Sciences, Professor of Poli...
Oct 27, 2021•49 min•Season 2Ep. 55
The United States is responding to an influx of refugees from Afghanistan following the Taliban’s takeover of the country. But what happens after they arrive in our state?This week, we take a look at the immigration process for refugees. We’ll hear from two immigration experts about how we can best support new migrants and what research tells us about their ability to thrive in America. And a housing advocate breaks down zoning policy in Connecticut and how it’s making housing more expensive. Gu...
Oct 20, 2021•49 min•Season 2Ep. 54
This episode originally aired on March 3rd, 2021 Gun sales remains sky high during the pandemic – and the largest increase in purchases came from African American communities. This hour, we talk to the president of a Black Gun Association in Connecticut about what he’s seeing locally. And we hear about how these larger gun-buying trends are playing out nationally. Also, with increased gun violence in the U.S., what’s the disconnect between the Second Amendment rights Americans have in theory, an...
Oct 13, 2021•41 min•Season 2Ep. 53
Over the last 51 episodes, Disrupted has taken a critical look at our country, our democracy, and our culture. From the world of fashion and hair, to the politics of NASCAR and sports activism, our show has asked difficult questions and attempted to understand our changing world. This week on Disrupted, we celebrate our one year anniversary by talking to our first guest, Eddie Glaude Jr. GUESTS: Eddie Glaude Jr.- James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor and Chair of African American...
Oct 06, 2021•40 min•Season 1Ep. 52
This hour we hear from two influential women: one making her mark in the world of comedy and publishing and one advocating for policies that will positively impact women across the country. GUESTS: Teresa Younger - CEO and President of the Ms. Foundation for women and 2021 Inductee to the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame . Phoebe Robinson - Comedian, Actress, and Author of the new book Please Don't Sit On My Bed In Your Outside Clothes. She's the founder of Tiny Reparations Books. October marks ...
Sep 29, 2021•49 min•Season 1Ep. 51
Once seen as a niche technology, the cryptocurrency market is now valued at over 2 trillion dollars . And that growth is attracting more scrutiny around the globe. This week on disrupted, how crypto’s going mainstream. We’ll hear how policymakers are pushing cryptocurrency to be more equitable. And a look at El Salvador’s rocky adoption of Bitcoin. GUESTS: Emily Parker - Managing Director at CoinDesk and co-host of the morning show “First Mover.” Cleve Mesidor - Founder of the National Policy Ne...
Sep 22, 2021•49 min•Season 1Ep. 50
This week on Disrupted, our politics roundtable explores recent headlines: The United States’ withdrawal from Afghanistan, the fight for reproductive rights in Texas, California's recall election, and the legacy of Michael K.Williams. Guests: Bilal Sekou -Associate professor of Political Science at the University of Hartford Maya King - National politics reporter at POLITICO Janelle Wong - Professor of American Studies at the University of Maryland Disrupted is produced by James Szkobel-Wolff, Z...
Sep 15, 2021•49 min•Season 1Ep. 49
The Coronavirus Pandemic has impacted the return to school for the second year in a row. On this week’s Disrupted, we celebrate this anniversary with a back to school special. We hear from students about their hopes and fears for the coming fall semester. We’ll speak with a professor about the similarity between Hurricanes and the pandemic. And an ESPN writer on the changing economic landscape of college sports. Guests: Alex, Emani, Xochiquetzaly “ZoChee”, and Airiqa- Students at the High School...
Sep 08, 2021•49 min•Season 1Ep. 48
This episode originally aired on July 7th, 2021 For the first time in league history, a non-white racer has won NASCAR’s Cup Series. Kyle Larson’s win comes only a year after the sport banned one of it’s most well known symbols -- the confederate flag. On this week's Disrupted, we replay a conversation on NASCAR’s push for diversity with racing legend Bill Lester. GUESTS: Daniel McFadin , Lead Reporter and Editor for Frontstretch , and host of the podcast “Dropping the Hammer” ; Read McFadin’s f...
Aug 31, 2021•49 min•Season 1Ep. 47
The feminist movement has led to groundbreaking legislation like the 19th Amendment, Title IX and the Violence Against Women Act. But when did the movement start? And whose voices are still missing from the conversation?This hour, we’ll dive into the history present of feminism and hear from an activist creating public art to spread information about women’s issues. GUESTS: Brittney Cooper - Associate Professor of Women's and Gender Studies and Africana Studies at Rutgers University and co-found...
Aug 25, 2021•49 min•Season 1Ep. 46
Video Game revenue reached nearly 180 billion dollars in 2020. The industry’s continued growth and impact is being seen across our society. This week, an insiders’ look at the future of pro gaming. And how gaming’s growth is affecting our climate. GUESTS: Jason Chung - Assistant Professor and Executive Director of Esport Business Programs at the University of New Haven Corey Parks - Director of Esports and Head Coach of the University of New Haven Esports team and a former pro Esports player. Ga...
Aug 18, 2021•48 min•Season 1Ep. 45
Trees are one of New England's most treasured resources. But in Connecticut cities, a painful history of racism and redlining leads to fewer trees. On this week’s Disrupted, a look at the urban tree canopy in Connecticut. And, our region loses nearly 38 square miles of forestland each year. How we can fight deforestation in our backyard?GUESTS: Drew Goldsman - Urban Conservation Director for the Nature Conservancy in Connecticut Caroline Scanlan - Greenskills Manager at the Urban Resources Initi...
Aug 11, 2021•48 min•Season 1Ep. 44
This episode originally aired on February 17, 2021 Historically Black Colleges and Universities have existed in the United States since 1837. Decades before the abolishment of slavery, these institutions promoted access to education, as a path toward freedom. Today, there are over 100 HBCUs across the country, graduating roughly 20% of Black students. So, what exactly are the institutions and why are they so important? This hour, we’ll hear from a student and a professor at an HBCU in Texas who ...
Aug 04, 2021•48 min•Season 1Ep. 43
This hour on Disrupted, we speak with three young leaders whose faith plays a big role in their lives and communities. A Reverend on using his struggles to inspire young people. We also hear from two Muslim sisters who are breaking barriers. And, a conversation with the Director of the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival about a new project trying to shake up classical music. Guests: Rev. Quavon Newton - Senior Pastor at Rush Temple AME Zion Church in Queens, NY and a 2021 Graduate of the Yale Divini...
Jul 28, 2021•48 min•Season 1Ep. 42
As summer heats up, people across New England are flocking to the beach. But there’s been a long battle in CT, for access to the shoreline. This week on Disrupted, we learn about the history of exclusion on the Long Island sound. And we hear from descendants of the historically Black communities of Oak Bluffs and Sag Harbor. Andrew Kahrl - Professor of African-American Studies and History at The Carter G. Woodson Institute at the University of Virginia and author of Free the Beaches: The Story o...
Jul 21, 2021•51 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Disrupted's political roundtable tackles recent news, like Nikole Hannah-Jones’s tenure controversy and her decision to teach at Howard University. They’ll give context around Critical Race Theory, how a supreme court case is impacting voting rights, and whether the Olympics need a racial reckoning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 14, 2021•49 min•Season 1Ep. 40
Since it began in 1948, NASCAR has only fielded 8 Black drivers for its top-level cup series. The sport hasn’t been exactly welcoming to people of color. But following the murder of George Floyd and events of last year, they’re making moves to shed that racist image. On this week's Disrupted, a history of NASCAR’s push for diversity. GUESTS: Daniel McFadin , Lead Reporter and Editor for Frontstretch , and host of the podcast “Dropping the Hammer”; Read McFadin's five part series about NASCAR in ...
Jul 07, 2021•49 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Chase W. Dillon was 9-years-old when he was cast as the role of Homer in The Underground Railroad on Amazon Prime. This hour on Disrupted, Chase talks about his life in Connecticut, his career, and how he’s giving back to his community. And you may know actor Michael Jai White from his roles in The Dark Knight, Spawn, or Black Dynamite. He grew up in Bridgeport and is now returning to the state to open a movie studio in New Haven . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jun 30, 2021•45 min•Season 1Ep. 38
The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted a fundamental fact: disparities in health outcomes by race and ethnicity exist across the country and the state, and COVID-19 has taken an unequal toll on Black people, Latinos, and Native Americans. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 23, 2021•48 min•Season 1Ep. 37
After years of warning from scientists, the global climate crisis is impacting Americans across the country. 2021 has already seen unprecedented ice storms across Texas and one of the worst droughts in modern history in the west. But what kind of changes can we expect in Connecticut? On this Disrupted, we dig into the ways our changing climate is affecting our state. Disrupted this week was produced by James Szkobel-Wolff, Zshekinah Collier, and Catie Talarski. See omnystudio.com/listener for pr...
Jun 16, 2021•49 min•Season 1Ep. 36
