What do the right to bear arms, judicial abdication, and the Cato Institute have in common? Clark M. Neily III - author of "Terms of Engagement: How Our Courts Should Enforce The Constitution's Promise Of Limited Government." He explains why protecting your rights is not the same as restricting governmental overreach. Hear why he would grade the Judiciary a C- at best, and learn how his role in District of Columbia v. Heller in 2008 definitively established your right to own firearms. Don't miss...
Jun 07, 2019•35 min•Season 1Ep. 56
Do you know how 'structural' violence combined with 'cultural' violence results in 'direct' violence? We visit with trauma surgeon and public health expert Dr. Tanya Zakrison who shares her expertise. During our interview, she deconstructs these topics and more while taking us on a fascinating journey of social justice in America - one that includes riding shotgun with the Black Panther Party. But I can't write that story as well as she tells it, so hit play and listen. Don't miss a thing! Sign ...
Jun 06, 2019•33 min•Season 1Ep. 55
On Episode #3 of our gun violence series we visit with trauma surgeon Dr. Joseph Sakran. He shares how a life-threatening gunshot wound to the neck at age 17 propelled him on a journey to where he is now a national figure advocating to reduce firearm related injuries and death in America. Tune in to learn what Dr. Sakran means when he says his life is about "pursuing purpose over position." Don't miss a thing! Sign up for my newsletter here.
Jun 05, 2019•15 min•Season 2Ep. 54
Documentary photographer Kathy Shorr shares her journey from experiencing a home invasion at gunpoint to photographing 101 survivors of gunshots, most of whom were filmed at the location of their shootings. Join us as we discuss her book "Shot: 101 Survivors of Gun Violence in America." This is Episode #2 in our weeklong series examining gun violence. Don't miss a thing! Sign up for my newsletter here.
Jun 04, 2019•15 min•Season 2Ep. 53
"Let's talk about the root causes of gun violence, not just the guns themselves." The words of trauma surgeon Dr. Rob Winfield who kicks off our week-long series covering firearm violence. Dr. Winfield describes a unique approach to combatting urban gun violence - actually collaborate with the victims to determine sustainable solutions. Learn how he leverages his role at the University of Kansas Medical Center to do just that. Also, he shares the innovative way the Pennsylvania Horticultural Soc...
Jun 03, 2019•24 min•Season 1Ep. 52
What challenges do women of color face in the profession of marketing? Veleisa Burrell, President of Narrative Evolution, shares her journey from corporate America to founding her own communications company, and her passion for amplifying the voices of women of color. To learn about your host, check out brianwilliamsmd.com.
May 20, 2019•16 min•Season 2Ep. 51
Dr. Seema Yasmin is an Emmy-award winning journalist, author, medical doctor and professor. In this episode she discusses her book, "The Impatient Dr. Lange: One Man's Fight to End the Global HIV Epidemic." It chronicles the story of her mentor who was killed on Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, and charts the course of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the life of a scientist who fought to end the outbreak.
May 13, 2019•30 min•Season 2Ep. 50
Stereotype bias, imposter syndrome, and authenticity. What does it all really mean? The interplay of social versus self identity informs our daily interactions. Kamilah Collins, an equity and inclusion consultant, explains how malalignment of these two identities can impact you as an individual, and impair organizational dynamics.
May 05, 2019•9 min•Season 2Ep. 49
What would you do in the aftermath of a disaster such as a mass shooting? Dr. Josh Bobko, founder of First CARE Provider, describes the work his organization does to equip bystanders with the knowledge to serve as first responders.
Apr 29, 2019•23 min•Season 2Ep. 48
While our group waited for a table for Sunday brunch, Dr. Vania Bright, a sociologist visiting from Minneapolis, MN, had me enthralled discussing her dissertation on human trafficking. Once I learned she had a flight to catch in a few hours, and with time on our hands, we continued our discussion on the record. Listen to Dr. Bright reframe the narrative on human trafficking, and deconstruct stereotypes that are a disservice to the exploited who are suffering in plain sight.
Apr 22, 2019•10 min•Season 2Ep. 47
Dr. Simon Fitzgerald is a trauma surgeon in New York City, and hosts of one of my favorite podcasts - "Knife at the Gunfight." Join us as Dr Fitzgerald shares his thoughts about the intersection of the surgery, violence, and culture. You can follow Dr. Fitzgerald on Twitter @SlyFitz. And don't forget to check out the latest at brianwilliamsmd.com.
Apr 14, 2019•33 min•Season 2Ep. 46
The Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter is senior minister of the First Unitarian Church of Dallas, Texas, and author of the book "Faith For The Unbeliever." I am also a member of his church. On a sunny Sunday afternoon following service, I cornered him to get his thoughts on the role religion can play in the pursuit of social justice. If you want to learn about "radical inclusivity" this episode is for you - whether you are a person of faith or not. Learn more at BrianWilliamsMD.com.
Apr 07, 2019•33 min•Season 2Ep. 45
Michael W. Waters is founding pastor of Joy Tabernacle African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church in Dallas, Texas. As pastor, professor, award-winning author, activist, and social commentator, Waters’ words of hope and empowerment inspire national and international audiences.
Mar 30, 2019•34 min•Season 2Ep. 44
Almas Muscatwalla believes that "worshiping God and serving humanity" are the only two purposes of life. She is the Executive Director of Faith Forward Dallas, an active member of the Ismaili Muslim Community, and serves on the board for the Dallas-Fort Worth Muslim Jewish Advisory Council (MJAC). In the middle of a cafe after the lunch rush, Almas shared why she works to strengthen relationships between peoples with diverse perspectives.
Mar 23, 2019•43 min•Season 2Ep. 43
We visit with George Mason, senior pastor for the Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, TX. He shares his thoughts on the intersection of gun violence and religion, and how to have constructive dialogue with someone who believes in their "god-given right" to own a gun.
Mar 10, 2019•29 min•Season 2Ep. 42
Bruce Bond is co-founder of the Common Ground Committee. It is a citizen-led initiative free of a political agenda and financial influences that is committed to “Bringing Light Not Heat To Public Discourse”. Bruce brings together thought leaders and influencers of opposing opinions to show that people can work together and find common ground on important issues without compromising values.
Mar 05, 2019•29 min•Season 2Ep. 41
David Henderson is a trial lawyer and world champion public speaker. Before his current role as a civil rights attorney, Dave served in the Special Crimes Division of the district attorney’s office. He has tried over 70 jury cases to a verdict, ranging from civil cases to human trafficking to capital murder. In 2010 David won the Toastmasters World Championship competing against over 30,000 contestants from 113 countries. Listen to him describe the emotional toll of litigating sex crime cases, a...
Feb 24, 2019•40 min•Season 2Ep. 40
Rome Madison epitomizes the entrepreneurial spirit. He has scaled the mountain of adversity to become a genomic industry expert, author, public speaker, and more. Listen as he shares his story of tenacity, and breaks down the role precision medicine has in the future of cancer therapy.
Feb 17, 2019•32 min•Season 2Ep. 39
Beth A. Griech-Polelle is the Kurt Mayer Chair of Holocaust Studies and Associate Professor of History at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA. In her book "Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust" she explains the pivotal importance of the destructive power of discriminatory language in the persecution of Jews, and how easy it was to recruit healthcare professionals to participate in the Holocaust.
Feb 09, 2019•37 min•Season 2Ep. 38
Doctor Jarret Patton offers sound advice to aid those who, like him, have been under attack from medical boards, certification agencies, hospital systems, legal systems, or the public at large.
Feb 01, 2019•28 min•Season 2Ep. 37
I found myself sharing an Uber with the legendary Dr. William Lynn Weaver en route to the airport in Austin, TX. Capitalizing on a once in a lifetime opportunity, my captive but gracious guest shares his thoughts on persistent racial inequities in the profession of medicine.
Jan 25, 2019•19 min•Season 2Ep. 36
How does one become an expert in the prevention of injury and violence? Well you start off as a sports journalist of course. That is the route Shelli Stephen-Stidham travelled to gain a national reputation as an injury and violence prevention expert. Tune in to hear her explain the important role you play in primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention in your community.
Jan 17, 2019•29 min•Season 2Ep. 35
In her book award-winning book "Broken Places" Rachel Thompson shares her story as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and confronts the topics of suicide, love, and healing.
Jan 10, 2019•30 min•Season 2Ep. 34
In Jan 2017 Erin and David Leaverton quit their jobs, sold their home, bought an RV, and set out on a 50-state road trip with their three children. Averaging one state per week their goal was to meet Americans from every corner of the country and every walk of life. Hear how their views on race have changed after trading in the traditional American dream for an Undivided Nation cross-country adventure.
Jan 04, 2019•35 min•Season 2Ep. 33
To close out Season 1 of "Race, Violence & Medicine," we visit with Dr. Dale Okorodudu. He is a Pulmonary & Critical Care physician in Dallas, TX, serial entrepreneur, and the author of "How To Raise A Doctor: Wisdom From Parents Who Did It!" Dale shares crowdsourced advice for future doctors, his inspiration for the book, and how it came together during midnight sessions while writing on the floor of his closet.
Dec 21, 2018•29 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Our series on the One America Movement concludes with its Director - Andrew Hanauer. He shares his vision of ending polarization in America by bringing us together across racial, religious, political and geographic divides to address pressing social problems such as poverty and racial tension.
Dec 16, 2018•13 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Hawk Newsome, president of Black Lives Matter New York, says he was "born into the movement." From his April 4th birthday which is connected with several civil rights icons to being raised by activist parents, Hawk was destined for the life he has now - liberating the oppressed in mind, body, and spirit. Hear the story about his presence at a Trump rally led to a moment of reconciliation with those who viewed him as the enemy and launched him to national prominence.
Dec 09, 2018•25 min•Season 1Ep. 30
The daughter of Pakistani immigrants, Afia Yunus has vivid tales of the racism she endured as a Muslim girl coming of age in the Florida Panhandle. The experience strengthened her resolve to serve humanity. As a teen, witnessing lawyers fight against the erosion of civil rights after 9/11 propelled her to become an immigration attorney. A personal and professional transformation occurred after the 2017 "Muslim Ban." She was compelled to "get off the hamster wheel of life" and apply her legal exp...
Dec 02, 2018•27 min•Season 1Ep. 28
What is healthcare equity and why should you care? Teresita Oaks gives a master class explaining why it matters to everyone, from the migrant farm workers in Arizona to the coal miners in West Virginia.
Nov 18, 2018•36 min•Season 1Ep. 24
To call Dr. Mallory Williams a trauma surgeon does a disservice to the many facets of his identity. He has trained at some of the premier institutions in the country, served multiple combat tours as a Colonel in the US Army, and continues to hold it down at home with his family. Everytime I speak with Dr. Williams, he drops some new pearl that nudges me to raise my personal bar for excellence. Listen to him share his role as an educator and the importance of Historically Black Colleges and Unive...
Nov 15, 2018•23 min•Season 1Ep. 23