First Name Basis Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

We’ve got some changes coming at First Name Basis!

I started the First Name Basis Podcast back in 2019 when I looked at my tiny daughter and wanted to make the world a better place for her — a place that would be more inclusive, kind and anti-racist. 

In the past almost 5 years, we’ve created this beautiful community where we’ve had so many hard but productive conversations both on social media and through the podcast. As I prepare to welcome our third little one into our family, it feels like time to change how a few things are done here at First Name Basis, including:

• Putting the podcast on hold so I can focus on my consulting clients.

• Transitioning all of our paid resources to only be available for purchase by schools and community organizations for now.

• Changing the way we deliver our paid resources to those who have already invested in them.

• Running a sale with the biggest discounts we’ve ever offered!

Listen in to hear all of the details!

Thank you for being here with me in this work. These last 5 years have been a dream come true, and I’m excited to continue the work in this new way. And don’t worry — I don’t think I’ll be able to stay away from my podcast microphone forever.

As always, I am SO GLAD that you are here. You are what has made First Name Basis what it is.

Don’t miss our big sale!

If you have been waiting to purchase any of our paid resources, now is your final chance to do so before they’re put to bed for the next few years. We’re offering BIG discounts, and the sooner you buy, the bigger the discount you get!

From now until July 1, you can use the code FNB50 for 50% off any of our products. **This is the biggest discount we will offer during the sale, so don’t wait to snag what you’ve had your eye on!**

From July 2 until July 8, use the code FNB40 for 40% off!

And from July 9 until July 15, use the code FNB30 for 30% off!

So don’t wait to snag those products you’ve been keeping your eye on! Head over to firstnamebasis.org/resources to learn more.

Invite Jasmine to work with your school!

Are you a parent or teacher who wants to help your school turn good intentions into positive action by making anti-racist education a priority? First Name Basis is here to help!

Jasmine Bradshaw is an anti-racist educator and former second-grade teacher who has a passion for helping schools make real change. From providing professional development for teachers to curriculum consulting to implementing her unique anti-racist resources to parent education events, Jasmine is your go-to anti-bias and anti-racist education resource.

Email [email protected] or visit firstnamebasis.org/workwithme for more information.

Song credit: “Clapping Music” by BrightestAvenue and “Sunshine” by lemonmusicstudio

In case you haven’t noticed yet, I’m passionate about Black History Month.

I did not enjoy learning about Black history growing up. It felt more like grieving than celebrating for me, and because of that it’s my dream to make Black History Month a positive experience for ALL children and students.

So today, as part of that, I’m talking about 3 mistakes parents and teachers should avoid when talking to kids and students about Black History:

1. Don’t say “because they were Black.” It’s time to put the onus on racism.

2. Don’t refer to Black people as “non-white.” This makes it seem as if being white is the “norm.” Just use the correct identifiers and describe people for what they ARE instead of what they aren’t.

3. Don’t only focus on struggle. When we do this, it doesn’t just harm Black students. It harms ALL students. And this is why I created Bite-Sized Black History, to be able to celebrate all the joyful things about being Black.

And y’all know me, I would never give you 3 things NOT to do without also giving you lots of things to DO, so press play on the episode to learn more about these three don’ts and to get ideas for some actionable steps for making Black History Month a meaningful celebration.

Bite-Sized Black History

Bite-Sized Black History is a collection of mini-podcast episodes that empower you to teach kiddos about brilliant Black Americans who have been largely overlooked by our history books. You know about Dr. King and Rosa Parks — now it’s time to explore other Black leaders and learn from their stories!

I just released 12 new episodes as part of Bite-Sized Black History Season 4 — bringing the total number of episodes in the library up to 40! The catalog includes activists, inventors, scientists, entertainers, artists and more, and each episode comes with an accompanying coloring page and reflection questions to help you have meaningful conversations with the kiddos in your life.

From now until the end of February, you can use the code BSBH29 for 29% off any Bite-Sized Black History package — 29% in honor of leap year giving us an extra day to celebrate Black History Month.

Head over to firstnamebasis.org/blackhistory to learn more and to have a meaningful Black History Month by getting your copy of Bite-Sized Black History today.

Invite Jasmine to work with your school!

Are you a parent or teacher who wants to help your school turn good intentions into positive action by making anti-racist education a priority? First Name Basis is here to help!

Jasmine Bradshaw, the host and founder of the First Name Basis Podcast, is an anti-racist educator and former second-grade teacher who has a passion for helping schools make real change. From providing professional development for teachers to curriculum consulting to implementing her unique anti-racist resources, Jasmine is your go-to anti-bias and anti-racist education resource.

Email [email protected] or visit firstnamebasis.org/workwithme for more information!

Articles, Studies & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

“Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves,” by Julie Olsen Edwards and Louise Derman-Sparks

Song Credit: “Clapping Music” by BrightestAvenue and “Sunshine” by lemonmusicstudio

July 26, 2023, is the 33rd anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act.

If you’re doing the math in your head, let me give you a shortcut: That means the ADA wasn’t passed until 1990. 1990?! It took quite a while for Americans with disabilities to officially be named a protected class as neither the 1964 Civil Rights Act nor the 1965 Voting Rights Act included people with disabilities — and the United States still has a long way to go in making our public spaces, businesses and communities truly accessible.

In honor of the 33rd anniversary, I wanted to invite a very special guest — Amy Webb — on the podcast to teach us about how to talk to children about disabilities. 

Amy is a DREAM guest of mine. She exudes passion for all of the things that she does, and that’s just one of the many reasons why I admire her so much.

Amy is an artist, writer, mother and creator of the blog This Little Miggy Stayed Home. As the mother of a disabled daughter, she advocates for the disability community through her writing and Instagram platform. She is the author of two children’s books. Her first, “When Charley Met Emma,” teaches children about disability, friendship and inclusion and her second book, “Awesomely Emma,” is a sequel that teaches the power of self-advocacy. Amy lives with her husband and three beautiful daughters in Ohio.

This interview is full of Amy’s thoughts and wisdom, and she teaches us about:

• Identity first vs. person first language.

• How to respond when our children point out disabilities.

• Why it’s important to never ever touch someone’s wheelchair without asking. 

• The importance of having a plan for supporting disabled children during emergency situations.

• How a place is not accessible if a bathroom is not accessible. 

• What action steps non-disabled people can take when we come to a place that is not accessible.

• The intricacies of the “just ask” philosophy

Get our resource email to learn more about the ADA

July is Disability Pride Month, a time to recognize people with disabilities, their inherent worth and their invaluable contributions, as well as to bring awareness to the ongoing fight for disability rights. July 26 is also the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act being signed into law.

We put together a resource email to help you learn more about the ADA, how you can get involved in disabilities rights advocacy and for ideas on how you can teach children about disabilities.

Head over to firstnamebasis.org/ADA to get the email sent straight to your inbox!

Get your Little Allies Activity Book

If you’re looking for activities for your kids or students to do that are both fun and meaningful, we’ve got something for you!

Our Little Allies Activity Book is now available! It’s basically a coloring book that is focused on allyship, and all the activities are based around anti-racism.

The Little Allies Activity Book includes: 

• Color by number 

• Protest I Spy 

• Dot to dot

• Anti-racist word search 

• Black history unscramble 

• And more!

Get your hands on it today by heading to firstnamebasis.org/store!

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

Amy Webb’s blog, This Little Miggy Stayed Home

Amy Webb’s Instagram @thislittlemiggy 

“When Charley Met Emma,” by Amy Webb

“Awesomely Emma,” by Amy Webb

Are you feeling a little overwhelmed when it comes to celebrating Black History Month? In this episode I share the key to a meaningful Black History Month celebration. If you’re not sure where to start, listen in for some concrete steps you can take to foster a love for Black History and culture in your home and classroom. This episode also includes a sneak peek of the Bite-sized Black History program! 

Purchase Bite-sized Black History 

Bite-sized Black History is a program that empowers you to teach the little ones you love about 12 brilliant Black Americans that have been largely overlooked by our history books.

These 12 bite-sized podcast episodes, coloring pages, and reflection questions are your key to a meaningful Black History Month celebration in your home or classroom!

First Name Basis Website

Join the First Name Basis Patreon Community Make sure to join our Patreon Community to take part in our monthly Q&A sessions and download the detailed notes from this episode!

Join us on Instagram 

“Sleeper” by Steve Adams” and “Dive Down” by VYEN 

Unfortunately, Dr. King's dream has not yet come true. In this episode I explain the second phase of his dream that we are still working on today.

Sign up for updates about Bite-sized Black History

Bite-sized Black History is a program that empowers you to teach the little ones you love about 12 brilliant Black Americans that have been overlooked by our history books.

Join the First Name Basis Patreon Community Make sure to join our Patreon Community to take part in our monthly Q&A sessions and download the detailed notes from this episode!

First Name Basis Website

Join us on Instagram 

“Sleeper” by Steve Adams” and “Dive Down” by VYEN 

We have the opportunity to celebrate one of America’s greatest heroes this month, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. During the month of January host Jasmine Bradshaw will help you learn about and understand the untold story of Dr. King and give you the tools you need to confidently teach your children about his life and his legacy. 

In this episode she covers:

-His background and upbringing 

-His time in college/graduate school

-How he came to be the spokesperson for the Montgomery Bus Boycott and then go on to be a prominent leader in the Civil Rights movement

-His influence on the election of President John F. Kennedy 

-How he was viewed as a threat to the nation and investigated by the FBI

-His philosophy of nonviolent resistance that carried him through and inspires us all 

Sign up for updates about Bite-sized Black History

Bite-sized Black History is a program that empowers you to teach the little ones you love about 12 brilliant Black Americans that have been overlooked by our history books. 

Join the First Name Basis Patreon Community Make sure to join our Patreon Community to take part in our monthly Q&A sessions and download the detailed notes from this episode!

First Name Basis Website

Join us on Instagram 

The Radical King, edited and introduced by Cornel West*

Podcast: Code Switch, Episode: The Original Blexit

John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Phone Call that Changed History

John F. Kennedy and the Civil Rights Movement

Martin Luther King’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail 

MLK’s Speech Attracted Intense FBI Attention

The Threatening Letter Written and Sent to Dr. King from the FBI 

Season 3 Song Credit: “Sleeper” by Steve Adams” and “Dive Down” by VYEN 

*Amazon Affiliate Link

If someone asked you “what is racism” how would you respond? Would you be able to help them understand the different ways that racism rears its ugly head in our society? In this episode we are getting back to basics and breaking down the three components of racism: implicit bias, overt interpersonal racism, and systemic racism. I will teach you how to spot each of these components in your everyday life and illustrate how they work together to form the system of oppression that we are fighting so hard to dismantle. 

Sign up here to be the first to know when Bite-sized Black History is released!

Join the First Name Basis Patreon Community Make sure to join our Patreon Community to take part in our monthly Q&A sessions and download the detailed notes from this episode!

First Name Basis Website

Join us on Instagram 

This Book is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell

Understanding Implicit Bias-Kirwan Institute

Talking About Race-National Museum of African-American History & Culture

Woman Accuses Teen of Stealing Her Phone

Man who is shopping at Old Navy is accused of stealing a jacket 

Black man renting an Air bnb, white couple walks in and questions him 

How COVID 19 Unmasks Inequality In Our Society-First Name Basis Podcast, Season 2 Episode 8

White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo

Song Credit: “Sleeper” by Steve Adams” and “Dive Down” by VYEN 

When we really take a moment to step back and think it’s easy to agree that Jesus had brown skin because he was from the Middle East. If that’s the case, why is Christ so often depicted as white with light skin, hair, and eyes? In this episode we uncover the roots of white Jesus and explain the impact this depiction has made on us and our communities. 

Join the First Name Basis Patreon Community Make sure to join our Patreon Community to take part in our monthly Q&A sessions and download the detailed notes from this episode!

First Name Basis Website

Join us on Instagram 

First Name Basis Podcast, Season 2, Episode 24: “Cancel Culture Part 3: Removing Statues”

First Name Basis Podcast, Season 2, Episode 15: “Diversity & Inclusion In LDS Art”

Where Did ‘White Jesus’ Come From?

‘Color of Christ’: A Story of Race and Religion in America Terry Gross interview with Edward Blum

How Jesus Became White And Why It’s Time To Cancel That by Emily McFarlan Miller

What’s The Difference Between Puritans and Pilgrims?

The Harlem Renaissance 

Colonel Henry Stanley Todd, The Priory, and the Nazarene

Psychologist Simon Howard from Marquette University

Dylann Roof Appeals Death Penalty in South Carolina Church Massacre 

Archaeologists In Turkey Believe They Are Digging Up The Original Santa Claus

Megyn Kelly: Jesus & Santa Are White

Song Credit: “Sleeper” by Steve Adams” and “Dive Down” by VYEN 

Are you serving or trying to save? In this episode I unpack white saviorism and the detrimental effect that it has on communities in our backyard and across the globe. If you want to transform your good intentions into confident action consider these 5 reflection questions:

1. Is the organization I’m partnering with led by BIPOC?
2. Where am I on my anti-racism journey? What preconceived notions do I have about the community I am serving? 
3. When and how am I going to learn about the history of the community I am serving? 
4. What is my attitude towards the people I am working with? 
5. What am I going to do if my service begins to look more like saviorism? 

Join the First Name Basis Patreon Community Make sure to join our Patreon Community to take part in our monthly Q&A sessions and download the detailed notes from this episode!

First Name Basis Website

Join us on Instagram 

Sources:

What Is A White Savior Complex

Me & White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad

Britt Hawthorne Patreon Community 

The White Savior Industrial Complex by Teju Cole

No White Saviors 

“Kill the Indian, Save the Man” Captain Richard H. Pratt

How the US Stole Thousands of Native American Children

LDS Indian Placement Program

Things No One Tells You About Going On Short-term Mission Trips

When Helping Hurts

Song Credit: “Sleeper” by Steve Adams” and “Dive Down” by VYEN

You asked and we answered! Carter and I are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and in the most recent General Conference Church leaders began to speak more directly about racism, unity, and inclusion. Many of you asked us to share our reactions to two talks in particular, so in this episode we break down our thoughts and feelings about President Oaks & Elder Cook's General Conference talks. We also answer three of your questions:

1. How do we "point out the mess" without invalidating the good?
2. How do we give mercy to leaders trying their best?
3. Is the Church making progress? How should it move forward?

President Oaks: Love Your Enemies 

Elder Cook: Hearts Knit in Righteousness and Unity 

Join the First Name Basis Patreon Community Make sure to join our Patreon Community to take part in our monthly Q&A sessions and download the detailed notes from this episode!

First Name Basis Website

Join us on Instagram 

Song Credit: “Sleeper” by Steve Adams” and “Dive Down” by VYEN