This is a podcast about belonging, what it means, why it matters, and how we cultivate it. Through stories, interviews, academic research, and discussions, we will explore the ideas of belonging and how to develop and grow them in your classrooms, workplaces, and other personal and professional spaces. Each episode discusses themes related to belonging and explores stories of individuals and organizations. We welcome a diverse lineup of talented and smart individuals to help us guide our rich conversations, and lean into the work together.

Through our podcast, we model and share knowledge, skills, and dispositions with our clients, and we’re committed to creating belonging and inclusivity within our own spaces and relationships. We promote a culture and approach to learning and service that values authenticity, curiosity, connection, inclusivity, and belonging. We can only guide and work with our clients to promote a culture of belonging when we promote, attend to, and hold space for these values within our own organization. We hope you will join us for these meaningful conversations.

This podcast is dedicated to my Grandmom, Sara Eileen Downey. She was an entrepreneur, a mom, and grandmother, and an early example to me on what it means to be a great teacher. She led by example, offering a variety of lessons and advice through storytelling and practice. She was a life-long learner and knew in her bones that relationships drive learning.

Grandmom was full of life and exuded a sense of joy and love that made you feel welcome, a part of the family, accepted, and cared for – like you belonged. Belonging is the idea that individuals in a community feel that they matter, that they are valued – not assimilating or fitting in but really being valued and honored for our individual differences. Brene Brown reminds us that human beings are wired for connection and these connections help prepare us for our journey and to stand on our own with confidence. Grandmom understood this long before Dr. Brown and others started talking about it. No one was a stranger to Grandmom - she greeted people warmly and immediately connected with everyone she met. I have spent years collecting data and writing about belonging, but had the real “data” in front of me the whole time! Grandmom could have written the “how-to” book on cultivating belonging and creating inclusivity for people.

I always felt at-ease when I was with Grandmom, even when we disagreed. No matter what, I felt seen when I was with her. Often at the start of a conversation, she would lean in, look over, and put her hand out for connection and say “tell me this….” signaling her readiness to listen and learn. She listened closely and asked questions for deeper understanding. When I began teaching, it was without formal training. I taught from gut instinct, and my success (and failures!) of that method are thanks to Grandmom.

Whenever I am teaching or working, or even when I am simply living my life in the best way I know how, I always try to remember how my Grandmom made me feel, so I can make others feel the same. It is a small way to honor her life and her legacy.