Wow - I did not expect this conversation to go as deep or as long, but man am I glad it did. If you want a comfortable, superficial, breezy listen, this isn’t it. If you want a meaningful, profound, and heart-opening listen, this is it. Do with that what you will.

In this episode, I sit down with someone I’ve known since elementary school: Catlin Palmer, LMSW and published author. I initially asked Catlin, a licensed therapist and Ute tribe member, to come on to share his work incorporating Native American culture and spirituality in recovery (interesting, right?!). While we did cover that, we also [un]covered so much more.

Throughout our dynamic session, Catlin candidly relays how his personal experience with OCD and substance abuse inform and heighten his efficacy as a counselor. As if that wasn’t deep enough, the conversation really intensifies (in a good way) when Catlin explains the role of Indigenous culture and history in understanding not only his specific clients, but the community as a whole. (Note: Catlin is careful to speak to his own knowledge and experience, and not for Indigenous people as a whole.) He clarifies how and why Indigenous people are so often misunderstood, and how damaging and frustrating that can be. THIS MATTERS.

Catlin emphasizes rather than pity, retribution, or compensation, he simply seeks awareness: of what the Indigenous people experienced, of why the ripple effect is so extensive, and of how the history is still relevant.

We spotlight the importance of identity - personal, cultural, national - and how threatening/losing it can damage our lives, our health, and our connections (to ourselves and to others).

Thank you for listening. xx

Visit https://clearstem.com/?ref=eubxjtws and use code WHITNEYRICHARDS for 15% off!

Find Catlin on Instagram @flomentum_movement

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

You know those conversations that leave you feeling connected and inspired? This is one of those.

Dr. Nathan Richardson (no relation), Ph.D., Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Department Chair at the University of Texas at San Antonio, joins me to discuss some pretty key topics: the role of kindness and emotions in politics; the power of curiosity in relationships and critical thinking; and the futility of polarization.

We address whether or not being centrist means you lack strong opinions, and if being open minded means you lack bravery or conviction.

Humans first. Labels second. Kindness always.

Find me on Facebook and Instagram: @the_nativist

Allow me to be the most inhospitable podcast host ever and invite you to make yourself uncomfortable. I do so with love and in service of your individual good, and our collective good.

Life is messy. Life can feel tough. It’s complex and nuanced and uncertain, just like us humans. When we rush to restore comfort, we weaken ourselves, limit ourselves, and invite trouble. What kind of trouble? In what small/big ways are we denying ourselves a full, rich, fulfilling life? How are you possibly contributing to your problems and our problems? What are our possible blind spots? How can we lean into discomfort? Why is it good for us? What are you missing out on? I answer all of these questions in this short, micro episode. You might know some answers, you might be surprised by some answers. Only one way to find out… Listen if you want to be the best you can be.

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It’s generally accepted that discrimination exists. We may disagree on on how/where/when/why discrimination manifests, but people for the most part acknowledge it’s there. Many are recently awakening to how deep and prevalent it is.

It is not enough to be non-discriminatory. We must be anti-discriminatory.

I for one know I could step it up. Yes, I’m acutely aware - and have been for essentially my whole life - of pervasive and persistent racism and discrimination. Yes, I continually research and educate myself on the topic. Seek perspectives. Self reflect and ask myself hard questions. Consider the micro and macro pictures/factors. Express outrage and disgust when talking to others. But if I’m honest with myself…that’s the bare minimum. I can - and will - do more. This is me trying to pull my weight.

It’s not enough to be privately anti-racist/sexist/etc. Clearly, that hasn’t moved the needle enough. We must be publicly and actively so. If you’re unsure of how to go about that, you’re in the right place. Come with me as we dive into this, by asking questions, considering views, sharing resources, and assessing possibilities. Follow along on this account/my blog/podcast. Human power. ✊✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿