First Name Basis Podcast

Jasmine Bradshaw

As parents, we all want to teach our kids to be inclusive, but how? Join Jasmine Bradshaw each week as she gives you the tools and practical strategies that you need to talk to your children about race, religion, and culture. If you are a parent who values inclusion and wants to teach your children how to truly love those who are different from them, this podcast is for you!

#81 in the Top 100 parenting All time chart

4 Listeners

All episodes

Best episodes

Seasons

Top 10 First Name Basis Podcast Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best First Name Basis Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to First Name Basis Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite First Name Basis Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

2.18: What is Juneteenth?

First Name Basis Podcast

06/08/20 • 41 min

Juneteenth is the oldest celebration of the abolition of slavery here in the United States. Every year on June 19th families come together to celebrate the resilience of our ancestors who survived and persevered during one of the darkest times of our nation’s history. We take time to reflect on where we are as a family, a community, and a nation and how we can work together to better live out our country’s values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Listen in to hear the history of Juneteenth and how your family can take part in this powerful celebration.

Make sure to take a photo and use the hashtag #fnbjuneteenth so that we can see how your family is celebrating this powerful holiday!

Join the First Name Basis Patreon Community

Members of our Patreon community come together once a month to learn together and ask me and my husband Carter their pressing questions about anti-racism, inclusion and what’s going on in the world. To learn more about becoming a Patreon member, visit patreon.com/firstnamebasis.

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

First Name Basis Podcast: Season 1, Episode 3: “Talking To Your Children About Slavery”

Juneteenth Printable Cards & Lemonade Recipe

Juneteenth History

“Free At Last! Stories and Songs of Emancipation” by Doreen Rappaport

“Jubilee: Recipes from Two Centuries of African American Cooking” by Toni Tipton-Martin*

Last Seen: Finding Family After Slavery (the website where you can transcribe the newspaper ads of formerly enslaved people looking for their family members)

“Hot Links & Red Drinks: The Rich Food Tradition of Juneteenth” by Nicole Taylor, The New York Times

1619 Podcast

President Lincoln Quotes

“Black Codes,” History.com

“What is a white saviour complex?” Faima Bakar

Song Credit: “Away” by Geographer and “Beach Disco” by Dougie Wood

4 Listeners

1 Comment

2.10: Let's Talk Language: Black or African-American?

First Name Basis Podcast

04/23/20 • 20 min

This episode answers the number one question I’ve been asked since starting First Name Basis: How do I know whether to say ”Black” or “African-American”?

I went straight to the source and asked a number of my friends and family how they prefer to identify and why. Listen to hear from:

Mielle Harmon
Ken Clarke
Ramiah Jackson
Antony Deshay
Nina Clarke-Telfer
Laura Schnell

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

“A Complete History of the Census Race Boxes”

“The Changing Categories the U.S. Census has Used to Measure Race”

Song Credit: “Away” by Geographer and “Beach Disco” by Dougie Wood

1 Listener

2.14: What Is Privilege And What Do I Do With It?

First Name Basis Podcast

05/18/20 • 49 min

White privilege is one of the strongest pillars that upholds racism. In her article “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack” Peggy McIntosh describes white privilege as: “An invisible package of unearned assets that I can count on cashing in each day, but about which I was “meant” to remain oblivious. White privilege is like an invisible weightless knapsack of special provisions, maps, passports, codebooks, visas, clothes, tools, and blank checks.”

If you are white there are privileges that you enjoy each and every day because of the color or your skin. These privileges do not mean that your life hasn’t been challenging or that you are not a hard worker, what it means is that the challenges you’ve faced have not been caused by the color of your skin.

Confronting privilege is an uncomfortable process, but when you choose to face that discomfort head on you will find liberation, not only for you but for the People of Color who have been disenfranchised by the system that has granted you privilege.

In this episode I get down to the brass tacks of white privilege and answer all of your burning questions:

What is white privilege?
What are some examples of what white privilege looks like in everyday life?
How can you use it to make change?
What do you do if someone you know or love denies that they have privilege?

I encourage you to take a deep breath, listen with an open mind, and lean into the discomfort.

Psychology Today: You are Not a Bad Person: Facing Privilege Can Be Liberating by Dr. Miki Kashtan

Peggy McIntosh: White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack

Tiffany Jewell Author of “This Book is Antiracist” Instagram Account

This Book Is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell

Britt Hawthorne Anti-bias/Anti-racist Educator Instagram Account

Bettina Love “Hand on the Pole” Video

Harvard Business Review: Use Your Everyday Privilege to Help Others by Dolly Chugh

Song Credit: “Away” by Geographer and “Beach Disco” by Dougie Wood

1 Listener

2.6: The Untold Story of Dr. Seuss

First Name Basis Podcast

02/20/20 • 29 min

Dr. Seuss books are some of the most popular books across the globe, but should it stay that way?

In this episode we explore the fact that Dr. Seuss wrote more than just children’s books — he was also the author of countless racist comics, ads, and political cartoons. So, as parents who value inclusion, what do we do?

The Untold Story of Dr. Seuss details his writings outside of children’s books, the representation of People of Color in children’s books, and what we can do in our homes and classrooms to ensure that we are living up to our values.

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

“The Cat is Out of the Bag: Orientalism, Anti-Blackness, and White Supremacy in Dr. Seuss’s Children’s Books”

“The Racist Side of Dr. Seuss You Didn’t Know About”

Look at the First Name Basis Dr. Seuss highlight on Instagram for examples from @theconsciouskid of his cartoons, ads, and propaganda

Song Credit: “Away” by Geographer and “Beach Disco” by Dougie Wood

1 Listener

2.17: Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd: Unpacking Racism

First Name Basis Podcast

06/01/20 • 44 min

Right now our country is reeling from the murders of our Black brothers and sisters. You may be confused by all of the uprising and rebellion, but you need to understand that they, in the words of Dr. King, “...are not the creators of tension” they are “merely bringing to the surface the tension that is already alive.” Black people have been unfairly killed and systemically disenfranchised since we were kidnapped and brought to this country against our will.

If you are looking for answers and want to be part of the change you need to build your foundational knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of what racism looks like as a whole. Many people are very confused and believe that racism is simply intentional acts of meanness done to another person based on race, but in reality racism is much more complicated. Racism is made up of three components: implicit bias, overt interpersonal racism, and institutional/systemic racism. These three components work together to create “a system of advantage based on race” (“Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria,” p. 87).

In this episode we unpack each of the three components of racism and analyze how all three of them worked together to contribute to the tragic deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and many other members of the Black community here in the United States.

What can you do about all of this?

Vote for candidates who have committed to creating anti-racist policies.
Donate to organizations who have boots on the ground and are working for change. Our family chose to donate to Color of Change, a racial justice organization that works to “create a more human and less hostile world for Black people in America.”
Make a call. We learned last night that the responsibility for prosecuting the murderers of George Floyd has been transferred from DA Mike Freeman to Minnesota AG Keith Ellison. Three of the four murderers have not yet been arrested and he needs to know that we as citizens expect more. You can let him know by calling (651) 296-3353 or (800) 627-3529 (Minnesota Relay). Be respectful but firm. You will probably get a busy signal the first 5 or 6 times you call. Keep calling. Even just keeping his line busy sends him a message. Leave a voicemail if you must. Then call again. Call several times a day until he does the right thing. When the system fails to produce justice let's hold the system accountable.

If you are listening to this episode at a later date it is important to note that these issues always need our voices and attention. There are so many things you can do to be part of the solution. One of them is to join Color of Change and support their movement to hold local prosecutors accountable.

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

“White Fragility” by Robin DiAngelo

“Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria” by Beverly Daniel Tatum

Understanding Implicit Bias

Chipping Away at Implicit Bias

“Being Anti-racist,” Talking About Race

First Name Basis Podcast: Season 2, Episode 8: “How the Coronavirus Pandemic Unmasks Inequality in Our Society”

“University Of Minnesota Cuts Ties With Minneapolis Police After George Floyd Death”

“Minneapolis school board, teacher union call on district to cut ties with police”

Song ...

1 Listener

1 Comment

4.11: Our Kiddos Are Going to Change the World

First Name Basis Podcast

11/02/21 • 26 min

In many ways, Emi Kim is what you might consider a typical 9-year-old. When she grows up, she wants to be a scientist or president of the United States, but for now, she loves to swim and sketch — and fight racism.

And fight racism she has.

When Emi noticed that her school library was lacking diverse books, she decided to do something about it. She led her whole family in hosting a lemonade stand to raise money to buy books with diverse characters for her school library, and her first lemonade stand raised more than $750!

“I’m changing the world one lemonade stand at a time,” Emi said.

Emi’s commitment to anti-racism is nothing short of inspiring. To hear of someone so young making such a big difference gives me the chills, but even more than that, it gives me hope.

Our kiddos are going to change the world, and if we do our part now to raise them to be anti-racist and inclusive, they are going to change the world into a much better place.

Listen to the episode to hear all of Emi’s story. I can guarantee you’ll leave fired up and ready to follow Emi’s example to make a positive change.

Ally Elementary

Parents have been asking for a practical, interactive way to implement the anti-racist strategies that I lay out in the First Name Basis Podcast. So this October we are launching “Ally Elementary: Anti-Racist Education For Families."

During this five-week program parents will work together with their children to create a culture of anti-racism in their home, and I will be there to guide them every step of the way. We will use hands-on activities to teach our children about everything from the untold story of how race was created to how they can disrupt racism in their everyday lives. I am so excited to watch the families in our community make a meaningful transformation and improve their communities through anti-racist action. Click here to invest in Ally Elementary for your family!

Free Class! Ally ABCs: 3 Simple Ways to Embed Anti-Racism Into Your Family Culture

If you’re ready to reignite your fire for anti-racism or deepen your commitment to the movement this class is for you, and Tuesday, Nov. 2, is your last chance to catch it! During this free online class we will work together to create a plan that you can use to bring your kiddos along on this anti-racist journey. Click here to choose a time that fits best with your schedule and sign up today!

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

3.1: Your Top 5 Cultural Appropriation Questions Answered

First Name Basis Podcast

10/27/20 • 45 min

Cultural appropriation can be so confusing. We all want to learn about and celebrate other cultures while making sure we don’t cross any lines or embrace stereotypes and caricatures. In this episode I answer the 5 most common questions that I get from you about cultural appropriation. We cover everything from authentic cultural artifacts to costumes. This episode will bring you the clarity you need to make sure you are appreciating and not appropriating.

When I ask cultural insiders about appropriation I always get different answers, how do I navigate that?
How do I avoid appropriating when it comes to children's costumes?
When is it acceptable to wear authentic cultural artifacts?
How can I support the Black economy without appropriating?
What do I do if I realize that I've been purchasing appropriated items?

First Name Basis Patreon Community

First Name Basis Instagram

First Name Basis Podcast, Season 2, Episode 16: “How to Avoid Cultural Appropriation”

First Name Basis Podcast, Season 2, Episode 11: “Cinco De Mayo Is NOT Mexican Independence Day”

Think Before You Appropriate

So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo*

Arizona’s ban on Mexican American studies was racist, U.S. court rules Arizona judge declares ban on ethnic studies unconstitutional

Nothing Like I Imagined (Except for Sometimes) by Mindy Kailing

How to dress your Pākehā child up as Maui or Moana without appropriating Pasifika culture Please don’t tell your kids they can’t dress as Moana this Halloween

Opposition to my opinion on costumes:

PSA: Don’t Let Your Kids Dress Up In These Costumes

Why your white kid probably shouldn’t dress up as Moana for Halloween

Traditional Cultural Clothing:

Little Koto’s Closet by Emi Ito

Appropriation of Indigenous Culture

Podcast with Robin Wall Kimmer

The Complicated History of the Moccasin

4 Ways to Honor Native Americans Without Appropriating Our Culture

Alternatives to Freshly Picked Moccasins:

LL Designs

Wiwinu

*affiliate link

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

9.1: Let’s Celebrate Black History Month

First Name Basis Podcast

01/23/24 • 28 min

Can you believe February is right around the corner?! And with it comes BLACK HISTORY MONTH!

Celebrating Black History Month is so important for ALL kids, not just Black children, and I created Bite-Sized Black History to help kiddos everywhere be able to learn about Black history in a way that is both meaningful and joyful.

In this episode, I’m telling you all about Bite-Sized Black History and including a sample episode for you to check out that is all about singer, actor and activist Harry Belafonte!

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. Each Bite-Sized Black History lesson will give you everything you need to foster meaningful conversations that go beyond the bounds of civil rights and enslavement to celebrate the creativity, ingenuity, joy, and brilliance of the Black community.

Season 4 is now available and features 12 new episodes bringing the total number of episodes in our 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.

Press play to learn more and to hear the sample episode!

Be sure to check out our sale!

And, as a special treat, from now until the end of February, you can use the coupon 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.

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

1.13: The Untold Story of Thanksgiving

First Name Basis Podcast

11/14/19 • 32 min

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and that means that us parents are faced with the question of what to tell our children about this (somewhat controversial) holiday. You probably remember having a part in the annual school play reenacting the “First Thanksgiving” and you know that’s no longer (and never was) appropriate because it paints a pretty inaccurate picture of what happened all those years ago. But if that’s not what happened, what did?

In this episode Jasmine shares what she’s learned about the untold story of what actually happened during that harvest festival in the autumn of 1621. She covers:

The events leading up to the harvest festival, including the initial meeting between the Europeans and the Wampanoag people
The role of Tisquantum (Squanto)
The festival itself and the events that followed
Sarah Josepha Hale-The Mother of Thanksgiving
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow-an American poet who carefully crafted the romanticized version of the Thanksgiving story

Be sure to tune in to the next episode for tips about how to use the untold story of Thanksgiving to paint a more accurate picture for your children.

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

“Why I’m Not thankful for Thanksgiving” by Michael Dorris

“Rethinking Columbus” (This book contains the article: “Plagues, Pilgrims, and the Truth About Thanksgiving” by James W. Loewen”)

“Beyond Heroes and Holidays”

Plimoth Plantation

Stuff You Missed in History Class podcast

Sidedoor: A Podcast from the Smithsonian, “That Brunch in the Forest”

Song Credit: “Away” by Geographer and “Beach Disco” by Dougie Wood

8.6: The Untold Story of “The Star Spangled Banner”

First Name Basis Podcast

07/03/23 • 33 min

You probably learned in school all about the story of Francis Scott Key watching the “rockets red glare” and “bombs bursting in air” as a prisoner on a British warship and turning the experience into “The Star Spangled Banner.” But, in reality, there is a lot more to this story than you learned about in history class — and a lot of what you did learn in school was false.

In this replay of one of our Untold Stories episodes, we unpack the man behind “The Star Spangled Banner,” how it became our National Anthem, and whether it truly represents American values. It’s the perfect episode to revisit for the Fourth of July holiday.

Juneteenth Jubilee

Juneteenth was on June 19th, but there is still time to celebrate — in fact, the Fourth of July is a great time to talk about Juneteenth! We have an exciting program to help you celebrate! Juneteenth Jubilee gives you everything you need to have a meaningful Juneteenth celebration dinner.

It includes a cookbook, a cooking show with my dad, a meal planner, reflection questions and more! Trust me, this is something your family is going to want — both for the yummy food and for the impactful conversations.

Even if you didn’t celebrate on the actual day of Juneteenth, it’s not too late to take the time to celebrate and reflect. So click here to invest in this resource to create a meaningful celebration for your family!

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. Whether you’re looking for a keynote speaker at your next PTA event, want to implement our Ally Elementary curriculum at your school, or need someone to consult with your school and provide teacher trainings, Jasmine is your go-to resource.

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

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

Annotated National Anthem

“The Short History of the War of 1812 in Maryland”

“Star Spangled Bigotry: The Hidden Racist History of the National Anthem” by Jason Johnson

“What So Proudly We Hail,” Documentary from Morgan State University

“Francis Scott Key Opposed ‘Land of the Free’” by Jefferson Morley, Zinn Education Project

“Where’s the Debate of Francis Scott Key’s Slaveholding Legacy” by Christopher Wilson, Smithsonian Magazine

“Star Spangled Banner Born From a Drinking Song 200 Years Ago,” NPR

“The Fight for the Anthem” by Felicity Knox, Towson University

Oscar Stanton De Priest

“Mississippi Lawmakers Pass Resolution Paving Way to Remove Confederate Symbol from State Flag” by Brittany Shammas, The Washington Post