Dispelling the Myth of the Other with Sonja Pemberton

In This Episode:

Sonja shares her personal and professional story and how it has led to her current work focusing on why we “other” (6:30)

Listen as Sonja shares some of her early experiences with being made to feel as different and outside of “normal” society (9:00)

Hear the story of how Sonja’s time in Georgia allowed her to meet Michael Stipe of R.E.M., but also exposed her to levels of racism and “othering” (12:00)

Listen as we discuss how neuroplasticity and scientific research can be used to further our evolution beyond the need to label and categorize everyone based on assumptions, rather than facts (19:00)

We discuss the importance of questioning ideas and concepts presented to us and addressing the bias in those beliefs (27:00)

Sonja and I talk about why mindfulness and neuroplasticity are such critical parts of understanding and our ability to change our perspectives and remove our prejudices (31:00)

Learn why current programs and practices are not enough to end ”othering” and how you can instead “step into the hallway” and learn how you can become the best version of yourself (37:30)

Sonja discusses the important work she is doing to create sustainable change through working with our energy instead of our matter (45:00)

Sonja shares her powerful and beautiful mission statement: “As part of humanity labeled as “other”, I illuminate and stand resolute in the need to stop the conscious and unconscious inclination to other. Embodying intentional persuasive and meaningful actions, I authentically articulate the impact of othering. By actively dispelling the myth of the other, we empower advocacy, allyship and influence. The outcome is an understanding and acknowledgement of how we other.” (55:40)

Listen as Sonja shares what it means to her to maximize her human potential (58:50)