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PODCAST

Roots, Race & Culture

Roots, Race & Culture invites viewers into bold and honest conversations on identity and culture, centered around the experiences of Black and POC communities in Utah. Hosts Lonzo Liggins and Danor Gerald are joined by newsmakers, change makers, experts, and entrepreneurs from Utah’s communities of color to discuss shared experiences with a healthy dose of humor, empathy, and candor.

society & culture after shows

All Episodes

00:33:36

Is Race a Choice?

Roots, Race & Culture ·

2025/10/30

Is someone's race the same everywhere you go? Surprisingly, no: every place has a unique take on race and culture. As the construct of race varies from country to country, where do these categories come from and why do they differ? Join Roots, Race & Culture to explore the different cultural customs that influence how people define themselves different places, with a special spotlight on the difference between the U.S. and Brazil. Both Americans and

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00:28:01

Being Black Latter-day Saints

Roots, Race & Culture ·

2025/10/23

On this episode of Roots, Race & Culture, meet LaShawn Williams, LCSW, and filmmaker Mauli Bonner, two Black members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Hosts Danor Gerald and Lonzo Liggins learn how the religion shapes their lives, their favorite memories, and their interpretation of historical doctrine in the Church. Filmmaker Mauli Bonner creates films about Black history in the Church of Jesus Christ, including his production “His

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00:27:04

Refugee Experiences in Utah

Roots, Race & Culture ·

2025/10/16

Utah has a history of refugees predating statehood itself, starting with the Mormon pioneers in the mid-1800s. Today, over 70,000 refugees call the Beehive State home. Learn some of the names, faces, and stories from our own backyard. Amandine Akimana, refugee advocate, and Madelaine Lamah, advocate and entrepreneur join Roots, Race & Culture hosts Danor Gerald and Lonzo Liggins to discuss their lived experiences. In this episode, our panel defines

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00:27:10

Black Mental Health

Roots, Race & Culture ·

2025/10/09

Join Roots, Race & Culture to unpack cultural and societal barriers that contribute to mental health struggles and explore resources to help Utahns. Hosts Danor Gerald and Lonzo Liggins are joined by two experts in their fields: Niecie Jones, licensed marriage and family therapist, and Stormey Nielsen, LCSW. Both weigh in on how to understand, define, and improve mental health. Mental health can be a taboo topic among many Black families and people of

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00:50:49

Shining the Light on how Kilo-Wat Broke Basketball’s...

Roots, Race & Culture ·

2025/04/24

In America, Jackie Robinson is a household name, known for breaking the color barrier in professional baseball. But did you know that the color barrier in basketball was broken by a Utah native? Wataru Misaka was the first non-white athlete in professional basketball when he was drafted by the New York Knicks. At the time, there were two professional leagues which merged into the NBA in 1949, so this legend of professional basketball has largely gone

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00:50:49

Shining the Light on how Kilo-Wat Broke Basketball’s...

Roots, Race & Culture ·

2025/04/24

In America, Jackie Robinson is a household name, known for breaking the color barrier in professional baseball. But did you know that the color barrier in basketball was broken by a Utah native? Wataru Misaka was the first non-white athlete in professional basketball when he was drafted by the New York Knicks. At the time, there were two professional leagues which merged into the NBA in 1949, so this legend of professional basketball has largely gone

en

00:52:09

Meet the Fashion Minds Behind Bohme and Kenneth Boggs...

Roots, Race & Culture ·

2025/04/17

Two of America’s most dynamic fashion designers call Utah home: Fernanda Böhme Birkland, owner of Böhme Apparel, and Kenneth Boggs, owner of Kenneth Boggs Custom. Learn how they broke into the industry, and how their cultural heritage influences their styles, stores, and more. Also, discover the strong influence of Africa and Latin America on American fashion today. Watch Roots, Race & Culture to focus on the intersection of passion meeting fashion.

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00:46:37

Exploring the Connection Between Food and Wellness

Roots, Race & Culture ·

2025/04/10

Our diet can make a difference in how we feel and think. What’s best for our bodies? Learn how conscious food choices impact physical and mental health. Meet Omar Abou Ismail, founder of Rawtopia and food enthusiast. His passion is sustainability and making meals from scratch in his restaurant. Debbie Dworkin, founder of the tea brand Dr. Mushroom, is dedicated to being part of a ‘wellness renaissance’ and making mushrooms available to everyone. Tune in

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01:00:49

Finding Common Ground in Politics

Roots, Race & Culture ·

2025/04/04

Sen. Luz Escamilla (D) and Sen. John Johnson (R) discuss how they navigate ideological differences to find common ground, even from across the aisle. “I would say it’s about building relationships that keep us in this respectful, civil way of dealing with issues that are difficult and hard,” said Sen. Escamilla. Sen. Johnson added, “I think at the end of the day, we can see needs, and make sure that we take care of those among us. I think that’s

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01:00:49

Finding Common Ground in Politics

Roots, Race & Culture ·

2025/04/04

Sen. Luz Escamilla (D) and Sen. John Johnson (R) discuss how they navigate ideological differences to find common ground, even from across the aisle. “I would say it’s about building relationships that keep us in this respectful, civil way of dealing with issues that are difficult and hard,” said Sen. Escamilla. Sen. Johnson added, “I think at the end of the day, we can see needs, and make sure that we take care of those among us. I think that’s

en

00:50:27

Being Biracial

Roots, Race & Culture ·

2024/10/25

Chantelle Squires and Ebay Hamilton join this discussion to shed light on the experience of what it is like to grow up with parents from two different racial or ethnic backgrounds, and how that shapes their view of the world. Plus, dive into an exploration of the benefits of a multicultural upbringing. Is there such a thing as a “biracial advantage?”

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00:50:27

Being Biracial

Roots, Race & Culture ·

2024/10/25

Chantelle Squires and Ebay Hamilton join this discussion to shed light on the experience of what it is like to grow up with parents from two different racial or ethnic backgrounds, and how that shapes their view of the world. Plus, dive into an exploration of the benefits of a multicultural upbringing. Is there such a thing as a “biracial advantage?”

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00:42:24

Celebrating Queerness and Race

Roots, Race & Culture ·

2024/10/18

Explore the challenges and successes of being an LGBTQ+ person of color in Utah. How can we make inclusion intentional to accept and celebrate our differences? Special guests Olivia Jaramillo and Harry Hawkins join in on a comprehensive discussion on the realities of being LGBTQ+ in the BIPOC community in Utah.

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00:44:32

The Value of a Vote

Roots, Race & Culture ·

2024/10/11

Uncover the remarkable story of civil rights activist Joan Trumpauer, a legendary Freedom Rider who worked to help de-segregate America. Trumpauer and her son Loki Mullholland join this episode of Roots, Race, & Culture to discuss topics of voter suppression, gerrymandering, and the importance of every vote.

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00:49:34

Inclusive Outdoors

Roots, Race & Culture ·

2024/03/01

Explore the racist history that discourages Black and Hispanic communities from engaging in outdoor activities in Utah even to this day. Plus, discover the transformative work of organizations challenging stereotypes and making outdoor spaces more inclusive. Special guests Ashley Cleveland and Esteban Benites-Moreno share their perspectives in this inspiring episode of Roots, Race & Culture.

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00:49:34

Inclusive Outdoors

Roots, Race & Culture ·

2024/03/01

Explore the racist history that discourages Black and Hispanic communities from engaging in outdoor activities in Utah even to this day. Plus, discover the transformative work of organizations challenging stereotypes and making outdoor spaces more inclusive. Special guests Ashley Cleveland and Esteban Benites-Moreno share their perspectives in this inspiring episode of Roots, Race & Culture.

en

00:53:41

Diversity on Stage and Screen

Roots, Race & Culture ·

2024/02/23

Explore the careers of BIPOC actors in Utah's theatrical market and learn about the challenges faced by these artists, from implicit bias to casting paradoxes, and the limited local projects available. Yolanda Wood and Jerry Rapier join in a comprehensive discussion on the realities BIPOC actors face and the importance of equitable opportunities in Utah’s entertainment industry.

en

00:53:41

Diversity on Stage and Screen

Roots, Race & Culture ·

2024/02/23

Explore the careers of BIPOC actors in Utah's theatrical market and learn about the challenges faced by these artists, from implicit bias to casting paradoxes, and the limited local projects available. Yolanda Wood and Jerry Rapier join in a comprehensive discussion on the realities BIPOC actors face and the importance of equitable opportunities in Utah’s entertainment industry.

en

00:59:32

Is Your History Being Erased?

Roots, Race & Culture ·

2024/02/16

Examine the disturbing trend of book banning and the exclusion of African American history from school curricula. With Utah ranking among the top five states for book bans, join us as we explore what exactly is being banned and who has the authority to decide. Prepare to explore censorship and the ongoing struggle to ensure an accurate and inclusive representation of African American history.

en

00:59:32

Is Your History Being Erased?

Roots, Race & Culture ·

2024/02/16

Examine the disturbing trend of book banning and the exclusion of African American history from school curricula. With Utah ranking among the top five states for book bans, join us as we explore what exactly is being banned and who has the authority to decide. Prepare to explore censorship and the ongoing struggle to ensure an accurate and inclusive representation of African American history.

en

54 results

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