Episode 76: “The Right’s Persecution Complex Gets Its Closeup”

JDK flies solo this week, discussing the ramifications – intended by the political Right and otherwise – of last week’s SCOTUS rulings on abortion, guns, school vouchers, and expressions of faith in public schools. With a focus on opportunities for connection and conversation between all sides of these debates, he poses hard questions to those on the Evangelical Christian Right and to those who remain silent in the face of them. In particular, he wonders to what degree the Right – and anyone else, really – is ready for the Law of Unintended Consequences to emerge from these landmark decisions.

Episode 75: “Connecting Image with the Soul”

JDK talks with Bruce Pflaumer, founder and CEO of Michael Bruce Image Consulting, about his life experiences as a Black man working in the highest levels of global fashion and corporate styling. Listen in on a conversation that touches on how inclusion works in business, on the Juneteenth holiday, and on the challenges involved for each of us in how we understand and identify ourselves.

Episode 74: “Playing Catch Up”

JDK gives updates on goings on with past guests, then introduces newer listeners and readers to all the various parts of what makes him Him. Hear about his novel, his podcast adventures, his foray into performance coaching, how he combines cooking with Motown, and more!

Episode 73: “Bringing the Past – And Other Cool Stuff – to Everyone”

To commemorate the anniversary of D-Day, JDK welcomes Jay Gaskell to the show, who was the cameraman with JDK and others on the Virtual Field Trip three years ago to Normandy for the 75th anniversary commemorations of D-Day. Live-streamed to the internet and watched by thousands during and since, Jay captured more footage than anyone else and was the “window” for all those people to get an experience beyond what most get unless they were there. Along the way, the power of community was on display. Join Jay and JDK for their conversation and learn where to see their footage for yourself!

Episode 72: “What We Choose To Remember”

For this Memorial Day holiday, JDK does a solo episode to reflect on the tragedy of the Uvalde, TX school shooting before spending the rest of the episode reflecting on what we remember on this holiday and why – and what it may say about who we are today and going forward.

Episode 71: “Two Truths Side-By-Side”

JDK welcomes Mark Frazier to the show, a black man who just retired after a 24-year career as a police officer. Join them for a heartfelt conversation about Mark’s life experiences with racial profiling, as well as his deep belief in, and support for the crucial civic mission of law enforcement and his fellow officers. The truths of both are something each of us can hold in an effort to bring about the more peaceful and equitable lives we all seek out.

Episode 70: “For the Love of Odin”

JDK welcomes in Maria Bartlow and her daughter, Monica Franks, to discuss their campaign to find a kidney donor for their son / brother, Odin. Join them to hear about what each of us can do to help that happen (it’s easier than you might think), as well as a conversation about what it’s like when parents and children have to “switch” roles in caretaking. Be sure to visit JDK’s website at wordsbyjdk.com for all the info you need to do your part in helping Odin.

Episode 69: “Crossroads Friends”

JDK welcomes Dr. Kevin Simpson to the show, a longtime friend, colleague, and partner in studying and teaching about the Holocaust. Join them for a conversation about how psychology and history share common goals and power to illuminate, and hear about Kevin’s book, “Soccer Under the Swastika.” Throughout it all, hear two longtime friends connect over their shared experiences, missions, and interests, with an eye towards continuing their support of each other on their unique life journeys.

Episode 68: “Attaboy, Girl”

JDK welcomes Julia Cannell, Executive Director of Airway Science for Kids, to the show to talk about the organization’s mission to help historically excluded youth, as well as how her life story prepared her to do this work and live her purpose. Be sure to have your daughters, moms, and sisters listen, too!

Episode 67: “Like Fathers, Like Sons?”

JDK launches his new one-hour format with a quick look at the week’s news, followed by a open, honest conversation with his father about their shared experiences as pastor’s kids, the life lessons they’ve learned and continue to learn, what bothers them most about the world, and why Parmesan cheese just might be the King Of All Cheeses.