.png)
The Ben & Jamesa Podcast
Welcome to The Ben & Jamesa Podcast, where we explore the shift from control to connection. In each episode, we share personal stories, dive into current events, and examine the oppressive systems that shape our lives and work. We challenge you to unlearn old patterns and build more compassionate, authentic connections in every area of life.
If you're new here, start with episode #137, “Start Here,” for an overview of our work and podcast. After that, dive into any episode that resonates with you as we break down how to move from control to genuine connection.
Episodes
129 episodes
Ep. 137: Start With This Episode (and Black Fatigue)
If you’ve ever wondered where to begin with this podcast, this is the one. In our season 9 opener, we bring you into the heart of our work: building a community rooted in letting go of control and choosing connection.We explore the recen...
•
Season 9
•
31:37
.png)
Ep. 136: Why Do White People Have No Empathy For Black Children?
In this episode, we dive into the viral video of a white woman calling a Black child the N-word—and the jaw-dropping fact that she made over $600K in donations afterward. We unpack what this says about whiteness, dehumanization, and ...
•
Season 8
•
46:09
Ep. 135: Disruption and A Real Pain
In today’s episode, Ben and Jamesa reflect on the recent blackout in Portugal and what it revealed about control, flexibility, and unexpected stillness. They also dive into insights sparked by the film A Real Pain, exploring them...
•
Season 8
•
42:55
Ep. 134: Neurospicy Social Justice
In this episode of Ben and Jamesa, we dive into the intersection of neurodivergence and social justice, exploring what it means to live as a neurospicy family in a world built for neurotypical norms. We unpack RFK Jr.’s recent co...
•
Season 8
•
44:00
Ep. 133: Travelling Outside Your Comfort Zone
In this episode, we explore what it really means to step outside your comfort zone—whether that’s moving across the world, engaging with unfamiliar identities, or sitting with uncomfortable truths about privilege and power.We kick things...
•
Season 8
•
43:35
Ep. 132: Netflix's Adolescence and the HVO Cycle
In this episode, we dive into Adolescence, Netflix’s hit series on toxic masculinity, disconnection, and the Manosphere. We break down how the show illustrates the Hero-Victim-Offender (HVO) Cycle—the pattern that keeps men trapped in ...
•
Season 8
•
45:26
Ep. 131: Caring for Yourself, Caring for your Community
In this episode of the Ben and Jamesa Podcast, we explore what it truly takes to care for yourself deeply—beyond bubble baths and quick fixes—so that you can show up fully for your family, your community, and the world. We discuss life...
•
Season 8
•
51:56
Ep. 130: White People and Empathy Deficits
In this episode, we break down the latest headlines and the recurring theme of white empathy deficits shaping public discourse. We unpack the return of segregation—not in name, but in practice—as systemic choices continue to isolate and exclude...
•
Season 8
•
41:00
Ep. 129: Black Lives Still Matter
In this episode, we dive into the latest headlines and why the fight for Black lives is far from over. We share more details about our move out of the country, unpack the realities of white empathy (and when it’s more harmful than helpful), and...
•
Season 8
•
50:32
Ep. 128: Be More Curious
"Be More Curious"Curiosity isn’t just a personality trait—it’s a tool for liberation. This week, we’re diving into why being more curious is essential for challenging the oppressive systems that shape our world.Fir...
•
Season 8
•
48:00
Ep. 127: Are All White People Racist
We’re kicking off a brand-new season with a fresh structure, new ways for you to engage, and even bigger conversations! And what better way to start than by tackling the question we get asked the most—Are all white people racist?...
•
Season 8
•
44:38
Ep. 126: Toxic Individualism and the Need for Community
This week, we’re talking about the myth of self-sufficiency and why community matters more than ever. From recent headlines to personal reckonings, we dig into how toxic individualism is making life harder for everyone—and what we can do about ...
•
Season 7
•
37:37
Ep. 125: Valentines Day and the End of the World
In this special Valentine’s Day episode, we dive into the intersection of joy, resistance, and the state of the world. From the Super Bowl halftime show to the challenges of celebrating love amid societal chaos, we explore how we can continue t...
•
Season 7
•
38:10
Ep. 124: White People & Accountability vs Comfort
This week, we've seen headlines that prove—yet again—how white silence protects power. These moments aren’t just happening in the news; they’re happening in your workplace, your community, and your home too.Too often, white people...
•
Season 7
•
48:21
Ep. 123: White People Enter the Find Out Phase
We had some audio issues this episode, but... Trump’s first week back in power is already showing us exactly what we feared—escalating authoritarianism, attacks on marginalized communities, and a playbook straight out of history’s darkest chapt...
•
Season 7
•
49:07
Ep. 122: MLK and Compassion vs Politeness
In this powerful episode, we explore Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy through the lens of our CACTI model, focusing on Compassion vs. Politeness. We discuss how Dr. King’s approach to justice and humanity emphasized the courage to act...
•
Season 7
•
37:04
Ep.121: 2024 In Memorium
In this reflective and heartfelt episode, Ben and Jamesa look back on the year 2024, sharing meaningful moments, personal growth, and lessons learned. Through thoughtful questions and candid conversation, they revisit the highs, lows, and every...
•
Season 7
•
45:16
Ep. 120: 5 Ways to Move from Controlling to Connecting in 2025
In this episode, we dive into the CACTI model—Curiosity, Accountability, Compassion, Transparency, and Insight—and explore how these principles can help you shift from control to connection in both your professional and pers...
•
Season 7
•
48:19
Ep. 119: 5 Ways to Decenter Whiteness this Holiday Season
This holiday season, let’s trade the stress of keeping up with traditions for the joy of slowing down and connecting more deeply. In this episode, Ben and Jamesa get real about 5 Ways to Decenter Whiteness During the Holidays—fro...
•
Season 7
•
Episode 6
•
45:48
Ep. 118: 5 Signs Your Workplace Centers Whiteness
Is your workplace built to include everyone—or does it unknowingly center whiteness? In this episode, we break down five clear signs that white-centered culture might be shaping your organization. From communication styles to decision-mak...
•
Season 7
•
Episode 5
•
45:34
Ep. 117: 5 Things this White Man Will Be Doing Post Election
In this episode, Ben shares five actionable steps he’s taking as a white man post-election to challenge systemic racism, foster accountability, and support collective healing. Jamesa offers insight and critiques to push the conversation d...
•
Season 7
•
Episode 4
•
44:18
Ep. 116: 5 Things This Black Woman is Doing in the Next Four Years
In this episode, "5 Things This Black Woman is Doing in the Next Four Years," Jamesa shares her personal plan for thriving amid ongoing challenges, offering inspiration and practical advice for other Black women. From prioritizing radica...
•
Season 7
•
Episode 3
•
50:23
Ep. 115: 6 Things White People Need to Stop Doing After the Election
In 6 Things White People Need to Stop Doing After the Election, Ben and Jamesa share candid insights on navigating the post-election landscape. The episode outlines key actions white people should avoid, like performative campaigns and...
•
Season 7
•
Episode 2
•
31:25
Ep. 114: This Election is a $hit Show(and how to remain sane)
In this 7 season opener, Ben and Jamesa dive deep into the emotional and relational turbulence of election season, highlighting how to stay grounded when everything around you feels chaotic. They unpack the essential distinctions between self-c...
•
Season 7
•
Episode 1
•
47:04
Ep. 113: Is Resilience a Racist Myth?
In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with bestselling author Soraya Chemaly to dive into the complexities surrounding the concept of resilience, especially as it relates to race. We explore the idea of resilience as a cultural e...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 34
•
1:03:46