Episode #25 - Curiosity Over Anger: Finding Peace Through Human Connection with DaSheek Akwenye

In this deeply moving episode of the Counterfeit Emotions Podcast, host Curtis Morley sits down with DaSheek Akwenye, whose life journey spans apartheid-era Namibia, collegiate athletics in the U.S., and leadership in higher education.DaSheek shares his experience growing up under apartheid, witnessing systemic racism and dehumanization firsthand, and how his mother’s unwavering faith, hope, and compassion shaped his response to injustice. He reflects on immigrating to the United States as a student-athlete, navigating culture shock, loneliness, and being a racial minority—while learning resilience, curiosity, and grace.The conversation centers on humanizing others, choosing curiosity over anger, and understanding how dehumanization is often the first step toward violence and division. Through stories of Nelson Mandela, personal encounters with racism, and reflections on faith, education, and leadership, DaSheek illustrates how transformation begins within—and how peace is cultivated through compassion, forgiveness, and seeing others as fully human.The episode ultimately invites listeners to move away from counterfeit emotions like rage and resentment, and toward authentic peace through empathy, dialogue, and love.Key Themes & TakeawaysCuriosity Is the Antidote to AngerAnger cannot coexist with genuine curiosity. When we seek to understand rather than judge, conflict dissolves.Dehumanization Is the Root of DivisionEvery war, genocide, or social fracture begins by stripping people of their humanity.Faith, Hope, and Compassion Are TransformationalDaSheek’s response to injustice is rooted in faith—not denial, but deliberate grace.Hurt People Hurt People — Healed People Heal PeopleHealing ourselves is essential to healing our communities.Education as LiberationEducation transformed DaSheek’s life and continues to be a powerful tool for empowerment and peace.Responding vs. ReactingTrue strength is choosing thoughtful, compassionate responses rather than reactive anger.Peace Is the Only Emotion Without a CounterfeitPeace comes not from control, but from alignment with values, faith, and purpose.CONNECT WITH DASHEEK AKWENYEWebsite - https://www.uvu.edu/chss/degrees_to_anywhere/dasheek_akwenye.html LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dasheek-akwenye-862919239/ LISTEN/WATCH/SUBSCRIBE TO THE “COUNTERFEIT EMOTIONS” PODCAST:*Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/counterfeit-emotions-podcast-with-curtis-morley/id1815869994*Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0aGzO1BVLAXyGKfb4absPn?si=8c746decf9514fe3 *YouTube Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/@AuthenticCurtis/podcasts *Amazon Music Podcasts - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/05e74308-205e-4416-bc73-8fecd006f528/counterfeit-emotions-podcast-with-curtis-morley *iHeartRadio Podcasts - https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-counterfeit-emotions-podca-276824817 *Audible - CONNECT WITH THE “COUNTERFEIT EMOTIONS” PODCAST*Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/authenticcurtis *LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtismorley/ *YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AuthenticCurtis *TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@authenticcurtis *Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthenticCurtis *X - https://twitter.com/AuthenticCurtis *Website - https://www.counterfeitemotions.com/ *Email for general messages - [e-mail] *Collab with us - [e-mail] *Book me to speak = [e-mail] *Sponsor Us - [e-mail] WE LOVE MAIL AND CARE PACKAGES!: Email us for the address: PRODUCTION CREDITS:Recorded at Mindset Content Creation StudiosProduced by Tommy MooreBrought to you by Vodcasts by Tommy Moore Presents - https://www.instagram.com/vodcasts_by_tommymoore/