How do student-athletes balance speaking out with staying in the game? In this episode, we explore the delicate tension between advocacy and career security for college athletes—where using your voice can come with both purpose and risk.

DaWon Baker joins us for our final live audience podcast at the Museum of Boulder for a powerful conversation about the role of sports in social change. From the 2015 Mizzou football strike to the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, we look at how athletes and institutions can challenge white supremacy culture and amplify marginalized voices.

Shaped by the uprisings in Ferguson following the death of Michael Brown, DaWon brings a deeply personal lens to this work. He shares the behind-the-scenes strategies and support systems that help athletes navigate issues like police brutality, racial injustice, and the ongoing tension between visibility and vulnerability.

Guided and informed by great audience engagment, the conversation connects past to present—from the legacy of Tommy Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics to the enduring influence of Dr. Harry Edwards. DaWon also reflects on how institutions like CU Boulder can engage with their own Black histories and reimagine what inclusion looks like on and off the field.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about sports as a platform for protest—and the courageous leadership required to make change from within.

(0:00:05) - Exploring Diversity and Activism in Sports

DeJuan Baker shares his journey in fostering inclusive team cultures and the impact of neglected conversations on race and social justice.

(0:11:29) - Empowering Athletes Beyond Sports

Passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion in sports, using it as a platform for social change and encouraging student-athletes to do the same.

(0:22:13) - Empowering Athletes to Speak Out

Empowering athletes to speak out on social issues while providing resources and strategic planning to protect their positions.

(0:26:28) - Navigating Athlete Activism and Title IX

Athletes' role in societal issues, navigating involvement effectively, providing resources and platforms for expression, potential for significant protests, Title IX and gender equality in sports.

(0:31:02) - Navigating Diversity and Critical Thinking

Trans rights in sports and societal inclusion, parallels with immigration and historical narratives, and the role of sports in fostering understanding and unity.

(0:45:05) - Recognizing Color While Treating Equally

Recognizing and respecting racial identity, engaging in productive conversations about race, and promoting education for growth.

(0:48:02) - Athlete Activism and Influence

Sports and social activism intersect, with historical examples and modern implications, highlighting athletes' roles in advocacy.

(0:56:01) - Athlete Choices in HBCUs

Hiring high-profile coaches at HBCUs can elevate these institutions, but sustained commitment is needed to create lasting change.

(0:59:41) - Connecting History and Athlete Empowerment

CU's efforts to connect with Black history, preserve stories, and improve alumni relationships for young students and athletes.

(1:11:31) - Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in Sports

CU's shifting dynamics support Black community through new faculty and staff, voting engagement, athletics, and affinity groups.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Amy at the Museum of Boulder, surrounded by the living history of Black resilience and brilliance. Against this backdrop, Amy shares her deeply personal journey—navigating the tensions between authentic leadership and the performative demands often placed on DEI professionals.

With vulnerability and clarity, Amy reflects on what it means to be hired for visibility rather than voice, and the emotional armor many are forced to wear in spaces that fail to honor full humanity. Her story challenges us to move beyond optics and into a deeper understanding of inclusion rooted in trust, care, and truth-telling.

We follow Amy into the healing spaces she's reclaimed—like yoga, hiking, and sound baths—where rest becomes a radical act of resistance. She speaks to the transformative power of sisterhood, creativity, and ancestral connection as essential tools for resilience and collective liberation.

This episode is a call to action for leaders and listeners alike: to center lived experience, honor Black wisdom, and nurture spaces where wellness and justice are not at odds. Dr. Amy reminds us that authentic change starts with inner alignment and is sustained by community, courage, and care.

Join us in listening deeply to Dr. Amy's story—and in recommitting to the work of meaningful, embodied equity.

FInd out more about Dr Amy and her business here: https://www.apcoachingconsulting.com/

Live from the Museum of Boulder, filmmaker Katrina Miller ("This Is Not Who We Are") joins us for a powerful conversation on DEI in today's turbulent political climate. We tackle the myths surrounding DEI, including the idea of reverse discrimination, and explore how historical context shapes these debates. Katrina highlights the importance of open dialogue, equity, and small acts of resistance that drive real change. From Kendrick Lamar's performances to the upcoming economic blackout, we dive into the cultural symbolism fueling modern activism. Join us as we unpack the power of storytelling, art, and community in the fight for a more just and inclusive world.