Category: Heartwood

Thomas Rashad Easley, the Assistant Dean of Diversity and Inclusion at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies (FES), hosts the Heartwood podcast recorded on the FES campus in New Haven, Connecticut. Thomas meets with guests spanning the environmental spectrum, in pursuit of one goal: understanding how the heart impacts the woods, and the woods impact the heart.

BONUS: Pt 2 Bianca. Gearing up for success

BONUS: Pt 2 Bianca. Gearing up for success

Easley and Olupo had to bring Ms. Myrick back because as a leader, she does not just work in environmental education, but she also is an entrepreneur that is making her own lane by leading multiple organizations. In this episode she shares her evolution throughout her career and her insight exploring a different field of the environment.

Meeting the Hosts. A Conversation with Bennett Olupo and Dr. Easley

Meeting the Hosts. A Conversation with Bennett Olupo and Dr. Easley

On this episode, Easley interviews Bennett. It’s always important to make sure that our listeners know who the engineer and editor is that keeps Heartwood moving forward. Olupo shares his background as an educator, as well as his cultural background that informs how he works in forestry and how he engages as a student in the Yale School of the Environment.

Navigating Conflict with Pat Gonzales-Rogers

Navigating Conflict with Pat Gonzales-Rogers

On this episode, Dr. Easley and Bennett Olupo share the stage with Professor Gonzalez as he smoothly shares his views on environmental justice and education. He brings a lens of truth, art and R&B that keeps him grounded and motivated to support his students. Gonzalez shows us how being a humble and working to be a complete human makes it easy for him to connect with faculty and staff, while maintaining confidence and curiosity.

Discussing the Future of Environmental Justice Dr. Gerald Torres

Discussing the Future of Environmental Justice Dr. Gerald Torres

On this episode, Dr. Easley and Bennett Olupo speak with Professor Gerald Torres as they explore his interest in Environmental Justice as well as his career in Law. This episode is rich because they all share their understandings of the injustices communities of color face, while Prof. Torres gives wisdom and scholarship that breaks down diversity, justice, and inclusion in practical ways through his historic lens. Wait until you find out the commonality they share at the end.

The Importance of HBCUs for Environmental Progress with Dr. Iris Montague and Ms. Stephanie Love

The Importance of HBCUs for Environmental Progress with Dr. Iris Montague and Ms. Stephanie Love

On this episode, Dr. Easley interviews two scientists and leaders in the forest industry. Amazingly, they are also his classmates from Alabama A&M University. They discuss their journeys to the profession and the importance of getting an education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Finding a place at Yale: Thokozile Changufu, Grace (Chikaodi) Dominic, Jeffrey (Ato) Blay

Finding a place at Yale: Thokozile Changufu, Grace (Chikaodi) Dominic, Jeffrey (Ato) Blay

On this episode, Dr. Easley and Bennett Olupo are joined by Thoko, Grace, and Ato. The vivacious and keen trio are pursuing their masters at Yale School of the Environment. We discuss what it is like to be from The Continent and pursue an environmentally focused education and career. The episode has a special emphasis on forestry and urban planning.

Finding Your Groove with stic from dead prez

Finding Your Groove with stic from dead prez

On this episode, Dr. Easley and Bennett Olupo are joined by world-renowned rapper and author Khnum “Stic” Ibomu (One half of the Legendary Hip Hop Band, Dead Prez), who has developed a strong fan base thanks to wellness oriented and conscious lyrics. We discuss why the growth mentality present in fit-hop, the hip-hop subgenre he created, is so important in this day and age.

A Balancing Act: Learning to Grow with and Empower Students with Dean Toddi Steelman

A Balancing Act: Learning to Grow with and Empower Students with Dean Toddi Steelman

On this episode, Dr. Easley speaks with Dean Toddi Steelman of the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University. She shares her experience in leadership and shares how she works to support students, faculty and staff. This episode is so rich because they both used to work together, and you will enjoy listening to this humble leader whose work has had a global and national impact!

Being a Conduit for Change with Dr. Justin Kunkle

Being a Conduit for Change with Dr. Justin Kunkle

On this episode, Dr. Easley is joined by Dr. Justin Kunkle, the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies and Academic Advisor in the Department of Forestry at Michigan State University. We discuss how Dr. Kunkle supports students in the community beyond just giving lip service. He expounds that it is a constant learning process, but we think he already has great wisdom to share.

Building Community Through Leadership with Ms. Bianca Myrick (pt. 1)

Building Community Through Leadership with Ms. Bianca Myrick (pt. 1)

On this episode of the Heartwood Podcast, Dr. Easley is joined by Ms. Bianca Myrick. She is the founder and executive director of Pretty Purposed, non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring communities to empower young women and girls. With environmentalism underlying the conversation, the two discuss the importance of leadership and education within the Black community.