Peter & Phil's Courageous Conversations

In part 2 of our chat, Tracy Dowdy is back, and this time we're really getting into it! We're diving headfirst into Critical Race Theory, chatting about what it means for schools and society as a whole. But that's not all – we're also taking a look at the nuclear family and how it's changing. Expect some fiery but always respectful conversations. If you're into trending topics, this episode's got your name on it! 🎧🔥

🎙️ Happy Holidays from the Courageous Conversation Podcast! 🎄

As we wrap up a fantastic year, Peter and Phil want to extend heartfelt holiday wishes to each and every one of our listeners. Your support and engagement have been the cornerstone of our journey, and we're incredibly grateful. 🌟

Exciting News: Season 3 Finale with a Special Guest!

We're thrilled to announce that next week marks the end of our third season, and what a journey it's been! To cap it off, we have something special lined up for you. 🎧

Join us for the second half of our in-depth interview with the remarkable Tracy Dowdy. Tracy's insights have been nothing short of inspiring, and we can't wait to share the concluding part of this conversation with you. It's an episode filled with wisdom, laughter, and some powerful takeaways.

🔔 Set Your Reminders! Don't miss out on this exciting finale. Tune in next week to catch the concluding part of our interview with Tracy Dowdy. It's going to be a memorable one!

In this interview, Peter and Phil interview Mark Cushing, JD, the Founder and CEO of the  Animal Policy Group, LLC., and discuss growing up seeing discrimination towards members of the Catholic church, and America's skewed views on immigration. This is a conversation you definitely won't want to miss.

Peter and Phil engage in a thought-provoking dialogue with special guest & veterinary consultant, Tracy Dowdy (who proudly identifies as a conservative Republican and devout Christian). This episode explores Tracy's upbringing and how her family values and faith have shaped her worldview.  

In this episode, Peter and Phil have a respectful and candid discussion about Tracy's stances regarding critical race theory, religion, & vet medicine practices, allowing listeners to gain insights into differing perspectives. In addition, they all acknowledge the prevailing sentiment that controversial issues are often avoided in workplace conversations and the importance of challenging this norm.  Join us and see what happens when people are willing to engage in open and respectful conversations, even on divisive subjects.  It's an episode you won't want to miss! Join the conversation.

This week, join hosts Peter and Phil as they delve into the heart of Phil's recent journey back to his southern hometown in Mississippi. The trip takes an unexpected turn when Phil encounters the provocative rants of a local radio host, whose views on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) stir a deep discomfort. Phil challenges Peter's dismissal of the host as merely a profit-chaser, igniting a fiery debate between the two. Tune in for this raw and introspective session where no topic is off-limits and every conversation is a step towards understanding.

Peter & Phil delve into a candid courageous conversation that bridges the personal with the global. Peter opens up about his Jewish upbringing, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the customs and significance of the Sabbath. They also address the ongoing conflict in Israel, providing a nuanced overview of the recent escalations between Hamas and Israel, and the impact on both Israeli and Palestinian lives. Throughout the discussion, they strive for a balanced perspective, underscoring the human element that often gets lost in the political narrative. This episode does not shy away from complexity so join us for another courageous conversation!

In this episode, Peter & Phil delve into the tumultuous events that unfolded in the House of Representatives last week, marked by a striking failure to elect a Speaker. Amidst the uncertainty, we discuss the various candidates who were in the running for the Speaker position and one party's unwillingness to vote. *This episode was recorded prior to the eventual vote on the Speaker, Mike Johnson of Louisiana - providing a real-time snapshot of the chaos and speculation swirling around Capitol Hill before Oct. 25, 2023. Tune in this week for a comprehensive analysis of one of the most dramatic moments in recent political history!

From vinyl records to digital streaming - Peter & Phil discuss the impact music has had on their lives, both past, present, and future. Join us for another fun, courageous conversation!

Peter & Phil continue their conversation with a very poignant question from Mark Cushing regarding discrimination. Tune in to listen to more of the conversation!

Peter explains his fear that the United States may be moving backward with its government handing more power to each state. Phil corrects him by stating that America never moved as far as we thought to begin with and there is more work needed. Join us in this episode as they discuss politics and the "loud minority."

Peter & Phil discuss how transgressions of yesterday have bled into a modern-day civil war. Join us for another courageous conversation!

Peter & Phil continue their conversation on age and delve into the many sides of history that aren't covered. When history becomes just his story can we trust it without looking at the different perspectives/ sides to it? This is truly another courageous conversation you won't want to miss.

Peter & Phil have an honest conversation about aging. Medical technology has come a long way, and people are living longer than previous generations. Thoughts on aging, or what is considered "old" has changed as well. Have your views changed on aging the older you've gotten? Tune in to this week's episode & then share your thoughts with us on all social media platforms @peterandphil.

Peter & Phil conclude their conversation with Rob Best and dive deeper into the profession of veterinary medicine.

Peter and Phil continue their conversation with Rob Best this week & discuss what it was like watching his black father navigate through the world. They also discuss the nonprofit youth organization Students for the Advancement of Global Leadership (more info at www.sageglobal.org and the great steps they have taken to help the future leaders of the world. It's another Courageous Conversation you won't want to miss!

Peter and Phil interview international keynote speaker, Rob Best, CVPM, CFN about growing up mixed race (black & white) yet passing more as white. In this interview, Rob discusses his address at the Hill's Juneteenth event and how speaking on his family history helped him learn even more about his roots. Rob also touches on how sports helped him to blend into different cultural environments as a child and the differences he now faces blending as an adult. It's truly a courageous conversation you do not want to miss!

Peter and Phil discuss the latest ruling on Affirmative Action and what it means for college admissions. Will it restrict access to quality education or will colleges step up and continue to take the lead? Phil also stresses the importance of reading the bills and decisions and making up one's own opinion versus accepting what is told to us via the news. Join us for another courageous conversation.

Phil tells Peter he was influenced by Martin Luther King, especially watching him as a child during the 60's. Grab the book King, A Life by Johnathan E.I.G. and join in this discussion as well!

Peter & Phil discuss Phil's leadership roles from high school through Vet Med School. Is Phil considering a political run in his hometown? Tune in to find out!

Phil starts discussing the book Eloquent Rage by Brittney Cooper, and Peter asks Phil if he was ever made to feel as though he wasn't "black enough" at any point himself. This leads them into another courageous conversation on the integration of Phil's high school and how he handled a Student Body President race that came down to only a few votes between him and his white opponent. It's an episode you won't want to miss!

Peter and Phil address diversity in the Vet Tech programs as well as other concerns with special guest Beckie Mossor. Join us for the second half of last week's discussion regarding the Vet Tech profession!

Peter & Phil bring in a special guest and Vet Tech, Beckie Mossor, RVT, to discuss the role of the Vet tech, reasons for the current Vet Tech shortage, and gain insight into this growing profession. Join us for another courageous conversation.

Peter & Phil have a discussion on the pros and cons of telehealth in the Vet med profession. Love it or hate it, it's here to stay. Join the discussion!

This week marks the 3rd anniversary of Peter & Phil's conversations, with over three years and seasons of courageous conversations! To honor their anniversary, this week will be a revisit to their initial discussion where Peter calls Phil to try to understand what is happening after George Floyd's death and protests. We welcome you to take a listen to the conversation that started it all and tell us - how much you think has changed since then. How much further do we still have to go?

Phil has retired and stepped down as Dean at Western University's Vet Med School. Peter & Phil discuss his next possible move, and the future of Vet Med education.

Mentoring has become such an important contribution to the vet med profession, Peter and Phil decided to dedicate a podcast to discuss it.  Join us this week for a discussion on mentors, a few who influenced their lives, and the overall incredible importance of mentoring!

Peter and Phil welcome back Dr. Andrew Maccabe, Director of AAVMC. The importance of one's mental health has become a national discussion, but just how important is it to make sure we have a conversation around it specifically in the Vet Med profession? Join us in today's episode as we discuss!

Peter and Phil welcome Dr. Andrew Maccabe, Director of AAVMC on today's podcast. Join us as they get his take on Diversity in Vet Medicine, his personal journey regarding the topic, and some insight on the importance of diverse mindsets in the profession. Take a listen to part one of the conversation and come back next week for part 2!

After another school shooting occurs in Nashville, Peter & Phil take on gun reform and the safety of our schools and children. Are the loudest voices in politics, truly the ones that represent the entire country, or is it politics over people as usual? Join us in another courageous conversation.

On April 6, 2023, Tennessee Republicans expelled two Democratic lawmakers from the state Legislature due to their protesting for more gun control. A one-vote margin narrowly spared a third Democrat. Peter & Phil give their take on the incident and discuss the abandonment of rules regarding fair play and the legislature. Join us this week for another courageous conversation!

Peter asks Phil, the recently retired former Dean of Western University, his thoughts on tenure for faculty and term limits in legislation. Is he for or against both? His answer may just surprise you! Join us for another courageous conversation and let us know your thoughts as well.

Peter & Phil continue last week's conversation with special guest Dr. Jose Arce discussing economics, wellness, & diversity. Join us for part 2 of last week's courageous conversation.

Peter & Phil invite special guest Dr. Jose Arce from the beautiful US island of Puerto Rico to join in a courageous conversation. They discuss the financing of vet med education, career outlooks in the field, DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), and other significant matters Dr. Arce deems priorities in the profession. Join us for another courageous conversation!

Peter & Phil dive into the world of banned books this week and touch on states' interference in the public school curriculum. Is this gesture new or something we've seen before? Join us this week as we continue the courageous conversation on this and much more!

In this episode, Peter and Phil discuss what freedom of speech looks like in the modern day. With more access to social media platforms people have access to more people than ever before, but should there be boundaries set in place on these platforms? Peter & Phil discuss the Twitter takeover of Elon Musk, plus banning of books and critical race theory teachings. Join us for another courageous conversation!

This week Peter and Phil close out their interview by addressing the lack of diversity in the Vet Med profession. They propose changes to educational opportunities and increasing funding to "at-risk" communities (they also discuss why they oppose the use of the term "at-risk"). Dr. Lisa Greenhill also expresses her viewpoint on "resilience". Join us for part two of last week's courageous conversation!

Peter & Phil sit down and have a courageous conversation with Chief Diversity Officer and Senior Director for Institutional Research, Dr. Lisa Greenhill.  Joining the AAVMC in 1996 her work primarily focuses on the ongoing development and implementation of the DiVersity Matters initiative at the national and local levels and promoting the veterinary medical profession within underrepresented and marginalized communities.  Join us to discuss diversity within the Vet Med community and other social injustice initiatives!  It's a conversation you won't want to miss. 

The United States Supreme Court is set to decide the future of race-conscious admissions in higher education – and potentially alter or end affirmative action for students everywhere. Peter asks Phil his thoughts on the Supreme Court hearings around affirmative action and race-conscious admissions, and it leads into another thought-provoking courageous conversation between the two!  Tune in this week!

This week Peter & Phil continue their conversation with special guests from Nationwide, Dr. Emily Tincher & Dr. Jules Benson.   Join us in our Part 2 series, as we dive more in-depth into pet quality of life issues, available protection options for pet owners, and ways to change up the current veterinary business model so that it serves more people and veterinarians.  It's another great courageous conversation you'll want to tune into!

Peter & Phil welcome special guests Dr. Emily Tincher & Dr. Jules Benson from Nationwide.  In this episode, they address numerous topics affecting patrons of the vet med community, including access to pet healthcare, quality of care, and possible solutions to help evolve the healthcare profession in the future.  Follow us here for part 2 of the conversation (coming next week) where they discuss the standard of pet care and the current Vet Med business model in more depth!

Peter and Phil discuss the decline in movie-going, due to the uptick of streaming services.  When the conversation turns into recent documentaries, Phil shares one he saw on Indian children being separated from their families and abused in schools meant to 'beat the savage' out of them during the 1800s.  That leads to another discussion on America's dark past.  We learn about Stalin, Castro, & Hitler - why aren't we taught more about our own atrocities?  Peter and Phil dive right into another truly courageous conversation.  Join us!

Peter and Phil pick up last week's discussion on resiliency.  Join us this week as Phil discusses some of the challenges he faced when determining which Vet Med program to attend and how mental health is an important issue to undertake when helping people remain resilient in the face of adversity.  

A proud Peter shares his daughter's upcoming graduation from Vet Med School which leads into a conversation on resilience.  What trials and tribulations are the upcoming classes having to deal with?  Is the term resiliency overused or just misused?  Peter and Phil discuss this and more in this week's episode.  

Peter and Phil dive into the resurgence of interest in the Holocaust after the release of the documentary, The US and the Holocaust, a Ken Burns film.  In this three-part series, the story of how the American people dealt with one of the greatest humanitarian crises of the twentieth century, during the same time as Jim Crow laws in America is told through fresh eyes.  Peter also takes this moment to offer some insight into his own upbringing in the Jewish community.  It is truly an insightful, courageous conversation.  Join us!

Peter and Phil continue last week's conversation on not discussing politics and extend it into questioning the agenda we get from our government officials and news stations.  A large group of people gets their news from social media sites and opinion channels.  How do we know when we are being sold something, and where do we find the hard facts?  This week join the discussion on how we can all fact-check our sources versus taking what we see on social media and opinion pieces as news. 

After their keynote address at the Fetch 360dvm Conference in San Diego, California, Peter & Phil dive into some of the same issues they addressed with the audience. In the first episode of the new season,  Peter & Phil address the 'woke' movement, cancel culture, and respond to being told to keep politics out of discussions.  From a sermon Phil hears referring to 'Make America Great Again', to a conversation on athletes keeping politics out of their games,  gems  are dropped in this premiere episode!  Don't miss it.  

Join us for an all-new season of Peter & Phil's Courageous Conversations.  Season 3 begins next Thursday, make sure to mark your calendars and join us!

After over 25 episodes, Peter and Phil are taking a break in preparation for season 3.  Make sure to follow our Twitter @PeterandPhil and tell us what topics you'd like us to cover in the new season.  See you then!