Only One In The Room

What if your white mother couldn’t raise you and your black father, who adored you, was in and out of prison for most of your life, leaving you to child services in Minnesota where you were one of the few mixed race children entrusted to their foster care system?Tracy McMillian, Best selling author, screenwriter, relationship thought-leader and influencer, was raised by a foster family with solid Minnesotan values, getting a paper route in the dead of winter and visiting with her biological father whenever she could.But what would you do if after growing up, you had a chance to forgive your circumstances, including the mother and father who’d abandoned you? Would you put your past feelings aside, deciding to believe that they did the best they could? Or would you leave your past behind and move forward with the amazing life you’d built — for yourself?More From Tracy McMillan:Visit her website www.tracymcmillan.com Buy her BOOKSFinding Tracy McMillan:Twitter & Instagram: @tracymcmillanBe sure not to miss our new Now Normal series releasing every Thursday.If you'd like to ask a question for either the Dear Laura segment or of an upcoming guest on Now Normal, be sure to join our Facebook Group .You can also DM us on instagram @theonlyoneintheroom or email us via the website www.theonlyonepod.com.Also visit the website for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins such as live events, appearances, featured articles and more.Don't miss our bonus after show Scott Talks, where co-host and producer Scott Slaughter (aka Hon) briefly chops it up with our guest immediately after the interview.*If you know someone who might be feeling like they're the "Only One" be sure to share this or one of our other unique episodes with them. Also be sure to subscribe, comment and review us on iTunes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, podcaster Sara Dean of the Shameless Mom Academy Podcast, talks to us about what it’s like to be a white woman during the current Black Lives Matter movement. Sara is a friend, a generous resource for women, mothers and her fellow podcasters. She also gave me the honor of being the opening keynote speaker at Shameless Mom Con 2020 and has been a huge supporter of The Only One In The Room from day one.  The Shameless Mom Academy Podcast is a top rated podcast with over 2 million downloads. Her biggest passion is helping women own their space. Today, Sara motivates and inspires women to stop shrinking and start growing in every aspect of their lives. She is on a mission to inspire women and moms, in particular, to live bigger, bolder, braver #everydamnday. Connect with Sara: www.shamelessmom.comListen to the Shameless Mom Academy PodcastFree Facebook Group: www.shamelessmom.com/facebookInstagram: @shamlessmomacademyPodcasts Mentioned: Check Your Privilege, Hello 7, Unlocking UsLaura's Huffington Post article mentioned:White Women, I’m Glad You’re Showing Up. But I’m Not Sure I Trust You Just YetBe sure not to miss our weekly full episodes on Tuesdays and Scott Talks now released on Wednesdays by subscribing to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Join our Only One In The Room Facebook Group if you'd like to ask a question of any of our upcoming guests for this series. Also visit the website www.theonlyonepod.com for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins like featured articles and more.We love hearing from you in the comments on iTunes and while you're there don't forget to rate us, subscribe and share the show!All of us at The Only One In The Room wish you safety and wellness during this challenging time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott Slaughter co-host and producer of The Only One In The Room reflects on our favorite episodes from Season 5 of the Only One In The Room and our new additions "COVID Warriors and The NOW Normal" as well as announces our up-coming Season 6 dropping on July 7th. Make sure to listen to the end of this one, as we feature a powerful spoken word by the talented Valyn Turner entitled "Bleeding Red, White & Blue".Watch Valyn Turner's "Bleeding Red, White & Blue" on YouTubeInstagram: @valynturner Twitter: @valynlyric_tDon't miss our new Now Normal series releasing every Thursday.If you'd like to ask a question on the Dear Laura segment or of an upcoming guest on Now Normal be sure to join our Facebook Group.You can also DM us on Instagram @theonlyoneintheroom or email us via the website at www.theonlyonepod.comAlso visit the website for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins like live events, appearances, featured articles and more.We love hearing from you in the comments on iTunes and while you're there don't forget to rate us, subscribe and share the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Got MILK? We do! Introducing MILK podcast hosted by Mallory Kasdan. As we gear up for our Season 6 premiere on July 7th we wanted to share with you another podcast that we love and know you'll love too. Enjoy!Meena Harris joins Mallory in the MILK Studio. Meena is the author of “Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea," an illustrated picture book based on a true story from the childhood of Meena’s mom and aunt. Meena is founder of the groundbreaking Phenomenal Women Action campaign, she is a respected entrepreneur and is recognized as an influential voice for women’s equality. In the book, two sisters make a difference in their community by dreaming big and fighting for what they believe in. It’s an early lesson on the power of community organizing, and an example of what Meena’s grandmother always told her: “Each of us has a role to play.” Meena believes that to fight for women’s equality, we need to start with girl’s equality, and her book focuses on listening to girls of color, supporting their big ideas, and following their lead.Currently, Meena is head of strategy and leadership at Uber, where she leads brand transformation initiatives focused on corporate citizenship, customer loyalty, and employee engagement. In addition to Uber, she has advised major brands on diversity and inclusion. Meena is also an attorney with extensive experience in consumer protection, data privacy, and cybersecurity. She is a graduate of Standford University and Harvard Business School. She lives in San Francisco with her partner and two daughters. The book can be purchased through a link on phenomenal girl dot com. Follow Meena @meenaharris or phenomenalwoman.us Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All Black Lives Matter came on my radar last week after it was painted down the center of Hollywood Blvd here in Los Angeles. The issue on the table is that black queer people in this country have been hit twice. Being black and queer in America can be seen as a double threat and not necessarily in a good way. Many black members of the LGBTQ+ community feel like a people without a country. They experience racism within the LGTBTQ+ community and they experience prejudice and homophobia from straight, cisgender members of the black community. And now that the George Floyd protests and Pride month are erupting at the same time, where do our Queer black people stand? How do you know which identifier to fight for first? Black or Queer? Travis Coles is an actor, comedian, air force brat born in Germany and then raised in Texas, DC and Maryland. He still looks great in lederhosen. He attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and began his improv training after moving to Los Angeles.Instagram & Twitter: @travestiesOpportunities To Educate Yourself:Definitions:Heteropatriarchy- a society or culture dominated by a ruling class of heterosexual males whose characteristic bias is unfavorable to gay people and females in general. Cis gender (adj)- one’s personal identity and gender corresponds with their birth sex. Microaggression- a comment or action that subtly and often unconsciously or unintentionally expresses a prejudiced attitude toward a member of a marginalized group, such as a racial minority. (Webster Dictionary,https://www.merriam-webster.com/) People Mentioned Whose Names You Should Know:Dominique FellsRiah MiltonBreonna TaylorJames BaldwinResources Mentioned:Los Angeles LGBTQ CenterDonate to the LALGBTQ CenterBe sure not to miss our weekly full episodes on Tuesdays and Scott Talks now released on Wednesdays by subscribing to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Join our Only One In The Room Facebook Group if you'd like to ask a question of any of our upcoming guests for this series. Also visit the website www.theonlyonepod.com for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins like featured articles and more.We love hearing from you in the comments on iTunes and while you're there don't forget to rate us, subscribe and share the show!All of us at The Only One In The Room wish you safety and wellness during this challenging time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott Slaughter co-host and producer of The Only One In The Room has a short and casual, yet deep conversation with our guest Manon Mathews right after the show.Don't miss our new Now Normal series releasing every Thursday.If you'd like to ask a question on the Dear Laura segment or of an upcoming guest on Now Normal be sure to join our Facebook Group.You can also DM us on Instagram @theonlyoneintheroom or email us via the website at www.theonlyonepod.comAlso visit the website for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins like live events, appearances, featured articles and more.We love hearing from you in the comments on iTunes and while you're there don't forget to rate us, subscribe and share the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if, since you were a little girl, you’d found yourself a quest for your soulmate, one that would hopefully end with you meeting and marrying the love of your life?Manon Mathews, social media star, comedianne, actor, writer, director, was a guest on The Only One In The Room in summer 2019. During her interview, she told us about her belief in soulmates and how all the work she had done on herself, had led her to meet HIM, the absolute love of her life. Forty-six days after we taped the interview, to the delight of her 604 thousand Instagram followers, Manon would have a fairytale wedding, with pictures that would garner thousands upon thousands of likes and comments.But what if, only a few months after your wedding, you found yourself in therapy trying to move through some unexpected “speed bumps” that threatened to derail your marriage? Would you continue to share your story publically? Creating a heartfelt post to let your fans know that you and your new husband were separating? Or would you shut the door on your past and continue to post as though you were living, as everyone had hoped - happily ever after?More From Manon Mathews:Buy her book Funny How It Works Out: Personal Stories & Lessons On How I Got My SH*T TogetherFinding Manon Mathews:Watch her videos on Facebook Twitter & Instagram & TikTok: @manonmathewsBe sure not to miss our new Now Normal series releasing every Thursday.If you'd like to ask a question for either the Dear Laura segment or of an upcoming guest on Now Normal, be sure to join our Facebook Group .You can also DM us on instagram @theonlyoneintheroom or email us via the website www.theonlyonepod.com.Also visit the website for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins such as live events, appearances, featured articles and more.Don't miss our bonus after show Scott Talks, where co-host and producer Scott Slaughter (aka Hon) briefly chops it up with our guest immediately after the interview.*If you know someone who might be feeling like they're the "Only One" be sure to share this or one of our other unique episodes with them. Also be sure to subscribe, comment and review us on iTunes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While Black Lives Matter protests seem to be finding a more peaceful groove here in the states, BLM protests are really just ramping up around the world. In London, more than 130 people have been arrested during the almost 200 demonstrations across Britain since the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. Statues in Parliament Square have been boarded up in preparation for the thousands of demonstrators expected to flood the area on Saturday. Today we have with us, our favorite brothers, Sammy and Don Appah, of The Family podcast in London, who just this past Sunday, released their first episode since March 22 of this year (like so many others, they had been sidelined by COVID). Their latest episode was called, “George Floyd, Let’s talk about it,” and we are thrilled to welcome them to The Only One In The Room, The Now Normal.Follow them on Instagram @thefamilypodcastListen to their podcast The Family PodcastBe sure not to miss our weekly full episodes on Tuesdays and Scott Talks now released on Wednesdays by subscribing to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Join our Only One In The Room Facebook Group if you'd like to ask a question of any of our upcoming guests for this series. Also visit the website www.theonlyonepod.com for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins like featured articles and more.We love hearing from you in the comments on iTunes and while you're there don't forget to rate us, subscribe and share the show!All of us at The Only One In The Room wish you safety and wellness during this challenging time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott Slaughter co-host and producer of The Only One In The Room has a short and casual, yet deep conversation with our guest Jasmin Savoy Brown right after the show.Don't miss our new Now Normal series releasing every Thursday.If you'd like to ask a question on the Dear Laura segment or of an upcoming guest on Now Normal be sure to join our Facebook Group.You can also DM us on Instagram @theonlyoneintheroom or email us via the website at www.theonlyonepod.comAlso visit the website for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins like live events, appearances, featured articles and more.We love hearing from you in the comments on iTunes and while you're there don't forget to rate us, subscribe and share the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here’s a story of a lovely, mixed raced lady who grew up looking for spaces where she didn’t always stand out - places where she might not have to be - the only one in the room.When Actress/musician, Jasmin Savoy Brown moved from Oregon to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career, she was dismayed to find that once again, more often than not, she was the only person of color on her film and TV sets or at the industry parties she was invited to attend.What would you do if one day you’d had enough? If you decided that you weren’t going to even ONE MORE event where you’d be the only person of color? Would you discreetly decline invitations where you’d be the only POC in the room? Or would you post your intentions on Instagram, putting the world on notice that you’d rather pass on the invite than show up and be the token “other”?Finding Jasmin Savoy Brown:Twitter & Instagram: @jasminsavoyBe sure not to miss our new Now Normal series releasing every Thursday.If you'd like to ask a question for either the Dear Laura segment or of an upcoming guest on Now Normal, be sure to join our Facebook Group .You can also DM us on instagram @theonlyoneintheroom or email us via the website www.theonlyonepod.com.Also visit the website for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins such as live events, appearances, featured articles and more.Don't miss our bonus after show Scott Talks, where co-host and producer Scott Slaughter (aka Hon) briefly chops it up with our guest immediately after the interview.*If you know someone who might be feeling like they're the "Only One" be sure to share this or one of our other unique episodes with them. Also be sure to subscribe, comment and review us on iTunes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices