Can multiple truths coexist in one conversation? In this episode of Everything’s Not Black & White, hosts Lachandra and Brian sit down with Dr. Hoai Julie Pham, a PhD historian and CEO of Curiosity Based. From her journey as a Vietnamese refugee to her work helping global organizations, Julie explains why replacing judgment with curiosity is the ultimate leadership skill.

We dive into the "shades of gray" within the Vietnam War, exploring the South Vietnamese perspective that history books often leave out. Julie also breaks down her "Rubber Band Rule" for respect—learning how to stretch for others without hitting your breaking point. Whether you’re navigating workplace conflict or personal growth, this conversation is a masterclass in staying human in a divisive world.

Key Highlights:

• The Rubber Band Rule: Understanding your personal limits for respect.
• Coexisting Truths: Why "Liberation Day" and "The Day We Lost Our Country" are both real.
• The Power of the Pause: Shifting from reacting to responding.
• Self-Awareness: Why leadership is always an "inside job."

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7 Forms Of Respect

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Lachandra and Brian sit down with wellness strategist Elizabeth Wangugi Etienne (Ellie) to explore the vital connection between rest and human-centered leadership. Challenging "hustle" culture, Ellie discusses longevity thinking, the art of recovery, and reframing burnout as a natural grieving process. This conversation offers a roadmap for reclaiming personal agency and serves as a preview for the Confidence Lab Summit on May 4th, 2026, and the next live NAP Concert on November 14th, 2026.

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In this episode, Lala and Brian move beyond the headlines to explore the human stories behind the current crisis in Iran. They are joined by human rights activist Zolal Habibi, a member of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, who shares her deeply personal connection to the struggle for freedom.

Zolal discusses the haunting parallels between the 1988 massacre—which claimed her father’s life—and the modern uprisings led by a brave new generation. The conversation explores the "third way" for Iran’s future: a path that rejects both war and appeasement in favor of a secular, democratic, and non-nuclear republic.

From the power of self-sacrifice to the NCRI’s practical 10-point roadmap for peace, this episode is a call to move past the surface level and understand the true cost of resistance.

National Council of Resistance of Iran

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Insights into her vision for a new Iran

Organization of Iranian American Communities

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In this episode of Everything's Not Black and White, hosts Lala and Brian sit down with Lauren Goché, a principal real estate broker and "witch with wifi," to pull back the curtain on the systemic inequities of the housing market. From the historical violence of redlining and restrictive covenants to the modern-day "fuckery" of private equity buyouts, Lauren explains why home ownership remains a revolutionary act for marginalized communities. The conversation dives deep into the emotional "therapy" of buying a home, the importance of value-aligned partnerships, and the incredible work being done by the Portland-based organization Taking Ownership to repair homes and preserve generational wealth.

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Taking Ownership

In this episode, Lala and Brian sit down with Donna Pope, Executive Director of Heart to Heart Adoptions, to peel back the layers of the adoption experience. From the gut-wrenching grief and "placement" decisions of birth mothers to the complexities of raising three sons as a single adoptive mother, Donna provides a masterclass in empathy, honesty, and "self-determination." Whether you are considering adoption, are part of the adoption triad, or simply want to understand how a heart grows through radical change, this conversation offers the "mic drop" moments you need to hear.

Heart to Heart Adoptions

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This episode moves beyond the "binary" of accessibility to explore the lived reality of disability advocacy. Hosts Lachandra and Brian are joined by Jenna Odenberg—Bush Fellow, author of Within My Spokes, and founder of Above and Beyond with U.

Jena shares her journey from navigating rural Minnesota in a manual wheelchair to a 20-year career as a music educator. From the "fixed mindset" of teachers who said she couldn't play trumpet left-handed to the vital "A" in DEIA, Jena illustrates why inclusion must be a commitment, not just a checklist. The trio dives into why we must design with people, not just for them—and even settles the "over vs. under" toilet paper debate with a perspective on accessibility you’ve likely never considered.

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Within My Spokes

In this episode of Everything’s Not Black and White, Lachandra sits down with Dr. Eugene Manley Jr., a biomedical scientist and CEO of the STEMM and Cancer Health Equity Foundation, to discuss the life-saving necessity of measurable equity. Dr. Manley shares his harrowing personal experiences with medical racism—from witnessing his mother’s mistreatment to navigating a recent surgical recovery where his pain and expertise were ignored by hospital staff. Together, they explore how to turn empathy into a performance metric, the importance of diversifying funding for social impact, and practical frameworks for patients to advocate for themselves within fragmented systems. It is a raw, insightful conversation about shifting from mere survival to true thriving in the face of systemic challenges.

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SCHEQ

Hosts Lala and Brian welcome Daniel Stoffel, a beloved family member, successful young businessman, and owner of West Oak Salon. Daniel shares his lifelong passion for the beauty industry—from styling Barbie heads to opening his own salon—and the profound impact his LGBTQIA+ identity had on building his business with the very "audacity to be me." He discusses the unique challenges and immense rewards of running a family business and offers insights on mentorship and leadership. Finally, Daniel addresses the current economic volatility affecting beauty supplies and his commitment to uncompromised quality and customer experience in the face of rising costs and societal challenges.

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