Breaking Bias with Anu Gupta

Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People

In this conversation on race, Anu Gupta talks about race, bias, and solutions.

Anu Gupta thinks we are all biased, and that we all need to be "Breaking Bias," every day. In this episode, he shares his story of how other people's bias almost caused him to take his life.

Anu Gupta is a renowned meditation teacher, human rights lawyer, scientist, and author of the book "Breaking Bias.'" The discussion centers around the profound impact of biases, including Anu's personal experiences with racial 'othering' and post-9/11 Islamophobia, which led to his severe mental health struggles.

He introduces the PRISM framework (Perspective-taking, Prosocial behavior, Individuation, Stereotype replacement, and Mindfulness) as a set of tools for fostering systemic change and understanding.

Anu's initiative, Be More With Anu, and his call to action for greater awareness and inclusive practices highlight the steps people can take to break through their biases. Our society is experiencing a mental health crisis where too many people are "othered" because of skin color, and other differences and feel like they don't belong. By "Breaking Bias," we can increase empathy, connection, and reduce fear of differences. Listen to this episode or watch it on YouTube, but don't miss this conversation on race.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:06 Guest Introduction: Anu Gupta

02:18 The Importance of Discussing Race

04:39 Anu Gupta's Personal Journey

10:57 Understanding Bias and Its Impact

27:35 The Prism Toolkit for Reducing Bias

33:49 Understanding Systemic Racial Issues in Policing

34:58 The Historical Roots of Racial Bias

36:53 Kamala Harris and the Intersection of Bias

40:39 Introducing PRISM: A Toolkit for Bias Reduction

43:57 Personal Stories of Overcoming Bias

46:37 Engaging in Conversations About Bias

54:47 Final Thoughts and Resources

Guests Bio:

Anu Gupta is an educator, lawyer, scientist, and the founder and CEO of BE MORE with Anu, an education technology benefit corporation that trains professionals across corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors to advance DEIB and wellness by breaking bias. His work has reached 300+ organizations training more than 80,000 professionals impacting over 30 million lives. As a gay immigrant of color, he came to the work of breaking bias after almost ending his life due to lifelong experiences with racism, homophobia, and Islamophobia. The realization that bias can be unlearned helped lead him out of that dark point and inspired a lifelong mission to build a global movement for social healing based on principles of mindfulness and compassion. A peer-reviewed author, he has written and spoken extensively, including on the TED stage, the Oprah Conversation, Fast Company, Newsweek, and Vogue Business.

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Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, “Everyday Conversations on Race.”

Contact [e-mail] to get more information, book her as a speaker for your next event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences.

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition)

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