Goodpain Podcast Season 02 Episode 20: This Just Ain't Working for Us – Relando Thompkins-Jones, Social Justice Origin Stories

This just ain't working for us...and it does not have to be this way. Today, our guest, Relando Thompkins-Jones of Social Justice Origin Stories and I explore how power shapes our world. We often say "just" to avoid seeing deeper truths. But maturity requires looking at the actual impact we have. We discuss who gets to set the terms of engagement. This episode explores historical design decisions and systemic harm. These topics are pointed and may spark internal resistance. Invite your objections to come along for the ride. Do not let them close your ears to the message. You are strong enough to lead with your humanity. We must name what is broken to find collective hope. Let’s engage these difficult questions together.  Relando Thompkins-Jones is a macro social worker, social justice  educator, strategist, and storyteller who uses media and education to  advance equity and social justice within people, organizations, and  communities. For more than a decade, he has worked across higher  education, nonprofit, public, and private sectors, planning and  implementing experiential activities and projects that advance  diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice. He is also the  Founder & Director of Narrative Strategy and Learning Ecosystem at  Social Justice Origin Stories, a multimedia storytelling project that  explores the personal experiences, defining moments, and influences that  inspire people and organizations to pursue social justice. Through  conversations with activists, educators, organizers, scholars, and  everyday changemakers, the project seeks to reduce isolation among  justice-seekers, preserve community wisdom, and help listeners discover  their own place in the work. The phrase "If we can change how we  think, we can change what we do" is central to Relando's approach, and  he finds fulfillment in engaging with others using the liberatory power  of storytelling, education, and authentic human connection to co-create  the conditions for collective thriving. Website: Social Justice Origin Stories | YouTube Channel | Audio Podlink Media Mentions Becoming the People Podcast Episode: Grief is the Medicine Danger of the Single Story TED Talk by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee