PMJA Award Submission - Interview: Disrupted - 'America Outdoors' host Baratunde Thurston on names, nature and 'How to Citizen'

Disrupted with Khalilah Brown-Dean
Episode: 'America Outdoors' host Baratunde Thurston on names, nature and 'How to Citizen'
Original Airdate: October 4, 2023
Category: Interview

Disrupted is a talk show all about the changes happening in society and the people pushing to make those changes possible. One of the changemakers we interviewed in 2023 was comedian, activist, author and television host Baratunde Thurston. Of the many interviews we’ve recorded in the past year, this one stood out for the instant chemistry Baratunde had with our host, Khalilah Brown-Dean. Khalilah and Baratunde start out talking about how they both grew up with a name that people wanted to avoid trying to say. That shared experience set the tone for an open and honest exploration of politics and identity that covered a wide range of topics, from facing self doubt as a teenager to the way nature can bridge division. And though the interview covers a lot of ground, Baratunde offers a fundamental message about the power of connection, which makes it all the more meaningful to hear Baratunde and Khalilah connect.