In a world marked by division, disruption, and deep emotional and spiritual fatigue, how do we keep showing up—with purpose, compassion, and hope?

BE WELL is a monthly exploration of trauma healing at the intersections of faith, justice, and education, created by the Trauma Healing Initiative at McCormick Theological Seminary. Each episode gathers theologians, practitioners, educators, and artists to explore how trauma-informed approaches help us teach, learn, lead, and live with greater wholeness.

About this episode:
When marginalized communities compete for visibility or resources, it fractures relationships and weakens collective power. In this opening conversation, we name the dynamics often called the “Oppression Olympics”—and chart a different path. Our guest, Julian DeShazier, offers a trauma-informed lens for understanding power, practicing solidarity, and moving toward healing that is personal, communal, and systemic.

You’ll hear about:

• How trauma shapes inter-group dynamics and “scarcity thinking.”
• Why comparison and competition undermine liberation—and what to do instead.
• Faith-rooted practices that ground courage, accountability, and repair.
• Practical moves for leaders, educators, and congregations to cultivate belonging across difference.

Guest:
Julian DeShazier is an affiliate faculty member at McCormick Theological Seminary and a Chicago-based pastor, hip-hop artist, and community organizer. His work sits at the intersection of theology, social justice, and cultural engagement, centering solidarity over competition and the healing of systems as well as souls.

Who this is for:
Pastors and chaplains, educators, organizers, and anyone seeking spiritually grounded, justice-centered tools for navigating conflict, building coalitions, and healing together.

Note: Content includes frank discussion of historical and present-day harms.

Listen, share, and subscribe—because we believe that we can be well!