June Sarpong discusses the importance of owning our differences and promoting inclusivity in the TV industry. They explore challenges of diversity, racism, and discrimination, as well as the impact of multi-generational households on mental health. They also share coping strategies, affirmations, and the need for addressing mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The importance of inclusivity in the media industry and the need for diversity across socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities, and disabilities.
The significance of choosing to actively work through pain and grief, and the power of daily rituals, meditation, and affirmations in maintaining mental well-being.
Deep dives
The importance of stepping back and examining unconscious behaviors
In this episode, Fern Cotton chats with June Sarpong about the need to check our unconscious behaviors. As a black and working-class woman, June reflects on her own experiences and the realization that even she had to adjust her mindset when the status quo was challenged. They discuss the importance of inclusivity in the media industry and June's role as the director of creative diversity at the BBC, where she works to make content more inclusive and diverse. They highlight the need for diversity across socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities, and disabilities, and the goals they have set to achieve this.
The impact of societal biases in the media industry
June and Fern delve into the challenges faced in the media industry, such as racism, sexism, ageism, and classism. They emphasize the need to challenge these biases and create more inclusive opportunities for underrepresented groups. June shares her personal experiences of facing racism and biases in her career, including limitations on the roles she was offered as a black presenter. They discuss the importance of diversity in leadership positions and the positive steps being taken to break down barriers and bring about change.
Coping with grief and the importance of self-honesty
June opens up about the loss of her brother and the immense grief and anxiety she experienced during that time. She highlights the significance of choosing to actively work through the pain and grief, rather than getting stuck in it. June emphasizes the value of pain and how it allows for growth and understanding. She also stresses the importance of self-honesty and honesty in relationships, as well as the power of daily rituals, meditation, and affirmations in maintaining mental well-being.
Embracing pain and finding joy in life
Lastly, June and Fern discuss the societal pressure to constantly pursue happiness and the need to embrace pain as a natural part of life. They emphasize the importance of finding joy in the present moment and appreciating the miracles of life. June encourages individuals to be kind to themselves and others, as everyone is going through their own struggles. They emphasize the value of community, mentorship, and connection, and the need for inclusive representation at all levels of society.
Does feeling different to others – or perceiving others as different to you – make you uncomfortable, or do you celebrate uniqueness? June Sarpong reckons we all need to own our differences. In fact, she’s now using her own experience of working in TV to make the industry a kinder and more inclusive place for everyone to thrive in, regardless of their background. In this chat with Fearne, she’s honest about when she, as someone who considers herself an activist, still has had to check her own behaviour and unconscious bias.
June’s brilliant book, The Power of Privilege, is out now.
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Content warning: this episode contains frank conversation about grief following the suicide of a loved one, so do take care while listening.
In the UK, the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14. Hotlines in other countriescan be found here.