

Know Better Do Better
Marie Beecham
A better kind of antiracism. Brought to you by Marie Beecham — a writer and speaker who shares her practical knowledge, applicable insights, and fresh perspective on race.For access to exclusive new episodes every week, beome a member today.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 17, 2025 • 32min
How the GI Bill Shut Out Black Americans
The GI Bill fueled America’s prosperity — but for Black families, it deepened inequality. I'll explain the racist design of the GI bill and what its connection is to the racial wealth gap.Following the money, we can see how a single policy helped shape the economic divide we still live with today.Click here to support Marie's work and catch up on all the new members-only episodes, which are released weekly.

Nov 10, 2025 • 45min
The Paradox of Black Patriotism: A Veterans Day Special
Black soldiers have fought in every American war. They have, by their own admission, fought for a country that didn't fight for them.This Veterans Day, we look at the history of Black military service — and the paradox of Black patriotism.Click here to support Marie's work and catch up on all the new members-only episodes, which are released weekly. Oh, and here is Marie's article she mentioned, and here is the 2021 study on black patriotism.

Oct 13, 2025 • 43min
"We're Calling it Columbus Day" & Other Ways Trump is Redefining History
This Columbus Day—more aptly, Indigenous Peoples’ Day—we’re talking about the mounting efforts to rewrite American history in real time.From pushing pro-slavery cartoons into classrooms, to pressuring the Smithsonian polish up and whitewash the past, to scrubbing Harriet Tubman and Jackie Robinson from federal websites.....There's a lot to unpack.Click here to catch up on all the new members-only episodes, which are released weekly.

Aug 31, 2025 • 25min
Progressives need to learn from our mistakes on antiracism. Here's how.
I'm laying out exactly what I have to say to people on the far-left, the far-right, and everyone in-between. And I'm not mincing words. (This first episode, I intended to only share with paid subscribers, but I decided to release for everyone. It just had to reach more ears, okay?)You can expect more new episodes, just for paid members, coming this week. If that's you, get excited. If it's not, there's still time to join. Get in on membership today, so you don't miss future episodes.

Aug 25, 2025 • 42min
Finally Filling You In: The Attacks on DEI, Where I’ve Been, & What's Ahead
We’re back, baby. In this honest, tell-all comeback episode, I’m sharing where I've been and what’s been happening behind the scenes in the world of DEI.I’m talking backlash, bans, breakthroughs, and what the future of the podcast — and the movement — really looks like. If you want to keep listening (and help make this work possible), I’d love to have you join me as a paid supporter. You gain access to all the goods: new podcast episodes each week, direct communication with me, hundreds of essays, and access to an online community.

Jul 2, 2024 • 17min
149. Saying Goodbye (& Some Brief Thoughts on The Fourth of July)
This episode is a goodbye, at least for now. (And it's also a few quick words on The Fourth of July, since that feels relevant.) I'll miss ya dearly. If you want to keep hearing from Marie each week, head to patreon.com/mariebeech for a new article in your inbox every Friday. Related episode: The War Within Antiracism: Why the Movement is Divided on Apple & SpotifyIf you're not ready for it to be over yet, here are Marie's top 3 picks from the vault:Should We Embrace Race or Move Past It? on Apple & SpotifyThe Intellectual Rivalry of the Century: Washington vs. Du Bois on Apple & SpotifyTone Policing 101: What It Really Is & Why It’s Controversial on Apple & Spotify

Jun 27, 2024 • 33min
148. Most White People Are Only Friends With White People
A concerning op-ed revealed that “three quarters of white people don’t have any non-white friends.” Why is this? What are the most shocking stats? And what should you do?This is a new, updated version of one of the most popular episodes. I've filled it out with more context, more info, and answers to the questions that you sent in. Related episodes:Diversifying Your Social Circle– the Dos and Don’ts on Apple & SpotifySource: Washington Post, Three quarters of whites don't have any non-white friendsTo support Marie and get exclusive resources, head to patreon.com/mariebeech. To learn more about Marie's DEI services, head to mariebeecham.com. Leave a new rating or review this month, and I'll donate $1 to EJI.org on your behalf.

Jun 25, 2024 • 19min
147. What Actually Counts as Cultural Appropriation?
Why is cultural appropriation such a controversial topic? How are opinions on cultural appropriation changing in recent years? What actually counts as cultural appropriation? Are you guilty of it?This episode has been pulled from the archives. I answer all of the most pressing questions and offer clear guidance. Enjoy.To support Marie and get exclusive resources, head to patreon.com/mariebeech. To learn more about Marie's DEI services, head to mariebeecham.com. Leave a new rating or review this month, and I'll donate $1 to EJI.org on your behalf.

Jun 20, 2024 • 25min
146. Stereotype Threat 101: How Antiracists Unintentionally Amplify The Impacts of Racism
There is a way that we are unintentionally amplifying the negative impacts of racism. Some of our most celebrated methods of antiracism are provoking a little thing called stereotype threat. Okay, so it's actually a big thing, and it's very bad news for people of color. I explain all that in the episode and reveal the surprising way we can correct course. This is a new, updated version of one of the most popular episodes.Related episodes:Should We Embrace Race or Move Past It? It's Complicated. on Apple and SpotifyTo support Marie and get exclusive resources, head to patreon.com/mariebeech. To learn more about Marie's DEI services, head to mariebeecham.com. Leave a new rating or review this month, and I'll donate $1 to EJI.org on your behalf.

Jun 18, 2024 • 26min
145. Systemic Racism 101: What It Is, How It's Often Misused, & Why It's Controversial
A clear, concise lesson on what systemic racism actually is. What is the full definition of racism? Why do I take issue with how I hear people using the term systemic racism? And how do you avoid that common mistake? I've got you covered.This is a new, updated version of one of the most popular episodes.Mentioned: Biased by Dr. Jennifer EberhadtRelated episodes:Should We Embrace Race or Move Past It? on Apple and SpotifyMicroaggressions in 15 Minutes on Apple and SpotifyCRT's Most Loved & Hated Teaching on Apple & SpotifyWhat an Uber Lawsuit Teaches Us About Systemic Racism on Apple and SpotifyTo support Marie and get exclusive resources, head to patreon.com/mariebeech. To learn more about Marie's DEI services, head to mariebeecham.com. Leave a new rating or review this month, and I'll donate $1 to EJI.org on your behalf.


