Episode 18 : Rosey Oppenheim

The Teachback turns 18 episodes old today and while it can’t go vote, it is an exciting moment–just as every Monday is–for the podcast. One of the really fun things about this growing library of conversations I’ve had recently is that many of these more recent guests are not just contributors to The Teachback, but they’re listeners as well. Today’s guest, Rosey Oppenheim, as you’ll hear shortly, is someone who has listened into older episodes and I am just so delighted to know that folks out there are enjoying these conversations and learning and thinking as much as I am. To those of you who have reached out recently, thanks for sharing what you love about the show, and to those of you out there listening each week, THANK YOU! I’d love to hear what you like or what you look forward to hearing about on the show. Finally, if you are one of my former students, or someone who has taught me or learned from me, it would be great to get you on as a guest, so please reach out.

 

Today’s episode covers lots of ground, but the common theme is really that Rosey is someone committed to impacting the world and people around her in ways that are both meaningful to her and to those around her. Whether it involves nature, baking, or connecting with folks in spaces of fear, pain, or uncertainty, Rosey is someone who will show you what it’s like to believe that we can all make a difference, whether it’s by committing our careers, or daily interactions, our expressions of gratitude, or our hobbies to connecting with others. 

 

Let’s go hang out with Rosey!

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Thanks again for tuning in. Here’s to connecting, reflecting, and staying hungry to learn.

 

Today’s episode is brought to you by the invitation to get outside and breathe fresh air every morning. Consider adopting the simple practice promoted by Cal Berkeley’s “Be Well at Work” program. Once you get outside, 

• Stand and take a deep breath while your raising arms slowly over your head.

• Exhale as you lower your arms. Repeat 3 times.

And by Harm Reduction. As Rosey mentioned, opioid use and addiction doesn’t just affect one demographic of people, it is a catastrophic epidemic in our country and it is not going anywhere. Our collective human awareness and support of individuals and families struggling with addiction will both normalize conversations about opioid use and minimize the dangers. To be honest, I knew very little about Harm reduction and as someone who always wants to better understand others whose experiences differ from my own, I have been fascinated by what I’ve read in the past week. As outlined by The National Harm Reduction Coalition at www.harmreduction.org. 

Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm Reduction is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs.

If you are someone who believes in our collective humanity and caring for all people, I encourage you to read up on the realistic, deliberate, informative and judgment-free tone of the website. As they note, we can all BE  CATALYSTs FOR LOVE, JUSTICE, COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION.

Together, we can create a world healing from harms, free from judgment and built on equity.

Introduction Music was made by my former student, Michael. Find him on Spotify where he is better known as Slacker.jpg.