• Hope, Community and Preparation

    Hope, Community and Preparation

    Watch the 13 minute video version of this post, which is episode 35 in my YouTube series, “Wisdom With Wes.” As I sit to write this on October 1st, 2024, the recent onslaught of Hurricane Helene has left a significant impact, spanning multiple states and affecting countless lives. Although my own family and home remain…

  • Ep 3: James Baldwin as a Culture Healer

    Ep 3: James Baldwin as a Culture Healer

    James Baldwin’s timeless ideas on race, identity, and healing are more relevant today than ever. In this third episode of the “Heal Our Culture” podcast, I (Wes Fryer) discuss Baldwin’s lasting legacy and why his centennial is a crucial moment to revisit his work. Drawing from personal experiences and recent cultural discussions, I share eight…

  • Rural-Urban Divide

    Rural-Urban Divide

    The multifaceted divide which separates many people in the United States living in rural versus urban areas is dramatic and influential. Better understanding this divide and its historic roots is critical if we want to truly “heal our culture.” There have been a lot of speeches televised from Wisconsin this week, and a number of…

  • Healing Independence Day Wishes

    Healing Independence Day Wishes

    I shared these thoughts this morning as a “restack note” on Lyz Lenz’ post, “Dingus of the week: This freaking asteroid.” I hear your bitterness and frustration, and there certainly are so many reasons to be frustrated and angry today during this Fourth of July holiday weekend in the United States. I remain, however, convinced…

  • Episode 2: Why “Heal Our Culture?”

    Episode 2: Why “Heal Our Culture?”

    In this heartfelt second episode of the “Heal Our Culture” podcast, Wes Fryer delves into the critical need to heal our culture amidst today’s polarized climate. As a middle school STEM and media literacy teacher, Wes emphasizes the importance of becoming “culture healers” instead of “culture warriors.” Through three personal stories, he illustrates the power…

  • Cultivating Cultural Healing

    Cultivating Cultural Healing

    It is a good time to pay attention in United States politics. It’s important to decide: Are we each going to be “culture warriors” or “culture healers?” Globally, authoritarian and fascist rulers are on the rise, and social media can serve as a powerful amplifier of extremist voices. Those loud voices can impede political compromise…

  • Robert F. Williams

    Robert F. Williams

    I am continuing to read Imani Perry’s outstanding book, “South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation.” This was the summer 2023 recommended faculty book read by our school DEI team. It is an excellent book for many reasons, and I highly recommend it. Thanks to a reference near…

  • Descendant Documentary

    Descendant Documentary

    A couple of weeks ago, Shelly and I watched the 2022 documentary “Descendant.” Produced by Higher Ground, the production company founded by Barack and Michelle Obama, “Descendant” tells the compelling story of the survivors from the Clotilda—the last ship that carried enslaved Africans to the United States—as they reclaim their narrative. We highly recommend this…

  • Healing Health Care

    Healing Health Care

    In addition to featuring audio podcasts relating to culture healing, I (Wes Fryer) want to use this website to amplify other ideas and media which are related to the topics of this project. One of those important topics is HEALTH CARE. I do not pretend to understand all the issues surrounding health care in the…

  • Episode 1: Racial Healing Conference

    Episode 1: Racial Healing Conference

    In this first podcast episode of the “Heal Our Culture Project” podcast, hosts Wes and Shelly Fryer share their reflections and takeaways from a racial healing conference they attended. They emphasize the importance of cultural healing, understanding different perspectives, and engaging in conversations that bridge gaps in a polarized society. They discuss the significance of…