Don't Screw Up Your Kids

Dehumanization | Whole to Three-Fifths | PTSS Series Part 6

In Part 6 of the Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome series, Kaleesha Washington begins Chapter 2, “Whole to Three-Fifths: Dehumanization,” from Dr. Joy DeGruy’s groundbreaking book. This episode explores how slavery in America evolved into a uniquely brutal system that depended upon the dehumanization of African people and the legal, cultural, and psychological denial of their humanity. Topics explored in this episode include: • the origins and evolution of slavery in colonial America • how American slavery differed from other forms of slavery throughout history • Bacon’s Rebellion and the rise of race-based lifelong slavery • the Fugitive Slave Laws and the criminalization of freedom • biblical discussions surrounding slavery and refuge • the legal treatment of enslaved Africans as property rather than fully human • Toni Morrison’s inspiration for Beloved • and how systems of oppression rely upon dehumanization in order to survive This episode also examines how America’s racial hierarchy was intentionally constructed through law, economics, religion, and culture — and how the effects of that system continue to shape society today. Drawing from history, education, literature, politics, and personal reflection, Kaleesha explores why understanding the process of dehumanization is essential to understanding both America’s past and its present. This is Part 6 of an ongoing series discussing Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing by Dr. Joy DeGruy. 🎙️ Don’t Screw Up Your Kids Podcast Hosted by Kaleesha Washington

How to Break Generational Money Cycles | With Che Willis

What if the financial struggles many families face are not just about income—but about inherited patterns, habits, and mindsets? In this episode of the Don’t Screw Up Your Kids Podcast, Kaleesha Washington sits down with Che Willis of Wealth Is a Journey to talk about breaking generational money cycles and building a healthier financial future for our families. Che shares how he and his wife paid off their house in seven years, how discipline and budgeting transformed their lives, and why financial conversations inside the home matter so much. In this conversation, we discuss: • Breaking unhealthy money habits passed down through generations • Why budgeting is more emotional than mathematical • Marriage, money, and financial alignment • How discipline creates financial freedom • Teaching children financial literacy early • Building savings and preparing for future opportunities • Investing and long-term wealth building • Balancing enjoying life while preparing for the future • How small financial wins build confidence over time Che also shares free budgeting templates, videos, and other financial resources available on his website: wealthisajourney.com This episode is not about becoming rich overnight. It is about creating peace, stability, opportunity, and freedom for the next generation. Connect with Che Willis: Website: wealthisajourney.com Podcast: Wealth Is a Journey If you enjoyed this episode, follow the Don’t Screw Up Your Kids Podcast and share this conversation with someone who needs it. #CheWillis #GenerationalWealth #FinancialFreedom #MoneyMindset #Budgeting #FinancialLiteracy #MarriageAndMoney #Investing #DebtFreeJourney #FinancialPeace

Learning About the World | I Don’t Even Notice Race | PTSS Series Part 5

In Part 5 of the Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome series, Kaleesha Washington continues Chapter 1, “I Don’t Even Notice Race,” by exploring the sections “It’s About Time” and “Learning About the World” from Dr. Joy DeGruy’s groundbreaking book. This episode examines how culture shapes the way people understand time, relationships, communication, and learning — particularly within African and African-American communities. Topics explored in this episode include: • relationship-centered approaches to time and work • storytelling as a powerful teaching tool • why meaning and relevance matter in education • cultural differences in communication and learning styles • why many students ask, “Why are we learning this?” • the importance of context, connection, and lived experience in teaching • and how relationships and storytelling can improve student engagement and academic success Drawing from her own experiences as a teacher, principal, and historian, Kaleesha reflects on how storytelling transformed her classrooms and helped students connect deeply with academic content in ways traditional instruction often does not. This episode also explores how culture influences the ways people process information, build trust, understand the world, and pass knowledge from one generation to the next. This is Part 5 of an ongoing series discussing Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing by Dr. Joy DeGruy. 🎙️ Don’t Screw Up Your Kids Podcast Hosted by Kaleesha Washington

The Preeminence of Relationship | I Don’t Even Notice Race | PTSS Series Part 4

In Part 4 of the Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome series, Kaleesha Washington continues Chapter 1, “I Don’t Even Notice Race,” by exploring the section titled “The Preeminence of Relationship” from Dr. Joy DeGruy’s groundbreaking book. This episode examines the central role relationships play within African and African-American culture and how those relational values influence parenting, education, motivation, trust, discipline, identity, and community. Topics discussed include: • the emergence of African-American culture • relationship-centered cultural values • authenticity and emotional honesty • fictive kinship and community bonds • why relationships often matter more than material rewards • the importance of trust between students and teachers • the role of love and emotional safety in education • and how connection, belonging, and community impact behavior and identity formation Drawing from her experiences as an educator, principal, historian, and parent, Kaleesha reflects on why many Black students respond more strongly to relationship and affirmation than to traditional reward systems, and why understanding culture matters when working with children and communities. This episode also explores how historical trauma disrupted family and community structures while simultaneously strengthening the importance of connection, interdependence, and collective survival within African-American culture. This is Part 4 of an ongoing series discussing Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing by Dr. Joy DeGruy. 🎙️ Don’t Screw Up Your Kids Podcast Hosted by Kaleesha Washington

The Myth of Race | I Don’t Even Notice Race | PTSS Series Part 3

In Part 3 of the Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome series, Kaleesha Washington begins Chapter 1, “I Don’t Even Notice Race,” by exploring the section titled “The Myth of Race” from Dr. Joy DeGruy’s groundbreaking book. This episode examines the idea of race as a social construct rather than a biological reality and explores how racism continues to shape systems, institutions, opportunities, and lived experiences in America today. Topics discussed include: • the myth of biological race • systemic racism versus individual prejudice • slavery, segregation, and generational trauma • institutional power and inequality • redlining, education disparities, and discriminatory systems • why acknowledgment matters in healing • and how denial of historical harm prevents reconciliation and growth Drawing from history, education, politics, and personal experience, Kaleesha reflects on why America continues to struggle with race relations while other nations have publicly confronted historical atrocities through acknowledgment and reconciliation. This episode also explores the idea that “not seeing race” can become harmful when race still impacts people’s realities, opportunities, and treatment in society. This is Part 3 of an ongoing series discussing Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing by Dr. Joy DeGruy. 🎙️ Don’t Screw Up Your Kids Podcast Hosted by Kaleesha Washington