The Roll Down

DEI: The Psychological Impact of Oppression & Pathways to Healing

This is Part 3 of a three-part DEI series on The Roll Down. In this final episode, Matthew and Alethea turn toward the psychological and nervous-system impacts of colonization, racism, and ongoing oppression—and what healing can look like in the midst of it. Using Polyvagal Theory as a grounding framework, they explore how our bodies and brains adapt to chronic threat through hypervigilance, shutdown, and survival strategies that are often misunderstood or pathologized. The conversation names realities such as racial trauma, internalized oppression, intergenerational grief, imposter syndrome, colorism, and the misdiagnosis of marginalized communities, while emphasizing that these are not “disorders,” but adaptive responses to unsafe systems. This episode offers language, validation, and a compassionate lens for understanding how oppression lives in the body—and reminds us that healing is deeply relational, rooted in safety, co-regulation, and being seen.   Hosts: Alethea Lamberson & Matthew Melendrez Designer: Cameron Stingley Follow us on IG: @therolldownpodcast The Roll Down podcast is part of the Chasing Justice Podcast Network. To find out more, visit chasingjustice.com.

DEI: The Neuroscience of Memory & History of Colonization and Oppression

This is part 2 of a three-part series on DEI. In this episode, Matthew and Alethea dive into how the brain creates and stores memories—and explore the critical consequences of misremembering or erasing history. We are living in a time when books are being banned, DEI language is being legislated against, and educators are restricted from teaching accurate historical truths. In this context, preserving and sharing accurate history becomes an act of resistance. Matthew and Alethea offer a brief yet powerful overview of colonization, oppression, and racism—drawing connections to today’s political climate, particularly the ongoing dehumanization of immigrants.dd   Hosts: Alethea Lamberson & Matthew Melendrez Designer: Cameron Stingley Follow us on IG: @therolldownpodcast The Roll Down podcast is part of the Chasing Justice Podcast Network. To find out more, visit chasingjustice.com.

DEI is the New ______

This episode kicks off a three-part series surrounding DEI. In this episode, we break down what DEI is and means, give a brief history about it, and discuss some of the contradictions and hypocrisy from the current administration regarding DEI. While we cannot cover everything that has happened since the inauguration, we wanted to provide some context and lay the groundwork for what is to come in the episodes to follow.   Hosts: Alethea Lamberson & Matthew Melendrez Designer: Cameron Stingley Follow us on IG: @therolldownpodcast   The Roll Down podcast is part of the Chasing Justice Podcast Network. To find out more, visit chasingjustice.com.

State of Our Country, Pt. 2 w/ Danielle Coke Balfour

We have our first guest of the season! Danielle Coke Balfour is back again and joins us as we dive into part 2 of the state of our country. In this episode, we discuss with Danielle her perspective on what’s currently happening with this administration and DEI, and how the past five years got us to this moment. We also talk with her about removing a best-selling product from Target after their DEI rollback, and how she’s continuing to show up and do her part.  Follow and support Danielle’s work: A Heart on Fire [https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-heart-on-fire-100-meditations-on-loving-your-neighbors-well-danielle-coke-balfour/19795761?ean=9781524881221] A Heart on Fire Guided Workbook [https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-heart-on-fire-guided-workbook-100-activities-and-prompts-for-a-life-of-everyday-advocacy-and-self-compassion-danielle-coke-balfour/21085257?ean=9781524888213&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwmaO4BhAhEiwA5p4YL_dmRK9rH_wDZgo-EZKFHeBFQJkokc7nELENTcfoBr3SBZnPI67DmBoC9nAQAvD_BwE] Subscribe to The Everyday Advocate [http://ohhappydani.com] (weekly newsletter) https://shop.ohhappydani.com/ [https://shop.ohhappydani.com/] IG: @ohhappydani    Hosts: Alethea Lamberson & Matthew Melendrez Designer: Cameron Stingley Follow us on IG: @therolldownpodcast The Roll Down podcast is part of the Chasing Justice Podcast Network. To find out more, visit chasingjustice.com.

State of Our Country: Let's Do This Differently

Episode 2 marks the first of a two-part series focused on the current state of our country. In contrast to previous seasons—which focused more on analyzing national events—this episode intentionally shifts the lens toward self-care, strategic resistance, and holistic health in the pursuit of justice. Matthew and Alethea offer psychoeducation on the Central Nervous System, exploring how stress is internalized and how we can intentionally disrupt the stress cycle. The episode highlights the importance of regulation and embodiment as vital tools for sustainability and well-being in the midst of chaos. The worksheet linked is meant to be used after listening to Episode 2. It can be completed individually or in community—whether in a small group, team meeting, classroom, mentorship context, or any space committed to collective learning, healing, and justice. Linked Resources: TRD Worksheet [https://static1.squarespace.com/static/63f91698c813ab609285469f/t/680104ae91ba1a41770ed792/1744897199693/TRD+State+of+Our+Country+Worksheet.pdf] The Logoff [https://www.vox.com/pages/logoff-newsletter-trump-administration-updates] (daily Vox newsletter)   Hosts: Alethea Lamberson & Matthew Melendrez Designer: Cameron Stingley Follow us on IG: @therolldownpodcast The Roll Down podcast is part of the Chasing Justice Podcast Network. To find out more, visit chasingjustice.com [https://chasingjustice.com].