A Conversation with My Father, Steven Thompson

In this deeply personal episode of The Salad Bowl Podcast, I sit down with someone who has shaped every part of who I am—my father, Steven Thompson. This is more than just an interview; it’s a heartfelt exchange between father and son, and I invite you to be a fly on the wall as we talk about life, love, and legacy.

We cover everything from the joys and challenges of parenthood and marriage to his inspiring journey from Atlanta to a 20-year career in the Marine Corps and 21 years as a devoted educator. His wisdom, humor, and steady presence are the quiet anchors of this conversation—and of my life.

Whether you're a parent, a child, a veteran, or just someone trying to make sense of your own path, there’s something here for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the power of storytelling, reflection, and the bond between generations.

#TheSaladBowlPodcast #FatherSonConversation #MarineCorpsVeteran #BlackFathersMatter #MilitaryToEducation #ParenthoodStories #MarriageTalks #AtlantaRoots #FamilyLegacy #VeteranVoices #StorytellingPodcast #HeartToHeart #PodcastLife #BlackEducators #IntergenerationalWisdom

🌎🥗 Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or you’re just pulling up a seat, welcome! Here, we celebrate the beauty of individuality without forcing anyone to "melt" away who they are. Every episode stirs together diverse voices, real stories, and honest questions about culture, identity, growth, and human connection. This isn’t just talk — it’s nourishment for the mind and soul. Pull up a chair, there’s always room for more at The Salad Bowl.

#TheSaladBowlPodcast #PodcastReintroduction #NewSeasonNewEnergy #StayAuthentic #HumanConnection #CelebrateDiversity #PullUpASeat #FreshConversations #PodcastCommunity

🍴🎙️ In this Side Salad segment of The Salad Bowl Podcast, host Kevin Thompson dives into the complex emotions surrounding his transition out of the military after years of service. Reflecting on the identity shifts that come with leaving a structured, purpose-driven environment, Kevin opens up about the challenges of detaching from a title that has defined him for so long. He explores why it’s essential to cultivate an identity beyond your occupation and how embracing your whole self—your passions, relationships, and values—can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life. Whether you’re a service member facing your own transition or anyone questioning “what’s next,” this episode is a reminder that who you are is always more than what you do.

In this exciting and high-energy episode, I sit down with the one and only Malik Peters, also known as the "International Fake DJ" and an incredibly talented professional roller skater. 🌍🎶 Malik brings his infectious personality and unique perspective to the Salad Bowl of Life as we dive into the world of music, culture, and global travel, all while keeping it real and unapologetically fun.

From spinning tracks around the world to gliding effortlessly at the skating rink, Malik opens up about how he learned to skate, who inspired his love for music, and why New Orleans culture is so special to him. 🛼✨ We also mix it up with rapid-fire music comparisons, dream DJ sets, and some unexpected questions that’ll keep you laughing and reflecting. This conversation is full of rhythm, vibes, and deep insights.

If you’re ready to roll through stories of self-expression, cultural connection, and the importance of bringing your authentic self to the table, this is the episode for you! Don’t miss it—trust me, it’s a vibe you won’t want to skip. 🔥

🔗 Listen now and let us know your favorite part!

#TheSaladBowlPodcast 🥗🎙 #MusicAndCulture #InternationalDJ #RollerSkatingVibes #MalikPeters #NOLAStyle #AuthenticConnections #TravelAndMusic #SkateLife #PodcastLife #BeYourself #UptempoEnergy #ListenNow

🥗 Today we’re diving into the art of Converting, Passing, and Covering—essential social survival skills we all use in everyday life. From smooth transitions to subtle moves, these strategies help us navigate the human jungle. 🦁 Tune in to hear how these skills shape our interactions and keep us thriving in social settings.

#SideSalads #SocialSurvival #TheSaladBowlPodcast #Converting #Passing #Covering #HumanNature #SocialSkills #PodcastLife #SurvivalTactics #SocialStrategies #NavigatingLife #EverydaySurvival

Welcome back to Side Salads—a special segment of The Salad Bowl Podcast where we dive into bite-sized topics that spark meaningful conversations. In this episode, we explore ethnocentrism, the belief that one's own culture or group is superior to others, and how this mindset influences our interactions, perceptions, and society as a whole. Join us as we discuss the impact of ethnocentrism on human behavior, relationships, and global understanding, and explore ways we can challenge these biases to create a more inclusive world. Tune in for thought-provoking insights and discussions that will leave you reflecting on the ways we view ourselves and others.

Ever felt that uncomfortable mental tug-of-war when your beliefs clash with new information? That’s cognitive dissonance—a psychological response we all experience. In this Side Salad Segment, we break down what happens in our brains when we encounter conflicting thoughts, why it’s a natural response, and how recognizing it can help us adapt and grow.

Instead of resisting discomfort, what if we leaned into it? Join me as we explore the science behind cognitive dissonance and why having open conversations about it can lead to greater self-awareness and meaningful change.

💭 Let’s talk about it—because growth starts with understanding. Tune in now! 🎧 #TheSaladBowlPodcast #SideSalad #CognitiveDissonance

🎙️ Welcome to The Side Salad, a bite-sized but powerful segment of The Salad Bowl Podcast! In this episode, we’re serving up a fresh take on the "Cutting the Curb" philosophy—a concept rooted in accessibility, equity, and the unexpected ways that making accommodations for the disadvantaged benefits everyone.

Think about sidewalk curb cuts—originally designed for wheelchair users but now essential for parents with strollers, travelers with rolling luggage, and even your late-night food delivery on a bike. That’s the magic of intentional inclusivity: when we design with the most vulnerable in mind, we all win.

But it goes deeper than sidewalks. What if we applied this same philosophy to workplace policies, education, and social structures? What if we recognized that the origin of society—our collective humanity—functions best when everyone is accounted for?

Grab your fork and dig in—it’s time to rethink who truly benefits when we make room for everyone at the table. 🍽️✨

#TheSaladBowlPodcast #SideSalad #CutTheCurb #InclusionForAll #EquityMatters