A new podcast, Tapis Talk, seeks to explore issues surrounding equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) at Illinois State.  

Find the podcast on Apple and Spotify.  

Host and creator, Assistant Professor of Race, Visual, and African American Rhetoric Byron Craig, enlisted the word tapis (pronounced TAW-pay), because of its diverse meanings. “Tapis can represent a richly decorated cloth or tapestry, or visualizing countless possibilities in art and life as portrayed on cloth,” said Craig. “It can also mean that topics are ‘on the table’ or ‘under consideration.’ Tapis Talk is a place where we can come to the table and consider a rich tapestry of possibilities.” 

Current Tapis Talk episodes include discussions with Interim Assistant to the President for Diversity and Inclusion Doris Houston and Assistant Professor of Theatre Shannon Epplett. 

“Dr. Craig’s podcast is an exploration of what is being done, and what is possible for the future,” said Houston.  

Future guests will include Director of the Multicultural Center Christa Platt, co-chair of the Queer Coalition Dr. Gavin Weiser, and Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Diane Zosky.   

“All of the voices on this podcast come together to address the issues that challenge us to do better and help us navigate this rapidly changing world,” said Craig. 

Recorded and produced in the School of Communication at Illinois State, the podcast is supported by the Office of the President.