Welcome back to another episode of Born on Third, today on the show I am joined by Lonnie Brewer to discuss his experience growing up on first base and parenting. Lonnie is an H.R. consultant, a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant, and has his own podcast underway titled On Becoming Bulletproof.

Growing up with three sisters and a mother who continually worked at least two jobs, Lonnie felt the responsibility to be the man of the house, even at five years old. He shares the stark transition from living in a dangerous area with no racism to a safer white neighborhood with overt racism. Lonnie’s experience navigating different layers of poverty has shaped him into the resilient father he is today with wisdom that can only be taught through sharing his experience. 

Key Takeaways:

• Being poor versus being broke is all about the mindset. Being poor is a mindset while being broke is an economic condition
• Saying the word “can’t” holds deeper connotation than what appears on the surface; it signifies surrendering, reluctance, and weakness
• The passive racist; a person who enjoys the privileges from a system that oppresses others and does nothing about it

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Introduction to Lonnie Brewer

[02:33] What base were you born on?

[07:21] The unwritten rules of the wealthy

[12:04] Background growing up

[18:41] Moving to Springfield

[20:18] Broke vs poor

[21:26] How do you teach resilience?

[27:19] Role modeling

[30:00] What parts of childhood help you as a parent?

[34:17] The passive racist

[37:41] Meeting your father

[45:00] A purest at heart

[48:55] Lessons to pass on

[54:35] What base are you on now?

[58:29] Outro

Quotes:

• “Wow, so that’s what it looks like to grow up with privilege – you don’t really feel like rules apply to you”
• “When I was 11 years old I was jumped by 6 guys”
• “My life could have easily gone in the other direction; I feel fortunate just to be alive”
• “Tell me and I’ll forget. Teach me and I may remember. Involve me, show me and I’ll learn”
• “I had to learn how to be a man without the benefit of having one in my life”