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What's in a name? Everything. Your name is your melody, your lineage, and how your ancestors speak through you. So when someone consistently mispronounces it or, worse, substitutes it with something entirely different, that's not just an honest mistake—it's a choice that speaks volumes.

Welcome to this raw, honest conversation about one of the most persistent microaggressions many of us face: name butchering. As your host Jeba Edmonds (not Jabba, not Jebba, and definitely not Jenna) explains, it's 2025, we have advanced AI in our pockets, yet somehow proper name pronunciation remains an "impossible" task for many. The selective difficulty is telling—we can master "Tchaikovsky" and "charcuterie" without hesitation, but diverse names are deemed "too complicated"?

This episode unpacks the deeper implications of name mispronunciation, from the subtle erosion of belonging to the exhausting reality many BIPOC individuals face when they feel forced to change their names for professional advancement or simply to avoid constant corrections. We explore how what might seem like small slip-ups to some represent significant acts of disregard to others, especially when those "mistakes" persist after multiple corrections.

But this isn't just a critique—it's a heartfelt invitation to do better. Learn practical approaches to honoring people's names correctly, understand why it matters so deeply, and discover how making this simple effort transforms relationships and builds genuine inclusion. Whether you're an educator, manager, or someone who values authentic connections, this episode offers the perspective and tools to ensure everyone's name—and by extension, their identity—receives the respect it deserves.

Ready to deepen your understanding? Check out my blog and subscribe to "The Inclusive Educator" newsletter for weekly insights on creating truly inclusive spaces from classrooms to boardrooms. Your journey toward more meaningful, respectful connections begins with something as fundamental as saying someone's name correctly.

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