Tyler Merritt - Before You Call the Cops, Storytelling and Empathy Driven Social Justice

Tyler Merritt is a Nashville-based actor, comedian, vocalist, and creator of The Tyler Merritt Project. He believes empathy is a powerful tool to fight injustice and encourages people to step out of the anonymity of social media and engage in face-to-face conversations. Using his creativity, Tyler Merritt challenges racism and promotes empathy.  In 2018, Tyler's viral video "Before You Call The Cops" (released by The Tyler Merritt Project) was viewed by over 18 million people worldwide and voted one of the Top 20 videos of the year by NowThisPolitics. In 2020, “Before You Call the Cops” recirculated and has since been viewed by over 60 million people and has appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, MSNBC Live, and Access Hollywood.  Jay and Tyler discuss the idea of activism through storytelling, the way cancer impacted Tyler’s activist journey, and much more. Learn more about the Tyler Merritt Project here. Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (02:05) Tyler’s new book, “This Changes Everything” (08:50) How does religion influence Tyler’s activism? (12:14) Tyler’s “Strong Black Man Mode” (14:37) Navigating criticism  (18:01) Growing into activism (21:05 ) Pathways to leadership for future generations  (24:26) The state of communication in America (26:02) What should we focus on now? (28:13 ) Goodbye and outro For video episodes, watch on www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation Stay in touch: X: @JayRuderman | @RudermanFdn LinkedIn: Jay Ruderman | Ruderman Family Foundation Instagram: All About Change Podcast | Ruderman Family Foundation To learn more about the podcast, visit https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/

Om Podcasten

How do we build an inclusive world? Hear intimate and in-depth conversations with changemakers on disability rights, youth mental health advocacy, prison reform, grassroots activism, and more. First-hand stories about activism, change, and courage from people who are changing the world: from how a teen mom became the Planned Parenthood CEO, to NBA player Kevin Love on mental health in professional sports, to Beetlejuice actress Geena Davis on Hollywood’s role in women’s rights. All About Change is hosted by Jay Ruderman, whose life’s work is seeking social justice and inclusion for people with disabilities worldwide. Join Jay as he interviews iconic guests who have gone through adversity and harnessed their experiences to better the world. This show ultimately offers the message of hope that we need to keep going. All About Change is a production of the Ruderman Family Foundation. Listen and subscribe to All About Change wherever you get podcasts. https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/