For the final podcast episode this summer of Shed Conversations About Race, host Eric Adams talks to Ryan Murtha, an Island contractor who sent him a message with the question: “Am I a Racist?”

Shed has been produced by the Vineyard Gazette, in conjunction with Chris Fischer and Amy Schumer. The podcast was inspired by the kneel-ins that began last summer in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. Mr. Adams interviewed members of the Vineyard community, both year-round and seasonal, looking at racism from various viewpoints and likening it to a social illness. His goal was to expand the conversation and help move people along the spectrum he uses in his family therapy and addiction practice, from awareness to contemplation to action.

The podcast first aired on July 16, featuring a conversation with filmmaker Stanley Nelson who talked about his own experiences with racism and looked at the Black Lives Matter movement through the lens of his extensive documentary background, including a film about the Black Panther party.

Subsequent interviews include Island educators Dhakir Warren and Amy Lilavois; Angella Henry, whose son DJ was killed during a confrontation with police; Amy Schumer talking about her growing awareness and activism; writer Tre Johnson; professor and author Jessica B. Harris; Andrew Celli, a lawyer who handles civil rights cases; and Awet Woldegebriel, UNICEF officer of strategic partnerships.

All nine episodes can be found at vineyardgazette.com/podcast.