Like an inspector checking the foundation of a home, Dr. Lisa and Dr. Shaunna query some foundational concepts of American life. IF we are exceptional, then we struggle to see how. IF there was an American Dream, is it now, and possibly has always, been difficult to attain. IF DEI is important to organizations, why are DEI professionals now in the unemployment line?

We may be unintentional and theoretical pyromaniacs. In past episodes, Dr. Lisa and Dr. Shaunna have both suggested burning racism, patriarchy, and all form of -isms to the ground like White Hot (ep. 16) , Burn It Down (ep. 48), and Pilot Light (ep. 179). But in today's episode, they’re talking about an all-consuming fire that illuminates how the racial divide in the U.S. is still strong. The recently destroyed plantation mansion and SCOTUS hearings about nationwide injunctions on birthright citizenship illustrate their point. 

This week, the Drs discuss the ongoing drama emanating from the Whitehouse and ways we can each resist the foolishness. Your steps don’t have to be big to have an impact, and staying educated on the unprecedented levels of corruption is one place to start. In-depth knowledge of cryptocurrency is not required!

The old idea of a "snake oil" salesman isn't hard to apply to several ideas that are floating in today's strange U.S. American landscape. Having a healthy distrust of those who use deception to promote fraudulent ideas has unfortunately become a norm. This week, the Drs discuss what they consider false advertisement: pro-family benefits and cuts to health and science research.

What happens when income is relatively stable, expenses rise, and "free" is no longer free? The common American feels the crunch, despite their hard work. Unfortunately, "working hard" is not the sole barometer for financial stability and it’s very expensive be poor. This week, the hosts examine over-employment and how healthcare connects with all of it.

This episode addresses the hinge between panic and preparedness -- personally and politically. Although panic may feel easier to reach for during this current Presidential administration’s slide towards autocracy and authoritarianism, it's our time to prepare for ongoing battles. Whether we are stamping out our own fears or others' false belief in the existence of widespread voter fraud, we must be prepared to resist.

It's almost impossible to talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion anywhere in the world without discussing leaders who stand for or against such work. This week, the hosts reflect on the meaning of "edgelords", how they sow seeds for conflict and negative reactions, and how to interrupt the chaos that usually (and intentionally!) follows.

If this week's episode looks a little short to you, we promise that it's not! Given the density of current events continuing to pummel us all, the Drs have decided to scale back to TWO phases with more depth. This week, we look at the double elimination of books at the Naval Academy library and departments within HHS. Both are losses that affect more folks than you may think.

"Restoration" is usually a goal when folks want to return something back to its original condition or state...but what if that "original" state was only good for some and not good for most? In this week's episode, the hosts discuss school vouchers, mental health, GenX, and question the current brand of “restoration” being put forth for the many Smithsonian museums that document our nation’s history and achievements.

Slowly but surely, people are going missing in the U.S. No, we aren't talking about people being kidnapped, fleeing, or caught up by a rapture. We are talking about shifting language in such a way that people’s identities are no longer acknowledged, supported, or celebrated. As people’s identities are erased, the Drs. consider how to fight back and what is truly within our spheres of influence.

This week, the Drs discuss the effects of firing thousands of federal workers, particularly doctors, nurses, therapists, and social workers at the VA. They also analyze the expansion of the DOE’s understanding of the ban on affirmative action and how “kitchen table issues” center white, middle and upper class concerns.

This week's episode explores the fragility of several areas including "safe" homogenous spaces, changes in racist behaviors over multiple generations, and what to do with social media given that much of our virtual and in-person lives gingerly rest upon it.

Inspired by Slade Wentworth's "The Dad Briefs" social media messages on diversity, equity, and inclusion, this week's episode addresses the horrific treatment of the trans community, the (dis)comfort of white women as potential allies, and using white male power for the greater good.

This week, Shanna and Lisa had to talk about Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show and its cultural importance. They also discuss why U.S. Americans seem to be less interested in global affairs and the potential consequences of this disinterest, and they wrap with a discussion of the brilliant Netflix movie Six Triple Eight.

This week, the Drs. break down some of the more recent catastrophes dominating the news cycle. They begin with a recap of the Oscars and move on to the fateful Oval Office meeting with President Zelenskyy and President Trump. The episode rounds out with a discussion of the cruelty of the new DoD policy to remove transgender service members, because apparently these heroic people are a threat to U.S. national security.

Much of the country was distracted by the "the price of eggs" as a presidential vote driver, yet U.S. citizens may be in the middle of a literal and figurative Hunger Games. In this week's episode, Dr. Lisa and Dr. Shaunna drop some Black History knowledge, recap a helpful webinar by the DEI industry's heavy hitters, and discuss current challenges in nonprofit work. Oh -- pause -- and don't forget Zuckerberg's notable quotable about "masculine energy."

Sometimes it's tough to maintain a flicker of light in vast darkness. In this week's episode, Dr. Shaunna and Dr. Lisa lift up those businesses that are resisting DEI rollbacks. Even in the face of retaliation from the White House, many have the courage to do so. Finally, the hosts discuss how many DEI professionals are deciding whether to stay, leave, or recover from the work in the current hostile climate.

It's already been a volatile month for all things DEI, and that leaves Dr. Lisa and Dr. Shaunna with exponentially more to discuss. This week, topics include Meta’s new content policies, the Equal Rights Amendment, and how disconnected the electorate voting patterns can be. These are all (fish)bones of contention.

As Californians and others from around the world watched and navigated through the L.A. fires, this episode discusses disappointment in many ways. Topics covered include revisiting the experience of Black women in the workplace, Altadena and the Eaton Fire and the rebuilding of Black communities, and how the explosion of AI at the same time as a reduction in fact checking could proliferate mis and disinformation for generations to come.

This week, the Drs discuss the incoming generation, Generation Beta, and how much AI will factor in their lives. Masculinity is up to bat again, especially given how many 2024 U.S. election commentators noted the 47^th president’s targeting of young men in his campaign. And lastly, the Drs discuss the most popular Wikipedia pages of 2024!