In this episode, Dr. Shaunna and Dr. Lisa dive into two timely conversations starting with a critique of celebrity opulence against the backdrop of widespread hardship. Then they tackle the evolution and utility of the term “African American” in our current social landscape. Expect sharp observations, spirited debate, and actionable insights.

Whose history gets told? In this episode, Dr. Lisa and Dr. Shaunna unpack the unsettling intersections of memory, commodification, and state-sanctioned narratives. From the newly opened Jonestown site in Guyana to the controversial signage reshaping U.S. historical landmarks through QR codes, we ask: What happens when sites of trauma become tourist attractions—or propaganda tools?

In this special 200th-episode edition, we step back from our usual deep-dive format to reflect on the evolution of [un]phased unedited, celebrate what it means to hit this milestone, share lessons learned along the way, and peer into the trends shaping our next chapters. Fewer than 10% of podcasts ever reach 100 episodes -- and far fewer make it to 200. We've avoided the "podfade cliff"...so grab a glass of something and listen in. Hitting 200 isn’t just a number—it’s proof of persistence, community support, and our commitment to unedited conversations.

Time to unfurl the flags and ask: what is this love of country that smells suspiciously like control? Come for the analysis, stay for the side-eyes, and wrestle with the questions.

Drs Gold and Ingarfield lament the seeming loss of critical thinking skills in the USA and what that could mean for democracy. They also delve into the multiple perspectives on Tyler Perry’s new movies to illustrate that two things can be true at once.

Dr. Lisa and Dr. Shaunna examine how leaders—whether championing change or propagating harmful rhetoric—shape our social landscape. This episode navigates the spectrum of community leadership, from NIMBY mentalities to overt displays of slurs, alongside the encouraging support of pro football leaders for LGBTQ+ visibility.

In this episode, Dr. Shaunna and Dr. Lisa dissect the stark contrast between state-sanctioned military pageantry and grassroots dissent. They unpack the symbolic weight of the June 14th Army parade—rituals of authority and tradition —and explore how these displays are being quietly challenged by the rising tide of No Kings protests nationwide...auspiciously on the 47th President's birthday.

If something has always been sour, can it ever be sweet? This week, Dr. Shaunna and Dr. Lisa dive into socio-political dynamics regarding being "closeted", handling the grief of today's. U.S. context, and the future of activism -- especially at graduation and commencement ceremonies.

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.