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!

Almost 48 hours after (not) placing his hand on the Bible and being sworn in to office for a second and final term, 45/47 signed Executive Order after Executive Order, unraveling more than just President Biden's legacy alone. More than 50 years of presidential priorities were obliterated with the stroke of a Sharpie. Dr. Lisa and Dr. Shaunna touch upon those that have the most impact on diversity, equity, and inclusion work...or at the very least, the ones that vex us most.

This week, the hosts delve into virtue signaling, the future of the beauty pageant, SCOTUS’ review of gender affirming care for minors, and whether a “becoming board” is a better option than a “vision board” as we think about the year ahead.

This week on the pod, Drs. Shaunna and Lisa discuss a few issues that one might describe as illogical – underestimating HMCU American football coaches and players, U.S. healthcare, and how many states STILL have not had a woman governor.

Happy New Year...or at least we hope it's more happy moments than not. In the DEI space, we greet you with new terrain to navigate. The first episode of the year grapples with defining "engagement" in the workplace, feedback on DEI language usage, and new research on people who mourn the loss of being a grandparent.

In the last episode of 2024, Drs Shaunna and Lisa applaud General Tubman, give a slight side-eye to Cynthia Erivo, and remove themselves from the mythology of self-care.

As the hosts slide to the end of 2024, they are noticing that more and more organizations are losing courage in the face of challenges to DEI work. In this week's episode, Drs Shaunna and Lisa discuss the lack of regard for women's lives, policy rollbacks, and contentious holiday disagreements.