[Un]phased Unedited Podcast

In yet another week of U.S. damage reporting, Dr. Lisa and Dr. Shaunna discuss the recent gutting of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. First, we talk about the appropriately timed colloquialism, "86". Then Justice Kagan gives a scathing dissent to the 6-3 SCOTUS decision in Louisiana v. Callais that effectively signs off on the disenfranchisement of Black citizens through recent nationwide battles around gerrymandering.On a final lighthearted note, there are new Oscars rules regarding AI performances and AI-authored screenplays as the industry tries to keep up with technology as it speeds ahead.Mentioned in the ShowAsk George: Where Does the Term “86’d” Come From? – St Louis MagazineHow the Supreme Court Demolished the Voting Rights Act – The New YorkerVoters Can Be Disenfranchised Now – The AtlanticBreaking: SCOTUS Deals Another Blow to Multi Racial Democracy – Strict Scrutiny podcastLouisiana v. Callais Opinion - SCOTUS

In this episode, we explore the concept of "collective effervescence" -- the shared emotional release people feel during major moments -- using the splashdown of Artemis II, religious worship, and sports as examples.Then we turn to youth sports and the growing cost barriers. Despite the collective cheers, dads have holes in their shoes and moms are wearing the same bras they wore during the first Obama administration to give kids access. Senator Cory Booker sounds the alarm regarding equitable access to play.Our second phase is on political strategy and the role of centrism. We question what will happen if we appeal to the political "middle" at the expense of marginalized voices and what it looks like to be fluent in nuance, curiosity, and dialogue rather than ideology alone. Together, we wrestle with questions of compromise, consensus, and community—asking how societies can pursue shared wins without continually placing the heaviest losses on those with the least power.Mentioned in showHow Youth Sports Became a Magnet for Private Equity - StoutThe Focus Group Podcast - The BulwarkAmerica's Divisions: Getting on Our Nerves (with Jessica Tarlov) – The Focus Group Podcast

As a prelude to National Small Business Week, Dr. Lisa puts Dr. Shaunna in the hot seat. We know that U.S. entrepreneurs and small business owners make major contributions to local economy and beyond, yet we rarely take stock of the additional challenges for women and people of color as entrepreneurs. In this unique episode, we take the time to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Gold Enterprises with an impromptu interview on the highs and lows of solopreneurship.Also, read more about Gold Enterprises the Golden Years: 10 Business Lessons in 10 Years bundle!Purchase today at: Gold Enterprises, LLC

This week, we have a tight, candid conversation about the Superwoman Syndrome, the Strong Black Woman Schema and Actively Black, as well as medical speech and the Supreme Court.Ahhh, some Black women are not here for the perennial weight of being superwomen, strong, or magical! We discuss the wildly popular athleisure clothing brand "Actively Black" and address a split opinion for and against their "Black Women are Superheroes Collection." Then, we touch upon SCOTUS’s pending birthright citizenship decision and their Chiles v. Salazar decision on state conversion therapy bans and medical-speech regulation. If this episode lands for you, share it, rate it, and tell a friend who needs to hear this conversation.Mentioned in the show:Unveiling the Strong Black Woman Schema-Evolution and Impact: A Systematic Review – Clinical Nursing ResearchChiles v. Salazar (2026) – Supreme Court opinionChiles v. Salazar Explainer – The Trevor ProjectThe Dangers of Conversion Therapy – The Trevor Project

In this episode, we start with the Word of the Week: Toxic Productivity and how it fuels (see what we did there?) workplace burnout through the American grind culture. Then we discuss the Artemis II mission, especially how it's equally awe-inspiring and anxiety-inducing. (Challenger kids, unite!). Finally, we discuss System 1 and System 2 thinking, including who's most vulnerable to scams, shortcuts, and shiny promises.This episode is part space‑nerd wonder, part sociological deep dive, and part “wait…why are we like this?” conversation. Equal parts humor, honesty, and hard questions—just how we like it.🎧 Listen if you’ve ever:- Held your breath during a rocket launch- Wondered why exhaustion is praised as a personality trait- Fallen down a cult‑podcast rabbit holeQuestioned whether your instincts are protecting you or limiting you- No scripts. No polish. Just curiosity, caution, and commentary.Mentioned in the showBeyond the grind: Toxic productivity and how it sabotages your well-being - Harvard HealthArtemis II lunar fly by pictures - NASAWe choose our cults everyday - The Atlantic (2021)Amanda Montell - Cultish

In this episode, we explore how attempting to quell some voices simply amplifies them. We start from Amanda Montell's book, Cultish (2021) and the world of thought‑terminating clichés. These are catchy, seemingly harmless phrases that shut down curiosity, silence, dissent, and discourage deeper critical thinking. We also investigate the role of satire as a tool for social critique, using comedian Druski’s recent work to test the boundaries of racial commentary. Then we turn to modern political language: dog whistles that have evolved from Nixon‑era “law and order” messaging into today’s outright bullhorns. Using the PBS documentary White with Fear and the recent UN vote on slavery as a crime against humanity, we explore what the U.S. "no" vote reveals about American identity and collective memory. As The New York Times piece put it nicely, “It’s Not Trump. It’s America.”Mentioned in the showWhite with Fear - PBS'The gravest crime against humanity': What does the UN vote on slavery mean? – BBC NewsOpinion | It’s Not Trump. It’s America - The New York Times

This week, the Drs review major "a ha" moments from the Mather Institute's Gen X report -- what it reveals about workplace loneliness, generational expectations, and AI usage. Then, they pivot to the ongoing culture war fallout: DOGE bros deposition, the growing precarity of violence against women services, and the U.S. withholding a U.N. vote to support women. Mentioned in the showTHE GEN XPERIENCE A FIVE-YEAR JOURNEY INTO THE LIVES OF GENERATION X – The Mather InstituteOur Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation 2023 – Surgeon General’s OfficeMajor Update in our NEH Lawsuit – American Historical AssociationWhen DOGE Unleashed ChatGPT on the Humanities - NYTCommission on the Status of Women Seventieth session 9-19 March 2026 – UN WomenOnly US Votes Against Women’s Rights Document at UN Commission – Health Policy WatchWhy supporting a shelter for women is now 'kind of radioactive' - NPR

Many call for us to meet in the middle, but that's a tough ask. In this week's episode, the Drs. tackle the distinction between Persian vs. Arab and the problematic "Middle East" phrasing. They then move on to the Target boycott that rages on despite a male declaration that accomplishing 3 of 4 goals is enough. Lastly, a recent NYT Op Ed queries whether American politics can ever meet in the middle. Our discourse is currently understood as a binary, win-lose "blood sport." Dehumanization prevails over logical discourse – are we at the end? Mentioned in the showTarget’s plan to win you back - CNNWe Have Reached End-Stage Polarization – The New York Times Opinion

This episode reviews the legal fight between Anthropic and the Pentagon. Then we take a quick detour through the LA Marathon controversy -- all against the backdrop of the war, conflict, military exercises (or whatever you want to call it) that rages on.Anthropic's insistence on red lines forced a confrontation that blends legal, ethical, commercial, and national-security stakes. The juxtaposition of a marathon against a war, attempts to remind us to keep the main thing the main thing, and then we call you to keep watching these developing stories.Mentioned in the showAnthropic’s Claude is suddenly the most popular iPhone app following Pentagon feud - CNN BusinessAnthropic sues the Trump administration after it was designated a supply chain risk - CNN BusinessHow Talks Between Anthropic and the Defense Dept. Fell Apart - NYTAnthropic vs. the Pentagon: Inside the Battle Over A.I. Warfare - The DailyAnthropic Sues Pentagon Over ‘Supply Chain Risk’ Label - NYTAnthropic’s Ethical Stand Could Be Paying Off - the AtlanticThe War on Anthropic: Pretextual Designation and Unlawful Punishment - Just SecurityRunners Who Complete 18 Miles Will Get a Medal at the Los Angeles Marathon – Runner’s WorldIs this war illegal? - The Bulwark Illegal News with Sarah Longwell podcastIran, War Powers, and the Power of the Purse: Leverage or Legalization - Just SecurityTop Questions the Trump Administration Needs to Answer on War with Iran – What Congress, journalists, and the public should ask - Just Security

Ambiguous grief is the quiet ache that has no funeral, no casserole, no tidy closure—missing someone who’s still breathing but feels like a stranger at the Thanksgiving table. But how does it show up when you miss an entire country's past or potential? In this episode, the Drs hold this grief with care, and then they pivot to lighter, sharper cultural critique with a retro recap of America’s Next Top Model on Netflix—Tyra’s detachment, Ken Mok’s allergic‑to‑ownership energy, and the small moments that still sting and teach. Finally, they review new state rules limiting what SNAP recipients can buy, the baffling loopholes that let expensive protein bars through but ban cheaper chocolate‑covered nuts, and what these policy choices reveal about taxation, stigma, and who gets to decide what counts as food. Tune in for honest feelings, sharp cultural takes, and practical questions to bring back to your table and your networks.Mentioned in the showReality Check: America's Next Top Model - NetflixThe New Food-Stamp Rules Will Make Your Head Spin - The AtlanticNew Food Stamp Rules are Confusing Grocery Stores – New York TimesCharacteristics of SNAP Households: Fiscal Year 2023 - USDATortilla, broccoli, ‘a piece of chicken’: US agriculture secretary mocked for ‘money-saving’ meal – The Guardian

Channeling the spirit of Mr. Rogers, this episode discusses three moments that reveal how we show up as neighbors. We start with Adam Serwer’s new framing of “neighborism,” the Twin Cities’ ethic of protecting neighbors regardless of origin, and what that stance teaches organizers about solidarity and civic courage. Then we turn to a fraught media moment at the BAFTAs where an audible racial slur, involuntary tics, and editorial choices by broadcasters collide. Finally, we widen the lens with Peter Beinart’s critique of American exceptionalism, testing whether the standards we apply to other nations are the same ones we apply to U.S. political moves.Tune in, subscribe, and share with a colleague so they can become a braver neighbor. Mentioned in the showMinnesota Proved MAGA Wrong – The Atlantic, Adam SerwerJohn Davidson: BAFTAs interrupted by racist slur from man with Tourette Syndrome - CNNA statement from BAFTAWhat If Other Countries Claimed The Right to Bomb the US? – Peter Beinart, The Beinart Notebook, SubStack

This episode explores what it means to refuse compliance -- from a Ukrainian Olympian disqualified for honoring fallen compatriots to America's growing unease with #AI. The Drs. look at the IOC's crackdown on athlete expression, the politics of memory, and why conscientious objection still matters far beyond the battlefield. Then, they discuss AI's rapid expansion, the lack of guardrails (pun intended and you'll learn why), and what happens when a country that ties identity to labor fears becoming obsolete.Mentioned in the showUkrainian skeleton slider disqualified from Olympics after breaking IOC rules on helmet honoring dead compatriots - CNNTeam Haiti Olympic uniforms: IOC forces removal of founding father – nj.comHow Americans View AI and Its Impact on Human Abilities, Society – Pew Research CenterAmerica Isn’t Ready for What AI Will Do to Jobs - The Atlantic

Disgust isn't a strong enough word to describe what we saw come out of the White House during the first week of Black History Month. This week, the Drs provide the history of ape imagery and how this adds to the list of rac*st behavior by 45/47. They also circle back to the SAVE Act which grapples AGAIN with voter access and rules regarding ID that affect Americans on the margins. Oh, and they WON'T entertain the Super Bowl conversations about Benito, but do talk about language privilege. Quizás a partir de ahora traduciremos las notas del programa al español. ¿Qué te parece? 😏Mentioned in the showTrump refuses to apologize over racist meme of the Obamas - NPRThe ape insult: A short history of a racist idea – The University of Melbourne45/47 Most Racist Moments, Ranked – The BulwarkWhen Voting Gets Harder, Women Pay First: The Stakes of the SAVE Act – Ms. MagazineWhat is the SAVE America Act? Here's what to know about the GOP elections bill – CBS NewsElections overhaul takes center stage in House as hard-right pressure mounts - Politico

This week is a sharp look at the rise of the "reactionary centrist" -- folks who drift from the left toward the political center while loudly critiquing the left and quietly validating right-wing narratives. As we attempt to avoid the echo chambers that all forms of media help to create, how often do we intentionally engage with ideas that challenge our values regardless of one's political leaning? The current events of the day call us to engage in a circumspect way as some stories are systematically silenced. Mentioned in the show:Melania Movie Review: All the Money In the World Can't Make Good Propaganda – Vanity Fair2025 was ICE’s deadliest year in two decades. Here are the 32 people who died in custody – The GuardianDeath of a detainee at an ICE detention center in Texas is ruled a homicide - NPRFamily of man killed by off-duty ICE agent in LA demands charges: ‘The ache will never go away’ – The GuardianTwo CBP Agents Identified in Alex Pretti Shooting – Pro PublicaShooting deaths climb in Trump's mass deportation effort – PBS News

Tuck the kids away and listen to this one with adults only! Ahhh, it is p*rn, but it isn't exactly what you think. This week, we have a sharp, curious conversation about beauty standards through looksmaxxing, self-designed learning through personal curricula, and competency p*rn as a reprieve from the real world. Watch The Pitt, The Diplomat, Abbott Elementary, or the new Matlock? There may be some science behind why we binge competent characters on the small screen.Mentioned in the show:Inside looksmaxxing, the extreme cosmetic social media trend – BBC NewsCompetency porn: is there any greater escapism than watching a capable person on TV? - The GuardianLooksmaxxing reveals the depth of the crisis facing young men – The AtlanticTV’s most satisfying escape right now is watching ‘competency porn’ - Washington Post

Referring back to Havel's 1978 essay, "The Power of the Powerless," Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's World Economic Forum remarks explore how individual integrity and institutional honesty shape global power in the face of hegemons. (Don't worry, we'll define hegemons for you!). Carney used a surgical approach in advocating for moral courage. Small acts of non-participation in false rituals can erode authoritarian systems. In other words, there is not -- and has NEVER been -- a neutral moral ground. Mentioned in the showIn full: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's speech at the World Economic Forum in DavosThe Power of the Powerless by Vaclav Havel (1978)

Processing the loss of Renee Good was so important that we settled on a one-phase episode. From the *cold* impact on immigration policy (read between the lines, ya'll!) to the true cost of allyship, Renee's story overlaps with this year's MLK Week, leaving us with important lessons on grace and kindness, even in her last moments.Word of the Week: HumanophilePhase 1: Renee Good in MinneapolisResources from the show:Renee Macklin Good’s wife says she nurtured kindness – MPR newsCongress is debating the possible consequences for ICE and even Noem after Renee Good’s killing – AP NewsRenee Nicole Good shooting casts scrutiny on ICE’s use of deadly force – The GuardianOpinion: Remembering Renee Good - NPRThe Distance Between Renee Good and Ashli Babbitt Is Fascism – The BulwarkRenee Nicole Good isn't the first death caused by ICE under Trump administration – NPR NewsBefore ICE Shooting, Immigration Agents Repeatedly Used Deadly Force – The Marshall ProjectText messages and a moved SUV: How the government’s case against a Chicago woman shot by a Border Patrol agent fell apart - CNN

In this week's episode, the Drs. tackle grief and egalitarian relationships -- especially when they collide with gender. Then they move onto new political realities including NEW Mayor Mamdani, the ideal of Bernie Sanders, and the reality of U.S. involvement in Venezuela.Announcement: GENERATION OVERLAP! Dr. Shaunna shared the origin story of her new podcast, co-hosted with her son Trai. Subscribe and follow @generationoverlap on YouTube as they have cross-generational dialogue. Word of the Week: Grief PolicingPhase 1: Egalitarian RelationshipsPhase 2: Mamdani, Venezuela, and Political Realities Mentioned in the showThe Brazen Illegality of Trump’s Venezuela Operation - The New YorkerWhy Trump’s Venezuela Intervention Is Different - PoliticoCan the U.S. Legally ‘Run’ Venezuela After Maduro’s Capture? Here’s What to Know - NYTLive updates: Maduro scheduled to make court appearance in New York City - NBC NewsZohran Mamdani officially sworn in on a Quran full of symbolism - AP NewsMamdani’s First Orders Focus on Housing and Undoing Adams’s Decisions - NYT

Season 5 begins by (hopefully) blowing your minds. Have you imagined what you're wearing to special occasion? Have you imagined what you're eating for dinner? Have you imagined what a just world could look like? Join the Drs in the New Year as they move from resistance to imagination. We work through AI slop, revisit freedom dreaming in a new way, and discuss the new U.S. visa restrictions prohibiting five Europeans who work on ending mis and disinformation from coming to the USA in the name of protecting free speech.Mentioned in the show:2025’s Words of the Year, So Far - TimeUS bars five Europeans it says pressured tech firms to censor American viewpoints online – AP NewsEuropean leaders condemn US visa bans as row over ‘censorship’ escalates – The GuardianAnnouncement of a Visa Restriction Policy Targeting Foreign Nationals Who Censor Americans – U.S. Department of State

In the closing episode of 2025, [un]phased unedited holds up the mirror to a year of reckoning. The doctors unpack cultural flashpoints—from executive orders galore, through trans (kids) rights and immigration policy to Jan 6 pardons—that forced us to confront our values around equity and justice.We trace how language shifted: “belonging,” “resilience,” and even “DEI” itself took on new meanings, revealing both fatigue and transformation. Corporate accountability is on trial, as boycotts and quiet retreats continue to expose the difference between performative commitments and true change.Amid disruption, grassroots movements and micro-communities modeled resilience and care, reminding us that resistance often begins at the local level. And we invite listeners into personal reckoning: What did you unlearn, reclaim, or reimagine in your own equity journey this year?As we move toward 2026, we ask: What threats loom largest—and what possibilities remain if we act together, even (and ESPECIALLY) when tired?Mentioned in the Show:Don't get angry, but the 2025 Oxford Word of the Year is 'rage bait' - NPRUVA Board of Visitors holds final meeting of the year amid tensions on Grounds – 29 News (VA Local News)You read that white: Pantone's 2026 Color of the Year is 'Cloud Dancer' - NPRTwo Hundred — [Un]phased Unedited Podcast

As usual...it's not as simple as you think! This week, we pull back the layered concept of transparency in organizations. Leaders navigate the tension between disclosure and discretion, knowing that transparency is never as simple as a binary choice. We also revisit the ongoing assault of transgender people’s rights – the federal pressure continues to erase their existence.Word of the Week [1:18]: Transparency: How timing, context, and leadership choices shape perceptions of openness.Phase 1 [8:30]: UVA: A deep dive into the University of Virginia’s dismantling of DEI initiatives, the resignation of President Emeritus Jim Ryan, and the broader implications for governance and equity.Phase 2 [28:26]: Trans Kids: Drawing parallels to the recent attempts to create a database of children with autism, the DOJ subpoenas asking for private details of children provided puberty blockers and other gender affirming care -- including children's names, addresses, care, SSN, and meds were blocked by three judges. Even the attempt is frightening.Mentioned in the show:News in brief: President Ryan transition timeline – UVA TodayPolicy Tracker: Youth Access to Gender Affirming Care and State Policy Restrictions – KFF Health NewsTrump Admin Suggests It Could Invalidate Trans, Nonbinary Passports in New Update - ThemFederal court rejects Trump Justice Department’s effort to access trans kids’ medical records - AdvocateNews Judge nixes Justice Department subpoena of telehealth trans health care provider - AdvocateMedical Care for Transgender Youth: ‘The Protocol’ Podcast – The New York Times

This week's conversation maps three currents: a new organizational model that favors distributed intelligence, recent U.S. visa guidance that expands restrictions to common health considerations, and a cultural critique of individualism.Word of the Week [1:32]: Octopus Organization: We can't figure out if we should use "octopuses" or "octopi" but either way, two HBR authors coin the phrase in their book to provide a nimbler framework for organizations.Phase 1 [9:39]: Health & Immigration: Did you know that foreigners who want to come to the U.S. may be flagged for visa denials due to perceived obesity, diabetes, and mental health concerns? Visa officers are unlikely to provide equitable application of the new rule...keeping more folks out of a country built on immigrant experiences.Phase 2 [26:49]: Village Care: Minna Lee Jamison calls her IG followers out in the best of ways. She poignantly asks us to consider the "weaponization of boundaries" as we seem to want a village, but rarely want to be a villager.Mentioned in the show:Become an Octopus Organization - HBRRubio instructs US diplomats to consider obesity as a cause for rejecting visas - PoliticalImmigrants With Health Conditions May Be Denied Visas Under New Trump Administration Guidance – KFF Health News

This episode spots the sludge -- every day fictions that block help and information. Recent reports of U.S. strikes on alleged drug boats require us to questions the legal, ethical, and political justifications. The pressure points around Thanksgiving travel, retail spin, and who pays the price during holiday logistics cannot be ignored this week, either.Word of the Week [2:29]: Sludge: Ever get so frustrated by endless phone menus, dropped calls, and that "unusually high call volume" refrain? Welp, that sludge is by design.Phase 1 [12:39]: Boat Strikes: Reports of at least 20 strikes across the Caribbean and Pacific waters mention ~80 individuals k*lled and 2 known survivors. The justification of "non-international armed conflict" should all raise a brow given its parameters and how abnormal this is in the realm of human rights and lethal force at sea.Phase 2 [27:08]: Thanks is Giving...Spin: Air traffic controller strains continue, which then lead to other transportation systems being taxed. Retail is being spun as a win, instead of a loss, given that Thanksgiving meals are NOT cheaper in comparison to last year. This holiday season will shift more burdens on households that are already stretched thin.Mentioned in the podcast:Timeline of Vessel Strikes and Related Actions – Just SecurityDissecting the Trump Administration’s Effort to Circumvent the War Powers Resolution for Boat Strikes - Just SecurityGOP senators sink resolution to block potential strikes on Venezuela – The HillTrump Serves a Misleading Thanksgiving Meal Statistic - FactCheck.orgTrump touts cheap groceries ahead of Thanksgiving. The reality is a mixed plate – The GuardianYour Call is Important to Us – 99% Invisible podcast

In this episode, we explore the concept of Surplus Powerlessness -- the internalized belief that we are more powerless than we truly are. Drawing from Michael Lerner's 1991 book of the same name, we focus on how narratives, society, and personal trauma convince people they lack agency.Phase 1 – No ICE, Please: The Drs discuss the ongoing court cases against !CE and National Guard deployment following the OBBBA which made them the largest and most well-funded federal law enforcement agency in U.S. history.Phase 2 – Getting Things Done: Dr. Gold has been noticing the doers of society on social media. Folks like Kiki Rough, Perfecto Pat, Genny Mack and Danny Clarke take us back to our roots (literally and figuratively) as we remember -- and sometimes learn for the first time -- how to survive. Cooking cheap meals, baking from scratch for neighbors and the community, and gardening -- even down to creating healing tinctures out of corn silks highlight how we can reclaim our productive power in challenging times.Mentioned in the episode:Trump administration shakes up ICE leadership across the country in major overhaul – AP News“You’re Dead, Liberal”: Federal Agent Threatens to Shoot Veteran – The New RepublicICE detains Kilmar Abrego Garcia again in Baltimore – DC News NowSurplus Powerlessness by Michael Lerner – Goodreads

This week, despite the hosts’ denial that summer is over, they dive into a discussion of safe parking programs in California to provide overnight housing options to unhoused students, which is especially important in winter. And, it couldn’t be avoided, they also unpack the effects of the (now longest in U.S. history) government shutdown. The Haves don’t seem to care all that much for the Have Nots.Word of the Week [1:24]: Hopium is a combination of hope and opium signifying how addictive hope can be, especially in bad situations where you really want to believe things will get better. For some, a hopium attitude signals Pollyanna thinking, and for others, it is a necessity when times are rough.Phase 1 – Addressing Vehicular Homelessness [4:44]: For several years, west coast locations including California colleges and universities as well as cities across the U.S. have created “Safe Parking Programs.” These programs utilize unused parking lots to offer safe places to sleep for unhoused people with access to a vehicle. Sometimes, these programs include toilets, washing, and laundry facilities. Are they an innovative way to address a growing problem or not?Phase 2 – Government Shutdown [20:14]: The Drs couldn’t leave the shutdown unaddressed on the pod. They discuss (at the time of recording) the pending cuts to SNAP and WIC, the loss of the Affordable Care Act premium subsidies and how these losses are juxtaposed against the demolition of the East Wing to make way for a $300 million dollar gilded and gaudy gold ballroom. Mentioned in the showA Short-Term Fix, a Search for Long-Term Solutions – Inside Higher EdAn Analysis of Safe Parking Programs: Identifying Program Features and Outcomes of an Emerging Homelessness Intervention – Housing Policy DebateGovernment shutdown set to become longest ever after latest Senate vote fails - CNBCHere’s why the shutdown has put food stamp benefits at risk - CNNAs millions of Americans prepare to lose SNAP benefits, some states are moving to bridge the gap – NBC NewsSenate Democrats demand list of donors to $300m Trump ballroom – The GuardianMeet all 37 White House ballroom donors funding the $300 million build, including Silicon Valley tech giants, crypto bros and the Lutnicks - FortuneHunger and Cold Loom as Shutdown Imperils Funding for Antipoverty Programs – New York TimesJudges order Trump administration to use emergency reserves for SNAP payments during the shutdown – AP NewsAfter Trump post on SNAP funds sparks confusion, White House says administration is complying with court order – CBS News

This week, The Drs discuss the growing use of AI to produce distorted and offensive depictions of important historical figures. It raises ethical questions of who is responsible for managing representations of person’s likeness and what can be done when those representations cross a line. The hosts also ponder how federalizing the National Guard for pretextual reasons such as managing crime is putting us one step closer to authoritarianism. Word of the Week [00:59] – Microshifting: Have you been doing this for some time and not had a name for it? Learn with us about how we manage can time more effectively and push back on U.S. work culture of 8-5.Phase 1 [8:11] – AI Historical Distortion: OpenAI’s product Sora, an AI video generator, has recently come under criticism for allowing users to create disrespectful videos of famous historical figures, such as Dr. Martin Luther King. The videos span mildly inappropriate representations all the way to extremely offensive representations including one where Dr. King is depicted along with two other historical figures making a joke about assassinations. The King family and estate are pushing back, leading to OpenAI blocking AI depictions of Dr. King. What kind of guardrails are needed to protect the legacies of important historical figures as AI continues to evolve? And who is responsible for monitoring the usage of a person’s likeness online?Phase 2 [26:37] – The U.S. National Guard: The last several months have seen multiple National Guard deployments in to U.S. cities. The Guard, usually under state control, has been federalized by the President and sent into Democratic cities to “manage” violent crime and to “protect” ICE officers as they abuse and abduct people from the streets and their homes. The Drs discuss the structure of the National Guard and how likely it is the average person knows its current usage is abnormal. To understand the threat to democracy, we must understand what is and is not appropriate usage of this reserve branch of the military.Mentioned in the Show:The Future Of Work Isn’t Remote Or Hybrid—It’s ‘Microshifting’ - ForbesOpenAI Blocks Sora Videos Of Martin Luther King After ‘Disrespectful Depictions’ – ForbesWhat does the US National Guard do? - Council on Foreign RelationsSeven Times Presidents have activated the National Guard on US Soil - History.com

This week, the Drs discuss [ridiculous] reactions to the NFL’s announcement that Bad Bunny will be performing at its 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show and recap a few cases recently argued in front of SCOTUS. The cases at issue could have profound effects for LGBTQIA minors and the voting rights of racial minority groups in the U.S. Word of the Week [02:25] Anocracy: The inbetween space governments occupy as they transition from democracy to authoritarianism or autocracy. Sometimes called semi-democracy, it is generally not a good sign we are describing the U.S.A. this way.Phase 1 [06:37] Bad Bunny: The NFL announced that Bad Bunny would be the Superbowl Halftime Show performed next year. Despite Bad Bunny’s global fame and his U.S. citizenship, many influencers and pundits on the right took umbrage to the NFL’s choice. Apparently, a significant number of these commentators did not know that Puerto Rico is part of the U.S.Phase 2 [24:00] LGBTQIA rights are for Suckers: The Supreme Court of the United States recently heard arguments in two cases that will cause profound harm to marginalized communities in the U.S. if they go the way the hosts fear. The Court seems poised to invalidate state laws banning conversion therapy for minors and to enact the death blow to the Voting Rights Act as it turns 60 years old this year.Mentioned in the show:Bad Bunny Super Bowl Controversy: MAGA, Turning Point USA Backlash – Rolling StoneBad Bunny’s ‘Debí Tirar Más Fotos’ is a form of activism to save Puerto Rican culture – The Athens PostHow Bad Bunny Used His Popularity to Stand Up for Social Issues  - Glimpse from the GlobeI spent eight years in conversion therapy mistaking shame for faith - Time MagazineSCOTUS Appears Poised to Strike Down Conversion Therapy Bans. Here's What We Know From Opening Arguments - ThemRECAP: Supreme Court to Rule on Protections Against Discredited and Unsafe Conversion “Therapy” Practices on LGBTQ Youth - GLAADSupreme Court seems highly doubtful of limits on conversion therapy for minors – NPRLouisiana vs Callais FAQ - NAACP Legal Defense Fund‘The stakes are quite large’: US supreme court case could gut Voting Rights Act - The Guardian USLouisiana v Callais - Brennan Center for Justice

In this episode, the Drs trace the legacy of Black education from secret learning spaces during enslavement to the bold vision of Freedmen's schools during Reconstruction. They explore how paragons of education like Hampton Institute and Fisk University emerged as beacon of self-determination -- and how today's literacy crisis echoes in modern day gaps.Word of the Week [3:30]: Freedmen's School - If you've never heard of it, don't be ashamed. Just remember, it hasn't always been legal for everyone to be educated.Phase 1 [12:16]: Karen Attiah: An award-winning journalist and professor -- the last African American at The Washington Post Opinions section, was fired abruptly via email. Lack of free journalism and race is a case study in forced alternatives and creative defiance. Phase 2 [30:37]: Lapses in Literacy: Several U.S. literacy stats should shake us all -- and we wonder why misinformation moves so quickly. Considerations around literacy, socioeconomic status, and access to information -- which leads to the right to read, write, and resist.Mentioned in the ShowResistance Study Series – Karen AttiahKaren Attiah's firing draws concern over Black female representation in journalism – AP NewsThe Washington Post Fired Me — But My Voice Will Not Be Silenced – Sub Stack2024-2025 U.S. Literacy Statistics – National Literacy InstituteThe Elite College Students Who Can’t Read Books – The Atlantic

In this week’s single phase, the hosts take on the recent health recommendations coming out of the Department of Health and Human Services. They discuss the recent announcement of a (non-)connection between acetaminophen usage while pregnant and autism, the damage such misinformation can do to people’s trust of healthcare, and other concerning issues that will likely harm not help Americans.Word of the Week: Acetaminophen [1:41]: The safety of the fever-reducing drug that millions of people, including pregnant women, use to reduce muscle aches, fevers, and headaches was called into question by the President, who it turns out, cannot even pronounce it.Phase 1: Bad Science Foolishness [4:48]: There are just so many reasons to be worried about the pseudoscience coming out of the Department of Health and Human Services under the leadership of one RFK Jr. The most recent debacle included blaming women for their child’s autism if they took acetaminophen while pregnant. This claim, for which there is zero causal scientific evidence, was announced loudly from the White House under a self-imposed September deadline for identifying the cause(s) of autism. Decades of research, changes in diagnostic criteria, and an increase in medical provider awareness be damned. “Don’t Take Tylenol,” the President chanted [note: acetaminophen appears in many other brand name drugs you might know]. This announcement, plus the recommendation that infant vaccinations put “too much liquid” into babies, and the MMR vaccine should be broken up are an assault on public health. These assertions are not making Americans healthier, in fact, the consequences could be just the opposite.Mentioned in the showTrump blames Tylenol for autism. Science doesn't back him up – NPRTrump links autism and Tylenol: is there any truth to it? - NatureASF Statement on White House Announcement on Autism – Autism Science Foundation

Over 400 celebrities signed an ACLU letter in support of Jimmy Kimmel's return to the air after being silenced by cronies of the current presidential administration. While public opposition to threats to free speech grew, we simultaneously had to navigate being presented with unwanted videos of recent public violence in the social media public square. Word of the Week [1:46]: Otrovert: Just like most topics on this podcast -- this one challenges the binary of introverted and extroverted ways of being.Phase 1 [7:05]: Ethical Reporting: How do journalists navigate the razor's edge between truth-telling and harm reduction, especially when covering violence? This episode explores trauma-informed reporting, the ethics of true crime, and the remnants of Mamie Till-Mobley's radical decision to "let the world see."Phase 2 [29:54]: Free Speech in Crisis: What does "free speech" really mean when media consolidation, executive orders, and political pressure reshape the public square? From Jimmy Kimmel's blackout and subsequent return to censorship threats, we look at the tension between constitutional rights and corporate control.Mentioned in the showWhat Is an Otrovert? 5 Signs You Belong To This Rare Personality Type - MindJournalA mother’s bravery. Her son’s legacy – National Underground Railroad Freedom CenterThe Rage: Some Closing Comments on “Open Casket” – University of California, Irvine Criminology, Law, and SocietyRestoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship – The White House

Everyone from kiddos to adults should be back in school by now, so in this episode we explore two angles of education: relevant skill development and the future of tuition and student loans.Word of the Week [0:52]: Evidential Currency: Credentialing and assessment of skills in real time is a moment by moment lived experience for marginalized folks whose skills are doubted by default.Phase 1 [6:38]: FOBO: When it comes to career skills, education, and lifelong learning, the 2025 ETS Human Progress Report provides five major findings that can serve as a guide for today's skills-driven economy. Gen Z seems to be the most bothered with the Fear of Being Obsolete.Phase 2 [25:31]: Tufts Tuition: In a recent pact, the University will provide free tuition for U.S. families earning under $150K starting fall 2026. Demonstrating need, eliminating the Grad PLUS loan, and caps for professional students and parents through the OBBB Act will have immense effects on lower and middle income students in an already unstable higher education environment. Mentioned in the Show:ETS Human Progress ReportTufts Tuition Pact FAQStudent-Loan Reform Explainer (OBBB Act)

First, we look at Harvard Business School research on why leading companies are endorsing purpose as a strategic driver of performance and profit, yet they aren't employing it. Then we look at the Supreme Court's 6 -3 decision that lifts restrictions on roving ICE patrols in Los Angeles, allowing factors like race, accent, and language to inform stops, sparking yet another debate over constitutional rights.Word of the Week [2:25]: Xenophobia: Fear of people seen as foreign or "strange" can be systematized.Phase 1 [7:48]: The Business Case for Purpose: A global report of 474 executives says that 90% recognize the importance of a clear purpose, but only 46% say purpose informs their strategic and operational decisions. Why the gap?Phase 2 [25:48]: ICE Heats Up Profiling: Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo, a case on the shadow docket, lifted a temporary restraining order barring ICE agents from making roving patrol stops based solely on apparent race or ethnicity, speaking Spanish or accented English, presence at day-labor pick up sites, and the type of work performed. The court’s conservative majority approved racial profiling, providing no reasoning save Kavanaugh’s ‘detached from reality’ concurrence.Mentioned in the showThe Business Case for Purpose – Harvard Business ReviewKRISTI NOEM, SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, ET AL. v. PEDRO VASQUEZ PERDOMO, ET AL. – SCOTUS Opinion on racial profilingSCOTUS Opens Door to Racial Profiling in Immigration Enforcement – UCLA Latino Policy and Politics InstituteUS supreme court ‘effectively legalized racial profiling’, immigration experts warn – The Guardian

Although paint and public history may not have an obvious connection, they DO. Listen in to this week's podcast where the Drs illuminate public history from various angles: two examples of wh*te male public historians who are making an impact and a venue for such work -- the Smithsonian Institute and all her holdings.Word of the Week [5:50]: Public Historian: The halls of academia are often inaccessible and locked for many. Public historians intentionally ensure that history is both relevant and useful to the public.Phase 1 [10:14]: Smithsonian: In an August letter from the White House, the president demanded that its exhibits "reflect the unity, progress, and enduring values that define the American story." Mkay - remove and replace is the name of the game. The hosts examine exactly how US history is expeditiously being painted over with all manner of privilege.Phase 2 [27:31]: Tad and Loki: If you've never heard these two names, you should. Tad Stoermer continues to provide hope and blueprints for disruption at the best moment. Loki Mulholland also serves up truth-telling in ways that don't require you to be grad student to understand it.Mentioned in the ShowLetter to the Smithsonian: Internal Review of Smithsonian Exhibitions and Materials – The White House, August 12, 2025Trump is right about the Smithsonian (the list of 20 exhibits) - The White House, August 21, 2025White House lists 20 objectionable Smithsonian exhibits, artworks - The HillSmithsonian artists and scholars respond to White House list of objectionable art – NPR NewsThe Memo: Trump ignites new culture war battle over the Smithsonian — and slavery – The HillTrump vows to expand his review of U.S. museums. Can he do that? – NPR NewsTrump Wants to Make Art Into a Tool of the State – The NationSLAVE NARRATIVES: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States From Interviews with Former Slaves – National ArchivesTad Stoermer's SubstackLoki Mulholland's Website

In this week's packed episode, the Drs provide even more than what you asked for! From gerrymandering to empty churches, to deploying state National Guards to DC to ending Housing First funding -- there are more than enough test balloons flying over the U.S. to see what Americans allow to stay afloat.Words of the Week [1:25]: Gerrymandering and Test Balloons: Gerrymandering is only the latest test of American resistance.Phase 1 [7:35]: Repurposing: Given the most recent landslide of church closures, the Boston Globe highlights the possibilities for such buildings. Beyond the body and the people, how might houses of worship that no longer have enough people to sustain them turn into viable housing for those who need it most.Phase 2 [25:10]: Deployment: As we land on Day 30, the deployment of three red states' National Guards to DC to fight (feigned) crime has us wondering how this may be a test balloon for much bigger issues. Meanwhile, such "law enforcement" (imagine Dr. Shaunna rolling her eyes here) are displacing the unhoused, which creates even more strain on underfunded resources. Mentioned in the showMore churches are becoming affordable housing – Boston GlobeYes in God's Backyard (YIGBY)Ending Crime and Disorder on American Streets – The White HouseNational Alliance to End Homelessness Statement on Trump Administration’s Executive Order on HomelessnessWhat the Recent Executive Order Does and Doesn't Do – National Alliance to End HomelessnessA Look at the New Executive Order and the Intersection of Homelessness and Mental Illness - KFFTrump’s Homelessness Crackdown Has Been Tried Before. It Didn’t Work – Reveal NewsScott rejects request to deploy Vt. National Guard to Washington – Vermont Public Media

On the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, we revisit the storm that devastated New Orleans and the Gulf Coast—killing over 1,392 people, displacing thousands, and exposing the catastrophic failure of infrastructure, governance, and media accountability. Dr. Lisa and Dr. Shaunna discuss:- The flawed engineering behind the levee breaches at 17th Street, London Avenue, and Inner Harbor canals.- The environmental neglect that weakened natural buffers like the cypress swamps of St. Bernard Parish.- The legal immunity shielding the Army Corps of Engineers despite being found responsible.- The racist media narratives that shaped public perception.- The long tail of policy rollbacks and climate denial that continue to threaten our future.We also spotlight powerful cultural responses—from Spike Lee’s Come Hell and High Water to Katrina Babies, Trouble the Water, and Five Days at Memorial—and ask: What does accountability look like now?🎧 Tune in for reflection, resistance, and a call to action:- Demand climate-conscious leadership- Connect with local emergency services- Educate yourself and others- Hold media accountableThis isn’t just history—it’s a blueprint for what we must refuse to repeat. Mentioned in the ShowKatrina: Come Hell and High Water (2025, Netflix)When the Levees Broke (2006, HBO)Hurricane Katrina: A Race Against Time (2025, Hulu/National Geographic)Trouble the Water (2008, Netflix)Katrina Babies (2022, HBO)Come Hell or High Water: Hurricane Katrina and the Color of Disaster (2007, by Michael Eric Dyson)Five Days at Memorial (2022, Apple TV; adapted from Sheri Fink's 2013 Pulitzer Prize-winning book of the same name)The Great Deluge: Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast (2007, Douglas Brinkley)

So, what's wrong with naming a "Man of the House"? A LOT. During this week's episode, the hosts specifically call out instances of men minimizing women, the erasure of human rights violations against women, and the small but effective efforts to interrupt them.Word of the Week [0:45]: Credibility Discounting: If you're paying attention, the Drs are sure that you've witnessed a time when a woman's knowledge, skills, or abilities were doubted, questioned, or dismissed -- only due to her womanhood. We'll give you some examples that you will no longer be able to overlook.Phase 1 [8:59]: Scrubbing the Human Rights Report: Although not surprising, there were several sections related to violence against women, children, LGBTQIA people, and disabled people removed from the U.S.’s annual global human rights report. El Salvador has no credible reports of human rights violations, but the U.K.’s restrictions on hate speech are of concern... The new version of this report even had well-versed activists stunned by its omissions.Phase 2 [28:48] Micro-Feminism: As a woman, do you take the time to correct someone by telling them to use your title rather than Ms., Miss, or Mrs.? Or do you solely use women professionals for your needs (doctor, attorney, gardener)? Maybe you challenge small traditions like calling Dad first (rather than Mom in a hetero relationship) when a child is sick, simply because the inequities seem clear. The Drs discuss these small ways of resisting sexism and their cumulative effect. Mentioned in the show State Department slashes its annual reports on human rights - NPRThe State Department is changing its mind about what it calls human rights - NPRUber’s Sexual Assault Problem ‘More Pervasive’ Than Disclosed, Report Says – Rolling StoneEvery Eight Minutes: Uber’s Alarming Sexual Violence Problem – The Daily Podcast (NYT)

During this week's episode, there is a curious meeting of the minds, both new and old. If you have never heard of Black August, well, don't fret. It's new to us, too. We'll share notes about the month-long commemoration...and then we dig up the old. Stephen Colbert made a statement in 2006 that sounds like he said it yesterday. Listen in.Word of the Week [1:48]: Ideology: Unfortunately, this word has gotten a bad rap, so we've attempted to reclaim, remind, and rejuvenate its fundamental definition.Phase 1 [10:17]: Black August: Distinct from Black History Month and Juneteenth, the month honors Black excellence specifically in the context of resistance. We heavily name-drop freedom fighters that you certainly need to know.Phase 2 [29:52]: Colbert and Rather Truth Telling: It was once said, that "Reality has a liberal bias." Welp, authoritarianism and fascism run amok again. When facts and data do not align with 45/47s opinions, they are silenced or removed. Dan Rather has something to say about this.Mentioned in the show:25 Black August Books to Read Before You Die – Black August 2024Understanding Black August | The Dock BookshopFCC chairman says network oversight offers a needed ‘course correction’ – PBS NewshourBias or Just BS? Another blow to CBS News – Substack (Dan Rather)Statisticians blast Trump over BLS firing: ‘Dangerous precedent’ – The Hill

On this week's episode, the Drs delve into two unrelated but curious topics. Given the recent passing of the gentleman who played our childhood "big brother" Theo, we felt it was crucial to name our grief and his impact. Then we make a sharp turn to think about AI use in education during this back-to-school season. Word of the Week [1:30]: Algorithmic Bias: It makes sense that if AI is built upon biased human intelligence that it will replicate bias in a myriad of ways. Phase 1 [6:05]: Malcolm Jamal-Warner and Parasocial Grief: If you've ever taken time to mourn a celebrity that you never met, this is the place for you. Dr. Shaunna leads the discussion on MJW's impact as a childhood actor, and later multihyphenate artist.Phase 2 [26:50]: AI, ChatGPT, and Education: A recent MIT study showing AI’s effects on the brain is not great news for AI users, but how does it also affect formal educational environments? Students AND faculty are making use of it, but there seems to be little structure or guidance, making its power all the more dangerous.Mentioned in the ShowMalcom Jamal Warner's websiteMalcolm-Jamal Warner, former 'Cosby Show' star, dead at 54 – ABC NewsYour Brain on ChatGPT - MITDoes ChatGPT Make You Dumber? What a New MIT Study Really Tells Us – Marketing InstituteChatGPT May Be Eroding Critical Thinking Skills, According to a New MIT Study - TimeThe Professors Are Using ChatGPT, and Some Students Aren’t Happy About It - NYTA.I.-Driven Education: Founded in Texas and Coming to a School Near You - NYT

This week, Dr. Shaunna and Dr. Lisa discuss an important online forum where Black men can shine, debunking negative stereotypes, particularly about Black fathers. Additionally, there’s a new attack on LGBTQIA rights coming out of Colorado, which seems destined for resolution at SCOTUS…and we all know how that will go…Word of the Week: Groyper [1:10]: Dr. Lisa leads a discussion about yet another wh*te nationalist organization of which we all should be aware. A little green frog (not Kermit!) is involved.Phase 1 [7:00]: Den of Kings: The disinformation and misinformation about Black men (especially Black fathers) rages on. However, Dr. Shaunna discusses Kirk Franklin's new YouTube show that dispels myths while providing much needed community and insight into the diverse Black male experience.Phase 2 [25:25]: Born Again, Kinda?: In yet another anti-LGBTQIA move, a couple who owns a Christian bookstore in Colorado argues that new state law protecting chosen name under gender expression in Colorado’s Anti-Discrimination Statute is a violation of their first amendment rights. (Insert eye roll as Dr. Lisa tells us more.)Mentioned in the showDen of Kings - Episode 1 - YouTubeDen of Kings - Episode 2 - YouTubeFathers’ Involvement With Their Children: United States, 2006–2010 - CDCStudy: Black dads more involved in activities with their children than other groups - ABCSympathy For The Daddies, How Black Fathers Are Misunderstood - ForbesHB25-1312: Legal Protections for Transgender Individuals - Colorado LegislatureChristian bookstore sues Colorado for redefined “gender expression” – Fox21 News

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.Word of the Week [0:36]: Feather-bedded: Deriving from Persian terminology, the Drs discuss the privileged and comfortable.Phase 1 [3:40]: Oblivious Opulence: Ugh, are we sick of Gayle King yet? Some have been turned off for years, however, there is something to be said of the most recent slew of posts -- they only seem to demonstrate abundance in a context of shrinking resources for many.Phase 2 [24:02]: African American Identifiers: On a take from an NYT op-ed and a subsequent piece in The Atlantic, the Drs. discuss the utility of the phrasing "African American". They question whether Black will suffice, and if neither is appropriate, what are the alternatives?Mentioned in the showIt’s Time to Let Go of ‘African American’ – NYT OpinionZohran Mamdani Reveals the Absurdity of Affirmative Action – The Atlantic

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?Word of the Week [1:15]: Commodification: We're not just talking about grains and fruit. Buying and selling can go too far. Phase 1 [5:25]: Guyana and the Jonestown Massacre: Dr. Lisa explores the ethics of opening the site to tourists. Unfortunately, this is the not the first time we have had to negotiate such a controversy. Amache, Sand Creek, and other National Parks point to a long history of shaping such narratives.Phase 2 [25:39]: Deaf President Now!: Dr. Shaunna encourages us to study resistance by plopping down on the couch, grabbing the remote, and watching this documentary on Gallaudet University's fight. Four students led the charge for the first deaf president in the University's 122-year history.Mentioned in the show:Restoring truth and sanity to American History – Executive OrderMay 20 order from Interior Secretary Doug BurgumBacklash in Colorado as National Park Signs Urge Visitors to Report 'Negative' Views About America – KOAA News (Southern Colorado NBC affiliate)The Site of the Jonestown Massacre Opens to Tourists. Some Ask Why - NYTHow the Word is Passed by Clint SmithDeaf President Now! – Apple TVA Movement that Changed History – Gallaudet University

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.Mentioned in the showEzra Klein Show - Interview with Sarah McBride - NYT[Un]phased podcast archive – 2023 and earlier

Time to unfurl the flags and ask: what is this love of country that smells suspiciously like control? Word of the Week [1:55]: Neoconservatism: In this episode, Dr. Lisa traces neoconservatism from its Cold War swagger to its present-day cosplay. Phase 1 [6:00]: Whose Patriotism? Dr. Shaunna queries the chest-thumping type of patriotism that tends to show up only when someone dares to question the status quo. Phase 2 [30:11]: Mankeeping: We zoom in on “mankeeping”, that exhausting emotional labor women perform to keep men emotionally soothed and ideologically unthreatened as they battle loneliness. Spoiler Alert: women are opting out, so soothe yourselves. We'll tell you why.Come for the analysis, stay for the side-eyes, and wrestle with the questions. Mentioned in the show:Opinion | Trump awakens liberals’ patriotism - The Washington PostDodgers say Nezza is not banned from stadium for singing national anthem in Spanish – LA Times/MSNPhiladelphia Rally with Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz | Harris 2024 - Excerpt - YouTubeKamala Harris’s Muscular Patriotism - New York TimesHow Democrats are Reclaiming Patriotism – MSNBCMankeeping is why women are done with dating - Vice NewsThe Structural Decline of Men’s Social Networks - Stanford UniversityMankeeping: Why Single Women are Giving Up Dating - The  GuardianDen of Kings | Kirk Franklin, D.C. Young Fly, Devale Ellis, Kountry Wayne & Lou Young on Fatherhood - YouTube

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.Word of the Week [1:18]: Both/And: The use of this colloquialism is growing in the U.S., "Two things can be true at once..." "Both/and" approaches are a fundamental framework for DEIB work.Phase 1 [4:44]: Critical Thinking Deficits: Dr. Lisa was in full agreement when she saw a protestor’s signage, "Lack of Critical Thinking: The Other National Deficit." Dr. Shaunna challenges Dr. Lisa to think through what critical thinking is and how it teaching critical thinking is lacking in elementary education and beyond in the U.S. Phase 2 [29:09]: Divisive Art Imitates Life: Tyler Perry's Straw is a thought-provoking movie starring Taraji P. Henson as Janiyah Wiltkinson. Her character is to many, the stereotypical Black single mother living in low-income housing with a special-needs child. Dr. Shaunna wonders if this is a perpetuation of problematic tropes, an answer to Black actors' pay inequities, or an amalgamation of good, bad, and questionable? Mentioned in the show:Understanding — and Avoiding — Stereotypes About Black Women in the News – NBCU AcademyStraw Movie - NetflixCritical Thinking Definition – University of MichiganEdward M. Glaser, An Experiment in the Development of Critical Thinking, Teacher’s College, Columbia University, 1941

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. Word of the Week – NIMBY [1:39]:As progressive changes ripple through communities, many are quick to embrace progress—until it reaches their own neighborhoods, homes, or sacred spaces. Dr. Lisa unpacks the evolution of NIMBY, YIMBY, and related viewpoints.Phase 1 – The R-Word [8:13]:Dr. Lisa addresses the troubling comeback of a disparaging term, exploring its re-emergence, inherent meanings, and the impact when influential figures deploy such language without accountability.Phase 2 – Prideful Football [25:28]:Dr. Shaunna celebrates positive shifts in sports culture by spotlighting inspirational figures: New Orleans Saints’ defensive tackle Khalen Saunders, his brother Kameron’s transformation of his football camp into an LGBTQ+-friendly space, and Carl Nassib’s iconic No. 94 jersey with the Las Vegas Raiders—all signals of hope amid ongoing erasure.Mentioned in the showThe ‘r-word’ is back. How a slur became renormalized – CNNDonald Trump’s Next Diversity Target: People With Disabilities – The NationNew Orleans Saints Player Launches LGBTQ Football Camp – KEELNew Orleans Saints' Khalen Saunders Hosting LGBTQ-Friendly Youth Football Camp: 'Football Is for All' – People MagazineCarl Nassib opens up on his football journey & coming out as NFL’s first Gay player – The Pivot

In this bonus 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.Join us as we unravel the layers of power: the carefully choreographed demonstrations of control versus the raw, unfiltered voices calling for a reimagined societal order. We ask: Who holds the crown when the emperor's clothes are stripped away?If you're keen to delve deeper into the evolving dynamics of public power and resistance, this conversation is just the beginning.

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.Word of the Week [1:25]: Closeted: Pride Month in the U.S is well underway. Drawing inspiration from Rain Mendoza's feature narrative entitled, "Their Closet is Not Yours To Open", we look at the definition of "closeted" and highlight how society and institutions often mishandle the concept.Phase 1 [6:09]: Hypernormalization: Ever had a feeling that the U.S. is broken, leadership is ineffective, and yet you have to carry on with your life as if all is well? There's a word for that! Dr. Shaunna defines hypernormalization, and also highlights how it may not be generalizable to all (or even MOST) American identity groups.Phase 2 [28:57]: Commencement Concerns: There has been a noticeable trend of people are being banned from their graduations or having their diplomas withheld due to their identity or speech. A gay student was prohibited from attending her graduation and another student spoke about the Israel-Hamas war in their commencement speech without prior approval. Dr. Lisa shares observations from this scary trend of responses by schools, colleges, and universities.Mentioned in the showThe Closet is Not Yours to Open – Facebook PostSystems are crumbling – but daily life continues. The dissonance is real – The GuardianStudent banned from graduation after coming out online, lawsuit says - MSNScott Pelley Warns Graduates About the Threats to American Democracy - NBC‘I’m willing to do it again’: The students who could lose their diplomas due to pro-Palestinian activism on campus – The IndependentGraduates speak their minds. Universities freak out – The Washington PostUniversity at Buffalo Graduation Turns Chaotic as Police Chase Student Holding Baby Son Onstage – People MagazineScott Pelley Warns Graduates About the Threats to American Democracy – The New Republic

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? Word of the Week [0:53]: American Exceptionalism: Harkening back to the thoughts of Alexis de Tocqueville, the idea that the U.S. is fundamentally unique compared to other nations -- both in its development and purpose is almost laughable given the current context. Phase 1 [4:54]: American Dream or Nightmare?: Inspired by real estate investor Prada Jones, Dr. Shaunna leads a conversation about the changing the American Dream. The hosts ponder whether it should be redefined using 13 new characteristics or is no longer a useful concept altogether.Phase 2 [25:05]: Unemployed DEI Professionals: Recently, NPR published a lengthy mixed methods research report speaking to the experience of DEI employees who have lost their jobs over the last two years – a massive 2600 people. Dr. Lisa shares what she learned from this report including the toll it is taking on the people who are (or were) able to make a living in DEI strategy.Mentioned in the showThe American Dream Feels Dead: Here’s What’s Replacing It – Yahoo NewsVerizon ends DEI policies to get FCC's blessing for its $20 billion Frontier deal - NPRCorporate America's retreat from DEI has eliminated thousands of jobs - NPR

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. Word of the Week [1:20]: Schadenfreude: This German word describes how folks respond with glee to others’ misfortune. There is a lot of this going around right now.Phase 1 [7:24]: Nottoway "Resort": The largest antebellum mansion in the South originally built by John Hampden Randolph's sl@ves burned to ashes. The sugar baron's plantation was a total loss and there are plenty of African Americans who celebrated. White Americans on the other hand romanticized the mansion, the grounds, and even the trees rarely mentioning the loss and grief to Indigenous peoples and African lives.Phase 2 [25:10]: Birthright Citizenship by State: At the time of this recording, at least three federal district court judges had placed a nationwide hold on the Executive Order limiting birthright citizenship. Dr. Lisa thought this case was settled by SCOTUS over 120 years ago in United States vs. Wong Kim Ark, but immigrants and naturalized citizens are waiting on a definitive answer. Unfortunately, the recent SCOTUS case turns on the legality of the  nationwide injunction not the redefinition of the 14th Amendment.Mentioned in the showSupreme Court Justices appear divided in birthright citizenship case - NPRFire destroys Nottoway Plantation House in Louisiana - CBS NewsAs Nottoway Plantation Burns, The Ancestors, And Social Media Rejoice - Black EnterpriseWhy Many Celebrate The Burning Of Largest Southern Plantation - MediumNation's largest remaining antebellum plantation burns to the ground - Axios New Orleans4 Takeaways From the Citizenship Case (That Was Really About Injunctions) - NYTNo clear decision emerges from arguments on judges’ power to block Trump’s birthright citizenship order – SCOTUSblogWhat judges have said about birthright citizenship and nationwide injunctions - PBS News

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!Word of the Week [1:20]: Resistance: Although this is not an unfamiliar word, the nuance of how allies can demonstrate resistance is infrequently discussed. Like a menu, we all can choose what works best for us.Phase 1 [3:11]: Corruption: Every political party in every phase of U.S. American history has had some degree corrupt activity. Yet, the egregiousness of the current administration has us all pulling important concepts out of our high school civics and political science textbooks. Emoluments, divestment, or fraud sound familiar?Phase 2 [23:04]: Silver Linings: It's tough to find silver linings these days, but there are a few. Salt Lake City, UT and Boise, ID both adopted official city flags with pride-themed colors, performers boycott Kennedy Center performances, a retired Navy Commander raises money to make Naval Academy-banned books free for midshipmen...so what happens when so many seemingly small pushbacks accumulate?Mentioned in the ShowTrump's meme coin dinner takes crypto self-dealing to a whole new level - MSNBCThe Most Corrupt Presidency in American History - The AtlanticTrump told investors to ‘buy’ on social media hours before his tariff pause rose stocks, raising questions about manipulation – PBS NewsSalt Lake City and Boise make pride flags official city emblems, skirting flag ban laws - ABC NewsSome ‘Les Mis’ cast members plan to boycott Trump’s attendance at Kennedy Center performance next month – CNN Politics