Podcast
Inclusion Catalyst
Hosted by Mickey Desai · EN
Welcome to Inclusion Catalyst, with your host Mickey Desai. We bring diversity leaders to the table to hear about current issues in diversity and inclusion, deconstructing complex social justice issues to showcase the best practices in our workplaces and our communities.
15episodes
Episodes
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You Are the Tool, with Rebecca Eldgredge
5d ago00:17:48Tap to summarizeWhat’s really at stake when you ignore your nervous system? In this follow-up episode of Inclusion Catalyst, host Mickey Desai continues his conversation with Dr. Rebecca Eldredge, diving deeper into the real-world consequences of dysregulation—on our relationships, our communication, and our ability to lead meaningful change. From subtle shifts in tone and perception to breakdowns in connection and trust, Dr. Eldredge explains how an unregulated nervous system quietly reshapes the way we experience—and respond to—the world around us. Even our ability to hear, interpret, and engage in conversation can be compromised, making already difficult discussions even harder. The conversation takes a practical turn as they explore how to navigate conflict without avoiding it, including simple but powerful tools for staying grounded in high-stakes moments. Whether it’s asking better questions, anchoring to your values, or recognizing the signals your body is sending, the goal is not to eliminate tension—but to move through it constructively. At the core of it all is a powerful reframe: as a changemaker, you are the tool. And without care, sharpening, and restoration, even the most passionate efforts can lose their impact. This episode is produced in partnership with the Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center. Inclusion Catalyst invites you to become our next guest host. Learn more here: http://inclusioncatalyst.com/join-us-as-a-guest-host/
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The Cost of Caring, with Rebecca Eldridge
3w ago00:31:14Tap to summarizeWhat happens when the people working hardest to make the world better begin to lose themselves in the process? In this episode of Inclusion Catalyst, host Mickey Desai sits down with licensed psychologist Dr. Rebecca Eldredge—founder of @Feel Deeply, Live Completely—to explore the hidden toll of advocacy, leadership, and social change work. From burnout and compassion fatigue to the subtle erosion of self-awareness, they unpack what it really means to sustain well-being while confronting injustice head-on. Dr. Eldredge reframes well-being not as constant happiness, but as an “inner harmony”—a grounded, resilient state that allows changemakers to stay engaged without collapsing into exhaustion or withdrawal. The conversation moves through the cultural forces that normalize overwork, the internalized pressures that make rest feel selfish, and the very real consequences of ignoring our limits. Along the way, listeners gain practical tools—from recognizing nervous system states to small, in-the-moment regulation techniques—that make sustainable engagement possible. This is not a conversation about stepping away from the work—it’s about staying in it, without losing yourself. This episode is produced in partnership with the Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center. Inclusion Catalyst invites you to become our next guest host. Learn more here: http://inclusioncatalyst.com/join-us-as-a-guest-host/
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Getting in Line: Rethinking DEI, Meritocracy, and Misconceptions
May 500:39:12Tap to summarizeHost Mickey Desai sits down with Su Joun, principal of Diversity at Workplace Consulting Group, to unpack the realities and misconceptions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion. Su reframes DEI not as a system of preferential treatment, but as a deliberate effort to remove barriers that prevent qualified individuals from accessing opportunity. Through practical examples and candid discussion, she challenges the idea that DEI undermines meritocracy, instead arguing that true meritocracy cannot exist without addressing systemic inequities. The conversation explores why DEI work remains necessary today, the impact of bias and micro-aggressions in everyday workplace dynamics, and how individuals (not just organizations) can take meaningful steps toward advocacy. Su also breaks down commonly misunderstood terms like equity vs. equality, psychological safety, and belonging, offering grounded, accessible definitions that cut through the noise. From amplifying overlooked voices in meetings to asking better questions about barriers, this episode delivers a pragmatic roadmap for anyone looking to foster inclusion in real, tangible ways. This episode is produced in partnership with the Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center. Inclusion Catalyst invites you to become our next guest host. Learn more here: http://inclusioncatalyst.com/join-us-as-a-guest-host/
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The Literacy Crisis We Can’t Ignore
Apr 2800:23:14Tap to summarizeThis episode is produced in partnership with the Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center. Host Mickey Desai sits down with children’s author and entrepreneur Tiffany Obeng, founder of Sugar Cookie Books, to explore a powerful and often overlooked truth: inclusion in the workforce doesn’t begin in college or even high school—it begins with literacy in early childhood. Tiffany shares her perspective on what she describes as a literacy crisis, particularly among underrepresented communities, and explains how reading proficiency as early as fourth grade can shape a child’s long-term trajectory. From the realities of the school-to-prison pipeline to the role of disengagement in education, the conversation draws a clear line between early literacy and future workforce participation. A central theme of the discussion is representation. Tiffany highlights how the lack of diverse characters—especially Black boys—in children’s books contributes to disengagement, reinforcing the idea that reading isn’t “for them.” Through her own work, including more than 27 children’s titles, she aims to change that narrative by creating books where children can see themselves reflected, celebrated, and inspired. The episode also examines the role of traditional publishing as a gatekeeper, the limitations of current diversity metrics in literature, and the broader cultural barriers—including book deserts and book bans—that restrict access to inclusive stories. Together, these challenges underscore that improving literacy is not just about teaching children to read, but about giving them meaningful reasons to want to. Looking forward, Tiffany introduces her theory that early literacy—combined with intentional exposure to career pathways through books—can organically build a more diverse and prepared workforce. By engaging children as young as five with stories that spark imagination and possibility, we can begin to reshape talent pipelines long before hiring decisions are made. The conversation closes with practical ways listeners can get involved, from supporting diverse authors and recommending inclusive books to libraries, to simply reading regularly with the children in their lives. Whether through advocacy or everyday actions, everyone has a role to play in expanding access to literacy and opportunity. Key Topics Covered: The current state of reading literacy and why it matters The connection between literacy and the school-to-prison pipeline Representation in children’s books and its impact on engagement The role of publishers in shaping access and visibility Book deserts, book bans, and barriers to inclusive literacy How early literacy can influence workforce diversity Practical ways individuals can support literacy and inclusion Guest:Tiffany Obeng – Author and Founder of Sugar Cookie Books Website: sugarcookiebooks.com Personal site: tiffanyobeng.com Social: @sugarcookiebooks (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) Inclusion Catalyst invites you to become our next guest host. Learn more here: http://inclusioncatalyst.com/join-us-as-a-guest-host/
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“Secrets of the Killing State” with Corinna Lain
Nov 2500:56:49Tap to summarizeIn this powerful episode, Inclusion Catalyst sits down with Professor Corinna Lain, legal scholar and author of the forthcoming book Secrets of the Killing State, to examine the realities behind lethal injection in the United States. Lain’s work exposes a system shrouded in secrecy, built on medical misconception, and sustained by public misunderstanding. Corinna Lain’s research confronts the core question: Why are states so bad at lethal injection?What emerges is a disturbing truth: the method widely perceived as humane is structurally designed to hide pain, avoid accountability, and preserve the political palatability of the death penalty. Key Themes & Insights Lethal Injection as Hidden Torture The standard three-drug protocol uses a paralytic that freezes the face and body, masking the agony inflicted by potassium chloride. Autopsies routinely show multiple puncture wounds, evidence of repeated failed IV attempts by unqualified staff. Some executions have lasted hours, including the three-hour execution of Joe Nathan James. State Secrecy and Systemic Malpractice Many executions are carried out by non-medical prison staff, not trained clinicians States source drugs from unqualified vendors, including individuals running non-pharmaceutical businesses. Protocols are frequently violated: Curtains raised too early. Media witnesses banned. IV insertions hidden from public view. Prisoners’ fingers are often taped down to prevent signaling pain. The Making of the Book Lain felt spiritually called to document these abuses and persisted through a year of publisher rejections. A fortuitous meeting led to a contract with NYU Press, which will release the book Easter 2025. The manuscript is extensively documented, with 1,000+ endnotes drawn from depositions, investigative journalism, and insider accounts. The 80-Day National Book Tour Lain traveled 12,000 miles across 23 states, taking unpaid leave to bring public attention to the issue. Reception has been overwhelmingly positive — and notably, no state official has challenged her findings. Why Lethal Injection Persists Lain argues its primary function is aesthetic: to make state killing appear peaceful, preserving public support. The book reframes the death penalty debate from “Does the prisoner deserve to die?” to “Does the state deserve the power to kill?” Many people on death row undergo profound personal transformation; the state may be, in Lain’s words, “killing its Pauls.” This episode is produced in partnership with the Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center.
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Charles Gibson: Building Belonging on College Campuses
Jul 100:38:18Tap to summarizeCharles Gibson is the Chief Engagement and Belonging Officer at Randolph College. He visits the Inclusion Catalyst to talk about fostering a culture of belongingness and home for Randolph Students. Key Takeaways Engagement and belonging work aims to make everyone feel at home on campus, focusing on authentic self-expression and learning from differences Private colleges have more latitude in DEI efforts compared to public institutions facing political pressures Religious/spiritual life on campus requires careful policy development to balance inclusivity with religious freedom Assessment, active listening, and adaptability are crucial for effective DEI and interfaith initiatives. This episode is produced in partnership with the Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center. Inclusion Catalyst invites you to become our next guest host. Learn more here: http://inclusioncatalyst.com/join-us-as-a-guest-host/
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Nadia Mian: Catalyzing Faith-Based Affordable Housing
Jun 2400:25:59Tap to summarizeNadia Mian is the Senior Program Director at the Ralph W. Voorhees Center for Civic Engagement at Rutgers University. She visits the Inclusion Catalyst to discuss a very innovative faith-based housing initiative. Key Takeaways Dr. Mian is leading research on faith-based affordable housing, including a database of congregational housing projects across the U.S. California's SB4 legislation allows houses of worship to bypass local zoning laws for affordable housing development, setting a potential model for other states. Faith-based organizations are repurposing underutilized assets like parking lots for affordable housing and community services. Internal congregational discussions and community engagement are crucial first steps before pursuing development projects. This episode is produced in partnership with the Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center. Inclusion Catalyst invites you to become our next guest host. Learn more here: http://inclusioncatalyst.com/join-us-as-a-guest-host/
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Theresa Lau: Exposing the Harmful Cuts in the 'Big, Beautiful' Budget Bill
Jun 1700:26:08Tap to summarizeTheresa Lau, Senior Policy Counsel, Eradicating Poverty at the Southern Poverty Law Center, visits with Mickey again to discuss the proposed federal budget cuts and their potential impacts on social programs and states. The budget bill passed by the House contains massive tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations, while making deep cuts to social safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP that help low-income families. The SNAP (food stamps) program would see $300 billion in cuts over 10 years, leading to 4.6 million people losing benefits. States would be forced to pay 5-25% of SNAP costs, leading to harder decisions about who to cover. Medicaid would see nearly $1 trillion in cuts over 10 years, resulting in 13.7 million people losing health coverage. Work reporting requirements and frequent renewals would also make it harder for eligible people to access Medicaid. The bill also makes it harder for federal judges to hold government officials in contempt for ignoring court rulings, reducing accountability. There is still time to influence the Senate version of the bill and push for fewer harmful cuts. Theresa recommends calling/emailing Congress, sharing personal stories, and supporting advocacy organizations like SPLC to fight these provisions. This episode is produced in partnership with the Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center. Inclusion Catalyst invites you to become our next guest host. Learn more here: http://inclusioncatalyst.com/join-us-as-a-guest-host/
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Federal Budget Cuts & Social Program Impact: Teresa Lau
Jun 1000:33:18Tap to summarizeTheresa Lau is Senior Policy Counsel, Eradicating Poverty at the Southern Poverty Law Center. Theresa and Mickey discuss the proposed federal budget cuts and their potential impacts on social programs and states. Key Takeaways Proposed budget includes hundreds of billions in cuts to critical human needs programs like Medicaid and SNAP Cuts aim to fund tax breaks for corporations and wealthy individuals Changes will disproportionately impact low-income families, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups Public awareness and engagement is crucial to oppose these cuts and protect essential programs This episode is produced in partnership with the Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center. Inclusion Catalyst invites you to become our next guest host. Learn more here: http://inclusioncatalyst.com/join-us-as-a-guest-host/
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SB-17 Is Changing The Nonprofit Landscape
Oct 1, 202400:29:26Tap to summarizeDr. Johanna Moya Fábregas visits the SnapCast. Dr. Fábregas is the Executive Director of Con Mi MADRE, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Latina girls and their loved ones through education and emotional support. We talk about Texas State Bill-Seventeen, which is known informally as “the anti-DEI law,” shutting down diversity, equity and inclusion offices like university LGBTQ+ centers. Among the things we discuss: SB-17 is changing the nonprofit landscape, it's important to "SB-17 proof" your organization to continue doing the work Difficult decisions must be made when you lead a nonprofit and the important thing is looking at the big picture and moving towards the decision that will ensure sustainable growth Even during difficult times, the goal is to continue supporting all participants to the best of our ability How can an organization that's run for 20 years continue to run for the next two decades? Inclusion Catalyst invites you to become our next guest host. Learn more here: http://inclusioncatalyst.com/join-us-as-a-guest-host/
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