She+ Geeks Out Podcast

And we’re back! In our first episode of 2025, we dig into the state of DEI—what’s shifting, what’s under attack, and how some companies, like Costco and McKinsey, are staying the course while others retreat. We’ll break down the misconceptions fueling resistance and share ways to keep inclusion at the core of workplace culture, even when legal and political pressures make it challenging.

We’re also talking about how to stay informed without getting overwhelmed. In a time when news cycles feel nonstop, we’ll share strategies for curating reliable sources, consuming information mindfully, and staying engaged without burnout. Because clarity and community are more powerful than fear and division.

Join us at Inclusion Geeks as we keep pushing the conversation forward. Subscribe to our newsletter and podcast, check out our past episodes, and connect with us on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Blue Sky, and Threads. Your voice matters—let’s build a more inclusive future, one real conversation at a time!

Chapters:

(0:00:07) - Intro to Navigating DEI Challenges in 2025

(0:12:26) - Managing News Overload and Community Building

(0:23:41) - Strategies for Ongoing Inclusion at Work

(0:34:34) - Understanding Othering and Class

(0:41:21) - Stay Connected With Inclusion Geeks

Links:

Art

• Ursula K. Le Guin- The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas (short story)
• Valerie Kaur: Watch Night Speech: Breathe and Push

Newsletters

• Heather Cox Richardson, Letters from an American
• Caroline Criado Perez, Invisible Women
• Katelyn Jetelina, Your Local Epidemiologist
• Dr. Jen Gunter, The Vajenda
• Dr. Zachary Rubin, FDA Recall Roundup
• LIL Science

News sources

• Teen Vogue
• WIRED
• Rolling Stone
• Jezebel
• The Guardian
• The 19th
• Ground.News

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

In our latest episode, we welcome Karen Catlin, author and advocate for inclusive workspaces, back to the pod for the first time since 2020. Our discussion covers celebrating ten years of learning through Better Allies, shifts in DEI dynamics post-2020, and the increased backlash against DEI initiatives in current times. We discuss the continued importance and evolution of allyship, with practical strategies for individual and organizational support. Karen also shares personal anecdotes, mistakes, and lessons learned in her journey, while providing resources for those looking to delve deeper into allyship. 

Please note that we’re taking a hiatus, but please subscribe to our feed so you can be the first to know when we’re back. We’ve got some fun stuff in the works!

• BetterAllies.com
• The Savvy Ally by Jeannie Gainsburg
• The Anti Ableist Manifesto by Tiffany Yu
• Good Guys by David Smith and Brad Johnson 
• The Wake Up, Michelle MiJung Kim

00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement

00:50 Reflecting on the Election and Its Impact

02:35 Evolution of DEI Work

03:55 Challenges and Shifts in Workplace Inclusion

07:18 The Importance of Allyship

11:21 Connecting Through Shared Stories

14:19 Welcoming Karen Catlin

15:41 Karen's Journey and Insights on Allyship

29:42 Newsletter Insights and Language Awareness

30:32 Best Practices for Scheduling Events

32:03 Challenges with Event Scheduling

36:11 DEI Backlash and Media Misrepresentation

41:18 The Future of Allyship

47:46 Recommended Resources for Allyship

52:33 Looking Forward: AI and Personal Growth

55:15 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Want more like this? Here are a few episodes we think you'll love!

• Being a Better Ally with Karen Catlin
• Being an HR Unicorn with Christofer Peterson
• Digital Accessibility with Perkins Access
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with Chris Haigh
• Full Interview with Amaia Arruabarrena, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at ezCater
• Full Interview with Dr. Erika Powell, DEI Certified Professional Diversity Coach
• Future of Work Insights from Revelio Chief Economist Lisa Simon
• Geeking Out about DEI Strategy with Allyson Livingstone from athenahealth
• Managing Teams Empathetically with Dexter Arver
• Reimagining Inclusion with Mita Mallick

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Felicia and Rachel chat with Mica Le John, the Chief of Staff at Black Girls Code. We dove into her super interesting career journey and explored her passion for digital spaces, meaningful partnerships, and support for young people - they’re the future! Speaking of the future, we also discussed the future of the tech industry, workplace inclusion, mental health, and so much more. Mica shared insights into her work at Black Girls Code, the need for equity in the tech industry, the impact of social media, and the role of millennials and Gen Z in shaping digital spaces. Let’s go!

Links:

• For Them
• Idoru
• Black Girls Code
• Kim Stanley Robinson

00:00 Intro

00:57 Election Day Reflections and Team Policies 

02:08 The Importance of Mental Health and Productivity

04:54 Newsletter Announcement and Welcoming Mica

05:58 Mica's Journey: From Child Actor to Chief of Staff

12:31 The Role and Impact of Black Girls Code

14:17 Challenges and Opportunities in Tech Diversity

24:07 Humanist Technologist: Balancing Tech and Humanity

27:25 Nostalgic Dive into the 'Uglies' Series

28:05 Books vs. Movies: A Lifelong Debate

29:39 Entrepreneurial Insights and Challenges

30:03 Ideal Life and Personal Reflections

34:04 Future of the Digital Space

36:01 Generational Perspectives on Technology

46:51 Climate Advocacy and Personal Goals

50:35 Geeking Out: Plants and Speculative Fiction

52:07 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

In this bonus episode, we share an Inclusion Geeks webinar that was recorded on October 30, 2024, between Felicia Jadczak and Katie Hyten, Co-Executive Director of Essential Partners. They explore the benefits and challenges of discussions about the election in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of employee agency, setting conversation norms, and ensuring psychological and emotional safety. Practical strategies include using opt-in mechanisms, conducting temperature checks, and de-escalating tensions through curiosity and structured dialogues.

Webinar Description: The political landscape is changing rapidly. While discussing politics in the workplace can be uncomfortable and is often discouraged, it’s impossible to completely separate politics from work. Politics remains on many people’s minds and impacts actual lives and livelihoods. Managers and business leaders need to be prepared to support their teams through the various impacts of the election.

Listen and find out how to best support your team members during times of political change. 

00:22 Introduction to Today's Special Episode

00:42 Managing Political Discussions at Work

01:08 Webinar Introduction and Format

02:04 Meet Felicia Jadczak

04:04 Meet Katie Hyten

10:00 The Importance of Political Conversations at Work

16:03 Creating Safe Spaces for Dialogue

18:51 Leadership and Check-ins

28:20 Navigating Workplace Dynamics

29:14 The Power of Asking Different Questions

31:22 De-escalating Politically Charged Situations

32:16 Embracing Curiosity and Complexity

32:57 Practical Tools for De-escalation

40:52 Preparing for Election Day

42:09 Supporting Teams Through Uncertainty

50:19 Strategies for Emotional Management

54:17 Leadership's Role in Open Conversations

57:27 Final Thoughts and Resources

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

In this episode, Felicia and Rachel welcome Jumai Yusuf, a talented filmmaker and storyteller. Jumai shares her unique journey from Massachusetts theater kid to LA film director, highlighting her background in neurobiology and her passion for blending art and science. She discusses the development of her animated series 'Layla and the Starship Afrotopia,' which features a young Black Muslim girl with wormhole powers. We dive into the process of directing, from working with screenwriters to location scouting and casting. Before we talk with Jumai, we chat about our experiences at a few conferences - it turns out IRL events are still amazing!

• Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
• Sundance and Disney's Muslim Artist Fellowship
• Islamic Scholarship Fund
• Jumai Yusuf Instagram
• Nate and John Film Instagram

00:25 Felicia's Networking Adventures at WBENC

04:56 Rachel's Culture Summit Experience

08:22 Introducing Jumai Yusuf

10:14 Jumai's Journey and Inspirations

20:24 Directing The Eid Gift

26:18 Casting for Ramadan America

26:46 Balancing Writing and Directing

28:13 Challenges in Directing

29:37 Impact of Me Too and Black Lives Matter

31:33 Advice for Aspiring Directors

33:06 Cosplay and Anime Passion

41:49 Renaissance Fair Adventures

44:20 Peloton and Fitness Goals

46:30 Final Thoughts and Social Media

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

In this episode of the She Geeks Out podcast, Felicia and Rachel talk to author, historian, and educator Blair Imani. Blair discusses her origin story and how her experiences shaped her career in activism and education. She shares her perspectives on current social and political challenges, including the backlash against DEI initiatives and knowing when and how to speak out. We discuss Blair's incredibly powerful social media series, 'Smarter in Seconds,' and her decision-making process for creating content. Blair also recounts her experience attending the DNC, where she interacted with influential politicians like Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Senator Cory Booker, highlighting the importance of participating in political processes.

• Bridging Generational Gaps to Build Stronger Teams Resource
• Blair Imani
• Smarter in Seconds

(00:08) - Bridging Generational Gaps in Workplace

(09:32) - Blair Imani

(13:05) - Navigating Activism and Well-Being

(19:55) - Revolution and Systemic Change Perspectives

(26:39) - Navigating DEI Backlash and Activism

(38:22) - DNC Reflections and Future Priorities

(45:19) - Political Engagement and Civic Responsibility

(51:51) - Community Accountability and Personal Growth

(55:59) - Saying Goodbye to Blair Imani

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

In this episode of the She+ Geeks Out podcast, hosts Rachel and Felicia welcome return guest Rachele Pojednic, an expert in nutrition and wellness. Rachele discusses her career trajectory, from teaching at Simmons University to her current roles at Restore Hyper Wellness and Stanford University's Center on Longevity. We talk about complementary therapies such as cryotherapy, the importance of consistent healthy habits, and the role of social connections in health. Rachele also addresses public health misconceptions, the challenges of scientific research, and the influence of popular science communicators like Andrew Huberman and Joe Rogan. We also explore the complexity of balancing between scientific integrity and public dissemination of health information.

Links:

• Episode 64: Creating a Strong Process with Rachele Pojednic
• Episode 23: Fitness and Nutrition with Rachele Pojednic
• Restore Hyper Wellness
• Rachele Pojednic
• Strong Process
• October Webinar Registration

00:32 Preparing for Election Season

01:35 Election Day and Workplace Policies

04:25 Scenarios for Election Outcomes

08:16 Introducing Guest Rachele Pojednic

11:45 Rachel Pojednic's Career Journey

18:54 The Role of Science in Wellness

30:58 Challenges in Public Health and Science

34:49 The Honey Study: Unveiling Bias in Research

37:07 The Rise of Science Communicators

40:00 Navigating Trust in Science and Media

42:06 Understanding Longevity and Healthspan

47:09 The Basics of a Healthy Lifestyle

50:45 Complementary Therapies: Cryotherapy and More

55:43 The Debate on IV Drips and Micronutrients

01:02:59 The Role of Social Connection in Health

01:09:02 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

In this episode of the She+ Geeks Out podcast, we welcome guest Huriyyah Muhammad, a writer, director, and producer, to discuss her journey in the film industry, the role of lifting up others in creative work, and her latest project 'Chocolate with Sprinkles'. Huriyyah also shares insights on breaking into directing, the impact of representation in Hollywood, and co-founding the Black TV and Film Collective. Before the interview, Felicia and Rachel discuss the importance of setting workplace boundaries and acknowledging how challenging it can be to maintain professional and personal well-being. 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to She Geeks Out Podcast

00:26 Discussing Workplace Boundaries

01:59 Navigating Authenticity and Boundaries at Work

05:21 The Impact of Values in the Workplace

08:45 Introducing Huriyyah Muhammad

10:06 Huriyyah's Journey into Film

21:13 Chocolate with Sprinkles: A Personal Story

25:48 Exploring Magical Realism in Film

28:26 Introduction to the Black TV and Film Collective

30:09 Challenges and Growth of the Collective

31:40 Industry Shifts and Representation

34:49 Media Literacy and Misinformation

39:38 Directing Ramadan America

43:18 Breaking into Directing

50:23 Personal Reflections and Parenthood

56:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Links:

• We Are Not Family Blog post
• 40% of Gen Zers, millennials say they would quit over political differences at work
• https://www.afi.com/news/tag/afi-dww/
• https://www.blacktvfilmcollective.org/
• DEI Is A Trillion Dollar Blind Spot. Sephora Gets It - You Should Too
• Chocolate With Sprinkles
• Huriyyah Muhammad Instagram

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

In this episode of the She+ Geeks Out podcast presented by Inclusion Geeks, we interview Sara Seligman, a writer, producer, and director whose work includes the film "Ramadan America" and the feature "Coyote Lake." Sara shares her journey from training as a ballet dancer in Mexico to becoming an actress in telenovelas to transitioning into directing and producing films. She discusses the challenges of breaking into the industry as a Latina and the complexities of different directing and producing roles in film and television. Sara also touches on the significance and controversies of the term 'Latinx,' and the importance of diverse representation in the media.

We also discuss our journey from "She Geeks Out" to "Inclusion Geeks," explaining how our name change better reflects our dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training. Join us as we discuss our evolution from "Boston Girl Geek Dinners" to our current mission, highlighting our broader focus beyond gender to include race, ethnicity, social class, disability, and more.

Links we discussed:

• Ramadan America
• Coyote Lake
• Sara Seligman Instagram
• Inclusion Geeks
• Inclusion Geeks Instagram

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction and Podcast Rebranding

(00:53) The Evolution of Our Name

(03:40) Why 'Inclusion Geeks'?

(06:34) Celebrating Birthdays and Switching Topics

(08:13) Interview with Sarah Seligman

(09:37) Sarah's Villain Origin Story

(18:05) Moving to LA and Producing Films

(27:16) Role of a Line Producer

(28:46) Balancing Director and Producer Responsibilities

(32:55) Breaking into Directing

(33:42) Challenges in Different Directing Fields

(37:50) Commercials vs. Narrative Directing

(45:38) Leadership and Management in Film

(52:28) Representation and Identity in Film

(01:01:40) Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

In this episode of the She+ Geeks Out podcast, we speak with guest Allison Byers, founder and CEO of Scroobious, about her journey into entrepreneurship.  Allison shares how she reclaimed her career after facing gender-based professional roadblocks and what it looks like to face the challenges of fundraising in the male-dominated venture capital industry. Allison discusses the concept behind Scroobious, which aims to make fundraising more accessible for underrepresented entrepreneurs by providing education, personalized feedback, and connections to angel investors. We dig into her involvement as a co-author of California Senate Bill 54, which mandates the collection of venture capital data, and her advocacy work with organizations like All Raise. 

Links We Mention:

Scroobious, SB54, All Raise, Olympics Blog Post

(00:06) Olympics, Paralympics, Inclusion, Workplace, Inspiration

(13:15) Building a Diverse and Sustainable Company

(25:05) Navigating Venture Capital and Angel Funding

(32:47) Intersection of Human Capital and AI

(42:38) Venture Capital, Diversity, & Mentorship

(51:11) Future Trends in Diversity & Entrepreneurship

(56:45) Empowering Women in Business

(01:03:40) Thanking Allison

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.