In this episode of The 4% Amplified, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most urgent issues of our digital age: misinformation—and why ‘common sense’ isn’t cutting it anymore.

Your host, Sunni, dives deep into how misinformation shapes our beliefs, biases, and behaviors—and how AI is complicating an already messy landscape. But this isn’t just about calling out the problem. It’s about rethinking how we process information in a world where truth feels increasingly subjective.

This is a bold, eye-opening conversation about media literacy, tech accountability, and the power of critical thinking. Sunni is joined by two insightful guests:

Risha Brown, creator of Currently Processing Podcast and Founder of 40 Greens, a wellness and sustainability brand.
Itwela Ibowu, a freelance designer and developer working at the intersections of tech, culture, and identity.

Together, they unpack the invisible forces shaping our perception of reality—from clickbait headlines to algorithmic bias.

You'll learn:

• Why “common sense” no longer protects us in the misinformation age

• How deepfakes, echo chambers, and AI bias are warping our trust in truth

• The role of cognitive bias in why we fall for false information

• Real-world consequences of misinformation—political, financial, and personal

  
  

Love what you heard? Listen, rate, and subscribe to The 4% Amplified on your favorite podcast platform! Every subscription and review helps elevate underrepresented voices in design.

In this episode of 4% Amplified, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the design industry’s biggest problem: the lack of representation of Black and marginalized creatives.

Sunni, your host, gets real about what it means to navigate a career in an industry that often overlooks talent from underrepresented backgrounds. But this isn’t just about obstacles it’s about transformation.

This is a powerful and honest conversation about representation, resilience, and why we can’t rely on good intentions alone. Sunni shares her personal journey, the systemic issues she’s faced, and the deep need for community, mentorship, and real accountability in corporate DEI efforts.

By the end of this episode, you’ll be inspired to take action whether in your company, your classroom, your creative circles, or your own life.

You’ll learn:

Why diversity efforts often fail and how to fix them. How representation in media and design shapes our worldview. The power of mentorship and community for marginalized creatives. How to hold companies (and yourself) accountable for real change.

Resources & References from This Episode

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Labor Force data by race and ethnicity (00:00:25)
• AIGA Design Census 2021 – Snapshot of diversity in the design industry (00:01:00)
• U.S. Department of Labor – Affirmative action study showing white women as primary beneficiaries (00:03:07)
• McKinsey & Company – Diversity Wins Report – Only 20% of companies had actionable DEI strategies (00:04:00)
• Birth of a Nation (1915) – Discussed as one of the earliest films spreading harmful racial stereotypes (00:10:21)

• IATSE Union – Shared in the context of design union work in film and TV (00:15:00)

Connect with Sunni:
Website: sunniaesthetics.com
LinkedIn: Shari Fairclough

Love what you heard? Listen, rate, and subscribe to The 4% Amplified on your favorite podcast platform! Every subscription and review helps elevate underrepresented voices in design.

The 4% Amplified is a podcast dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices, challenging industry norms, and exploring how design can create positive change. Through real stories and impactful conversations, we celebrate diverse perspectives and spotlight designers and allies working to make a difference. Join us as we break barriers and inspire change.

Stay tuned: The first episode drops on April 28, 2025.