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This episode is brought to you by Petty Professor | Cozy Rebellion in Session™

A fearless career leap, a devastating family loss, and a mission to change how brands listen—Dawn V. Carr brings all of it to the table with clarity and heart. We welcome the founder and CEO of Mahogany Insights to explore why so many products miss the mark for Black consumers and how better research—not louder marketing—solves the real problem. Dawn breaks down the difference between counting people and understanding people, showing how qualitative research, cultural immersion, and culturally fluent moderation turn stories into strategy.

We dig into the structural reasons behind dissatisfaction: Black Americans make up a far smaller slice of most research panels than we are of the population, and that gap cascades into misread insights, misguided campaigns, and products that feel like they weren’t built for us. Dawn’s solution is Mahogany Minds, a national panel designed to bring more Black voices into studies at scale with fair compensation and thoughtful recruitment. She explains how intersectionality matters in practice—Black and immigrant, Black and parent, Black and high income each carry distinct needs—and why the generic “multicultural” label erases meaningful differences across ethnicity, region, and culture.

Along the way, Dawn shares the human story behind her method: caregiving for her mother, rebuilding as a single mom, and choosing entrepreneurship as a form of activism. We talk about trust and betrayal in brand relationships, why context makes data honest, and how 10x thinking can change not just a company’s goals but the infrastructure built to reach them. If you care about DEI, consumer insight, brand strategy, or simply want products that truly reflect your life, this conversation offers a playbook for doing the work with rigor and respect.

If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review. Your support helps more listeners find conversations that move the culture and the market forward.

Check out Dawn's top 5 books to read for your New Year's Book List! 

Tune in to find out why she considers them great reads!

A Happy Pocket full of Money
Mastering Fear
We Should All Be Millionaires

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to our podcast on your favorite platform and leaving a rating or review. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing insightful conversations about DEI.

To stay up to date with the latest news and updates from Top 5 DEI, be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our email list here. If you have any feedback or suggestions for future episodes, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line at [email protected].

Thanks again for listening, and we'll see you next time on Top 5 DEI!

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Word of the day: "fair-chance hiring" and "person"

Resource of the day: Young, Nicole & Powell, Gary. (2015). Hiring ex-offenders: A theoretical model. Human Resource Management Review. 25. 298-312. 10.1016/j.hrmr.2014.11.001. 

In a powerful conversation with Dr. Nicole C Jones-Young, we explore the complex challenges facing individuals with criminal histories as they seek to rebuild their lives through meaningful work.

Dr. Jones-Young's path to becoming a leading researcher on criminal justice and employment began unexpectedly. While volunteering with organizations serving unhoused populations, she noticed a pattern of employment gaps linked to incarceration. This observation sparked a passion that eventually led her from human resources to academia, where she now conducts groundbreaking research on fair chance hiring practices as an Associate Professor at Franklin and Marshall College.

The language we use matters profoundly in this space. Dr. Jones-Young emphasizes the importance of person-first terminology, reminding us that a criminal record represents something someone did, not who they fundamentally are. This shift in language reflects a deeper philosophical stance: people deserve to define themselves rather than having identities imposed upon them by society.

We explore the promising landscape of fair chance hiring, highlighting organizations like JP Morgan Chase, Dave's Killer Bread, and The Body Shop that have successfully implemented initiatives to employ people with criminal histories. These companies demonstrate that inclusive hiring practices aren't just socially responsible—they're good business. Yet frustratingly, many companies only lower barriers to entry during labor shortages, revealing that exclusionary policies often stem from convenience rather than necessity.

The conversation takes a sobering turn when discussing the industrial prison complex and its troubling connections to modern-day slavery. Many incarcerated individuals develop skills and earn certifications while serving time, yet these accomplishments are rarely valued by employers upon release—even by the very companies profiting from prison labor.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Jones-Young remains committed to creating change. She shares her self-care strategies, including setting firm boundaries around work communications and finding joy through physical activity. The episode concludes with a lighthearted discussion of her top five films

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to our podcast on your favorite platform and leaving a rating or review. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing insightful conversations about DEI.

To stay up to date with the latest news and updates from Top 5 DEI, be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our email list here. If you have any feedback or suggestions for future episodes, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line at [email protected].

Thanks again for listening, and we'll see you next time on Top 5 DEI!

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*Word of the Day: "Healthcare Deserts"

*Link to Nurse Ty's Research, "The Effect of Ethical Leadership on Nurse Bullying, Burnout, and Turnover Intentions" published in the Journal of Nursing Management.

When Thanayi "Nurse Ty" Lambert moved from Chicago's North Side to its South Side at 16, she discovered more than a new neighborhood—she found her calling. The stark disparities in educational resources and healthcare access weren't just statistics; they were lived realities that would eventually shape her path from science teacher to maternal health advocate and nursing educator.

"I spent a lot of time connecting pregnant teens to resources, getting things they needed," Nurse Ty explains, describing her early teaching career. "I was supposed to be going over science and math, but how can you go over subjects when someone's worried about their baby not having what they need?" This profound observation led her to pursue nursing, specifically in maternal and obstetric care, where she could address these inequities head-on.

Now a clinical assistant professor at UT Arlington with over 17 years of experience, Nurse Ty's approach to nursing education reveals critical blind spots in healthcare training. One powerful example she shares: teaching students to find veins on melanated skin. "On people with darker skin, it makes it challenging to see," she explains, describing how many nursing students are taught to rely on visual cues that simply don't work for all patients. This seemingly small detail has life-or-death implications for patient care.

The conversation takes on heightened urgency as Nurse Ty addresses the resurgence of preventable diseases like measles and the growing phenomenon of "healthcare deserts"—communities with severely limited access to quality care. Her passionate defense of science-based medicine comes with practical advice for navigating today's complex healthcare landscape: find trusted sources, maintain critical thinking skills, and recognize how microaggressions in healthcare settings directly impact patient outcomes.

Whether discussing her strategies for countering workplace bias or sharing her eclectic playlist (from Donna Summer to Miriam Makeba), Nurse Ty embodies the vital connection between diversity in medical education and equitable healthcare delivery. Listen and discover why understanding cultural differences in healthcare isn't just about inclusivity—it's about survival.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to our podcast on your favorite platform and leaving a rating or review. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing insightful conversations about DEI.

To stay up to date with the latest news and updates from Top 5 DEI, be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our email list here. If you have any feedback or suggestions for future episodes, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line at [email protected].

Thanks again for listening, and we'll see you next time on Top 5 DEI!

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Political perceptions in leadership impact workplace dynamics—especially for Black employees.

Our latest 5 Minute Insights segment unpacks groundbreaking research from Dr. Darryl Rice & team, revealing how managers perceived as Trump supporters create more challenging work environments for Black professionals.

🔹 Key Takeaways:

• Perceived Political Affiliation Matters – Managers viewed as Trump-supporting were rated lower on inclusive leadership.
• Black Employees Feel Less Supported – This perception reduces engagement, mentorship, and professional growth opportunities.
• Younger Black Professionals Are Most Affected – Early-career employees rely more on managers for guidance and advancement.
• Inclusive Leadership Is Key – Organizations must address implicit biases and foster psychological safety to create thriving workplaces.

🔹 Why It Matters:
 When employees don’t feel included, companies suffer lower retention, weaker engagement, and diminished performance. Leaders must recognize that it’s not just about what they do—but how they’re perceived.

📖 Full Research Article: Politics and race in the workplace: Understanding how and when trump‐supporting managers hinder black employees from thriving at work - Rice - 2025 

🎙️ Want more insights from Dr. Darryl Rice?
 Check out our full interview where we dive into DEI challenges and resilience with Dr. Rice. Listen here: Advocating for Equity – A Conversation with Dr. Darryl B. Rice

💰 Enjoying the podcast? Help us keep these convos going!
 Even $5 helps us produce impactful, research-driven content.
 🔗 Support us here: Buzzsprout Support Link

📢 Every share, listen, and donation helps amplify the movement! Thank you for being part of the Top 5 DEI community.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to our podcast on your favorite platform and leaving a rating or review. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing insightful conversations about DEI.

To stay up to date with the latest news and updates from Top 5 DEI, be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our email list here. If you have any feedback or suggestions for future episodes, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line at [email protected].

Thanks again for listening, and we'll see you next time on Top 5 DEI!

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IMPORTANT LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

Information about Ohio anti-DEI bill

Information about Texas Senate Bill 17

Dr. Rice's publications

President Donald Trump's 2025 Executive Orders

Words of the Day: Cultural Screens; Sustained Excellence

Question of the Day: Who did Dr. Rice rank as his top athlete?

Unlock the transformative power of diversity, equity, and inclusion with insights from our esteemed guest, Dr. Darryl B. Rice, affectionately known as Dr. Ice. In this episode, Dr. Ice shares his inspiring journey from the high-paced world of finance to becoming a leading academic voice in DEI. Discover how the 2008 financial crisis ignited his passion for justice and ethics, leading him to the forefront of DEI scholarship. As Dr. Ice recounts his experiences, he reveals the meaning behind his unique nickname, embodying his composed approach to tackling the intricate challenges of academia.

Explore how political ideologies shape perceptions of DEI, acting as cultural screens that often skew research interpretations and organizational dynamics. We discuss groundbreaking studies on ethical leadership and abusive supervision, highlighting how a robust psychological diversity climate can redefine workplace culture. By breaking down complex concepts like controlling for variables, we aim to make these ideas accessible, empowering listeners to bridge ideological divides and champion DEI initiatives in diverse environments.

Venture into the legal and cultural battlegrounds of DEI, particularly in states like Ohio and Texas, where systemic resistance is formidable. Our conversation delves into the emotional resilience required to advocate for DEI amidst legislative challenges and mischaracterizations. With a focus on high-profile legal battles and the chilling effects of recent bills, we highlight the unwavering dedication of DEI advocates who continue to push for justice against all odds. Join us as we celebrate the stories of those who tirelessly work toward creating equitable spaces, reminding us of the critical importance of accurate representation and understanding in DEI efforts.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to our podcast on your favorite platform and leaving a rating or review. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing insightful conversations about DEI.

To stay up to date with the latest news and updates from Top 5 DEI, be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our email list here. If you have any feedback or suggestions for future episodes, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line at [email protected].

Thanks again for listening, and we'll see you next time on Top 5 DEI!

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Welcome to Top 5 DEI, the podcast that explores the world of diversity, equity, and inclusion like never before. Join your hosts as they delve deep into the world of DEI by interviewing a diverse array of professionals who manage, practice, teach, research, or publish anything related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

In each episode, your host will ask their guests five thought-provoking questions, giving listeners an insider's perspective on the many facets of DEI. But the conversation doesn't stop there - in the spirit of diversity and perspective-taking, your host will also ask each guest to share their top 5 songs, books, movies, desserts, and more.

With its unique blend of expert insights and personal anecdotes, Top 5 DEI is the premier podcast for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the world of diversity, equity, and inclusion. So sit back, relax, and get ready to explore the fascinating world of DEI like never before.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to our podcast on your favorite platform and leaving a rating or review. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing insightful conversations about DEI.

To stay up to date with the latest news and updates from Top 5 DEI, be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our email list here. If you have any feedback or suggestions for future episodes, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line at [email protected].

Thanks again for listening, and we'll see you next time on Top 5 DEI!

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In this enlightening episode of 'Top 5 DEI,' Dr. J engages in a profound dialogue on diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice with esteemed guest Aaron Ireland, a distinguished educator and founder of a not-for-profit organization offering educational workshops and tutoring to Chicago's youth. Aaron brings his wealth of experience to the discussion, shedding light on the intricate intersection of race, equity, and education while emphasizing the critical importance of fostering a sense of belonging for every individual.

As the conversation unfolds, Aaron shares his journey to social justice and the transformative power of education as a catalyst for activism. Delving into the challenges faced by minorities in accessing equitable education resources and opportunities, Aaron offers invaluable insights into the role of education in promoting equity. The dialogue explores the impact of environment, culture, and representation in shaping educational experiences and underscores the significance of non-traditional sports and belief in achieving success.

Listeners are treated to thought-provoking discussions on the power of academics, the struggle with elitism in education, and the vision for fostering inclusive communities. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Aaron and Dr. J delve into the human aspect of DEI practices, the pain of discrimination, and the hope for a racism-free future. From the importance of support systems to the impact of policies on communities, this episode offers a comprehensive exploration of equity in education and the quest for a more just and inclusive society.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to our podcast on your favorite platform and leaving a rating or review. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing insightful conversations about DEI.

To stay up to date with the latest news and updates from Top 5 DEI, be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our email list here. If you have any feedback or suggestions for future episodes, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line at [email protected].

Thanks again for listening, and we'll see you next time on Top 5 DEI!

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In this insightful episode of the Top 5 DEI Podcast, Dr. J sits down for a compelling interview with Taylor Coward, a dedicated Chicago teacher, diversity advocate, and co-host of the 'When Magic Happens' podcast by WBEZ Chicago. Taylor takes listeners on a journey through her path into social justice and activism, drawing from her experiences as a substitute teacher in both public and private schools in Chicago. The conversation delves into Taylor's transition into podcasting and her unique perspective as a Gen Z representative on 'When Magic Happens,' a podcast featuring three Black women from distinct generations.

From discussing diversity, equity, and inclusion in education, government, and media, Taylor offers valuable insights and reflections. As the conversation unfolds, listeners gain a deeper understanding of Taylor's experiences with vulnerability in podcasting, the influence of her identity on her work, and even a glimpse into her daily work routine.

In a delightful twist, Taylor opens up about her top five favorite desserts, sparking a sweet exploration into unique dessert recipes. From the tantalizing allure of Key Lime Pie to surprising dessert choices, vintage recipes, and even a dive into old school salads, this episode is a delightful blend of insightful discussions and tasty treats.

The episode concludes with a Q&A session, touching on topics like diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As the conversation wraps up, listeners are left with a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted world of Taylor Coward. Don't miss this engaging episode that seamlessly weaves together education, activism, and the joy of desserts.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to our podcast on your favorite platform and leaving a rating or review. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing insightful conversations about DEI.

To stay up to date with the latest news and updates from Top 5 DEI, be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our email list here. If you have any feedback or suggestions for future episodes, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line at [email protected].

Thanks again for listening, and we'll see you next time on Top 5 DEI!

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In this episode of Top 5 DEI podcast, Dr. Jason Lambert, aka Dr. J, engages in an insightful conversation with Dr. Joseph Scott Gladstone, an assistant professor of management at Washington State University's Everett campus. Dr. Gladstone's research delves into culturally relevant management education, with a focus on the synergy between Western management science and Native American and Indigenous Peoples cultures.

With a background that spans across academia and Native American philosophy, Dr. Gladstone's work pioneers the exploration of transplanar wisdom, a foundational philosophy of Native American and Indigenous Peoples. This philosophy offers unique insights into organization management, efficiency, and ethics, fostering discussions that bridge diverse management approaches.

Listeners will gain insights into Dr. Gladstone's published research, which has appeared in esteemed journals such as Academy of Management Learning & Education, Leadership, and more. Notably, he is a co-editor of "American Indian Business: Principles and Practice," a pioneering text that brings Indigenous perspectives into the realm of general management.

Dr. J delves into Dr. Gladstone's instrumental role in founding the Native and Indigenous Peoples Caucus in the Academy of Management, an initiative advocating for Native and Indigenous management epistemology. Dr. Gladstone's unique background as an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Tribe of Montana and recognized Nez Perce descendant adds a profound layer to his perspectives on management and education.

Tune in to this episode to gain insights into the intersection of diverse cultural perspectives and modern management practices. Dr. Joseph Scott Gladstone's expertise, dedication, and pioneering work offer a wealth of knowledge for DEI professionals, educators, and anyone interested in the dynamic integration of Indigenous wisdom into management education.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to our podcast on your favorite platform and leaving a rating or review. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing insightful conversations about DEI.

To stay up to date with the latest news and updates from Top 5 DEI, be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our email list here. If you have any feedback or suggestions for future episodes, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line at [email protected].

Thanks again for listening, and we'll see you next time on Top 5 DEI!

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In this compelling episode of the Top 5 DEI podcast, Dr. Jason Lambert, aka Dr. J, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Jonathan L. Johnson, a highly accomplished Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) executive consultant. Dr. Johnson's extensive background and expertise are nothing short of impressive, and his passion for driving DEI initiatives to create lasting organizational change shines through.

Dr. Johnson's journey is one of impact and innovation. As a talented DEI executive consultant, he's been instrumental in launching, scaling, and sustaining diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging interventions within organizations. His strategic prowess has not only met but exceeded organizational targets while maintaining compliance and employee satisfaction.

Throughout this episode, Dr. Johnson shares his core competencies and achievements, which include leadership and development, project management, effective cross-cultural communication, creativity, innovation, and data-driven analysis and budgeting. He also discusses his pivotal role in creating initiatives like the Sankofa Retention Initiative, which significantly improved retention rates among underrepresented groups.

Dr. Johnson's ability to weave data-driven insights with cultural sensitivity and emotional intelligence has made him a sought-after advisor and mentor. He has consistently demonstrated his commitment to advancing DEI, leaving a lasting impact on organizations and communities.

Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights from Dr. Jonathan L. Johnson as he discusses his remarkable career, achievements, and the transformative power of DEI initiatives. Whether you're a DEI professional, a business leader, or someone interested in creating a more inclusive world, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to help you on your journey.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to our podcast on your favorite platform and leaving a rating or review. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing insightful conversations about DEI.

To stay up to date with the latest news and updates from Top 5 DEI, be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our email list here. If you have any feedback or suggestions for future episodes, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line at [email protected].

Thanks again for listening, and we'll see you next time on Top 5 DEI!

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Produced By White Hot
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Music By @freebeats.io
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