[Un]phased Unedited Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Shaunna and Dr. Lisa explore Weltschmerz — the German concept of “world-pain,” a deep, melancholic weariness about the suffering and imperfection woven into human life. 

Dr. Shaunna leads a conversation about gathering and fighting, drawing inspiration from Priya Parker’s books. They explore Parker’s idea of “healthy heat” and if it's even possible in the sociopolitical climate of the United States.

Then, Dr. Lisa takes the second half, guiding a reflection on memory and loss. As time stretches between us and pivotal moments — 9/11, the civil rights movement, the Obama presidency — they query the consequences of losing touch with the past.

Mentioned in the show

Priya Parker - Your Guide to the Art of Gathering

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 show

What Is an Otrovert? 5 Signs You Belong To This Rare Personality Type - MindJournal

A mother’s bravery. Her son’s legacy – National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

The Rage: Some Closing Comments on “Open Casket” – University of California, Irvine Criminology, Law, and Society

Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship – The White House

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 show

White with Fear - PBS

'The gravest crime against humanity': What does the UN vote on slavery mean? – BBC News

Opinion | It’s Not Trump. It’s America - The New York Times

In this episode, Dr. Shaunna and Dr. Lisa debrief Tad Stoermer’s latest work on democratic resilience and the nine strategies that separate performative resistance from sustained, principled action. They trace how movements lose momentum when power is squandered — from Biden’s missed opportunities to the enduring arc toward justice.
Abusive authority will wait you out unless you build structures that can outlast it.

Mentioned in the podcast

Tad Stoermer | Substack

Tad Stoermer's Resistance History

We had so much to discuss this week that we just skipped the Word of the Week and got right to it! Apparently, there is language to describe individuals who have had to outthink systems that weren't built for their survival. (Oh wait, are we talking about the entire U.S.?)

Anyway, Bruce Ellis's Hidden Talents Framework introduces survivor's intelligence and its five dimensions.

Then, we look at Callaway Golf and Good Good's most recent advertising misstep, tracing the timeline from the deleted ad to the $1 million commitment to anti-violence organizations in response.

Listen in and think about how we can collectively reduce the need for survivor's intelligence while also patronizing businesses that value women.

Mentioned in the show

Good Good Golf's Bad Bad Week: Timeline following implosion of controversial Callaway ad – The Athletic

Good Good Golf and Callaway Apologize for ‘Scary’ Ad – Wall Street Journal

Reddit thread on the controversy

Good Good's Statement - X

Callaway Golf Statement 1 - X

Callaway Golf Statement 2  - X

Callaway cuts ties with Good Good – The Athletic

Women Owned Golf Retailers

Golf4Her

Fore All

Birdie Girl Golf

In this episode of [un]phased unedited, Dr. Shaunna and Dr. Lisa tackle two of today's most pressing workforce conversations: the changing nature of employment and the growing instability within higher education. From corporate DEI decisions to the realities of adjunct faculty labor, this episode explores what happens when institutions prioritize flexibility, cost-cutting, and short-term solutions over sustainable investments in people. 

The conversation begins with a deep dive into the "gig economy", a labor model built around independent, short-term, and flexible work arrangements rather than traditional full-time employment. 

Next, contrary to popular narratives, the study discussed in the episode found no evidence that companies were financially penalized for continuing their DEI efforts. 

Then, the second half of the episode shifts to higher education and the increasing reliance on adjunct faculty and how universities now employ hundreds of thousands of adjunct instructors who often work without benefits, job security, or sustainable compensation. 

Mentioned in the show

DEI policies brought no financial penalty for companies that kept them, study finds  - CBS News

Markets Do Not Punish Firms for Maintaining DEI - Hanna Folsz and Jacob M. Grumbach, August 2026

Seeking a Place in Academia, GU Adjuncts Struggle to Make Ends Meet – The Hoya, GU

Adjunct Faculty in the Higher Education Workforce – CUPA-HR

Adjuncting Until the End of Time – The Nation

From "peak w*ke" to a new era of class-conscious activism, Dr. Lisa and Dr. Shaunna trace how "w*ke" evolved -- from 1923 down through the most recent focus on economic populism and practical justice. Drawing on voices like AOC and Chi Ossé, we explore what happens when movements mature -- and what "w*ke" means for leadership and community work.

Mentioned in the show

Episode 139: Wake Up… Stay Woke! – The [un]phased unedited podcast

How Woke Went From "Black" to "Bad" – NAACP Legal Defense Fund

What does the word 'woke' really mean, and where does it come from?  - NPR

A history of “wokeness” - Vox

Where did “woke” come from, learn its musical history - AZ Central

A.O.C. Said ‘Woke 1.0 Was Crazy.’ But What Is It? – New York Times

What AOC gets right – and wrong – about ‘Woke 1.0’ – The Guardian US

Democrats reckon with ‘Woke 1’ as the party seeks to define an era — and distance itself from it – NBC News

In this episode, Dr. Shaunna and Dr. Lisa begin by exploring how language and lifestyle branding shape women's identities and power. They start with the concept of semantic derogation -- the way words associated with women or marginalized groups acquire negative meanings over time. They then pivot to the rise of "trad wife" influencers, whose curated domesticity makes entrepreneurial empires built on submission.

Later, they talk about the Georgia school sh**ting case where the father of Colt Gray was sentenced to 15 years for involuntary manslaughter after supplying the g*n. His mother has not been prosecuted.

Mentioned in the episode

Tycoon or Tradwife? The Woman Behind Ballerina Farm Makes Her Own Path - NYT

Commentary: Why isn’t the tradwife bestseller ‘Yesteryear’ about Mormonism? – Salt Lake Tribune

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke - GoodReads

Susan Hyatt, Master Certified Life & Business Coach

A school shooter’s mother helped him reach his ‘fans’ from prison. Here’s why she wasn’t charged. - CNN

Father who gave gun to Apalachee High School shooter sentenced to 15 years in prison - PBS

District attorney: Behavior of Colt Gray's mom was 'disgusting,' but not criminal – 11 Alive

In this episode, Dr. Lisa and Dr. Shaunna tackle intertwined themes shaping intimacy and connection today:  stealthing and the cost-of-living crisis that's rewriting the rules of dating. The topics reveal how power, consent, and economics intersect in our most personal spaces.

They also explore voting patterns in support or against candidates accused of domestic violence, revealing partisan divides in moral tolerance. Listeners will be reminded that intimacy and justice are never separate conversations -- whether we're talking about consent, class, or culture, power always sets the terms of engagement.

Mentioned in the show

The Cost of Living Crisis is Rewriting the Rules of Dating - TIME

Democrats see a chance to flip a seat as focus on abuse claims mounts against Ohio Rep. Max Miller – PBS

The International Criminal Court puts its house in order – The Economist

International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan dismissed – The UN

Poll: Trump’s MAGA voters would stick by a candidate through the most serious of scandals - Politico

In today’s episode, the Drs. unpack the layered concept of respectability politics—a survival strategy turned social constraint—and explore how it continues to shape institutional norms today. Using Tuskegee University’s updated dress code policy as a case study, they examine the intersection of professional preparation, cultural expression, and standards in historically Black spaces.

Additionally, they discuss a grab bag of current events, including 45/47's mandate to mark Smithsonian exhibits with which he disagrees as "inaccuracies", his remarks about Kaitlin Collins at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, the Department of War's testosterone proposal, and Todd Blanche's Senate hearing "slip up".

Mentioned in the show

Tuskegee University bans bonnets and du-rags for upcoming school year in updated dress code – al.com

Tuskegee University’s new dress code bans bonnets, du-rags and bedroom shoes in class – TheGrio

Trump ramps up attacks against Smithsonian in executive action ordering new signage outside exhibits – ABC News

As Hegseth pursues a 'High-T' military, here's what to know about testosterone replacement – PBS News

Blanche's slip-up on his Trump relationship: 'I'm his lawyer' – Politico

Trump’s fresh mocking of CNN reporter renews calls to end correspondents’ dinner – The Washington Post