Inclusion Catalyst

Mickey Desai
  • 5.0 (10)
  • DOCUMENTARY

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.

  1. 2D AGO

    Getting in Line: Rethinking DEI, Meritocracy, and Misconceptions

    Host 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/

    39 min

  2. APR 28

    The Literacy Crisis We Can’t Ignore

    This 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/

    23 min

  3. 11/25/2025

    “Secrets of the Killing State” with Corinna Lain

    In 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.

    57 min

  4. 07/01/2025

    Charles Gibson: Building Belonging on College Campuses

    Charles 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/

    38 min

  5. 06/24/2025

    Nadia Mian: Catalyzing Faith-Based Affordable Housing

    Nadia 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/

    26 min

  6. 06/17/2025

    Theresa Lau: Exposing the Harmful Cuts in the 'Big, Beautiful' Budget Bill

    Theresa 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/

    26 min

  7. 06/10/2025

    Federal Budget Cuts & Social Program Impact: Teresa Lau

    Theresa 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/

    33 min

  8. 10/01/2024

    SB-17 Is Changing The Nonprofit Landscape

    Dr. 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/

    29 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Mickey Desai
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    68
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Mickey Desai
  • Show Website
    Inclusion Catalyst