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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.

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

Carla Kopp is a game Designer, Developer, and Publisher. Her company is Weird Giraffe Games. Mickey talks with Carla to scratch the surface of diversity and inclusion in the gaming and game development world. Carla believes the content of games can change the world. We discuss how to make the game development world more accessible to everyone, and what a safe-space means to the development process. Inclusion Catalyst invites you to become our next guest host. Learn more here: http://inclusioncatalyst.com/join-us-as-a-guest-host/

[This episode was originally published as part of the Nonprofit SnapCast.] Christal M. Cherry is a nationally recognized nonprofit board consultant and certified leadership coach. She is the Principal and CEO of The Board Pro. We talk about Board Recruiting with an eye on Diversity and Equity. Changing beliefs, behaviors, and practices related to board service and leadership can be challenging, but with the right coaching and tailored training you can steer your organization toward a sustainable future and an equitable governance mindset. Inclusion Catalyst invites you to become our next guest host. Learn more here: http://inclusioncatalyst.com/join-us-as-a-guest-host/

Today on the show, guest host Josh Miller of Josh Miller Ventures and IDEAS xLab talks to  Lori Frisher as part of his Uncovering Your Value series. Frisher is a leader, an advocate, an entrepreneur, an athlete, a two-time cancer survivor, and a public speaker who dares to dream beyond her present circumstances to discover what is possible. She was born with severe hearing loss and relies on two cochlear implants and lip-reading to communicate. Through her company Ready or Not Media!, Lori offerings immersive disability empathy trainings, keynotes and more.   In this episode, Miller and Frisher discuss: How navigating the world with an invisible disability can lead to covering, Disability empathy and the importance of listening to and learning from people’s stories and experiences,  The role experiential learning and immersive workshops play in expanding people’s understanding about accessibility, Working to make physical workplaces more accessible while recognizing the role that remote and hybrid jobs play in expanding access to employment for people with disabilities. If you are interested in learning more about the topic of covering, delving into Miller’s Uncovering Your Value newsletter or getting in touch to share your story or about public speaking, visit ](http://www.joshmiller.ventures)[www.joshmiller.ventures or connect with him on LinkedIn!   About Josh Miller: About: Josh Miller is a queer changemaker, public speaker, photographer, and outdoor explorer. He is the owner of Josh Miller Ventures and the co-founder + CEO of IDEAS xLab—an organization that uses the art of storytelling and community collaboration to impact public health. Miller’s work has been featured by The New York Times, the Aspen Institute, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. He is a Soros Equality Fellow, received the 2022 Nonprofit Visionary Leader Award from Louisville Business First, and was selected for Business Equality Magazine’s Forty LGBTQ+ Leaders under 40 and Louisville Business First's Forty under 40. Miller is a two-time TEDx speaker and has been described as a "force in our community.” He holds an MBA from Indiana University and an undergraduate degree from Bellarmine University. Previously, he served as an advisor to the Derby Diversity & Business Summit and co-chair for the Louisville Health advisory board’s communications committee.   Support Inclusion Catalyst by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/inclusion-catalyst

Today on the show, guest host Josh Miller of Josh Miller Ventures and IDEAS xLab talks to Marija Abney as part of his Uncovering Your Value series. Abney is a community organizer, the arts curator at The Soapbox Presents, a Broadway performer and actress having starred in movies including both Black Panther films and Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. Learn more about her work at The Soapbox presents here.   Covering: downplaying, hiding or filtering parts of ourselves at work, with different social groups, at school and with family.   In this episode, Miller and Abney discuss: The ways we are encouraged to code-switch or cover from a young age, The role of imagining and creating change for future generations, The importance of accomplices and collaborators in the workplace, and Standing in our “No” by putting in place boundaries that embody our values. If you are interested in learning more about the topic of covering, delving into Miller’s Uncovering Your Value newsletter or getting in touch to share your story or about public speaking, visit ](http://www.joshmiller.ventures)[www.joshmiller.ventures or connect with him on LinkedIn!   About Josh Miller: About: Josh Miller is a queer changemaker, public speaker, photographer, and outdoor explorer. He is the owner of Josh Miller Ventures and the co-founder + CEO of IDEAS xLab—an organization that uses the art of storytelling and community collaboration to impact public health. Miller’s work has been featured by The New York Times, the Aspen Institute, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. He is a Soros Equality Fellow, received the 2022 Nonprofit Visionary Leader Award from Louisville Business First, and was selected for Business Equality Magazine’s Forty LGBTQ+ Leaders under 40 and Louisville Business First's Forty under 40. Miller is a two-time TEDx speaker and has been described as a "force in our community.” He holds an MBA from Indiana University and an undergraduate degree from Bellarmine University. Previously, he served as an advisor to the Derby Diversity & Business Summit and co-chair for the Louisville Health advisory board’s communications committee.   Support Inclusion Catalyst by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/inclusion-catalyst

Today on the show, queer changemaker and public speaker Josh Miller kicks off a multi-part series on the topic of covering: downplaying, hiding or filtering parts of ourselves at work, with different social groups, at school and with family.   Miller believes that being visible can shift culture, and that sharing our stories can be the catalyst that changes how people see and move through the world. During the episode, he features excerpts from interviews with corporate, nonprofit and political leaders on their experiences with covering at work and in life.   As guest host, the founder of Josh Miller Ventures and co-founder and CEO of IDEAS xLab: Defines covering and talks about its prevalence and impact, Talks about the cost of covering and how it can lead to coping and burnout Delves into how COVID-19 and the socio-political environment intersected with covering and how people evolved and changed since 2020 Asks you to consider, “Whose imagination are you working you?” Invites listeners to become part of an uncovering movement If you are interested in learning more about the topic of covering, delving into Miller’s Uncovering Your Value newsletter or getting in touch to share your story or about public speaking, visit ](http://www.joshmiller.ventures)[www.joshmiller.ventures or connect with him on LinkedIn!   About Josh Miller: About: Josh Miller is a queer changemaker, public speaker, photographer, and outdoor explorer. He is the owner of Josh Miller Ventures and the co-founder + CEO of IDEAS xLab—an organization that uses the art of storytelling and community collaboration to impact public health. Miller’s work has been featured by The New York Times, the Aspen Institute, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. He is a Soros Equality Fellow, received the 2022 Nonprofit Visionary Leader Award from Louisville Business First, and was selected for Business Equality Magazine’s Forty LGBTQ+ Leaders under 40 and Louisville Business First's Forty under 40. Miller is a two-time TEDx speaker and has been described as a "force in our community.” He holds an MBA from Indiana University and an undergraduate degree from Bellarmine University. Previously, he served as an advisor to the Derby Diversity & Business Summit and co-chair for the Louisville Health advisory board’s communications committee.   Support Inclusion Catalyst by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/inclusion-catalyst

Today on the show, Julien speaks with Richard Mireles, the Director of Communications at the Oakland-based non-profit CROP Organization.   CROP stands for Creating Restorative Opportunities and Programs and their mission is to reimagine reentry (for justice-involved folks) through a holistic, human-centered approach to advocacy, housing, and skill development for the future of work. Richard's story is a testament to the power of resilience, transformation, and dedication. After spending nearly two decades incarcerated, Richard was granted parole in 2019 and has since become a leading voice in the movement for criminal justice reform. As the Director of Communications at CROP Organization and host of The Prison Post Podcast, Richard has dedicated his life to helping returning citizens transform their lives and stay free. He leads CROP's transformational workshops for nonprofits, community college faculty and students, and provides leadership development to incarcerated individuals through the Quest program at Solano State prison. Richard's journey is a true inspiration to all those who seek to overcome adversity and make a positive impact in the world. His unwavering commitment to personal growth, education, and social change is a testament to the transformative power of the human spirit. Today we discuss: The redemptive power of empathy and its importance in restorative justice initiatives and reforms of the criminal justice system. Richard’s personal story and perspectives on what it takes to be transformed in prison and come out whole. That rehabilitation, a critical feature of a healthy justice system, is largely overlooked in the United States — it’s really about profit and punishment. That if truly wanted a crime free society, we’d start by focusing on a 0% recidivism rate and stop dehumanizing justice-involved folks. Additional Resources: Last Prisoner Project Uncuffed Podcast Prison Policy Initiative – Mass Incarceration: The Whole Pie The Purpose of Prison Our host, Julien Geiser, is the Director of Corporate Support at Greatheart Consulting. Greatheart develops inclusive leaders for courageous cultures by focusing on practical behaviors that can help build relationships of trust and accountability across all aspects of identity. To learn more about their work, visit www.greatheartconsulting.com.

Join LeNaya Hezel, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP) as she chats with three alumni of the WSP program, Army veteran Chris Twigg, Navy veteran Desaree Edwards, and Marine Corps veteran Jessica Nelson. In this episode, they’ll discuss life after military service, the role higher education plays in transitioning to civilian life, owning the veteran narrative, and their plans to continue to serve and “make the world a better place.”   Know an enlisted veteran looking to jumpstart their education? Invite them to learn more about Warrior-Scholar Project and submit an interest form at www.warrior-scholar.org.   Connect with Warrior-Scholar Project! Website Donate LinkedIn   An official partner with the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, WSP is a nonprofit that hosts immersive academic boot camps in partnership with some of the nation’s top colleges and universities. A ](https://www.warrior-scholar.org/two-year-study-confirms-national-nonprofit-warrior-scholar-project-provides-unprecedented-resources-to-veterans/)[recent study found that WSP is the only national program of its kind dedicated to veterans that not only provides targeted support for academic success, but also improves social connection and relationships with both faculty and nonveteran students.

Join LeNaya Hezel, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP) as she chats with WSP’s director of education, Dr. Cassie Sanchez, about how the WSP program supports transitioning service members in their pursuit of higher education by meeting the nontraditional student veteran community “where they are.” The two also discuss how using an assets-based approach ensures inclusivity is embedded in WSP’s culture.   Know an enlisted veteran looking to jumpstart their education? Invite them to learn more about Warrior-Scholar Project and submit an interest form at www.warrior-scholar.org.   Connect with Warrior-Scholar Project! Website Donate LinkedIn   An official partner with the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, WSP is a nonprofit that hosts immersive academic boot camps in partnership with some of the nation’s top colleges and universities. A ](https://www.warrior-scholar.org/two-year-study-confirms-national-nonprofit-warrior-scholar-project-provides-unprecedented-resources-to-veterans/)[recent study found that WSP is the only national program of its kind dedicated to veterans that not only provides targeted support for academic success, but also improves social connection and relationships with both faculty and nonveteran students.

Today on the show, Julien speaks with Maurice Jones, the CEO of the non-profit OneTen. OneTen is a coalition of leading chief executives and their companies who are coming together to upskill, hire, and promote one million Black Americans over the next 10 years who do not yet have a four-year degree into family-sustaining jobs with opportunities for advancement. Prior to joining OneTen, Maurice was the President and CEO of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), one of the country's largest organizations supporting projects to revitalize communities and catalyze economic opportunity for residents. He previously served as Secretary of Commerce and Trade for the Commonwealth of Virginia where his primary job was to leverage Virginia’s assets to solidify its position as the preeminent place to live, work and conduct business. Maurice also served as Deputy Secretary for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from April 2012 through January 2014. As the second most senior official at HUD, Maurice managed the Department's day-to-day operations, the annual operating budget of $40 billion and the agency's 8,900 employees. Maurice received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Hampden-Sydney College and attended Oxford University in England on a Rhodes Scholarship, where he received a Master of Philosophy in International Relations. He later received a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia. Today we discuss: With 11 million job openings, we discuss why it’s critical that we shift our national standard for job qualification from primarily academic credentials or experience, to a focus on measurable and tangible skills. Addressing inherited poverty by connecting Black talent to family-sustaining wages that offer entry to the middle class and that are accessible (don’t require a 4-year degree), offer advancement opportunities, and are secure over the long term (unlikely to be automated). Why building an ecosystem that connects employers and skilled workers will drive our national economic potential and benefit all of us. Three critical actions for inclusive leaders to take that support “OneTeners”—build a skills-first culture, mentor and sponsor new hires, and create a culture of belonging where authenticity is valued. Additional Resources: MIT’s Living Wage Calculator Our Obsession w/ Black Excellence is Harming Black People by Dr. Janice Gassam Our host, Julien Geiser, is the Director of Corporate Support at Greatheart Consulting. Greatheart develops inclusive leaders for courageous cultures by focusing on practical behaviors that can help build relationships of trust and accountability across all aspects of identity. To learn more about their work, visit www.greatheartconsulting.com. Support Inclusion Catalyst by contributing to our tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/inclusion-catalyst This podcast is powered by Pinecast.