For centuries, members of the B’doul Bedouin tribe lived in the caves around the ancient city of Petra, Jordan. Then, in the 1980s, the government forced the tribe to move in the name of preserving the geological site for tourists. But if the residents are forced to leave, and if their heritage has been permanently changed, then what exactly is being preserved? SHOW NOTES: Meet The Man Living in The Lost City Carved in Stone Jordan: Petra's tourism authority cracks down on Bedouin cave dwellers The tribes paying the brutal price of conservation “There is no future for Umm Sayhoun” Jordan’s Young Bedouins Are Documenting Their Traditions on TikTok Check out Sami's company Jordan Inspiration Tours Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices…
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Tune into "The E Word" with Brittany and Karen as they sift through the part of DEI that everyone tiptoes around - Equity. It’s like a closet overhaul for your brain! They'll help you sort through the mess, point out what to keep that works, and highlight what to ditch that doesn't. With each episode, they'll unpack real-life examples from legal, marketing, and leadership angles, showing you why equity isn't just good—it's critical to business growth and sustainability. Get ready to declutte ...
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When Business Leaders Retreat from Their Values, Who Really Pays the Price?
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33:36Send us a text Deloitte says “everyone is welcome”—but just scrapped its DEI goals, transparency reporting, and inclusive programming in the U.S. In this episode, Brittany and Karen confront the contradiction and ask: what happens when companies eliminate the very tools that make inclusion measurable? From the quiet ban on pronouns in email signatu…
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Erasing Identity: The Battle Over Words and Women's Rights
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36:54Send us a text This International Women's Day, Karen and Brittany delve into a pressing issue: the federal government's removal of terms like "women," "Black," "Latinx, "mental health," "climate change," "gender" and a host of other words from official communications. They share personal stories of influential women in their lives—mothers balancing…
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What Makes You Worthy? Unpacking Money, Status, and Self-Worth
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39:14Send us a text In this episode, Karen and Brittany delve into how society perceives and reacts to displays of wealth, sparked by a recent Real Housewives of Beverly Hills episode where a cast member declared, "my wallet is bigger." They explore why we often associate positive traits like intelligence and morality with financial status and how these…
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Does DEI Actually Affect You? (Spoiler: Yes!)
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45:27Send us a text Think diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is just about race and gender? Think again. DEI frameworks impact nearly everyone—veterans, parents, caregivers, disabled individuals, and more—by breaking down barriers to success and ensuring true merit can shine. In this episode, we tackle the biggest misconceptions about DEI, including…
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Ever found yourself in a heated debate with a loved one over political beliefs?
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32:20Send us a text We're unpacking a gripping Reddit post about a woman questioning her reaction to her fiancé’s Republican views on the federal financial aid freeze. Their story opens up a broader conversation on government subsidies, military service benefits, and how to navigate political differences in relationships. We also dive into deep-seated b…
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Is Target’s DEI Shift a Smart Business Move or Politics at Play?
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32:55Send us a text Target’s latest DEI moves are stirring up conversation—are they reacting to political pressure or making a strategic business play? We break down the end of their three-year DEI goals, the impact of past controversies (hello, Pride Month backlash), and what it all means for the brand’s future. We also explore how big brands can make …
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Wayment! McDonald’s Always Had Inclusion as Its Secret Sauce
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38:10Send us a text Contrary to the headlines, McDonald's isn’t abandoning its DEI principles—it’s been blending them into its secret sauce all along. In this episode, we dig beneath the headlines to explore McDonald's purpose and impact report, highlighting what the global giant is getting right, where we disagree and see a higher opportunity for its a…
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Send us a text Costco has made headlines by affirming its commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), resisting external political pressures that many corporations face regarding these essential policies. This episode explores the implications of Costco's stance for the retail sector while discussing the challenges other corporations enco…
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Why Are NASDAQ's Diversity Rules for the Board Room Facing Legal Pushback?
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34:26Send us a text What happens when corporate boardrooms fail to reflect the diversity of the society they serve? Today, we tackle this pressing question as we discuss the controversial rejection of NASDAQ's diversity rules by a US Appeals Court in New Orleans. We explore the crucial role of appointing judges capable of understanding diverse perspecti…
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How Does Diverse Admissions at the Naval Academy Challenge National Security Narratives?
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29:52Send us a text Can diversity in military education strengthen national security? Join us as we explore the groundbreaking federal court ruling that upholds the Naval Academy's race-conscious admissions policy. This decision is not just a bureaucratic victory but a significant stride towards ensuring that our armed forces reflect the rich diversity …
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Why Are Corporate DEI Strategies Quietly Transforming?
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46:30Send us a text Corporate America's DEI initiatives are not what they seem! As Walmart rolls back its diversity programs, there are more questions about the future of equity in the workplace. Brittany and Karen ponder the repercussions on minority and women-owned businesses in a time of shifting political landscapes and discuss the balancing act cor…
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Is the Future of Diversity and Inclusion at Risk Under a Republican Majority?
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34:40Send us a text What if the recent election outcomes signal a seismic shift for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in both corporate and political realms? As we brace for the impending Trump presidency and a Republican majority, we dissect the potential ramifications for DEI initiatives and draw parallels with historical contexts, like reparatio…
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How The Real Housewives Mirror American Society and Teach Us Life Lessons
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27:04Send us a text BREATHER EPISODE: Every now and then, we need to hit pause on the heavy stuff and kick back with some laughs! Because let’s be real—life can’t be all serious all the time! ---- Have you ever wondered how a reality TV franchise could mirror the complexities of American society while offering pure entertainment? Karen & Brittany unpack…
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How Authenticity Influences Kamala Harris' Campaign and Sparks Connection
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30:52Send us a text Karen and Brittany kick off the conversation and delve into the excitement of the upcoming U.S. presidential election, focusing on Vice President Kamala Harris' run. Her candidacy is not just a political event; it's a cultural moment that resonates across communities. They share their admiration for Harris' leadership style, her knac…
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Why Black Woman Must Learn the Intricate Dance of Race and Gender in Modern Leadership
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39:53Send us a text This episode unpacks monumental moments like Mexico's inaugural woman president and the significance of a mixed-race Black woman running for the U.S. presidency. The challenges faced by political figures like Kamala Harris are front and center, as Karen & Brittany tackle perceptions and the crucial role of shared democratic responsib…
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Do Political Debates Prioritize Performance Over Policy Substance?
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36:12Send us a text Ever wondered how polished delivery can overshadow policy substance? We promise you'll learn how vice-presidential debates often favor soundbites and media-savvy appearances, potentially leading to public misconceptions. Brittany and Karen discuss the nuances of political communication, highlighting the importance of critical thinkin…
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Is Academic Freedom Being Used to Shield Racism in Higher Education?
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41:23Send us a text Is academic freedom a shield for hate speech, or should educators be held accountable for perpetuating racism? Karen & Brittany confront the provocative actions of Professor Amy Wax at the University of Pennsylvania, whose racially insensitive remarks have sparked controversy. As we dissect her advocacy for "cultural distance nationa…
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How 88 CEOs' Support of VP Harris is Influencing Corporate America's Political Agenda
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42:38Send us a text Ever wondered how Corporate America shapes its political landscape? Tune into "The E-Word" as we discuss the recent endorsement of Kamala Harris by 88 powerhouse CEOs. We'll uncover what this wave of support means for economic stability and corporate trust and why companies are now more compelled than ever to take definitive politica…
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A Tale of Two Americas: How Do Fear and Hope Shape the Future of Leadership?
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41:13Send us a text How do fear and hope drive American politics in opposite directions? Join us as we explore this provocative question, beginning with a deep dive into the often-ignored "E" in DEI—equity. We examine the stark contrasts between the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, focusing on the cultural ramifications of VP picks JD Van…
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Why Is Kamala Harris' Identity Under Political Scrutiny?
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40:44Send us a text Is Kamala Harris' multiracial identity being used as a political weapon? Join Karen & Brittany as they confront this controversial issue head-on, sparked by provocative remarks at the recent NABJ event featuring the Republican presidential nominee. This episode delves deep into the complexities of race and identity in America, focusi…
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Why does Kamala Harris have us HOPE-SCROLLING for inclusivity and representation?
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46:05Send us a text Imagine the powerful combination of Kamala Harris' diverse heritage and her historic nomination as the presumptive Democratic nominee for president. Join our celebration of this milestone as we discuss the significance of her candidacy, representing Black, South Asian, Jamaican, and immigrant communities. Hear about the enthusiastic …
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Why Did SHRM Strip 'Equity' From Its DEI Strategy?
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35:06Send us a text Is SHRM abandoning equity? Join Brittany and Karen as they dissect SHRM's rather confusing shift from diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) to a narrower focus on inclusion and diversity (I&D). In this episode, Brittany and Karen: Dig into the implications of omitting "equity" from the equation, especially given its crit…
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How does belief and bias affect the Cassandra's of Corporate America?
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28:51Send us a text Ever found yourself echoing the unheard prophecies of Cassandra, the Trojan priestess doomed to speak truths no one would believe? That's the thread Karen & Brittany tug at as they explore the labyrinth of trust and credibility, where the workplace becomes our modern-day Troy. In this episode, Karen and Brittany peel back the layers …
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Why Can't We Unravel the Strands of Hair Equity and Expression in the Black Community?
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31:26Send us a text Every strand tells a story, and in our latest episode, we weave through the complex tapestry of hair's role in equity and self-expression. I open up about the personal hurdles I've faced sporting dreads and dyed hair in professional spheres, while we also unravel the historical battles for acceptance that many like Daryl George have …
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Is There a War Brewing Against Black Women's Success?
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35:11Send us a text Karen and Brittany explore the impact of the June 2023 Affirmative Action ruling and the lawsuit against Fearless Fund, a VC firm dedicated to providing pre-seed, seed-level, and Series-A financing to women of color. They dissect the argument of the lawsuit's leader, who believes race should not be a factor in decision-making, and hi…
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Why Is the Corporate Ladder Still So Steep for Black Women?
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50:34Send us a text Karen & Brittany's candid conversation sheds light on the systemic obstacles Black women leaders face climbing the corporate ladder back by disturbing findings from the McKinsey and LeanIn 2022 report. Learn how Black women, ambitious and poised for executive roles, are still being underestimated and labeled, their judgment second-gu…
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Has Marketing Leadership Truly Achieved Gender Parity?
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54:51Send us a text Discover how the landscape of marketing leadership is being reshaped with a historic shift towards female empowerment, as we examine what it really means to hold power and influence in this competitive industry. Celebrations may be in order for the rise of women to 51% of Chief Marketing Officer roles, but we peel back the veneer to …
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Send us a text This E Word is hosted by Brittany S. Hale and Karen McFarlane. Brittany S. Hale, Founder and CEO, BND Consulting Brittany S. Hale transcends the conventional role of Founder and CEO; she stands as a visionary, catalyst for transformative change, and beacon of inspiration for leaders across diverse industries. With a background in lit…
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