[Un]phased Unedited Podcast

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 showDEI policies brought no financial penalty for companies that kept them, study finds  - CBS NewsMarkets Do Not Punish Firms for Maintaining DEI - Hanna Folsz and Jacob M. Grumbach, August 2026Seeking a Place in Academia, GU Adjuncts Struggle to Make Ends Meet – The Hoya, GUAdjunct Faculty in the Higher Education Workforce – CUPA-HRAdjuncting Until the End of Time – The Nation

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 episodeTycoon or Tradwife? The Woman Behind Ballerina Farm Makes Her Own Path - NYTCommentary: Why isn’t the tradwife bestseller ‘Yesteryear’ about Mormonism? – Salt Lake TribuneYesteryear by Caro Claire Burke - GoodReadsSusan Hyatt, Master Certified Life & Business CoachA school shooter’s mother helped him reach his ‘fans’ from prison. Here’s why she wasn’t charged. - CNNFather who gave gun to Apalachee High School shooter sentenced to 15 years in prison - PBSDistrict attorney: Behavior of Colt Gray's mom was 'disgusting,' but not criminal – 11 Alive

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 showTuskegee University bans bonnets and du-rags for upcoming school year in updated dress code – al.comTuskegee University’s new dress code bans bonnets, du-rags and bedroom shoes in class – TheGrioTrump ramps up attacks against Smithsonian in executive action ordering new signage outside exhibits – ABC NewsAs Hegseth pursues a 'High-T' military, here's what to know about testosterone replacement – PBS NewsBlanche's slip-up on his Trump relationship: 'I'm his lawyer' – PoliticoTrump’s fresh mocking of CNN reporter renews calls to end correspondents’ dinner – The Washington Post