DEIcipher Podcast

In this episode of the Deicipher Podcast, Ruthann and Yoli Maya Yeh explore the themes of land acknowledgment, the importance of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in the current socio-political climate, and the need for active restoration and self-care amidst challenges. They discuss the recent cancellation of federal DEI initiatives and the implications for community care models, emphasizing...

Summary In this episode of the Deicipher Podcast, Ruth Ann Gagnon and Yoli Maya Yeh explore the complexities of conflict, emphasizing the importance of embodied practices and land acknowledgment. They discuss the challenges of navigating stuck places in conflict, the process of fumbling towards repair, and the impact of perfectionism on conflict resolution. The conversation highlights the need for...

In this episode of the Decipher podcast, hosts Ruthann and Yoli Maya Yeh explore the themes of conflict, embodiment, and decolonization. They emphasize the importance of breath and connection, the need for active restoration in conflict engagement, and the role of trust in navigating polarized opinions. The conversation highlights the necessity of integrating mental health into conflict resolution...

In this episode of the Decipher Podcast, hosts Ruthann Gagnon and Yoli Maya Yeh delve into the complexities of conflict resolution frameworks, emphasizing the importance of embodiment, cultural influences, and the role of language in navigating conflicts. They explore various models of conflict resolution, the impact of power dynamics, and the necessity of understanding emotional intelligence in c...

Wanna join in on the conversation? Head over to WebWork to experience this interactive compansion to our podcast In this episode, Ruthann and Yoli continue their conversation on conflict resolution. They start with a land acknowledgement and a focus on connecting to the breath, body, and nature. They discuss how conflict can manifest in the body and the importance of releasing tension in the vario...

This episode focuses on conflict resolution and the need to address it in DEI frameworks. We explore the dominant cultural characteristics that influence our relationship with conflict resolution and the limitations of binary thinking. We discuss the internal conflict that arises in DEI work and the importance of engaging with conflict to unlearn and grow. We highlight the potential for growth, be...

In this episode we explore the negative connotations and politicization surrounding DEI, as well as the financial motivations behind it. Our conversation delves into the binary nature of DEI approaches and the need for a more holistic and heart-centered approach. We also discuss the impact of legal precedents on DEI programs, using the example of a reparations program in Evanston, Illinois. We del...

Welcome to Episode 12, inspired by the creative dreamy space experienced in the hammams of Fes, Morocco (one of Yoli's absolute favorite places to be). In this episode, we host our wonderful friend and colleague Sojourner Zenobia to discuss the magic of rest, creativity, and connection to the body. We delve into the power of collective rest, creativity and the transformative experiences that can a...

In this episode, we explore the concept of liminal space, which refers to the spaces in between, such as the space between thoughts, sleep and wakefulness, and doing and not doing. Liminal space is a state of consciousness that allows for rest, rejuvenation, and creativity. The conversation also touches on the colonization of sleep and the importance of rest to build a new world of equity. We shar...

Our conversation explores the deep connection between nature and our well-being, emphasizing the importance of spending time in nature for self-regulation and embodiment. It highlights the need to look to nature for solutions and inspiration, as nature is a perfect design and we are part of it. Our conversation also touches on the discomfort that can arise when connecting with nature, as well as t...

In this conversation, we discuss the concept of belonging and its implications in various settings. We explore the imposition of belonging in DEI initiatives and the challenges of defining and experiencing true belonging. We also discuss the hierarchical nature of organizations and the need for a more inclusive and fluid understanding of belonging. The conversation highlights the importance of sel...

Continuing the discussion around our cross-pollinated approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion work, we emphasize the need for rest, restoration, and creativity in the process. In this episode, we address resistance to change and pushback on DEI initiatives, particularly in industries that are inaccessible to marginalized communities. The conversation highlights the importance of decentralized...

In this episode we host our colleague, community member and friend, Consuelo Hernandez ( @consueloherna ), DEI practitioner for over a decade.  Consuelo shares some of her inspiring stories about her own healing journey and how it has influenced her work in the DEI space.  We also continue our conversation around why this intersection of DEI and wellness is so powerful and where professional alche...

This episode explores the intersection of diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and wellness through the lens of our recent article, The Umami of DEI . We discuss the need to approach DEI and wellness with joy and playfulness much like creating a recipe in the kitchen while also exploring the missing ingredients needed for the future of DEI design and of future world-building in general. Visit us at...

This episode couples with our previous episode on DEI principles in the marketing space.  Our conversation takes you on a journey beyond the standard paradigm of marketing and capitalist values and into a new world of how we can use marketing as a space for creativity, collaboration, professional healing, and DEI initiatives.  Questions? Thoughts Reach out to us at deicipher.com   

This episode focuses on DEI principles and marketing.  Recorded in 2022 right before our joint travels to Morocco, Yoli and I explore how marketing and communications (both internal and external) can serve as a space to integrate accountability, creativity, and decentralized leadership. 

This conversation explores the concept of decolonization and its importance in creating a more equitable and sustainable future.  The discussion then delves into the definition of decolonization and its roots in Indigenous knowledge and practices. The impact of the Enlightenment era and the suppression of intuition are explored, highlighting the need to reclaim non-empirical ways of knowing. The c...

In this episode, Yoli and I talk about the term Soft Life. We explore its origins, and the kinds of reactions that can arise when reflecting on what a softer way of living means for us as individuals, groups, communities, and the collective.  If you haven't already listened to our first episode on active restoration, we invite you to listen as these two are interconnected on many levels.  We'd lov...

This episode focuses on one of our core domains at Decipher Group, Active Restoration. Yoli and I talk about the vitality of rest and how that leads to restorative justice, what we discover about ourselves along the way, and which tools we are currently enjoying in our lives.