Best Assembling Inclusion Podcasts (2025)

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A Look at CA Assembly Bill 461 and a New, Much-Needed Approach to Truancy 18:55

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3d ago18:55

18:55

Typically, October is a busy month for us as we are already a couple of months into the new school year; reality has set in, and winter/holiday breaks are fast approaching. Today’s focus comes from a lively topic of discussion that was posted on our Instagram last week: an update on CA Assembly Bill 461, which repeals a 2011 Truancy Law. That law p…

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How the United Nations and the private sector partner for global prosperity 24:19

1d ago24:19

24:19

In this second episode of our special three-part series on the 2025 U.N. General Assembly, host Landry Signé brings together global leaders from government, business, and international institutions to explore how the United Nations is deepening its partnership with the private sector. As the U.N. marks 80 years, the conversation looks beyond diplom…

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S1E46 - Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities 54:17

6d ago54:17

54:17

Episode Notes Lamont Anthony Wells introduces us to the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities (NECU) which is made up of 28 Lutheran institutions in the US and Canada. We get to know Unity Lutheran Church in Southgate, MI (and Ben mispronounces his pastor's last name). Links Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities (Old Site) Network of ELCA C…

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For the good of humanity: The United Nations as a global problem solver 27:47

8d ago27:47

27:47

Host Landry Signé sits down with some of the world’s top global leaders and stakeholders as they reflect on the United Nations’ work at the heart of global peace, sustainable development, multilateral cooperation and institutional reform during this historic 80th General Assembly. This is the first episode of a three-part series reporting from the …

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Critical minerals can be a win-win policy area for the US and Africa 36:54

16d ago36:54

36:54

Following the launch of a new report by Brookings’ Africa Growth Initiative, host Landry Signé sits down with AGI scholars Ede Ijjasz-Vásquez and Vera Songwe to discuss how U.S. investments in mining can transform African economies while diversifying American access to much needed critical minerals. Show notes and transcript Foresight Africa podcas…

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What Do Our Kids Really Need? Moving Forward with the “Next Great Iteration” of our Educational System with Dr. Annalies Corbin 23:38

17d ago23:38

23:38

We’ve become accustomed to the normal back-to-school craziness this time of year, but this year seems more chaotic than usual! Numerous lawsuits are being filed to challenge the funding cuts, which are having a significant impact on programs, services, staffing, and students. There are numerous unknowns that contribute to the turmoil. We are doing …

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S1E45 - ELCA History, Up to Today 1:12:31

20d ago1:12:31

1:12:31

Episode Notes Dr Mark Granquist, professor of Lutheran history at Luther Seminary, returns to finish our deep dive into the history of the ELCA. This episode starts in the 1920s and comes up through the early 21st century, including Seminex and the merger of the ELCA. We didn't pick a congregation to know for this episode, but we're inviting you to…

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Why is democracy succeeding in Ghana? 31:39

30d ago31:39

31:39

Host Landry Signé and George Ofosu, assistant professor in comparative politics at the London School of Economics and Political Science, discuss Ghana’s democratic trajectory, highlighting factors that have enabled it to become a regional bastion of democracy, while also exploring what more could be done to safeguard and deepen the quality of the c…

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Virginia District Funding Cuts Jeopardize Education For All 20:02

1M ago20:02

20:02

Here we are, on the front lines of the fight for inclusive education. Now, a month or so into the new school year, we are already in the thick of the fight, and we are seeing numerous lawsuits being filed as things are changing daily. Many of our listeners are already feeling the impact of funding cuts to education. Today’s episode focuses on the a…

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S1E44 - Lay Ministry and Nebraska's Parish Ministry Associates 58:31

1M ago58:31

58:31

Episode Notes Bishop Scott Johnson joins us from the Nebraska Synod to talk about Lay Ministry generally and specifically about the Parish Ministry Associates program that the Nebraska and Central States Synod have shared for more than 30 years. Our congregation we get to know this time is Prince of Peace in Addison, IL. Links Nebraska Synod Parish…

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What the 80th UN General Assembly means for Africa 38:29

1M ago38:29

38:29

As the United Nations General Assembly begins its 80th session this month, host Landry Signé meets with Cristina Duarte, U.N. Undersecretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa, to discuss how her office is supporting African development and what the shifting international order means for Africa and global multilateralism. Show notes and transcri…

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Racial and Cultural Responsiveness and Accountability in Education with Jebeh Edmunds 26:50

1M ago26:50

26:50

Our goal is always to keep people informed about what’s going on in today’s world that directly affects the education of our students. It is essential to consider the communities that are forming within the broader context of the current political climate. How are conversations being navigated around important topics like race and culture? Today’s …

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S1E43 - Evangelism and the Theology of Consolation 37:19

2M ago37:19

37:19

Episode Notes Dr Andy Root, Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary, helps us talk about Evangelism through the Lutheran lens of the Theology of the Cross and the Theology of Consolation. We get to know the Nebraska Synod better with help from Bishop Scott Johnson. NOTE: Sorry about some of the audio weirdness. We ha…

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Advancing digital inclusion in Africa 27:18

2M ago27:18

27:18

Host Landry Signé speaks with Ibrahima Guimba-Saidou, CEO of the Partnership for Digital Access in Africa, and former minister special advisor to the president of Niger, on the importance of expanding internet access in Africa and the potential of public-private partnerships to provide needed investments. Show notes and transcript Foresight Africa …

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The Ripple Effect of Losing $65 Million in Federal Education Support with Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez 29:40

2M ago29:40

29:40

We are in the middle of the start of another school year across the country, whether your students have already returned or have a later start date. One of the most important events from last school year was the Supreme Court decision to withhold $65M in federal funding for education, and we are seeing those impacts across the board. Dr. Jacqueline…

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S1E42 - 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly Recap 1:06:22

2M ago1:06:22

1:06:22

Episode Notes The VP returns to go over the events of the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.Our Better Know a Congregation is Peace First Lutheran in Astoria, Oregon. Links Churchwide Assembly Page CWA Videos Living Lutheran's Daily Summaries Outgoing Presiding Bishop Eaton's Report Meet the Bishop-elect of the ELCA, Rev. Yehiel Curry Peace F…

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Predicting a brighter future for Africa 20:50

2M ago20:50

20:50

Host Landry Signé and fellow futurist Jakkie Cilliers, founder of the Institute for Security Studies and head of its African Futures Innovation Programme, discuss the importance of evidence-based forecasting for preparing for shaping a brighter future in and for Africa and how youth are key to achieving the best-case scenarios for African economies…

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Finding Balance in the “Least Restrictive Environments” for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students with Jennifer Catalano 21:51

2M ago21:51

21:51

Welcome back to the podcast as we kick off a new school year! We are excited, as always, to jump into some very important topics in the coming weeks. First up is our amazing guest, Jennifer Catalano, to discuss her work in deaf education and share her perspective on the least restrictive environments for these students. Is it better to have 100% in…

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081 : Sewing a New Path: How a Business Course Changed Everything with Bekky from The Crafty Starfish 40:29

2M ago40:29

40:29

Welcome to the final episode of Series 7! This week, I’m joined by Bekky, a Navy wife, mum of three, and a graduate from the Milspo Business Start-Up course. Bekky shares her incredible journey from feeling lost and lonely as a new military partner to building her own thriving business, The Crafty Starfish. We discuss the unique challenges military…

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S1E41 - The Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA) 56:52

3M ago56:52

56:52

Episode Notes Cory Newman joins the show to discuss the work of the Lutheran Schools and the congregations that support them which make up the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA). The episode ends with our first Better Know segment where we get to know New Spirit Lutheran in Tuscon, AZ. Links Evangelical Lutheran Educational Associati…

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080 : Juggling it All with Major Jo Vann 38:17

3M ago38:17

38:17

Welcome back to The InDependent Spouse Podcast! In this episode, your host Jess Sands dives into the inspirational world of Major Jo Vann – a true multi-hyphenate who redefines what it means to juggle military life, motherhood, and a thriving business. Jo is not only working full-time in the British Army with a serving husband and two children, but…

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Namibia’s foreign minister on the transformative impact of trade and foreign policy for Africa’s development 22:56

3M ago22:56

22:56

Host Landry Signé speaks with Hon. Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Namibia’s minister for international relations and trade, and seasoned career diplomat, on the need for African countries to think locally while acting continentally, and how agreements like the AfCFTA and a spirit of solidarity among African countries create opportunities for Africans and …

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079 : Felicity Mercer – From Political Life to Award-Winning Business Owner 54:08

3M ago54:08

54:08

Welcome back to The InDependent Spouse podcast! In this particularly exciting episode, Jess Sands sits down with the brilliant Felicity Mercer, wife to Johnny Mercer, who has navigated the unique challenges of armed forces life, the intense world of politics, and is now an award-winning business owner. We cover it all, from meeting Johnny Mercer (M…

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S1E40 - 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly Preview 29:34

3M ago29:34

29:34

Episode Notes Ben previews the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. We announce a change in our "C Segment" to talk about congregations and synods. Look for links to help tell us about your congregation or synod. Links 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly Information Episodes 22 & 23 with VP Imran Siddiqui about the Churchwide Organization (These were in Septem…

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078 : Uniting the Military Community and Shattering Stereotypes with PadWives Assemble 58:41

3M ago58:41

58:41

Join Jess Sands in this inspiring episode of The InDependent Spouse as she welcomes the incredible duo behind the award-winning podcast, Pad Wives Assemble – Sophs and Kirsha! Tune in as they dive into the realities of modern military life, discussing everything from building a supportive tri-service community to challenging outdated stereotypes ab…

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Population dividend, technological leapfrogging, and high growth rates signal opportunities for African economies 28:22

3M ago28:22

28:22

Host Landry Signé speaks with Acha Leke, chairman of McKinsey & Company’s Africa Region and senior partner in their Johannesburg office, about Africa’s many advantages in human and natural resources. Leke explains how different actors, from family-owned businesses to national governments and international investors, can align themselves to benefit …

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077 : From RAF Veteran to Neuro-Inclusion Advocate with Ria Jackson 55:06

3M ago55:06

55:06

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The InDependent Spouse Podcast! In this episode, your host Jess Sands sits down with the phenomenal Ria Jackson, an RAF veteran, founder of "The V Word," and CEO of Inclusive Minds UK. Join us as Ria shares her extraordinary journey of self-discovery and resilience, and learn about her mission to champion neu…

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S1E39 - Responding to Challenges to LGBTQA+ Inclusion 51:43

3M ago51:43

51:43

Episode Notes Rev Carla Christopher joins the show to discuss how the ELCA views the ways scripture is used to challenge inclusion of queer folks. We don't have a new Catechism Question for this episode. Enjoy your summer break! Links CarlaChristopher.org Reconciling Works Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries Embrace Lancaster PA (Facebook Group) 1946…

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076 : Building Community & Navigating Military Life with the Marama Alliance 55:11

4M ago55:11

55:11

In this inspiring episode, host Jess Sands welcomes Lulu from the Marama Alliance, a vibrant community dedicated to supporting Fijian women and their families in the UK armed forces. Lulu shares her personal journey of moving from Fiji to the UK as a military spouse, facing challenges like adapting to a new climate and navigating unfamiliar systems…

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Democratic resilience in Africa (and Kenya) takes many forms 28:19

4M ago28:19

28:19

Foresight Africa host Landry Signé and Drs. Oscar Otele and Danielle Resnick examine the nuances of the state of democracy across Africa, providing insights into strategies for democratic resiliency moving forward. Show notes and transcript Foresight Africa podcast is part of the Brookings Podcast Network. Subscribe and listen on Apple, Spotify, Af…

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350: The Current State of Affairs in US Education: Our Appearance on Dr. Karen Wilson’s Podcast 41:33

4M ago41:33

41:33

This is our last episode before our much-needed summer break. Taking this break helps us to refocus and prepare for a new school year. We recently made another appearance on the Diverse Thinking Different Learning: A ChildNEXUS podcast with Dr. Karen Wilson, who has also joined us on our podcast before. Today, we are featuring that episode as an ov…

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EP 174: How to streamline operations and drive sustainable growth with Rachael Becker, Founder & CEO of RB Builds 45:18

4M ago45:18

45:18

Rachael Becker, Founder & CEO of RB Builds, joins host James Mackey to discuss business efficiency, tech transformation, and creating standout user experiences. With a unique blend of expertise across operations and technology, Rachael shares actionable insights on how organizations can streamline processes, improve internal alignment, and scale su…

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075 : Advocating for Military Spouses with Camilla Howard 40:22

4M ago40:22

40:22

Welcome to The InDependent Spouse podcast, your go-to place for inspiration and support in navigating modern military life. In this episode, host Jess Sands sits down with the incredible Camilla Howard: an RAF veteran, an Army spouse, a forces child, and a dedicated advocate for the military spouse community. After 12 years in the RAF, Camilla tran…

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074 : Navigating Life's Roller Coaster with Alex Rickerby 38:56

4M ago38:56

38:56

Join Jess Sands in this inspiring episode of The InDependent Spouse Podcast as she chats with the incredible Alex Rickerby. Alex, a career coach for the Forces Employment Charity and a private coach in the tech sector, shares her remarkable story of balancing a high-powered career with the unique demands of military life, motherhood, and unexpected…

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Partnerships elevate Africa’s development successes 30:41

4M ago30:41

30:41

On this episode of Foresight Africa, hosted by Landry Signé, Gargee Ghosh, president of Global Policy and Advocacy at the Gates Foundation, explains why collaborative, context-specific, and innovative solutions elevate development success across Africa. Show notes and transcript Foresight Africa podcast is part of the Brookings Podcast Network. Sub…

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Clearing Up Confusion About 504 Plans with April Rehrig 23:33

4M ago23:33

23:33

The landscape of American education has undergone significant changes over the past few months, particularly in the realm of special education. Our diligence in staying informed about developments in our field is more important than ever as we approach the start of a new school year in just a few weeks. Our focus today centers on understanding 504s…

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S1E38 - Report Time 45:24

4M ago45:24

45:24

Episode Notes Ben and Keith summarize two important reports that were published for and about the ELCA in the first few months of 2025. The Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church's report and recommendations come from inside our house. A report from Barna and Fuller Seminary was made to give a perspective from outside. Links abound below. Catechi…

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073 : Military Spouse Success: Finding "Enough" & Thriving in Chaos with Dr. Kathrine McAleese 46:19

4M ago46:19

46:19

This week on The InDependent Spouse, host Jess Sands welcomes the inspiring Dr. Kathrine McAleese for a deeply insightful conversation about navigating the demands of modern military life while striving for personal and professional fulfillment. This episode is a must-listen for any military spouse seeking to find success on their own terms and rec…

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EP 173: Unlocking Value: Latin American engineering teams for US companies with Gino Ferrand, CEO of Tecla 36:05

4M ago36:05

36:05

The landscape of global talent acquisition is evolving rapidly, and nearshore engineering teams in Latin America have emerged as a strategic solution for US-based tech companies. In this insightful conversation, host James Mackey and Gino Ferrand, Founder and CEO of Tecla, explore why Latin American engineering teams are becoming increasingly attra…

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072 : Muddling Through Military Life with Lady Caitlin Knighton 44:38

5M ago44:38

44:38

Welcome back to The InDependent Spouse, and get ready for authentic stories and amazing inspiration from the military family! In this candid chat, Jess sits down with the incredible Lady Caitlin Knighton, wife of the Chief of the Air Staff and a brilliant family lawyer. If you've ever felt the squeeze of balancing military life with family and work…

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EP 172: AI, hiring, and the new talent equation with Steve Bartel, CEO of Gem 42:26

5M ago42:26

42:26

With markets reacting to global uncertainty and AI transforming the hiring landscape, both job seekers and recruiters are recalibrating their strategies. Join host James Mackey and Steve Bartel, CEO of Gem, as they discuss how automation is changing resume screening, interview prep, and rediscovery of existing talent. As companies look to cut costs…

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Meet African girls’ educational needs by listening to their experiences 36:15

5M ago36:15

36:15

Adefunke Ekine and Mary Otieno, university educators from Nigeria and Kenya respectively, and alumnae of the Echidna Scholars Program at Brookings, talk with Foresight Africa host Landry Signé on why innovation and listening to girls’ stories are crucial to advancing girls’ education across Africa. Show notes and transcript Foresight Africa podcast…

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Digging into DEI Success for Students with Tracy Baynes, Part 2 29:44

5M ago29:44

29:44

Today’s episode brings back Tracy Baynes to share her best tips and advice for getting your student involved in their education earlier rather than later. She gives practical steps middle school students can take to prepare for college success, even if they are low-income students. Join us to learn more! Tracy Baynes is the founder, president, and …

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S1E37 - ELCA Social Message on Israel and Palestine 18:51

5M ago18:51

18:51

Episode Notes Ben & Keith discuss Episode 36 in which Keith talked with Pastor Imad Haddad from Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church in Amman, Jordan. They also discuss the ELCA's 1989 Social Message on Israel and Palestine. Catechism Question: What is the meaning of the word Sumud? Steadfastness Faithfulness Smelling Good Special Undertaking …

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How the World Bank is advancing shared prosperity and jobs in Africa amid global economic uncertainty 27:02

5M ago27:02

27:02

During the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., Foresight Africa host Landry Signé caught up with Axel van Trotsenburg, senior managing director of the World Bank, who spoke about how to mobilize the private sector to help create more jobs for African youth in the coming years, while also addressing the debt distress crisis many Afri…

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EP 171: AI talent pipelines: Strategies for sustainable hiring in an era of rapid change with Lupe Colangelo, Director of Alumni Engagement & Employer Partnerships at General Assembly. 34:00

5M ago34:00

34:00

In this episode host James Mackey sits down with Lupe Colangelo, Director of Alumni Engagement & Employer Partnerships at General Assembly. They provide insights into the evolving tech talent landscape with a special focus on AI hiring trends and challenges faced by employers and job seekers alike. Lupe shares key findings from GA's State of Tech T…

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Digging into DEI Success for Students with Tracy Baynes 23:50

5M ago23:50

23:50

We continue our journey to view the education of our children holistically as we strive to develop them into productive and inclusive members of society. Tracy Baynes joins us to share her interesting work in helping students achieve unimaginable success. Tracy Baynes is the founder, president, and CEO of STEP, the Student Expedition Program. As an…

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S1E36 - Being Lutheran and Palestinian 47:04

5M ago47:04

47:04

Episode Notes Keith has a conversation with Pastor Imad Haddad, pastor of Church of the Good Shepherd in Amman, Jordan. They discuss living in the region as a Palestinian Lutheran and how The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and the ELCA relate. Catechism Question: What are ways to get involved in advocating for justice throu…

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On site with leaders at the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings 2025 34:57

5M ago34:57

34:57

During the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings in April 2025, Foresight Africa podcast host Landry Signé interviewed leaders in the global finance and development space to glean their key takeaways from the meetings and how they might shape policy decisions and deliver tangible results across Africa. In this special episode, you will hear highlights fro…

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To reduce inequality in Nigeria, focus on jobs, laws, and cash 28:57

6M ago28:57

28:57

Host Landry Signé and Belinda Archibong, a fellow with the Africa Growth Initiative at Brookings, discuss inequalities that hinder development across Africa and policy choices that can overcome them. These include increasing job opportunities for women and youth, passing laws against gender and youth discrimination, and providing access to financia…