Send us a text

Some doors slam so hard they seem permanent. We sit down with Shanyeill McCloud, the force behind Clean Slate Pardon Help Desk, to explore how a self-defense conviction turned her into a paralegal, a policy advocate, and a builder of second chances. She explains why Wisconsin’s expungement rules shut out so many—especially when eligibility must be requested at sentencing—and how the restored Pardon Advisory Board created a new path for thousands ready to move forward.

You’ll hear how Shanielle’s team pairs rigorous document preparation with “people preparation,” coaching clients to define their why and face intimidating hearings with clarity and confidence. We bring that to life through Dante, who made a mistake young, worked to change, earned a pardon, and now works in corrections to guide others. His story captures the fear of rejection, the weight of a record, and the surge of hope when preparation meets opportunity. That arc—knowledge, coaching, and courageous follow-through—turns policy into real freedom to work, parent, and serve.

We also tackle a gap that too many overlook: women remain a small share of expungements and pardons, with women of color even lower. That inequity fuels workforce shortages in nursing, education, and public safety, where a pardon is often the only route back. Shanielle lays out plans for targeted outreach, new help desks, and statewide satellite offices to bring redemption within reach. If you’ve been off supervision for five years, have no open cases, and aren’t on the registry, you may qualify. Choose DIY guidance or full-service support, start early, and get ready to walk through the door when it opens.

Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs hope, and leave a review telling us what second chances mean to you. Your story could be the nudge someone else needs to start.

Support the show

Send us a text

The sudden termination of AmeriCorps funding has sent ripples through communities nationwide, leaving successful educational programs scrambling and vulnerable students without critical support. In this candid conversation with Renee Moe, President and CEO of United Way of Dane County, we explore the real-world impact of this abrupt policy decision and the community response taking shape.

For 27 years, United Way's Schools of Hope and Achievement Connections programs provided essential tutoring services to students across Dane County. These weren't just academic interventions—they were relationship-building opportunities that improved attendance, boosted confidence, and created meaningful connections between students and caring adults. When the funding was cut without warning, these relationships were severed just weeks before final exams, leaving tutors and students in limbo.

The conversation delves into powerful personal experiences, including host Dee Star's childhood relationship with a tutor who became a significant figure. These stories highlight what policy decisions often overlook: the human connections that make educational interventions effective. Renee explains, "One of the benefits of these programs was having consistent, caring adults who showed up every week for kids."

While Wisconsin has joined 25 other states in legal action against this funding decision, United Way isn't waiting for court resolutions. They're mobilizing community resources—seeking donations, partnerships with businesses and foundations, and volunteer power—to rebuild these critical programs without federal support. The goal remains unchanged: ensuring every child has what they need to succeed academically while nurturing their confidence and sense of belonging.

Want to be part of the solution? Visit UnitedWayDaneCo.org to learn how to support these vital educational programs through donations or volunteering. Renee reminds us that we must be "lovers and fighters"—nurturing our community's children while advocating for the resources they need to thrive.

Support the show

Send us a text

Peter Gray didn't set out to become an executive recruiter. Still, his journey from Wall Street to Madison, Wisconsin, reveals how powerful it can be when professional expertise aligns with personal values. As a Harvard graduate who still admits to feeling imposter syndrome ("Everyone thinks they're the one who got in by mistake—including me," he laughs), Peter brings refreshing authenticity to the often mysterious world of executive hiring.

What makes Peter's perspective particularly valuable is his willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about recruitment. He coined the term "round peg bias" to describe how employers mentally filter candidates against their preconceived image of who belongs in a role—one of the most pervasive yet rarely discussed barriers to diversifying organizations. Even more surprising is his revelation about LinkedIn, the platform most of us rely on for professional networking: "LinkedIn has a ton of systemic bias just baked right into it," Peter explains, detailing how this seemingly neutral tool can undermine diversity efforts unless used strategically.

The conversation weaves through Peter's significant impact in helping Wisconsin's state pension fund build its investment team (saving taxpayers millions in Wall Street fees), his community involvement with the Boys and Girls Club, and the changing landscape of DEI initiatives. He offers thoughtful insights on trade careers, mentorship, and how AI reshapes recruitment: "AI won't take your job. Your job may be taken by somebody who does what you do and knows how to use AI."

For anyone navigating today's complex hiring environment—whether as an employer, job seeker, or leader concerned with building diverse teams—Peter's experience offers practical wisdom and a reminder that meaningful work often comes from connecting our professional skills with the communities we care about. Connect with Peter on LinkedIn or through his website, petergraysearch.com, to learn how his approach might benefit your organization.

Support the show