Why do up to 82% of people experience feelings of intellectual fraudulence at some point in their careers? In this episode, host Joel Rion Staves sits down with Dr. AJ Lauer, founder of Thriving Ibis Leadership Solutions, to dismantle the culture-war talking points surrounding DEIA and look directly at the architecture of our workplaces. Turn off the sensationalized news, step away from the social media facades, and join us for an authentic, principle-first conversation about building systems where everyone can thrive.

Connect with Dr. AJ:Website: www.thrivingibis.comNewsletter: Join Dr. AJ's monthly Ask Dr. AJ column via her website to stay engaged with leadership, technology, and inclusivity topics.

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13-year-old boy killed during sleepover after gunman fired dozens of shots into Georgia homeThe tragic death of singer Brianna Johnson at just 21Judge denies 18-year-old killer’s request to hug his family before life prison sentence for deadly shooting of a girl, 15

Where the hell is our healthcare money actually going? While total U.S. healthcare spending has soared past $3.6 trillion, industry data reveals a staggering truth: up to $1.6 trillion is consumed entirely by systemic waste, fraud, and administrative abuse every single year. In this episode, Jude Odu, healthcare veteran and author of Model Optimal Care, joins the show to dismantle the complex infrastructure designed to profit off inefficiency. We move past the abstract policy debates to audit the real-world mechanics of the crisis, exposing how PBM "spread pricing" taxes the sick, why hospital "charge master" prices are completely fictional, and how algorithmic AI tools are being deployed at scale to automatically deny valid patient claims. From the rise of "pop-up" behavioral health fraud in Medicaid arrangements to the structural potential of price transparency rules, we look at what happens when fast-moving innovation clashes with a lack of fiduciary oversight—and how self-insured employers and everyday patients can finally start clawing back their data and their dollars.

CONNECT W/ JUDE

• https://judeodu.com/
• BUY THE BOOK

USEFUL RESOURCES

• The Challenge of Health Care Fraud
• PSL's 12/2025 Statement on Medicare For All
• Green Party Statement on Single Payer System
• Transparency Amendment
• Pros and Cons of AI in Healthcare

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Two families' lives are permanently altered. In this episode, I give a free-flow commentary on the verdict and Black America's frustration w/ the criminal justice system. MOST of us know that Karmelo acted recklessly. We are frustrated with the systems (plural) and how the laws aren't applied equally.

Hey y'all! In this episode, I have a virtual discussion with Mark Blacknell, author, veteran, and meditation teacher. He talks some about his journey to Buddhism and meditation and why sometimes we need to "Just Stare at the Damn Wall". I hope that you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed talking to him.

https://stareatthewall.org/

Why are we so politically exhausted? Do we sometimes have to step back? How long do we do so before recharging?

In this episode, I sit down for a virtual meeting with Sam Daley-Harris. Sam is the founder of RESULTS as well as the author of Reclaiming Our Democracy: Healing the Break Between People and Government. Our conversation includes topics such as voter apathy, protests, and political exhaustion.. SIGNUP SHEET FOR THOSE READY TO TAKE ACTION

Sam's book website

RESULTS

How is AI impacting politics globally? What is the future of AI? What do we need to know about Generative AI? Shomron Jacob, an AI strategist based in Silicone Valley joins me in this conversation where we talk about everything from deepfakes to avatars to women being targeted w/ AI in Iran. This was a mellow, yet solid conversation. Enjoy!