A refreshing conversation that breathes new life into discussions about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ericka Jones—yoga teacher, meditation instructor, and veteran DEI strategist—offers a unique perspective that bridges corporate strategy with mindful practice.

From the heartland of Nebraska to the hustle of New York City, Ericka shares how different geographical chapters of her life cultivated the leadership qualities that define her work today. Each city taught her something essential: the neighborly openness of Lincoln, the fierce community bonds of Chicago, the transformative power of solitude in St. Louis, and the gritty resilience of New York. These experiences collectively inform her approach to creating inclusive spaces both in corporate environments and yoga studios.

What makes this conversation especially powerful is Ericka's ability to connect ancient yoga principles with modern inclusion strategies. She thoughtfully explains how concepts like Ahimsa (non-harming) and Satya (truthfulness) provide ethical frameworks for approaching difficult conversations about diversity without weaponizing identity or shaming others. Her profound insight—that DEI work at its core is about creating more opportunities rather than taking anything away—cuts through the polarized rhetoric that often surrounds these topics.

Whether you're a yoga practitioner interested in making your practice more inclusive, a business leader navigating workplace culture, or simply someone seeking a more balanced perspective on diversity work, this conversation offers practical wisdom and plenty of reasons for hope. As Ericka puts it, even in times of extreme polarization, "light makers are galvanizing behind the scenes" to create meaningful change.

Connect with Ericka:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn

And learn more about the Confetti Project here.

In this episode, we sit down with Meeja Kinsey, Manager of Player Health Insights and Research for Major League Soccer (MLS). Meeja shares her journey from certified athletic trainer to data analytics expert, discusses her advocacy work for Asian Pacific Americans in sports, and offers insights into how data is transforming player health management in professional soccer. As the founder of National Asian Pacific Americans in Sports Day and co-chair of Asians in MLS, Meeja brings a unique perspective on representation and inclusion in the sports industry.

Outside of her professional work, Meeja creates content under "Return to Jeong™" to raise awareness about cultural heritage, medical history, sports, and community issues affecting the Korean diaspora.

Connect with Meeja

• www.instagram.com/nicetomeeja
• www.instagram.com/returntojeong
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/meejarichards/

A dialogue between two friends - one an atheist (me) and the other a minister (Mary), exploring the universal imperative of caring for one another, and what that looks like in politically divisive times.

Despite the differences in our belief systems, we share a profound agreement on the importance of human empathy, mutual support, and compassion as a foundational human value. We talk about maintaining human connection across ideological divides, and explore what genuine care looks like in practice - beyond theoretical or philosophical positions.

The takeaway? Compassion is not dependent on shared religious beliefs, and ethical care of each other as humans transcends idelogical and religious differences.

My challenge to listeners is to consider :

• How can we practice empathy with those who hold fundamentally different worldviews?
• What does meaningful community care look like in challenging times?
• How do personal beliefs inform our approach to supporting others?

About my Guest

Mary Nelson is a Transitional Conference Minister with the Missouri Mid-South Conference with the United Church of Christ. Her primary work is with congregations in transition and crisis and providing leadership resources. She works with clergy of the Region in offering counsel, support and advice as well as pastoral care.

Raised in Plymouth UCC in Des Moines, Iowa, Mary Nelson earned her Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies at Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA; and then her Masters of Divinity at Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Pastor for six years of the Malletts Bay Congregational Church UCC in Colchester, Vermont, she has served as a leader in the UCC 2030 Clergy Network National Planning Team. In 2009, she received a UCC Presidential Fellowship, recognizing new clergy of exceptional promise for national leadership.