Shows
Attitude with Arnie ArnesenArnie Arnesen Attitude January 1 2026Part 1We talk with Nancy Levine Stearns, a freelance journalist who covers corporate social responsibility. We discuss the complaint filed by Stephen Miller against the NFL for their DEI practice. Miller objects.Part 2We talk with Lincoln Mitchell, Professor at ColumbiaUniversity, who teaches political science. He is also the author of several books. We discuss the deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife. We also discuss the seizure by the US of Venezuelan oil cargo ships, under flimsy pretenses. This kind of high seas piracy will cause long term damage to US shipping...
2026-01-0158 minAttitude with Arnie ArnesenArnie Arnesen Attitude December 17 2025Part 1:We talk with Nancy Levine Stearns, a freelance journalist who covers corporate social responsibility.We discuss the complaint filed by Stephen Miller against the NFL for their DEI practice. Miller objects.Part 2:We talk with Lincoln Mitchell, Professor at Columbia University, who teaches political science. He is also the author of several books.We discuss the deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife.We also discuss the seizure by the US of Venezuelan oil cargo ships, under flimsy pretenses. This kind of high seas piracy will cause long term damage to US...
2025-12-1755 min
Allyship in Action313: Why DEI Pushback is a False Narrative with Nancy Levine StearnsNancy Levine Stearns, founder of ImpactDevise, a nonprofit journalism project, discusses the corporate response to the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) backlash. Stearns' project covers DEI initiatives in the private sector, and her reporting on corporate social responsibility has been cited by publications like The New York Times, NBC News, and Forbes. Stearns, a former executive recruiter, began focusing on the DEI space after the "heated" backlash following a recent election. She was initially intrigued by a story about Costco taking a public stance on DEI. This led her to discover that other companies were also standing f...
2025-10-0525 min
Riveo Impact LabFrom Pugs to Policy: Nancy Levine Stearns on Purpose and ImpactWhat does it really mean when corporations talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion? Are companies backing away from these commitments—or doubling down? In this episode of Riveo Impact Lab, host Elin Barton sits down with journalist and author Nancy Levine Stearns to uncover the truth behind corporate DEI in 2025. From Costco’s bold stand against anti-DEI proposals to shareholder votes at Apple, Merck, and Target, Nancy shares her front-row insights into why boards and investors are overwhelmingly backing inclusion. Together, they explore: The myths and misinformation fueling the “DEI is dead” narrativeWh...
2025-09-1044 min
The PlayFull Podcast with Kristine Michie: Bringing Fun to the Serious Work of Changing the World[Rewind] Nancy Levine Stearns: Riding and Reporting on the Tsunami of Support for DEIWe had to rewind this episode from just a few months back because Nancy’s reporting on DEI has become the Bible for those following this issue. In just the last week, Amazon, McDonald’s, and Merck shareholders and boards have all resoundingly rejected proposals to retreat or scale back on their diversity and equity initiatives! They join other powerhouses like John Deere, Yum! Brands, Levi’s, Costco, and Berkshire Hathaway, to name a few! Through relentless reporting and a mix of humor, history, and advocacy, her firm, Impactivize, is highlighting “DEI Job of the Day,” “DEI Employer of the Day,” an...
2025-05-2940 min
The PlayFull Podcast with Kristine Michie: Bringing Fun to the Serious Work of Changing the WorldNancy Levine Stearns: Debunking DEI Backlash: What Companies Are Really DoingNonprofit and philanthropic leaders dedicate themselves to service, but navigating corporate responsibility, social justice, and DEI backlash can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Kristine Michie sits down with ESG expert, corporate recruiter, and media professional Nancy Levine Stearns to discuss the current landscape of corporate DEI. In spite of mounting pressure—from activist shareholders to government intervention—many companies are actually doubling down on their commitments, proving that the business case for diversity remains strong. Through humor, advocacy, and a “DEI Job of the Day” website, Nancy sheds light on who’s standing firm and why language matters more than ever...
2025-02-2038 min