The Culture We Deserve Die, DEI
Jan 21, 2026
In a lively discussion, the hosts dissect the evolving narrative of DEI and its attempts to reinvent itself amidst criticism. They delve into Bari Weiss's controversial role as a DEI hire, exploring identity politics' impact on class issues. As they compare DEI's chaotic surge to the 2020 monument debates, they argue for the need to reunify class politics over fragmented identities. Alongside personal anecdotes and cultural recommendations, they challenge listeners to rethink the relevance of identity in today's socio-political landscape.
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Subway Meet Sparks Museum Union Talk
- Jessa Crispin got recognized on the New York subway and spoke with a listener named Sean.
- They discussed unionization and the messy dynamics at cultural institutions like the Philadelphia Art Museum.
New CEO Crossed The Picket Line
- The new Philadelphia Art Museum CEO crossed a picket line on her first day despite warnings.
- Jessa highlights this as emblematic of boards undermining staff and tokenistic DEI hires.
DEI's Rise And Structural Flaws
- DEI didn't rise cleanly and can't be simply declared dead; it reinvented and spread unevenly across institutions.
- Jessa Crispin and Nico Rodriguez argue its failures came from tokenism, scarcity, and fear-driven implementation.