You’ve heard countless people talking about bias and how it impacts the workplace. But how often do you get to hear about bias from the author of perhaps the single-most influential book on the topic?

In this wide-ranging and important episode, Dr. Michael Baran interviews two guests: (1) legendary thought leader, author, and workplace consultant Howard Ross, and (2) his son Jake Ross who is collaborating with Howard to write the second edition of the book, Everyday Bias, to be released in summer 2026. Michael and guests revisit the insights from Howard’s 2014 book Everyday Bias and then dive into what is being updated for the second edition. This includes updating the research and context in the book as well as new chapters on AI and social media. We also dig into ways that political opinion has moved from a bell curve to a barbell shape, the lack of white men in DEI work, how to avoid triggering defensiveness, and how to make real human connections. We close with some reflections on activism and change and some optimism for the future.

Resources mentioned:

Everyday Bias by Howard Ross book

Reinventing Diversity by Howard Ross book

Our Search for Belonging by Howard Ross book

Bowling Alone by Robert Putman book

The Enlightenment Now by Steven Pinker book

Biography of Andrew Jackson by John Meacham book

Ken Burns: The American Revolution series