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Doors don’t open themselves—people and policy do. We sit down with survivor and advocate Shanyeill McCloud, founder of Clean Slate, to unpack how Wisconsin’s tight expungement rules shut deserving people out and how the revived Pardon Advisory Board created a powerful path to redemption. Shanielle explains why document prep is only half the story; the other half is people preparation—coaching clients to articulate growth, take accountability, and face an intimidating hearing with clarity and courage.

You’ll hear from Dante Wren, who transformed a 2002 conviction into a mission to serve. He breaks down the fear that stops many from applying, the step-by-step coaching that rebuilt his confidence, and the life on the other side of a signature—working in corrections to mentor young people at their most uncertain moment. His story shows how a clean slate can restore not only employment and rights but also identity, purpose, and the ability to lead at home.

We also dig into the gaps: why expungement in Wisconsin often fails, how five simple pardon criteria quietly make thousands eligible, and why women—especially women of color—remain underrepresented among recipients despite critical shortages in nursing, teaching, and public safety. Shanyeill outlines plans to scale satellite help desks and launch a women-focused program in Dane County, pairing redemption with workforce needs to turn barriers into pipelines.

If you or someone you love has been off supervision for five years, has no open cases, and is not on the sex offender registry, you may qualify. Learn the process, choose a support tier—from DIY guidance to full-service prep—and get ready to present your best case. Subscribe, share this conversation with someone who needs hope, and leave a review to help more people find a real path to a clean slate.

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The sudden termination of AmeriCorps funding has sent ripples through communities nationwide, leaving successful educational programs scrambling and vulnerable students without critical support. In this candid conversation with Renee Moe, President and CEO of United Way of Dane County, we explore the real-world impact of this abrupt policy decision and the community response taking shape.

For 27 years, United Way's Schools of Hope and Achievement Connections programs provided essential tutoring services to students across Dane County. These weren't just academic interventions—they were relationship-building opportunities that improved attendance, boosted confidence, and created meaningful connections between students and caring adults. When the funding was cut without warning, these relationships were severed just weeks before final exams, leaving tutors and students in limbo.

The conversation delves into powerful personal experiences, including host Dee Star's childhood relationship with a tutor who became a significant figure. These stories highlight what policy decisions often overlook: the human connections that make educational interventions effective. Renee explains, "One of the benefits of these programs was having consistent, caring adults who showed up every week for kids."

While Wisconsin has joined 25 other states in legal action against this funding decision, United Way isn't waiting for court resolutions. They're mobilizing community resources—seeking donations, partnerships with businesses and foundations, and volunteer power—to rebuild these critical programs without federal support. The goal remains unchanged: ensuring every child has what they need to succeed academically while nurturing their confidence and sense of belonging.

Want to be part of the solution? Visit UnitedWayDaneCo.org to learn how to support these vital educational programs through donations or volunteering. Renee reminds us that we must be "lovers and fighters"—nurturing our community's children while advocating for the resources they need to thrive.

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Peter Gray didn't set out to become an executive recruiter. Still, his journey from Wall Street to Madison, Wisconsin, reveals how powerful it can be when professional expertise aligns with personal values. As a Harvard graduate who still admits to feeling imposter syndrome ("Everyone thinks they're the one who got in by mistake—including me," he laughs), Peter brings refreshing authenticity to the often mysterious world of executive hiring.

What makes Peter's perspective particularly valuable is his willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about recruitment. He coined the term "round peg bias" to describe how employers mentally filter candidates against their preconceived image of who belongs in a role—one of the most pervasive yet rarely discussed barriers to diversifying organizations. Even more surprising is his revelation about LinkedIn, the platform most of us rely on for professional networking: "LinkedIn has a ton of systemic bias just baked right into it," Peter explains, detailing how this seemingly neutral tool can undermine diversity efforts unless used strategically.

The conversation weaves through Peter's significant impact in helping Wisconsin's state pension fund build its investment team (saving taxpayers millions in Wall Street fees), his community involvement with the Boys and Girls Club, and the changing landscape of DEI initiatives. He offers thoughtful insights on trade careers, mentorship, and how AI reshapes recruitment: "AI won't take your job. Your job may be taken by somebody who does what you do and knows how to use AI."

For anyone navigating today's complex hiring environment—whether as an employer, job seeker, or leader concerned with building diverse teams—Peter's experience offers practical wisdom and a reminder that meaningful work often comes from connecting our professional skills with the communities we care about. Connect with Peter on LinkedIn or through his website, petergraysearch.com, to learn how his approach might benefit your organization.

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