Guest Media Release & Belonging‑First Policy

Enacted: September 1, 2025 | Updated: January 15, 2026

Our promise: We center dignity, accuracy, and psychological safety while sharing stories that help leaders convert insight into inclusive practice.

1) Why this policy exists

Your story matters. This policy explains how we record, edit, publish, and promote your episode—and how we honor your boundaries, identity, and safety along the way. It is written in plain language so you always know what to expect and what choices you have.

2) What this covers

This policy applies to all guest contributions, including:

  • Audio/video recordings and live sessions

  • Transcripts and captions

  • Episode pages, show notes, and pull quotes

  • Promotional clips, audiograms, reels, and graphics

  • Social posts and newsletter excerpts

  • Future compilations (e.g., “best of” reels) and educational derivatives connected to the show’s mission

3) Belonging commitments (how we show up)

Names are respect. We confirm name pronunciation and pronouns (e.g., #AlwaysChristopher) in the pre‑show briefing and honor them in the episode, show notes, and visuals.

Consent is continuous. You can pause, go off‑the‑record, or ask for a retake at any time. Just say “mark that for edit.”

Safety before virality. If something you shared could risk harm (to you or others), tell us. We will collaborate on edits or removal as needed.

Accessibility is non‑negotiable. We provide captions, transcripts, alt text, and readable graphics wherever platforms allow.

Context over clicks. We’ll never cut your words to change meaning.

4) Your consent to record (clear and specific)

By participating, you consent to audio and/or video recording of the interview and related materials. We may use transcription and light AI tools for accuracy, editing, and accessibility (never to fabricate speech). We’ll tell you if any portion is recorded pre‑ or post‑interview.

5) What you allow us to do (the rights you grant)

You grant I Know I Belong When… and Innovation Unbiased a perpetual, worldwide, royalty‑free, non‑exclusive license to:

  • Use, edit, reproduce, publish, and distribute your contribution across podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, YouTube), our website, social channels, and newsletters;

  • Create derivative content (clips, reels, written excerpts, educational explainers);

  • Use your name, likeness, voice, and bio in connection with the episode and its promotion.

  • Non‑exclusive means: you still own your story. You are free to share your episode and excerpts on your own channels.

6) What we ask of you (guest responsibilities)

Be truthful and mindful of confidentiality. Please avoid disclosing proprietary or private information you don’t have permission to share.

Flag sensitive topics early. If there are areas to avoid or language that must be precise, tell us before recording or during the “green‑room” briefing.

Provide a current headshot and bio (or approve a bio we draft for you).

Copyright‑safe only. Don’t request inclusion of music, recordings, or materials you don’t own or control.

7) Editorial approach (how we edit)

We retain final editorial discretion to ensure clarity, pacing, and safety. Edits aim to preserve your intent and protect dignity. We may:

  • Clean audio, remove fillers or obvious misspeaks

  • Reorder for narrative flow (without changing meaning)

  • Decline to publish content that is defamatory, discriminatory, or unsafe

8) Pre‑publication review (your calm window)

After recording, we can provide a time‑stamped preview (full or clips) upon request.

You will have a reasonable review window (typically 5 business days or until 3 business days before release, whichever comes first) to request factual corrections or safety‑related edits.

We will partner in good faith; final editorial decisions rest with the show.

9) Promotion & tagging (how we amplify you)

We love celebrating our guests and will typically:

  • Announce release day at or after 8:00 AM ET on the website and social (to keep links live and aligned).

  • Share a mic‑drop clip and a short “I Know I Belong When…” moment in the following days.

  • Tag you using the profiles you provide (or your public handles). If you prefer no tagging, tell us and we will honor it.

Handles we commonly use (for your convenience):

  • LinkedIn: @Innovation Unbiased and @Christopher Bylone

  • Instagram: @innovation_unbiased | @cbylone

  • TikTok: @innovation_unbiased | @Christopher_bylone

10) Social sharing (your freedom to share)

You are expected to share the episode once it is live. We will supply links, images, and optional captions. If you need a logo lock‑up or brand guidance, just ask.

11) Revocation & takedowns (how we handle changes of heart)

Before publication: You may ask to withdraw the episode; we will honor withdrawal and stop production/promotion.

After publication: Removal is at our discretion. We prioritize safety—if there is credible risk of harm, we will act swiftly (e.g., pulling an episode or editing clips) and work with you on next steps.

We cannot guarantee removal from third‑party re‑shares outside our control.

12) Indemnification (the legal bit)

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless I Know I Belong When…, Innovation Unbiased, and their producers from claims arising out of misrepresentation, unauthorized disclosures, copyright violations, or defamatory statements made by you.

13) Data & privacy (what we keep and why)

We collect essentials via the Guest Questionnaire (name, pronouns, bio, headshot, links, pronunciation notes).

We use this data only for production, accessibility, and promotion of your episode.

We retain production files and transcripts to maintain the episode archive. You may request updates or corrections to your bio, links, or headshot at any time. We honor applicable privacy laws.

14) Acceptance (how you say “yes”)

By participating in the recording and selecting “Yes, I agree to the terms outlined in the Media Release Policy.” On the Guest Questionnaire, you agree to this policy.

15) Questions or boundaries to share?

Email ikibw@innovationunbiased.com with the subject line “Guest Policy – [Your Name]”.

We will respond with care—and options.

You Belong.

Thank you for trusting us with your story. Together, we turn moments into measurable change.