Be a Better Ally: critical conversations for K12 educators

Join Tricia Friedman and Joanna Ho in this inspiring conversation about cultural identity, creativity, and the power of food as a storytelling medium. Joanna reflects on her transition from K–12 educator to published author, revealing how intergenerational learning—especially the wisdom exchanged over a cup of boba—fueled her narrative style. We dive deep into her creative process, the challenges...

In this conversation, Tricia Friedman and Homa Tavangar explore the significance of asking big questions in leadership, the importance of relationships, and the need for deeper connections in education and community. They discuss how embracing complexity and uncertainty can lead to growth, the role of play in learning, and the necessity of listening to unheard voices. The dialogue also touches on...

In this conversation, Erin Entrada Kelly discusses her debut nonfiction book that explores the life of Joey, a Filipino woman who became a spy during World War II. Kelly emphasizes the importance of presenting history in an engaging way for young readers, while also addressing the complexities of war, identity, and the gray areas in history. She shares her process of honoring Joey's story and the...

In this conversation, Tricia Friedman and Reem Labib Tyson explore the evolving landscape of coaching, emphasizing the importance of reflection, emotional intelligence, and the dynamics between coach and coachee. They discuss the significance of diverse experiences in coaching, the gray areas of leadership, and the need for accessible coaching strategies. The dialogue highlights the importance of...

In this conversation, Tricia Friedman speaks with Bellen Woodard, the first crayon activist, about her journey in leadership, the importance of young voices, and her new book 'Ballet Brown'. Bellen shares her experiences of advocating for inclusive language in schools and ballet, emphasizing the need for empathy and community building. She encourages young people to trust themselves and their pers...

Dr. Laura Chávez-Moreno is an award-winning scholar, qualitative social scientist, and assistant professor in the Departments of Chicana/o & Central American Studies and Education at the University of California, Los Angeles. She earned her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Education. Her book published by Harvard Education Press, won the 2025 Ame...

Kyle Casey Chu (aka Panda Dulce) is a writer, filmmaker, and one of the founding queens of Drag Story Hour. In June 2022, far-right extremists stormed her Drag Story Hour in an attempt to silence her. She is now using her global platform to tell even gayer stories. She lives in San Francisco. The Queen Bees of Tybee County is her first novel written for middle grade readers and is receiving rave r...

In this conversation, Jim Murphy shares insights from his book 'Inner Excellence,' discussing the importance and the need for self-awareness. He emphasizes that true excellence comes from within and is about developing skills that foster belief and joy. The discussion touches on the lessons that can be learned from sports, particularly in youth leagues, where the focus should be on character and h...

In this conversation, Tricia Friedman and Dr. Sharon Lauricella go deep into the critical examination of gender performance in the popular TV series Grey's Anatomy, exploring how weddings depicted in the show reflect societal norms and expectations. They discuss the collaborative research process that led to Dr. Lauricella's paper, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in academia. The conversa...

In this conversation, Daria Burke discusses her book and the complexities of self-identity, healing, and the importance of community. She explores how our past shapes our present and the power of storytelling in personal growth. Burke emphasizes the significance of friendship and chosen family in the healing process, and she challenges conventional notions of success, advocating for alignment over...

In this conversation, Tricia Friedman speaks with Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud about the transformative power of comics in education, the importance of fostering belonging among students, and the creative process behind their collaborative graphic novel. They discuss the evolving perception of comics as a legitimate form of storytelling and the role of educators in supporting student creativ...

Tricia speaks with Naomi and Kyra from Making Stuff Better about their upcoming event and the intentionality behind their work. They discuss the importance of resourcefulness, noticing, and community in education, as well as the need to rethink traditional educational practices. The conversation emphasizes the power of unscripted dialogue, active participation, and trust within teams to foster cre...

Sharon G. Flake is a celebrated author with multiple honors, including two Coretta Scott King Honor Awards and author of THE FAMILY I’M IN, the third installment in the I’m In series, following her groundbreaking debut The Skin I’m In (2000) and sister novel The Life I’m In (2021). The Family I’m In explores the complex relationship between Black boys and their fathers, highlighting the challenges...

Francesca Cavallo discusses her new book and the importance of rethinking masculinity through storytelling. She emphasizes the role of media in shaping gender dynamics and the necessity of compassion in understanding boys' identities. The discussion highlights the impact of gender representation on society and the importance of creating engaging dialogues around masculinity. Chapters 00:00 Explori...

Tricia Friedman discusses the upcoming Earth Day and introduces a free guide aimed at helping educators engage students in sustainability discussions. The SEED guide emphasizes the intersection of AI and sustainability, encouraging a comprehensive approach to environmental education. Ready to download the free guide now? https://shiftingschools.lpages.co/seed-free-guide/ Ready to learn about the s...

Tanisia Moore discusses her latest picture book 'Wash Day Love', emphasizing themes of intergenerational care, joy, and representation in children's literature. She shares her personal experiences that inspired the book, the importance of collaboration with illustrators, and her passion for empowering young voices through school visits. We also explore Moore's writing process, highlighting the sig...

In A WOLF CALLED FIRE, Warm, the younger and smaller brother of Swift (the protagonist of A Wolf Called Wander) must find the warrior in his own heart to protect his pack and earn his alpha name. A fast-paced survival story inspired by Wolf 8, a real Yellowstone wolf who started as the smallest in his pack and grew up to be a collaborative and generous patriarch of the largest pack. We talk with t...

In this episode of the Be a Better Ally podcast, Tricia Friedman interviews Hope Larson, a prolific artist and author, about her journey in the creative industry. They discuss the importance of defining success beyond traditional metrics, the significance of connection and community in education, and the challenges of navigating learning differences. Hope shares insights into her creative process,...

In this conversation, Marla Hunter discusses her upcoming book 'Building Bridges.' She emphasizes the importance of a humanistic approach in education, the authenticity of her writing, and the emotional journey of authorship. The discussion also touches on the significance of community engagement, especially in the context of homeschooling, and the metaphor of breath control in swimming as it rela...

On the show this week is Dr. Tony Keith Jr.: a Black American gay poet, spoken word artist, and hip-hop educational leader from Washington, DC. He is author of the YA memoir in verse How the Boogeyman Became a Poet. Tony’s writings have appeared in the International Journal of Critical Media Literacy, the Journal of Black Masculinity, and many others. A multiyear Fellow of the DC Commission on the...

In this conversation, TJ Klune discusses the intersection of fantasy literature and societal issues, particularly bigotry and the LGBTQ+ experience. He emphasizes the importance of literature in challenging norms and fostering understanding. Klune shares personal anecdotes about his writing journey, the impact of community, and the value of fan fiction as a tool for aspiring writers. He reflects o...

This episode is a musical rendition of the forty 'forbidden' words that are under attack right now. Special shout out to the bravery of Darby Saxbe, a professor at the University of Southern California for sharing the list of forbidden words, as she said on Twitter in her post: "This is a crisis for academic freedom & science." How might we use art and music to help us understand the significance...

Can AI help us get better at one of the most challenging human skills—navigating conflict? In this episode, host Tricia Friedman shares the results of her latest experiment: building an AI-powered Conflict Simulator designed to help us rehearse and refine our approach to tough conversations. From using AI tools like Consensus and Moxie to explore conflict resolution research, to incorporating unex...

In this conversation, Tricia speaks with Luthern Williams, a futurist and school leader, about the role of creativity and the arts in reimagining education. They discuss the importance of imagination and the need to move away from the factory-age industrial model of education. Luthern shares the story of a school that was intentionally created to be different and emphasizes the importance of prepa...

In this conversation, Tricia Friedman and Rio Cortez discuss the themes and creative processes behind Rio's latest work, 'The ABCs of Women's History.' They explore the interdisciplinary approach to women's history, the importance of slow reading, and the joy of writing for children compared to adults. Rio shares insights into her collaborative process with illustrators and the significance of tru...