Be a Better Ally: critical conversations for K12 educators

Tricia Friedman speaks with Max Simpson, the founder and CEO of STEPS, an organization dedicated to improving employment outcomes for the neurodivergent community. Max discuss the origins of STEPS, the importance of collaboration and partnerships, and the need for systemic change in education and employment. Max shares insights on the challenges of navigating the business landscape, the significan...

In this conversation, Professor Neil McArthur discusses the intersection of AI, technology, and human relationships, particularly in the context of dating and companionship. He explores the potential benefits and concerns surrounding AI in romantic settings, the emergence of new sexual identities like digisexuality, and the importance of understanding technology's role in fostering tolerance and a...

Everywhere is Queer is a worldwide map of queer-owned businesses, created by this week's guest: Charlie Sprinkman. The idea for the platform came to Charlie during a year-long road trip, where they were constantly seeking queer spaces. They realized that there was more to queer-owned businesses than just gay bars and wanted to create a platform that connects the queer community with spaces that se...

In this conversation, Alexis Fernandez-Preiksa discusses her new book, 'How to Chase Change,' emphasizing the importance of embracing limitations and redirecting focus towards personal growth. She introduces a structured 30-day challenge designed to facilitate gradual change, highlighting the significance of relationships and self-advocacy in the process. Alexis also explores the intersection of n...

Tricia and April explore the connections between cooking and education, emphasizing the importance of personalization, cultural context, and intentionality in both fields. They discuss the significance of feedback, the need for demystifying teaching practices, and the impact of labels on students. Additionally, they address parental fears regarding their children's education and the importance of...

In this conversation, Tricia and Diana discuss the pressing issues surrounding democracy, the importance of community and friendship in bridging divides, and the emotional toll of political polarization. Diana emphasizes the need for a shift from an outrage mindset to one of engagement and collaboration, highlighting the work of organizations like More In Common. They explore the dynamics of inter...

In this conversation, Tricia and Pasha Marlowe explore the multifaceted world of neurodiversity, exploring how social media platforms like TikTok serve as vital spaces for connection and understanding. Pasha shares insights on the importance of concise communication, particularly in short-form videos, and how these platforms can foster meaningful conversations about neurodivergent experiences. The...

In this conversation, Jason June discusses his latest book, 'Flopping in a Winter Wonderland,' exploring themes of queer joy, the importance of setting in literature, sibling dynamics, and the creative process of writing. He emphasizes the need for representation of queer love in holiday narratives, particularly in rural settings, and highlights the significance of healthy sibling relationships an...

Karen Wilfrid discusses her book LAMBDA award nominated middle grade novel 'Just Lizzie' and how her personal experience and background in education helped spark the story. She talks about the importance of capturing the journey of identity exploration in middle grade books and the role of school in that process. Karen also shares how her students and colleagues supported her in writing the book a...

In this conversation, we hear from founder and Executive Director Joan Liu who discusses the origin and mission of Second Chance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping international students secure last-minute scholarships for higher education. The initiative began in response to a crisis where students lost their scholarships unexpectedly. The conversation emphasizes the importance of com...

Christy Mandin is a New York Times bestselling children's book author, illustrator, and surface designer. She grew up in rural Georgia and credits her country life of solitude as an only child for much of her love of books and nature. You'll find this love of nature along with nostalgia, magic, and whimsy woven into the fabric of her art. When she isn't drawing she can be found quilting, gardening...

Aaron Blabey discusses the creation and conclusion of his beloved children's series, The Bad Guys. He reflects on the balance between humor and deeper messages in storytelling, the emotional journey of saying goodbye to a series that has impacted millions, and the importance of staying true to one's creative vision. Blabey also shares insights on the influence of audience engagement and the evolut...

Kwame Sarfo-Mensah has an incredible book hitting shelves TODAY, and it is one of those must read books. In this episode we talk about that book and Kwame's perspective on much more. We explore the importance of understanding one's childhood experiences and how it can help educators better connect with their students. We also discuss the concept of home and how it can be defined differently for ea...

Eliot Schrefer, the New York Times bestselling standout author of many books for kids and teens. The Brightness Between Us is the sequel to The Darkness Outside Us. His books have twice been named finalists for the National Book Award in Young People’s Literature and have garnered a Printz Honor, a Stonewall Honor, and the Green Earth Book Award. Learn more about this new book: https://www.harperc...

In this conversation, Tricia and Rebecca Skinner discuss the upcoming Neurodiversity Comic Con at Gillen Brewer, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive spaces for neurodiverse learners. They explore the significance of partnerships, representation in literature, and the role of joy in learning. Rebecca shares insights on the value of comics as a valid form of literature and the impact of...

On this week Tricia speaks with Dr. Sirisha Kuchimanchi and Malur Narayan about their new emerging concept to better bridge students with apprenticeships that are meaningful: https://employability.one/ Our guests are looking for educator input and perspective. We talk about why that matters now more than ever before. Would you like to connect with them? Send your feedback and questions: https://fo...

This week's episode explores the journey of Heartstopper from its origins as a webcomic to its successful adaptation into a TV series with Author Alice Oseman and Executive Producer Patrick Walters. The creators discuss the importance of staying true to the source material, the emotional resonance of the story, and the collaborative process that brings the characters to life. They emphasize the th...

In this conversation, Tricia and Daryl Sinclair discuss the launch of Daryl's podcast, DEIJ Hot Takes, which aims to explore diverse perspectives in the DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) space. Daryl shares his journey into the DEIJ field, emphasizing the importance of learning from various practitioners and the need for a platform that showcases different approaches to equity work....

How can a game help us work on media literacy? On the show this week we talk to Anahita Dalmia about Agents of Influence. Try the game out today: https://www.agentsofinfluencegame.com/ As mentioned at the top of the episode: Do you believe in the power of stories? Do you want your students to become active global citizens ready for positive and purposeful civic engagement? Do you want to equip you...

For Banned Books Week the INCREDIBLE non-profit Pride and Less Prejudice is hosting Banned Together. How can you help them meet their goal for this year? https://www.prideandlessprejudice.org/events

This week Tricia brings you an espisode of a show she appreciates: The SENIA Happy Hour podcast, where host Lori Boll chats with Tricia Friedman. Tricia shares insights on how algorithms shape our interactions, particularly in education and social media. Be sure to learn more about the show and SENIA: https://www.seniainternational.org/podcast/ They discuss the importance of understanding algorith...

On the show today Tricia speaks with a renowned expert in HigherED about the ways AI is already shifting the university experience. If you work in K12, what more do we need to understand about that changing landscape? Our guest this week: Dr. Claire Brady is a seasoned executive and recognized change agent and coalition builder with significant experience improving processes, leading digital trans...

On this week: Alder Van Otterloo https://aldervanotterloo.com/about We dig into their incredible book and more: https://aldervanotterloo.com/books The conversation explores the themes of empathy, understanding, and respect for others, as well as the importance of storytelling and fiction in fostering empathy. It also touches on the intersectionality of identities and the need for inclusivity and a...

Kwame Sarfo-Mensah has an incredible book hitting shelves this coming Fall, and it is one of those must read books. In this episode we talk about that book and Kwame's perspective on much more. We explore the importance of understanding one's childhood experiences and how it can help educators better connect with their students. We also discuss the concept of home and how it can be defined differe...

On this week: Dr. Kat Schrier discusses the potential of games to help people better connect with themselves and others. She shares her research on using games to enhance compassion, empathy, and reduce biases, as well as her work on a game in Nigeria that teaches about different ethnicities and discrimination. Dr. Schrier also highlights the importance of understanding multiple perspectives and t...