Educate U.S.

Stacey & Patrice sit down with Candice Anderson, the Executive Director of Cool Culture, as she discusses the organization's mission to make arts and culture a right, not a privilege, for families of color and those in poverty. Hear how Cool Culture connects 50,000 families to 90 cultural institutions, and how art acts as a powerful tool for social change and community buil...

Stacey & Patrice are joined by President & CEO of the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards, Peggy Brookins, to discuss what the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards does, her years of work in the education space, the recent bills, department cuts & public policy changes from the White House that will impact the world of education here in the U.S., plus, how sh...

Tired of feeling overwhelmed by complexity? In this episode, Bob Gower, founder of ripple IQ, joined us to talk about his revolutionary new AI thought partner for ethical leaders. Bob reveals how to build human-centered, resilient organizations that thrive in an unpredictable world. Drawing from his own journey, he explains why ethical leadership isn't just a buzzword—it's...

The headlines are full of pressing education issues: teacher shortages, burnout, university attacks, and the potential of AI, and Patrice and Stacey are diving into all of it! Plus, Educate U.S. is coming to SXSW EDU 2026? Well, we need your help! This is your chance to help them get the show on the stage by simply cast your vote for their session at the link below! Vote for Educate U.S. at SXSW E...

Stacey & Patrice welcome in Lyndon Pryor, the President & CEO of the Louisville Urban League, to discuss the work the org does in Louisville, KY, in helping to foster economic empowerment for historically underserved urban communities, focusing on jobs, justice, education, health, housing, and business. The group also discusses ways in which Urban Leagues across the cou...

Get ready to unpack the Big Beautiful Bill and the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) with pod friend, Seth Rau. Starting January 1, 2027, this act allows tax-deductible donations up to $1,700 for scholarships, creating the largest school choice program in US history. But is it a win for education? We'll dive into who qualifies (students at 300% of their...

Our former co-host Nick Zaveri returns, to expose the 'One Big Beautiful' bill's hidden impact on higher education! We're diving deep into how this legislation could drastically change your path to advanced degrees. This conversation highlights the inequities created by these policies and underscores why staying informed and engaged is more critical than eve...

Aly Young, founder of The Learning Lab, embodies the mission to revolutionize education through personalized support. As a former teacher, Aly saw firsthand the need for a different approach. Now, she champions early intervention and tailored instruction, especially in reading, directly confronting common misconceptions about learning differences. Her impactful work isn't...

Understand today's political and legal landscape with our guest today, Alyse Adamson, former federal prosecutor & host of the 'At-lyse You Heard It Here' podcast. Learn about presidential power, Supreme Court influence, and how your civic participation ensures a balanced justice system. The Educate U.S. podcast is presented by our friends over at Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC. & Positively Tea...

Ever wonder where the idea of the "perfect mother" came from? In this episode, Nancy Reddy, author of "The Good Mother Myth," dives deep into the historical and societal pressures on mothers, examining how patriarchal and capitalist ideals shaped our expectations. Reddy champions the power of community, connection, and public education to transform motherhood. Get ready to challenge the status quo...

Patrice & Stacey welcome in Robert Jackson, an afrofuturist & poet, as he reflects on his personal story of loneliness and the importance of collective memory. Jackson emphasizes the power of shared memories in fostering community and identity. He speaks about how holding on to family stories that helped him break his isolation and inspired his work for Remembrance Day, a concept aimed at...

Join Patrice and Stacey in a captivating discussion with Rebe Huntman, memoirist and dancer, as she delves into her book, 'My Mother in Havana: A Memoir of Magic and Miracle.' Rebe illuminates her path from early loss and maternal disconnect to profound reconnection through Cuban spiritual traditions. Learn how embracing ancestral rituals and normalizing grief&nb...

Join Patrice and Stacey for their 2-year anniversary! This episode tackles the Supreme Court's ruling on religious charter schools (public or private?), dissects ECCA tax breaks for private schools, and dives into the Harvard-Trump battle over funding, international students, and academic freedom. They explore how these policies impact economic mobility, societal...

Stacey & Patrice are joined by Lisa Garcia, an environmental lawyer & former EPA Regional Administrator, as she unpacks her extensive career fighting for environmental justice. Learn about the EPA's foundational role in public health protection, its bipartisan history, and current challenges in environmental policy. Lisa provides a compelling call to action fo...

Stacey and Patrice sit down with Anther co-founders Jon and Lara to help you unlock your potential! Discover how their positive psychology expertise — from UPenn to founding Larabar — fosters human thriving and builds psychological safety. Plus, get their essential insights on AI's impact and maintaining true human connection. To find out more about Anther, visit - https://www.antherglobal.com The...

Can we really transform our institutions? Susan Sturm says yes. On this episode, Patrice and Stacey are joined by Columbia Law Professor & author of 'What Might Be", Susan Sturm, to explore her groundbreaking ideas from the book on confronting racism beyond surface-level DEI. Uncover the power of individual action and collaborative bridge-building to create lasting change f...

Donette Samuel joined Patrice & Stacey to discuss her inspiring story & personal career growth. From her diverse career path in technology, to the Peace Corps, and now with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Donette shares her insights on workplace flexibility, professional growth, generational differences, and her crucial advice for young professionals - find sponsors, know your "w...

How does academic research power our world, from the iPhone 16 to effective classrooms? Patrice and Stacey dissect the current administration's educational policies, highlighting threats to vital research funding and the dangers of policy without evidence.  Patrice shares her personal journey homeschooling her daughter, offering an intimate look at the daily demands and joys. Discov...

Patrice and Stacey welcome back on the pod Angelica Solis from EdLoc (Education Leaders of Color) to explore the indispensable role of the United States Department of Education. Gain a clear understanding of the department's core functions, its impact on schools nationwide, and the critical policies and support systems that are currently at risk. Angelica brings her deep expertise to unpack the co...

Dive into abundance with Patrice and Stacey as they share their personal journeys with a powerful meditation. Then, they pivot to a thought-provoking discussion on abundance vs. scarcity in education, challenging the "failing schools" narrative and exploring the potential within our classrooms. Get ready for relatable insights, critical conversations about school choice and family engagement, and...

Pull up a chair at The Educator's Table with our guest Michelle Cummings! Stacey and Patrice engage in a heartfelt conversation with the author of 'The First-Year Teacher's Survival Guide,' 5th Edition, Michelle Cummings. Discover Michelle's inspiring journey from the classroom to the cutting edge of educational technology, as she shares her lifelong passion for teaching, ways to help improve teac...

Patrice & Stacey dive into the essential work of fostering a positive mindset in a world that often leans negative. We explore personal experiences with health and the impact of media, alongside inspiring stories from education and youth empowerment. Understand the brain's natural negativity bias and discover actionable strategies like journaling and spending time outdoors to intentionally cul...

Patrice and Stacey welcome in Joneé Billy, a dynamic social impact leader, who shares her powerful journey and transformative work she does at Power Play NYC. Discover how sports catalyze leadership, resilience, and equitable opportunities for young girls, and learn why 94% of women in C-suite roles, played sports. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about empowering the...

So, we were  supposed  to talk about the Department of Education. But, you know how it goes... Patrice and Stacey got sidetracked (in the best way!) by the fascinating, wild, 'Holy Wars' happening in Oklahoma. They unpack the unexpected links to these conflicts, and also dive into how the term 'mental health' seems to be thrown around pretty casually these days. Story - https://hechinger...

Elisa Padilla, founder of 'Kick It By EP', joined Patrice & Stacey to share her journey of turning personal loss, into a platform for authentic storytelling. She discusses normalizing grief, inspired through IG live conversations with women in sports and entertainment, and the importance of being true to yourself. Tune in for a powerful message of resilience and authenticity! Educate U.S. is p...