reeducated

In this episode, I spoke with a longtime acquaintance Sara Tribble to reflect on our childhood in Fremont, California, starting at Forest Park Elementary. Together, we discuss the impact that growing up in a diverse immigrant community had on our cultural identities, and the challenges we faced as first-generation Americans navigating societal expectations and family dynamics. Our conversation div...

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of human episodic memory with Omri Raccah, a researcher at Yale whose work explores how we process, store, and retrieve memories. Omri shares insights into the multisensory nature of memory formation, the computational subroutines that govern our recollections, and the dynamic nature of memory as a fundamental aspect of intelligence. Together, we...

Today’s episode is a rediscovered gem from the Re-Educated archives, recorded back in mid-2022. In this conversation, I spoke with Alex Lundry, co-founder of three data and analytics firms Redbud Consulting, Deep Root Analytics, and Tunnel Data. Each firm specializes in using research, data, and analytics to shape political, advocacy, and communications strategies. Alex also led the analytics effo...

In today’s episode, it’s just me and the mic once again. I recently spent two weeks living on an off-grid farm with a family that was nearly fully self-sustainable. They grew their own food, harnessed their own energy, designed their own plumbing systems, and even recycled their own waste. They also homeschooled their children, and I was struck by how bright and curious these kids were, despite no...

In this episode, Jim McMaster and I sit down to reflect on his extensive career in tech, from his early days at Google, where he played a pivotal role in the development of Google Drive, to his recent retirement. We delve into the challenges he's faced in adjusting to a post-career lifestyle, navigating new routines, and finding fulfilling activities after years in a fast-paced industry. Our conve...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sonya Ramsey to dive deep into the complex landscape of education, touching on the intersections of race, gender, and systemic inequality. We start by examining the ripple effects of population drops in schools, the heated debates surrounding affirmative action, and the historical feminization of teaching roles in the U.S. Dr. Ramsey offers a powerful historica...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Kathryn Sophia Belle, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Pennsylvania State University. We begin by discussing the foundations of conventional philosophy and exploring why Black women have historically been excluded from these conversations. Dr. Belle shares insights on the importance of diverse perspectives in academia and the need to amp...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Andrew Akbashev to dive into the contrasting education systems of Europe and the United States, exploring how cost, flexibility, and accessibility shape the academic experiences on both continents. Our conversation shifts to personal experiences in science, where Andrew recounts his journey from a curious young mind to a seasoned physicist, and I reflect on my...

I hope you found this season on Indigenous perspectives on education helpful and interesting. In this final episode, I summarize the key takeaways from the last ten conversations and reflect on what I've learned. I hope you enjoy this episode—creating it solo has been nerve-wracking, but also deeply rewarding. Thank you for listening. Stay Re-Educated. 

In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Alexis Bunton, a scholar and advocate for indigenous rights, to explore the complexities of indigenous identity, the challenges of economic development, and the transition from traditional media to podcasting. Alexis shares her unique experiences living in Alaska, where indigenous identity is shaped by a deep connection to the land and a complex web of cultural...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. David Newhouse, an Indigenous scholar with deep roots in Onondaga heritage and a pioneering voice in Indigenous education and governance. Together, we delve into the intricate challenges and strategies of maintaining cultural identity as Indigenous people in a rapidly modernizing world. Dr. Newhouse shares his insights on the concept of modernity, highlighting...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Aroha Harris, a distinguished historian and academic, about the rich history and cultural significance of the Maori people in New Zealand. We delved into her research on the early Maori nurses, exploring the challenges they faced and the impact they made despite the prejudices of their time. We also discussed the evolution of Maori language...

In this episode, we journey through the rich and complex landscape of Hawai‘ian culture, history, and the ongoing struggles faced by its people. I spoke with Dr. Ty Kāwika Tengan, a professor at the University of Hawai‘i, who offers insights into the preservation of indigenous languages, traditions, and cultural identities. We delve into the significance of the Kumulipo, a 2,000-line-long genealog...

In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Michael Yellow Bird, a Native American scholar, about the enduring impacts of colonization and the transformative process of decolonization. We explore the pervasive nature of colonization, not only as a historical event but as an ongoing influence on indigenous cultures, minds, and bodies. Dr. Yellow Bird introduces the concept of "neurodecolonization,"...

In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of storytelling with Loretta Todd, a trailblazing Indigenous filmmaker whose work has redefined the Canadian film industry. Loretta shares her unconventional journey to filmmaking, from a childhood filled with dreams of becoming a ballerina to finding her true calling behind the camera. Through her lens, Loretta has captured the resilience and...

In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Niigaanwewidam Sinclair about the vital importance of incorporating Indigenous knowledge into educational curriculums. We explore the necessity of decolonizing the mind, moving beyond a single perspective, and the challenges faced by minority populations in gaining representation in positions of power. Our guest shares his experiences and insights as a professor i...

In this episode, Dr. Michelle Evans and I dive deep into the intersection of indigenous education and business in Australia. Michelle shares her journey from a theater background to arts management and business, driven by a passion for empowering indigenous artists and facilitating cultural change.  The conversation covers the unique challenges and strategies in indigenous business leadership. Mic...

In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Daniel Wildcat to discuss a wide array of topics centered around Indigenous perspectives and contemporary challenges. We explore the rich concept of 'Indigenous,' emphasizing its varied relevance globally and the importance of recognizing the diversity within Indigenous cultures. Dr. Wildcat shares personal insights on the practice of mindfulness and the necess...

In this episode, I spoke to Dr. Laurie Rousseau Nepton, the first Indigenous woman in Canada to earn a PhD in astrophysics. Laurie, the principal investigator of the SIGNALS project, shares her journey from observing the night sky on an Indigenous reservation to mapping 50,000 star-forming regions in nearby galaxies. The conversation delves into her unique perspective on life, shaped by both her s...

In  this episode, I sat down with Ana María García Blanco, a trailblazer in Montessori education reform in Puerto Rico. We delve into her journey from her time at Harvard to her relentless commitment to transforming deteriorating public schools in Puerto Rico. She highlights the stark contrasts between Montessori and traditional schooling, with a focus on the former's emphasis on child-led lea...

I finally mustered up the courage to do one of these all by myself. Here are some of my biggest educational findings and lessons from my time in Puerto Rico. I had such a lovely time on the island, and I am so thankful to the people I met there. I hope you enjoy this conversation! Let me know what you think.

In this episode, Julia Keleher, the former Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Education, returns to the podcast to continue the discussion of her journey through education reform in Puerto Rico. She candidly shares her experiences in Puerto Rico, detailing the challenges of closing 450 schools, implementing controversial reforms, and navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. She then op...

In the first part of this two-series conversation, Julia Keleher, former Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Education, shares her transformative journey through the educational and criminal justice systems. Julia recounts her experiences with the Puerto Rican education system, including the aftermath of Hurricane Maria and the controversial school closures. She opens up about her legal tro...

In this episode, Dr. Larissa Parrilla , a former computer technology teacher turned Montessori educator, delves into the transformative potential of educational technology in enhancing the learning process. We explore how tools like ChatGPT can be used to personalize vocabulary acquisition, particularly for English as a second language learners. Larissa shares her innovative approach of using tech...

Join us today in a conversation with Dr. Ricardo Nazario where we explore identity, belonging, and the complex political landscape of Puerto Rico in this episode. Dr. Nazario shares his personal journey from rural Puerto Rico to the South Bronx, reflecting on the cultural contrasts and the strong sense of community that shaped his identity. We delve into Puerto Rico's unique political status,...