The Edupurist Podcast

I got to kick it with Dr. Shanae, who goes by the moniker Awkward_phd on socials, and we ran it. We talked about everything from Black male misalignment to what constitutes being from the wrong side of the tracks. In this super-powerful episode, she popped her sh*t.

I put out a casting call for Black women to come and run it with me and discuss pervasive issues that have historically and currently impacted them. They did not disappoint.

My sis Dominique answered the call, to come and pop her shit. We ran it about current issues occurring in society, and with her big personality, we were able to unpack some stuff.

In the final segment, the hosts reflect on the enduring role of the church in the community—both its positive impact on academic achievement (honoring honor roll students) and its shortcomings in preparing youth for financial literacy. They share closing thoughts on how the Black community can foster a more supportive and aspirational environment for its youth, bridging the gap between education,...

The hosts transition to their high school years, detailing the dramatic shift in their educational environment. They discuss the pervasive influence of the crack cocaine epidemic, exploring how illicit activities often provided a quicker path to financial knowledge and wealth (e.g., rental properties) than the formal education system. This segment contrasts the academic curriculum with the harsh,...

The hosts delve into their 8th and 9th-grade years at William Pitcher Junior High, centering on the impactful, yet complex, figure of Mr. Lando —a basketball coach and male figure who played a different role for each host. They recall a specific 8th-grade teacher whose deeply uncaring or allegedly racist comments led to one host being expelled/suspended, highlighting the arbitrary nature of discip...

The hosts reflect on the historical presence of Black administrators and teachers in the system and how that began to fade. They share intense, personal anecdotes about corporal punishment (paddling) in schools, including the story of a teacher who they claim continued the practice—dubbing it the "Juneteenth of paddling". They contrast their experiences with Black educators, detailing wh...

A deep dive into the profound impact of specific Black educators in the hosts' junior high years, who served as respected community figures. The conversation explores academic competitiveness, the system's failure to diagnose learning disabilities like dyslexia , and a stark critique of the 'grouping' or 'tracking' system that one host felt was steering him directly into th...

KP, Re, and Ray discuss their educational experiences in St. Tammany Parish, questioning if the system was designed to set them up for success. They debate the impact of being educated by people who "didn't look like us" and the critical role of parental influence versus the school curriculum. One host shares a raw, personal story about why he never wanted to miss school, highlightin...

Re, KP, and Ray set the stage for the conversation by discussing the release of rapper Max B. They explore the cultural dynamics in the Black community where individuals returning home after long prison sentences often receive more public celebration than college graduates. They debate the historical, social, and cultural reasons for this phenomenon, touching on the idea that excitement is contagi...

Join us on the Edupurist podcast as we welcome Dr. Tanisha Williams, a passionate advocate for transformative change within our education system. In this insightful conversation, Dr. Williams shares her extensive background in education and challenges us to rethink the very purpose of learning. Prepare to question the status quo as Dr. Williams critiques the pervasive influence of standardized tes...

As Long Island school districts gear up for budget votes and the inevitable wave of misinformation surrounding school choice, we're going on the offensive! This week, we're fiercely defending the incredible work happening in  all  our good schools – both traditional public and charter – right here on Long Island. Forget the scare tactics and the divisive rhetoric. We're diving deep into the facts,...

This week, the EduPurist podcast delves into the heartbreaking story of Caleb Wilson, a bright 20-year-old mechanical engineering student at Southern University, whose life was tragically cut short during an off-campus hazing ritual. Caleb's death has ignited a powerful conversation about the pervasive and dangerous culture of hazing within Greek life, and the urgent need for systemic change. Join...

In this engaging podcast episode, I sit down with Dr. Michael De Sousa, an experienced educator and passionate advocate for empowering parents. Dr. De Sousa shares insights, strategies, and personal anecdotes about parenting, education, and parents’ critical role in their child’s learning journey.

This thought-provoking episode of The Edupurist Podcast delves into the heart of America’s divisions. Join us as we engage in a candid and lengthy conversation with a friend who staunchly supports former President Donald Trump. Our discussion covers several critical topics: Migrant Attack in Times Square : We dissect the recent incident involving NYPD police officers and migrants in Times Square....

In this episode, I talk about the importance of a balanced diet for kids based on a recent viral video of a kid throwing up from eating #Takis. I also talk about other issues pertinent to the development of historically marginalized communities.

This Edupurist podcast episode features a group of passionate women from Memphis discussing the issues with traditional school grading systems. They highlight the disconnect between report card grades and a child's learning level, emphasizing the need for parents to be more informed. They also discuss the impact of low literacy rates on children, particularly those involved in the juvenile jus...

This Episode of the Edupurist podcast discusses the new FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) rollout. The host and guest talk about the simplification of the FAFSA form, the technical issues with its rollout, and its impact on students, specifically those from low-income backgrounds. They address concerns about the timeline for students to make informed decisions and the potential dela...

In the video, Dr. Ray Ankrum interviews a high school senior named Jah’mere. Jah’mere shares his exciting news of being accepted into Howard University for the fall 2024 semester. He discusses his heritage as both African-American and Native American and talks about how his experience at Riverhead Charter School has helped shape him. Jah’mere discusses his SAT score, his decision to attend Howard...

This episode of the Edupurist features a discussion with dual-enrolled high school/ college students from Riverhead Charter School/Suffolk Community College about their experiences with college classes. They talk about the differences between high school and college classes, noting that they are more academically challenging and offer more freedom and control over their education. They also discus...

Please join this riveting conversation with Bibb Hubbard, founder and Executive Director of Learning Heroes, and some of our first RCS Senior class. The discussion highlights the importance of effective communication between parents, teachers, and students to ensure academic success. They discuss the issue of inflated grades and how it can hinder students' progress. The conversation also touch...

In this video, a group of high schoolers and their school superintendent discuss esports. They explain that esports is the competitive aspect of gaming, where players strive to become professionals in specific video games and compete against other teams. The students talk about their experience with Rocket League, a game similar to soccer but played with cars. They mention their rankings and progr...

In this episode of The Edupurist Podcast, host Ray Ankrum engages in a thought-provoking conversation with K. Chase Patterson, one of the founders of the State of Black Learning Initiative. Together, they delve into the current state of Black learning in 2023 and explore the challenges, developments, and initiatives to address the persistent inequities within the education system. Chase Patterson,...

In this episode of Edupurist, Ray sits down with Jeanne Allen, founder, and CEO of the Center for Education Reform, to discuss her thoughts on the current state of education in the United States and her vision for the future. Jeanne has been a leading voice in the education reform movement for over three decades and has worked tirelessly to create a more innovative, responsive, and effective educa...

In this thought-provoking episode of The Edupurist podcast, your host, Ray Ankrum, engages in a compelling conversation with Steven Colon, CEO of Bottom Line, on the controversial topic of affirmative action and its impact on college access for marginalized students. Affirmative action policies have long been the subject of intense debate, with proponents arguing that they must address marginalize...