211: Fight Club, But Make It AI: Rehearsing Conflict With a Bot Buddy
Be a Better Ally: critical conversations for K12 educators
Release Date: 02/19/2025
232: Boba, Books & Belonging with Joanna Ho
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 of balancing productivity with lived experience, and why embracing life’s full spectrum of emotions is e
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231: Cultivating Awe with Homa Tavangar
Be a Better Ally: critical conversations for K12 educators
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 redefining leadership to combat loneliness and the importance of cultivating awe and spirituality in our lives.
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230: Erin Entrada Kelly on Reclaiming Hidden Histories for Young Readers
Be a Better Ally: critical conversations for K12 educators
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229: Coaching the Person, Not the Problem with Reem Labib Tyson
Be a Better Ally: critical conversations for K12 educators
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 curiosity, identity, and authenticity in coaching relationships, as well as the flexibility of coaching engageme
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228: Bellen Woodard brings the perspective we need
Be a Better Ally: critical conversations for K12 educators
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 perspectives, while also discussing the evolution of traditions in ballet.
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227: How Schools Make Race with Dr. Chávez-Moreno
Be a Better Ally: critical conversations for K12 educators
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.
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226: Kickstart Pride with Kyle Casey Chu (Panda Dulce)
Be a Better Ally: critical conversations for K12 educators
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 reviews.
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225: Cultivating Inner Excellence with Jim Murphy
Be a Better Ally: critical conversations for K12 educators
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 how we treat others.
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224: Pop Culture's possibilities for Gender Studies
Be a Better Ally: critical conversations for K12 educators
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 conversation also highlights the role of pop culture in making complex gender studies more accessible to the general pu
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223: Of My Own Making with Daria Burke
Be a Better Ally: critical conversations for K12 educators
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 ambition. The discussion also touches on the ongoing nature of healing and the internal resources we possess to
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