Be a Better Ally: Critical Conversations for K12 Educators

What does real allyship look like in a classroom, a staff room, a school community? Be a Better Ally helps K-12 teachers and school leaders build inclusive classrooms where every student feels they belong — without slogans, scripts, or shame. Host Tricia Friedman (Director of Shifting Schools) sits down with the authors, researchers, and educators shaping these conversations to explore student identity, belonging, school culture, media literacy, and the digital lives of young people. Each episode leaves you with something to try, question, or read next. 280+ episodes of critical conversations for anyone who believes schools should be places where everyone gets to become themselves.

Our Voices Are Our Power | Dr. Camille Busette 08/20/2026

Our Voices Are Our Power | Dr. Camille Busette What happens when we stop treating unaffordable healthcare as an individual problem—and recognize it as a shared crisis? In this episode of Be a Better Ally, Tricia Friedman speaks with Dr. Camille Busette about One Nation, Overcharged, a people-powered movement demanding a healthcare system that puts people over profits. Dr. Busette explains why so many people experience the rising cost of healthcare privately, even as families across the United States face the same impossible choices: medication or groceries, an inhaler or gas, necessary care or financial security. When these struggles remain isolated, it is easy to mistake a broken system for a personal failure. But sharing our stories can change that. Together, Tricia and Dr. Busette explore how personal experiences can build collective understanding—and how conversations in book clubs, faith communities, community gatherings, and even art spaces can help transform that understanding into action. They also discuss: Why asking “Whose perspectives are missing?” can change how we define a problem How healthcare costs affect people far beyond the person receiving care Why storytelling is essential to building people-powered solutions What those with greater financial privilege need to understand about healthcare affordability How seemingly small necessities, such as access to an inhaler, can prevent medical and financial trauma Why we are all responsible for one another How listeners can speak up, share their experiences, and organize within their communities As Dr. Busette reminds us, when one person cannot afford the care they need, the consequences reach their family, neighbors, community, and all of us. Healthcare affordability is not someone else’s issue. It is a social and economic responsibility we share. Learn more, share your story, or find and organize a local event through the . /episode/index/show/48394796-255a-4dc4-85d6-9e36d7d73c3e/id/42502275

Competence, Compassion, and Supporting Families in Crisis 08/14/2026

Competence, Compassion, and Supporting Families in Crisis Renata Castro on Supporting Immigrant Families, Choosing Competent Counsel, and Staying Resilient My guest today is immigration attorney Renata Castro,ESQ. founder of , a law firm focused on helping immigrants, survivors of domestic violence, and victims of human trafficking. We talk about the role educators can play when families are facing immigration stress, how to recognize real professional competence, and why empathy matters most when it is paired with expertise. Renata also shares the personal story behind her work, the emotional toll of immigration law, and the habits that help her keep going through difficult cases. The conversation widens into a bigger lesson about learning, resilience, and refusing to let other people define your potential. Key topics In this episode, Renata shares how her own experience as an immigrant and survivor of abuse shaped the creation of USA for All. She explains that the firm has 5 working attorneys and a total staff of 90 across several countries, with about 3,200 active cases and roughly 2,000 new calls each month. We discuss why educators are often the first people families turn to, and how the best support is to listen, show empathy, and avoid giving legal advice. Renata suggests educators can help by referring families to more than one attorney when possible and by offering practical handouts from trusted nonprofit or pro bono sources. She makes a strong case that empathy alone is not enough in legal work - clients should prioritize competence, clear strategy, and honest communication over chemistry. We talk about why immigration law is demanding, multidisciplinary, and often emotionally draining, yet also deeply rewarding. Renata describes the importance of resilience, detachment from personal criticism, and not letting one loss define a whole mission. She shares the routines and supports that keep her grounded, including family, a partner who helps her stay objective, exercise, mentors, therapists, and a mindset of not spiraling. She encourages young people to stay intellectually curious, read widely, and treat learning as a privilege rather than a chore. The conversation closes with a reminder that success takes time, effort, and a willingness to sit with adversity. Timestamps 00:00 - Why educators are often the first support line for immigrant families 00:34 - Renata's personal immigrant story and the origin of USA for All 01:58 - Serving survivors of domestic violence and trafficking 03:31 - What educators should do instead of giving legal advice 04:27 - Why listening and school counseling matter in crisis situations 07:25 - Competence versus empathy when choosing a lawyer 11:24 - Why the best legal work comes from challenge, not cookie-cutter cases 13:45 - Not taking client or public criticism personally 15:07 - Active caseloads, new inquiries, and the reality of immigration practice 18:16 - How family, exercise, mentors, and therapy help Renata stay grounded 21:49 - Why immigration law stays intellectually exciting 23:16 - Learning as a privilege, not a chore 26:01 - Kim Kardashian, persistence, and the myth of instant success 28:48 - A final reminder to keep going and trust your own path Action items If you work with immigrant families, listen first and avoid offering legal advice. Refer people to qualified attorneys instead of trying to solve the legal issue yourself. Encourage access to school counselors or psychological support when families are overwhelmed. When choosing professional help, look for competence, clarity, and honesty. For your own resilience, build support outside of work and protect time for recovery. /episode/index/show/48394796-255a-4dc4-85d6-9e36d7d73c3e/id/42429880

What Suspense Novels Teach Us About Empathy, Curiosity, and Creativity with Lisa Gardner 08/13/2026

What Suspense Novels Teach Us About Empathy, Curiosity, and Creativity with Lisa Gardner What can a suspense novelist teach educators about empathy, creativity, and the danger of reducing people to simple labels? In this episode of Be a Better Ally, Tricia Friedman speaks with bestselling author Lisa Gardner about the psychology behind her novels and her enduring fascination with the nature of evil. After 35 years of researching crime and human behaviour, Lisa no longer sees good and evil as an either-or question. People are layered, shaped by experience, relationships, choices, and generational trauma. That understanding guides her approach to character development. Lisa begins writing without knowing who the villain will be. Instead, she allows each character to reveal more of themselves as the story develops. Even a villain, she argues, needs a moral code. Their conversation moves beyond writing to consider the conditions that make creative thinking possible. Lisa discusses hiking with her dogs, letting her mind wander, cold-calling experts, learning through games and puzzles, and giving characters enough room to surprise her. She also explains why publishing is a team sport and why accomplished writers benefit from supporting one another rather than treating creativity as a competition. For educators, this conversation raises questions about the space students are given to wonder, investigate, revise their assumptions, and create without already knowing the answer. In this episode: Why suspense helps readers explore fear and human behaviour What fiction can teach us about empathy and moral complexity Why Lisa does not decide who the villain is before she begins writing How walking and unstructured time support creative thought What careful research adds to imaginative work Why games, puzzles, and reading mattered during Lisa’s childhood How collaboration supports even highly accomplished artists What educators can learn from Lisa’s distinction between individual craft and collective support The real-life research and creative process behind You’ll Be Sorry Lisa Gardner’s latest novel, You’ll Be Sorry, brings together a missing family, a decades-old mystery, small-town secrets, a witchy rhyme, complicated characters, and one especially important dog. Learn more: /episode/index/show/48394796-255a-4dc4-85d6-9e36d7d73c3e/id/42415310

From Catching Passes to Turning Pages with Malcolm Mitchell 08/05/2026

From Catching Passes to Turning Pages with Malcolm Mitchell What if readers and writers received the same attention, celebration, and investment as star athletes? In this episode, Tricia speaks with Super Bowl champion, children’s author, and literacy advocate Malcolm Mitchell about his new picture book, They discuss the lasting effect of a few encouraging words, the role librarians can play in helping children see their own possibilities, and why adults should never underestimate the power of simply showing up with a positive message. Malcolm shares his own journey from struggling reader to member of the Silverleaf Book Club, published author, and founder of . He explains why reading is not only an academic skill, but also a source of confidence, community, opportunity, and belonging. The conversation also considers what schools and communities could learn from the cultural power of sports. If young people see athletes celebrated everywhere, how might their aspirations change if readers, writers, books, and libraries were made just as visible? Malcolm also offers a candid look at his writing practice and the connection between athletic and creative training: show up, make the most of each repetition, and be willing to try again tomorrow. In this episode: • Why brief words of encouragement can stay with a young person • The librarian at the heart of My Super Duper Me • Malcolm’s journey from struggling reader to passionate literacy advocate • How a welcoming book club helped change his life • Why reading can build confidence, connection, and belonging • What it would mean to celebrate literacy as loudly as sports • How educators can participate in free Share the Magic reading challenges • What football taught Malcolm about writing, practice, and persistence Learn more about Malcolm Mitchell, Share the Magic Foundation, and its free reading programs at readwithmalcolm.com. /episode/index/show/48394796-255a-4dc4-85d6-9e36d7d73c3e/id/42332025

The First Story We Tell a Child: You Belong | SANDRA MAGSAMEN 07/30/2026

The First Story We Tell a Child: You Belong | SANDRA MAGSAMEN What can a book offer a child before they understand its words? For bestselling author, artist, and art therapist Sandra Magsamen, the answer begins with connection. Her new board book, Hello, Baby, was created for children from birth to age three as a bright, playful welcome into reading—and into the family awaiting them. Sandra joins Tricia to discuss how large illustrations, expressive faces, melodic language, and an embedded mirror help babies engage with a book. They explore why reading with a young child is about much more than building vocabulary. It is also a chance to snuggle, play, bond, and communicate one of the earliest messages a child can receive: you are loved, you are seen, and you belong here. The conversation also makes room for chewed books, spilled milk, crowded bookshelves, and the occasional “uh-oh.” Sandra explains why children need permission to touch, explore, and make mistakes—and why treating books as untouchable objects can get in the way of curiosity. Sandra also reflects on collaborating with her daughter, preparing to become a grandmother, and continuing to experiment after decades as a successful artist. She shares why creative growth requires us to loosen our grip on what has worked before and remain open to who we are becoming. In this episode: How early reading supports connection and belonging Designing words and illustrations for babies Making books playful, sensory, and inviting Allowing children to explore without demanding perfection How stories become part of a family’s shared language Why artists—and people—need to keep changing SANDRA MAGSAMEN is the author and illustrator of many books for young children, including the picture book When I Grow Up I Want to Be Me, as well as a number of bestselling novelty titles, including Everybody Goes Nighty-Night, named a Best Board Book of 2018 by The Children's Book Review; Baby Love; I Love You, Little Pumpkin; and Peek-a-Boo, I Love You. As an artist, an art therapist, and a mom, she uses her creativity to remind people to express themselves and connect with others. Her lifestyle brands, products, and books are sold worldwide. Visit her at /episode/index/show/48394796-255a-4dc4-85d6-9e36d7d73c3e/id/42247735

Can Horror Teach Emotional Literacy? with Ryan La Sala 07/23/2026

Years of Rejection to 39 Books: Jerry Spinelli's Long Game 07/20/2026

Years of Rejection to 39 Books: Jerry Spinelli's Long Game Jerry Spinelli wrote four novels nobody wanted and spent twenty-five years getting rejected before his first book was published — he's now on book thirty-nine. The Newbery Medal-winning author joins Tricia Friedman to talk about perseverance, why kids never really change from one generation to the next, and the writing advice he gives every young person who asks: pay attention. He opens up his actual process, from pages of brainstormed notes to the "miserable middles" that make up the real work of writing, and shares why a letter from a teacher whose students begged to skip recess to keep reading means as much to him as the Newbery. His newest book, Fifth Grade Top Dogs, brings back Suds from Fourth Grade Rats — and yes, with six kids and forty-one grandkids and great-grandkids, Spinelli knows a thing or two about sibling dynamics. A conversation for every teacher who has ever put one of his books in a kid's hands. Chapters 00:00 – Twenty-five years of rejection: what perseverance meant 02:37 – What keeps his passion for storytelling alive 04:15 – Sibling dynamics, six kids, and forty-one grandkids 05:13 – Why kids don't change from generation to generation 06:16 – Memory vs. wish: writing Suds and his parents 08:07 – Inside his process: pay attention, brainstorm, survive the "miserable middles" 13:00 – Celebrating the Newbery at a 24-hour diner 13:52 – The letters that matter more than medals About the Guest Jerry Spinelli is the Newbery Medal-winning author of thirty-nine books for young readers, published over a forty-five-year career. His newest, Fifth Grade Top Dogs (Scholastic, June 2026), continues the story of Suds from Fourth Grade Rats. He and his wife have six children and forty-one grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Resources Mentioned Fifth Grade Top Dogs by Jerry Spinelli — Kirkus review of Fifth Grade Top Dogs — Jerry Spinelli's website — /episode/index/show/48394796-255a-4dc4-85d6-9e36d7d73c3e/id/42155325

Alex Campbell on the Students Behind Murder 101 07/17/2026

Alex Campbell on the Students Behind Murder 101 What happens when a teacher replaces textbook exercises with a real, unsolved problem? In this episode, Tricia speaks with Alex Campbell, the Tennessee high school teacher featured in Prime Video’s limited documentary series Murder 101. The series follows Campbell and his sociology students at Elizabethton High School as they investigate the Redhead Murders, a series of killings involving unidentified women whose cases had received limited public attention. Alex explains why true crime became a powerful way to teach sociology, media literacy, civics, research, collaboration, and critical thinking. He describes how students learned to submit public-records requests, work with law-enforcement professionals and family members, examine the institutions surrounding a criminal investigation, and keep the victims rather than the offenders at the center of their work. The conversation also examines project-based learning, student agency, community-connected education, and what changes when young people know their work matters to someone beyond their teacher. Alex shares practical advice for educators who want to introduce authentic learning without beginning with a project of this scale: start small, find collaborators, know your students, and allow the direction of the work to develop through inquiry. Alex and Tricia also discuss the way Murder 101 portrays teenagers and Appalachia, the ethical responsibilities involved in bringing true crime into a classroom, and why real-world projects can reveal abilities that conventional academic labels often miss. As Alex argues, students who may not be motivated by grades can become deeply committed when they understand that another person genuinely needs their help. This episode is for educators, school leaders, documentary viewers, true-crime listeners, and anyone interested in project-based learning, interdisciplinary teaching, student engagement, civic education, media literacy, cold-case investigations, and the possibilities that emerge when schools trust young people with meaningful work. /episode/index/show/48394796-255a-4dc4-85d6-9e36d7d73c3e/id/42131660

What Happens When Kids Stop Inheriting Adult Assumptions? 07/15/2026

Be Curious, Not Judgmental: Cristo Fernández on Joy, Teamwork, and Trying Again 07/08/2026

Be Curious, Not Judgmental: Cristo Fernández on Joy, Teamwork, and Trying Again You may know Cristo Fernandez as Danny Rojas from Ted Lasso, but this conversation reaches far beyond one beloved role. In this episode, Cristo talks with Tricia about dreaming big, trying again after failure, staying generous, and remembering that we all have something powerful to bring to the table. From his early life in Guadalajara to his years in football, acting, storytelling, and now children’s books, Cristo reflects on the people, setbacks, and second chances that shaped his path. For educators and school leaders, this conversation is a reminder that culture is built in small choices: choosing curiosity over judgment, teamwork over ego, and generosity over individual shine. Cristo speaks with care about the lessons he learned from family, sport, collaboration, and Ted Lasso, including the simple but demanding idea that being kind is cool. He also shares why failure does not have to mean the end of a dream. Injuries shifted his path away from professional football, but storytelling brought him back to the game in a new way. His story invites listeners to think differently about what success looks like, especially for young people who may be navigating setbacks, uncertainty, or pressure to choose only one version of themselves. This episode is for anyone working to build school communities where people feel seen, encouraged, and brave enough to try again. In this episode, we explore: How Cristo’s family shaped his belief in generosity and giving back Why “being kind is cool” still matters in schools, teams, and creative work What football taught him about humility, teamwork, and resilience How failure, injury, and rejection can become part of a larger story Why Danny Rojas remains a reminder to return to joy How collaboration asks us to stay open, curious, and willing to learn What children can teach adults about imagination, courage, and possibility Why embracing who you are may be one of the strongest “superpowers” we have For educators, this conversation offers a useful question to carry into the school year: how do we help young people dream big without making them feel like failure closes the door? Cristo’s answer is generous and practical. Stay curious. Keep learning. Help others shine. Try again. Learn more about his new book: /episode/index/show/48394796-255a-4dc4-85d6-9e36d7d73c3e/id/42014650

A better understanding of who we are with Katie Kennedy 07/02/2026

A better understanding of who we are with Katie Kennedy What does it mean to teach the Declaration of Independence as more than a document students memorize? In this episode, Tricia speaks with historian and author Katie Kennedy about her new book on the Declaration of Independence, the world that produced it, and why young people need more than dates, vocabulary, and simplified civic narratives. Kennedy invites readers to see the Declaration as a living historical text: political, philosophical, literary, flawed, hopeful, and deeply human. Together, Tricia and Katie discuss how educators can help students slow down with primary sources, ask better questions about evidence, and understand history as something made by real people under pressure. From Thomas Jefferson’s nervous drafting process to Caesar Rodney’s dangerous ride for independence, Kennedy reminds us that history becomes more meaningful when students can see the people, stakes, contradictions, and choices behind the documents.This conversation is especially relevant for educators thinking about civics, U.S. history, media literacy, historical inquiry, and the upcoming U.S. 250th anniversary. In This Episode: Tricia and Katie explore: How the Declaration of Independence differs from the Constitution, and why students often confuse the two. Why civic education needs to move beyond memorizing branches of government or repeating patriotic slogans.How primary sources help students understand “how we know what we know.”Why historians begin with people, names, ages, letters, objects, and material traces.How teachers can invite students to read the Declaration as both a political document and a work of language, argument, philosophy, and art. Why the Declaration can be taught honestly, including its contradictions around slavery, rights, and equality.What it means to help students examine claims rather than cherry-pick evidence. Why historical complexity is not a problem to avoid, but a classroom opportunity. Why Educators Will Want to Listen: This episode offers a strong reminder that civics education is not only about government structures. It is also about evidence, responsibility, interpretation, and belonging.Katie Kennedy makes the case for helping students read foundational documents with care. Not as sacred artifacts beyond critique, and not as dead texts with fixed meanings, but as historical documents created by people living through uncertainty.For teachers, this conversation offers practical ways to make history more vivid: start with the human story, return to primary sources, ask what evidence supports a claim, and give students room to notice both ideals and contradictions.Classroom Connections: Educators might use this episode to think about:How to introduce the Declaration of Independence before asking students to analyze it.How to help students compare the Declaration and the Constitution.How to use objects, letters, diaries, menus, or artifacts as primary sources.How to teach civic ideals while also naming historical exclusions and contradictions.How to design inquiry questions around founding documents.How to prepare students for U.S. 250 conversations in ways that are honest, humane, and intellectually serious. Questions for Reflection: What do students need to understand about the world that produced the Declaration?How can we help students distinguish between a historical claim, an opinion, and evidence?What happens when we teach founding documents as arguments rather than answers?How might students respond differently if they first encounter the people, risks, and conflicts behind the text?What primary sources from students’ own lives could help them understand how historians work?A Quote to Carry Into Your Planning: “History is people.”That line sits at the center of this conversation. For educators, it is a useful design principle. Before the worksheet, before the vocabulary list, before the assessment, there are people making decisions, taking risks, disagreeing, revising, resisting, and trying to imagine a different future. Mentioned in the Episode: Katie Kennedy’s new book on the Declaration of Independence The Declaration of Independence The U.S. Constitution Primary sources and material history Pauline Maier’s phrase “American scripture” Lincoln’s description of the Declaration as an “electric cord” Ron Chernow’s biography of Ulysses S. Grant Fiona Hill’s work on Russia and Vladimir Putin Heather Cox Richardson’s public history writing Best For: U.S. history teachers Civics and government teachers Humanities educators School leaders planning for U.S. 250 Librarians and instructional coaches Educators interested in inquiry, primary sources, and civic reasoning Content type: Interview Primary goal: Educational / Inspirational Main topics: The importance of understanding foundational historical documents like the Declaration of Independence The role of storytelling and primary sources in historical education Civics education and civic responsibility Katie Kennedy once caught her then-nine-year-old daughter reading the Constitution under the covers with a flashlight. As an American history professor, Katie has never been more proud. She is the author of The Constitution Decoded: A Guide to the Document That Shapes Our Nation and The Presidents Decoded: A Guide to the Leaders Who Shaped Our Nation, as well as Did You Hear What Happened in Salem?, which Booklist called "irresistible" in a starred review. Katie lives in Iowa with her husband and son. Visit her online at . (00:01) - Introducing Katie Kennedy and the significance of understanding founding documents (00:29) - Why reading the Declaration of Independence matters for all ages (01:35) - Storytelling's role in engaging with history and Jefferson’s drafting journey (02:15) - Jefferson’s nervousness and the importance of primary sources (03:10) - Caesar Rodney’s courageous ride for independence (04:56) - The human stories behind historical actions, like Rodney’s cancer and sacrifice (06:10) - The modern role of the historian and the value of primary sources (07:45) - The importance of honoring individual stories to understand history (08:44) - How primary sources reveal truths about figures like Washington (09:42) - Lincoln’s pocket watch as a primary source and the stories objects tell (11:24) - The role of civics education in fostering critical thinking about power (12:45) - The poetry and art in the Declaration, its cultural resonance (14:40) - The Declaration as a unifying "electric cord" connecting generations (15:56) - How the Declaration embodies hope and the importance of political engagement (17:27) - The complexity of historical figures like Jefferson and their legacy (20:01) - Recommended summer reads for aspiring historians (21:09) - The importance of understanding the people behind the headlines (22:30) - Closing thoughts on the importance of people in history /episode/index/show/48394796-255a-4dc4-85d6-9e36d7d73c3e/id/41941085

Beyond Polarization: Helping Students Make Sense of America with Colin Woodard 06/25/2026

Beyond Polarization: Helping Students Make Sense of America with Colin Woodard In this episode, we explore what it means to educate young people in a time of deep civic division. Students are growing up surrounded by polarization, yet schools remain one of the few places where people are still asked to learn and engage across differences. Joining the conversation is Colin Woodard, Director of Nationhood Lab at Salve Regina University’s Pell Center and a New York Times best-selling author. Nationhood Lab examines the stories Americans tell about identity, belonging, and what holds the country together—and how those stories shape the health of our democracy. We discuss how historical settlement patterns continue to influence regional divides in the United States, affecting trust, community engagement, and perspectives on major issues. Woodard also highlights the importance of social capital—the relationships and shared spaces that help communities function and thrive. For educators, this conversation connects directly to the work happening in schools every day. Classrooms are not just places where history is taught, but where students learn how to listen, disagree, and build community. They are spaces where young people begin to understand their role in civic life. Despite the current climate, there is also reason for hope. Research shows that Americans still share strong agreement around core democratic ideals, including those found in the Declaration of Independence. This episode invites educators to reflect on the stories students are inheriting, the communities they are helping to shape, and the role schools can play in fostering a more connected and thoughtful civic future. Key Topics: Teaching during a time of polarization Nationhood Lab and the study of American identity Regional divides and their historical roots The role of social capital in community health Schools as spaces for civic learning and belonging Shared democratic values in a divided nation Guest:Colin WoodardDirector, Nationhood Lab at the Pell CenterNew York Times best-selling author /episode/index/show/48394796-255a-4dc4-85d6-9e36d7d73c3e/id/41802690

Why Trivia Isn’t Trivial: Brian Boone on Curiosity, Connection, and a Great Father’s Day Gift 06/18/2026

Aida Salazar on Stream, Story as Technology, and the Self Beyond the Feed 06/04/2026

Aida Salazar on Stream, Story as Technology, and the Self Beyond the Feed Award-winning author Aida Salazar joins us to discuss Stream, her new middle grade novel in verse featuring Celi and Elio, two teens sent to rural Mexico after a viral catfishing incident exposes how much of their lives has been shaped by screens. Salazar describes Stream as part of an unintended loose trilogy that began with The Moon Within and continued with Ultraviolet. In this new standalone story, she brings Celi and Elio together for a summer without internet, electricity, or running water. What begins as exile becomes something more complicated: a return to land, body, culture, family history, and the question of what young people are taking in through their digital streams. The conversation moves through the book’s layered title, from the literal stream to the social media feed to the inner stream of consciousness. Salazar also talks about writing young people without condescension, why story can help teens make sense of mistakes, and how fiction can offer parents and educators a less preachy way into conversations about digital life. She opens up about the craft of writing in verse, including the “split screen” structure of the book, where Celi and Elio occupy different sides of the page. For Salazar, voice is built through word choice, rhythm, and punctuation. Verse gives her a way to access the inner life of young people with precision, music, humor, and white space. This episode also explores embodiment, attention, and creativity. Salazar reflects on visiting the land in Mexico where her mother and ancestors were born, describing a powerful moment of physical connection to place that helped shape the novel. She speaks about writing in service of children, working in artistic communities, and why creativity belongs to everyone, not only people who call themselves artists. About the Book: Stream follows newly graduated eighth graders Celi and Elio, who are sent from Oakland, California, to the same rancho in Mexico after their parents become alarmed by their screen use. In rural Mexico, Celi helps her tías in a healing clinic while Elio works to rehabilitate a river. Slowly, both characters begin to shed parts of their online selves and reconnect with nature, culture, family, and their own inner lives. The novel is a standalone story connected to Salazar’s earlier verse novels The Moon Within and Ultraviolet. About Aida Salazar: Aida Salazar is an award-winning author and arts activist whose work explores identity, justice, culture, and belonging. Her books include Ultraviolet, an ALA Pura Belpré Honor Book; The Moon Within, winner of the International Latino Book Award; Land of the Cranes, winner of the Américas Award; and the Caldecott Honor picture book Jovita Wore Pants: The Story of a Mexican Freedom Fighter. She lives in Oakland, California, with her family of artists. In This Conversation: Aida Salazar discusses: Why Stream became part of an unintended trilogy with The Moon Within and Ultraviolet How social media, puberty, crushes, shame, identity, and selfhood intersect for young people Why adults need compassion when talking with teens about digital life How story can help young readers think through mistakes without feeling lectured Why she writes in verse and how poetry gives access to the “interior landscape” of emotion The craft decision to place Celi and Elio on different sides of the page How a visit to ancestral land in Mexico shaped the book’s attention to body, place, and healing Why creativity is not reserved for professional artists Her forthcoming picture book Sana Sana and a future verse novel connected to Ultraviolet that explores AI For Educators, Parents, and Caregivers: This conversation offers a useful way to think about screen life without panic or oversimplification. Salazar does not frame young people as careless or broken. Instead, she asks what they are absorbing, what they are performing, what they are longing for, and what kinds of stories might help them reclaim agency. For educators, Stream also makes a strong case for including middle grade and YA fiction in professional learning spaces. The book gives adults a way to re-enter the perspective of young people and talk about technology, embodiment, culture, and attention through story rather than lecture. /episode/index/show/48394796-255a-4dc4-85d6-9e36d7d73c3e/id/41541315

Meredith Walker on Identity, Friendship, Comedy, and Becoming Yourself 05/28/2026

Meredith Walker on Identity, Friendship, Comedy, and Becoming Yourself What does it really mean to “be yourself”? In this episode, Tricia speaks with Meredith Walker about her new book and the deeper work of self-discovery. Meredith’s motto, “get your hair wet,” becomes the perfect entry point for a conversation about joining the moment instead of protecting the version of ourselves we think we need to present. Together, they explore why identity is not something we solve once, but something we keep returning to. Meredith shares how her work with young people, storytelling, comedy, friendship, and even dogs has shaped the way she thinks about confidence, connection, and becoming. This conversation is especially useful for educators, families, and anyone supporting adolescents as they ask bigger questions about who they are, what matters to them, and how they want to move through the world. In this episode, we discuss: Why “just be yourself” is not enough guidance for young people How self-discovery changes as we meet new people and gain new experiences Why rethinking success matters at every age What storytelling can offer young people who need to feel seen and heard How comedy helps us loosen shame and make room for play Why friendship can be a bridge to deeper self-understanding The role of face-to-face connection in a digital world What dogs can teach us about attention, love, and belonging Memorable moments: 00:01 — Meredith explains the story behind her motto, “get your hair wet” 01:13 — Why being yourself requires reflection, not just confidence 03:32 — Rethinking success beyond career ladders and external approval 04:13 — Meredith shares a powerful story from a storytelling workshop with girls living in a Syrian refugee camp 06:02 — What good listening makes possible 07:07 — How comedy helps us question the scripts we take too seriously 09:46 — Why trying something badly can still help us grow 12:00 — Meredith reflects on creating across TV, radio, podcasts, digital work, and books 13:11 — How the book can become a bridge for friendship 14:35 — Dog wisdom, connection, and the most loving version of ourselves Pull quotes: “Get your hair wet” is really an invitation to stop guarding your look and join the moment. Identity is not a one-time answer. It is a conversation we keep returning to. Sometimes success is not the next step on a ladder. Sometimes it is helping someone feel seen enough to tell their story. Comedy can help us loosen shame and make room for becoming. Friendship helps us find ourselves more interesting. Dogs remind us that connection does not always require perfect language. For educators and families: This episode offers a gentle but powerful way to talk with young people about identity. Instead of asking them to simply “be themselves,” we can help them build the habits that make self-understanding possible: reflection, curiosity, humor, friendship, storytelling, and care. Meredith’s work invites us to give young people better questions, not just better advice. Listen for this question: What would change if we treated “be yourself” not as a slogan, but as a practice? Learn more about the summit mentioned at the top of the episode: Connect with Bridget: /episode/index/show/48394796-255a-4dc4-85d6-9e36d7d73c3e/id/41459715

Keala Kendall on Horror, Hawaiian History, and Teaching Students to Question “Paradise” 05/21/2026

What Mothers Teach Us: Dr. Brittney Cooper on Mama Says I’m Fine 05/14/2026

What Mothers Teach Us: Dr. Brittney Cooper on Mama Says I’m Fine This week, Tricia Friedman welcomes New York Times bestselling author Dr. Brittney Cooper to the podcast for a conversation about her new picture book, Mama Says I’m Fine. Based largely on Cooper’s own childhood, Mama Says I’m Fine is a heartwarming story about family, resilience, and the powerful force of a mother-daughter bond. The book carries Cooper’s well-known feminist sensibility, offering young readers a story rooted in love, care, and empowerment. In this conversation, Brittney shares the backstory behind the book and reflects on what it means to write from memory, to honor maternal love, and to create stories that speak to young girls with honesty and tenderness. Tricia and Brittney also discuss collaboration, including how picture books ask writers and illustrators to build meaning together. The episode explores how a simple phrase like “I’m fine” can hold courage, reassurance, protection, and love, especially in the relationship between a mother and daughter. In this episode Tricia and Brittney discuss: The childhood memories that helped shape Mama Says I’m Fine Why mother-daughter relationships can carry so much emotional meaning How stories for young readers can hold both sweetness and strength Writing girlhood through a feminist lens The role of resilience in family stories What it means to collaborate intentionally on a picture book How children’s books can speak to adults, too Guest bio Dr. Brittney Cooper is a New York Times bestselling author, professor, cultural critic, and public thinker. She is the author of several books, including Eloquent Rage: A Black Woman Discovers Her Superpowers, Feminist AF: A Guide to Crushing Girlhood, and her debut picture book Stand Up! 10 Mighty Women Who Made a Change. She is a professor of Women’s and Gender Studies and Africana Studies at Rutgers University and cofounder of the Crunk Feminist Collective. Her cultural commentary has appeared across major media outlets including MSNBC, The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR, PBS, Essence, The Root, TED.com, and more. She has also been named four times to The Root 100. Her newest picture book, Mama Says I’m Fine, is a story of love, resilience, family, and maternal care. /episode/index/show/48394796-255a-4dc4-85d6-9e36d7d73c3e/id/41293600

We will always need stories with Patricia Cornwell 05/06/2026

What the fun? 04/30/2026

What an Applied Linguist Sees in the Age of AI 04/23/2026

Get A People’s Climate into first place! 04/14/2026

Sara Amini on Identity, Friendship, and the Power of Graphic Novels 04/09/2026

Meet 'Jack and Me' 04/01/2026

Why “What Do You Want to Be?” May Be the Wrong Question | Peter H. Reynolds 03/25/2026

People, Passion, Professional Development: with Justin Hardman and Carlos Galvez 03/18/2026

People, Passion, Professional Development: with Justin Hardman and Carlos Galvez How can we rethink professional development for teachers so it feels energizing, relevant, and deeply human? In this episode, Tricia Friedman is joined by Justin Hardman and Carlos Galvez for a conversation about educator professional development, community building in education, teacher conferences, and the future of learning. Together, they explore why many educators are no longer looking for one-size-fits-all PD. Instead, they want meaningful professional learning, stronger communities of practice, and experiences that leave them feeling connected rather than depleted. This episode examines what makes a great education conference, how to design teacher professional learning that builds trust and belonging, and why joy, movement, and human connection matter more than ever—especially in a time when AI in education is changing the conversation around teaching and learning. If you care about teacher growth, innovative professional development, education leadership, or building stronger school communities, this conversation is for you. In This Episode, We Discuss Why professional development for educators needs to evolve What teachers want from modern professional learning The importance of community building in schools and education spaces How to create authentic communities of practice for teachers Why the best teacher conferences feel relational, not transactional How organizations can avoid “copy-paste” conference programming The role of trust, belonging, and leadership in adult learning How to identify and elevate new voices in education Why informal learning spaces like PubPD matter for educators How physical education, wellness, and movement shape better conference experiences What AI means for educators, especially in relation to health, wellness, and human connection Why the future of education may depend on protecting what is most human about learning Key Themes Professional Development for Teachers Is Changing Educators have access to more information than ever. What many need now is not more content, but more connection. Justin and Carlos reflect on how teacher professional development can become more collaborative, practical, and community-centered. Community Building in Education This episode digs into what it really takes to build a thriving education community—from intentional design and representation to trust, consistency, and making space for new voices. What Makes a Great Education Conference From presenter support to social events, the conversation highlights the small and large details that help an education conference feel welcoming, joyful, and memorable. PubPD and Informal Professional Learning Carlos shares the story behind PubPD, a social and informal model for educator learning that blends conversation, reflection, and community in more relaxed spaces. AI in Education and the Need for Human-Centered Learning As schools continue exploring artificial intelligence in education, this episode asks an important question: what should stay deeply human in how we teach, lead, and learn? Memorable Quotes “The information is out there… what matters now is community.” “Some of the people doing the best work in schools are not the ones necessarily signing up to present.” “The key to building community is belonging.” “Learning should be joyful.” “We shouldn’t just adapt to AI. We should ask how AI adapts to us.” Why This Episode Matters Whether you are a teacher, school leader, instructional coach, conference organizer, or education consultant, this episode offers insight into how to make professional development for educators more human, more inclusive, and more impactful. It is also a powerful reminder that the most effective learning environments—whether online, in schools, or at conferences—are built on belonging, trust, curiosity, and shared purpose. Connect with Connect with Learn more about /episode/index/show/48394796-255a-4dc4-85d6-9e36d7d73c3e/id/40537145

Jasmine Warga on Children's Literature, Emotional Growth, and Unlikely Friendship 03/11/2026

What Rowing Teaches Leaders: with Dana Specker Watts, Ph.D. 03/05/2026

What Rowing Teaches Leaders: with Dana Specker Watts, Ph.D. Dana Specker Watts began rowing and found an unexpected leadership lab: a sport where trust is built through timing, teamwork, and attention to small signals. In this educational interview, Dana shares how early mornings on the water became a practice for focus and calm, and how rowing reshaped the way she navigates conflict, setbacks, and collaboration. We talk about masters rowing as an adult beginner experience, the value of quiet reflection, and what it means to stay in sync with others without constant talk. You will also hear how technology shows up in rowing, and why “messiness” and repair can strengthen teams. Key topics Leadership lessons from rowing at 50 Teamwork, timing, and nonverbal synchronization Early morning routines, mental clarity, and emotional resilience Technology in rowing and what data can and cannot tell you Failure, adversity, and building trust through repair Takeaways Rowing trains nonverbal teamwork: alignment, timing, and shared attention. Early morning time on the water can boost focus and mental clarity. Setbacks can strengthen teams when you practice repair, not blame. Learning a new skill later in life is a powerful cognitive and identity reset. Memorable lines “Messiness and conflict are essential for growth.” “Quiet time on the water keeps me grounded.” “It’s never too late to start something new.” Chapters 00:00 Rowing at 50 and why adults start 05:42 The meditative side of rowing and quiet reflection 11:26 Technology in rowing: data, gear, and feedback 17:09 Team synchronization, conflict, and resilient leadership Resources The Boys in the Boat, Daniel James Brown Dana Specker Watts on LinkedIn: Dana Specker Watts, Ph.D. Dana has a broad school background in curriculum, technology, innovation, and educational leadership. She joined ISS from Hong Kong International School, where she was the Schoolwide Curriculum Leader. In addition to working in Hong Kong, India and Thailand, she has also served as Executive Director of WLead, and as the Director of Innovation at 21st Century Learning International. Dana is also an Apple Distinguished Educator, a Google Certified Teacher, and ISTE Certified Trainer. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Sciences from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies from State University of New York College at Buffalo, and a Master of Science in Secondary Education from Canisius College in New York. /episode/index/show/48394796-255a-4dc4-85d6-9e36d7d73c3e/id/40326380

Family of Spies and the Work of Confronting the Truth 02/26/2026

Table for One? The Ethics of AI Companionship 02/19/2026

Love is a Verb with Sandra Magsamen 02/14/2026

Be a Better Ally: Critical Conversations for K12 Educators

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