Inclusion School Podcast

A show designed for parents, educators, and caregivers on how to have tough conversations around inclusion with their children. Hosts are Simone Morris and Julie Kratz.

Re-Release S2 Episode 1: Teaching Kids about Empathy and Disruption 05/22/2022

Re-Release S2 Episode 1: Teaching Kids about Empathy and Disruption Julie and Simone interview Empathy Expert Liesel Mertes about teaching children about empathy. Listen to this important episode and pick up strategies to converse with your children about how they can deal with disruption in the world. Liesel shares how adults show up in service of protecting our children. What can we do to connect with them over grief. That and more is on this week's episode of the Inclusion School Podcast. /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/15261995

Re-Release S1 Episode 12 - Veronica Appleton 05/15/2022

Re-Release S1 Episode 12 - Veronica Appleton Veronica S. Appleton is a scholar, practitioner and author. She is a Senior Lecturer of Intercultural Communications. Veronica joins Simone and Julie on this week's episode of the Inclusion School Podcast. She shares 6 strategies that parents and educators can use to foster inclusion with children. In addition, she talks about equalizing the playing field for all students. /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/13855268

Re-Release S1 Episode 16 - Talk about Physical Abilities 05/08/2022

Re-Release S1 Episode 16 - Talk about Physical Abilities Mike Hess, Founder and Executive Director of The Blind Institute of Technology is this week's guest on the Inclusion School Podcast. Julie, Simone, and Mike discuss how to broach the conversation of physical abilities with children. Learn cool ways you can use to foster these inclusive conversations. /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/14250425

Real Talk About Getting Educators Onboard 04/10/2022

Real Talk About Getting Educators Onboard Join Simone and Julie for a Real Talk episode this week as they discuss how parents and caregivers can work with educators on the inclusion journey. They share experiences and how you can help shape the conversation, being proactive instead of reactive. Listen to the entire podcast at To reach us, email Grab resources mentioned in the show at /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/22728905

Real Talk About Afterschool Programming 04/03/2022

Real Talk About Afterschool Programming Having just returned from the National Afterschool Association Conference, Julie shares her experience and observations in this real talk with Simone and Julie. They discuss training and topics covered at the conference. Be sure to check out our past episodes and resources offered on our website that delve into various topics to help you navigate conversations with your children. Listen to the entire podcast at . To reach us, email Grab resources mentioned in the show at /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/22626578

Real Talk About Inclusive Movies 03/27/2022

Real Talk About Inclusive Movies Tune in for another Real Talk episode with Simone and Julie. In this episode they discuss some of the current movies out that have inclusive messages for children. They talk about watching with your children and having conversations afterwards. Listen to the entire podcast at . To reach us, email Grab resources mentioned in the show at /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/22557320

Real Talk About DEI Conscious Parenting 03/20/2022

Real Talk About DEI Conscious Parenting Join Julie and Simone for a Real Talk episode as they discuss the challenges in DEI conscious parenting. They share stories of their own situations in school and the community. Listen to the entire podcast at . To reach us, email Grab resources mentioned in the show at /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/22472111

Lean Into Our Children's Strengths with Ebony Richards 03/06/2022

Lean Into Our Children's Strengths with Ebony Richards Ebony Richards, CEO and Founder of LocsDetox joins Simone and Julie this week to share her story of entrepreneurship with her son. Ebony discusses how she learned from her son as they created a new product and business together. Listen to the entire podcast at . Connect with Ebony at and on social media @locsdetox To reach us, email Grab resources mentioned in the show at /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/22324790

Supporting Diverse & Non-Traditional Learners 02/27/2022

Supporting Diverse & Non-Traditional Learners In this episode of The Inclusion School Podcast, Julie & Simone talk with Dr. Perry LaRoque, Founder & President of Mansfield Hall and author . They discuss empowering diverse learners and non-traditional students to be their own advocates. Learn how Dr. LaRoque celebrates diversity in learning. Listen to the entire podcast at . To reach us, email Grab resources mentioned in the show at Connect with Dr. Perry LaRoque at /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/22220471

Helping Youth Grow Their Gifts with Matthew Moheban 02/20/2022

Helping Youth Grow Their Gifts with Matthew Moheban In this episode, Matthew Moheban, co-founder of 220 Leadership talks with Simone and Julie about his program that helps youth learn the skills to live awesome lives. He shares how he and his brother started the business and how they work to meet every individual where they are and help them grow their gifts. Listen to the entire podcast at . To reach us, email Grab resources mentioned in the show at Connect with Matthew at and on social media @220leadership /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/22160276

Backward Design with Nate Turner 02/13/2022

Backward Design with Nate Turner Julie & Simone welcome author, parent, and speaker, Nate Turner to the podcast. Nate shares his powerful and inspiring story of raising his son with intention. Learn the tools and techniques he used to 'backward design' his son's journey. You can connect with Nate at Listen to the entire podcast at . To reach us, email Grab resources mentioned in the show at /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/22091201

Exploring ADHD Advocacy with Tonya Irby Langley 02/06/2022

Exploring ADHD Advocacy with Tonya Irby Langley In this episode Simone and Julie welcome ADHD Advocate and Mom, Tonya Irby Langley to the show. Tonya shares her personal journey with her son from diagnosis through advocacy. Learn the tools she uses to help other parents find their voice. Listen to the entire podcast at . To reach us, email Grab resources mentioned in the show at Connect with Tonya at /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/22014095

Navigating Difficult Conversations with Jandy Flores 01/30/2022

Navigating Difficult Conversations with Jandy Flores Simone and Julie are excited to launch Season 5 of the Inclusion School Podcast with their guest Jandy Flores. Together they discuss how to approach those difficult conversations with your young children and create cultural awareness using books as inspiration. Listen to the entire podcast at https://inclusionschool.com/. To reach us, email [email protected] Grab resources mentioned in the show at https://inclusionschool.com/resources/ Reach Jandy on social media @the.reading.behaviorist /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/21936659

Learn From Your Children with Jackie Ferguson 12/12/2021

Learn From Your Children with Jackie Ferguson Hip Hip Hooray, and with that, we've reached the end of Season 4 of the Inclusion School Podcast. To celebrate, we're re-releasing one of the most downloaded episodes. Join Simone & Julie as they interview the Founder of The Diversity Movement, Jackie Ferguson. She encourages us, as parents, to listen to the questions our children ask and create opportunities for them to learn from and embrace diversity. What a great way to end the year and plan for the coming one! Listen to the entire podcast at . To reach us, email [email protected] Grab resources mentioned in the show at /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/21433115

Creating Inclusive Interactions in the Classroom with Sara & Crystal 12/05/2021

Creating Inclusive Interactions in the Classroom with Sara & Crystal Julie and Simone welcome Sara Schodt and Crystal Brown from Teachstone to this week's episode. Teachstone, based in Virginia, is an expert organization that support educators on delivering quality experiences. Listen to their conversation about supporting teachers in creating inclusive classroom environments that celebrate student cultures and diversity. ↪️You can reach Sara & Crystal at: ↪️Listen to the full episode at /. ↪️To reach us, email [email protected] ↪️Grab resources mentioned in the show at /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/21355424

Real Talk with Julie and Simone 11/28/2021

Real Talk with Julie and Simone This week, you're in for a treat. Join Simone & Julie for a Real Talk episode as they discuss everyday inclusion challenges. Hear them discuss parenting and other situations that challenge them to show up authentically. ➡️Listen to the entire podcast at ➡️To reach us, email [email protected] ➡️Grab resources mentioned in the show at /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/21262262

Making Dignity A Non-Negotiable with Lindsay Lyons 11/21/2021

Making Dignity A Non-Negotiable with Lindsay Lyons In this episode Julie & Simone are joined by educational justice coach, Lyndsay Lyons. Lyndsay shares her work with racial and gender justice. Her curriculum work brings high school student voices to the center. She also shares ways that parents can start the conversation in their children's schools. ↪️You can reach Lindsay at: ↪️Listen to the full episode at /. ↪️To reach us, email [email protected] ↪️Grab resources mentioned in the show at /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/21143645

Student of Truth with Terry Murphy 11/14/2021

Student of Truth with Terry Murphy Terry Murphy, the co-author of Soulful Sydney Explores Diversity and founder of the Grandma Brigade, joins Julie & Simone this week on the Inclusion School Podcast. As a white woman, Terry shares her journey of "waking up." She has found that being open-minded and listening to others has helped her learn along this journey. Listen to this week's delightful episode. ↪️Reach Terry at ↪️Listen to the entire podcast at . ↪️To reach us, email [email protected] ↪️Grab resources mentioned in the show at /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/21038708

Step Into Your Vulnerabilities with Ayana Lage 11/07/2021

Step Into Your Vulnerabilities with Ayana Lage Ayana Lage joins Simone and Julie to talk about amplifying your voice and the voices of others for social change. She has shared personal stories on social media around pregnancy loss, racial injustice, mental health, and parenting. She opens up about how she began sharing her most vulnerable lived experiences. You can reach Ayana at or on Instagram @ayanagabriellelage Listen to our library of episodes of Inclusion School Podcast at To reach us, email Grab resources mentioned in the show at Pick up our new book, Charlotte Wants A BFF at /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/20879666

Discovering Diversity in Children's Books with Madeline Tyner 10/31/2021

Discovering Diversity in Children's Books with Madeline Tyner Julie & Simone are excited to welcome back Madeline Tyner, a librarian at the Cooperative Children’s Book Center of the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Madeline was a guest in Season 1 of the Inclusion School Podcast, and has returned to share the latest trends, titles, blogs, and lists of children's books by and about diverse identity categories. Access booklists and information at Listen to our library of episodes of Inclusion School Podcast at To reach us, email Grab resources mentioned in the show at Pick up our new book, Charlotte Wants A BFF at /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/20814857

Exploring Neurodiversity with Serena & Kylie 10/24/2021

Exploring Neurodiversity with Serena & Kylie This week, Serena Murison and Kylie Jeffrey of PlaySpark join Simone and Julie for an enlightening conversation about their strength based approach to neurodiversity. They share stories of their work, their inspiring apparel line and resources to help you start a conversation with your children around diverse abilities and inclusion. To connect with Serena & Kylie visit Listen to the entire podcast at . To reach us, email [email protected] Grab resources mentioned in the show at Pick up our new book, Charlotte Wants A BFF at https://inclusionschool.com/book/ /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/20814500

Connecting Kids Through Games with Reesa Amadeo Wolf 10/17/2021

Connecting Kids Through Games with Reesa Amadeo Wolf Reesa Amadeo Wolf joins Simone & Julie from "across the pond" this week to talk about her experiences with diversity in schools in the U.K. and how she helps diverse kids connect through experiential learning and games. Reesa has developed a game, "Classm8s", to help kids navigate different layers of diversity in a fun way. You won't want to miss this amazing conversation. Visit for more episodes. To reach us, email Grab resources mentioned in the show at Pick up our new book, today! /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/20781197

The Power of Play with Sivanne Lieber 10/10/2021

The Power of Play with Sivanne Lieber Sivanne Lieber, founder of The Joyous Parent, joins Simone & Julie in this week's Inclusion School Podcast to share her insights and recipe for redefining play. As a former classroom teacher, Sivanne discusses how to use play to foster inclusion and empowering parents to tap into the power of play. Don't miss this engaging episode about bringing play back. Reach Sivanne at Visit for more episodes. To reach us, email [email protected] /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/20712842

Examining Identity & Culture with Naomi Raquel Enright 10/03/2021

Examining Identity & Culture with Naomi Raquel Enright Simone and Julie are joined this week by Naomi Raquel Enright for an informative and eye-opening discussion about identity and culture. Naomi tells her story about transitioning from a Spanish language teacher to an equity practitioner and how becoming a mother influenced her work. She delves into the complexity of identity and challenging racism and the language around it. Listen to the entire podcast at . To reach us, email Grab resources mentioned in the show at /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/20630597

Respectful Parenting Approach with Hannah & Kelty 09/26/2021

Respectful Parenting Approach with Hannah & Kelty Join Simone & Julie this week as they talk with Hannah and Kelty, twin Moms, and founders of the Upbringing Community. They discuss how they are growing up alongside their kids as they practice respectful parenting and empower others to do the same. They discuss priorities like discussing privilege, building self awareness, and pressures to socialize children. Listen to the entire episode at . Learn more about Hannah & Kelty at To reach us, email Grab resources mentioned in the show at /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/20568779

Creating Equitable Schools with Medria Blue-Ellis 09/19/2021

Creating Equitable Schools with Medria Blue-Ellis Award winning STEM Principal, with 25 years of experience in education, Medria Blue-Ellis joins the Inclusion School Podcast. She talks with Simone and Julie about how we can go about creating equity in schools. She also shines a light on how parents can become advocates for change. Connect with Visit for more episodes and resources. To submit questions or suggestions for future guests or topics, email [email protected] /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/20470742

Transgender Resources with Alisha Hunter 09/12/2021

Transgender Resources with Alisha Hunter Mom and Advocate, Alisha Hunter joins us to share a real life experience around supporting her son who came out to her via text. In this episode, Alisha shares how she was able to navigate conversations with her school and provide support for her son and family while doing so. Pick up transgender resources. Also, if you haven't checked out the episode with Dr. Jen O'Ryan, please do so for additional support on this topic. Visit for more episodes. To reach us, email . /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/20439689

How to Support Kids Coming Out with Dr. Jen O'Ryan 09/05/2021

How to Support Kids Coming Out with Dr. Jen O'Ryan Dr. Jen O'Ryan is this week's guest on the Inclusion School Podcast. She discusses with Julie and Simone how she accidentally stumbled on a passion for diversity and inclusion, specifically supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. We discuss strategies and resources to support kids coming out. Find out the prime time for noticing changes and conversational tips to help you show up inclusively. /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/20367485

Being Biracial with Anna Marie Jones 08/29/2021

Being Biracial with Anna Marie Jones Journalist, Podcaster, and Mom, Anna Marie Jones joins the podcast to discuss being biracial with Julie and Simone. She shares how she became passionate about demystifying diversity. Learn more on this week's episode. /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/20284232

Real Talk with Julie and Simone for Season Four Opener 08/22/2021

Real Talk with Julie and Simone for Season Four Opener Julie and Simone discuss the upcoming season. Learn which episodes stand out to them and they reveal a big announcement. Listen in as they kick off a new season of inclusive learning for parents, caregivers, and educators. As always, reach out to the podcast at [email protected] /episode/index/show/inclusion-school/id/20219150

Inclusion School Podcast

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