Be a Better Ally: Critical Conversations for K12 Educators

Tricia Friedman
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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.

  1. 10h ago

    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 One Nation, Overcharged campaign.

  2. 10h ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

    Introducing The Correspondent: The Story Behind the Unexpected Bestseller Everyone is Reading from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast BUY THE BOOK! The Correspondent by Virginia Evans https://amzn.to/4xasavH Oprah sits down with Virginia Evans, author of the story readers can’t stop talking about: The Correspondent. Selling over two million copies and translated into over 35 languages it’s the book that has captured readers. Although it's her first published novel, it's the eighth book Virginia's written and one she never intended anyone else to read. When The Correspondent debuted it sold fewer than 8,000 copies. However, readers who discovered it fell in love and began recommending the novel to others, turning this book into a word-of-mouth phenomenon and a New York Times bestseller. Virginia shares the remarkable story behind the book she never expected to publish. Listeners will discover why Sybil Van Antwerp—a complex, prolific letter writer in her seventies—has resonated so deeply with readers of all ages. Oprah also speaks with readers around the country who have questions for Virginia. 00:00:00 - Welcome Virginia Evans, author of ‘The Correspondent’  00:04:00 - Her 20 year journey to getting published 00:07:10 - Questioning if she would ever publish  00:08:46 - How she wrote the book  00:12:00 - How the main character came to Virginia  00:14:55 - Oprah's favorite passage  00:16:16 - What letter writing allows us to say  00:19:50 - What we learn from other letters 00:25:30 - Does a letter need a reply?  00:30:00 - Loneliness  00:34:20 - Writing what you’re afraid of 00:39:40 - What she wants listeners to do  Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/ Listen to the full podcast:  https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381 DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

  3. 6d ago

    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 USA4All, 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.

  4. Aug 13

    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: https://www.lisagardner.com/

  5. Aug 5

    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, My Super Duper Me. 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 Share the Magic Foundation. 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.

  6. Jul 30

    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 sandramagsamen.com

  7. Jul 23

    Can Horror Teach Emotional Literacy? with Ryan La Sala

    Horror is where some of today's boldest, most creative storytelling is happening — and author Ryan La Sala has a theory about why. In this conversation, the author of The Dead of Summer (now in paperback) unpacks how horror reveals what we value: who's worth saving, how we survive together, and why the queer community keeps showing up in stories of resilience. You'll hear how Ryan writes multi-dimensional queer characters "beyond the closet," why friendship — not romance — sits at the heart of his zombie story, and how grief, from anticipatory dread to long-term loss, threads through all of his horror novels. Plus: what it's like to watch The Honeys head toward the big screen as an executive producer. Whether you teach teens, love YA horror, or are simply curious about emotional literacy through fiction, this one will stay with you — in the best way. About the Guest Ryan La Sala is the author of queer YA horror and fantasy novels including Reverie, Be Dazzled, The Honeys, Beholder, and The Dead of Summer, now out in paperback. The Honeys is in development as a major motion picture, with Ryan attached as executive producer. His work passes familiar horror tropes "through the prism of the queer experience" — and somehow makes grief, survival, and friendship feel luminous. Resources Mentioned Ryan La Sala's website: https://ryanlasala.com — all books, news, and film updates The Dead of Summer: https://ryanlasala.com/the-dead-of-summer — now in paperback, with purchase links The Honeys: https://ryanlasala.com/the-honeys — soon to be a major motion picture Chapters: 00:00 Welcome back, Ryan 00:55 Why horror is where creativity thrives 03:24 Friendship through horror 05:55 Queer characters beyond the closet 08:53 How Ryan's writing process evolves 10:52 Horror writer, joyful human 13:20 Grief and emotional literacy 17:29 The Honeys heads to film 19:41 The Dead of Summer in paperback

  8. Jul 20

    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 — https://shop.scholastic.com/parent-ecommerce/books/fifth-grade-top-dogs-9798225028237.html  Kirkus review of Fifth Grade Top Dogs — https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/jerry-spinelli/fifth-grade-top-dogs/  Jerry Spinelli's website — https://jerryspinelliauthor.com/

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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.

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