Be a Better Ally: critical conversations for K12 educators

Tricia Friedman
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A podcast for educators reimagining what allyship looks like in classrooms, staff rooms, and communities. Host Tricia Friedman, global educator, coach, and Director at Shifting Schools, guides dynamic conversations at the intersection of education, identity, and digital humanities. Each episode brings together practitioners, authors, and thought leaders exploring how schools can cultivate belonging, through curriculum, culture, and critical reflection. With an eye toward digital culture and justice, this show asks: How might we be better listeners, advocates, and co-creators in an interconnected world?

  1. 3D AGO

    Jasmine Warga on Children's Literature, Emotional Growth, and Unlikely Friendship

    Jasmine Warga joins us to talk about trust, vulnerability, friendship, and the creative process behind writing children's books that resonate deeply with young readers. We explore how animal characters can help kids navigate big emotions, why experimentation matters in storytelling, and what great children's literature can teach about acceptance, emotional growth, and connection. In this episode, we discuss: Trust and vulnerability in children's literature Why animal characters can help young readers process emotions Jasmine Warga's research and writing process How stories model friendship, support, and acceptance Why creative risk-taking matters in the writing life The emotional lessons children can take from fiction Memorable moments "Animals can be avatars for our young readers" "Love isn't conditional, even in messy moments" "Experimentation pushes artistic growth" Chapters 00:00 Exploring Trust and Vulnerability 02:47 The Power of Animal Characters 05:39 Character Development and Emotional Depth 08:24 The Writing Process and Creative Freedom 11:35 Unlikely Friendships and Community Building 14:17 Pushing Creative Boundaries About Jasmine Warga Jasmine Warga is an author known for her moving and insightful work in children's literature. In this conversation, she reflects on the emotional core of storytelling, how personal experience shapes her writing, and what young readers can gain from stories centered on vulnerability, connection, and compassion. Resources and links Jasmine Warga official website: https://www.jasminewarga.com

    21 min
  2. You Might Also Like: Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

    3D AGO · BONUS

    You Might Also Like: Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

    Introducing "Shivery Delicious" (w/ Nicole Kidman) from Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang. Follow the show: Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang Readers, Kayteighs, Publicists, Finalists, and Kyles — what better way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of CULTURE with the one and only Nicole Kidman! From penguins in Antarctica to “Heartbreak feels good in a place like this” — the three get into IT. Matt and Bowen chat with Nicole on yearning, her favorite collaborators like Baz Luhrmann, the MET Gala, cruise love, her most iconic roles, including her iconic Chanel No. 5 ad. Get into it HONEY on this episode of Las Culturistas! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 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.

  3. MAR 5

    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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaspeckerwatts/   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.

    36 min

  4. FEB 26

    Family of Spies and the Work of Confronting the Truth

    In this episode, Tricia sits down with Christine Kuehn and Mark Schiponi to discuss Family of Spies, a World War II story of Nazi espionage, betrayal, and family secrecy. Christine and Mark share what it was like to research and write a book that reads like a thriller but is rooted in their real family history, including the emotional toll of confronting Nazi involvement, the practical challenge of organizing years of research into a coherent narrative, and the complicated experience of bringing a private family story into public view. We talk about how Family of Spies blends personal discovery with historical investigation, what surprised them most once they examined their family dynamics through the lens of writing, and why telling the story was not just about the past, but about legacy, accountability, and what happens when "the truth always comes out." Content note: This conversation includes discussion of Nazism, antisemitism, and World War II. In this episode • Family history and family secrets: what changes when evidence replaces rumor • The writing process: turning decades of research into a narrative readers can follow • Public reception: why private reactions can differ sharply from public response • Storytelling and legacy: what it means to carry history forward honestly Timestamps 00:00 The emotional journey of researching family history 03:35 Organizing the story: from research to writing 06:51 Confronting family secrets and their impact 10:53 Navigating public reception and personal relationships 14:18 Future aspirations: continuing the legacy of storytelling 18:05 Crafting the narrative: blending personal and historical perspectives

    25 min

  5. FEB 19

    Table for One? The Ethics of AI Companionship

    What do we owe each other in an age of artificial intimacy? This episode dives into Tricia Friedman's interactive ethics exercise, Table for One?, which uses the metaphor of an AI companion restaurant — a venue where diners are paired with a conversational AI — to surface hard questions about safety, manipulation, dependency, privacy, and shifting social norms. What the Resource Is: An interactive tool that walks participants through 5 ethical dilemmas. For each, you choose one of four stances (allow with disclosures, pilot with evaluation, allow with safeguards, or do not allow), rate your confidence, and reflect using the D.I.N.E. framework: D – Direct impact: who is affected now? I – Indirect effects and unintended consequences N – Next-generation norms and long-run drift E – Evidence gaps and what data is missing Why It Matters: AI companions are already here. This exercise moves the conversation beyond "is this cool or creepy?" into structured ethical reasoning — ideal for educators, leaders, and families trying to navigate companion AI thoughtfully. Check out the resource: https://triciafriedman.com/table-for-one-ethics-of-ai-companionship/ Join Tricia this March with AAIE: https://www.aaie.org/leadership-learning/future-foresight-community

    13 min

  6. FEB 14

    Love is a Verb with Sandra Magsamen

    In this conversation, Sandra Magsamen discusses her approach to creating children's literature that emphasizes connection, love, and emotional intelligence. She shares insights into her creative process, the importance of feedback from readers, and how her work aims to foster self-love and connection between caregivers and children. Magsamen also reflects on her artistic journey, the role of perseverance, and the significance of storytelling in shaping lives.   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 Chapters 00:00 The Heart of Connection in Children's Literature 02:48 Love as an Action: The Role of Caregivers 05:34 Impactful Feedback: Stories from Readers 08:31 The Power of Objects and Books in Shaping Lives 11:06 Curiosity and Creativity: Fueling the Artistic Journey   Join Tricia Friedman to learn more about Companion AI this Sunday with TRC: https://technologyreadiness.org/workshops/ Use special promo code 'ShiftingSchool' to get 20% off registration

    15 min

  7. FEB 12

    Rethinking Love, Leadership, and Loneliness with Julie Menanno

    This week, Tricia speaks with Julie Menanno about her new book, Secure Love, and what it actually takes to build emotionally safe, lasting relationships in a hyperconnected world. The conversation begins with an unexpected cultural lens: Jim and Pam from The Office. What makes their dynamic feel healthy? Friendship first. Slower pacing. Emotional safety before performance. From there, the episode moves into deeper territory. Julie challenges the fast, simplified narratives about relationships that dominate social media. Instead of labeling partners as villains or diagnosing from afar, she argues for a more nuanced frame. Most relational breakdowns are rooted in blocked needs. Fear. Shame. Unresolved grief. When emotional safety collapses, behavior follows.   Julie Menanno is a trailblazing therapist, author, educator, a masterful interpreter of Attachment Theory, and an Architect of Emotional Connection who is continually working to bridge the gap between complex psychological concepts and everyday struggles. As a revolutionary force in the world of relationships, Julie's work has transformed the way we understand emotional intimacy and human connection. Julie is the creator of The Secure Relationship. This platform has reached millions worldwide, with a mission to dismantle the barriers that keep people from experiencing the joy of deeply connected, secure relationships.  In a world increasingly disconnected by technology and societal pressures, Julie stands as a guiding light, reminding us that love and connection are not just desires but essential human needs and with every conversation, every session, and every word, Julie transforms lives, one secure relationship at a time. Follow Julie on IG @thesecurerelationship or her website   Key themes explored: • Why "friendship first" can reduce pressure in dating • How social media rewards oversimplified explanations of relational pain • The appeal of labeling versus the work of nuance • Naming fear before walking into a room • Why conflict is not a failure but a developmental process • How repeated safe conversations reshape nervous systems • Emotional literacy as leadership • Self-connection as the prerequisite for connection with others   Learn with Tricia and the TRC this Sunday: https://technologyreadiness.org/workshops/

    26 min

  8. FEB 5

    Rise, Girl, Rise, with Gloria Steinem and Leymah Gbowee

    In a bold anthem, Rise, Girl, Rise, feminist organizer Gloria Steinem and Nobel Peace Prize winner Leymah Gbowee share their parallel journeys as activists. This picture book for children is told through alternating points of view and culminating in a powerful collective "we," celebrating resilience and empowerment to inspire readers everywhere to raise their voices, stand together, and rise up for themselves and others. Gloria Steinem is a political activist, feminist organizer, and the author of many acclaimed books, including the national bestseller Revolution from Within: A Book of Self-Esteem. She is a contributor to the classic children's book Free to Be You and Me, which became a children's entertainment project, conceived, created, and executive-produced by actress and author Marlo Thomas, produced in collaboration with the Ms. Foundation for Women, and the Free to Be Foundation, both cofounded by Ms. Steinem, and most recently illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Ms. Steinem is also the co-founder of the National Women's Political Caucus and the Women's Media Center. In keeping with her deep commitment to establishing equality throughout the world, Ms. Steinem helped found Equality Now, Donor Direct Action, and Direct Impact Africa. To learn more, visit gloriasteinem.com. Leymah Gbowee is a Liberian peace activist, social worker, and women's rights advocate. She is Founder and President of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa, based in Monrovia. As a writer, Ms. Gbowee is the author of the inspirational memoir Mighty Be Our Powers: How Sisterhood, Prayer, and Sex Changed a Nation at War, and author of the children's book A Community of Sisters, illustrated by Coleen Baik. Ms. Gbowee is perhaps best known for leading a nonviolent movement that brought together Christian and Muslim women to play a pivotal role in ending Liberia's devastating, 14-year civil war in 2003.   Chapters 00:00 The Power of Picture Books 02:43 Friendship Across Cultures 05:15 Legacy and Call to Action   Takeaways The book aims to change expectations for children and adults alike. Friendship across cultures is possible and essential. The book serves as a legacy and call to action for young girls. Storytelling connects us and highlights our shared humanity. Collaboration enriches the creative process and strengthens friendships. The authors intentionally targeted the next generation with their message. Books can be powerful tools for empowerment and understanding. Cultural exchange enhances our perspectives and experiences. The book is not just for children but for all ages. The authors believe in the importance of accessible messages of hope.

    11 min
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5
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About

A podcast for educators reimagining what allyship looks like in classrooms, staff rooms, and communities. Host Tricia Friedman, global educator, coach, and Director at Shifting Schools, guides dynamic conversations at the intersection of education, identity, and digital humanities. Each episode brings together practitioners, authors, and thought leaders exploring how schools can cultivate belonging, through curriculum, culture, and critical reflection. With an eye toward digital culture and justice, this show asks: How might we be better listeners, advocates, and co-creators in an interconnected world?

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