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. 20H AGO

    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
  2. You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

    20H AGO · BONUS

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

    Introducing Growing Your Passion into a Business with Oprah and Jürgen Ingels from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast Oprah speaks with global entrepreneur, tech pioneer and venture capitalist Jürgen Ingels to discuss what it takes to start a successful business as detailed in his book "Start, Grow, Sell: 50 Tips for Entrepreneurial Greatness." During this lively discussion, Jürgen shares the concrete and practical lessons he learned during his own entrepreneurial journey - which also apply to all aspects of our daily lives. Including how to take an idea from startup to success, how to focus your talents, find investors and build the right team. We hear from entrepreneurs with questions for Mr. Ingels including a woman named Sanna who was inspired to leave the corporate world to open her dream clothing store Happy on Main in Concord, MA after overcoming a personal challenge. Also Shark Tank alum Ashley whose company Tones of Melanin makes stylish athleisure for students and graduates of HBCUs - or historically Black colleges and universities. Also Shark Tank alum Ashley whose company Tones of Melanin makes stylish athleisure for students and graduates of HBCUs - or historically Black colleges and universities. BUY THE BOOK! https://www.amazon.com/Start-Grow-Sell-Entrepreneurial-Greatness/dp/9401474133 00:00:00 - Welcome Jürgen Ingels, author of “Start, Grow, Sell” 00:04:50 - Jürgen’s first business venture 00:10:20 - Jürgen’s work ethic 00:11:40 - Jürgen changed payment systems 00:15:00 - Biggest business mistakes 00:18:30 - Going the extra mile 00:23:50 - Drive revenue and scale 00:28:20 - Keep your word 00:31:20 - 3 tips for scaling your business 00:34:40 - Entrepreneurs: better after 40 00:35:38 - Passion is crucial 00:37:30 - Always ask why 00:43:30 - Jürgen’s definition of a well lived life 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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. 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

  4. JAN 28

    Can we encourage a puzzler's mindset?

    What do puzzles teach us about being human? In this episode, Tricia talks with Allison Kane, Head of Puzzle Innovation at Highlights, about why puzzling matters far beyond entertainment. From Hidden Pictures and Wordle to classroom design and family learning, this conversation explores how puzzles build confidence, perseverance, and joyful learning across ages. Learn more: https://parents.highlights.com/printable-puzzles-and-mazes-puzzle-day-challenge   Allison shares her origin story as a lifelong puzzler, explains the idea of the satisfaction of the solve, and offers practical advice for educators and families who want to integrate puzzles into learning spaces. The conversation also looks at puzzle design, community building, and what adults model for young people when they choose curiosity over avoidance. Topics covered Allison Kane's path from Highlights intern to Head of Puzzle Innovation Why puzzles support perseverance, confidence, and joyful learning The satisfaction of the solve and why payoff matters Puzzles as community builders in classrooms and families Designing puzzles that challenge without frustrating How educators can bring puzzles into classrooms easily What adults model for kids through playful intellectual challenge National Puzzle Day and the rise of puzzle communities Puzzles are not just activities. They are invitations to practice thinking, persistence, and joy. When adults model engagement with challenge, they show young people that learning can feel good.

    16 min

  5. JAN 22

    Carrying a Timeless Story Forward: Charlotte Jones Voiklis on Legacy and Adaptation

    In this conversation, Tricia and Charlotte Jones Voiklis explore the enduring impact of 'A Wrinkle in Time,' discussing its timeless themes, the significance of adaptations, and the cultural context surrounding the book. They delve into the personal connections to literature, the challenges of immersive storytelling in the digital age, and the implications of AI in the literary world. Charlotte reflects on her family's legacy and the responsibility of carrying forward her grandmother's work while navigating the evolving landscape of storytelling. Takeaways Stories are timeless and resonate across generations. Adaptations can breathe new life into classic texts. The essence of a story remains intact despite adaptations. Cultural context enriches the understanding of literature. Personal connections to stories shape our experiences. Immersive storytelling presents both opportunities and challenges. Legacy plays a crucial role in literature and storytelling. AI's role in literature raises important ethical questions. The richness of a story invites diverse interpretations. Engaging with literature fosters imagination and curiosity.   Chapters 00:00 The Timelessness of A Wrinkle in Time 02:41 Adaptations and Their Impact 05:19 Cultural Resonance and Legacy 07:50 The Role of Technology in Storytelling 10:42 Personal Connections to the Story 13:08 Future of A Wrinkle in Time 15:34 AI and the Future of Literature   Charlotte Jones Voiklis manages her late grandmother Madeleine L'Engle's literary business. She lived with her grandmother during college and graduate school, co-hosting dinner parties, helping answer readers' letters, and earning a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature. Charlotte has worked in academia, nonprofit communications and fundraising, and philanthropy. She lives in New York City with her husband and two children.

    23 min

  6. JAN 13

    Will we focus on the most human of our problems?

    Tricia Friedman explores how AI can be used as a human-centered problem-solving partner rather than an automation shortcut. Through two deeply grounded real-world examples — one personal, one professional — Tricia demonstrates how AI can: Help people ask better questions, not just get faster answers   Reduce cognitive load during moments of stress or uncertainty   Support executive functioning, empathy, and ethical decision-making Act as a bridge between humans, not a replacement for them   You'll hear: ✔ A personal story of using AI to support a family member navigating cancer treatment ✔ How a purpose-built chatbot helped parents strengthen children's executive function skills  ✔ Why problem clarification matters more than prompt perfection ✔ What it means to stay human-centered while working with AI  📅 Join Tricia as she kicks off the CEESA five-session series on leadership in the era of AI.    Learn more: https://www.ceesa.org/pd-calendar/#!event/2026/1/14/strategic-problem-solving-with-ai-leadership-tools-for-a-complex-era

    9 min

  7. JAN 7

    What Evidence-Based Health Actually Means with Dr. Michael Greger

    This week we give you a conversation from Tricia's other show: Shifting Schools. In this episode, host Tricia Friedman sits down with Dr. Michael Greger, bestselling author and founder of NutritionFacts.org, to explore why non-commercial, evidence-based health guidance matters more than ever. They discuss lifestyle medicine, plant-based nutrition, scientific integrity, cannabis research, and how small, testable behavior changes can dramatically improve long-term health. What This Conversation Is Really About Health advice is everywhere — but trustworthy guidance is not. This conversation slows things down and examines how to make informed choices in a noisy, commercialized health landscape, without absolutism, hype, or fear-based messaging. Dr. Greger shares: Why he donates 100% of book proceeds to charity How lifestyle medicine transformed his own family's health What the science actually says about cannabis — both risks and benefits Why updating guidance as evidence evolves is a strength, not a weakness How social support, not willpower, determines whether health changes last Key Topics Covered Why non-commercial health information matters How financial incentives distort nutrition and medical guidance — and how to recognize bias. Lifestyle medicine in practice Diet, movement, and daily habits as powerful tools for disease prevention and reversal. Plant-based eating (defined clearly) What "plant-based" actually means — and what it doesn't. Cannabis: separating evidence from ideology What newer human studies reveal about cancer risk, pain management, and safer use. Scientific uncertainty and misinformation How peer-reviewed research works, where it fails, and how to interpret studies responsibly. Behavior change that sticks Why short-term "experiments," bodily feedback, and social support outperform rigid rules. Who This Episode Is For Listeners overwhelmed by conflicting health advice Educators, parents, and caregivers navigating cannabis conversations Anyone curious about plant-based nutrition without extremism People interested in evidence-based, non-commercial wellness guidance Listeners looking for sustainable, realistic behavior change About the Guest Dr. Michael Greger is a physician, internationally recognized speaker, and New York Times bestselling author of How Not to Die. He is the founder of NutritionFacts.org, a nonprofit providing free, evidence-based nutrition research, and a leading voice in lifestyle medicine. Chapters Introduction and Non-Commercial Guidance - 0:00 Dr. Greger's Personal Story and Motivation - 3:15 Importance of Repeated Guidance and Lifestyle Changes - 6:30 Updated Book Topics: COVID, Cannabis, and Misinformation - 10:45 Science Communication and Challenges - 15:00 Plant-Based Diet and Personal Health Experiments - 19:15 Social Support and Sustainable Lifestyle Changes - 23:30 Closing Thoughts and Positive Messages - 27:45

    22 min

  8. 12/30/2025

    How to Talk to Young People About Substance Use (What Actually Helps)

    Substance use prevention is often driven by fear-based messaging and one-off assemblies—but research and lived experience suggest these approaches fall short. In this episode, Tricia Friedman is joined by Katie Greeley, founder of PreventionEd, for a grounded conversation about what effective, student-centered prevention education actually looks like. Drawing on neuroscience, international school data, and professional experience, listeners can explore how adolescent brain development, adult modeling, media narratives, and school culture shape young people's decisions around substances: particularly alcohol. The discussion  emphasizes non-judgmental dialogue, emotional and social intelligence, and the importance of community connection as protective factors. What This Episode Explores Why fear-based prevention strategies are limited in effectiveness How adolescent brain development changes how risk is perceived The influence of adult behavior and media narratives on youth norms What research shows about permissive parent attitudes toward alcohol How schools can support healthy decision-making without moralizing Learn about our guest: https://www.preventioned.org/katie-greeley Connect with research mentioned: https://www.preventioned.org/isreport https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31750959/ Key Takeaways Adolescents process risk differently than adults, limiting the impact of scare tactics. Most young people are already making healthy choices around substances. Adult modeling plays a significant role in shaping norms and expectations. Permissive environments around alcohol are associated with increased risk. Emotional and social intelligence are critical components of prevention. Prevention education is most effective when it is science-based and student-centered. Community connection and meaningful engagement reduce reliance on substances. Healthy risk-taking is an important part of adolescent development. Chapters 00:00 – The limits of traditional prevention education 04:39 – Adolescent development and risk perception 08:50 – Media narratives and alcohol normalization 13:10 – Adult modeling and school culture 17:49 – Parent attitudes and research findings 26:00 – Global perspectives on alcohol use 30:28 – Connection, community, and 'natural highs' 34:59 – Risk-taking and healthy development 41:48 – Emotional intelligence as prevention 46:33 – What makes PreventionEd's approach distinct 52:25 – Supporting young people with accurate information

    49 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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