Bootstraps

I just listened to this series and found the whole thing very well done. Great framing and excellent guests. They use a mix of academic experts and interviews with people directly involved in the issues. Highly recommend.

I want everyone to hear this podcast! It really dives in to the complex issues of equity in education and makes you consider how not everyone is on an even playing field when it comes to so many areas of education. The quote from MLK in the first episode really kicks it off, “It's all right to tell a man to lift himself by his own bootstraps, but it is cruel jest to say to a bootless man that he ought to lift himself by his own bootstraps.” But know that it’s not heavy-handed and is narrated with thought, a light tone, and some humor. Please listen if you’re interested in education.

I have been involved with Medical School Admissions for over a decade and the issues addressed in his podcast are things that Admissions committees, at least the ones who are aware, confront every time they evaluate a candidate. Applicants have already been sorted through high school and college before they get to, or even apply, to medical school. The difference between the haves and the have Nots is striking and many on the missions committees just don’t understand. It is a constant struggle. I would like to make this podcast required listening for all admissions committee members, but it’s hard enough to get them to go through a PowerPoint on the issue.