Just Talks Podcast with Ali M. Collins

Ali M. Collins

What happens when the fight for public education becomes the fight for our democracy? For the past several years, I've been tracking the rise of political attacks on our schools. In this new season, we're moving beyond the headlines to speak with the people actually winning the war for our future.  The stakes have never been higher. I started this podcast documenting the attacks on our educators and the resulting political fallout. Now, I’m expanding the lens. In Season 2, I’m bringing you exclusive conversations with artists, experts, and influencers who are fighting the good fight across the country. The disinformation machine is working overtime, and we need to connect the dots. From the local school board to the national stage, I’ll break down exactly what's happening and give you the tools to get involved. If you want to understand the real threats to our schools and neighborhoods and learn how to build a more just future, stay tuned. The fight for our democracy starts now!

Episodes

  1. When Algorithms Erase Your Voice | Ernest Crim III, Just Talks S2E4

    Jun 17

    When Algorithms Erase Your Voice | Ernest Crim III, Just Talks S2E4

    Frederick Douglass didn't fight for freedom until he realized he shouldn't be a slave. 📖✊🏾 That line hit me hard when I first heard it from Ernest Crim III. And honestly? It underscores just how important our work preserving Black history is right now. We talk a lot about "curriculum" and "book bans" in the news, but Ernest made it personal. He talked about the rising tide of anti-Blackness in schools—not just as policy, but for his own children and community. That quiet, pervasive message that tells Black children they aren't welcome in academic spaces; their culture has no value. And then he said something that stuck with me: "Until we learn who we are... we will continue to be a target of this system, and we will continue to be played by the system as well." That's why the Trump administration is trying to erase us from the history books. This Juneteenth, we must remember that the fight for Black history IS the fight for our democracy. Just Talks Podcast is BACK for a 2nd season! I'm sitting down with folks like Ernest—educators, artists, activists, parents—who are doing the heavy lifting to reclaim those narratives. We aren't just talking theory; we're talking about real strategies to raise kids who know their worth and have the skills to take action. This isn't just an episode; it's a roadmap for anyone tired of seeing our stories erased. This episode drops June 18th on YouTube, Apple Podcast, and Patreon, just in time for Juneteenth! Share it with your community! 👉 WATCH THIS EPISODE NOW (before it hits public platforms) + get exclusive resources to take action in your community! Join the Just Talks Fam here 🎙️ I'd love to hear from you this Juneteenth: How are you paying it forward to preserve Black history for the next generation? Let's start a conversation in the comments. 👇

    51 min

  2. Season 2, Episode 3 Trailer

    Trailer S2E4. The Power of Owning Our History

    "Frederick Douglass didn't fight for freedom until he understood he shouldn't be a slave." That insight set the tone for a powerful conversation with Ernest Crim III. For years, Ernest used social media to teach overlooked histories—from Aunt Polly wielding a butcher knife against slave catchers to modern-day activists fighting local injustice. His platform grew to over 400k followers. Then, in late 2025, everything went dark. Hacked, shadowbanned, then deleted. "I don't come into that space as an influencer. I come into that space as a human being. As an activist." But when the app bans you, where do you go? This isn't just about one creator losing an account; it's about a community losing its voice. As Ernest puts it, "It's like you're leasing the space to sell your coffee... and the landlord could at any point say, 'I don't want you here no more.'" In Season 2, Episode 4, we break down: • How social media is actually "media" first, not "social" • Why the revolution won't happen on TikTok • The importance of documenting your family and local history • How to build genuine community off the apps 👇 Want to hear the uncut conversation—and get early access to the next video? Join my Patreon. Your support elevates these vital narratives.🎙️Membership to the Just Talks Fam includes: early access to upcoming videos, exclusive newsletters, access to private community chats, and live workshops. Public access to this episode drops on Tuesday, June 16th—Just in time for Juneteenth! 💕 Help me elevate more voices like Ernest's. Join my Patreon community starting at $5/month. Your contribution ensures we keep building spaces for truth-telling that the algorithm can't control. Get early access to podcast episodes, members-only benefits and more! Upgrade to paid. #JustTalksPodcast #ErnestCrimIII #DigitalRights #HistoryMatters #BlackHistory

    2 min

  3. Season 3, Episode 2 Trailer

    Trailer S2E3. How Social Media is Saving Democracy 🛡️📱"

    Feeling like your community is flying under the radar? Li Lovett exposes a critical truth: when people are too stressed or isolated to track what's happening, their rights are the first to be stripped away. In this powerful clip, she reveals how social media is transforming into a lifeline for democracy. From farm workers with massive followings to hyper-local outlets reaching remote areas, she explains how these digital voices are forcing policymakers to finally listen and respond to crises that would otherwise go unseen. Whether you're a content creator, a community organizer, or just a neighbor looking to stay informed, this is your reminder that knowledge and transparency are the only shields we have against injustice. 🔗 Watch the full podcast on https://patreon.com/justtalkspodcast #DemocracyInAction #SocialMediaForGood #CommunityVoices #ImmigrantRights #Transparency #JustTalksPodcast #LiLovett #DigitalActivism Tags Community Organizing immigrant rights social media activism local politics transparency

    1 min
  4. Stop the Deportation Machine | Li Lovett, Just Talks S2E3

    May 31

    Stop the Deportation Machine | Li Lovett, Just Talks S2E3

    Get early access to new episodes and members-only content ➡️➡️➡️https://www.patreon.com/justtalkspodcast/membership This one’s a bit later than usual. Normally I try to post new podcast episodes on Fridays to provide early access for paid members (giving everyone access on Tuesdays.) This episode took a bit more time, because it’s JAM PACKED with helpful tips on protecting immigrants and supporting community ethnic media!.To help you and your community take action, I created a one-page Action Guide, FREE for members of the Just Talks Fam! (See attachment below.) How do you protect immigrant communities when federal policies are designed to be cruel by design? In this episode of Just Talks Podcast, I sat down with Li Lovett, a veteran educator, journalist, and coordinator for the Aquí Estamos project at American Community Media. Li draws on two decades of experience in public education and policy to expose the "under the radar" realities of immigration enforcement, from local sheriff collaborations with ICE to the administrative attacks on asylum seeker rights. She shares how ethnic community media share essential information for holding local leaders accountable—the fight for democracy is happening right now at your local city hall, not just in Washington D.C. In this episode, we cover: 🎙️ The hidden crisis: How administrative changes are stripping legal immigrants of their status. 🎙️ Local vs. Federal: Why city council meetings and school boards are the new battlegrounds for human rights. 🎙️ The media consolidation crisis: How the hollowing out of local ethnic media outlets silences vital community voices. 🎙️ Actionable steps: How public records requests, Rapid Response Networks, and independent journalism can protect vulnerable communities. Whether you are an activist, a neighbor, or a concerned citizen, this conversation provides a roadmap for pushing back against the "detention industrial complex" and building a more just future. 👇 Just Talks Fam members can access the Free Action Guide for this episode in the link below. 💬 Question of the Day: Which ONE action from my "Just Talks Action Guide: Supporting Immigrants and Independent Ethnic Media" will you commit to this week? Let us know in the comments below! 💕 Support my work and access members only content (including my FREE One-Page Action Guide) here: 🔗 Follow American Community Media (ACoM) via the following links: American Community Media (ACoM) website:  https://americancommunitymedia.org/ Aquí Estamos/Here We Stand: https://americancommunitymedia.org/here-we-stand/ Weekly news briefings: https://americancommunitymedia.org/media-briefings/ 👇 And on Social Media: 🎬 YouTube:     / @americancommunitymedia   • 📸 Instagram:     / americancommunitymedia   • ⏰ TikTok:    / americancommunitymedia   • 📘 Facebook:     / americancommunitymedia   𝐗/Twitter:     / amcommmedia

    59 min
  5. Why Activists Must Lead | Ami Chen Mills, Just Talks S2E2

    May 22

    Why Activists Must Lead | Ami Chen Mills, Just Talks S2E2

    Get early access to new episodes and members-only content ➡️➡️➡️https://www.patreon.com/justtalkspodcast/membership How do you bring activist energy into local governance without losing your community roots? In this episode of Just Talks Podcast, host Ali Collins interviews Ami Chen Mills, a Santa Cruz educator, author, radio host and mayoral candidate challenging the status quo. Ami is a longtime community activist, author, and member of the Santa Cruz Democratic Central Committee who's now running for mayor. She opens up about her journey from journalism and radio hosting to grassroots organizing and electoral politics. She discusses the intense pressure of local politics, the influence of Silicon Valley wealth on housing markets, and her determination to bring "activist energy" to the city council to protect civil liberties and ensure affordable housing for locals. In this episode, we cover: 🎙️ Why activists bring fresh energy and expertise to political office 🎙️ The fight against surveillance technology (ALPR/Flock cameras) and why data privacy matters 🎙️ Housing affordability, gentrification, and the tension between development and community needs 🎙️ Why local elections matter more than ever for protecting surveillance expansion, housing, and the environment 🎙️ How to bridge the divide between activists and policymakers to stop "friendly fire" Whether you're a local resident, an activist looking to run for office, or simply interested in how communities can push back against corporate influence and get involved in supporting progressive candidates, this conversation offers actionable insights into what community-led governance looks like in practice. Paid members get early access to this content. If you are not a paid member, upgrade your membership below! 💬 Question of the Day:  "If you could run for a local office tomorrow (School Board, City Council, etc.), what is the ONE issue you would tackle first? 👇 Let's hear your ideas!" 📍 Support Ami in her run for mayor of Santa Cruz: https://www.amichenmills.com/ Donate to her campaign! https://secure.actblue.com/donate/amichenmills 👇 Follow Ami on Social: ⌨️ SubStack: Moment of Truth Dispatch https://momentoftruth.substack.com • 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amichenmills • 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amichenmills Music Credits:    / @unlearntheworld

    44 min

  6. Season 2, Episode 2 Trailer

    Trailer S2E2: Silicon Valley wealth is changing our towns. | Ami Chen Mills, Just Talks

    Silicon Valley wealth is changing our towns. Who will stop it? 🏠🚧 Amy Chen Mills joins Ali Collins to discuss the urgent battle for Santa Cruz. From skyrocketing housing prices driven by tech commuters to the fight against mass surveillance, Amy explains why "expert" activists are the only ones who truly understand the stakes. She breaks down how to bridge the divide between community members and elected officials, and why waiting for someone else to save us isn't an option anymore. 👉 Watch the full podcast on https://patreon.com/justtalkspodcast #HousingJustice #TechBro #CommunityOrganizing #SantaCruzMayor #Grassroots #JustTalksPodcast #PoliticalAction #AmiChenMills #CivicsEducation

    2 min
  7. S2E1. Reclaiming Your Voice in the Age of AI, Ranier Maningding, Just Talks

    May 14

    S2E1. Reclaiming Your Voice in the Age of AI, Ranier Maningding, Just Talks

    Get early access to new episodes and members-only content ➡️➡️➡️ https://www.patreon.com/justtalkspodcast/membership How do you amplify marginalized voices in a digital landscape designed to silence them? In this episode of Just Talks Podcast, host Ali Collins sits down with Ranier Maningding, founder of LLAG Media, to discuss the art of storytelling for social justice. Ranier is a communications and marketing expert with a career dedicated to supporting socially conscious brands, creators, and racial justice campaigns. He opens up about his personal journey as a cultural critic and his pivotal work elevating Asian American voices in online spaces where they have historically been invisible. In this episode, we cover: 🎙️ The power of storytelling as a tool for education and social change. 🎙️ Why AI will never replace human creativity 🎙️ Why it's important to own your platform and brand in "treacherous" social media environments 🎙️ How to use your voice to fight the information war and advocate for positive change Whether you are a creator, an activist, or simply looking to better understand the current digital landscape, this conversation offers actionable advice for pushing back against disinformation and making your voice heard. Paid members get early access to this content. If you are not a paid member, upgrade your membership below! 💬 Question of the Day:  How would you like to see technology in society evolve to support human connectivity, creativity, ingenuity, and interaction? 💕 Support my work and access members-only content on Patreon:   / justtalkspodcast   🎥 Check out Ranier's YouTube channel:    / @llagmedia   👇 Follow Ranier on Social: 🔗 LLAG Media: https://LLAGMedia.com • 📸 Instagram:   / the.llag   • 📘 Facebook:   / thellag   • ⏰ TikTok:   / the.llag   Music Credits:    / @unlearntheworld   #AliCollins #RanierManingding #Activism #AsianAmerican #ContentCreator #Disinformation #SocialChange #SocialJustice #AsianAmericanVoices #Storytelling #LLAGMedia

    42 min

  8. Season 2 Trailer

    Trailer S2E1: Ranier Maningding Starts Off Season 2 of Just Talks Podcast!

    The second season of Just Talks Podcast is coming soon, and the stakes have never been higher. I started last season in 2021 by documenting the attacks on our educators and the resulting political fallout. Now, I’m expanding the lens. This season, I’m bringing you exclusive conversations with artists, experts, and influencers who are fighting the good fight across the country. Why tune in? Because the disinformation machine is working overtime, and we need to connect the dots. From the local school board to the national stage, I’ll be breaking down exactly what's happening and giving you the tools to get involved. If you want to understand the real threats to our schools and neighborhoods and learn how to build a more just future, stay tuned! I will be providing early access to the first episode here on Patreon and then posting to YouTube later. If you are a paid supporter, I deeply appreciate your support! Check out a sneak peek from my podcast above. Make sure to become a paid members so you can receive early receive early access to the video next week. Ranier Maningding on Reclaiming Democracy Through Storytelling What happens when the fight for public education becomes the fight for our democracy? For the past several years, I've been tracking the rise of political attacks on our schools. In this new season, we're moving beyond the headlines to speak with the people actually winning the war for our future.   Joining me in the first episode of the season is Rainier Maningding, founder of LLAG Media. He's a master of storytelling and digital strategy who has helped countless BIPOC-led orgs and brands navigate the most treacherous corners of the internet. Today, he's here to teach us how to spot the traps, understand the new era of disinformation, and use the power of storytelling to reclaim our democracy.

    1 min
  9. How School Board Attacks Are Hurting Our Most Vulnerable Students | Carrie Sampson, Just Talks Ep.4

    Feb 12

    How School Board Attacks Are Hurting Our Most Vulnerable Students | Carrie Sampson, Just Talks Ep.4

    In this episodeCarrie Sampson, Ph.D. is an associate professor in the Division of Educational Leadership and Innovation at Arizona State University. Many of those most targeted are leading education justice work. In this Interview she shares that the impacts of these attacks is having major impacts on students ultimately the future of public education. Get educated and take action!Carrie talks about the history of parent involvement in our schools and the ways that racial discrimination has informed decision making about our public education system. Join as a Patreon member to engage with other members of the JustTalks Fam to discuss ways to get educated and take action in your community! Let’s talk about it!On Patreon, I have created space for members of the Just Talks Fam to engage with one another and extend our learning. Below, I've posted a few questions to get the dialog going. Feel free to post your responses or share questions or observations of your own: Carrie challenges us to think historically about parent input in our schools. Whose voices have traditionally had the power to determine what curriculum is taught and what programs are resourced? What education leaders have been under attack for several years. How are these attacks impacting public schools in your location? How is this affecting their ability to serve historically marginalized children?

    27 min
  10. How to Fight Back Against School Board Attacks | Erin Jones, Just Talks Ep.3

    Feb 11

    How to Fight Back Against School Board Attacks | Erin Jones, Just Talks Ep.3

    In this episodeErin Jones is a Black mom and DEI educator from Washington with 30 years of experience as an educator. On today’s episode of Just Talks, Erin describes how folks complaining most about public school curriculum are people who aren’t actually aware of what is going on in the classroom. She’ll teach us how to support educators locally, and educate ourselves to be better allies in the fight for racial justice in our public education system. Just Talks is a video podcast on education justice. Join me as I talk with a variety of thought leaders to learn what folks are doing to protect public education and create healing and affirming educational spaces for our kids. In this season, we’ll be discussing what’s going on across the country with attacks on antiracism curriculum and the educators leading the work. Get educated and take actionErin talks about ways communities can work to ensure all students, families and educators feel safe in their schools. Join as a Patreon member to engage with other members of the JustTalks Fam to discuss ways to get educated and take action in your community! Let’s talk about it!Patreon is a safe space for members of the Just Talks Fam to engage with one another and extend our learning. Below, I've posted a few questions to get the dialog going. Feel free to post your responses or share questions or observations of your own: Erin Jones describes the ways that astroturf groups pretend to speak for public education when they are really out to tearing it down. She asks, “Are they lifting up public educators and public schools? Or are they tearing them down?”. What types of advocacy helps support and improve public education? And, which types of advocacy harms public education? Erin says that any group that you are a part of should be representative of the group it’s meant to be serving. Can you think of organizations that are effectively doing this? Are there examples of organizations that don’t do this well? How has the involvement of white Evangelical church impacting conversations about education? What responsibilities do Christians have to work within their communities to heal the harm caused by Christian Nationalist movements? Erin speaks about ways she is working to build safe spaces for communities that are being harmed to support one another. (e.g. Erin’s “Equity Fishbowl”) These include affinity spaces in and outside of schools (e.g. Black Student or Parent Groups, etc.) What groups are you a part of? What ideas do you have on creating similar spaces? Erin talks about simple practicle ways we help support educators on the frontlines? She mentions simple actions like sending teachers notes of love and appreciation. Or, signing up to regularly bring hot meals for teachers. Do you have ideas on ways to support educators in local schools?

    51 min
  11. Who is Funding and Amplifying School Board Attacks | Dr. Isaac Kamola, Just Talks Ep.2

    01/20/2023

    Who is Funding and Amplifying School Board Attacks | Dr. Isaac Kamola, Just Talks Ep.2

    In this episodeI spoke with Dr. Isaac Kamola, an associate professor at Trinity College in Hartford, CT. Professor Kamola’s teaching and research focus is on understanding the production and consumption of political ideas and the resulting impacts on our democracy. His latest book project, Free Speech and Koch Money: Manufacturing a Campus Culture War, examines the dark money behind the so-called campus free speech crisis. Get educated and take actionProfessor Kamola talks about how the Koch-donor network and right-wing media ecosystem work together to attack educators at all levels and shares what we can do to protect educators against these dark money attacks. Join as a Patreon member to engage with other members of the JustTalks Fam to discuss ways to get educated and take action in your community! Let's talk about it!On Patreon I have created space for members of the Just Talks Fam to engage with one another and extend our learning. Below, I've posted a few questions to get the dialog going. Feel free to post your responses or share questions or observations of your own: Dr. Isaac Kamola discusses Chris Rufo's successful political weaponization of CRT to attack parents' trust in public education. We have since seen him move on to target policies that affirm trans students and DEI initiatives in schools. How are these false narratives showing up in your local community? How are community members fighting back against disinformation and fear? Dr. Kamola describes how the "right-wing media ecosystem" functions to amplify false narratives and drive voting patterns that dismantle progress. What do you think is the best way to counter outrage campaigns generated to disparage dedicated teachers, librarians, and parents fighting for safe, just public education?

    34 min
  12. The Racial Backlash Behind School Board Takeovers | Dr. Walter Greason, Just Talks Ep.1

    01/20/2023

    The Racial Backlash Behind School Board Takeovers | Dr. Walter Greason, Just Talks Ep.1

    Dr. Walter D. Greason connects the dots between the January 6th Insurrection and racial backlash targeting school boards. Let's discuss! In this episodeDr. Walter D. Greason, Professor and Chair of the Department of History at Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is an interdisciplinary scholar, historian, urbanist, and economist. In the wake of the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, He posted “The Racial Violence Syllabus,” which attracted over 4 million individual uses, was translated into seven languages, and inspired projects like the Oscar-winning film “BlackKklansman.” In this interview, Dr. Greason explains how school board attacks are the result of a new racial backlash movement after January 6th. He shares resources on how we can educate ourselves about racial backlash movements and take action to protect marginalized communities. Get educated and take actionProfessor Walter Greason about how the January 6 attacks laid the groudwork for a silent insurrection of local school boards. Join as a Patreon member to engage with other members of the JustTalks Fam to discuss ways to get educated and take action in your community! Let's talk about it!On Patreon I have created space for members of the Just Talks Fam to engage with one another and extend our learning. Below, I've posted a few questions to get the dialog going. Feel free to post your responses or share questions or observations of your own: In May of 2022, Steve Bannon stated, "The path to save the nation is very simple — it’s going to go through the school boards.” What connections do you see between the January 6th Insurrection and national attacks on school boards across the country? Greason talks about mutual aid as a means of resistance. What does the term "mutual aid" mean to you? How can we leverage relationships and assets within our own communities to protect civil right gains? Get educated and take action:Over the past decade, Dr. Greason has published six books, topics of his books include, race, history, media, urban planning, and comics. In addition to working on a number of community-based programs, he also writes articles about the racial wealth gap and the patterns of economic globalization. Read a recent article, “Opinion: It’s time to break the traditions of white nationalism in our civic institutions.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinio...  Read a recent article, “Opinion: It’s time to break the traditions of white nationalism in our civic institutions.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/04/12/now-is-time-break-traditions-white-nationalism-our-civic-institutions/ Encyclopedia of Critical Whiteness Studies in Education, Contributing Author- Chapter 73: https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/cities-imagined-african-diaspora-media-and-history Path to Freedom, by Walter D Greason, Ph.D https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10799018-the-path-to-freedom See more of his books here: https://www.walterdgreason.com/books Recommended book: How the Suburbs Were Segregated by Paige Glotzer http://cup.columbia.edu/book/how-the-suburbs-were-segregated/9780231179980#:~:text=The%20story%20of%20the%20rise,intent%20on%20defending%20racial%20barriers.

    22 min

Trailers

About

What happens when the fight for public education becomes the fight for our democracy? For the past several years, I've been tracking the rise of political attacks on our schools. In this new season, we're moving beyond the headlines to speak with the people actually winning the war for our future.  The stakes have never been higher. I started this podcast documenting the attacks on our educators and the resulting political fallout. Now, I’m expanding the lens. In Season 2, I’m bringing you exclusive conversations with artists, experts, and influencers who are fighting the good fight across the country. The disinformation machine is working overtime, and we need to connect the dots. From the local school board to the national stage, I’ll break down exactly what's happening and give you the tools to get involved. If you want to understand the real threats to our schools and neighborhoods and learn how to build a more just future, stay tuned. The fight for our democracy starts now!

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