Real Talk Education

EduGladiators
  • 1.0 (1)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Welcome to the Real Talk Education Podcast, where we dive into the real topics facing real teachers, leaders, and students with your host, Marlena Gross, DEI champion, national ed thought leader and founder of EduGladiators. Each week we will discuss the topics that might be keeping you up at night as an educator or parent. This is not an echo chamber podcast. We will unapologetically examine the real challenges in education, plus provide insights and tips to help you navigate all the things, including curriculum, leadership, DEI, student engagement, advocacy, misinformation, and more.  Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  1. APR 3

    #44 - Damn the Torpedoes! Fighting Book Bans & Erasure at the Naval Academy

    In this episode, we’re diving into the dangerous and deliberate removal of nearly 400 books from the U.S. Naval Academy’s library ahead of a visit from the Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth this past Tuesday, April 1, 2025. 🎧 We’re unpacking:  ✅ What’s really behind this wave of book bans ✅ How this rollback of DEI threatens all marginalized groups—not just Black service members ✅ What the data tells us about current representation in the Navy ✅ Why this anti-DEI wave is a direct attack on Civil Rights-era protections ✅ 6 powerful actions we can all take to fight back 📖 Read the full blog post and explore the links mentioned in the podcast. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    30 min

  2. MAR 4

    #43 - More Than Just a Party: The Black Resistance of Mardi Gras

    Mardi Gras is often seen as just a wild party—beads, parades, and celebrations. But what many don’t realize is that Mardi Gras has deep African, Creole, and Black American roots. It’s a tradition born from Black resilience, joy, and resistance. So, in today’s episode, we’re answering:✅ What are the African and Black American influences on Mardi Gras?✅ How have Black communities shaped the celebration, especially in New Orleans?✅ How does Mardi Gras connect to Black resistance, history, and joy?✅ And most importantly—what lessons can we take from Mardi Gras as we continue to fight for justice today? ✨ Join the conversation! What are your favorite Mardi Gras traditions? Comment below or tag us on social media! 📌 Referenced Resources & Links: 🔗 History of Mardi Gras & Black Culture in New Orleans – Smithsonian Magazine🔗 Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club – Official Website🔗 Mardi Gras Indians: The Secret Black History of New Orleans – NPR🔗 The History of Congo Square – New Orleans Historical🔗 Mardi Gras and African Heritage – The Root🔗 The Black Masking Culture of New Orleans – PBS🔗 Why Black History & Mardi Gras Are Intertwined – Washington Post🔗 How the Baby Dolls of Mardi Gras Empower Black Women – The Atlantic🔗 The Skull and Bones Gangs: Mardi Gras Morning’s Wake-Up Call – NOLA.com🔗 New Orleans’ Black Mardi Gras Krewes – Travel Noire🔗 Mardi Gras & the Fight Against Cultural Erasure – The New York Times Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    19 min

  3. FEB 25

    #42 - Honoring Black History Month Year Round

    We’ve spent February celebrating Black History Month, amplifying Black excellence, addressing the current state of DEI and recognizing the profound impact of Black leaders, innovators, and change-makers. But as the month comes to a close, here’s the real talk—Black history doesn’t end on February 29th. So today, we’re going to talk about:✅ The origins of Black History Month—Why it was created in the first place.✅ Why celebrating Black history year-round is essential—and the dangers of only limiting it to February.✅ How educators, parents, and communities can uplift Black history all year long. If you’re ready to move beyond performative celebrations and make Black history an everyday commitment, then this episode is for you. 📌 Referenced Resources & Links for Show Notes 🔗 The Origins of Black History Month – Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)🔗 Carter G. Woodson & the Evolution of Black History Month – Smithsonian Magazine🔗 Why Black History Should Be Taught Year-Round – EdWeek🔗 The Role of Black Educators in U.S. History – National Education Association🔗 Black History in STEM: Scientists and Innovators You Should Know – NASA🔗 The Importance of Black History Beyond February – NPR🔗 How Parents Can Advocate for Black History in Schools – PBS🔗 Resources for Teaching Black History Year-Round – Teaching Tolerance🔗 The Whitewashing of Black History in Schools – The Atlantic🔗 Why Black History Month Matters More Than Ever – The New York Times Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    20 min

  4. FEB 19

    #41 - Hiring Season 2025: Will Politics Keep Good Teachers & Leaders Away?

    Public school hiring in 2025 is under attack. With new political restrictions on DEI, merit-based hiring shifts, and increased scrutiny on educators, schools are struggling to hire diverse and experienced teachers. In this episode of the Real Talk Education Podcast, we break down: ✔️ How political changes are reshaping public school hiring✔️ The biggest challenges for teachers, administrators, and parents this hiring season✔️ Actionable strategies to protect fair and diverse hiring practices As Trump-era policies roll back DEI and shift hiring toward "merit-based" models, educators and communities face a critical fight for equity in public schools. With increased federal oversight on hiring, threats to funding, and legal restrictions, who gets to teach—and how they’re hired—is more political than ever. 📌 Referenced Resources & Links: 🔗 https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-education-department-and-the-kkk-history-nativism-31dedf8f🔗 https://reason.com/2023/01/23/the-kkks-push-for-a-federal-education-department/🔗 https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2025/02/what-does-the-department-of-education-actually-do/681597/🔗 https://undpress.nd.edu/9780268041106/the-department-of-education-battle-1918-1932/🔗 https://www.propublica.org/article/how-trumps-administration-is-gutting-education-research🔗 https://www.nctq.org/blog/How-Black-Teachers-Make-a-Difference🔗 https://whyy.org/articles/the-role-model-effect-of-black-teachers/🔗 https://ed.unc.edu/2023/02/the-power-of-a-black-teacher/🔗 https://nonprofitquarterly.org/why-black-teachers-matter/🔗 https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/role-unions-protecting-public-school-teachers 🔥 If you care about the future of education, this is a MUST-LISTEN episode. Share this episode with your network and let’s fight for equitable hiring in public schools! 🎧 Listen & Subscribe:🔹 Apple Podcasts | 🔹 Spotify | 🔹 Google Podcasts | 🔹 Amazon Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    18 min

  5. FEB 11

    #40 - How the Past Is Fueling Today’s Fight for Public Education

    📢 Did you know that the push for a federal Department of Education was originally backed by the Ku Klux Klan? Yes, you read that right. In the 1920s, the KKK pushed for a federal education department to enforce cultural homogeneity and racial exclusion. But over time, education policy transformed—from being a tool of oppression to a pillar of civil rights and equity in America. Now, history is repeating itself. Trump and his allies are working to dismantle the Department of Education, rolling back civil rights protections, gutting federal oversight, and leaving public schools vulnerable to political control. 🔥 In this must-listen episode, we break it all down:✅ The shocking history of the Department of Education’s KKK-backed origins✅ How federal education policy evolved to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion✅ Why Trump’s plan to abolish the DOE is a direct threat to public schools & marginalized students✅ How YOU can take action to defend Black history, DEI, and public education 💡 Without federal oversight, states with long histories of discrimination could roll back hard-fought civil rights protections in education. This fight is about more than schools—it’s about democracy. So grab your earbuds, turn up the volume, and let’s get into it. Episode Resources: The Wall Street Journal: "The Education Department and the KKK" https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-education-department-and-the-kkk-history-nativism-31dedf8f Reason Magazine: "The KKK's Push for a Federal Education Department" https://reason.com/2023/01/23/the-kkks-push-for-a-federal-education-department/ University of Notre Dame Press: "The Department of Education Battle, 1918-1932" https://undpress.nd.edu/9780268041106/the-department-of-education-battle-1918-1932/ Britannica: "U.S. Department of Education" https://www.britannica.com/topic/US-Department-of-Education The Atlantic: "What Does the Department of Education Actually Do?" https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2025/02/what-does-the-department-of-education-actually-do/681597/ These sources provide detailed insights into the historical context and evolution of the U.S. Department of Education. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    13 min

  6. FEB 4

    #39 - Navigating Black History Month in a Divided America

    As Black History Month begins, the battle over Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in schools is intensifying. With political attacks against DEI initiatives growing—led by Trump and other conservative leaders—educators, students, and communities must be prepared to resist efforts to erase Black history and marginalized voices from classrooms. In this episode of Real Talk Education, we’ll break down:✅ How DEI programs are being dismantled in education and beyond✅ The misinformation fueling opposition to Black history in schools✅ Actionable strategies to defend inclusive education in the face of resistance It’s time for real talk—because our history isn’t up for debate. Additional Episode Resources: Real Talk Edu Episode #25: Top 3 Strategies to Effectively Fight Misinformation in Schools NBC News: Political Attacks on DEI Programs The Independent: Trump’s Criticism of DEI Forbes: 3 Popular DEI Myths Debunked YW Boston: DEI Myths Debunked So, pop in your earbuds or crank up your speakers—it’s time for some Real Talk about the future of DEI and the importance of Black History Month in our schools. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    15 min

  7. JAN 22

    #38 - Teaching Moment: Trump's First Day Echoes of Hitler

    In this episode of Real Talk Education, we analyze the historical parallels between Adolf Hitler’s rise to power and Donald Trump’s planned first-day executive actions. From “Draining the Swamp” rhetoric to targeting marginalized groups, we explore how Jim Crow laws inspired the Nuremberg Laws and how echoes of authoritarian tactics are resurfacing today. Discover actionable steps for educators, parents, and communities to protect democracy and resist authoritarianism. Episode Resources: How Hitler Dismantled a Democracy in 53 Days - By: Timothy Ryback Trump to order 'national energy emergency,' eliminate federal DEI, define gender: ABC News How the Nazis Were Inspired by Jim Crow: History Channel Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    23 min

  8. JAN 21

    #37 - MLK’s Dream vs. Trump’s Agenda 47: What Does America Stand For in 2025?

    In this episode of Real Talk Education, we dive into the striking contrast between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of justice and equality and the policies associated with Donald Trump’s presidency and Agenda 47. As Trump’s inauguration coincides with MLK Day in 2025, we discuss what this means for America’s moral and social direction. Discover practical actions educators, students, parents, and communities can take to uphold Dr. King’s legacy, protect progress, and promote justice in schools and beyond. Join us for a powerful conversation on why “the time is always right to do what is right". Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    16 min
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Trailer

About

Welcome to the Real Talk Education Podcast, where we dive into the real topics facing real teachers, leaders, and students with your host, Marlena Gross, DEI champion, national ed thought leader and founder of EduGladiators. Each week we will discuss the topics that might be keeping you up at night as an educator or parent. This is not an echo chamber podcast. We will unapologetically examine the real challenges in education, plus provide insights and tips to help you navigate all the things, including curriculum, leadership, DEI, student engagement, advocacy, misinformation, and more.  Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    EduGladiators
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © EduGladiators Podcast
  • Show Website
    Real Talk Education

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