Voices of Literacy

Voices of Literacy

An RU 515 Podcast featuring thought leaders from the world of education and librarianship.

Episodes

December 8, 2025 46 mins

In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Len Bryan, Partner of Library Services for the Cherry Creek School District, for a lively and insightful conversation about what school library data can reveal, inspire and make possible.

🔹 Why Mid Year Data Matters Jennifer and Len explore how timing shapes the impact of data storytelling, and why sharing information while decisions are still in motion can make a meaningful difference for le...

Mark as Played

In this episode, Jennifer and Dr. April Dawkins jump into an important conversation about what it really means to protect access, ethics, and intellectual freedom in today’s schools.

🔹 Why Intellectual Freedom Matters Now They unpack how legislation, district policies, and educational gag orders are shaping what learners can read and how librarians make decisions.

🔹 The Rise of Misinformation April traces how old propaganda tacti...

Mark as Played

In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Jean Darnell, Director of Library Sciences for the School District of Philadelphia, for a powerful conversation about information literacy and media mindfulness. Their discussion centers on how social media platforms are financially incentivized to provoke emotional reactions and how that economy of attention can harm individuals and communities. Jean and Jennifer invite educators and libraria...

Mark as Played

In this episode Jennifer is joined by Ken Shelton for a thoughtful conversation about generative AI through the lens of equity and inclusion. Together, we examine both the opportunities and challenges these tools present, and we push educators and librarians to move beyond surface-level thinking about these tools, their potential and their pitfalls. Our discussion invites you to investigate AI with a critical eye, center community ...

Mark as Played

In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Dr. Ashley Cooksey of Arkansas Tech University for a conversation that connects curation, universal design for learning, and advocacy. We explore how thoughtful curation helps educators center student needs, how UDL opens doors for every learner, and why great pedagogical practice is itself a powerful form of advocacy. Whether you’re in the classroom, the library, or preparing future educators...

Mark as Played

In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Dr. Carl Harvey, a respected leader in school librarianship and literacy education. Together, we explore the evolving role of libraries, the importance of access and equity for all learners, and the power of building Personal Learning Networks to strengthen our practice. Whether you’re a teacher, librarian, or literacy advocate, you’ll come away with fresh insights and practical ideas to bring...

Mark as Played

In this episode, Kristin Ziemke joins us to discuss what it means to be literate in the digital age. 

Connect with Kristin:

Mark as Played

In this episode, Ben Kort joins us to discuss his maker space. Noteworthy is Ben's use of the maker space as an intervention for vulnerable learners. 

Connect with Ben:

Mark as Played

In this episode, Ken Shelton joins us to discuss the concept of Techquity and the role that libraries play in helping all learners have the same access and opportunity to essential tools for learning.

Connect with Ken:

Mark as Played

In this episode, Franki and I talk about what it means to be "literate" in the digital age and how librarians play an integral role in supporting this work. 

Connect with Franki:

Mark as Played

In this episode, Lucas Maxwell shares how he uses Dungeons and Dragons to create safe, welcoming spaces for learners.

Connect with Lucas:

Book recommendations:

Mark as Played

In this episode, Amy Hermon joins us to discuss her podcast School Librarians United and how she thinks so much good can be done for librarians, kids and the world when we decide to "press record."

Connect with Amy:

Podcasting Resources from Amy:

Book recommendations:

    <...
Mark as Played

In this episode, Dr. John Spencer joins us to discuss the past, present and future of generative AI and how librarians can harness the power of this technology for good. 

Connect with John:

Book recommendations:

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

    My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.