Be a Better Ally: critical conversations for K12 educators

Be a Better Ally: critical conversations for K12 educators

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?

Episodes

September 24, 2025 18 mins

Karam Abboud shares their Second Chance story.

 

If their story inspires you, consider exploring ways to make even more stories like this a possibility.

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September 12, 2025 41 mins

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September 11, 2025 16 mins
Ruchira Gupta is a writer, feminist campaigner, professor at New York University and founder of the anti-sex-trafficking organization, Apne Aap Women Worldwide. She won the Clinton Global Citizen award in 2009, the Sera Bangali Award in 2012 and an Emmy for outstanding investigative journalism in 1996. She has helped more than twenty thousand girls and women in India exit prostitution systems and her experiences with this work...
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In this conversation, Leo Trottier discusses the interdisciplinary foundations of Fluent Pet, emphasizing the importance of cognitive science in understanding animal behavior and communication. He explores the emotional connections humans have with their pets and the implications of interspecies communication for animal rights and empathy. The conversation also touches on the future of technology in enhancing communication between ...

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August 28, 2025 12 mins

In this episode, Tricia Friedman discusses the intersection of AI, personal health, and community engagement through the lens of her experience with vibe coding. She shares a personal anecdote about tracking gut health and how she utilized AI to develop an app that promotes health awareness. The conversation emphasizes the importance of storytelling and empathy in technology, encouraging listeners to explore AI's potential for comm...

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What happens when your teammate isn’t human? In this episode, Tricia Friedman explores the rise of AI-powered robotics in sports—from Stephen Curry’s new training partner A.B.E. (Automated Basketball Engine) to motivational robot K.I.T.—and why these breakthroughs signal urgent lessons for K12 school leaders.

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In this episode, we welcome Dylan Thuras, cofounder and creative director of Atlas Obscura, and Jennifer Swanson, award-winning author and co-host of Solve It for Kids, to talk about their latest book: The Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide to In...

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In this conversation, Tricia Friedman speaks with Dr. Gauri and Dr. Abhijit Desai about their skincare brand, Brownkind, which focuses on the unique needs of brown skin. They discuss the importance of recognizing and celebrating diverse skin types, the role of education in skincare, and the necessity of creating p...

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In this conversation, Tiffany D. Jackson discusses her journey as a writer, the influence of her early experiences with film, the importance of representation in horror and thrillers, the collaborative nature of writing, and the role of research in her creative process. She emphasizes the significance of understanding characters deeply and the impact of her background on her storytelling.

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If your digital‑literacy lessons feel stuck on the same old slide deck, Gordon Korman’s brand‑new novel Snoop (Scholastic Press, July 1 2025) offers a timely narrative hook. The story follows Carter, a phone‑addicted tween who—after two broken legs and zero mobility—turns police webcams into his personal feed and learns the hard way that surveillance is...

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Join Tricia Friedman and Joanna Ho in this inspiring conversation about cultural identity, creativity, and the power of food as a storytelling medium. Joanna reflects on her transition from K–12 educator to published author, revealing how intergenerational learning—especially the wisdom exchanged over a cup of boba—fueled her narrative style. We dive deep into her creative process, the challenges of balancing productivity with live...

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In this conversation, Tricia Friedman and Homa Tavangar explore the significance of asking big questions in leadership, the importance of relationships, and the need for deeper connections in education and community. They discuss how embracing complexity and uncertainty can lead to growth, the role of play in learning, and the necessity of listening to unheard voices. The dialogue also touches on redefining leadership to combat lon...
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In this conversation, Erin Entrada Kelly discusses her debut nonfiction book that explores the life of Joey, a Filipino woman who became a spy during World War II. Kelly emphasizes the importance of presenting history in an engaging way for young readers, while also addressing the complexities of war, identity, and the gray areas in history. She shares her process of honoring Joey's story and the challenges of presenting conflictin...
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In this conversation, Tricia Friedman and Reem Labib Tyson explore the evolving landscape of coaching, emphasizing the importance of reflection, emotional intelligence, and the dynamics between coach and coachee. They discuss the significance of diverse experiences in coaching, the gray areas of leadership, and the need for accessible coaching strategies. The dialogue highlights the importance of curiosity, identity, and authentici...
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In this conversation, Tricia Friedman speaks with Bellen Woodard, the first crayon activist, about her journey in leadership, the importance of young voices, and her new book 'Ballet Brown'. Bellen shares her experiences of advocating for inclusive language in schools and ballet, emphasizing the need for empathy and community building. She encourages young people to trust themselves and their perspectives, while also discussing the...
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Dr. Laura Chávez-Moreno is an award-winning scholar, qualitative social scientist, and assistant professor in the Departments of Chicana/o & Central American Studies and Education at the University of California, Los Angeles. She earned her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Education. Her book published by Harvard Education Press, won the 2025 American Association of Hispanics in H...
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Kyle Casey Chu (aka Panda Dulce) is a writer, filmmaker, and one of the founding queens of Drag Story Hour. In June 2022, far-right extremists stormed her Drag Story Hour in an attempt to silence her. She is now using her global platform to tell even gayer stories. She lives in San Francisco. The Queen Bees of Tybee County is her first novel written for middle grade readers and is receiving rave reviews. Equal parts sweet coming-of...
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In this conversation, Jim Murphy shares insights from his book 'Inner Excellence,' discussing the importance and the need for self-awareness. He emphasizes that true excellence comes from within and is about developing skills that foster belief and joy. The discussion touches on the lessons that can be learned from sports, particularly in youth leagues, where the focus should be on character and how we treat others. 00:00 The Journ...
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In this conversation, Tricia Friedman and Dr. Sharon Lauricella go deep into the critical examination of gender performance in the popular TV series Grey's Anatomy, exploring how weddings depicted in the show reflect societal norms and expectations. They discuss the collaborative research process that led to Dr. Lauricella's paper, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in academia. The conversation also highlights the role of po...
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