In this conversation, Tricia and Pasha Marlowe explore the multifaceted world of neurodiversity, exploring how social media platforms like TikTok serve as vital spaces for connection and understanding. Pasha shares insights on the importance of concise communication, particularly in short-form videos, and how these platforms can foster meaningful conversations about neurodivergent experiences. They discuss the significance of open dialogue in relationships, the necessity of creating neuro-inclusive environments in various settings, and the transformative power of language in shaping perceptions of neurodiversity. The conversation emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in education and organizational practices to embrace neurodiversity as a natural variation rather than a disorder, advocating for a more inclusive and understanding approach to all individuals. In this conversation, Pasha Marlowe discusses the importance of challenging traditional norms in education and the workplace, advocating for a more inclusive approach that values neurodiversity and creativity. They highlight the generational shifts towards greater acceptance of neurodivergence and LGBTQIA identities, emphasizing the need for organizations to create safe spaces for these conversations. The discussion also touches on the unique bond between humans and dogs, exploring how this relationship can inform our understanding of empathy and connection. Finally, Pasha reflects on their own journey of curiosity and the importance of continual growth and rebranding in their work.

Ready to learn about our guest?

https://www.pashamarlowe.com/

Pasha Marlowe, MFT (she/they)

Speaker and Coach

30+ years of professional experience as a marriage and family therapist and coach

Global DEIAB speaker/trainer for organizations and universities who want to create culture transformation through the lens of neurodiversity, disability inclusion, and belonging.

54 years of lived experience as a multiply-neurodivergent, disabled, queer person

Learn more about the Feedspot list mentioned at the top of the episode:

https://blog.feedspot.com/lgbt_podcasts/

In this conversation, Jason June discusses his latest book, 'Flopping in a Winter Wonderland,' exploring themes of queer joy, the importance of setting in literature, sibling dynamics, and the creative process of writing. He emphasizes the need for representation of queer love in holiday narratives, particularly in rural settings, and highlights the significance of healthy sibling relationships and masculinity. Jason also shares insights on the value of feedback in the writing process and his meticulous outlining method.

Get your copy today:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/flopping-in-a-winter-wonderland-jason-june/21061341?ean=9780063260085

Ready to learn more about Ono?

https://onoroller.com/abetterally

Promo code: ABETTERALLY25

Karen Wilfrid discusses her book LAMBDA award nominated middle grade novel 'Just Lizzie' and how her personal experience and background in education helped spark the story. She talks about the importance of capturing the journey of identity exploration in middle grade books and the role of school in that process. Karen also shares how her students and colleagues supported her in writing the book and the impact of creating a writing community in the classroom.

Learn more about Karen WIlfrid and her phenomenal book:

https://www.karenwilfrid.com/just-lizzie.html

In this conversation, we hear from founder and Executive Director Joan Liu who discusses the origin and mission of Second Chance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping international students secure last-minute scholarships for higher education. The initiative began in response to a crisis where students lost their scholarships unexpectedly. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community support, innovative thinking, and the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of international education.

Joan Liu is the Founder and Executive Director of Second Chance. She has been a college counselor for the past 22 years, across various public and private schools in the US, UK, Turkey, and Singapore. She has devoted her career to helping students go to college in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and other countries. An industry expert in financial aid and scholarships, she is a fierce advocate of international students seeking access to higher education.

Joan is known for her work in 2018 when she mobilized the Nepal Justice League, a pro-bono team of counselors to support the 60 Nepali students who had lost their scholarships from the University of Texas at Tyler (due to a budget error on UT Tyler’s part). She galvanized a global movement amongst the international counseling community, and she and her team re-seat 56 students at new universities in the US, Canada, Middle East, and East Asia, with 10+ million in financial aid and scholarships, and raised 180K in gap funding - after the US cycle had finished that year.

Joan has been the recipient of industry awards: NACAC’s Rising Star Award (2016); International ACAC’s Distinguished Service Award (2017); CIS’s Peggy Templeton Award, an international award recognizing one counselor in the world annually (2017). In 2021, she and the Nepal Justice League team were awarded NACAC’s Joyce E Smith Award, an award given to those who “have improved the field of education and the way students are served” (2020). In 2021, she served on the President’s Alliance for Higher Education and Immigration Pathways for Refugees Task Force, for the US.

Learn more about Second Chance: https://www.secondchance.global/

Follow them on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/second-chance/posts/?feedView=all

Christy Mandin is a New York Times bestselling children's book author, illustrator, and surface designer. She grew up in rural Georgia and credits her country life of solitude as an only child for much of her love of books and nature. You'll find this love of nature along with nostalgia, magic, and whimsy woven into the fabric of her art. When she isn't drawing she can be found quilting, gardening, beekeeping, or cozied up with a cup of coffee and the latest period drama on BBC or PBS. Christy currently lives in Georgia with her husband, 4 children, and a menagerie of animals and insects.

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Tricia and Christy Mandin explore the creative process behind Christy's latest children's book, discussing the iterative nature of writing, the importance of collaboration, and the practicalities of finding time to write amidst a busy life. They dig into themes of community and belonging as reflected in the book's gardening motif, and Christy shares insights on connecting with young readers and the joy of storytelling.

Learn more:

https://www.christymandin.com/books

Kwame Sarfo-Mensah has an incredible book hitting shelves TODAY, and it is one of those must read books.

In this episode we talk about that book and Kwame's perspective on much more. We explore the importance of understanding one's childhood experiences and how it can help educators better connect with their students. We also discuss the concept of home and how it can be defined differently for each person. Kwame emphasizes the need for trust and vulnerability in building relationships and creating a sense of belonging. They also touch on the role of curiosity and learning in dismantling hate and promoting inclusivity. Kwame shares how his podcast has influenced his book and the importance of listening to diverse perspectives. The conversation explores the power of storytelling and the importance of media literacy in building belonging in schools. It delves into the concept of counter storytelling as a way to challenge stock narratives and learn about marginalized communities.

Learn more about Kwame, his podcast, book and ways to connect with him:

www.identitytalk4educators.com/about

www.identitytalk4educators.com/podcast

Check out his post as discussed at the beginning of the episode:

aieloc.org/how-do-we-make-our-…ery-student-aieloc/

Aaron Blabey discusses the creation and conclusion of his beloved children's series, The Bad Guys. He reflects on the balance between humor and deeper messages in storytelling, the emotional journey of saying goodbye to a series that has impacted millions, and the importance of staying true to one's creative vision. Blabey also shares insights on the influence of audience engagement and the evolution of his artistic journey, emphasizing the significance of authenticity in creative expression.

Learn more about Tricia's upcoming free webinar series: www.shiftingschools.com

Eliot Schrefer, the New York Times bestselling standout author of many books for kids and teens. The Brightness Between Us is the sequel to The Darkness Outside Us. His books have twice been named finalists for the National Book Award in Young People’s Literature and have garnered a Printz Honor, a Stonewall Honor, and the Green Earth Book Award.

Learn more about this new book:

https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-brightness-between-us-eliot-schrefer?variant=41378517057570

Let Tricia know you have entered to win the give-away

tricia(at)shiftingschools.com

In this conversation, Tricia and Rebecca Skinner discuss the upcoming Neurodiversity Comic Con at Gillen Brewer, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive spaces for neurodiverse learners. They explore the significance of partnerships, representation in literature, and the role of joy in learning. Rebecca shares insights on the value of comics as a valid form of literature and the impact of narrative on shaping perspectives. The discussion highlights the importance of community engagement and collaboration in fostering a supportive environment for all students.

Ready to learn more about the event?

https://sites.google.com/gillenbrewer.com/gbsneurodiversitycomiccon/home

Want to explore the free guide Tricia referenced at the top of the episode?

https://shiftingschools.lpages.co/our-mega-prompt-playbook/

Transcript not loading from your podcast player?

Reach out to Tricia

Tricia(at)shiftingschools.com

On this week Tricia speaks with Dr. Sirisha Kuchimanchi and Malur Narayan about their new emerging concept to better bridge students with apprenticeships that are meaningful: https://employability.one/

Our guests are looking for educator input and perspective. We talk about why that matters now more than ever before.

Would you like to connect with them?

Send your feedback and questions:

https://forms.gle/CnwzMxQS7zq1XXzbA

Connect with them on LinkedIN:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/malur/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sirishakuchimanchi/

Join Tricia this November for a free Futures Literacy Cohort:

https://app.glueup.com/event/aaie-leadership-learning-series-co-creating-future-foresight-skills-122479/