Have the thOTs got an episode for you! Ryan and Khalilah welcome a phenomenal educator, researcher, and fashionista to the podcast, none other than a former senior White House staff member and one of Obama's Black 44, Dr. Lauren Mims! Dr. Mims walks us through her transitions from doctoral school, to politics, to the White House, and back to academia. She tells Ryan and Khalilah all about her research on the education of Black children, claiming an axiom of brilliance, and changing up the game when it comes to facilitating transformative classrooms. She calls us to do "research that matters" and drops gem after gem as the hosts discuss research design, showing up in the classroom authentically, and how we prepare students to cope with and redress systemic prejudices. This is not an episode to miss! Highlights include: Khalilah and Lauren mutually fangirling, Khalilah bestowing an honorary degree, and Ryan finding a kindred quote spirit.