Critical Conversations

In this episode, Dr. Rick Daniels sits down with Oakton faculty and staff to discuss Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. They discuss the historical perspective and significance of AAPI Heritage Month, AAPI literature and research resources through Oakton's Library, the Model Minority Myth, and the diversity and intersectionality that exists within the AAPI community. Finally, the group discusses some upcoming programming and ways that the Oakton community can come together to learn about, uplift, and celebrate this diverse identity group.

🗓️ Mark your calendars! Asian Night Market - Friday, May 8th, 2026 from 5-9 PM - Student Street at the Des Plaines Campus

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Guests: Mohamed Mehdi, Distinguished Professor, Co-Chair, Humanities and Philosophy Michelle Oh, Associate Professor and Librarian for Open Access and Equity Christian Kim, Asian and Pacific Islander Equity Coordinator Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguised Professor of Design

Join Dr. Rick Daniels, Leah Kintner, and Esperanza Salgado-Rodriguez for a conversation on the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC) at Oakton. In honor of Women's History Month, they discuss the history of AAWCC at Oakton, key issues facing women in community colleges, upcoming initiatives and events, membership, and scholarship opportunities.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion " Guests: Leah Kintner, Senior Program Developer for Workforce and Community Education Esperanza Salgado-Rodriguez, Trio Student Support Services Program Manager Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguised Professor of Design

On this episode of Critical Conversations, we spotlight one of Oakton's own: Manager of Oakton's Career and Transfer Center and author of the new book, "Sis, Ya Slip is Showing! A bold guide to ending toxic friendships and choosing yourself." We sat down with Dr. Smith in the studio and asked her more about her role at Oakton and helping students prepare for their next steps after Oakton. Then she discusses her new book adn its unique title, her writing process, and what she hopes readers will take away from reading it.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Guests: Adrienne C. Smith, Ed.D., Manager of Oakton's Career and Transfer Center Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguised Professor of Design

In this episode of the podcast, Brenda Cruz tells us about some of the December holidays and observances, including Chanukah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa and spending time with loved ones at the end of the year!

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguished Professor of Design

On this episode of Critical Conversations, we spotlight one of Oakton's Employee Resource Groups: Elevating Indigenous Voices at Oakton. We will unpack and discuss the origins of the group, its connection to the land Oakton occupies, and key takeaways from this year's Learning Day.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Guests: Jayne Blacker, Associate Professor of Mathematics Thomas Bowen, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguised Professor of Design

On this episode of Critical Conversations, we reflect on 10 years of leadership and service from President Joianne Smith. Together, we explore the accomplishments and challenges that have shaped her presidency, and look ahead to what the future holds for her and for Oakton College.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Special Guest: Dr. Joianne Smith, President Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Institutional Equity and Inclusion Coordinator Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguished Professor of Design

For November's holidays and observances, Brenda Cruz walks us through some information about Native American History Month, Dia de los Muertos, Veterans Day, and Transgender Day of Rememberance. Brenda and Rick discuss some ways that you can celebrate and observe these days respectfully this month.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity an Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguished Professor of Design

Join Dr. Rick Daniels for a special episode of Critical Conversations celebrating the trailblazing neo-soul artist D'Angelo. This episode explores four of his compositions that highlight spirituality, social justice, environmental responsibility, and Black empowerment. D'Angelo's music moves beyond romantic themes, offering a powerful reminder that sound itself can serve as a form of protest.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguised Professor of Design

On the next episode of the Critical Conversations podcast, we delve into "The Hidden Cost of Free Speech." Recent events have brought this classic topic back to the forefront, and together, we'll unpack how the national sentiment around free speech impacts the student experience, how we respond to various forms of on-campus expression, and how we share the Oakton story with the broader community. Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Guests: Will Crawford, Distinguished Professor of English Keith Simonds, Assistant Professor of Political Science Steve Butera, Director of Communications and External Relations Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguised Professor of Design

In this episode of Critical Conversations, Dr. Rick Daniels cuts through the noise around "civil discourse" and gets real about what it actually means. Respectful debate isn't just about sharing opinions, it's about the skill, care, and discipline we bring into dialogue. Too often, what's framed as free speech is really provocation disguised as debate. Dr. Daniels challenges that notion and introduces four practical tools designed to help us sharpen our ability to disagree without disrespect, and to debate without demeaning.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguised Professor of Design