Heather Warfield, clinical and program director of Calm Waters, joins the podcast to shed light on a program that helps students through grief and what we can do to support those who have suffered a loss through this holiday season.

OEA is a member-driven organization and its budget process is no exception. We speak with Vice President Cari Elledge, who chairs the budget committee, about how members can have input in where their dues dollars are allocated.

Due to a late return in the Census, the Oklahoma legislature returns for a special session on Monday. OEA director of legislative and political organizing, Ivy Riggs, returns to the pod to explain why it must happen, what bills have been filed, and how the timeline is expected to go.

Dr. Michael Crespin, director and curator of the Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, and political science professor, at the University of Oklahoma joins Fried Okra to break down the recent redistricting of congressional districts in Oklahoma, how that process works, and why certain groups use it to benefit themselves.

Then Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association President Shawna Mott-Wright speaks with Katherine and Carrie ahead of OEA's Committee Saturday. It's an illuminating look inside the member-driven processes the association uses to navigate its path forward.

You can't spell Fried Okra without FEIO. 

The executive director of the Film Education Institute of Oklahoma, Trevor Rogers, joined the pod to discuss the booming film and television industry in our state, the opportunities it provides our students, and how educators can connect with FEIO to access their free programs and curriculum. (Visit feiok.org for more info)

The illustrious Ellen Pogemiller makes another return from Capitol Hill to discuss the interim studies being presented on the record number of emergency certified teachers in Oklahoma and how legislators can lead us out of an extremely stressful period in public education.

Minco Superintendent Kevin Sims and Noble County Assessor Mandy Snyder recently presented to lawmakers for the interim study period on protesting property taxes, ad valorem, and the complexities of education funding in Oklahoma. They simplify and explain how these impact districts and communities throughout the state.

When it comes to education, educators are the experts. When it comes to health, health professionals are the experts. So Katherine and Carrie spoke with Dr. Mary Clarke, President of the Oklahoma State Medical Association, about the current state of the pandemic, what we can do to keep schools as safe as possible, how we can take care of each other while getting back to normal through vaccines and masks, and the appreciation both professional communities have for each other's care for children.

The OEA recently surveyed its members and the results are staggeringly clear; COVID is still an issue in our schools and educators desperately need our support. President Katherine Bishop and Vice President Cari Elledge look at the numbers and provide perspective on the human lives they represent.

Then newly named associate executive director of legislative and political organizing, Ivy Riggs, returns to the podcast to talk about an exciting opportunity provided by OEA called "Run the Race," which will provide free training to members considering a run for an elected position. It can be statewide to a local school board race. Republican, Democrat, Independent, we don't care. As long as you have a desire to help children.

Edmond Santa Fe student Bri Johnson joins the podcast to explain the importance of caring for everyone in your community, especially those who can't care for themselves.

Then Dr. Kathy Dodd, Chief Innovation Officer and Deputy Superintendent of Federal Programs for the Oklahoma State Department of Education, has a conversation with Carrie and Katherine about how the SDE is helping keep educators' focus in the classroom in a time of COVID.

Governor Stitt recently requested an audit of the entire State Department of Education that raised some eyebrows. OEA legislative and political expert Ellen Pogemiller to break down what it all means and the potential political motivations behind it.

Fried Okra then has a great conversation with Amy Curran, executive director of Generational Citizen Oklahoma, about her role in presenting for an interim study to the legislature and the foundational nature of civics education for our democracy.

Ellen Pogemiller returns to Fried Okra only to be teased for nerding out on interim studies and how they can actually affect change in the minds of lawmakers.

Then Heather Cody from OEA's Teaching and Learning Center joins the pod to highlight an exciting new free professional development series — Knowledge is Power.