Over the last 20 years, Dr. Hollie has mentored, officially and unofficially, many educators. Similar to the feeling of when a former K-12 student comes back to visit you after many years, he feels the same joy when a former student or mentee comes back to say, "I made it" or "Thank you." The next 3 episodes will share those moments of joy with three of Dr. Hollie's mentees. We start with Dr. Lavenia Howard, who recently culminated with her Doctorate in Education from Cal State University, Northridge. Dr. Howard was a participant in one of Dr. Hollie's sessions long ago. She was inspired and reached out to him to be advised about her doctoral pursuit. Four years later, she finished and wanted to say thank you. Not only will you hear/see her journey to finishing her degree but you will see her 30 year journey in education. Dr. Hollie' two cents will ponder how we misvalue certain titles, labels, credentials, and, yes, doctorate degrees in the first place.

Learn more about CLR and Dr. Hollie at www.culturallyresponsive.org and Twitter @validateaffirm

Who knew that going down rabbit holes was a thing? Our second rabbit hole is is centered around one question: Is Zendaya (the actress) black? With this question, we are able to explore the intersection of race, ethnicity, and the culture of Hollywood. Don't expect to get a black and white answer (no pun intended). The proverbial deep dive (and fun) is how we come up with an answer that hopefully you will agree and disagree with. We even asked AI (Aisha.ai) for its opinion. Ultimately, this episode is about how we collectively conflate race and ethnicity which keeps us stagnated and confused. Make sense? It will.

Learn more about CLR and Dr. Hollie at www.culturallyresponsive.org and Twitter @validateaffirm

In a if you cannot beat them, join them move, we are totally into the FIFA World Cup 2026. The suspense of the matches, the excitement of the fans from around the world, and the focus on different aspects of culture have been engaging. The level of diversity led Dr. Hollie down  proverbial rabbit hole: To what extent are the teams "authentically" diverse racially and nationally and why does it vary from team to team in expected but unexpected ways? Find out how this thought process got started for Dr. H and compare your thoughts to his. This episode is part 1 of 2, as we spend the summer time "just for fun."  

Learn more about CLR and Dr. Hollie at www.culturallyresponsive.org and Twitter @validateaffirm

It's July and that means it's time for the FUN episode. The FUN episode is when take a break from usual exciting journeys to responsiveness from outstanding CLR educators. The episode features interviews from participants in our CLR Deep Dive Institutes or as I put, interviews from "dese streets." Each participant was asked the same four questions but they gave completely different answers. They were inquiries about their most impactful CLR moment thus far, their biggest CLR struggle, their first impression of Dr. Hollie, and how do they plan to sustain CLR in their locales. Of course, as always, Dr. Hollie chimes in with this unsolicited opinion. There is an opportunity for you to offer your answers to the questions as well via social media @validateaffirm. Thanks to our interviewees for their time, perspective, and practice in CLR. 

Learn more about CLR and Dr. Hollie at www.culturallyresponsive.org and Twitter @validateaffirm

Now in video, we culminate the focus on ethnic identity in the context of the so-called racial "whiteness." We look at Italian culture through the lens of seasoned educator and friend of the VABB Nation, Nicole Lusiani. Now educating in Portland, Nicole has over 25 years of experience teaching in the Bay area, in namely the San Lorenzo schools. She has worked as a key team key member of the Center for Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning. Nicole walks the thin line of racial whiteness and ethnic Italian-ness very carefully and mindfully as you will hear, all the while realizing that perhaps that line could (or should be) thicker. Dr. Hollie culminates the series with his two cents. Nicole’s podcast, Copy Room Conversations, is available anywhere you get your podcasts and her most recent book, Nothing’s Missing: A Year of Reckoning, Release, and Remembering Who I Am can be found at any online book retailer. Learn more about Nicole at nicolelusiani.com.

Learn more about CLR and Dr. Hollie at www.culturallyresponsive.org and Twitter @validateaffirm

The opening of season 7 has a lot going on. First, a celebration for a 7th season and nearly 100 episodes. Then, each season opens with Dr. Hollie's annual personal episode, where he brings a guest who knows him personally. Perhaps this year's guest will give us something juicy. The special guest is Professor Marva Cappello, Dr. Hollie's classmate in doctoral studies at USC. Dr. Hollie and Marva have been connected as students, colleagues, and friends for almost 30 years. Marva is doing a double duty this episode. Not only is she representing as a friend and telling us her journey to responsiveness, but she is also providing her insight on identifying with Sicilian culture and not WASness. Sort of. 

New to this season is video. All episodes will be available via YouTube @validate_affirm. You can hear and NOW see Outrageous Love the Podcast. 

Learn more about CLR and Dr. Hollie at www.culturallyresponsive.org and Twitter @validateaffirm

Who knew that Italian immigrants worked the grape crops in California? The final episode of season 6 begins a new series focusing on how we, the macro-society and pretty much all forms of media, conflate race and culture non-stop. For this series, we look specifically at educators who are Caucasian (or white racially) but are not white culturally. Hence, don't call me white, call me _____. Listen in to the journey of Carrie Sotro, proud Italian and CLR educator extraordinaire. Carrie's Italian history in America, which goes back many generations, is classic. Learn how Carrie has walked the fine line between the racial expectation of being white juxtaposed to the reality of her ethnic identity. Dr. Hollie's two cents provides the background, history, and context for this series. You will be provoked. 

Learn more about CLR and Dr. Hollie at www.culturallyresponsive.org and Twitter @validateaffirm

Have you heard of Curriculum Violence? Neither had we until meeting Dr. Carolyn Strong. This episode will provoke you to think about how curricula can be an "assault" on our students in a variety of ways. It will also inspire you. Carolyn Strong's journey to responsiveness is filled with lessons, insights, and wisdom at every turn. Born and raised in Chicago, Carolyn gives us a compelling journey and a look at what has become her destiny. She leaves no doubts about her roots, her present mission, and how they have formed who she is personally and professionally. Also included is a tribute to Rev. Jesse Jackson and, as always, hear Dr. Hollie's two cents.

Transformative Talks by Dr. Carolyn Strong

Learn more about CLR and Dr. Hollie at www.culturallyresponsive.org and Twitter @validateaffirm

We are looking back to jump forward in the first episode of 2026. We look at the our podcast's stats for 2025. Find out where we stand in podcast universe. Note that we are in the top 50% and have been downloaded in 99 countries! VABBulous! Then, we go back to a theme of last year - honoring educators who have been CLR their entire careers. We meet Tanya Harris from Oakland and current leader in Alameda Schools. Tanya's CLR journey is personal and professional, inspiring and insightful. As always, you will learn something, be able to relate or share with someone else. Happy New Year!

Learn more about CLR and Dr. Hollie at www.culturallyresponsive.org and Twitter @validateaffirm

2025 ends with an inspirational journey to responsiveness from author, educator, and motivational speaker Dr. Al Johnson. We throw around the word transformative. Dr. Johnson's life story is truly, truly transformative and inspiring. Al was that student - a high school dropout from a single parent household. He could have easily become another "statistic." But he didn't! You will be filled with joy during this holiday season after you hear his incredible transformation. To top it all off, you will be motivated to go roller skating! There will be more commentary from Dr. Hollie on the importance of allowing our students to be their cultural and linguistic selves. 

Check out Dr. Al's book: Dr J Skates: Confessions of a Roller Skating Principal

Learn more about CLR and Dr. Hollie at www.culturallyresponsive.org and Twitter @validateaffirm