Ray Talks Live

I am humbled and thankful to all my listeners.  Whether it was for one episode or every episode that I published.  Just a simple "thankful" to everyone.  Ray Talks Live is now live on YouTube.  Vlog content will be posting monthly on the channel, so make sure you hit that "subscribe" button for the channel.  Thank you once again!

Support: Free Lunch Coffee
If you love drinking coffee and want to help end child hunger.  There is no better way then by visiting Free Lunch Coffee  whose coffee is Specialty Grade, Certified Organic & Fair Trade. When you buy just one bag of coffee, you will provide 10 meals to children in need.  You will also receive a 10% discount at checkout by using the coupon code: raytalkslive

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Is your favorite movie series on the list—or did I leave it out?  In this episode of Ray Talks Live, we’re diving into the world of pop culture to rank the greatest movie franchises in cinema history. From the galaxies of Star Wars to the superhero epics of the MCU and the high-stakes world of the Jurassic era, I break down my personal favorites and explore the storytelling magic that keeps audiences coming back for decades.

Whether you're a fan of classic trilogies or modern cinematic universes, this episode is a fun, unfiltered look at the films that shaped our culture. Tune in to hear the "why" behind the rankings, and then join the debate on social media to tell me where I got it right—and where I got it wrong.

Support: Free Lunch Coffee
If you love drinking coffee and want to help end child hunger.  There is no better way then by visiting Free Lunch Coffee  whose coffee is Specialty Grade, Certified Organic & Fair Trade. When you buy just one bag of coffee, you will provide 10 meals to children in need.  You will also receive a 10% discount at checkout by using the coupon code: raytalkslive

Send us Fan Mail

Thanks for listening and make sure to subscribe!  Follow on social media:

• Twitter:  @raytalkslive
• Facebook:  @raytalkslive
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• Email: [email protected]

O. M. G.   This episode of The Chi answered some questions, provided new storylines, and finally answered the burning question I have had for the longest...What happened to Brandon from Season 1?  Let's dig in!

Send us Fan Mail

Thanks for listening and make sure to subscribe!  Follow on social media:

• Twitter:  @raytalkslive
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• Email: [email protected]

What was it really like when the masks came off and the world returned to the parks?  In this episode of Ray Talks Live, we take a trip back to the "untypical" summer of 2021—a pivotal moment when Walt Disney World began dismantling social distancing and mask mandates while cementing the Theme Park Reservation system.

As a 10-year Annual Passholder, I review my experience visiting all four parks during this transition period. We discuss the reality of "reasonable wait times," the shift in guest experience, and I share a then-essential strategy for snagging a boarding pass for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Whether you're a Disney historian or a traveler looking to understand how today's booking systems were born, this episode provides a front-row seat to the evolution of the Magic Kingdom.

Support: Free Lunch Coffee
If you love drinking coffee and want to help end child hunger.  There is no better way then by visiting Free Lunch Coffee  whose coffee is Specialty Grade, Certified Organic & Fair Trade. When you buy just one bag of coffee, you will provide 10 meals to children in need.  You will also receive a 10% discount at checkout by using the coupon code: raytalkslive

Send us Fan Mail

Thanks for listening and make sure to subscribe!  Follow on social media:

• Twitter:  @raytalkslive
• Facebook:  @raytalkslive
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• Email: [email protected]

My review of the newest episode from The Chi (Season 4 Episode 5: The Spook Who Sat by the Door).  This episode was truly deep and felt like a season-ending cliffhanger.  Let's discuss.

Photo Courtesy: IMDb

Support: Free Lunch Coffee
If you love drinking coffee and want to help end child hunger.  There is no better way then by visiting Free Lunch Coffee  whose coffee is Specialty Grade, Certified Organic & Fair Trade. When you buy just one bag of coffee, you will provide 10 meals to children in need.  You will also receive a 10% discount at checkout by using the coupon code: raytalkslive

Send us Fan Mail

Thanks for listening and make sure to subscribe!  Follow on social media:

• Twitter:  @raytalkslive
• Facebook:  @raytalkslive
• Instagram:  @raytalks_live
• Email: [email protected]

Two seasons down, and the best is still to come!

In the Season 2 finale of Ray Talks Live, we take a look back at a year defined by deeper historical analysis and high-energy debates. From the "American Conspiracies" series to our deep dives into the future of education, I’m recapping the favorite moments that made this season so impactful.

But more than a recap, this episode is a roadmap for what’s next. I am thrilled to announce two major expansions for Season 3: the launch of our brand-new official website and the addition of vlog content to our YouTube channel. We’re moving beyond the audio to give you a front-row seat to the stories we cover. I am incredibly humbled and thankful for the support of this community—join me as we close this chapter and prepare for our biggest season yet!

Support: Free Lunch Coffee
If you love drinking coffee and want to help end child hunger.  There is no better way then by visiting Free Lunch Coffee  whose coffee is Specialty Grade, Certified Organic & Fair Trade. When you buy just one bag of coffee, you will provide 10 meals to children in need.  You will also receive a 10% discount at checkout by using the coupon code: raytalkslive

Send us Fan Mail

Thanks for listening and make sure to subscribe!  Follow on social media:

• Twitter:  @raytalkslive
• Facebook:  @raytalkslive
• Instagram:  @raytalks_live
• Email: [email protected]

My review of the newest episode from The Chi (Season 4 Episode 4: The Girl From Chicago).

Photo Courtesy: IMDb

Support: Free Lunch Coffee
If you love drinking coffee and want to help end child hunger.  There is no better way then by visiting Free Lunch Coffee  whose coffee is Specialty Grade, Certified Organic & Fair Trade. When you buy just one bag of coffee, you will provide 10 meals to children in need.  You will also receive a 10% discount at checkout by using the coupon code: raytalkslive

Send us Fan Mail

Thanks for listening and make sure to subscribe!  Follow on social media:

• Twitter:  @raytalkslive
• Facebook:  @raytalkslive
• Instagram:  @raytalks_live
• Email: [email protected]

Who decides how American history is told in our schools?

In this episode of Ray Talks Live, we tackle the heated debate surrounding "Critical Race Theory" (CRT) and the legislative efforts to reshape social studies education. As a veteran educator with 20 years in the classroom, I examine the reality behind Florida's HB 7 (the "Stop WOKE" Act) and similar measures that have been introduced in at least 19 states across the country as of 2026.

We look past the political fiction to discuss the actual impact on teachers and students. From the controversial 2023 benchmarks suggesting enslaved people "developed skills" for personal benefit to the new 2026 "History of Communism" standards, we analyze whether these policies are safeguarding instruction or simply attempting to rewrite the American narrative. Join us for a candid discussion on academic freedom, the importance of historical facts, and the future of social studies in a polarized political landscape.

 

***Photo courtesy: In These Times

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Thanks for listening and make sure to subscribe!  Follow on social media:

• Twitter:  @raytalkslive
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• Email: [email protected]

What happens when a TV show becomes more than just entertainment?

In this episode of Ray Talks Live, I’m sharing my deep dive into the show that has claimed the #1 spot on my watchlist: Showtime’s compelling drama, The Chi. Set against the vibrant but challenging backdrop of Chicago’s South Side, this series has been my go-to since the 2020 lockdown began, offering a raw and beautiful look at the lives, dreams, and resilience of its residents.

I provide my personal highlights and insights into why this Lena Waithe-created masterpiece resonates so deeply. From the complex character arcs to the authentic portrayal of community, we discuss what makes The Chi a standout in modern television. Are you a fan of the residents of the South Side? Join the conversation as we explore the "good, the bad, and the ugly" of this must-watch series.

***Photo courtesy: IMDb

Support: Free Lunch Coffee
If you love drinking coffee and want to help end child hunger.  There is no better way then by visiting Free Lunch Coffee  whose coffee is Specialty Grade, Certified Organic & Fair Trade. When you buy just one bag of coffee, you will provide 10 meals to children in need.  You will also receive a 10% discount at checkout by using the coupon code: raytalkslive

Send us Fan Mail

Thanks for listening and make sure to subscribe!  Follow on social media:

• Twitter:  @raytalkslive
• Facebook:  @raytalkslive
• Instagram:  @raytalks_live
• Email: [email protected]

Is it just me, or does everyone find this annoying?

We all have them—those small, everyday occurrences that drive us absolutely crazy. In this episode of Ray Talks Live, I’m pulling back the curtain on my personal list of pet peeves. From the minor social faux pas to the major frustrations of modern life, I'm venting about the "someone or something" that pushes my buttons.

Whether it's driving habits, classroom etiquette, or public behavior, we explore the psychology of why these things annoy us so much. I’m sharing my top five and I want to hear from you: What is the one thing that makes you lose your cool? Join the conversation on social media and let’s see if we’re all annoyed by the same things!

Send us Fan Mail

Thanks for listening and make sure to subscribe!  Follow on social media:

• Twitter:  @raytalkslive
• Facebook:  @raytalkslive
• Instagram:  @raytalks_live
• Email: [email protected]