reeducated

In today’s conversation, Dr. Lisa Guenther and I explore the intersection of race, education, and the US prison system, delving into its embedded exploitation of labor, and the transformative potential of restorative justice and critical pedagogy. Dr. Guenther shares her firsthand experiences within the prison education system, from her involvement in inside-out programs to her critiques of carceral power structures and financial incentives driving mass incarceration.

Hi! In today’s episode, I spoke with Dr. Naomi Zack, a Professor of Philosophy at Lehman College, CUNY. We unpack the complex history and implications of affirmative action policies in higher education, against the backdrop of recent seismic shifts in the US legal landscape. We begin with its inception as a mechanism for inclusivity to its recent dismantlement by the US Supreme Court, prompting a crucial reevaluation of race, representation, and access in academia.

In today’s conversation, Dr. Lewis Gordon returns to the podcast to discuss race, poverty, and history. Today we explore the distinction between racialism and racism, reflect on the cyclical nature of poverty and race in certain neighborhoods, and the challenges of discussing these topics without perpetuating stereotypes.

In today’s episode, Dr. George Yancy returns to continue our conversation on race. Today we explore Dr. Yancy’s journey to becoming a philosopher, diving into his research and his childhood experiences. We reflect on the complex interplay between division and unity, questioning whether erasing one line of division may simply result in another. We then delve into philosophical inquiries on recognizing differences, deconstructing frameworks, and rethinking humanism in the face of systemic structures. We conclude the conversation exploring themes of vulnerability, honesty, and transformative learning in education, as Dr. Yancy shares personal experiences and reflections on anti-black racism and systemic oppression.

In today’s conversation, Rowan Baptiste and Keith Thomson share their experiences working with supporting at-risk youth. Drawing from personal experiences and professional insights, Rowan and Keith shed light on the multifaceted nature of this challenge, emphasizing the need for genuine understanding and engagement. We explore strategies for motivating and empowering young people, as well as the role of exposure and reintegration in shaping their futures. From creative resource utilization to the transformative power of education, we discuss practical approaches for guiding youth toward success despite systemic barriers. The conversation culminates in a thoughtful examination of the detention and reintegration process for juveniles, highlighting the importance of respect, inclusivity, and guidance. I really loved this conversation and I hope you do too!

In today’s conversation, Dr. George Yancy and I navigate the intersections of race, safety, and education, grappling with systemic structures and dominant cultural narratives. We attempt to challenge conventional frameworks and deconstruct hierarchies, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and respecting differences without reinforcing power imbalances.
We explore Dr. Yancy’s personal experiences of anti-black racism and the embodied traumas that shape perceptions of identity and belonging. We conclude by connecting race back to education, where Dr. Yancy
advocates for honesty, self-critique, and transformative learning. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

In today’s conversation Dr. Gordan Lewis and I delve into the intricate concept of race. From its historical and mythological origins in medieval Spain and Portugal to its impact on societies today globally, we explore the evolution of the term 'race.' Unpacking its violent constructs, we discuss how race goes beyond physical attributes, influencing socio-economic status and cultural backgrounds. We then discuss the intertwining of race and tribalism, the circumstances of Columbus's voyage, and the historical narratives that have shaped understanding of human behavior. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

In today’s episode, Jordan Davis reflects on his journey to establish JD Speaks, a platform dedicated to reshaping education and technology for black and Latinx students. This conversation starts with covers Jordan's experiences teaching where he discusses his joy of exposing students to new career paths, and the shift towards critical pedagogy to enhance his educational approach. We then delve into the impact of race in academia, proposing a trauma-informed dialogue as a way forward.

In this episode we dive into the world of innovative language learning approaches and explore a language acquisition program inspired by children's experiences in Dharavi, the largest slum in Asia. In this discussion, the team explores the significance of discovery learning and nonverbal cues in language acquisition, the benefits of being multilingual, and strategies for teaching English in non-native schools. We explore the philosophy and methodology behind learning new languages, the effectiveness of this unique pedagogy, and the challenges faced in convincing educators to adopt unconventional methods. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

In today’s conversation, Sangeeta Isvaran shares her personal journey from a dancer to a beacon of social change. In this episode, she opens up about using art as a tool for social transformation, highlighting its therapeutic and educational potential, especially for marginalized communities. We explore the philosophy and purpose of art, delving into concepts like 'rasa' and 'manodharma'. The discussion unfolds to break taboos surrounding women's health, inclusivity, and the importance of creating safe spaces for child inquiry. The conversation shifts to work-life balance, meditation, and the strategies Sangeeta employs to alleviate suffering. I found this conversation to be extremely profound, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.