In this engaging podcast episode, I sit down with Dr. Michael De Sousa, an experienced educator and passionate advocate for empowering parents. Dr. De Sousa shares insights, strategies, and personal anecdotes about parenting, education, and parents’ critical role in their child’s learning journey.

This thought-provoking episode of The Edupurist Podcast delves into the heart of America’s divisions. Join us as we engage in a candid and lengthy conversation with a friend who staunchly supports former President Donald Trump.

Our discussion covers several critical topics:

Join us for an honest, respectful, and sometimes heated exchange. Because in a nation as diverse as ours, dialogue remains our most potent tool for understanding and progress.

The Edupurist Podcast: Where education meets real-world conversations. Subscribe now and be part of the dialogue! 🎙️🇺🇸

In this episode, I talk about the importance of a balanced diet for kids based on a recent viral video of a kid throwing up from eating #Takis. I also talk about other issues pertinent to the development of historically marginalized communities.

This Edupurist podcast episode features a group of passionate women from Memphis discussing the issues with traditional school grading systems. They highlight the disconnect between report card grades and a child's learning level, emphasizing the need for parents to be more informed. They also discuss the impact of low literacy rates on children, particularly those involved in the juvenile justice system. The women stress the importance of building relationships with students and parents and the need for educators to communicate clearly and engage families. They advocate for a shift in focus from just grades to fostering a love of learning, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The discussion also touches upon community involvement, leadership, and the accountability of both parents and educators in ensuring a better future for children.

This Episode of the Edupurist podcast discusses the new FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) rollout. The host and guest talk about the simplification of the FAFSA form, the technical issues with its rollout, and its impact on students, specifically those from low-income backgrounds. They address concerns about the timeline for students to make informed decisions and the potential delays in accessing state aid. They also discuss the increased competition for historically marginalized students applying to HBCUs and HSIs due to the SCOTUS decision. The podcast provides recommendations for the federal government to improve the FAFSA process and urges students to start the application process early and seek assistance from professionals or organizations.

In the video, Dr. Ray Ankrum interviews a high school senior named Jah’mere. Jah’mere shares his exciting news of being accepted into Howard University for the fall 2024 semester. He discusses his heritage as both African-American and Native American and talks about how his experience at Riverhead Charter School has helped shape him. Jah’mere discusses his SAT score, his decision to attend Howard University over an Ivy League school, and his passion for Elementary Education. He also shares his experiences working at McDonald's and Starbucks and his plans to pursue a career in education policy. Jah’mere reflects on the significance of seeing black men as teachers and the importance of experiencing different cultures at Howard University.

This episode of the Edupurist features a discussion with dual-enrolled high school/ college students from Riverhead Charter School/Suffolk Community College about their experiences with college classes. They talk about the differences between high school and college classes, noting that they are more academically challenging and offer more freedom and control over their education. They also discuss the benefits of an early college program, including exploring different classes. The students share their preferences for more minor, interactive types over large lecture halls and discuss study techniques they have found effective, such as Cornell notes and discussing class material with friends. Additionally, they highlight the benefits of 8 AM classes for productivity. The students express a sense of preparation and gratitude for the opportunities provided, and their teacher emphasizes the importance of being ready for college-level courses.

Please join this riveting conversation with Bibb Hubbard, founder and Executive Director of Learning Heroes, and some of our first RCS Senior class. The discussion highlights the importance of effective communication between parents, teachers, and students to ensure academic success. They discuss the issue of inflated grades and how it can hinder students' progress. The conversation also touches on the role of parents in advocating for their children's education and the importance of setting high expectations. They also share their experiences with mentorship programs and the positive impact they can have on students' academic performance. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for trust, open communication, and support within the education system.

In this video, a group of high schoolers and their school superintendent discuss esports. They explain that esports is the competitive aspect of gaming, where players strive to become professionals in specific video games and compete against other teams. The students talk about their experience with Rocket League, a game similar to soccer but played with cars. They mention their rankings and progress in esports competitions to break into the top 10. They discuss their gaming systems, such as Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, and the potential for scholarships and professional opportunities in esports. The students also mention the importance of teamwork and communication in playing as a team. They discuss how they balance their schoolwork and esports practice. Finally, they encourage those interested in esports to form a team, practice regularly, learn from more experienced players, and seek coaching opportunities.

In this episode of The Edupurist Podcast, host Ray Ankrum engages in a thought-provoking conversation with K. Chase Patterson, one of the founders of the State of Black Learning Initiative. Together, they delve into the current state of Black learning in 2023 and explore the challenges, developments, and initiatives to address the persistent inequities within the education system.