The LET's Talk Podcast

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dale Hansen, the retired WFAA sports anchor discusses a range of topics: he disagrees with the notion that affirmative action infers lower quality, he discusses how the movie Bridge of Spies changed his outlook on life, and he encourages people to find happiness every day. Find out why Hansen believes everyone in this country should donate two years of their lives to this country, whether it be community service or armed service. And learn his favorite messa...

In today’s episode, you’ll hear from Dale Hansen, the sometimes-controversial, always-opinionated retired WFAA Channel 8 sportscaster. The reasons why he has used his platform to speak about issues facing minority or disadvantaged groups may not be what you expect. Dale says his three years in the U. S. Navy opened his eyes to the inequities in society, and those eyes – and his mouth – have been wide open ever since. Also stay tuned for next Tuesday, March 8, when part two...

Did you know Arlington--40 miles from Mesquite--is America's 11th most diverse city? Today's guest Dr. Jason Shelton is chair of Arlington's Unity Council and director of UTA's Center of African American Studies. Learn how he leads people from all walks of life to be on the same page for greater success. Also an associate professor of sociology, Dr. Shelton talks about the Contemporary Black Experience course he created and now teaches at UTA, offers his views of Black History Month and more.

It's Black History Month, and today's guest details its origins and how it is honored by MISD staff and students. And who better to learn from than MISD's very own Social Studies Coordinator Daniel Norwood. Norwood, a proud West Mesquite High School graduate and former North Mesquite High School history teacher, stresses the importance of factual history over opinions and the value of learning multiple perspectives.

Today's guest Kelly Long is a proud 1994 Mesquite High School graduate, and she exudes excitement for her current job as Poteet High School principal. Find out how she's leading the next generation and why she credits the challenging upbringing of her husband and high school sweetheart with turning her into a better educator.

In this week’s podcast, meet Junior Ezeonu, a rising star city leader in the DFW area, who mesmerized MISD students when he spoke to them at last fall’s Emerging Leaders Conference. Born in Nigeria, Ezeonu came to the United States at age 2. Following in his immigrant family’s footsteps, he places community service as a number one life quest. At just 22, Ezeonu serves as a city councilman for Grand Prairie. Hear how he enjoys serving as a positive role model to young Black men especiall...

Meet Amber Sims, a 2005 Mesquite High School graduate on a leadership quest our community and MISD's LET initiative can be proud of. Her non-profit Young Leaders, Strong City (YLSC) provides seminars and other community outreach to provide a place of belonging and fellowship for high school students from across the DFW Metroplex. Hear how YLSC has touched 4,000 young people and how its influence can be a game-changer for student attendance and academic performance.

For 13 years, today's guest Jennifer Mobley has played a significant role in creating equity for MISD students. As the director of federal programs and family support, she oversees a generous budget allowing wide-ranging support to MISD students and staff. Mobley's use of federal funds--from new clothes and free counseling to waived instrument rental fees and more--goes beyond leveling the playing field for all students. Hear about ways she innovatively push-starts these s...

This week's guest and podcast co-host Dr. Gulley have something important in common: both know the positive power of Teach for America. Both women taught for the organization, but guest Lacey Pittman Tomanek chose to continue up the ranks to vice president. Tomanek, a seventh generation Texan, and Gulley discuss why over 80% of Teach for America Corps members continue in their careers working for educational equity. They also share how both work to break down barriers to student success.

In today's podcast, meet Dr. Sana Syed, a Pakistani-American whose multiple life struggles and successes seem impossible for just 39 years of life. Learn why her dad immigrated from Pakistan and how she overcame trauma from being different than other children in America. Find out how she credits education for giving her the autonomy and freedom to make a difference. For one, she is the founder and CEO of Kimiya International, a nonprofit focused on human rights advocacy through film and traum...