Ep. 185: How to Talk to Unhinged People & Not Lose Your Own Mind in the Process

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Get ready for a lively and insightful episode with Doug, Annie, and Hope as they dive into the tricky waters of talking politics with conservative relatives, friends, and colleagues. Ever felt nervous or awkward about these conversations? You're not alone! We’re here to help you navigate these discussions with respect, understanding, and maybe even a bit of humor.

We’ll cover everything from setting healthy boundaries and respecting yourself, to finding common ground and keeping relationships positive despite differences. Discover fun and effective strategies for turning heated debates into learning sessions, and learn how to gently address misinformation without sparking World War III at the dinner table.

Whether it’s asking the right questions, focusing on shared human experiences, or knowing when to walk away, this episode is packed with practical tips and personal stories. Grab a cup of coffee (or something stronger), and join us for a candid and entertaining chat about making those political conversations a little less daunting.

Chat GPT Confirms This Discussion:

  1. Set Clear Intentions/Boundaries

  2. Active Listening

  3. Stay Calm and Respectful:

  4. Find Common Ground

  5. Ask Questions

  6. Share Personal Stories

  7. Avoid Personal Attacks

  8. Offer Credible Sources/Information

  9. Agree to Disagree

  10. Know When to Walk Away

Do Your Fudging Homework:

  • Annie: Let go of your guilt over “not doing enough.”

  • Doug: Show vulnerability (don’t open yourself up for attack)

  • Hope: White people–do the work; stop expecting people of color to save us

Ep. 180: Read Less Basic--Nice White Ladies Abroad

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Our ongoing discussion revolves around Jessie Daniels' impactful book, "Nice White Ladies," published last spring. We previously interviewed Jessie Daniels in Ep 165 in November and featured in Ep 176: Read Less Basic Book Club with Annie Jansen, Chrisstina McDade, and Marco Manuel in April.

Given the richness of this book, we’ve brought in some incredible guests and longtime listeners to further challenge and expand our thinking, particularly weaving in perspectives as international teachers living outside of the West.. Joining us today is Crissy Calera, Christine Bates, and Adi Anicole.

Ep. 177: Raising Little Justice Leaders One Step At A Time

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In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Shelby Kretz, founder Little Justice Leaders, a platform dedicated to teaching elementary-aged children about social justice in an empowering and age-appropriate way. This organization stands as a beacon of empowerment and education. Through their subscription boxes and resources, Little Justice Leaders tackles complex issues with a sensitivity that is both inclusive and intentional. By emphasizing intersectionality and diversity, they not only educate but also inspire young activists. Furthermore, their collaboration with like-minded organizations and individuals amplifies their impact, showcasing the power of collective action in the fight for social justice. This episode serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing activism from a young age and the role each of us can play in creating a more just and equitable world.

Do Your Fudging Homework:

Ep. 176: Read Less Basic Book Club --Nice White Ladies

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In this episode of #readlessbasic, we dissect "Nice White Ladies" by Jessie Daniels, a book challenging the complicity of privileged white women in perpetuating systemic racism. We interviewed Jessie Daniels back in Oct. 

Roundtable guests:

  • Annie Jansen is a former teacher and current apprentice electrician.

  • Christina McDade, school counselor and former guest the Nerdfarm Podcast Ep. 90 “On Representation & Making Space for Black Women in the Workplace” 

  • Marco Manuel–MS history teacher.

We start by examining the book's provocative opening line and share our initial reactions. Despite not all being the target audience, we reflect on how this influences our engagement with the text. Each of us highlights two significant ideas or passages and discusses how our perspectives have evolved. We explore actionable steps proposed by Daniels for white women to become genuine allies in the fight against racism. We debate whether we'd recommend the book and where it stands among other race/antiracism literature like "Caste" and "Stamped." Join us as we navigate the complexities of privilege, allyship, and social change.

Ep. 170: Ep. 170: Fostering Sisterhood Cross Culturally w/ Kimberlee Yolanda Williams

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EQ: How can white women and women of color actively work towards a sisterhood that furthers a more inclusive and equitable society?

In this episode of IWL, Kimberlee Yolanda Williams, co-founder Engaging Across Differences, unpacks her recent book "Dear White Women, Please Come Home:  hand me your bias and I’ll show you are connection”. The book explores the concept of being seen and centered, the idealization of sisterhood, microaggressions, and the search for genuine connections. Looking ahead, Kimberlee shares her hopes for changes in conversations around race, sisterhood, and equity. She envisions positive change and recommends resources for deeper exploration of the topics. The discussion wraps up with a mention of Kimberlee's new book project and information about Engaging Across Differences' offerings.

Related Sources:

Do Your Fudging Homework:

  • Hope: In the new year, recommit to learning and unlearning…to being part of the greater sisterhood.

  • Kimberlee: Look out for those moments happening around you and develop a toolkit for what to say–to interrupt the moment that is happening in front of you. Become part of my second book project! Send a message to women of color. 

Ep. 166: You Get an Opinion and You Get an Opinion!

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EQ: How do we navigate the tension between the dichotomies “silence is complicity” and “the loudest are the most ignorant” from a position of learning and allyship?

In this episode we talk all things opinions! From how we build them, to the validity of certain opinions and the tension between silence, complicity, and advocacy. We explore the practical side of things with  topics such as Black Lives Matters, transrights and other recent events.

Related Resources:

Grab a copy, start reading and tag us in your posts!

Ep. 153: The DEIJ Collaborative--Working Towards Justice In International Schools

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EQ: What does social justice and education work look like in international spaces?

We jumped back overseas with today’s conversations, meeting with international educators Meredith Klein and Sherri Spelic. This is a very education centered conversation but we hope there’s a gem of thought for every listener. Throughout the episode we unpack various education acronyms such as CEESA and AEILOC. We hear the origin story of the Diversity Collaborative they started and the ways they hope it will impact teaching and learning across Europe. 

Lastly, if you are interested in reaching out you can connect with Meredith via LinkedIn, follow Sheri  @edifiedlistener, sign up for her newsletter Bending The Arc, or snag a copy of her book of essays  Care At The Core 

Champagne & Real Pain

🥂Action Aid International

🥂 AEILOC & Kevin Simpson

🥂Angeline Aow and her book Becoming a Totally Inclusive School

Do Your Fudging Homework:

  • Hope: Sign up for Bending The Arc

  • Megan: Connect to others that can help you be accountable to the work

  • Sherri: Worry less about knowing and get into learning (where can I learn about that? With whom can I learn about that?)

  • Meredith: DEI Deconstructed by Lily Zheng

Ep. 114: Facing Racialized Bias and Coded Language

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EQ: How can facing our racialized biases help fight against the stronghold of white supremacy in our personal and work life?

Inspired by a discussion with the Whiteness Accountability Group for International Educators, Hope and Megan discuss the nature of positionality and how shifting power and privileges are wrapped up in social hierarchies. For many of us we need to start with examining our positionality, then identify our implicit biases (especially the negative ones) and finally consider the implications of these elements in our personal and professional relationships. 

Resources to consider:

Do Your Fudging Homework:

  • Megan: Go read the articles posted above

  • Hope: Inventory your life & where you stand. Make a goal for yourself to use your positionality in a way that benefits others