Be a Better Ally: critical conversations for K12 educators

In this warm and curiosity-packed conversation, Tricia Friedman sits down with Brian "Uncle John" Boone, longtime contributor to the iconic Uncle John's Know It All Bathroom Reader series—now celebrating its 38th edition. Brian shares why trivia continues to captivate millions, how collaborative writing fuels the series' longevity, and why tiny bits of knowledge can strengthen community, curiosity, and even kindness. Together, Tricia and Brian explore: Why trivia matters in a world overloaded with information How curiosity helps us build human connection The behind-the-scenes pitching and research process at the Bathroom Readers' Institute The multigenerational fandom behind the beloved series How educators, parents, and young writers can use trivia to inspire creativity and local storytelling Practical tips for idea-keeping, pitching, and overcoming rejection as a writer This episode is perfect for educators, writers, trivia lovers, librarians, caretakers, and anyone needing a little delight at this busy time of year. Brian Boone has spent more than two decades helping shape one of the world's most beloved trivia traditions: Uncle John's Bathroom Reader. With millions of copies sold and a fiercely loyal, multigenerational fandom, the "Know It All" series continues to turn everyday moments into delightful discoveries. In this episode, Brian shares what keeps the series thriving after 38 editions: Humans are wired for curiosity. Trivia satisfies our desire to understand the world in quick, accessible ways. Trivia builds connection. Readers often share facts with friends, family, and even strangers—strengthening social bonds. Collaboration fuels creativity. The series is built by writers of different ages and backgrounds, each bringing unique lenses to history, science, pop culture, and everyday oddities. Research is an adventure. From public libraries to vintage magazines to listener letters, the team follows surprising threads that lead to new stories. Writing thrives on feedback. Brian offers honest, encouraging insight into pitching, rejection, and finding the right home for your ideas. Tricia and Brian also discuss how educators can adapt this model for micro-projects in classrooms: school-based trivia books, local history prompts, research sprints, and collaborative student authorship. If you're looking for a light, meaningful episode at the end of a hectic year, this conversation is a reminder that joyful learning still matters.   Join Tricia for a Futures Literacy conversation on December 12th through The Guardian Project: m/t/taHBbURnELus?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email  

Tricia Friedman sits down with Scott and Mark Hoying to explore what it means to build a family rooted in love, creativity, and community. Together they talk about their new children's book, why representation in early storytelling matters, and how reimagining family through inclusive narratives can nurture belonging. They also share how their creative partnership strengthens their relationship, what they're learning as they prepare for parenthood, and why embracing multi-hyphenate creativity can open unexpected pathways in art, life, and love. This warm holiday-season conversation blends heart, humor, and practical wisdom for anyone curious about how family and creativity evolve together. Get your copy of their brand new book: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250853349/falalafamily/ Key Takeaways Family is shaped by love, care, and chosen community—not limited by traditional definitions. Inclusive children's books expand how young readers understand belonging and representation. Creative collaboration can deepen trust, communication, and emotional connection. Multi-hyphenate creativity empowers people to work across genres and mediums. Preparing for parenthood often mirrors the creative process: patience, curiosity, and resilience. Innovation emerges when couples challenge routines and try new approaches together. A shared creative life can strengthen partnership and build strong foundations for future family life. The holiday season offers opportunities to celebrate joy, generosity, and chosen family.

What happens when a children's book becomes a tool for unity, empathy, and allyship? In this conversation, Tami Charles—author, former teacher, and champion of diverse stories—opens up about the creative process behind her latest picture book, Together United. She shares how her writing is shaped not only by ideas, but by her collaboration with illustrators, the ever-present feeling of fear, and her commitment to creating stories that help children see themselves and each other. We talk about: How collaboration between author and illustrator can lead to unexpected, beautiful outcomes that neither could have created alone. Why fear is a constant companion in the creative process, and how Tami chooses to write anyway. What it means to center unity, understanding, and connection in children's literature at a time when division is loud and constant. How rich, poetic language in picture books can still be accessible—and deeply engaging—for young readers. The importance of reading aloud as a ritual that nurtures a love of language, builds empathy, and creates shared moments between children and caring adults. Throughout the episode, Tami reflects on how every child has the potential to inspire others, and how stories can open doors to conversations about identity, justice, kindness, and community. We explore the idea that books can act as bridges, connecting diverse experiences and helping children see that they belong to something bigger than themselves. If you're an educator, caregiver, librarian, school leader, or children's literature lover, this episode offers practical and heart-centered insight into: Choosing and using picture books that promote inclusion, empathy, and allyship. Talking with young readers about unity, difference, and shared humanity in age-appropriate ways. Encouraging children to see themselves as storytellers and changemakers, not just passive readers. At its heart, this episode is a celebration of the way art and words together can create a kind of magic—the magic that happens when children feel seen, heard, and invited into stories that ask them to imagine a more united world.

Join host Tricia Friedman in conversation with Alan Gratz, the New York Times–bestselling author whose novels have captivated readers for over five years. Gratz shares how baseball shaped his storytelling, why creativity and curiosity belong at the heart of every classroom, and how interdisciplinary learning strengthens student engagement. This episode explores the connections between empathy, character development, and allyship—inviting educators to think differently about how stories shape our understanding of one another. Discover how reading diverse perspectives, teaching creativity, and building collaboration among teachers can transform the learning experience. Perfect for educators, writers, and anyone passionate about inclusive education, creative teaching, and storytelling as a tool for allyship. ALAN GRATZ is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of several highly acclaimed books for young readers, including Heroes: A Novel of Pearl Harbor, Two Degrees, Ground Zero, Allies, Grenade, Refugee, Projekt 1065, Prisoner B-3087, Code of Honor, and Captain America: The Ghost Army, an original graphic novel. Alan lives with his family in the Pacific Northwest. Look for him online at alangratz.com. 

What if the fight for climate justice began with the stories we tell? In this reflective episode, Tricia Friedman sits down with Shilpi Chhotray, host of A People's Climate, to unpack the concept of narrative justice — the belief that climate storytelling must center the communities most impacted by environmental change. Together, they explore how Indigenous knowledge, fiction, education, and intersectional media can reshape public understanding of the climate crisis. Shilpi shares her journey amplifying global majority voices — Indigenous, Black, and Brown storytellers — who are redefining what environmental leadership looks like. Listeners will learn: Why narrative justice is foundational to climate and environmental justice How media storytelling can empower marginalized communities The role of fiction and art in reframing climate narratives How partnerships and community engagement create real environmental impact Ways to rethink consumer culture and center humanity in advocacy Shilpi Chhotray previously hosted People Over Plastic.  The podcast  explored the global effort to fight plastic pollution, how waste moves through the world, and how industrial polluters are turning towns across the US into sacrifice zones, including the US Gulf South. Last year, the fifth season, achieved new heights in listener engagement and explored environmental justice through the lens of democracy right before the U.S. election. It was ranked in Spotify's Top 10 Podcasts for Society and Culture and listened to in 58 countries and was recently shortlisted for the International Women's Podcast Awards and named one of the 100 Best New Orleans Podcasts by Feedspot. Learn more: https://www.counterstream.org/apc-podcast  

A conversation that reminds us how curiosity, art, and iteration can reshape are necessary and may even be assets for our school leadership and the ways we nurture creative courage in young learners.... In this episode, Tricia Friedman sits down with author-illustrator Christy Mandin to explore what school leaders can learn from the creative process behind children's literature. Together they unpack how curiosity fuels empathy, how messy iteration sparks innovation, and how embracing the dark and uncertain moments of creativity can make us more compassionate educators. What You'll Learn Why boredom and unstructured time are essential ingredients for student creativity. How to help students (and ourselves) become friends with the dark—embracing uncertainty as a path to growth. Why modeling curiosity, reflection, and open-mindedness is one of the most powerful leadership moves. Christy Mandin is the author and illustrator of multiple picture books. She's grown many interesting plants in her garden over the years but, so far, none with teeth or tentacles. She currently lives in Georgia with her husband and four children. Visit Christy online at christymandin.com or Instagram @christymandin Learn more about our amazing show sponsor: Poll Everywhere Keep learning with Shifting Schools.

Tricia Friedman sits down with bestselling author Ryan La Sala for a deep dive into the creative process behind his latest book. Together, they explore how queer horror, artistic design, and emotional literacy intersect to shape stories that resonate with today's readers. La Sala reveals how multiple drafts, layered perspectives, and intentional design choices come together to build a reading experience that's as visual as it is emotional. The conversation highlights how horror can be a vehicle for exploring complex emotions and how queer narratives give young readers language for identity, resilience, and joy. Whether you're a writer, educator, or passionate reader, this episode invites you to see how art and literature ripple outward—helping us process fear, find belonging, and create change. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As mentioned at the top of the episode, connect with Gitane, and follow the amazing work she's doing for us through her free newsletter. Join me through AAIE with The Future of Your Voice --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapters 00:00 Creative Storytelling and Design Elements 02:57 Engaging Young Readers in a Media-Rich World 05:37 Crafting the Perfect Opening Page 08:35 Balancing Horror and Queer Representation 11:08 Writing as a Coping Strategy  

What can monsters, middle-grade fantasy, and community-centered storytelling teach us about the world we live in today? In this episode, Tricia Friedman sits down with New York Times bestselling author Claribel A. Ortega (Witchlings) to explore how fantasy fiction helps young readers navigate identity, belonging, and hope in turbulent times. Ortega shares her creative process—from plotting complex magical worlds to writing on planes during book tours—and reflects on the power of friendship, grief, and imagination as tools for resilience. This episode is perfect for educators, librarians, creative writers, and fans of middle-grade fiction who want to learn how storytelling can mirror society and spark empathy. ⏰ Timestamped Highlights 00:02 – Monster Studies & Modern Mythmaking Tricia introduces the idea of "monster studies" and how the creatures we imagine reflect the cultures that create them. 00:51 – Writing Through Chaos Claribel discusses how writing became her way to channel frustration, community care, and activism during turbulent times. 03:27 – From Pantser to Plotter How a tight outline and collaborative editing process transformed her creative flow — and how she wrote Witchlings: Scepter of Memories in just 38 days. 07:19 – Creativity in Airports and Coffee Shops Claribel explains how she trained herself to write anywhere (even mid-flight) and why she resists being "precious" about her creative rituals. 10:03 – Fandom, Feedback, and Fanfiction Balancing reader expectations while staying true to her creative North Star — and why fanfiction is a beautiful sign of connection. 13:43 – Imagination as a Muscle Advice for aspiring writers: read current books, consume youth culture, live fully, and reconnect with your playful, curious side. 17:23 – Upcoming Projects Claribel reveals her next graphic novel 30 Ways to Kill Your Avatar — an exploration of grief, gaming, and resilience.   Claribel A. Ortega, New York Times bestselling author of Ghost Squad and the Witchlings series, and Pura Belpre and Eisner Award-winning author of the graphic novel Frizzy, is a former reporter who writes middle grade and young adult fantasy inspired by her Dominican heritage. When she's not busy turning her obsession with pop culture, magic, and video games into books, she's co-hosting her podcast Bad Author Book Club and coaching authors on how to navigate publishing. Claribel has been featured on BuzzFeed, NPR, Good Morning America, and Deadline. You can find her on social media at @Claribel_Ortega and on her website at claribelortega.com.   About the Host Tricia Friedman is an educator, podcaster, and digital humanities advocate exploring how creativity, community, and technology intersect. Her shows help educators and leaders reimagine how storytelling, AI literacy, and futures thinking shape learning today. triciafriedman.com  

 Today, a college diploma is no guarantee that graduates have the competencies that businesses need, including using emerging technologies, communicating, working in teams, and other necessary skills. So, it's fair to ask, "Do students really need a college degree"? Brandeis University President, and nationally respected higher education leader and researcher, Arthur Levine has been at the forefront of the changing role of higher education.  Co-author of THE GREAT UPHEAVAL, HIGHER EDUCATIONS PAST PRESENT AND UNCERTAIN FUTURE, Levine argues that in the next 20 years, consumers of higher education will determine what higher education will be, and that every institution will have to change. Today, the United States is undergoing change of even greater magnitude and speed than it did during the Industrial Revolution as it shifts from a national, analog, industrial economy to a global, digital, knowledge economy. At the same time, public confidence in higher education has declined. Threatened by a demographic cliff in most states where fewer students will be graduating from high school over the next 20 years, the increased competition for students means that a larger number of higher education institutions will be closing or merging with other institutions. It is expected that as many as 20 to 25 percent of colleges, particularly liberal arts colleges and comprehensive regional colleges, will close in the coming years. Learn more about The Great Upheaval: New content producers and distributors will enter the higher education marketplace, driving up institutional competition and consumer choice and driving down prices. We are already seeing a proliferation of new postsecondary institutions, organizations and programs that have abandoned key elements of mainstream higher education. These emphasize digital technologies, reject time and place-based education, create low-cost degrees, adopt competency or outcome-based education, and award nontraditional credentials. Increasingly, libraries, museums, media companies and software makers have entered the marketplace, offering content, instruction and certification. Google offers 80 certificate programs and Microsoft has 77. The American Museum of Natural History has its own graduate school, which offers a Ph.D. in comparative biology, a Master of Arts degree in teaching, and short-term online courses that teachers can use for graduate study or professional development credit. The new providers are not only more accessible and convenient, offering a combination of competency- and course-based programs, they are also cheaper and more agile than traditional colleges and universities which will lead to more contraction and closings? This episode is made possible by our partner Poll Everywhere Poll Everywhere's new version makes student engagement faster, simpler, and smarter. With AI-powered poll creation and seamless LMS integration, it's built to transform lectures into truly interactive learning experiences. Try it out today with special promo code '25OFF'

Raghad shares her remarkable journey from Syria to Canada through the Second Chance program. She discusses the challenges of being one of the few students applying to universities abroad from Syria, her initial rejections and waitlists from U.S. universities, and how Second Chance opened new doors for her education and future as a changemaker. Key Topics Discussed The Application Journey from Syria Growing up in Syria with dreams of studying abroad Navigating an unfamiliar application process with no local precedent Working with Dawn Network, a program supporting Syrian women in higher education Selected as one of four girls from across Syria for support Applied to 20 U.S. universities in senior year Discovering Second Chance Introduction to the program as a "late decision" alternative Acceptance as one of 40-45 students from 300 applicants Immediate sense of personal connection and individual recognition Diverse cohort from Africa, Middle East, Russia, and beyond Fast-paced process of informational sessions and applications Ready to learn more about Second Chance? ​​​​​​Every year, brilliant low-income students from around the world risk being left behind — not for lack of talent, but for lack of financial means to accept their college admission offers. Until Second Chance takes action.​​​​​ ​​​​​​ Each April, at the final hour of the admissions cycle, we identify a cohort of extraordinary students and connect them with full scholarships at leading universities worldwide.​​​​​​ https://www.secondchance.global/  

Karam Abboud shares their Second Chance story.   If their story inspires you, consider exploring ways to make even more stories like this a possibility. Learn more: https://www.secondchance.global/   ​​​​​​Every year, brilliant low-income students from around the world risk being left behind — not for lack of talent, but for lack of financial means to accept their college admission offers. Until Second Chance takes action.​​​​​ ​​​​​​ Each April, at the final hour of the admissions cycle, we identify a cohort of extraordinary students and connect them with full scholarships at leading universities worldwide.​​​​​​   Thank you to Oskar Diyali for creating the intro and outro music for this episode.

​​​​​​Every year, brilliant low-income students from around the world risk being left behind — not for lack of talent, but for lack of financial means to accept their college admission offers.  Until Second Chance takes action.​​​​​ ​​​​​​Each April, at the final hour of the admissions cycle, we identify a cohort of extraordinary students and connect them with full scholarships at leading universities worldwide.​​​​​​ On the podcast you get to hear first hand from students who have experienced the mission of Second Chance. This September, we invite you to Step Up for Second Chance, and figure out how you, and your community can support them in helping even more students.   The intro and outro music is composed by Second Chance student  Oskar Diyali .   Learn more: https://www.secondchance.global/    

Second Chance was conceived in 2018 when 60 of the world's best students had their full scholarships revoked by a university at the last moment. ​ Every year, high-achieving, high-need students around the world miss out on university for reasons outside of their control. These students have applied to university, but are not able to access the financial aid they had hoped for. ​ This is where Second Chance comes in. Each year, they identify a cohort of the world's most brilliant students who face financial and other barriers to higher education, who have not gained access to university in the usual application cycle. These students come from the most difficult circumstances worldwide. ​ After April 1, when universities have usually finalized their funding, their team of highly committed, experienced college counselors rapidly place these students at excellent universities around the world, with full scholarships.   Learn more: https://www.secondchance.global/about  

Ruchira Gupta is a writer, feminist campaigner, professor at New York University and founder of the anti-sex-trafficking organization, Apne Aap Women Worldwide. She won the Clinton Global Citizen award in 2009, the Sera Bangali Award in 2012 and an Emmy for outstanding investigative journalism in 1996. She has helped more than twenty thousand girls and women in India exit prostitution systems and her experiences with this work inspired her debut novel I Kick and I Fly. She has also edited As If Women Matter, an anthology of Gloria Steinem's essays, and written manuals on human trafficking for the UN Office for Drugs and Crime. Ruchira divides her time between Delhi and New York. Follow Ruchira at author website:   https://ruchiragupta.com/   Learn more about her new middle grade book: https://www.slj.com/review/the-freedom-seeker    

In this conversation, Leo Trottier discusses the interdisciplinary foundations of Fluent Pet, emphasizing the importance of cognitive science in understanding animal behavior and communication. He explores the emotional connections humans have with their pets and the implications of interspecies communication for animal rights and empathy. The conversation also touches on the future of technology in enhancing communication between species and the role of education in fostering empathy in children through interactions with animals. Chapters 00:00 Interdisciplinary Foundations of Fluent Pet 03:34 Understanding Interspecies Communication 09:11 The Emotional Connection with Pets 13:27 Future Aspirations in Interspecies Communication 17:52 Teaching Empathy Through Animal Interaction 22:29 Exploring the Depth of Animal Communication 25:47 The Future of Animal Rights and Communication Learn more about FluentPet https://fluent.pet/en-ca Learn more about Emily MacLean's new podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1lkuugFdimhfDhdDDOV3X2   Catch Tricia with AAIE this Fall: https://www.aaie.org/leadership-learning/future-foresight-community

In this episode, Tricia Friedman discusses the intersection of AI, personal health, and community engagement through the lens of her experience with vibe coding. She shares a personal anecdote about tracking gut health and how she utilized AI to develop an app that promotes health awareness. The conversation emphasizes the importance of storytelling and empathy in technology, encouraging listeners to explore AI's potential for community building and personal growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI and Personal Anecdotes 02:56 Vibe Coding: Merging Technology with Personal Health 05:45 Community Engagement through AI and Storytelling Wanna connect? tricia@shiftingschools.com

What happens when your teammate isn't human? In this episode, Tricia Friedman explores the rise of AI-powered robotics in sports—from Stephen Curry's new training partner A.B.E. (Automated Basketball Engine) to motivational robot K.I.T.—and why these breakthroughs signal urgent lessons for K12 school leaders. If robots can wear team colors and offer pep talks in the NBA, what does that mean for the classroom, playground, and future of education? This conversation digs into the world of Companion AI, emotional engineering, and what it means for leadership, identity, and belonging. You'll Learn in This Episode: How AI robotics are transforming professional sports and teamwork Why AI companions are already in classrooms—as learning buddies, wellness check-ins, and more What school leaders need to know now about emotional AI and trust Key questions to help educators, parents, and communities prepare for this shift How workshops can help schools move from curiosity to strategy when it comes to AI in education Why It Matters Sports are often the front line for cultural change. As AI companions move from locker rooms to classrooms, leaders face a choice: ignore the shift, or learn to navigate it with intention. The stakes aren't just technological—they're emotional, ethical, and human.   Ready to get your one pager on AI Companions free? Download it today. Reach out to Tricia with questions: Tricia@shiftingschools.com

In this episode, we welcome Dylan Thuras, cofounder and creative director of Atlas Obscura, and Jennifer Swanson, award-winning author and co-host of Solve It for Kids, to talk about their latest book: The Atlas Obscura Explorer's Guide to Inventing the World. Following up on their acclaimed New York Times bestseller The Atlas Obscura Explorer's Guide for the World's Most Adventurous Kid (200,000+ copies sold), this new globe-spanning, STEM-focused guide takes middle-grade readers on a thrilling journey through the 50 most fascinating inventions and scientific discoveries in history. Chapters 00:00 The Ambitious Project Begins 02:52 Exploring the Evolution of Invention 05:56 The Power of Collaboration in Science 08:38 Interdisciplinary Learning and Curiosity 11:30 The Role of Play in Invention 14:23 A New Perspective on Everyday Objects As mentioned at the top of the show, learn more about Learning with Purpose: Authentic Global Citizenship & Community Engagement

In this conversation, Tricia Friedman speaks with Dr. Gauri and Dr. Abhijit Desai about their skincare brand, Brownkind, which focuses on the unique needs of brown skin. They discuss the importance of recognizing and celebrating diverse skin types, the role of education in skincare, and the necessity of creating products specifically for brown skin. The doctors share their journey from frustration in their clinical practice to launching their own line, emphasizing the importance of scientific understanding over trends. They also highlight the need for diversity in dermatology and the significance of collaboration in their work.   Chapters 00:00 The Vision Behind Brownkind 02:38 Understanding Brown Skin Needs 05:29 The Importance of Education in Skincare 08:01 Taking Action: From Frustration to Creation 10:51 Debunking Myths in Skincare 13:25 The Role of Diversity in Dermatology 16:13 Collaboration and Mutual Respect in Business   Learn more https://brownkind.com/  

In this conversation, Tiffany D. Jackson discusses her journey as a writer, the influence of her early experiences with film, the importance of representation in horror and thrillers, the collaborative nature of writing, and the role of research in her creative process. She emphasizes the significance of understanding characters deeply and the impact of her background on her storytelling. Meet the guest: Tiffany D. Jackson is the NYT Bestselling, award-winning author of YA novels Monday's Not Coming, Allegedly, Let Me Hear A Rhyme, Grown, White Smoke, Santa in The City, The Weight of Blood, Marvel's STORM: Dawn of a Goddess and co-author of Blackout and Whiteout. A Coretta Scott King — John Steptoe New Talent Award-winner and the NAACP Image Award-nominee, she received her bachelor of arts in film from Howard University and has over a decade in TV/Film experience. The Brooklyn native is currently splitting her time between the borough she loves and the south, most likely multitasking. Chapters 00:00 The Early Calling of a Writer 02:02 The Influence of Film Studies on Writing 04:40 Trailblazing in Horror and Thrillers 08:46 The Collaborative Nature of Writing 10:43 The Role of Research in Writing 14:54 Writing as a Form of Meditation 16:40 Curiosity and Learning Through Literature Check out Tricia's Futures Literacy online challenge with AAIE: https://www.aaie.org/professional-learning/future-foresight-community