EWBpod - Educating While Black Podcast

On this episode from @ewbpod, Mahlon (@SuperMahrio) and Adrian (@adrian_rollins - twitter // @adrian.rollins - instagram) reflect on Adrian's dual-career life; first as a professional cricketer and then as a highly regarded leader in education. Adrian's familial links to both sports and education give a good window into understanding how he entered both professions and how he has used his identity to push the narrative about expectations and realities wider than sometimes considered. This is further interrogated when looking the relationship between representations (and perceptions) of professional sports, as often given to young Black students, and the importance of the value of education to a successful career. We explore our experiences of workplace policies that deal with racism by denying its claims in the first place (typically before attempting to removing the complainants as punishment). Throughout the conversation we delve into moments where community and self determination have been instrumental as supports for Adrian. These highlight moments of his own growth in character and stature, but also give good insight into how to ensure that one's next steps build upon previous experience.

On this episode from @ewbpod, Mahlon (@SuperMahrio) and Matthew (@callmemrmorris - twitter // @matthewrmorris - instagram) have an illuminating and reflective conversation about how identity intersects with and shapes experiences - particularly of Black men within the educational landscape. During the conversation, Matthew provides countless examples of being intentional and contemplative in making decisions, as well as working with the effects of them - In particular, thinking about how those decisions would impact the representation he would be providing for others. Similarly, we trade stories of receiving blatant racial disrespect and the cognitive and emotional taxation involved in having to hold the whole experience together for both parties (and others who bear witness). The conversation takes us to critiquing the systemic and institutional narratives promoted about those who are appointed to, and serving in roles that influence systems beyond individual classrooms or schools. Our mutual observations serve to show how similar our experience of 'progressive' education has been over the last decade, despite having experiences in two geographically different educational systems. Throughout, we wrestle with and critique navigating the narrow and often oppositional expectations given to Black people about who they should aspire to be. We consider the role Black educators have in the representation as well as protection of identities, through modelling vulnerability and authenticity as acts of rebellion and freedom from these binaries.

On this episode from @ewbpod, Mahlon (@SuperMahrio) and Jason Bradshaw (@JBradshaw01) have a brilliant conversation about how the spectrum of Blackness expands far beyond the extremities its often given by both Black and non-Black people alike. Right from the start, we talk about Jason's love for both science and science fiction in particular. We talk about how these interests led him to study science for his undergrad degree, but that same passion for science fiction has at points been presented as a 'non-stereotypical' thing for Black men to be involved in. We talk about how reflecting on this is in part what formed his decision to teach in the area that he himself was educated and the demographic changes he's seen from his own time as a student to now. We also talk about how limiting and dangerous stereotypes are, with both Jason and Mahlon sharing stories of students either being streamed out of academic qualifications, with their parents being presented with partial or no information about the direction that would take their child going forward. In parting, Jason speaks powerfully about how stereotypes damage on both sides...something that cannot be said enough. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, Anchor and Google Podcasts. ⠀ #ewbpod #blackpodcast #streotypes #blackboyjoy #blackinstem #blackinstemed #blackstudents #blacktober #blackteachersofinstagram #blackontario #blackinscience

On this episode from @ewbpod, Mahlon (@SuperMahrio) and Dr Melissa Wilson (@Drawn2Intellect) have a blast talking about the ways in which the work of anti-oppression is both beneficial for our immediate selves and is at the same time, bigger than us. In a different direction from other podcasts that Dr. Wilson has been on - she is a regular guest on the equally awesome 'Anti-Racist Educator Reads' podcast series - the format of EWB allowed for a more personal and reflective conversation that spans the amassed wealth of experience and knowledge to date. We have a great discussion about how we are the beneficiaries of our ancestors and that we are best when collaborative. The conversation widens to consider the importance of recognising that stepping back isn't stepping away, as whatever was built can always be rebuilt and further expanded upon.  We critique the specifics and the undertaking of the EDI and Justice 'educator' role and the internal and intra-group conflicts that this can bring about. We also reflect on moments where we as Black folk can be mindful of not furthering the marginalisation or harm of other oppressed identities when we ourselves speak up on (typically more than) our behalf. 🎧 Listen to the Anti-Racist Educator Reads Podcast series here: https://voiced.ca/project/anti-racist-educator-reads/ ⠀ #ewbpod #blackpodcast #humanresources #pastoral #teachers #blackstudents #blacklives #educator #education #teacherlife #educatorlife #equality #justice #teachersofinstagram #blackculture #blackexcellence #teacher #blackbritish #blackeducators #youngblackeducators #bame #teachercoach #antiracisteducation #antibiaseducation #socialjusticeeducation #blackstudentsmatter #representationmatters #blackPHDs

On this episode from @ewbpod, Mahlon (@SuperMahrio) and Cleon (@inperspectiveuk) have an overdue redo of what would have been EWB's first conversation! Honing in on Cleon's interest in coaching and development, we talk about how early career exposure to this, (via a HR role in the police service) left him dissatisfied with the focus being on procedural compliance over personal development. The impact of this would influence his work in youth development more broadly. We consider how undertaking the role of Head of Behaviour in a Black body is a complex navigation of working within the confines of policies while at the same time trying to expand its often narrow confines. We also look back at a number of moments, (including some of shared experience) from different perspectives and reason with the understanding of how institutional non-racist vs anti-racist approaches result in different outcomes for all involved.

On this episode from @ewbpod, Mahlon (@SuperMahrio) and Craig (@MrCunninghamEDU) have an intersectional conversation about their experiences in the classroom. We talk about how going into teaching for Craig was a bit of an inevitable career choice, despite the length of time he was able put it off for (according to his family) and the uncertainty of it being a welcoming space based on own school experiences. We also explore the intersection of characteristics that are more and less visible and how being both Black and gay can play out professionally and personally in educative spaces. A conversation about how data can be used far beyond tracking the academic attainment of students, reveals some of the reasons behind Craig leaving mainstream education to go into leadership of vulnerable learners as part of the 'Difference Leaders Programme'. We consider what it would mean to track data from an equity and inclusion lens and reflect on times where 'going back to the data' and 'asking it different questions' has redistributed the responsibility of actions and consequences for students and teachers. This episode reminds us that we are all on a journey.

On this episode from @ewbpod, Mahlon (@SuperMahrio) and Karl (@actionheroteacher) have a wide ranging conversation about education. We talk Karl's reflections that led him to write his book Action Hero Teacher - the angle of which was intentionally written for teachers, 'in a friendly voice that would give them practical, no BS help that would make the difference in their teaching career'. Click here to check out more of about Karl's reflection of that book two years on. We engage in a conversation about the history and utility of education; the unhelpful flattening of racial groups termed as 'BAME' and 'white'; how Black people are disproportionately on guard in the work place, and; the difference in how anti-Black racism plays out for men vs women. This is rounded off by analysis of how the ground swell movement from many after the deaths of, in particular, George Floyd in 2020 can also be charted in the UK, as well as the predictable ebb and flow of interest, even despite the refrains that, 'this time will be different'.   Get into this really casual, yet very analytical chat with two Black men in education who have a lot to say about both. Learn more about Karl and his work, here - https://www.actionheroteacher.com

On this episode from @ewbpod, Mahlon (@SuperMahrio) and Manny (@Mannyawo) have an EXTENDED conversation about the legacy of the education system inherited by the previous generation as well as the hopes of correcting some of the harmful impacts endured throughout their own. We talk about how structural racism and discrimination are ever present in the education system and how pattern spotting - being something that all educators are trained to do - can reveal a very different sequence of events when an equity/justice lens is placed over it. We explore critical moments of our educational experience including a teacher explicitly volunteering a hierarchical view of Black diaspora as a means of endearment after passing a GCSE and where the structural system of racism upholds teachers who are able to lie on students, cause chaos and irreversible trajectories and not be held accountable. It is a brilliant and blunt episode that explores and explains why more engagement in understanding and recalling experiences of the education system is crucial to the advancement of Black students going forward.

On this episode from @ewbpod, Mahlon (@SuperMahrio) and Mekel (@MekelHomer) have a conversation about the identity in education and how it shapes interactions and long term experiences. We talk about the impact of being a man, working with infants - who we as a society teach to be wary of strange and unfamiliar men; the use of self to illustrate life examples of similarities and difference to showcase a variety of Black experiences, and; leaning into identity to build and maintain rapport with students in order to influence how they see themselves. We also discuss how being secure in identities of self help when navigating both in and out-group community expectations, and how students note the integrity of both words and actions even when the assumption is that it is enough to not do or say anything that is explicitly harmful. Podcast music - Mitsubachi by Smith The Mister https://smiththemister.bandcamp.com

On this episode from @ewbpod, Mahlon (@SuperMahrio) and Chantelle (IG - @Chantelle38 / 🐦 - @_ChanRaq) have a conversation that is as much a journey of self reflection as it is one that is a reflection of working within the education system at various levels. We talk about reflections of working with students throughout their educational career, including encouraging young boys to cry as a means of expression, (as opposed to suppressing it and then sanctioning other associated expressions) and how the experience of simply trying to get through university as a BAME student can cause one not take notice of the surrounding environment. We discuss how the nature of institutional racism can play out in school setting where its minimised to 'casual exchange' about a wedding, to the more insidious nature of how when educational institutions are treated as businesses it can have pervasive implications for how they deal with their commitments to inclusion, diversity and equity. Podcast music - Mitsubachi by Smith The Mister https://smiththemister.bandcamp.com

On this episode from @ewbpod, Mahlon (@SuperMahrio) and Jess (IG - @JessOddy) reminisce on the experience of university, (both formally and informally) and how that informed the decision to pursue different paths within education as a profession. We talk about the colonialist confines of being educated in 'Russell Group' universities and the need to really understand what you want to study as much as where; the decision to leave education in the UK to pursue International Development, and; the reflections of being the darkest person in the room despite identifying as Black-Mixed Race and using privilege of position to redress the balance of who gets to make the decisions on who gets educated. The conversation includes many reflections on the 'same same, but different' experiences of racism in all its forms. Namely how the experience in the international arena (that is often hidden or obscured behind language or 'customary' ways of working), rings familiar for the more localised explanations and distractions or racism that are experienced by educators and professionals in their settings. Read Jess's recent article on Talking about Race, Power, and Privilege in the Education in Emergencies Sector here

Trigger warning: This episode speaks about La-Keshia's past witnessing of violent language and physical actions involving Black students. On this episode from @ewbpod, Mahlon (@SuperMahrio) and La-Keshia (IG - @She_Writes86) have a conversation about the importance of growing one's own personal power of self validation. ⠀ We talk about the 'night and day' impact of being recognised by leadership and the permission it gives others to also 'see you'; the often dumbfounded responses to exceeding or existing outside of the narrow expectations of 'type' and 'fit', and; how triggering experiences for Black educators are dealt with by those who perceive it to be a 'choice' of reaction. The conversation includes the multiple hat identities that are worn when teaching, whilst also parenting within the very same system. We further unpick an approach to leadership that is all about opening doors and bringing others up to the same level and beyond.

On this episode from @ewbpod, Mahlon (@SuperMahrio) and Ish (@madre_ejima) have a conversation about the lessons learned from having many different roles in the development and experience of school students. ⠀ We talk about formative experiences of picking up on the acute needs of students with learning barriers; the interventionist approaches taken to support students in the face of school policies and navigating conversations with parents about having wider expectations of their children. The conversation goes into speaking about how setting boundaries for adult friendships is important for preventing harm - especially to one’s own children - and the situations where some students are goaded into behaving in a manner that they are harshly punished for, but at a rate that is inconsistent with others who behave in the same way.

On this episode from @ewbpod, Mahlon (@SuperMahrio) and Genna (@gengenics) have a conversation about finding a place of comfort and contentment in the world in an education. ⠀ We talk about a decision to throw caution to the wind by upping sticks and moving to Qatar and the confirmation of self, skill and conviction to education that the experience gave. We also touch on the decision to only pursue roles that were of interest, leading to a conscious decision to take up non-teaching pastoral roles. The conversation also gives light to the positive aspect of using identity to educate others as well as the impact of immersing, while forming ones own cultural identity into new and unfamiliar spaces.

On this episode from @ewbpod, Mahlon (@SuperMahrio) and Susan (@MsSkyers - 🐦) have a conversation about getting hip to the ‘game’ of whiteness after having a childhood free of its direct existence/impact. We talk about the ‘appearance’ of happiness being more important than it actually being felt; experiences that began to reveal notions of Britishness, and; what to take from being told by the principal that your career progression within the school wasn’t considered or planned for. The conversation also reflects on having a view of self without a ‘Black’ prefix to it and understanding how pervasive anti-Black racism is, based on the responses received from calling it out in the first place. Follow @EWBPod on Instagram & Twitter.

On this episode from @ewbpod, Mahlon (@SuperMahrio) and Jess (@HelloJessBoyd) have a conversation about taking steps to develop yourself, for yourself. ⠀ We talk about the reflections from two early experiences that involved exposure to new cultural settings both at home and abroad and how these reimagined a 'career' as pursuing a meaningful vocation. The conversation also looks at the choices and compromises that teachers who have young families are often made to make and the importance of developing your own support network who reinforces your own sense of self to see you through difficult challenges.

On this episode from @ewbpod, Mahlon (@SuperMahrio) and Steph (@Badass.Shaldas) have a conversation about possessing enough discernment to appreciate the difference between knowing 'your sh--' and 'you're sh--'. ⠀ We discuss how diversity *is* a hireable competency, the need to be pragmatic and flexible enough to absorb from those and that which surrounds you and how even when in possession of a strong sense of identity & a clear track record, imposter syndrome can still seek to derail. Embracing Blackness and knowing that it can't (and shouldn't) be hidden reduces its ability to be used as a weapon - one can't expose something that has already been accepted and willingly put out there. Having a good sense of self reduces the power that self-doubt and discomfort can have in being tools of distraction that prevent you from getting where you're seeking to go.

On this episode from @ewbpod, Mahlon (@SuperMahrio) and Jo (@Jo_Sa_Pheen) geek out on all this history teaching (while Black). ⠀ We discuss our initial reactions to meeting each other as Black educators in similar positions of leadership, the navigation of being 'the face' of history education for other professionals and parents alike and the political nature of constructing narratives of the past. Reflections on past experiences are always subject to interpretation and revision. Being able to look back and pull out the lessons learned from them are great reminders of overarching purpose and useful when deciding on which battles to fight and when.

On this episode from @ewbpod, Mahlon @SuperMahrio and Jess @JessAndohThayre discuss what it means to pop up in different countries across the globe and leave having learned as much from the experience as was formally taught in classrooms.⠀ ⠀ We discuss what temporary immersion into a host culture looks like, the reflective learning taken from 'third culture' children and the importance of promoting representation while resisting buying into the belief that there is conversation fatigue on racial matters in education. Navigating spaces identifying as mixed-race/bi-racial makes for a nuanced POV and appreciation of how we see ourselves vs how others see us, it's not always a choice of two-binaries.⠀

On this episode from @ewbpod, Mahlon (@SuperMahrio) and Yansé (@CooperYanse) recount moments on the journey of growing into radicalism.  We talk about having integrity in ones own actions and the blatant hypocrisy of a system that creates and upholds a sense of those who deserve empathy in times of misfortune vs those whose misfortune is weaponised against them. Having access to people who can provide space to both escape to and be vulnerable with, (while maintaining accountability) highlights the importance of seeking community to weather the growing pains associated with finding our optimal environment to thrive.