Real Talk Education

In this episode, we’re diving into the dangerous and deliberate removal of nearly 400 books from the U.S. Naval Academy’s library ahead of a visit from the Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth this past Tuesday, April 1, 2025.🎧 We’re unpacking: ✅ What’s really behind this wave of book bans ✅ How this rollback of DEI threatens all marginalized groups—not just Black service members ✅ What the data tells us about current representation in the Navy ✅ Why this anti-DEI wave is a direct attack on Civil Rights-era protections ✅ 6 powerful actions we can all take to fight back📖 Read the full blog post and explore the links mentioned in the podcast.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Mardi Gras is often seen as just a wild party—beads, parades, and celebrations. But what many don’t realize is that Mardi Gras has deep African, Creole, and Black American roots. It’s a tradition born from Black resilience, joy, and resistance.So, in today’s episode, we’re answering:✅ What are the African and Black American influences on Mardi Gras?✅ How have Black communities shaped the celebration, especially in New Orleans?✅ How does Mardi Gras connect to Black resistance, history, and joy?✅ And most importantly—what lessons can we take from Mardi Gras as we continue to fight for justice today?✨ Join the conversation! What are your favorite Mardi Gras traditions? Comment below or tag us on social media!📌 Referenced Resources & Links:🔗 History of Mardi Gras & Black Culture in New Orleans – Smithsonian Magazine🔗 Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club – Official Website🔗 Mardi Gras Indians: The Secret Black History of New Orleans – NPR🔗 The History of Congo Square – New Orleans Historical🔗 Mardi Gras and African Heritage – The Root🔗 The Black Masking Culture of New Orleans – PBS🔗 Why Black History & Mardi Gras Are Intertwined – Washington Post🔗 How the Baby Dolls of Mardi Gras Empower Black Women – The Atlantic🔗 The Skull and Bones Gangs: Mardi Gras Morning’s Wake-Up Call – NOLA.com🔗 New Orleans’ Black Mardi Gras Krewes – Travel Noire🔗 Mardi Gras & the Fight Against Cultural Erasure – The New York TimesHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

We’ve spent February celebrating Black History Month, amplifying Black excellence, addressing the current state of DEI and recognizing the profound impact of Black leaders, innovators, and change-makers. But as the month comes to a close, here’s the real talk—Black history doesn’t end on February 29th.So today, we’re going to talk about:✅ The origins of Black History Month—Why it was created in the first place.✅ Why celebrating Black history year-round is essential—and the dangers of only limiting it to February.✅ How educators, parents, and communities can uplift Black history all year long.If you’re ready to move beyond performative celebrations and make Black history an everyday commitment, then this episode is for you.📌 Referenced Resources & Links for Show Notes🔗 The Origins of Black History Month – Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)🔗 Carter G. Woodson & the Evolution of Black History Month – Smithsonian Magazine🔗 Why Black History Should Be Taught Year-Round – EdWeek🔗 The Role of Black Educators in U.S. History – National Education Association🔗 Black History in STEM: Scientists and Innovators You Should Know – NASA🔗 The Importance of Black History Beyond February – NPR🔗 How Parents Can Advocate for Black History in Schools – PBS🔗 Resources for Teaching Black History Year-Round – Teaching Tolerance🔗 The Whitewashing of Black History in Schools – The Atlantic🔗 Why Black History Month Matters More Than Ever – The New York TimesHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Public school hiring in 2025 is under attack. With new political restrictions on DEI, merit-based hiring shifts, and increased scrutiny on educators, schools are struggling to hire diverse and experienced teachers. In this episode of the Real Talk Education Podcast, we break down: ✔️ How political changes are reshaping public school hiring✔️ The biggest challenges for teachers, administrators, and parents this hiring season✔️ Actionable strategies to protect fair and diverse hiring practicesAs Trump-era policies roll back DEI and shift hiring toward "merit-based" models, educators and communities face a critical fight for equity in public schools. With increased federal oversight on hiring, threats to funding, and legal restrictions, who gets to teach—and how they’re hired—is more political than ever.📌 Referenced Resources & Links:🔗 https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-education-department-and-the-kkk-history-nativism-31dedf8f🔗 https://reason.com/2023/01/23/the-kkks-push-for-a-federal-education-department/🔗 https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2025/02/what-does-the-department-of-education-actually-do/681597/🔗 https://undpress.nd.edu/9780268041106/the-department-of-education-battle-1918-1932/🔗 https://www.propublica.org/article/how-trumps-administration-is-gutting-education-research🔗 https://www.nctq.org/blog/How-Black-Teachers-Make-a-Difference🔗 https://whyy.org/articles/the-role-model-effect-of-black-teachers/🔗 https://ed.unc.edu/2023/02/the-power-of-a-black-teacher/🔗 https://nonprofitquarterly.org/why-black-teachers-matter/🔗 https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/role-unions-protecting-public-school-teachers 🔥 If you care about the future of education, this is a MUST-LISTEN episode. Share this episode with your network and let’s fight for equitable hiring in public schools!🎧 Listen & Subscribe:🔹 Apple Podcasts | 🔹 Spotify | 🔹 Google Podcasts | 🔹 AmazonHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

📢 Did you know that the push for a federal Department of Education was originally backed by the Ku Klux Klan?Yes, you read that right. In the 1920s, the KKK pushed for a federal education department to enforce cultural homogeneity and racial exclusion. But over time, education policy transformed—from being a tool of oppression to a pillar of civil rights and equity in America.Now, history is repeating itself. Trump and his allies are working to dismantle the Department of Education, rolling back civil rights protections, gutting federal oversight, and leaving public schools vulnerable to political control.🔥 In this must-listen episode, we break it all down:✅ The shocking history of the Department of Education’s KKK-backed origins✅ How federal education policy evolved to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion✅ Why Trump’s plan to abolish the DOE is a direct threat to public schools & marginalized students✅ How YOU can take action to defend Black history, DEI, and public education💡 Without federal oversight, states with long histories of discrimination could roll back hard-fought civil rights protections in education. This fight is about more than schools—it’s about democracy.So grab your earbuds, turn up the volume, and let’s get into it.Episode Resources: The Wall Street Journal: "The Education Department and the KKK"https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-education-department-and-the-kkk-history-nativism-31dedf8fReason Magazine: "The KKK's Push for a Federal Education Department"https://reason.com/2023/01/23/the-kkks-push-for-a-federal-education-department/University of Notre Dame Press: "The Department of Education Battle, 1918-1932"https://undpress.nd.edu/9780268041106/the-department-of-education-battle-1918-1932/Britannica: "U.S. Department of Education"https://www.britannica.com/topic/US-Department-of-EducationThe Atlantic: "What Does the Department of Education Actually Do?"https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2025/02/what-does-the-department-of-education-actually-do/681597/These sources provide detailed insights into the historical context and evolution of the U.S. Department of Education.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

As Black History Month begins, the battle over Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in schools is intensifying. With political attacks against DEI initiatives growing—led by Trump and other conservative leaders—educators, students, and communities must be prepared to resist efforts to erase Black history and marginalized voices from classrooms.In this episode of Real Talk Education, we’ll break down:✅ How DEI programs are being dismantled in education and beyond✅ The misinformation fueling opposition to Black history in schools✅ Actionable strategies to defend inclusive education in the face of resistanceIt’s time for real talk—because our history isn’t up for debate.Additional Episode Resources:Real Talk Edu Episode #25: Top 3 Strategies to Effectively Fight Misinformation in SchoolsNBC News: Political Attacks on DEI ProgramsThe Independent: Trump’s Criticism of DEIForbes: 3 Popular DEI Myths DebunkedYW Boston: DEI Myths Debunked So, pop in your earbuds or crank up your speakers—it’s time for some Real Talk about the future of DEI and the importance of Black History Month in our schools.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of Real Talk Education, we analyze the historical parallels between Adolf Hitler’s rise to power and Donald Trump’s planned first-day executive actions. From “Draining the Swamp” rhetoric to targeting marginalized groups, we explore how Jim Crow laws inspired the Nuremberg Laws and how echoes of authoritarian tactics are resurfacing today. Discover actionable steps for educators, parents, and communities to protect democracy and resist authoritarianism.Episode Resources:How Hitler Dismantled a Democracy in 53 Days - By: Timothy Ryback Trump to order 'national energy emergency,' eliminate federal DEI, define gender: ABC News How the Nazis Were Inspired by Jim Crow: History ChannelHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of Real Talk Education, we dive into the striking contrast between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of justice and equality and the policies associated with Donald Trump’s presidency and Agenda 47. As Trump’s inauguration coincides with MLK Day in 2025, we discuss what this means for America’s moral and social direction. Discover practical actions educators, students, parents, and communities can take to uphold Dr. King’s legacy, protect progress, and promote justice in schools and beyond. Join us for a powerful conversation on why “the time is always right to do what is right".Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Explore strategies for educators to create supportive, inclusive classrooms after the election. Discover practical solutions for fostering respect, empathy, and civil discourse in your school community post-election. Resources:For a complete list of strategies to help your students and colleagues post-election, check out our blog post. Parent Email Templates can also be found in the blog post. Be sure to subscribe to the Real Talk Education Podcast and never miss an episode! We also would greatly appreciate a positive review to help spread our EduGladiators mission to create a new era of education by having “real talk” that inspire real action for all students!  Plus share this episode with your #pln so they too may continue to grow in their craft and advocacy for students.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The topic of race and racial discrimination continues to remain a pressing issue in modern society particularly in schools for both students, teachers and leaders. As discussions surrounding racism and microaggressions become more prevalent, it is crucial for white people to not only participate in these conversations but also to be comfortable with the inevitable discomfort that comes with them. It’s time to have some “real talk” about embracing discomfort and empowering white allies in the fight against racism in our schools and districts.   In this episode, we will be exploring: The importance of white allies being comfortable with being uncomfortable when discussing topics like microaggressions, racism, and discrimination against Black people in the workplace. Tips and resources for white allies to better understand the Black experience and strengthen their allyship. Practical actions white allies can take to help create a truly inclusive work environment that supports and uplifts Black colleagues. Join me as we navigate these critical conversations, and together, learn how we can break down barriers and champion change in our schools for both our amazing educators, leaders and ultimately, our students. Let's get started!"    Be sure to subscribe to the Real Talk Education Podcast and never miss an episode! We also would greatly appreciate a positive review to help spread our EduGladiators mission to create a new era of education by having “real talk” that inspire real action for all students!  Plus share this episode with your #pln so they too may continue to grow in their craft and advocacy for students. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, better known as MLK Day.  Many people will post their favorite MLK quote. Some white allies will even join in marches around the country remembering the legacy of Dr. King, usually quoting from his  "I Have A Dream"speech. Today is often filled with remembrance, but in too many spaces and places just more talk. It’s time to have some “real talk” about the misuse of Dr. King’s quotes as it pertains to moving the needle to anti-racist schools and communities.  We all can learn so much if we examine Dr. King’s legacy which unapologetically embraced action to create equity  moving from “more talk” to “real talk”. In this episode you will learn: How MLK Quotes are used to undermine his legacy. The difference between “more talk” and “real talk”. Tips to move from awareness to action on MLK day and beyond. 📝Explore the show notes for resources mentioned in today’s episode. Be sure to subscribe to the Real Talk Education Podcast and never miss an episode! We also would greatly appreciate a positive review to help spread our EduGladiators mission to create a new era of education by having “real talk” that inspire real action for all students!  Plus share this episode with your #pln so they too may continue to grow in their craft and advocacy for students. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Injuries are a common occurrence in sports, especially in the NFL where players can be seriously injured in front of a large audience. This was the case for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who collapsed on the field during a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on January 2, 2023. It was immediately clear that this was a serious and potentially life-threatening situation. Athletic trainers and paramedics worked feverishly to stabilize Hamlin on the field before transporting him to the hospital. Fortunately, at the time of this recording, Hamlin is making a miraculous recovery.  This particular incident has brought to the forefront the question of safety for football players and athletes in general from the professional level all the way down to K12.   It’s time to have some “real talk” about how important it is for schools to prioritize the safety of their athletes and have a comprehensive support plan in place to prevent and address any injuries that may occur.  In this episode we will discuss how to protect our student athletes to help you advocate and or review, depending on your current role in education, current practices in your district.   📝 Show Notes LINK 📲 Be sure to subscribe to the Real Talk Education Podcast and never miss an episode!  💚 We also would greatly appreciate a positive review to help spread our EduGladiators mission to create a new era of education by having “real talk” that inspire real action for all students!  Plus share this episode with your #pln so they too may continue to grow in their craft and advocacy for students. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

During the Christmas season, many people around the world celebrate the holidays and traditions of their respective religions. While the specifics of these celebrations may vary widely, there are a few general principles that can help you to respectfully and thoughtfully participate in the holiday traditions of others as well as teach your students to do the same. It’s time to have some “real talk” about ways we can teach our students about the different traditions and major world religious holidays celebrated during Christmas to create a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment during the holiday season.  By learning about and understanding the diverse holiday traditions of the people around us, we can create a more inclusive and understanding community that cancels the “December Dilemia”. The tips discussed in this episode can also be applied after students return from Winter Break too. In this episode you will learn: How the major world religions celebrate during the Christmas Season. Ways to embrace cultural and religious differences during the Christmas season. Inclusive classroom strategies to foster an even greater sense of community in your students. FREE Resource: Download our FREE Cultural Activity Planning Checklist here. Be sure to subscribe to the Real Talk Education Podcast and never miss an episode! We also would greatly appreciate a positive review to help spread our EduGladiators mission to create a new era of education by having “real talk” that inspire real action for all students!  Plus share this episode with your #pln so they too may continue to grow in their craft and advocacy for students.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

For over a decade, Twitter has provided teachers and leaders a transformational space to build their professional learning communities, exchange lesson ideas, find out what’s going on in schools around the country, build successful side gigs, and be inspired by other educators.  Since billionaire Elon Musk purchased the platform in October 2022, many educators are grappling if they should stay or leave the platform. It’s time to have some “real talk” about the impact of Twitter’s new rules, or lack thereof, led by Elon Musk that affects the user experience particularly of BIPOC and Pride educators.  Plus we will share our decision if Twitter is still a viable platform for our EduGladiators weekly Twitter chat. What you will learn in this episode: How to determine if a social media platform is in alignment to your brand values. What the hesitation to leave Twitter might imply regarding educators' commitment to DEI. Ways to build community outside of a social media platform. Additional Resources: Social Media Audit FREE Download Email List Building Tips FREE Download Join the EduGladiators Newsletter HERE! Be sure to subscribe to the Real Talk Education Podcast and never miss an episode! We also would greatly appreciate a positive review to help spread our mission to create a new era of education by having “real talk” that inspire real action for all students!  Plus share this episode with your #pln so they too may continue to grow in their craft and advocacy for students.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

November is Native American Heritage Month with the goal of celebrating the rich and diverse cultures and traditions of Native Americans. November is also the perfect time to correctly educate our students and school communities on the full histories, important contributions, and the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways indigenous people have worked to conquer these challenges. It’s time to have some “real talk” about the misinformation that continues to be taught in too many of our schools, effectively reducing the contributions of Native Americans to Thanksgiving and implementing a comprehensive approach on teaching the truth about Native Americans year round. What you will learn in this episode: How to create an Indigenous Land Acknowledgment statement.  Additional resources to help you expand your understanding of Native American experiences. How to become an ally of indigenous people. Be sure to subscribe to the Real Talk Education Podcast and never miss an episode! We also would greatly appreciate a positive review to help spread our EduGladiators mission to create a new era of education by having “real talk” that inspire real action for all students!  Plus share this episode with your #pln so they too may continue to grow in their craft and advocacy for studentsHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The blockbuster hit, ‘Black Panther’, may be set in the fictional afro-centric world of Wakanda, but the movie’s power of boosting diversity in STEM careers is very real.  According to the United States Department of Commerce, 7 out of 10 STEM positions in the US are held by white, non-Latinx people. Black, Native American, and Latinx (any race) workers are half as likely to hold STEM positions compared to the overall workforce. It’s time to have some “real talk” about how representation absolutely matters and the impact positive, Black role models on the big screen has in changing the mindsets of Black students and their teachers in what can be achieved as a minority in our country. What you will learn in this episode: Hidden superpower of the ‘Black Panther” franchise. Impact of Black STEM career role models Strategies to increase diversity in STEM Be sure to subscribe to the Real Talk Education Podcast and never miss an episode! We also would greatly appreciate a positive review to help spread our EduGladiators mission to create a new era of education by having “real talk” that inspire real action for all students!  Plus share this episode with your #pln so they too may continue to grow in their craft and advocacy for students.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

As we think about eradicating the barriers of occupational hierarchy of our BIPOC students, we have to identify drivers and access points in our college and career readiness practices that subconsciously reinforce the pathways of these barriers. Equity work is complex. It is time to have some “real talk” about how eradicating occupational hierarchy for our BIPOC students requires us as EduGladiators to assess our own personal awareness and knowledge gaps of systemic racism in our school practice, culture and operations. What you will learn in this episode: How unconscious bias of educators impacts career expectations of BIPOC students. 3 key areas that can help schools and districts accurately diagnose problematic college and career readiness practices. Guiding questions to support data collection around these 3 key areas to ensure equitable, diverse and inclusive environments for all students. Grab your copy of 10 Perspectives on Equity in Education to read the full piece - “Being More Than "The Help"” Be sure to subscribe to the Real Talk Education Podcast and never miss an episode! We also would greatly appreciate a positive review to help spread our EduGladiators mission to create a new era of education by having “real talk” that inspire real action for all students!  Plus share this episode with your #pln so they too may continue to grow in their craft and advocacy for students.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Allies are a critical piece for moving the needle of making our schools for students and staff more diverse, equitable, and inclusive; however, when faced with action steps that includes addressing one’s own biases, microaggressions and discriminatory behavior, DEI allies quickly revert to problematic responses to their fragility. It’s time to have some “real talk” about how to be a true DEI ally, de-centering discomfort to move from awareness rhetoric to visible action to create safe, inclusive schools for diverse students, teachers and leaders. What you will learn in this episode: Impact of unconscious bias. Strategies to mitigate white centering. How to be an effective DEI ally. Be sure to subscribe to the Real Talk Education Podcast and never miss an episode! We also would greatly appreciate a positive review to help spread our EduGladiators mission to create a new era of education by having “real talk” that inspire real action for all students!  Plus share this episode with your #pln so they too may continue to grow in their craft and advocacy for students.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

It’s time to have some “real talk” about why districts are struggling with recruiting and retaining diverse staff.  Having a diverse teacher and leadership workforce is critical, yet, few districts have achieved the goal of building a teaching workforce that looks like its students. In today’s episode, we will uncover challenges to your school or district DEI recruiting and retention efforts including the impact of the “Black Tax” plus tips to address these challenges. There is no debate that recruiting and retaining teachers of color is essential. According to a summary of the research by the Learning Policy Institute, all students, including white students, benefit from having teachers of color.  In fact, in one study, students rank teachers of color higher than white teachers on multiple measures, including feeling cared for and academically challenged resulting in student academic gains. Moreover, research shows students of color do better academically and are more likely to graduate high school and go to college if some of their teachers look like them. Check out our show notes for our specific DEI Recruitment & Retention Strategies from this episode.  Be sure to subscribe to the Real Talk Education Podcast and never miss an episode! We also would greatly appreciate a positive review to help spread our EduGladiators mission to create a new era of education by having “real talk” that inspire real action for all students!  Plus share this episode with your #pln so they too may continue to grow in their craft and advocacy for students.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

It’s time to have some “real talk” about the elephant in the room or for some listeners, the boardroom - misinformation.  Plus I will share tips to fight back against misinformation about our schools, students and curriculum! This particular podcast episode corresponds to the EduGladiators Twitter chat for October 22, titled “Debunking Misinformation” which aligns to our October theme -  “Unapologetic DEI”. Be sure to subscribe to the Real Talk Education Podcast and never miss an episode! We also would greatly appreciate a positive review to help spread our EduGladiators mission to create a new era of education by having “real talk” that inspire real action for all students!  Plus share this episode with your #pln so they too may continue to grow in their craft and advocacy for students.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.