Be a Better Ally: Critical Conversations for K12 Educators

Tricia Friedman

What does real allyship look like in a classroom, a staff room, a school community?

Be a Better Ally helps K-12 teachers and school leaders build inclusive classrooms where every student feels they belong — without slogans, scripts, or shame. Host Tricia Friedman (Director of Shifting Schools) sits down with the authors, researchers, and educators shaping these conversations to explore student identity, belonging, school culture, media literacy, and the digital lives of young people.

Each episode leaves you with something to try, question, or read next. 280+ episodes of critical conversations for anyone who believes schools should be places where everyone gets to become themselves.

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#370
Wednesday · 25 min
Surviving Mars: What Astronaut Resilience Teaches Us About Human Limits (with Dr. Mark Shelhamer)
What happens to the human mind and body when Earth is reduced to a pale blue dot millions of miles away ? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mark Shelhamer, professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and former Chief Scientist for NASA's Human Research Program . Drawing from his career studying human adaptation and his upcoming book, Are We Ready for Mars?, Dr. Shelhamer reveals why sending people to the Red Planet is far more than an engineering problem —it is a profound test of psychological resilience, autonomous teamwork, and human flexibility . From dealing with communication delays to coping with the "Earth-out-of-view effect," he breaks down why surviving the unexpected in deep space requires a generalist mindset, deep curiosity, and the willingness to take calculated risks . In this episode, you'll discover: From Pacemakers to Spaceflight: How Dr. Shelhamer transitioned from biomedical engineering to heading NASA's Human Research Program . The "Earth-Out-of-View" Effect: What happens psychologically when astronauts realize rescue is impossible and they are truly on their own . Building Real Resilience: Why the greatest challenge on long-duration missions isn't the hardware, but behavioral health, performance, and interpersonal collaboration . The Triumph of the Generalist: Why cultivating broad interests—including music and drumming—powers innovation and calculated risk-taking in high-stakes environments . Lessons for Earth: How structuring flexible support networks and embracing the unexpected can help anyone manage high-stress environments . Featured Guest: Dr. Mark Shelhamer – Johns Hopkins University Professor, Former Chief Scientist of the NASA Human Research Program, and author of Are We Ready for Mars? https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/54095/are-we-ready-mars?srsltid=AYCX9vI5VRZYm6vBXEC57Sm5dDn3rUbfs00bBWpjPeDoQiEOqdit3Lcf
#369
October 22 · 24 min
Sharon Cameron: The Hidden Musical Rhythm of Storytelling
Award-winning author Sharon Cameron joins the podcast to discuss her novel, Up from the Ashes . Sharon shares her meticulous process of creating "dramatized reality" by working closely with the family of her real-life subjects, Hyman and Selma, to honor their legacy with accuracy and respect . She also opens up about the messy reality of the creative process, how her background as a musician influences the rhythm of her sentences, and why a lifelong love of The Lord of the Rings taught her that ordinary people hold the power to change the world . In This Episode, We Cover: The Weight and Joy of Research: How Sharon balances the devastating realities of Holocaust research with the profound joy and resilience found in real families' stories . "Dramatized Reality": The ethical responsibility of writing about real historical figures and the importance of building a common vision with their descendants . The Messy Creative Process: Why writers must give themselves permission to write terrible first drafts, and Sharon's need to isolate and fully immerse herself to find the story . Musical Storytelling: How Sharon's background in music and teaching translates into the pacing, swelling, and emotional rhythm of her writing . The Power of the Ordinary: How reading fantasy literature as a child instilled the core belief that ordinary people are not powerless—a theme deeply woven into Up from the Ashes . Books & Resources Mentioned: Up from the Ashes by Sharon Cameron The Other Bennet Sister (A Jane Austen spin-off Sharon is currently reading for lighter fare) The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien (Which Sharon estimates she has read nearly 50 times) Traditional polyphonic folk music from a men's choir in the country of Georgia https://sharoncameronbooks.com/
October 15 · 24 min
Defending Creativity in Schools with Author A.S. King
How do we raise innovators, rebels, and revolutionaries? This week, award-winning author A.S. King joins the show to answer that question and discuss her latest middle-grade novel, It Came From the Creek. We explore the real-life youth activists fighting book bans, the heartbreaking decline of creative writing in public schools, and the deep, late-night research into negligent chemical dumping that inspired her new book. Along the way, A.S. King shares her personal journey with self-esteem, the importance of nurturing lifelong childhood friendships, and how one teacher handing her a Paul Zindel novel changed the trajectory of her life. Key Takeaways Youth Activism: How students in Pennsylvania successfully organized to overturn a massive school board book ban when the adults could not. The Creativity Crisis: Why heavy testing burdens have pushed creative writing out of 90% of public schools, and why story-building is an essential life skill. The Puzzle of Writing: A look into A.S. King's creative process, how she weaves together haunted houses, the 1980 Philadelphia Phillies, and environmental hazards. Deep-Dive Research: The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and 3 A.M. rabbit holes that uncovered the true history of toxic dumping in Pottstown, PA. The Power of Friendship: How A.S. King's perspective on connection and self-esteem has evolved, and why childhood friendships are worth nurturing well into adulthood. Mentioned in This Episode It Came From the Creek by A.S. King Me and Marvin Gardens by A.S. King (Companion novel) The Pigman by Paul Zindel About the Guest A.S. King is a multi-award-winning author of young adult and middle-grade fiction. She is the recipient of the Printz Medal and the Margaret A. Edwards Award for her significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature. Known for her authentic, surreal, and deeply empathetic storytelling, she has spent her career championing the voices and complex inner lives of young readers. Connect with A.S. King https://www.as-king.com/ Have a question for Tricia? tricia(@)shiftingschools(dotcom)
#367
October 15 · 22 min
Notice more with Christy Mandin
What can picture books teach us about helping children feel heard—and learning to ask for help ourselves? Author and illustrator Christy Mandin returns to explore Millie Fleur's Pumpkin Problem and Millie Fleur's Worst Day Ever. Through her imaginative characters, Christy opens up conversations about creativity, community, and respecting children's emotional experiences. Together, we consider why a child's "worst day ever" deserves our attention, even when the problem seems small to an adult. Christy shares how life in her neurodivergent household shapes her approach to communication and why supporting someone involves both expressing our needs and noticing the needs of others. We also go behind the scenes of her creative process—from gardening and escaping chickens to a beloved shed character—and hear her refreshingly honest three-day rule for processing feedback. In this episode, we explore: Respecting children as whole people with experiences that matter. Asking for help and challenging the fear of burdening others. Using picture books to spark conversations and build community. Finding characters and creative inspiration in everyday life. Making space to process feedback before deciding what comes next. For educators, librarians, parents, and anyone nurturing creativity, this conversation offers an invitation to notice more, listen closely, and make room for support. Explore Christy's books and work: https://www.christymandin.com Discover the Millie Fleur series: https://www.scholastic.com/site/millie-fleur.html
#366
October 8 · 31 min
What Makes a Monster? Ending Witchlings with Claribel A. Ortega
What makes a monster? NYT bestselling author Claribel A. Ortega just finished the five-book Witchlings series, and she's got thoughts. We talk about The Sims as a storytelling engine, why curiosity about death and darkness is something to welcome, and how kids are finding their first real friends through Seven, Valley, and Thorn. Claribel shares how she held a whole series in her head from day one, why "writing" includes walks with her dog Steven, and why she refuses to write about community without living it. Educators: stick around for Ghost Squad Week and her classroom resources. Gamers: she leaves you with two indie picks that might eat your weekend. Chapters 00:00 Steven, her canine manager 02:38 Why raccoons are half monster 04:20 Respect across species 05:53 The Sims and worldbuilding 07:48 Why we're curious about the dark 09:56 What readers write to her 11:58 Planning five books from the start 14:14 Showing up for inspiration 15:53 Community, Ghost Squad Week, and Louise Penny 20:24 Design and crediting illustrators 24:33 Game recommendations 26:35 What's next: Thirty Ways to Kill Your Avatar About the Guest Claribel A. Ortega is a New York Times bestselling author born in the Bronx to a Dominican family. She wrote Ghost Squad, the graphic novel Frizzy, and the Witchlings series, which concludes with The Sea Witch Prophecy. Resources Mentioned Claribel's site: https://www.claribelortega.com Witchlings series: https://www.claribelortega.com/witchlings Educator resources + Ghost Squad Week: https://www.claribelortega.com/educators-teachers Paralives: https://www.paralives.com Dressmaker on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/4019220/Dressmaker/ Louise Penny: https://louisepenny.com Website designer Danika Corrall: http://www.danikacorrall.com
#365
September 30 · 20 min
Who Helps Us Become Creative? Friendship, YA, and Jasmine Guillory
What helps a young person believe their creative ideas are worth pursuing? New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Guillory joins Tricia Friedman to discuss her first young adult novel, It's Only Dancing, inspired by Dirty Dancing. Together, they explore teenage friendship, artistic possibility, and what it means to write about young people with respect. Jasmine shares how an encouraging friend helped her begin writing, why finishing an imperfect draft matters, and how her creative process changes from book to book. She also reflects on the joy of learning something difficult—a conversation with particular resonance for educators thinking about creativity in the age of AI. In this episode, we explore: Taking teenagers' passions and perspectives seriously. How unexpected friendships help us try something new. Supporting a creative person through listening, questions, and encouragement. Making room for the struggle and discovery involved in learning. Valuing art for the joy it brings, alongside its career possibilities. Listen with this question in mind: Who in your classroom or community needs encouragement to keep going with an idea they're still learning how to express? Featured book: It's Only Dancing by Jasmine Guillory. https://www.jasmineguillory.com/its-only-dancing
#364
September 24 · 9 min
Student voice, and meeting the moment
This short episode asks for your help. In anticipation of the upcoming AAIE Institute in Atlanta, might your students want to weigh in and share their feedback on questions we will be using for focus groups and surveys? If yes, share this link with them: https://student-voice-questions.netlify.app/ Want to join me this November for an online series that begins the critical work of reimagining assessment? Learn more: https://cdlt.isa.nl/events/ai-attention-and-the-architecture-of-assessment
#363
September 9 · 21 min
When Someone Else's Curiosity Becomes Yours | Brian Boone
Does the world keep getting stranger, or are we hearing more about how strange it has always been? Returning guest Brian Boone joins Tricia to explore curiosity, creativity, and human behavior through the stories in Uncle John's All-Knowing Bathroom Reader. From the ways horses reshaped human societies to a chimpanzee's place in early morning television, Brian shares stories that invite us to reconsider what we think of as normal. We also go behind the scenes of the book's collaborative process. Brian explains how the team traces stories back to primary sources, checks claims, and turns a writer's enthusiasm for an unfamiliar subject into something readers want to explore. In this episode, we discuss: Why Brian believes greater access to information shapes our sense that these times are uniquely strange. What our relationships with other species reveal about human history. How unusual experiments and failed ideas open up conversations about creativity. Why fact-checking requires more work when stories circulate across multiple websites. How collaborators with different interests expand one another's curiosity. What decades of writing trivia have taught Brian about wisdom and our desire to learn. For educators, this conversation offers a question worth bringing into the classroom: How might a surprising story get someone interested in a subject they thought wasn't for them? Featured book: Uncle John's All-Knowing Bathroom Reader https://bathroomreader.com/
#362
September 2 · 13 min
Be Bold, Be Humble: Rethinking Assessment with AI
What does it look like to be bold about AI in education while remaining humble enough to revise what does not work? In this episode, Tricia Friedman responds to recent guidance from MIT by sharing a practical way to experiment with AI, assessment, and curriculum design. The challenge invites students to research a topic, develop the concept for a board game, select mechanics that support its theme, and pitch their idea. Along the way, students must make five deliberate choices: three moments when AI could assist their work and two when the task should remain human. They then explain what each choice contributed, complicated, or diminished. Tricia introduces a shorter version of her free GAMES Framework for educators who want to explore game design without committing to a complete game-development unit. Her example draws inspiration from the history of the Spokane River, but the structure can be adapted to almost any subject or local context. The episode also considers: Why AI literacy requires judgment, not simply tool proficiency How game design can bring together research, writing, creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration Why the relationship between a game's theme and mechanics matters How playtesting gives students useful feedback about difficulty, clarity, and engagement What board-game boxes, reviews, playthrough videos, and Kickstarter campaigns can teach us as contemporary texts How the challenge could extend into mathematics, economics, visual art, media literacy, or local history Why alternative forms of assessment can help students make their thinking more visible The goal is not to use AI throughout the assignment. It is to give students genuine practice deciding when AI adds value, when it distracts from the work, and what evidence supports that judgment. Explore the free GAMES Framework: https://shifting-schools-games.netlify.app/salmon-challenge Read the MIT report referenced in the episode: https://aiandeducation.mit.edu/ Have a unit that does not seem to connect naturally with game design or AI literacy? Send Tricia the topic and challenge her to find the connection. Contact Tricia: tricia@shiftingschools.com
#388
August 27 · 32 min
What Young People Notice: Tiffany D. Jackson on Grief, Ghosts, and Trust
What do young people understand that adults mistakenly believe they have hidden from them? Award-winning author Tiffany D. Jackson returns to the podcast to discuss Ghost in the Night, her haunting middle-grade novel set against the ghost tours, buried histories, and complicated beauty of Savannah, Georgia. Tiffany invites educators to take young readers—and their capacity to confront difficult subjects—seriously. We explore why children sometimes attach themselves intensely to a particular interest while processing grief, and what educators might discover if they look beyond the fascination and ask what need it may be meeting. We also discuss the importance of grief literacy, the trust created when adults acknowledge what children already know, and the difference between protecting young people and underestimating them. The conversation moves beyond the ghosts of Savannah to examine whose histories become tourist attractions, whose stories remain untold, and how literature can inspire students to investigate the overlooked histories of their own communities. Tiffany also shares why young characters need opportunities to form friendships without constant adult choreography, how she calibrates horror for middle-grade readers, and the deceptively simple practice she recommends to every aspiring writer: read closely enough to notice how a story works. This episode explores: Why educators need to take children's inner lives seriously How intense interests can sometimes help young people process grief The role of grief literacy in schools and classrooms How honest conversations can build trust between adults and children Why young people need agency in friendship and problem-solving Whose histories are preserved, promoted, ignored, or buried How place can function as a character in a novel What horror offers middle-grade readers How students can learn the craft of writing by reading like writers At its heart, this conversation asks educators to consider what becomes possible when we stop assuming young people cannot handle the truth—and begin giving them stories that honour their intelligence, curiosity, and humanity.
#387
August 20 · 13 min
Our Voices Are Our Power | Dr. Camille Busette
What happens when we stop treating unaffordable healthcare as an individual problem—and recognize it as a shared crisis? In this episode of Be a Better Ally, Tricia Friedman speaks with Dr. Camille Busette about One Nation, Overcharged, a people-powered movement demanding a healthcare system that puts people over profits. Dr. Busette explains why so many people experience the rising cost of healthcare privately, even as families across the United States face the same impossible choices: medication or groceries, an inhaler or gas, necessary care or financial security. When these struggles remain isolated, it is easy to mistake a broken system for a personal failure. But sharing our stories can change that. Together, Tricia and Dr. Busette explore how personal experiences can build collective understanding—and how conversations in book clubs, faith communities, community gatherings, and even art spaces can help transform that understanding into action. They also discuss: Why asking "Whose perspectives are missing?" can change how we define a problem How healthcare costs affect people far beyond the person receiving care Why storytelling is essential to building people-powered solutions What those with greater financial privilege need to understand about healthcare affordability How seemingly small necessities, such as access to an inhaler, can prevent medical and financial trauma Why we are all responsible for one another How listeners can speak up, share their experiences, and organize within their communities As Dr. Busette reminds us, when one person cannot afford the care they need, the consequences reach their family, neighbors, community, and all of us. Healthcare affordability is not someone else's issue. It is a social and economic responsibility we share. Learn more, share your story, or find and organize a local event through the One Nation, Overcharged campaign.
#386
August 14 · 30 min
Competence, Compassion, and Supporting Families in Crisis
Renata Castro on Supporting Immigrant Families, Choosing Competent Counsel, and Staying Resilient My guest today is immigration attorney Renata Castro,ESQ. founder of USA4All, a law firm focused on helping immigrants, survivors of domestic violence, and victims of human trafficking. We talk about the role educators can play when families are facing immigration stress, how to recognize real professional competence, and why empathy matters most when it is paired with expertise. Renata also shares the personal story behind her work, the emotional toll of immigration law, and the habits that help her keep going through difficult cases. The conversation widens into a bigger lesson about learning, resilience, and refusing to let other people define your potential. Key topics In this episode, Renata shares how her own experience as an immigrant and survivor of abuse shaped the creation of USA for All. She explains that the firm has 5 working attorneys and a total staff of 90 across several countries, with about 3,200 active cases and roughly 2,000 new calls each month. We discuss why educators are often the first people families turn to, and how the best support is to listen, show empathy, and avoid giving legal advice. Renata suggests educators can help by referring families to more than one attorney when possible and by offering practical handouts from trusted nonprofit or pro bono sources. She makes a strong case that empathy alone is not enough in legal work - clients should prioritize competence, clear strategy, and honest communication over chemistry. We talk about why immigration law is demanding, multidisciplinary, and often emotionally draining, yet also deeply rewarding. Renata describes the importance of resilience, detachment from personal criticism, and not letting one loss define a whole mission. She shares the routines and supports that keep her grounded, including family, a partner who helps her stay objective, exercise, mentors, therapists, and a mindset of not spiraling. She encourages young people to stay intellectually curious, read widely, and treat learning as a privilege rather than a chore. The conversation closes with a reminder that success takes time, effort, and a willingness to sit with adversity. Timestamps 00:00 - Why educators are often the first support line for immigrant families 00:34 - Renata's personal immigrant story and the origin of USA for All 01:58 - Serving survivors of domestic violence and trafficking 03:31 - What educators should do instead of giving legal advice 04:27 - Why listening and school counseling matter in crisis situations 07:25 - Competence versus empathy when choosing a lawyer 11:24 - Why the best legal work comes from challenge, not cookie-cutter cases 13:45 - Not taking client or public criticism personally 15:07 - Active caseloads, new inquiries, and the reality of immigration practice 18:16 - How family, exercise, mentors, and therapy help Renata stay grounded 21:49 - Why immigration law stays intellectually exciting 23:16 - Learning as a privilege, not a chore 26:01 - Kim Kardashian, persistence, and the myth of instant success 28:48 - A final reminder to keep going and trust your own path Action items If you work with immigrant families, listen first and avoid offering legal advice. Refer people to qualified attorneys instead of trying to solve the legal issue yourself. Encourage access to school counselors or psychological support when families are overwhelmed. When choosing professional help, look for competence, clarity, and honesty. For your own resilience, build support outside of work and protect time for recovery.
#385
August 13 · 26 min
What Suspense Novels Teach Us About Empathy, Curiosity, and Creativity with Lisa Gardner
What can a suspense novelist teach educators about empathy, creativity, and the danger of reducing people to simple labels? In this episode of Be a Better Ally, Tricia Friedman speaks with bestselling author Lisa Gardner about the psychology behind her novels and her enduring fascination with the nature of evil. After 35 years of researching crime and human behaviour, Lisa no longer sees good and evil as an either-or question. People are layered, shaped by experience, relationships, choices, and generational trauma. That understanding guides her approach to character development. Lisa begins writing without knowing who the villain will be. Instead, she allows each character to reveal more of themselves as the story develops. Even a villain, she argues, needs a moral code. Their conversation moves beyond writing to consider the conditions that make creative thinking possible. Lisa discusses hiking with her dogs, letting her mind wander, cold-calling experts, learning through games and puzzles, and giving characters enough room to surprise her. She also explains why publishing is a team sport and why accomplished writers benefit from supporting one another rather than treating creativity as a competition. For educators, this conversation raises questions about the space students are given to wonder, investigate, revise their assumptions, and create without already knowing the answer. In this episode: Why suspense helps readers explore fear and human behaviour What fiction can teach us about empathy and moral complexity Why Lisa does not decide who the villain is before she begins writing How walking and unstructured time support creative thought What careful research adds to imaginative work Why games, puzzles, and reading mattered during Lisa's childhood How collaboration supports even highly accomplished artists What educators can learn from Lisa's distinction between individual craft and collective support The real-life research and creative process behind You'll Be Sorry Lisa Gardner's latest novel, You'll Be Sorry, brings together a missing family, a decades-old mystery, small-town secrets, a witchy rhyme, complicated characters, and one especially important dog. Learn more: https://www.lisagardner.com/
August 5 · 24 min
From Catching Passes to Turning Pages with Malcolm Mitchell
What if readers and writers received the same attention, celebration, and investment as star athletes? In this episode, Tricia speaks with Super Bowl champion, children's author, and literacy advocate Malcolm Mitchell about his new picture book, My Super Duper Me. They discuss the lasting effect of a few encouraging words, the role librarians can play in helping children see their own possibilities, and why adults should never underestimate the power of simply showing up with a positive message. Malcolm shares his own journey from struggling reader to member of the Silverleaf Book Club, published author, and founder of Share the Magic Foundation. He explains why reading is not only an academic skill, but also a source of confidence, community, opportunity, and belonging. The conversation also considers what schools and communities could learn from the cultural power of sports. If young people see athletes celebrated everywhere, how might their aspirations change if readers, writers, books, and libraries were made just as visible? Malcolm also offers a candid look at his writing practice and the connection between athletic and creative training: show up, make the most of each repetition, and be willing to try again tomorrow. In this episode: • Why brief words of encouragement can stay with a young person • The librarian at the heart of My Super Duper Me • Malcolm's journey from struggling reader to passionate literacy advocate • How a welcoming book club helped change his life • Why reading can build confidence, connection, and belonging • What it would mean to celebrate literacy as loudly as sports • How educators can participate in free Share the Magic reading challenges • What football taught Malcolm about writing, practice, and persistence Learn more about Malcolm Mitchell, Share the Magic Foundation, and its free reading programs at readwithmalcolm.com.
#383
July 30 · 24 min
The First Story We Tell a Child: You Belong | SANDRA MAGSAMEN
What can a book offer a child before they understand its words? For bestselling author, artist, and art therapist Sandra Magsamen, the answer begins with connection. Her new board book, Hello, Baby, was created for children from birth to age three as a bright, playful welcome into reading—and into the family awaiting them. Sandra joins Tricia to discuss how large illustrations, expressive faces, melodic language, and an embedded mirror help babies engage with a book. They explore why reading with a young child is about much more than building vocabulary. It is also a chance to snuggle, play, bond, and communicate one of the earliest messages a child can receive: you are loved, you are seen, and you belong here. The conversation also makes room for chewed books, spilled milk, crowded bookshelves, and the occasional "uh-oh." Sandra explains why children need permission to touch, explore, and make mistakes—and why treating books as untouchable objects can get in the way of curiosity. Sandra also reflects on collaborating with her daughter, preparing to become a grandmother, and continuing to experiment after decades as a successful artist. She shares why creative growth requires us to loosen our grip on what has worked before and remain open to who we are becoming. In this episode: How early reading supports connection and belonging Designing words and illustrations for babies Making books playful, sensory, and inviting Allowing children to explore without demanding perfection How stories become part of a family's shared language Why artists—and people—need to keep changing SANDRA MAGSAMEN is the author and illustrator of many books for young children, including the picture book When I Grow Up I Want to Be Me, as well as a number of bestselling novelty titles, including Everybody Goes Nighty-Night, named a Best Board Book of 2018 by The Children's Book Review; Baby Love; I Love You, Little Pumpkin; and Peek-a-Boo, I Love You. As an artist, an art therapist, and a mom, she uses her creativity to remind people to express themselves and connect with others. Her lifestyle brands, products, and books are sold worldwide. Visit her at sandramagsamen.com
#382
July 23 · 22 min
Can Horror Teach Emotional Literacy? with Ryan La Sala
Horror is where some of today's boldest, most creative storytelling is happening — and author Ryan La Sala has a theory about why. In this conversation, the author of The Dead of Summer (now in paperback) unpacks how horror reveals what we value: who's worth saving, how we survive together, and why the queer community keeps showing up in stories of resilience. You'll hear how Ryan writes multi-dimensional queer characters "beyond the closet," why friendship — not romance — sits at the heart of his zombie story, and how grief, from anticipatory dread to long-term loss, threads through all of his horror novels. Plus: what it's like to watch The Honeys head toward the big screen as an executive producer. Whether you teach teens, love YA horror, or are simply curious about emotional literacy through fiction, this one will stay with you — in the best way. About the Guest Ryan La Sala is the author of queer YA horror and fantasy novels including Reverie, Be Dazzled, The Honeys, Beholder, and The Dead of Summer, now out in paperback. The Honeys is in development as a major motion picture, with Ryan attached as executive producer. His work passes familiar horror tropes "through the prism of the queer experience" — and somehow makes grief, survival, and friendship feel luminous. Resources Mentioned Ryan La Sala's website: https://ryanlasala.com — all books, news, and film updates The Dead of Summer: https://ryanlasala.com/the-dead-of-summer — now in paperback, with purchase links The Honeys: https://ryanlasala.com/the-honeys — soon to be a major motion picture Chapters: 00:00 Welcome back, Ryan 00:55 Why horror is where creativity thrives 03:24 Friendship through horror 05:55 Queer characters beyond the closet 08:53 How Ryan's writing process evolves 10:52 Horror writer, joyful human 13:20 Grief and emotional literacy 17:29 The Honeys heads to film 19:41 The Dead of Summer in paperback
#381
July 20 · 17 min
Years of Rejection to 39 Books: Jerry Spinelli's Long Game
Jerry Spinelli wrote four novels nobody wanted and spent twenty-five years getting rejected before his first book was published — he's now on book thirty-nine. The Newbery Medal-winning author joins Tricia Friedman to talk about perseverance, why kids never really change from one generation to the next, and the writing advice he gives every young person who asks: pay attention. He opens up his actual process, from pages of brainstormed notes to the "miserable middles" that make up the real work of writing, and shares why a letter from a teacher whose students begged to skip recess to keep reading means as much to him as the Newbery. His newest book, Fifth Grade Top Dogs, brings back Suds from Fourth Grade Rats — and yes, with six kids and forty-one grandkids and great-grandkids, Spinelli knows a thing or two about sibling dynamics. A conversation for every teacher who has ever put one of his books in a kid's hands. Chapters 00:00 – Twenty-five years of rejection: what perseverance meant 02:37 – What keeps his passion for storytelling alive 04:15 – Sibling dynamics, six kids, and forty-one grandkids 05:13 – Why kids don't change from generation to generation 06:16 – Memory vs. wish: writing Suds and his parents 08:07 – Inside his process: pay attention, brainstorm, survive the "miserable middles" 13:00 – Celebrating the Newbery at a 24-hour diner 13:52 – The letters that matter more than medals About the Guest Jerry Spinelli is the Newbery Medal-winning author of thirty-nine books for young readers, published over a forty-five-year career. His newest, Fifth Grade Top Dogs (Scholastic, June 2026), continues the story of Suds from Fourth Grade Rats. He and his wife have six children and forty-one grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Resources Mentioned Fifth Grade Top Dogs by Jerry Spinelli — https://shop.scholastic.com/parent-ecommerce/books/fifth-grade-top-dogs-9798225028237.html Kirkus review of Fifth Grade Top Dogs — https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/jerry-spinelli/fifth-grade-top-dogs/ Jerry Spinelli's website — https://jerryspinelliauthor.com/
#380
July 17 · 36 min
Alex Campbell on the Students Behind Murder 101
What happens when a teacher replaces textbook exercises with a real, unsolved problem? In this episode, Tricia speaks with Alex Campbell, the Tennessee high school teacher featured in Prime Video's limited documentary series Murder 101. The series follows Campbell and his sociology students at Elizabethton High School as they investigate the Redhead Murders, a series of killings involving unidentified women whose cases had received limited public attention. Alex explains why true crime became a powerful way to teach sociology, media literacy, civics, research, collaboration, and critical thinking. He describes how students learned to submit public-records requests, work with law-enforcement professionals and family members, examine the institutions surrounding a criminal investigation, and keep the victims rather than the offenders at the center of their work. The conversation also examines project-based learning, student agency, community-connected education, and what changes when young people know their work matters to someone beyond their teacher. Alex shares practical advice for educators who want to introduce authentic learning without beginning with a project of this scale: start small, find collaborators, know your students, and allow the direction of the work to develop through inquiry. Alex and Tricia also discuss the way Murder 101 portrays teenagers and Appalachia, the ethical responsibilities involved in bringing true crime into a classroom, and why real-world projects can reveal abilities that conventional academic labels often miss. As Alex argues, students who may not be motivated by grades can become deeply committed when they understand that another person genuinely needs their help. This episode is for educators, school leaders, documentary viewers, true-crime listeners, and anyone interested in project-based learning, interdisciplinary teaching, student engagement, civic education, media literacy, cold-case investigations, and the possibilities that emerge when schools trust young people with meaningful work.
#379
July 15 · 23 min
What Happens When Kids Stop Inheriting Adult Assumptions?
Award-winning author Christina Diaz Gonzalez joins Tricia to discuss her new middle-grade graphic novel, Offside, a bilingual story about soccer, friendship, ambition, identity, and the power young people have to create change. Christina explains why she wanted the young characters in Offside to question the assumptions, gender stereotypes, and ambitions they may have inherited from adults. Their lives are more complex than they first appear, and as they begin to understand one another, they also discover their own voices, values, and capacity to influence the people around them. The conversation also explores the need for bilingual books written for middle-grade readers, rather than stories that treat one language as a translation of the other. Christina shares how school visits inspired her to create stories in which English and Spanish appear naturally beside one another, reflecting how many students actually communicate and experience the world. Tricia and Christina also discuss the literary depth of graphic novels, identity beyond athletics, writing and journalism as tools for change, and Christina's unusual "pantser" writing process. Christina describes beginning with something like a movie trailer in her imagination and allowing curiosity, surprise, and the question "What if?" to guide the rest of the story. The episode begins with a brief introduction to Christina's most committed publicist: her fifteen-year-old dog, Lucy.
#378
July 8 · 21 min
Be Curious, Not Judgmental: Cristo Fernández on Joy, Teamwork, and Trying Again
You may know Cristo Fernandez as Danny Rojas from Ted Lasso, but this conversation reaches far beyond one beloved role. In this episode, Cristo talks with Tricia about dreaming big, trying again after failure, staying generous, and remembering that we all have something powerful to bring to the table. From his early life in Guadalajara to his years in football, acting, storytelling, and now children's books, Cristo reflects on the people, setbacks, and second chances that shaped his path. For educators and school leaders, this conversation is a reminder that culture is built in small choices: choosing curiosity over judgment, teamwork over ego, and generosity over individual shine. Cristo speaks with care about the lessons he learned from family, sport, collaboration, and Ted Lasso, including the simple but demanding idea that being kind is cool. He also shares why failure does not have to mean the end of a dream. Injuries shifted his path away from professional football, but storytelling brought him back to the game in a new way. His story invites listeners to think differently about what success looks like, especially for young people who may be navigating setbacks, uncertainty, or pressure to choose only one version of themselves. This episode is for anyone working to build school communities where people feel seen, encouraged, and brave enough to try again. In this episode, we explore: How Cristo's family shaped his belief in generosity and giving back Why "being kind is cool" still matters in schools, teams, and creative work What football taught him about humility, teamwork, and resilience How failure, injury, and rejection can become part of a larger story Why Danny Rojas remains a reminder to return to joy How collaboration asks us to stay open, curious, and willing to learn What children can teach adults about imagination, courage, and possibility Why embracing who you are may be one of the strongest "superpowers" we have For educators, this conversation offers a useful question to carry into the school year: how do we help young people dream big without making them feel like failure closes the door? Cristo's answer is generous and practical. Stay curious. Keep learning. Help others shine. Try again. Learn more about his new book: https://shop.scholastic.com/parent-ecommerce/books/futbol-is-life-futbol-es-vida-9798225012274.html

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