
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
by Jeff Utecht & Tricia Friedman
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- 🇮🇪IE · Courses#2310K to 30K
- 🇳🇿NZ · Courses#4510K to 30K
- 🇻🇳VN · Courses#150500 to 3K
- 🇨🇿CZ · Courses#166500 to 3K
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6.5K to 21K🎙 Daily cadence·300 episodes·Last published yesterday - Monthly Reach
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22K to 69K🇮🇪43%🇳🇿43%🇻🇳4%+2 more - Active Followers
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8.6K to 28K
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Recent episodes
What 600 Letters Can Teach Us About WWII
Jun 29, 2026
Unknown duration
AI in Schools Is Changing: What Leaders Need Now
Jun 22, 2026
Unknown duration
The Father's Day Gift of Curiosity: Brian Boone on Trivia, Memory, and Connection
Jun 19, 2026
Unknown duration
Will this be the summer of vibe coding?
Jun 15, 2026
Unknown duration
Meredith Walker on Why "Be Yourself" Isn't Enough
Jun 8, 2026
Unknown duration
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/29/26 | ![]() What 600 Letters Can Teach Us About WWII | In this episode, Tricia speaks with Jan Cress Dondi about the years-long research journey behind her USA Today bestselling WWII book. What began with the discovery of hundreds of family letters became a much larger act of historical reconstruction, combining personal correspondence, military records, National Archives research, firsthand family memory, and deep attention to the emotional lives of the people who lived through war. Jan shares how she pieced together the stories of two young airmen connected to the Ploesti campaign, one of the most dangerous Allied efforts to disrupt Nazi Germany's fuel supply. She explains how her background in legal research helped her organize evidence, verify details, and shape a true story with the pace and emotional pull of a novel. Along the way, she reflects on why letters mattered so deeply to servicemen, how small clues can open major research paths, and why war becomes too abstract when we lose sight of individual human lives. This conversation is especially rich for educators, history lovers, family historians, and anyone interested in how primary sources can help us understand the past. As schools and communities prepare for the U.S. 250th, Jan's work offers a powerful reminder that history is not only found in textbooks. It can also live in letters, family stories, archives, unanswered questions, and the persistence to follow a clue wherever it leads. In this episode: Jan's discovery of 500–600 family letters and how they shaped the book Why the Ploesti campaign mattered during WWII How personal letters and official military records can work together | — | ||||||
| 6/22/26 | ![]() AI in Schools Is Changing: What Leaders Need Now | In this episode of Shifting Schools, Jeff and Tricia reflect on the 2025–2026 school year and what they are seeing as schools move into a more mature phase of AI work. The conversation moves beyond tools and prompt tips into the deeper questions now facing educators and school leaders: AI companions, student wellbeing, shadow AI use, schoolwide expectations, sustained professional learning, and the need to rethink pedagogy for a world shaped by information overload. Jeff and Tricia discuss why AI support in schools can no longer be limited to one-off workshops. They share what they are hearing from school leaders, counselors, teachers, support staff, and districts that are beginning to ask for longer-term help. The episode also explores why honest, nonjudgmental conversations matter, especially when students and adults are already using AI in personal, social, and emotional ways. 00:00 — Opening reflection on the 2025–2026 school year Jeff welcomes listeners and invites Tricia to reflect on the year in AI and schools. 00:37 — AI companions become a serious school conversation Tricia shares why this was the year more school leaders became open to talking about AI companions. 02:39 — Companionship, loneliness, and parasocial relationships Tricia connects AI companion use to broader human patterns of connection, including parasocial relationship theory. 04:54 — Why school counselors need to be part of the AI conversation Jeff and Tricia discuss students turning to AI for advice and support, and how counselors can respond without dismissing students' experiences. 06:23 — Shadow AI use in schools Jeff explains why schools need to name the AI use already happening among staff, students, and support teams. 08:58 — Honesty, openness, and nonjudgmental conversations Tricia highlights what has not changed: the need for trust, honesty, and open dialogue. 09:18 — The "large breed puppy" problem Tricia explains why waiting to address AI is risky, using the analogy of training a large dog while it is still small. 10:00 — From one-off PD to sustained AI support Jeff describes a shift in what districts are asking for: longer-term cohorts, yearlong support, and multi-year planning. 11:49 — What can schools retire now? Tricia and Jeff discuss the chance to move away from outdated practices and ask more complex questions. 12:57 — From information scarcity to information overload Jeff argues that schools were built for a world where information was scarce, but students now need to be assessed on sense-making. 15:00 — New possibilities for learning Tricia points to opportunities for students to tell familiar stories in new ways and work with more complex problems. 15:28 — Summer episodes and favorite replays Jeff previews upcoming summer reflections and replays from the past year. | — | ||||||
| 6/19/26 | ![]() The Father's Day Gift of Curiosity: Brian Boone on Trivia, Memory, and Connection | Looking for something thoughtful, funny, curious, and conversation-starting for Father's Day weekend? This episode may be just the thing. We are welcoming back Brian Boone, a writer, researcher, and storyteller whose work reminds us that trivia is not really about random facts. It is about memory, meaning, surprise, and the pleasure of sharing something unexpected with someone else. That makes this conversation especially fitting for Father's Day weekend. Trivia has a way of bringing people together across generations. It can turn into a car ride conversation, a dinner-table debate, a story you have heard before but somehow still want to hear again, or the kind of small shared fact that becomes part of a family's language. In this episode, Brian talks about the research behind his work, the fandom that has gathered around it, and why his latest book could make a particularly good Father's Day gift for the dad, granddad, uncle, mentor, or curious person in your life who loves facts, stories, pop culture, puzzles, or simply knowing things no one else in the room knows. This is a Father's Day weekend episode for anyone who has ever bonded over a weird fact, a favorite movie, a sports stat, a music memory, a book, a question, or the sentence: "Wait, did you know this?" In this episode, we discuss: Why trivia is not trivial How curiosity becomes connection Why odd facts often carry personal meaning The research and storytelling behind Brian Boone's work The fandom around his books and writing Why trivia makes such a good Father's Day weekend gift How shared knowledge can spark family stories, laughter, and conversation Featured Guest: Brian Boone, writer, researcher, and author Check out his book: https://bathroomreader.com/ | — | ||||||
| 6/15/26 | ![]() Will this be the summer of vibe coding? | In this episode of Shifting Schools, Jeff and Tricia talk about vibe coding: the emerging practice of using AI tools to help turn prompts, sketches, hunches, and half-formed ideas into working prototypes. They look at what this shift means for educators, students, school leaders, and anyone trying to understand how AI is changing the relationship between imagination and production. This is not a conversation about replacing technical skill. It is a conversation about what becomes possible when more people can test ideas, build small tools, and learn through making. Jeff and Tricia explore the promise, the messiness, and the limits of vibe coding. In this episode, Jeff and Tricia discuss: How vibe coding changes the entry point into programming and prototyping. Why prompting, testing, revising, and debugging still matter. How AI-assisted creation can support curiosity, experimentation, and iteration. How vibe coding connects to design thinking, computational thinking, and digital humanities. Questions to discuss if you use this episode as a team meeting resource: What should students understand before, during, and after using AI to help them code? How might vibe coding give more students access to building tools, games, simulations, websites, or data projects? Where might you experiment with vibe coding in one small way this summer? For educators: This episode can be used as a conversation starter for teams thinking about AI literacy, computer science, project-based learning, media literacy, or assessment. It also connects directly to digital humanities work, especially when students use code to explore stories, archives, maps, texts, timelines, or cultural data in new ways. Possible staff discussion prompt: If students can now build working digital projects before they have mastered traditional coding, what do we want them to learn from the process? Listen for: The difference between making something that works and understanding why it works. Links we refer to: https://triciafriedman.com/comedy-as-evidence-a-media-and-data-literacy-look-at-what-we-watch/ https://nextturnleadership.site/ | — | ||||||
| 6/8/26 | ![]() Meredith Walker on Why "Be Yourself" Isn't Enough | What do we really mean when we tell young people to "be yourself"? In this episode, Tricia Friedman speaks with Meredith Walker, co-founder of Smart Girls with Amy Poehler and author of Be Yourself and Other Bad Advice. Together, they question one of the most common phrases young people hear from adults: "be yourself." It sounds kind. It sounds simple. But for many young people, especially those still figuring out who they are, the advice can feel vague, confusing, or even impossible. Meredith invites us to slow down and ask better questions. What does it mean to become yourself? How do young people sort through the noise of expectation, comparison, performance, and pressure? And how can adults offer support that feels more useful than a slogan? The conversation also explores one of Meredith's favorite mottos: "get your hair wet." It is an invitation to join in, to stop waiting until everything looks perfect, and to enter the messy, joyful, human parts of life. For educators, caregivers, and anyone who works alongside young people, this episode is a reminder that becoming yourself is not a polished final product. It is a practice. In this episode, you'll hear about: How Meredith Walker thinks about the phrase "be yourself" Why some well-meaning advice can leave young people without enough guidance What adults can do instead of offering vague encouragement How Smart Girls has helped shape conversations about curiosity, courage, and identity Why "getting your hair wet" is a powerful metaphor for participation, joy, and self-discovery How young people can begin defining identity on their own terms | — | ||||||
| 6/1/26 | ![]() How to build a story one ingredient at a time with Keala Kendall | Join us as Keala Kendall, author of the compelling gothic novel That Which Feeds Us, takes us through her creative process, the importance of representation in storytelling, and how horror can serve as a mirror to society's fears and unresolved histories. This conversation uncovers the layers behind her work, blending culture, history, and genre to provoke thought and evoke emotion. Main topics covered: Kendall's artistic process and how the novel evolved from initial inspiration The significance of Hawaiian history, colonialism, and land in her storytelling How research and world-building influenced the succinct yet powerful narrative The role of horror in exploring societal fears and marginalized voices The creative benefits of genre fiction, especially horror, in addressing difficult truths Personal journey: reading influences, media inspiration, and her experiences as a Pacific Islander author The novel's reception, including selection by Reese Witherspoon's Book Club, and its impact on conversations about Hawaii The importance of representation and amplification of Pacific Islander stories in publishing How fiction can be a tool for education and social change Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the novel That Which Feeds Us 00:30 - The inspiration and artistic process behind the book 01:25 - Use of horror to tell stories rooted in colonial history 02:16 - Hawaii as a gothic setting and its historical echoes 03:00 - How the novel balances brevity with depth and world-building 06:13 - Introducing the protagonist, Lihua, and her connection to Hawaii 07:03 - The significance of the book's title and themes of reciprocal land relationships 07:53 - The impact of the Reese Witherspoon Book Club selection 08:28 - What readers might discuss after reading the book 10:05 - Amplifying Pacific Islander voices and stories in publishing 11:17 - The concept of ghosts and history as a collective haunting 12:49 - Confronting Hawaii's dark history and media portrayals 13:17 - The influence of reading and media on her writing, including White Lotus and horror films 14:05 - Early ideas for the novel and Hawaiian cultural motifs in her stories 15:36 - How horror makes space for taboo topics and societal critique 16:24 - Early stories about sisters and the significance of land in Hawaiian culture 17:22 - Her transition from Massachusetts inspiration to homeland storytelling 18:07 - Influences from film and media, including Moana and Hollywood's depiction of Hawaii 19:02 - The intersection of media representations and authentic cultural narratives 20:58 - The pandemic's role in shaping her perspective on Hawaii's infrastructure 22:12 - Why horror's capacity for boundary-pushing makes it vital today 23:58 - The societal fears reflected in horror, from Godzilla to Get Out and Us 25:26 - The power of horror in sparking conversations and societal reflection 26:20 - Closing remarks and thoughts on the book's impact and importance Keala Kendall is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of How Far I'll Go and Nobody Gets Left Behind in Disney's A Twisted Tales series. Hapa Native Hawaiian, she is a co-founder of Pacific Islanders Publishing and a past organizer of the charity Books for Maui. | — | ||||||
| 5/25/26 | ![]() Veronica Roth on Taylor Swift, Dystopian Fantasy, and the Art of Starting Again | This week, Tricia Friedman speaks with Veronica Roth, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Divergent series and the author of Seek the Traitor Son, the first book in a new epic romance dystopian fantasy series. In this conversation, Veronica shares how watching Taylor Swift perform during the Eras Tour helped her reflect on her own earlier work, her growth as an artist, and what it means to keep creating after a hugely successful series. She also talks about world-building, writing for young readers, creative confidence, and the challenge of beginning again as an author. For educators, librarians, parents, and anyone supporting creative young people, this episode offers a rare look at how one of today's most widely read writers thinks about imagination, reinvention, and the stories that stay with readers. 00:00 — Welcome to the Show 01:00 — Veronica Roth's New Book, Seek the Traitor Son 03:00 — Looking Back at Divergent 06:00 — What Taylor Swift's Eras Tour Helped Veronica See 10:00 — Creative Reinvention After Huge Success 14:00 — Writing for Young Readers 18:00 — Building Dystopian and Fantasy Worlds 23:00 — What Inspires Veronica's Creative Process 28:00 — Advice for Creative Young People 32:00 — Why Stories Still Matter | — | ||||||
| 5/18/26 | ![]() Dr. Brittney Cooper on Picture Books, Collaboration, and Love | This week, Tricia Friedman welcomes Dr. Brittney Cooper to the podcast to talk about her new picture book, Mama Says I'm Fine, illustrated by Tamisha Anthony. The conversation explores the story behind the book, the emotional weight of the phrase "you're fine," and how children's literature can hold care, resilience, identity, and family love. Dr. Cooper also reflects on what it means to write with intention and to collaborate with artists, editors, and readers in mind. Known for her work as a New York Times bestselling author, cultural critic, professor, and public thinker, Dr. Cooper brings a layered perspective to writing for young readers and the adults who read alongside them. Mentioned in this episode Mama Says I'm Fine by Brittney Cooper, illustrated by Tamisha Anthony. Dr. Brittney Cooper's Rutgers faculty profile. Dr. Brittney Cooper's TED Talk, "The racial politics of time." | — | ||||||
| 5/11/26 | ![]() Why Patricia Cornwell Still Believes in Stories | Patricia Cornwell joins Tricia Friedman for a conversation about memory, writing, curiosity, forensic science, and the memoir she never expected to write. In this episode, Cornwell reflects on the childhood experiences that shaped her imagination, including the early encouragement that helped her begin to see herself as a writer. She talks about learning to "populate the world with imagined characters," the role of journaling and archival memory in writing memoir, and why finding the opening hook still begins with one question: what am I seeing in my head? The conversation also turns to the ethical weight of writing about violence. Cornwell explains why crime is not abstract to her, why she refuses to treat death as entertainment, and how her work through Kay Scarpetta has influenced readers, forensic science, law enforcement, and public awareness. This is also a conversation about curiosity. Cornwell discusses her need to see, study, and understand things for herself, from forensic settings to archaeology, mummies, research trips, and the physical details that help stories come alive. The episode closes with a reminder that feels especially timely: even as the forms of storytelling change, humans will always need stories. In this episode Patricia Cornwell discusses: How childhood imagination became a survival tool and a writing foundation Why a fourth-grade teacher's encouragement still matters decades later How she finds the "hook" for a book, including her memoir The journals and early autobiographical writing that helped her reconstruct memory Why writing about crime requires moral care, not exploitation How Kay Scarpetta influenced forensic science, law enforcement, and reader behavior Why curiosity keeps driving her research and creative life The story behind the Annie Leibovitz photograph used for the memoir cover Why stories will continue to matter, even as formats change | — | ||||||
| 5/4/26 | ![]() The Questions Students Are Asking About AI: and the Mindsets that help Answer Them✨ | AI literacyK-12 education+3 | — | Shifting SchoolsGoogle | — | AIeducation+5 | — | 36m 53s | |
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| 5/3/26 | ![]() Great gifts for Teacher Appreciation Week✨ | Teacher Appreciation Weekgifts for teachers+3 | — | WoofPackSketchBox+3 | — | teacher giftsappreciation+3 | — | 21m 42s | |
| 4/26/26 | ![]() What we learn when we listen to students✨ | student voiceeducation reform+3 | high schoolers | — | — | student perspectiveeducation+5 | — | 16m 06s | |
| 4/20/26 | ![]() The Business of You with Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio✨ | career growthpersonal branding+5 | Marnie StockmanNick Coniglio | The Business of You | — | careerbranding+7 | — | 34m 26s | |
| 4/13/26 | ![]() Sara Amini: The Stories We Carry and the Friends Who See Them✨ | graphic novelsbelonging+4 | Sara Amini | Mixed Feelings | — | graphic novelbelonging+6 | — | 24m 26s | |
| 4/6/26 | ![]() Why Friendship Is Serious Business for Kids and Adults✨ | friendshipmiddle grade fiction+4 | Alyson Gerber | The Liar Society | — | friendship skillsmystery stories+4 | — | 24m 19s | |
| 3/30/26 | ![]() Living at the edge of emerging technology✨ | empathetic AIstory collection+4 | Andy Sitison | Share More Stories | — | AIeducation+5 | — | 32m 24s | |
| 3/26/26 | ![]() Human Still Required: out now!✨ | AI in educationbook release+3 | — | humanstillrequired.comHuman Still Required | — | AIeducation+5 | — | 17m 36s | |
| 3/22/26 | ![]() Billy Ray on Writing Hope in Dark Times, and Building Future Worlds✨ | writing processyoung adult fiction+5 | Billy Ray | Burn the WaterRomeo and Juliet+1 | — | Billy Raywriting process+7 | — | 15m 32s | |
| 3/16/26 | ![]() Why Kids Need Stories About Belonging and Friendship Right Now | Jasmine Warga✨ | belongingfriendship+4 | Jasmine Warga | newest bookzero draft | — | belongingfriendship+5 | — | 19m 41s | |
| 3/9/26 | ![]() Tui T. Sutherland on Creativity, World-Building, Empathy, and Writing for Young Readers | In this episode, we sit down with Tui T. Sutherland, bestselling author of the Wings of Fire series, for a rich conversation about creativity, writing, world-building, empathy, and storytelling for young readers. Tui shares how play, curiosity, and even dogs can support focus and imagination, why world-building starts with better questions, and how writers can balance community feedback with their own creative vision. She also reflects on the role of empathy, diversity, and self-exploration in storytelling, offering practical insights for aspiring writers, educators, and anyone interested in how stories shape young minds. This conversation explores the creative process behind building immersive fictional worlds, developing memorable characters, and staying grounded in joy and curiosity while writing. Whether you are a fan of children's literature, interested in the craft of writing, or looking for inspiration around imagination and creative confidence, this episode offers plenty to take away. 00:00 How Dogs Support Creativity and Focus 02:40 World-Building That Makes Stories Feel Real 05:23 Balancing Reader Feedback and Creative Vision 07:56 Community, Empathy, and Representation in Storytelling 10:58 Writing as Therapy and Self-Exploration 14:30 Advice for Aspiring Writers 17:11 Imagining Worlds Through Play and Curiosity Resources Wings of Fire Series by Tui T. Sutherland — https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/authors/tui-t-sutherland/ Scholastic — https://www.scholastic.com/ Tui T. Sutherland on Twitter / X — https://twitter.com/tuitweets | — | ||||||
| 3/3/26 | ![]() Dream Big, Start Small: A Conversation with Peter H. Reynolds | In this episode, we sit down with beloved children's book author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds to explore how educators can ignite creativity and self-discovery in young learners. Peter shares why a single question can transform how we teach, and why imagination and dreaming big aren't luxuries but essentials. What We Cover: How teachers activate creativity through authentic, feeling-driven questions Encouraging kids to explore many interests instead of choosing just one path The vital role of imagination and dreaming big in personal growth Chapters 00:00 The Impact of Educators on Creativity 05:33 Dreaming Big: Navigating Identity and Aspirations What to win your copy of this book? Be sure to follow us on LinkedIn to enter the give-away. https://www.linkedin.com/company/shifting-schools/ | — | ||||||
| 3/2/26 | ![]() Character First Writing: Practical Mini Lessons from Deborah Goodrich Royce | Deborah Goodrich Royce, author of literary psychological thrillers and a former actor, unpacks how she builds tension without forcing the outline. You will hear how sensory observation from her New York Botanical Garden work feeds scene-level detail, why she prefers a "reveal" that feels earned over a twist that feels gimmicky, and how an actor's training translates into characters with layered motives and believable self-deception. What you will learn How to pace a psychological thriller so the reader feels pulled forward, not pushed. Character-first plotting: letting voice, backstory, and contradictions shape the turns. Designing "good reveals" and planting signals that pay off cleanly later. Key topics Botanical observation as a storytelling skill (attention, pattern, detail). Character development through lived experience and emotional memory. Organic plot development: earning twists through setup, not shock value. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Deborah's background 01:00 Why the New York Botanical Garden matters to her creative life 01:57 Creative growth through lived experience 03:09 The Lincoln quote and what it signals in the book 03:37 Identity, deception, and what thrillers let us examine 04:55 Using "signals" from real life to build believable turns 05:46 The actor's lens on role, emotion, and subtext 07:10 Writing thrillers in a fast-paced media environment 07:48 "Organic" plotting: how reveals get earned 09:18 Creative community and collaboration 12:31 Openings, pacing, and keeping readers in the scene 14:59 Starting a new project: practical tools and habits 17:30 Visualizing the story with notes and systems 18:09 Readers, book clubs, and what she learns from conversations Want to learn with Tricia this April? Learn more: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/empathy-as-interface-rethinking-ai-in-education-tickets-1630138009669?aff=oddtdtcreator | — | ||||||
| 2/23/26 | ![]() How to Turn Real History into Fiction: Lessons from Steve Berry | In this conversation, author Steve Berry discusses his deep-rooted love for history, the intricate process of crafting thrillers that intertwine historical facts with modern narratives, and the importance of research in his writing. He also shares insights into his philanthropic efforts through the History Matters initiative, which focuses on preserving local history, and hints at future adventures for his protagonist, Cotton Malone, in unexplored regions of the world. Takeaways Steve Berry's love for history began in childhood. His writing combines action, history, and conspiracies. The formula for his books is 'the same but different.' Research is crucial for creating engaging narratives. The 'ooh factor' is essential in selecting historical elements. History Matters has raised nearly $3 million for preservation. Berry's research trips are meticulously planned. He seeks unique insights during his travels. Cotton Malone will explore new regions in future novels. Berry aims to continue writing for many more years. Steve Berry is the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author of twenty Cotton Malone novels, six stand-alone thrillers, two Luke Daniels adventures, and several works of short fiction. He has over twenty-six million books in print, translated into forty-one languages. With his wife, Elizabeth, he is the founder of History Matters, an organization dedicated to historical preservation. He serves as an emeritus member of the Smithsonian Libraries Advisory Board and was a founding member of International Thriller Writers, formerly serving as co-president. Check Steve out on Facebook or his website Chapters 00:00 The Roots of a Historian 02:58 Crafting Thrillers with Historical Depth 05:49 Researching History for Modern Thrillers 08:45 Giving Back: The History Matters Initiative 11:41 Future Adventures in Historical Fiction Learn more about the brand new book from Jeff Utecht https://humanstillrequired.com/ | — | ||||||
| 2/15/26 | ![]() Building connection one board book at a time | In this conversation, Sandra Magsamen discusses her approach to creating children's literature that emphasizes connection, love, and emotional intelligence. She shares insights into her creative process, the importance of feedback from readers, and how her work aims to foster self-love and connection between caregivers and children. Magsamen also reflects on her artistic journey, the role of perseverance, and the significance of storytelling in shaping lives. Takeaways Connection is at the heart of children's literature. Love is an action that caregivers can demonstrate. Books can provide comfort and emotional support to children. Feedback from readers is validating and inspires future work. Objects like books and blankets can hold deep emotional significance. Stories can change lives and shape worldviews. Curiosity fuels creativity and artistic expression. Perseverance is essential in the creative process. Every project is an opportunity to connect hearts. The act of reading together fosters intimacy and connection. Chapters 00:00 The Heart of Connection in Children's Literature 02:48 Love as an Action: The Role of Caregivers 05:34 Impactful Feedback: Stories from Readers 08:31 The Power of Objects and Books in Shaping Lives 11:06 Curiosity and Creativity: Fueling the Artistic Journey Learn more about our special guest: https://www.sandramagsamen.com/ Learn more with Jeff and Tricia https://www.shiftingschools.com/ Our show is produced by Sagheer M. Learn more: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01a20f0c0c32996d55 | — | ||||||
| 2/9/26 | ![]() Empowering the Next Generation Through Storytelling with Gloria Steinem and Leymah Gbowee | In this conversation, we explore the new collaborative picture book 'Rise Girl Rise', which explores themes of empowerment, friendship, and the importance of storytelling across cultures. They emphasize the book's role in inspiring the next generation and fostering a sense of shared humanity. Gloria Steinem is a political activist, feminist organizer, and the author of many acclaimed books, including the national bestseller Revolution from Within: A Book of Self-Esteem. She is a contributor to the classic children's book Free to Be You and Me, which became a children's entertainment project, conceived, created, and executive-produced by actress and author Marlo Thomas, produced in collaboration with the Ms. Foundation for Women, and the Free to Be Foundation, both cofounded by Ms. Steinem, and most recently illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Ms. Steinem is also the co-founder of the National Women's Political Caucus and the Women's Media Center. In keeping with her deep commitment to establishing equality throughout the world, Ms. Steinem helped found Equality Now, Donor Direct Action, and Direct Impact Africa. To learn more, visit gloriasteinem.com. Leymah Gbowee is a Liberian peace activist, social worker, and women's rights advocate. She is Founder and President of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa, based in Monrovia. As a writer, Ms. Gbowee is the author of the inspirational memoir Mighty Be Our Powers: How Sisterhood, Prayer, and Sex Changed a Nation at War, and author of the children's book A Community of Sisters, illustrated by Coleen Baik. Ms. Gbowee is perhaps best known for leading a nonviolent movement that brought together Christian and Muslim women to play a pivotal role in ending Liberia's devastating, 14-year civil war in 2003. Chapters 00:00 The Power of Picture Books 02:43 Friendship Across Cultures 05:15 Legacy and Call to Action The Shifting Schools podcast is produced and edited by Sagheer M. | — | ||||||
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5 placements across 5 markets.
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5 placements across 5 markets.























