Developing Talent for Activism: Transformational Giftedness and Animal Justice

In this Winter 2026 episode of the Listen and Learn series, Dr. Jennifer Riedl Cross joins Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett to challenge traditional views of giftedness. Moving beyond IQ and high achievement, she introduces Transformational Giftedness—the idea that intelligence and talent are most meaningful when used to tackle societal challenges and create positive change. The conversation explores the “Rage for Justice,” the moral intensity often found in gifted individuals, and how it can be channeled into effective activism. Animal justice emerges as a compelling entry point for young activists, highlighting how concern for animals often sparks broader social awareness and motivates action for the common good.  She shares the work she has done in this area conducted in collaboration with Barbara J. King.  Dr. Worwood and Dr. Burnett discuss practical strategies for nurturing young changemakers. From persuasive writing and public speaking to strategic thinking, they emphasize how educators and parents can help students transform passion into real-world impact. Creativity is central, with activism framed as an imaginative act—envisioning worlds that do not yet exist and taking steps to bring them to life. If you are interested in this topic, you might also want to check out Barbara J. King's TED talk on grief and love in the animal kingdom!   About the Guest: Dr. Jennifer Riedl Cross is a Research Professor at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Her research focuses on the social and emotional development of gifted students, particularly those who use their talents for social justice and advocacy.   Be sure to subscribe on your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at [email protected].