PODCAST · education
4AZ
by Tyler McDowell-Blanken
Black educators are 4% of Arizona’s teacher workforce. Join host Tyler McDowell-Blanken as he welcomes guests to discuss their path toward education, the realities of the profession, and finding community.
Episodes
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Teaching News Literacy and a Drake “Iceman” Review | With Michelle Beaver, Joseph Salvoro, and Desmond Powell
Tyler welcomes Michelle Beaver, founder of News Literacy for Arizona, to discuss her work in the Valley. Then, he welcomes Joseph Salvoro and Desmond Powell to discuss Drake’s “Iceman” rollout. Connect with Michelle: @newsliteracyforarizona Connect with Joseph: @joseph_salvoro Connect with…
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“Abbott Elementary” Season 5, Episodes 21-22 Recap with Mike Steph and Sarah Beth
Tyler welcomes back Mike Steph and Sarah Beth to review the final two episodes from season five of “Abbott Elementary.” They discuss Gregory’s potential promotion, O’Shon’s reemergence, and the biggest questions following the two-part finale. The trio also gives out awards for the season’s best...
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“Abbott Elementary” Season 5, Episodes 19-20 Recap with Mike Steph and Sarah Beth
Tyler welcomes back Mike Steph and Sarah Beth to discuss the two latest “Abbott Elementary” episodes. They react to Gregory and Janine’s potential split, discuss Ava's surprises, and make predictions ahead of the season finale. Connect with Mike Steph: @mike__steph Connect with Sarah Beth:...
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“Abbott Elementary” Season 5, Episodes 17-18 Recap with Mike Steph and Sarah Beth
Tyler welcomes back Mike Steph and Sarah Beth to review the two latest episodes from season five of “Abbott Elementary.” They discuss Barbara’s grace, Diya’s revenge, and Tatyana Ali’s career. Connect with Mike Steph: @mike__steph Connect with Sarah Beth: @dearsarahbeth Connect with Us: @4azteach...
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“Abbott Elementary” Season 5, Episodes 15-16 Recap with Mike Steph and Sarah Beth
Tyler welcomes back Mike Steph and Sarah Beth to review the two latest episodes from season five of “Abbott Elementary.” They discuss Jacob’s comeback, Ms. Carroll’s return, and what’s next for ABC following the cancellation of “The Bachelorette” last week. Connect with Mike Steph: @mike__steph...
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“Abbott Elementary” Season 5, Episodes 13-14 Recap with Mike Steph and Sarah Beth
Tyler welcomes back Mike Steph and Sarah Beth to discuss the two latest “Abbott Elementary” episodes. They react to Gregory moving in with Janine, Dominic’s conversation with Jacob, and the value of unorthodox approaches in the classroom. Later, the trio shares their thoughts on the show's…
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“Abbott Elementary” Season 5, Episodes 11-12 Recap with Mike Steph and Sarah Beth
Tyler welcomes back Mike Steph and Sarah Beth to discuss the two latest “Abbott Elementary” storylines. They react to the staff’s final day at the mall, Mr. Johnson’s main squeeze, and picture day experiences. Later, the trio shares theories about what’s ahead this season and their A+ picks....
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“Abbott Elementary” Season 5, Episodes 9-10 Recap with Sarah Beth
Tyler welcomes back Sarah Beth to discuss the two latest episodes from season five of “Abbott Elementary.” They discuss O’Shon’s return, Dominic’s first year, and Melissa’s friendship dilemma. Also, the two trade mall nostalgia stories and share their A+ picks. Connect with Sarah Beth:...
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4AZ's Winter Break Film Series - The 2000s
Tyler welcomes back Mike Steph and Sarah Beth for a special winter break film series. It’s our final episode, and the trio plays a game of ‘Buy, Rent, Pass?” for three school-related films from the 2000s: “Bring It On,” “Meangirls,” and “Superbad.” They also give a shout-out to 1996’s “Matilda”…
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4AZ's Winter Break Film Series - “School Daze” (1988)
Tyler welcomes back Mike Steph and Sarah Beth for a special winter break film series. It’s part three, and the trio reviews 1988’s "School Daze" starring Giancarlo Esposito and Tisha Campbell. They discuss what the film accurately portrays about college, what it doesn’t, and whether the film…
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4AZ's Winter Break Film Series - “The Outsiders” (1983)
Tyler welcomes back Mike Steph and Sarah Beth for a special winter break film series. It’s part two, and the trio reviews 1983’s "The Outsiders" starring Patrick Swayze and Emilio Estevez. They discuss what the film accurately portrays about school, what it doesn’t, and whether the film could be...
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4AZ's Winter Break Film Series - "Bustin' Loose" (1981)
Tyler welcomes back Mike Steph and Sarah Beth for a special winter break film series. It’s part one, and the trio reviews 1981’s "Bustin' Loose" starring Richard Pryor and Cicely Tyson. They discuss what the film accurately portrays about school, what it doesn’t, and whether the film could be...
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‘Abbott Elementary’ Season 5, Episodes 7-8 Recap with Mike Steph and Sarah Beth
Tyler welcomes back Mike Steph and Sarah Beth to discuss the two latest episodes from season five of ‘Abbott Elementary.’ They discuss the Goofball Garden Club’s latest shakeup, Janine’s 30th birthday, and Ava’s cliffhanger. Also, the trio reacts to Scottsdale Unified School District and...
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Another Semester Down, Book 2 Reactions, and Christmas Playlists with Desmond Powell
Tyler welcomes back Desmond Powell of Hip 2 Da Games to discuss the ebbs and flows of the years after college. They discuss finding purpose, navigating seasons, and Desmond’s new ‘OPEN GYM’ mixtape. Also, Tyler shares his thoughts on Devin Booker’s latest sneakers, and Desmond reveals his top…
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‘Abbott Elementary’ Season 5 Semester Grades with Sarah Beth
Tyler and Sarah Beth dish out their grades for the best performances and most intriguing storylines of ‘Abbott Elementary’ Season 5. They discuss Janine’s self-awareness, Ava’s hijinks, and Jacob’s trajectory. Also, Sarah Beth awards extra credit to a surprise character, and Tyler wants to have…
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‘Abbott Elementary’ Season 5, Episodes 5-6 Recap with MIke Steph and Sarah Beth
Tyler welcomes back Mike Steph and Sarah Beth to discuss the two latest episodes from season five of ‘Abbott Elementary.’ They react to the annual Halloween-themed episode, discuss why Jacob’s character seems stagnant, and debate Melissa’s storyline arc. Also, the trio shares their “A+” picks and...
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'Abbott Elementary' Season 5, Episodes 3-4 Recap with Mike Steph and Sarah Beth
Tyler welcomes back Mike Steph and Sarah Beth to discuss the two latest episodes from season five of ‘Abbott Elementary.’ They react to O’Shon’s first appearance, Gregory’s apartment reveal, and new Mr. Johnson mysteries. Also, the trio shares their “A+” picks and a Halloween group chat dilemma....
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‘Abbott Elementary’ Season 5, Episodes 1-2 Recap with Mike Steph and Sarah Beth
Tyler welcomes back Mike Steph and Sarah Beth to discuss the first two episodes of ‘Abbott Elementary’ Season Five. They react to Melissa’s first days with sixth graders, Janine’s new dilemma, and Tariq’s expanded role. Later, the trio shares theories about O’Shon’s absence and makes their picks...
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Crash Outs, Meme Therapy, and Recognizing Our Shadows with Rudi O. Betzold
Tyler welcomes therapist Rudi O. Betzold from The Hidden Way to share strategies for navigating life’s challenges when they feel overwhelming. They also discuss the value of being sensitive, meme therapy, and Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ album. Connect with Rudi: @thehiddenwaypod...
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The Biggest Questions of Abbott Elementary’s Season Five with Mike Steph and Sarah Beth
Season five of Abbott Elementary premieres tonight! Tyler welcomes back Mike Steph and Sarah Beth to answer the most pressing questions amongst the fanbase. They discuss Barbara’s potential decision, Janine’s journey, and O’Shon’s staying power. Mike envisions a proposal from Gregory, Sarah Beth...
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‘Abbott Elementary’ Season 5 Preview with Eli Bliman
Tyler welcomes Eli Bliman to preview Season 5 of ‘Abbott Elementary.’ They discuss the release of this season’s poster, the evolution of Janine and Gregory as a television couple, and his hopes ahead of the October 1 premiere. Eli also shares behind-the-scenes details about the creation of our...
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A New School Year, Reigniting the Spark, and Turning 40 with Dr. Erika McDowell
Dr. Erika McDowell, veteran educator and co-CEO of Black Wildflowers Fund, joins Tyler for our season finale. They discuss the start of a new school year, how to maintain (or reignite) the spark, and Erika’s 40th birthday. Connect with Erika: @erikathequeen Connect with Black Wildflowers:...
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Being a First-Generation American, Grad School, and ‘White Girl Wednesday’ with Ephraim Amissah
University of Arizona master’s student Ephraim Amissah joins Tyler to discuss his journey into the teaching profession. He shares details about his family’s journey to the United States, his experiences overcoming mental health challenges, and the first semester of his graduate studies. Connect...
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Assessment Strategies, Leading a School, and Finding Your Peace with Dr. Pamela Chandler
Dr. Pamela Chandler, principal of AZ Compass Prep, joins Tyler to discuss her journey from teacher to literacy coach to principal. She discusses assessment strategies, working in schools worldwide, and how she prioritizes connecting with students and staff above all else. Connect with Dr.…
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Dodgeball Drama, First-Year Lessons, and the ‘Millennial Midlife Crisis’ with Darien Mckinley
Peoria physical education teacher Darien Mckinley joins Tyler to break down his first year of teaching. Darien shares the joys, the challenges, and how he learned the value of pivoting. They also discuss the 'Millennial Midlife Crisis' and much more. Connect with Darien: @coach_dmckinley Connect...
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The Future of Education (and Everything Else) with Trevor Knox and Kevin Paulson
Tyler is joined by Arizona State University career coach Trevor Knox and Desert View High School history teacher Kevin Paulson to discuss the state of public education and its future. They also share their thoughts on the future of artificial intelligence, celebrity, dating apps, and more.…
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ASU Tales, Designing a Classroom, and the First Lunch Detention with Erin Lewis
Third-grade teacher Erin Lewis joins Tyler to reflect on her experience studying at Arizona State University. She shares the best parts of being an education major, the challenges of college, and how she’s approaching the start of her career after completing student teaching. Erin reveals her...
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Kendrick, 'The Pop Out' Turns One, and Culturally Relevant Teaching with Desmond Powell
Season 2 is here! Desmond Powell of Hip 2 Da Games joins Tyler to reflect on the first anniversary of Kendrick Lamar's concert, 'The Pop Out.' They discuss culturally relevant teaching strategies, how themes of Lamar's work translate to the classroom, and Desmond's Grand National Tour live...
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The Art of Bouncing Back | A Conversation with Michele Gaines
Another April is in the books! The stress came and went, but we made it. Tyler welcomes Arizona-based counselor Michele Gaines to discuss mindfulness tips for students and self-care strategies for educators. Michele shares her journey in education, launching a wellness coaching business, and much...
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'Abbott Elementary' Season 4 Finale Recap
It’s our final Abbott conversation of the year! Mike Steph and Sarah Beth join Tyler to recap this season’s final two episodes. They react to Ava’s reinstatement, Janine meeting Gregory’s dad, and much more. Also, the trio selects their MVPs from the season and makes Season 5 predictions. Connect...
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'Abbott Elementary' Season 4, Episodes 19-20 Recap
We have two new Abbott episodes to dissect! Mike Steph and Sarah Beth join Tyler to recap Episodes 19 and 20. They react to Ava’s return, Barbara’s first days as a music teacher, and the mysterious world of Mr. Johnson. Also, the trio discusses fan theories and selects their MVPs from this...
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'Abbott Elementary' Season 4, Episodes 17-18 Recap
It was a newsworthy two weeks at Abbott! Mike Steph and Sarah Beth join Tyler to recap Episodes 17 and 18. They react to Ava’s first date with O’Shon, Jacob’s karaoke night, and Barbara’s new class. Also, the trio discusses fan theories and selects their MVPs from this two-pack. Connect with…
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'Abbott Elementary' Season 4, Episodes 15-16 Recap
We’re back to talk Abbott! Mike Steph and Sarah Beth join Tyler to recap Episodes 15 and 16. They discuss Barbara’s new chapter, Ava’s budding romance with O’Shon, and Melissa’s commitment issues. Also, the trio reacts to fan theories about what’s ahead and a new book review process at Higley...
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'Abbott Elementary' Season 4, Episodes 13-14 Recap
Let’s talk Abbott! Tyler reunites with Mike Steph to recap Episodes 13 and 14. They discuss Janine’s worries, Ava’s decisions, and the evolution of Tyler James Williams in Hollywood. Also, Mike predicts what’s next for Manny and shares his MVP pick for this two-pack. Connect with Mike…
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'Abbott Elementary' Season 4, Episodes 11-12 Recap
The halls of Abbott are as busy as ever! Tyler welcomes Arizona third-grade teacher Sarah Beth to recap Episodes 11 and 12. They discuss the ‘Get Out’ vibes of Girard Creek, Jacob’s patience paying off, and Gregory’s expanding palate. Also, Sarah Beth provides her thoughts on Isaac Elementary...
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Life at Abbott, Meeting Quinta, and Acting Advice | A Conversation with Zinnia Nzolameso
On this special episode, Tyler welcomes actress Zinnia Nzolameso of Abbott Elementary to discuss her role as Lila in Season 4. Zinnia shares her experience on set, meeting Quinta Brunson, and advice for kids looking to start in the acting industry. Connect with Zinnia: @zinnianzolameso Connect…
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'Abbott Elementary' Season 4, Episodes 9-10 Recap
Season 4 of Abbott Elementary continues! Tyler welcomes back Marana Unified School District third-grade teacher Sarah Beth to recap Episodes 9 and 10. They discuss the long-awaited It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia crossover, Barbara’s retirement tease, and Mr. Johnson being an MVP of the season....
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'Abbott Elementary' Season 4, Episodes 7-8 Recap
Season 4 of Abbott Elementary rolls on! Tyler welcomes Tanque Verde Unified School District special education teacher George Romero to recap Episodes 7 and 8. They discuss Barbara’s winter show, the arrival of Jacob’s brother, Melissa’s family party, and more. Also, George shares his thoughts on...
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'Abbott Elementary' Season 4, Episodes 5-6 Recap
Season 4 of Abbott Elementary rolls on! Tyler welcomes Mike Steph, 19 Media podcast host, to recap Episode 5, 'Dad Fight,' and Episode 6, 'The Deli.' They discuss Gregory's Darnell problem, Melissa's ankle issue, and Ava's come-up. Also, Mike describes his experience as an elementary parent and...
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'Abbott Elementary' Season 4, Episodes 3-4 Recap
Season 4 of Abbott Elementary rolls on! Tyler welcomes Jabari Davis, iHeartMedia producer, to recap Episodes 3 and 4. They discuss class pets, O'Shon's arrival, and Halloween costumes. Jabari also shares his thoughts on Janelle James' ascension, a possible Manny return, and the importance of...
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'Abbott Elementary' Season 4, Episodes 1-2 Recap
Season 4 of Abbott Elementary is in full swing! Tyler welcomes Sarah Beth, a 3rd-grade teacher in Marana Unified School District, to recap its first two episodes. They discuss Janine and Gregory's decision to make their relationship public and the real-life perils of dating as a teacher. Also,...
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Abbott Elementary: Season 4 Preview with Kevin Paulson
Abbott Elementary returns tonight! Tyler welcomes Kevin Paulson of Sunnyside Unified School District to preview Season 4. They discuss the show’s success, Greg and Janine’s kiss, and predict what’s ahead. Kevin also shares about life as a new dad and provides his perspective on Arizona's current...
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Justice and Joy | A Conversation with Dr. Erika L. McDowell
It's our Season One finale! Tyler welcomes Erika L. McDowell to learn about her career in education as a theatre teacher, administrator, and co-CEO of Black Wildflowers Fund. They also discuss her time as a Howard University student, becoming a college professor, and the Electric Slide. Connect...
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Under Pressure | Tyler's Story and What's Next for 4AZ
Join Tyler as he reflects on his journey into education. He discusses the challenges of finding community as a high school student, moving to Tucson, and transitioning from journalism to teaching. Tyler also shares details about his experience in higher education and what’s next for 4AZ…
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Restoring the Feeling | A Conversation with Sean Freeman
Tyler welcomes Sean Freeman to learn about his life as a Tempe High School teacher and head football coach. Sean shares his experience growing up in Mesa, rebuilding a storied athletic program, and how he builds relationships. They also discuss LeBron James, project-based learning, and why Sean...
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S1 Check-In | Celebrating Our Sistas
We’re six episodes into our inaugural season. It’s time to revisit and reflect. In this special episode, we look back on our favorite moments from interviews with Mariah Barnett (@mariah_barnett), Rae Black (@msraeblack), and Lizz Denneau (@lizz_denneau). Connect with us: @4azteach 0:00 Intro…
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Wear the Crown | A Conversation with Lizz Denneau
Tyler welcomes Lizz Denneau to learn about her career as a visual arts teacher. They discuss Lizz’s experience growing up in Tucson, her love of fashion, navigating the profession, and much more. Connect with Lizz: @lizz_denneau Connect with us: @4azteach 0:00 Intro 3:00 Growing up in Tucson 9:08...
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Lifting the Bar | A Conversation with Darien Mckinley
Tyler welcomes Darien Mckinley to learn about his journey toward becoming a physical education teacher. Darien shares details about his experience as a student-athlete at The University of Arizona, becoming a personal trainer, and coaching track at Catalina Foothills High School. The guys also...
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Growing and Glowing | A Conversation with Rae Black
Tyler welcomes Rae Black to discuss her career as an English teacher and girls’ flag football coach in the East Valley. Rae shares her experience attending an HBCU, becoming an entrepreneur in the beauty industry, life as a flight attendant, and starting a Black Student Union from the ground up....
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Space and Grace | A conversation with Trevor Knox
Tyler welcomes Trevor Knox to learn about his career as a secondary history teacher. They discuss Trevor's familial ties to education in Arizona, chaperoning school dances, the Splash Brothers, and his transition to higher education. Connect with Trevor: @tknox20 Connect with us: @4azteach
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Black educators are 4% of Arizona’s teacher workforce. Join host Tyler McDowell-Blanken as he welcomes guests to discuss their path toward education, the realities of the profession, and finding community.
HOSTED BY
Tyler McDowell-Blanken
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does 4AZ have?
4AZ currently has 53 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is 4AZ about?
Black educators are 4% of Arizona’s teacher workforce. Join host Tyler McDowell-Blanken as he welcomes guests to discuss their path toward education, the realities of the profession, and finding community.
How often does 4AZ release new episodes?
4AZ has 53 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to 4AZ?
You can listen to 4AZ on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts 4AZ?
4AZ is created and hosted by Tyler McDowell-Blanken.
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