PODCAST · education
Critical Conversations
by Dr. Rick Daniels
Leading stories, trending topics, changing narratives. This is the Critical Conversations podcast series with Dr. Rick Daniels. Engaging in topics related to, and focused on diversity, equity and inclusion.
Episodes
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Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
In this episode, Dr. Rick Daniels sits down with Oakton faculty and staff to discuss Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. They discuss the historical perspective and significance of AAPI Heritage Month, AAPI literature and research resources through Oakton's Library, the…
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Celebrating Women's History Month with the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC)
Join Dr. Rick Daniels, Leah Kintner, and Esperanza Salgado-Rodriguez for a conversation on the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC) at Oakton. In honor of Women's History Month, they discuss the history of AAWCC at Oakton, key issues facing women in community colleges,...
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Sis, Ya Slip is Showing! A bold guide to ending toxic friendships and choosing yourself.
On this episode of Critical Conversations, we spotlight one of Oakton's own: Manager of Oakton's Career and Transfer Center and author of the new book, "Sis, Ya Slip is Showing! A bold guide to ending toxic friendships and choosing yourself." We sat down with Dr. Smith in the studio and asked her...
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December Holidays and Observances
In this episode of the podcast, Brenda Cruz tells us about some of the December holidays and observances, including Chanukah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa and spending time with loved ones at the end of the year! Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Coordinator: Brenda...
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Spotlight on Oakton Resource Groups: Elevating Indigenous Voices at Oakton
On this episode of Critical Conversations, we spotlight one of Oakton's Employee Resource Groups: Elevating Indigenous Voices at Oakton. We will unpack and discuss the origins of the group, its connection to the land Oakton occupies, and key takeaways from this year's Learning Day. Host: Dr. Rick...
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10 years of Service: Celebrating President Joianne Smith
On this episode of Critical Conversations, we reflect on 10 years of leadership and service from President Joianne Smith. Together, we explore the accomplishments and challenges that have shaped her presidency, and look ahead to what the future holds for her and for Oakton College. Host: Dr. Rick...
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November Holidays and Observances
For November's holidays and observances, Brenda Cruz walks us through some information about Native American History Month, Dia de los Muertos, Veterans Day, and Transgender Day of Rememberance. Brenda and Rick discuss some ways that you can celebrate and observe these days respectfully this…
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Rhythm & Resistance: A Tribute to D'Angelo
Join Dr. Rick Daniels for a special episode of Critical Conversations celebrating the trailblazing neo-soul artist D'Angelo. This episode explores four of his compositions that highlight spirituality, social justice, environmental responsibility, and Black empowerment. D'Angelo's music moves…
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The Hidden Cost of Free Speech
On the next episode of the Critical Conversations podcast, we delve into "The Hidden Cost of Free Speech." Recent events have brought this classic topic back to the forefront, and together, we'll unpack how the national sentiment around free speech impacts the student experience, how we respond…
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The Discipline of Civil Discourse: Four Tools to Debate Without Demeaning
In this episode of Critical Conversations, Dr. Rick Daniels cuts through the noise around "civil discourse" and gets real about what it actually means. Respectful debate isn't just about sharing opinions, it's about the skill, care, and discipline we bring into dialogue. Too often, what's framed…
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Who Switched My Code Vol. 1: Exploring the idea of tokenism in professional spaces.
Have you ever felt like you had to shrink yourself to fit in? Been the "only one" in the room? Or felt pressure to speak for your whole community? In Season 3, Episode 2 of Critical Conversations, we begin our new series Who Switched My Code? by exploring tokenism as a form of social…
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Institutional Readiness: Preparing Oakton for the Road Ahead
Join us for the Season 3 premiere of the Critical Conversations Podcast as we unpack the Department of Justice's letter on "illegal" DEI practices in higher education. Our esteemed panelists Dear Aunaetitrakul, Keith Simonds, and Sylvia Rosillo will delve into three key areas of the letter: its...
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More Than a Holiday: A Juneteenth Conversation
Join Dr. Rick Daniels, Janeen Jackson, and students from Oakton's Black Student Success Program as they explore the history, significance, and future of Juneteenth. This episode delves into personal reflections, the cultural impact of the holiday, and its recent federal recognition. Host: Dr.…
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Question of the Month: Introvert in an Extrovert's World
In this episode, I unpack a simple question that left me reflecting deeply: "Are you an introvert or an extrovert?" What followed was a realization about how our environments—and the roles we play in them—can shape how we show up. I explore the idea of "performing extroversion," the fluidity of...
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From Evaluation to Engagement: The Lattice Launch at Oakton
In this episode, we explore Oakton's transition to Lattice, a new performance management system designed to foster meaningful conversations, continuous feedback, and employee growth. Join us as we discuss the journey behind the shift, unpack common perceptions around evaluations in higher...
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Got Solidarity?: Challenging Straight White College Men to Advocate for Social Justice; featuring Dr. Jorg Vianden
In this episode, we welcome our first non-Oakton affiliated guest to the podcast, Dr. Jorg Vianden, author of the book, "Got Solidarity?: Challenging Straight White College Men to Advocate for Social Justice". We get to know Dr. Jorg Vianden, how he got started in higher education, what inspired...
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May-August Holidays and Observances
In the last Holidays and Observances episode of the academic year, Brenda is going to take you from May 1st through the summer months! Jewish-American heritage month spans the entire month of May, with Lag Ba'Omer from May 15-16th, which is a Jewish religious holiday celebrated on the 33rd day of...
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No Agenda with Tina and Terrance
In this episode, Dr. Rick Daniels sits down with trusted colleagues and friends with NO AGENDA. This time around, Dr. Daniels is joined by Tina Fakhrid-Deen, Distinguished Professor of English and Co-coorinator of Creative Writing and Terrance Stevenson, Coordinator for Oakton's Emory Williams...
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Reflecting on Learning Day 2024: Workforce Readiness, Equity, and Partnerships
In this episode of Critical Conversations, we reflect on Learning Day 2024, from October of last year. As we approach the end of the 2024-2025 academic year, it's a great time to look back at our notes, re-center some of the important themes, and give space to have conversations about how...
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April Holidays and Observances
In this brief episode, we want to share some of the holidays and observances in April, including Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, National Arab-American Hertiage Month, National Autism Acceptance Month, and Earth Month. Religious Observances in April include Passover, Holy Week...
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Unlocking Opportunity: Elevating the Adult and Continuing Education Student Experience at Oakton
In this episode, we speak with some folks from the Adult and Continuing Education department at Oakton. We highlight the experiences, challenges, and opportunities for Continuing Education and Non-Credit students at Oakton College. Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and...
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Campus Safety at Oakton: A Conversation with Chief Aaron Wernick
In this episode, we introduce Chief Aaron Wernick to the Oakton community, discuss his vision for the Oakton Police Department, and address key concerns regarding public safety, policing policies, and community relations. Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion…
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Resilience in the Face of Opposition: Navigating the Latest Dear Colleague Letter
In this episode of Critical Conversations, we dive into the Department of Education's latest Dear Colleague Letter and its impact on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. With growing resistance to DEI efforts in education, we unpack the letter's key statements, analyze the broader...
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March Holidays and Observances
In this brief episode, we want to share some of the holidays and observances in March, including celebrating women's identities in Women's HERstory Month. The Jewish celebration of survival, Purim, is also this month, as well as the Hindu festival starting the month of Phalguna and celebrating...
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When Did You Fall In Love With Your Blackness?
In this episode of Critical Conversations, we explore the power of embracing Blackness with special guests Krissie Harris and Lindsey Hunter. Together, we discuss defining Blackness, resisting colonizer energy, and navigating spaces where it is undervalued or misunderstood. Tune in for a candid...
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Understanding Executive Orders
Recently, Rick Daniels, Ed.D hosted a campus-wide discussion at Oakton College on the impact of recent executive orders and their implications for our institution and community. This event was opened with remarks from President Joianne L. Smith, Ph.D., who reaffirmed Oakton's commitment to…
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February Holiday Observances
In this brief episode, we want to share some encouragement with folks as DEI work is under attack once again, but we also want to take a moment to spotlight the holiday observances, as well as some Oakton College campus events for the month of February. We've got a full episode coming soon for...
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Beyond the Rainbow: Strengthening LGBTQ+ Inclusion at Oakton College
In this episode, the goal is to foster an inclusive dialogue that highlights the experiences, challenges, and opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community at Oakton College. This episode will provide actionable insights for improving systems and fostering a culture that uplifts all individuals. Host…
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January Holiday Observances and Points of Encouragement for 2025
In our first episode of 2025, we check in with Brenda Cruz, the Coordinator for Institutional Equity and Inclusion at Oakton College about January Holiday Observances and what we can do to recognize, acknowlege and support these holidays and those who observe them. Dr. Daniels then shares three...
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Language, Identity, and Inclusivity: Exploring 'Latine' and 'Latinx' in Higher Education
As language continues to evolve, so do the ways we refer to our diverse identities. This episode will be an open dialogue about the terms "Latine" and "Latinx," how and why these terms are used, what we understand about them, and their broader implications in creating inclusive spaces, especially...
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No Agenda: Bonus Episode
In this bonus episode, Dr. Rick Daniels sits down with trusted colleagues and friends, Janeen Jackson and Will Crawford to have a candid conversation about how they innovate to keep their students engaged, how they accept feedback, criticism, praise and love, and then let the discussion develop...
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Capturing the Vision: Update on Oakton's Strategic Plans
In this episode, we explore Oakton College's major strategic plans that are shaping our future. We delve into Vision 2030, Oakton's overarching strategic plan to build just and thriving communities, and discuss the role of the Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM 2.0) plan in advancing our...
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Looking Back to Look Forward: A Year in Review at Oakton College and Abroad
This episode will focus on a year-end wrap up where we cover some of the highlights of the 2023-2024 academic year, including how some of the events in the larger society have shaped the work we do. Guest Panelists: Johanna Fine, Human Resources Prashant Shinde, Information Technology Dr. Karl...
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Who Switched My Code? An Intersectional Look at Code Switching and the Impact on Cross-Cultural Relationships
Code switching is an intersectional and cross-cultural phenomenon that's stood the test of time. And while some argue that it's a healthy and common practice, others see it as a dangerous balancing act that can lead to mental, emotional, and even physical stress. Episode 3 tackles the complex…
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Breaking Down DEI
The landscape around diversity, equity, and inclusion is changing rapidly, however, the idea of what these terms mean in practice is still up for debate. Episode 2 will focus on breaking down the meaning of diversity, equity, and inclusion; with particular attention being paid to how these…
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The Oakton Report - Examining the Current Anti-DEI Movement and the Resulting Impact on the Student and Employee Experience
Our subject focuses on the ways in which DEI programs are facing legal challenges; threatening the existence of such initiatives as affinity groups, identity-based student organizations, anti-racism training, and more. Our guest is Frank Garrett, an attourney at Robbins Schwartz and Oakton...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Critical Conversations have?
Critical Conversations currently has 36 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Critical Conversations about?
Leading stories, trending topics, changing narratives. This is the Critical Conversations podcast series with Dr. Rick Daniels. Engaging in topics related to, and focused on diversity, equity and inclusion.
How often does Critical Conversations release new episodes?
Critical Conversations has 36 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Critical Conversations?
You can listen to Critical Conversations 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 Critical Conversations?
Critical Conversations is created and hosted by Dr. Rick Daniels.
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