homeroom

“School gives you no emotional connection to yourself. It's like constantly like meeting a quota.” - Nikiea 046 S210–homeroom is a research project using the human-centered design process to redesign our education systems for collaboration and connection over competition and division.In this episode, we hear from Rosie (061 S225), Raymond (010 S1 E9), David (080 S3 E17), SJ (035 S2 09), Choi (083 S3 E20), Adrienne (085 S3 E22), Adrienne (071 S3 E8), Kentaro (073 S3 E10), Lauren (044 S2 E8), Ann (059 S2 E23), Antonio (033 S1 E32), Fran (064 S3 E1), Paula (043 S2 E7), Jae (037 S2 E1), Maryn (030 S1 E29), Jon (060 S2 E24), Miche (031 S1 E30), Bernd (078 S3E15), and Charli (068 S3 E5) about the purpose of education, what that means to various stakeholders, and/or whether or not we need a new one that enables the return of agency back to our students.–Join the conversation by subscribing on ⁠Substack⁠, sharing your experiences and thoughts about what you heard in this episode on ⁠Instagram⁠ or ⁠LinkedIn⁠, sharing with one friend who might benefit from listening to this episode, and/or however else you'd like.

“Why do you think we have a midlife crisis? Because you took all of our choices away.” - Phyllis 065 S3E2–homeroom is a research project using the human-centered design process to redesign our education systems for collaboration and connection over competition and division.In this episode, we hear from Sun (070 S3E7), Rosie (061 S225), Joyce (027 S1 E26), Maryn (030 S1 E29), Taylor (079 S3E16), Adrienne (085 S3 E22), Justin (019 S1 E18), Phyllis (065 S3E2), Leah (017 S1 E16), Fran (064 S3E1), Stella (051 S215), Lia (039 S203), Jae (037 S2E1), Adrienne 071 S3E8, and Bernd (078 S3E15) about how our mass education systems—and also cultural and familial systems—actively stifle the agency and intrinsic motivation of our children, and what we can do to shift the control—necessary for authentic lifelong success and human flourishing—back to the learner.–Join the conversation by subscribing on Substack, sharing your experiences and thoughts about what you heard in this episode on Instagram or LinkedIn, sharing with one friend who might benefit from listening to this episode, and/or however else you'd like.

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation.In this episode, I speak with Adrienne, a former teacher and unschooling mom—about her experience from teaching to becoming an unschooling mom. We talk about her growing up in a Mormon household while attending a French Catholic school, and how she found her voice within those environments, or didn’t. We also discuss her journey from teaching in the control-based classroom to finding an arrangement for her children that prioritizes community, health, and activism. This is a conversation that summarizes so much of the lessons I learned over the past 3 seasons, in one very articulately expressed episode––thanks Adrienne!Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomedYou can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com—Adrienne is a former teacher turned unschooling mom of three living out their family's dream life on Vancouver island. She teaches parents how to break away from the status quo and be more present, so they can create an authentic life alongside their kids outside of school without overwhelm and burnout. https://www.instagram.com/these_reveries/—Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation.In this episode, I speak with Juri, an artist and student—about her education journey from middle school to college. We talk about the influence her parents and family had on her identity formation, how her experiences growing up as a minority culture shaped her voice and artwork, and the teachers and mentors who helped her see the value in her self expression. We also discuss the genesis behind some of her well known works, and where she finds inspiration to create art in our society today.Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomedYou can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com—Juri, a Los Angeles-based visual artist, captures the essence of her Korean-American identity with an enigmatic perspective. Recognized by institutions like the National YoungArts Foundation and the National Scholastic Art and Writing Competition, her work has gained international exposure. Exhibited at venues such as the Getty Center and Band of Vices Gallery, Juri's photography portrays her experiences with a hauntingly beautiful touch, inviting viewers into a world of mystery and introspection. https://www.instagram.com/jurikim_/—Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation.In this episode, I speak with Choi, a journalist, YouTube star, and dad—about his recollections of being educated in both Korea and the UK. We talk about his early interests in art, his academic pursuits in genetics, and his career in news and media spanning two decades. We discuss the changes in the news and media landscape, whether or not journalism is a future-proof career, and what makes a good or bad story.Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed—"Born in Korea, and grew up in England. Studied genetics in London, but found a job as a newspaper journalist and stuck with it for nearly 20 years. My skills at complaining forged in 1990s English boarding schools and the Korean Army proved very helpful in those years. Spent the last three years trying to figure out social media without much success. The only thing worthwhile I am likely to do in this life is trying to be a handyman, cook - and if I am really lucky - a friend for my son." https://www.instagram.com/choihesuk/—Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation.In this episode, I speak with Rella B, an author, podcast host, and mom—about her memories of being raised in a military, as well as being educated in different cities around the world. We talk about the origins of her perfectionism, and how her reflections on her childhood has informed and inspired the content of her children’s books. We also discuss how her parenting contrasts with her parents’, and what she envisions for her daughter as she grows up. This is a conversation between two moms sharing about the challenges we face head on as they come, and trusting that as long as we center our children, we’ll be okay.Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed—Rella B is a dynamic children's author, mother, podcast host, YouTuber, and former educator who is dedicated to nurturing young minds. With a passion for creating practical stories that blend the reality of childhood with valuable life lessons, Rella B inspires children to explore and believe in themselves. Through her books, podcasts, and videos, she aims to empower young readers to love books, encouraging a lifelong love of learning and growth. https://www.instagram.com/rellabbooks/—Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation.In this episode, I speak with Mijin, a designer and entrepreneur who has lived and worked in Korea, Taiwan, France, Shanghai, and the United States—about her hard-earned lessons in parenting. We talk about the childrearing methods she inherited from her family and culture, and the situations that called for her to find her own way. We also discuss the mistakes she’s made along the way, the people who’ve inspired her to be a better parent, and what we should all keep front and center in our minds to raise successful and thriving children. This is a conversation that has made me cry multiple times—as it reminded me of the challenges my own mom faced as a designer and entrepreneur navigating a foreign land to fend for the both of us.Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed—Educated in Taiwan and Paris, Mijin is a designer and entrepreneur having operated successful businesses in Shanghai and Korea for 30+ years.—Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with David, a data scientist, podcaster, and educator—about his education journey from Hungary to the UK, and software developer to what he calls a “data generalist”. We talk about the subjects he excelled in at school, why the words “Industrial Revolution” brings back nightmares for him, and why he compares his brain to a Hoover—as in, the vacuum. We also discuss why it’s important to define the purpose of education, and how setting it up to prepare us for real world relevancy is a better direction for its future. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — David is a "data generalist"; currently a freelance data consultant and educator with an MSc. in Data Science and a background in software and web development. He is most interested in the skills that people actually need in the real world. To that end, he co-hosts the Half Stack Data Science podcast about data science in the real world, and is the author of The Well-Grounded Data Analyst, a book about the data skills that aspiring analysts actually need in their jobs, which will be published by Manning in 2024. You can find him online here: https://davidasboth.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-asboth https://twitter.com/davidasboth — Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Taylor, an educator and reading specialist—about her experience being a public school teacher, and what contributed to her leaving the system. We talk about the literacy crisis in America, what the root cause is, what systemic factors are perpetuating it, and what she would do differently if she were to change it. We also discuss what general changes she would make if she were helming the education ship, and what efforts she’s working towards to help parents and their children find success in reading. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Taylor is a New York City-based reading specialist with over 10 years of classroom teaching experience. She specializes in structured, multi-sensory, individualized literacy interventions. Taylor started TAS Literacy in 2024 to work towards dismantling barriers to literacy through accessible resources and tailored instruction. She provides 1:1 tailored literacy and executive functioning instruction to students in grades K-8. Additionally, she creates literacy resources for parents, students, and teachers, and published 2 workbooks targeted for students in Pre-K and Kindergarten. https://www.instagram.com/tasliteracy/ — Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Bernd, an educator and author—about the rich inner world he possessed ever since he could remember, and how his interests in the arts carved his path towards a career that integrates theater, communication, and education. We talk about the elements of our education systems that need to be reformed, particularly regarding who we put on stage—hint, it’s not the teachers. Bernd tells us about his DREAM framework which he talks about in his book, The Immersive Theatre of Learning: Learning Experiences are Rehearsals for Life which shows us how to create environments that center learners. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Bernd Gibson is a Learning Experience Designer and Facilitator and the author of The Immersive Theatre of Learning. In his work he helps organisations, groups and individuals adapt to new cultural environments and to change. He facilitates seminars to foster a culture of innovation and to develop personal and team leadership. Currently based in France, Bernd has worked with learners from all over the world. He also works in higher education, namely at IESEG School of Management in Paris and Lille, as an adjunct professor for Cultural Diversity. Bernd is influenced by research and practices in the fields of theatre, immersive experiences and emotional learning. He is a proud member of the World Experience Organisation, a Pine&Gilmore Certified Experience Economy Expert and a NeuroHeart Education Coach. Outside his regular work in the Learning & Development field, he also designs and stages Immersive Learning Experiences such as retreats and learning games. — Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Renée, a learning specialist and educator—about her earliest memories of teaching herself how to read before 4 to receiving various interventions in schools for … yup, reading. We talk about the family members and school teachers and staff who helped to identify the help she needed to find academic success, and how—in a full circle moment—she became an interventionist who helps to identify students’ unique needs and collaborates with teachers and parents to develop individualized learning plans. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Renee Pena Lopez is a passionate Learning Specialist and a proud native New Yorker. She is a licensed special education educator teacher who has a deep passion for children and their quirks. Renee pulls from her creative background in dance and her vast experience in an array of classrooms from museum education to progressive to play-based models. She truly believes that #playmatters in the lives of Littles and for it to matter it must be purposeful and work for the learner that it serves which is why she teaches guided play. Its her mission that learning be impactful for neurodiverse learners that create strong foundations that moves them to be their best selves. You can find out more information about Renee on her website at www.themagicoflittles.com. — Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Juan-Felipe, engineer, policy officer, and CEO of Join a Town—about the 180° change in his journey when his straight-A and honors* track record changed for the first time during college. Juan-Felipe discusses the transformative impact that observing the significant disparities in living conditions between himself and marginalized populations within his own city had on his life trajectory. Check out this important episode that will make you check your privilege. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Juan Felipe is a passionate leader with a diverse background in business and social innovation. As CEO and Co-Founder of Join a Town, he's driving positive change through a unique platform which brings together an ecosystem of social entrepreneurs and individuals. Previously, he leveraged his financial expertise at Amazon, managing multi-million dollar budgets and spearheading cost-saving initiatives across Europe. He also served as a Social Innovation Policy Officer at the French Ministry of Labor, demonstrating his commitment to creating a more equitable society. Juan Felipe's dedication extends beyond his professional career. He's a recognized leader as a Global Shaper with the World Economic Forum and a One Young World Ambassador, actively contributing to global conversations. https://www.linkedin.com/in/juanfelipemesa — Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Eden, an art ethnologist, educator, and artist—about her journey of finding her voice. We talk about her earliest memories of being a “difficult student” to changing her ways after seeing what impact that had on her teachers. We also discuss how her early introduction and experimentation with art helped her process her lived experiences, and how that led to her pursuing the career that she did. I ask her what she thinks we can learn from teaching our children to find their own perspectives and opinions, and I’m certain you’ll benefit from hearing her response. I’d like to warn and mention that this conversation contains potentially triggering content including mentions of abuse. That prefaced, here is our edited conversation. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Dr. Eden Reff-Presco is an art ethnologist/educator/artist whose work is informed by the concept of personal space and boundaries that navigate the intersection of cultural agency, symbolism, and access. Her research examines visual culture and its impact on artists of the African Diaspora and East Asia. Dr. Reff-Presco is known for delivering profound lectures and presentations to elevate the capacity of viewers and critics about underrepresented artists. A proud native of New Orleans, Louisiana, she currently resides within the Washington, DC area. https://www.instagram.com/globalartspeak — Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Savanah, a senior health analyst and health education specialist—about her earliest memories of being homeschooled before attending a public school for the last 4 years before college. We talk about what subjects she enjoyed, what subjects she enjoyed less, as well as the challenges of navigating peer relationships in and out of schools. We also discuss what she appreciated about being homeschooled, and the gratitude she has for her mom about the commitment that entailed, and what education related dreams and goals she has for her own children going forward. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — References The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt (book) — Savanah is a Senior Health Analyst with EMI Advisors, specializing in the intersection of social determinants of health, care planning, and health information technology. Savanah is Certified in Public Health (CPH) through the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE) and is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) by the National Commission of Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). She believes that public health is more than policy and advocacy but strongly rooted in communication and universal design. Savanah graduated from Towson University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology before pursuing her Master of Public Health in Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Florida in 2019. She enjoys qualitative research, exploring whole-person health, family health and dynamics, and community programming. Savanah also has a background in clinical health settings providing patient care and volunteered as the Digital Media Coordinator at a local non-profit. Savanah uses these grassroots perspectives to influence her public health work today. Savanah resides in the US with her husband and two children. https://www.linkedin.com/in/savanah-b-mueller/ — Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Kentaro, a math teacher, curriculum developer, and teacher trainer—about his early memories of being an internally motivated child and student. I ask him about the cultural and socioeconomic differences between his home life growing up, and the private high school he went to after attending public schools through the 8th grade. We talk about his journey back to the classroom for 16 years as a math teacher, and how that experience led to him earning what he calls his mid-life crisis doctorate at Harvard to make a more system-wide impact. We also discuss how he and others have humanized how math is taught by examining and tackling power structures, and also the promising strategies that current research is telling us about how to close the achievement gap. This is an important conversation about both the tangible practices and mind shifts we need to apply in measuring the success of our students going forward. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Kentaro, the son of immigrants from Japan, experienced first-hand the dissonant extremes in our education system, attending failing public schools through 8th grade and then an incredibly resourced private high school on scholarship. These disparate educational experiences highlighted the stark contrast in our schooling system and compelled Kentaro to provide the highest quality education to students furthest from the center, driven by a deep call to equity and social justice. A math teacher at heart with 16 years of classroom experience, Kentaro relentlessly sought out instructional approaches that worked with his students out of a deep sense of desperation. While department head at the fifth lowest performing high school in California, Kentaro increased AP math enrollment by 400% while also increasing passing rates on AP math exams. In 2011, Kentaro was honored to receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching at the White House. Kentaro led statewide math initiatives and trained over 2000 math teachers and leaders while director at non-profit ConnectED. He wrote math curriculum used by over 350,000 students for Agile Mind through the Dana Center at the University of Texas at Austin. Kentaro has served as co-chair of Harvard’s Data Wise Network, as a founding member of the Racial Equity Council at the NewSchools Venture Fund, and as adjunct faculty at San Francisco State University. Kentaro is National Board Certified and holds a BA from Stanford, a doctorate in education leadership from Harvard, and a Superintendent’s License from Massachusetts. Most importantly, Kentaro is a husband to an amazing special educator and father to two remarkable teenagers. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kentaro-iwasaki/ https://www.concentricmath.com https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/edcast/24/03/math-great-potential-equalizer — Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian — References Complex instruction (website) Detracking + Heterogeneous groupings (article) Only For My Kid by Alfie Kohn (article) Cambridge Rindge and Latin (Wikipedia article) https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/128664.C_Otto_Scharmer (website) Thinking in Systems by Donella Meadows (book) The Forest School (website) On Being with Father Richard Rohr (interview transcript) Rehumanizing Math by Rochelle Gutierrez (video)

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Sonia, an educator, podcaster, and career coach—about her earliest memories of growing up as the youngest daughter of immigrant parents, to becoming an educator and advocate for defining what success looks like for the next generation. We talk about the mentors in her life who saw great potential in her at an early age, and how those experiences ultimately became the emotional foundations of helping students meet their own potential. We also discuss what financial success looks like, including what it doesn’t look like, and why we need to develop the next generation’s interpersonal skills if they really want to make in the future. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Sonia is a seasoned career and business strategist dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses to reach their full potential. As a skilled career counselor and coach, Sonia specializes in guiding students and young professionals towards successful career paths. By providing essential skills, experience, and a growth-oriented mindset, Sonia helps clients secure lucrative first jobs and outshine their peers. As a skilled small business navigator, Sonia supports entrepreneurs and startups in building strong foundations, scaling operations, and overcoming challenges. Through strategic guidance and community building, Sonia empowers businesses to thrive in today’s dynamic market. With a vision to foster a supportive network, Sonia advocates for the power of connections. By leveraging meaningful relationships, Sonia helps individuals and businesses unlock new opportunities, accelerate growth, and build a thriving community. https://www.instagram.com/discoveru.career.coach Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Adrienne, a senior marketing executive, lifelong reader, and mom of two, about her education journey as the first person in her family to go to college. We talk about how her childhood love of reading fiction and memoirs translated to her studies in business school and the world of finance, and what Wharton taught her about surviving in the real world—along with what it didn’t. On that note, we also discuss what it means to be a mom who has to juggle parenting and career, and what she thinks we need to do better to prepare the next generation for the future ahead. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Adrienne is a results-driven leader with over 25 years of experience across diverse industries. She has a proven track record of propelling growth, securing critical funding, building strong partnerships, and orchestrating impactful events. From launching multi-million dollar capital campaigns to scaling startups, Adrienne thrives on driving success and fostering a culture of inclusion. Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Sun, an entrepreneur and storyteller, about his education journey from Korea to the US, California to New York, and engineering to film school. We talk about his socio-emotional development from being the good kid to eventually overcorrecting to protect himself from the bullies. We also discuss what it means to be a good storyteller, and why vulnerability is the key to successful marketing—not only in business, but in life and relationships, especially. There are lots of insights in our conversation, not only about how to own your story, but also about how to be a good friend. And on that note, I’d like to credit and thank Sun for yelling at me last year to finally start this podcast I’d been “planning” for years. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Sun Yi is an entrepreneur, storyteller, and TEDx speaker. He is the founder of Night Owls, an award-winning digital agency in New York City. In 2022, he started Night Owl Nation, a global community of entrepreneurs and creators who practice storytelling together. Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Reena, a TV producer, podcast host, and mompreneur, about her earliest memories of experiencing both social connection and disconnection in schools, as well as both shock and ultimately the push she needed to find her own voice. We talk about her career in TV and entertainment including working as a producer on the Jerry Springer show, and her journey toward starting her own podcast, Better Call Daddy. We also discuss what it means to raise children who aren’t afraid to assert themselves, while not harming relationships and friendships along the way. This is a vulnerable conversation packed with lots of hidden gems about finding your way…that you definitely don’t want to miss. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Reena is a television producer, podcast host and mompreneur. Over the course of her career, she’s worked on reality TV shows such as The Jerry Springer Show and Court TV. She’s booked sensational and hard-to-get guests such as Howard Schultz, Barbara Corcoran, and Derek Sivers on Cathy Heller’s Don’t Keep Your Day Job Podcast and boosted the downloads from 4M to nearly 15M. She’s been a host on her own show “Better Call Daddy” since 2020 and produced 350+ episodes. She’s interviewed guests like Evan Carmichael, Jerry Springer, Nanny Yvonne, James Altucher, Aleeza Ben Shalom, and many others. She coaches entrepreneurs on finding their first clients, and helps people produce their own podcasts. https://www.instagram.com/reenafriedmanwatts https://www.instagram.com/bettercalldaddypodcast/ Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian — References 1. Petals of Support (podcast)

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Dr. Charli Kemp, an educator and social impact-maker, about her high school memories of selling candy, evading tardy sweeps by hanging out in the counselor’s office, and negotiating her grades with her teachers…before becoming an educator herself. We talk about her nonlinear journey of discovering her place in education including stops at USC to earn her MBA, and Harvard to earn her doctorate in education leadership. We also discuss her philosophy on academic and economic success, and why connection and collaboration are the ultimate keys to it. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Charli believes “music is the universal language of the soul” and a panacea for societal problems. She is a curator of transformative, musical-learning experiences that empower individuals to create positive systemic change. Utilizing education as a vehicle for activism, Charli is driven in her desire to end inequitable systems, to create opportunities and access for underserved communities. With Change The Tune, she seeks to reimagine the learning space by creating revolutionary extended learning spaces that provide radical and transformational learning experiences in partnership with communities. Previously, Charli worked for Green Dot Public Schools, where she developed the organization’s first social-emotional learning framework. Before earning her MBA in 2014 from the University of Southern California, Charli was a Teach For America Fellow and taught middle school mathematics and science in New York City for five years. As a teacher, she built strong communal relationships while helping her schools to reimagine their extended learning programming. Charli Kemp received her BA from Spelman College, and recently finished her doctorate in education leadership at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. https://www.instagram.com/changethetune Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian — References Animal Farm by George Orwell (Wikipedia article)

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Dr. Andrea Love, an immunologist, microbiologist, and science communicator, about her early interests in science and scientific literacy. We talk about how she became interested in science, what her parents and teachers did to encourage her to continue pursuing her curiosities, and why she is passionate about encouraging children toward a career in STEM. We also discuss her various efforts to combat scientific misinformation in the media, including the weekly newsletters she writes and distributes through her Substack publication, Immunologic. I ask her about how we can raise a generation of critical thinkers who can separate fact from fiction, and what society can do to help that mission. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Dr. Andrea Love is a seasoned immunologist and microbiologist with expertise in infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmunity. She is passionate about science communication, and is actively involved in educating the public and healthcare providers. Through Immunologic, her science and health education organization and newsletter, Dr. Love addresses misinformation and misconceptions about scientific topics that are relevant to the general public. https://www.instagram.com/dr.andrealove/ Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Marie, a homeschooling mom of two, about her earliest memories of attending schools in Canada, including at a French private school for kindergarten, and an alternative one for her final year of high school. We also discuss her journey of making the decision to homeschool her children, to ultimately moving to Europe so that one of her sons could pursue soccer, professionally. I ask for her advice on what we can all learn from her experience of collaborating with her sons on their education, and she does not disappoint. Without giving too much away, one key insight is to trust our children. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Marie has been a full-time, self-employed online marketer for over 20 years, working alongside her husband to build a life of flexibility, freedom and creativity. A passionate traveler, foodie, mom of two, and dedicated homeschooler, she embraces her INFP personality by pursuing a deeply authentic and intentional life. Marie often takes the road less traveled, crafting a lifestyle that reflects her values and passions. Currently, she and her family are enjoying the slow-paced beauty of life in Portugal, savoring the sunshine and indulging in incredible Portuguese food*.* Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Phyllis, a personal branding strategist, writer, and coach about her young adulthood, first marriage, as well as her parenting journey of raising and homeschooling a teenage daughter. She shares about some of the challenging experiences she lived through as a young woman struggling with her worth, as well as what she had to learn in order to learn that she was enough. We also discuss her thoughts and hopes about the future of how we educate our young people. I’d like to warn and mention that this conversation contains potentially triggering content, including mentions of abuse and sexual assault, and also curse words. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Phyllis is a seasoned personal branding strategist, coach, and consultant. With a lived experience of education, expertise, and experience, she nurtures Brandbabies™️ to build younique and genuine personal brands. Her mean mom approach and dedication to independence and individuality have earned her a reputation as a forward thinker in the industry. https://www.instagram.com/gcbrandmother Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Fran, a writer, unschooler, and consent-based education advocate about her education journey, which began in Italy. We talk about how her early interests in humanities and dream of becoming a writer led to her pursuing a career in journalism before she became a mother who decided to give unschooling a try. Fran shares the authors who informed her early thoughts on children’s liberation, and about Carol Black’s vision of turning schools into a meeting space that is powered by the expertise of members in the local community. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Fran is a writer, unschooler and child advocate. She writes about living in partnership with young people, mothering, child liberation and life without school at alifeunschooled.substack.com. She has a background in Montessori education and is working towards a Masters in Early Childhood Education. Francesca lives with her two unschooled children, husband and dog on an island in Maine. https://www.instagram.com/radical.mothering Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this season 2 finale, two of my good friends (who I co-host another podcast with, called Your Asian Besties) interview me about my education journey. Maryn and I attended elementary school together, and Lia was Maryn’s college roommate. They ask me about my earliest memories of being a student, how I navigated between my Korean and American identities, and the worldview my mother helped me form as a creative person. We also discuss the key moments in my education journey that helped me reinvent myself, and what kind of future I hope for my daughter. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian — Lia is a designer, writer, artist, and creator of Swishie®. As the Director of Product Design and Research at Pathstream, she designs experiences to help employees grow in their careers. With Swishie®, she applies her design philosophy to create inspirational content for women of color, drawing on her own lessons of how she came to design a life she loves. https://www.instagram.com/swishieofficial Maryn is an Artist and Owner of Kawaii Craft Shop where she makes cute keepsakes from polymer clay. She loves to celebrate her Asian identity and honor her Mom’s joyful and creative spirit in her work. https://www.instagram.com/kawaiicraftlady/

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Gastronomee—a twenty something storyteller and content creator—about her experience dropping out of Harvard, twice, and her early memories of growing up in an Asian immigrant family. We talk about the different perspectives of education and opportunities for women she received from her community in Canada and in Asia, and how that fueled both her intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in education and career. We also discuss the nonlinear path she took to navigating her career, as well as the time and reflection she allowed herself to preserve her mental health and optimize for joy and social connection. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — gastronomee is a 20-something-year-old fusing food and storytelling as a content creator on social media. After dropping out of Harvard twice, working over 10 jobs in 5 industries, and struggling to find intentionality and purpose, gastronomee started her platform for dreamers and adventurers, a space where diverse opinions are respected, phenomenal conversations unfold, and amazing individuals converge. youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gastronomee_ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gastronomee_/ x/twitter: https://twitter.com/gastronomee_ — Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Rosie—a trauma recovery coach, HR leader, and professional accountant—about her early memories of growing up in an immigrant family, and the Asian values that were instilled in her. We talk about how her education systems encouraged her development of skills and abilities that could lead to job and financial security, and less on developing her voice and creativity. We also discuss the path that Rosie took towards unlearning limiting expectations, as well as decolonizing some of the harmful perspectives and messaging from society on people of color. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Rosie Yeung is an award-winning Certified Trauma Recovery Coach, Certified HR Leader, and Chartered Professional Accountant, with over 20 years of leadership experience. She coaches at the intersection of social justice, mental health, and career growth, a unique methodology she calls Un-Executive Coaching™. Rosie supports equity and inclusion by providing culturally relevant, trauma-informed coaching based on neuroscience, HR and psychology. She accepts clients from all backgrounds and identities, and specializes in helping Asian and racialized women to Elevate their Leadership, Liberate their Life, and Amplify their Impact. As an Asian-Canadian, immigrant, cis-het woman living with mental illness and recovering from cPTSD, Rosie wears intersecting lenses of trauma care, decolonization, anti-racism, and anti-oppression. She leverages ALL her skills and lived experiences to help you Change Your Lens, See Your Worth, and Be Your Self! You’re welcome to contact her on LinkedIn or her website: www.changinglenses.ca. — Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Jon—a pastor and podcaster—about growing up in a family of farm workers, and being raised by a mom who wanted a different life for her child. We talk about his earliest memories of his education journey being wired for social connection. We discuss his non-linear career path, and what conditions and circumstances led to him becoming a pastor, after moving to Texas. We also chat about his thoughts on parenting, what the challenges of the digital era brings to raising children, and what he wished he had received more of in school. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Jon believes that every person is a masterpiece and encourages everyone to achieve their potential and live their purpose. He currently serves as the Community Care Pastor at City Church San Antonio where he helps everyone feel welcome at church, regardless of their spiritual journey. Jon also creates a plethora of digital content, works with the San Antonio Food Bank leading the annual Feed SA initiative, serves as a board member for two nonprofit organizations and once made the mistake of trying to coach both of his kids’ teams at the same time! His mission is to care for souls in the digital age, anchored by a stubborn conviction that nobody created by God is expendable. https://www.instagram.com/jonpyle Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian — References Originals by Adam Grant Talks at Google Episode with Yuval Noah Harari

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Ann—a Paralympian, a Doctor of Occupational Therapy, and now a farmer—about her earliest memories of being formally and “informally” educated. We talk about how the education system does and does not prepare students for the real world, and what kind of mind shifts we need to make about the future roles of teachers and students going forward. We also discuss fear, and Ann’s understanding of it that has completely revolutionized the way I think about fear. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Celebrated as the first Native Hawaiian Paralympian, Ann Yoshida is a world champion surfer and paracanoe paddler who comes from a strong line of waterwomen. She credits her grandmother for her lifelong love of the water. Her father, a fisherman, her mother an avid surfer, Yoshida lived life in and around the ocean off Oahu, fishing, snorkeling, and swimming at her family’s beach house on Kawela Bay and later in her teenage years discovering the thrill of surfing. She grew up participating in many competitive sports as a gymnast, color guard, and swimmer, but it wasn’t until a car accident in 2000 left her paralyzed from the chest down that Yoshida’s path to Paralympian and world champion athlete was paved. At the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Yoshida was the first person to represent the United States in paracanoe at a Paralympic Games. There she competed in the Paracanoe KL-1 200m (kayak). Prior to the games, she earned medals at the 2012 IVF Va’a World Sprint in Canada and the 2013 ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships in Germany. She holds the title of 2016 ICF Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Champion, VL-1 200m (International Canoe Federation). That same year, Yoshida surfed as a member of Team Hawaii at the 2016 Stance ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship and was crowned the 2017 Stance ISA World Adaptive Surfing Champion, Adaptive Surfing AS-4 (International Surfing Association), the following year. Yoshida is a dedicated athlete with AccesSurf, a nonprofit that follows the spirit of Duke Kahanamoku and empowers people with disabilities through accessible water programs, ocean recreation, and therapeutic instruction. She has inspired many throughout the world with her athleticism, perseverance, and Aloha spirit. https://www.instagram.com/annyoguava — Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Rohit—a finance executive and podcaster based in India—about how his family’s definition of success emphasized the importance of influencing the culture and environment in the home. We talk about his journey of becoming a finance executive, and starting a couple of podcasts, one in Hindi, and one in English. We also discuss the importance of starting projects that bring you joy, and how optimizing for enjoyment will bring you more success than aiming for perfection ever will. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Rohit Kokane is an award-winning podcast host, known for his shows 'Motivation Spark' with 250,000+ downloads and 'Glitters of Life Podcast'. Over the past 3 years, he has hosted over 100 episodes, focusing on promoting authenticity and personal growth. He has been honored with the 'Hubhopper Podcast Award 2023' in the Self-Love & Motivation Category for Motivation Spark podcast show. He has also won 'The Battle of Voices 2023' Podcast Award for my show Motivation Spark. He was also a top finalist at the Hubhopper Podcast Awards 2022 in the Self Love & Motivation category. As Podcast Launch Strategist, he specializes in crafting strategies and concepts that make podcast production a breeze for coaches, consultants, and experts. His role ensures you can focus on what you do best, while he handles the rest. He has collaborated with renowned organizations like Hubhopper, GrowthSchool, iDigiPreneur, & MarkitUp offering webinars or workshops on podcasting. Apart from this, he holds a significant role as a Finance Executive at Laxmi Steel, where he brings a wealth of experience in accountancy and personal finance. Services he offers: personalized podcast coaching and mentoring, voice-over projects, podcast sponsorships & advertisement, keynote speaking engagements, influencer marketing and sponsorship opportunities. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, traveling, and immersing himself in music. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or just want to chat! Website: www.rohitkokane.com Email: [email protected] Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitkokane_ Instagram: Instagram.com/podcasterrohitkokane Threads: https://www.threads.net/@podcasterrohitkokane YouTube: Glitters of Life Podcast & Motivation Spark — Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Mel—an educator, artist, interculturalist, and reader—about her earliest memories of growing up as the gifted, oldest daughter of 6 children. We talk about her experiences of making friends—and making bullies—across the US, England, Korea, and Germany, and what perspectives she gained by living within multiple cultures. We also discuss cultural relativity and ethnocentrism through personal anecdotes and why it’s important to read widely and diversely to minimize our biases and fall victim single stories of people who are different from us. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Mel is doing her best to stay balanced in the center of a professional Venn diagram made of three circles; education, the arts(mostly writing), and interculturalism. Unsurprisingly, this has taken a wide variety of forms over the years. She has a B.A. in Communications and Theatre and an M.A. in Theology, as well as a double handful of certificates in seemingly random (but highly intentional) things like TESOL, Korean traditional opera (pansori), and...contact tracing. https://www.instagram.com/equalopportunityreader/ Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian — References Korea Times Article on Making Friends by David A. Tizzard (news article) Don’t Insist on English by Patricia Ryan (TED talk) Monkey Man by Dev Patel (official trailer) The Courage to be Disliked by Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi (book)

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Tabitha—an educator and entrepreneur—about her earliest memories of attending schools and daycare centers that did not adequately challenge her. We talk about her experience of growing up in the culture and expectations of two homes, the motivations that fueled her desire to pursue education in business and economics, how she discovered her love and talent for teaching English, and what she did to find and nurture love. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Growing up poor in America, Tabitha discovered education leads to success. Tabitha Lucas is an educator and entrepreneur, with degrees in Business (AACC) and Financial Economics (UMBC). She teaches English learners how to feel good about speaking English for travel, business, and university studies by sharing her experiences and giving students opportunities to express themselves through conversation. She followed her heart to Brazil in 2011 and founded a language school in 2012. The same year she taught at a private school and university where she became fluent in Portuguese. In 2020, she moved her English lessons online to raise her young kids and continue teaching. She now resides in beautiful Maryland with her loving family. https://www.instagram.com/tabilucas/ Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Harshi—a designer, artist, and illustrator—about her earliest memories of attending a convent school in India, pursuing her curiosities, and learning what she wanted on her terms. We talk about the gender discrimination she experienced while working as an architect, the social and systemic expectations of women and their value in society, and what she wishes would change about the way we educate girls, and children in general, in the future. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Harshi is a Graphic/UI/UX designer, artist, and illustrator from Coimbatore, India, now based in Dunedin, New Zealand. With an architectural background, her journey started with drawing, evolved into running a handmade bookbinding online store, and now extends to digital designing and sharing her expertise through workshops. Connect with her on: LinkedIn. Instagram. Behance Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Benoit—a US army veteran, former policymaker, and current psychotherapist—about his education journey across multiple countries, and having to adapt to each of its languages and cultures from scratch, every few years. We talk about the influence his mother had on his mental landscape, how he overcame being bullied in school, and what he learned about self-acceptance on his journey towards becoming a psychotherapist. We also discuss his views on education from both a micro and macroscopic view as a former Teach For America teacher and policymaker. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — References Benoit Kim on the Better Call Daddy podcast with Reena Friedman Watts (website) Benoit Kim on the Soberful podcast with Veronica Valli (website) Rich Kirkpatrick on the Discover More podcast with Benoit Kim (website) Gouryella by Ferry Corsten (video) — Benoit is a US army veteran, Penn-educated former policymaker turned psychotherapist, and host of Discover More—an Apple Podcasts Top 100 podcast. https://www.instagram.com/discovermorepodcast/ Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Roxanne—a social worker, psychotherapist, and mom of two boys—about her earliest memories of attending schools in Jamaica, and loving science so much that she thought she’d become a biochemist before immigrating to Canada and ultimately pursuing a career in social work and psychotherapy. We talk about the injustices and systemic inequities she saw that led her to working with children, the lack of support young families have from society, as well as what skills around socio-emotional regulation and communication we need to teach our children, as well as our inner children going forward. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Reference: What Happened To You by Bruce D. Perry, MD, PhD and Oprah Winfrey (book) — Roxanne is an award-winning Registered Social Worker and psychotherapist. She is the CEO of Francis Psychotherapy & Consulting Services, where she runs a busy group therapy practice with her team. She is also a keynote speaker, leadership coach and corporate consultant who addresses topics related to women’s issues, race & equity, mental health, parenting, and wellness at work. Roxanne supports, and mentors other therapists in the field and is also the media’s go-to mental health expert, providing answers to many of life’s difficult questions. https://www.instagram.com/francispsychotherapy https://www.francispsychotherapy.com/ Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

In this episode, I speak with Milena—an educator and mom—about her earliest memories of being told by her teachers to take up more space. We talk about the internal journey that this message incited, and the personal exploration that led her to teaching communications and interpersonal relationship building to military professionals. We discuss how this experience led her to start writing her book about charisma, and why it’s important for young people everywhere to develop these skills from an early age. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Reference: The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene (book) — Milena is an expert in interpersonal relationships, with a background rooted in psychology and rhetoric. She is on a mission to redefine charisma, aiming to reclaim its essence from misconceptions and stereotypes. She emphasizes its inclusive nature and profound impact on personal growth and genuine connection. By reconquering the narrative about charisma, Milena seeks to elevate human connection and promote self-appreciation and mutual respect. https://www.instagram.com/milena.dalinaros Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Stella—a singer-songwriter, artist, and teacher—about her earliest memories of being told by her teachers that she was special, and how that catalyzed her parents to investing heavily into her education. We talk about her journey across multiple countries to pursue only the finest, and what she wishes she could have pursued instead. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Stella is a dedicated education consultant with over six years of experience in guiding individuals and companies. She specializes in helping students and young adults achieve their academic and career goals. Stella holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Duke University, where she focused on abnormal and educational psychology. Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at Yonsei University. Stella's passion lies in improving the living conditions for students in South Korea, with a keen interest in "high-functioning" ADHD, depression, and anxiety. She is committed to researching and developing better early diagnosis, intervention, and treatment methods for these conditions. Her advocacy for mental health aims to support Korean adolescents and adults throughout their educational journeys, striving to be a supportive partner for fellow soul searchers. Beyond her professional endeavors, Stella is an artist and a soul searcher. She seeks to connect with others who are exploring alternative life paths, promoting awareness about reducing the competitive and time-sensitive pressures of modern life. Stella's unique blend of professional expertise and personal passion makes her a compassionate and insightful guide for those navigating their educational and life journeys. https://www.instagram.com/stellarly_ – Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Antoinette—the current principal of the elementary school I attended in the late 80s and early 90s. We talk a little about how her early memories of standing up for other people and correcting injustices in school and society might have led her to a career in education, in both teaching and administrative roles. This episode is particularly special because I have always appreciated the amazing design of the project-based curriculum and community of my alma mater, and Antoinette allowed me to ask her about what happens behind the scenes. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Antoinette is a principal of twelve years. Her oath to the children of Los Angeles began in 1998 as a paraprofessional and has evolved over the years to the principalship. In 1993, she received her B.A. from the University of California, Irvine in Criminology, Law and Society, however an elementary school internship, changed her path. Antoinette also received a Master of Educational Leadership from Mount Saint Mary’s University. Antoinette’s gravitation to servant leadership is rooted in the legacy of her parents and grandparents who served the community of Los Angeles for decades as a teacher/principal (mother), law enforcement officer (father), county hospital neonatal nurse (grandmother) and city horticulturist (grandfather). Antoinette expands their reach by standing humbly in service to others. Antoinette attributes the basis of her leadership style to her first principal, Michelle Bennett, who valued teachers as professionals and experts of their craft. This mentorship led Antoinette to cultivate an environment of excellence where educators make student-centered, consensus-based decisions. The partnership that Antoinette creates from community stakeholders, was instilled in her as a budding teacher and will forever be her compass. Antoinette has brilliantly been a guide in education to innovatively influence her students’ and teachers’ lives immeasurably. One kind former teacher and parent adequately described her as a “teacher-supporting, students-first principal.” Antoinette agrees, this statement sums her commitment up perfectly. https://www.instagram.com/ruthiesrubies www.linkedin.com/in/antoinettecassruthiesrubies11 — Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Yonny—a paralegal and immigration justice advocate—about his earliest memories of growing up in Mexico, and being raised by his grandparents for most of his childhood. He compares the education systems between Mexico and the United States, and how the differences informed the types of activities he chose to pursue. We also talk about his journey of learning English, the teacher who held higher expectations for him and inspired him to pursue a career in journalism, and what led to him becoming a paralegal and working to provide resources and assistance to immigrant families. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Yonny is a 40-year-old immigrant rights advocate who is originally from Mexico. He has worked in direct legal services for immigrant youth who come to the United States seeking asylum and other forms of international protections for about 7 years. The drive to be an immigrant rights advocate comes from his personal experience of being an undocumented immigrant for almost a decade. In his work, he wants to be a kind presence who guides immigrant kids through a convoluted and unfair system. In his free time, he loves to walk his Shiba Inu and attend soccer matches supporting LAFC (the best soccer team in L.A). Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Megan—a special education teacher and advocate for the disability community—about her memories of testing gifted at an early age, and her discovery of what giftedness means when she went through her special education credentialing program, over a decade later. We talk about the structural issues with our heavily standardized education system, including how it strips away the creativity of not only our students, but also our teachers, and what the solution this might be. We also talk about neurodivergence, what it is, how it impacts our society at large, and how we can better serve our neurodivergent students going forward. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Megan is an educator and advocate living with multiple chronic illnesses. She has worked with youth with disabilities for over 15 years as an instructional aide, interventionist, infant development supervisor, and Special Education teacher. Megan has been a passionate advocate for her students and clients, particularly those in underserved communities. She is currently venturing into solopreneurship as a Special Education Advocate supporting families of students with disabilities in ensuring that they receive access to equitable education. Connect with her: Instagram: @EdquityAdvocacy TikTok: @edquity_advocacy Email: [email protected] Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian — References: The United States Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (website) Maternal migration and autism risk: Systematic analysis (paper) The Gap Within the Gap: Using Longitudinal Data to Understand Income Differences in Educational Outcomes (article)

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Tim—an educator, podcaster, and the Director of Communications for the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education. We talk about his journey from considering a career in family counseling to becoming a special education teacher working with families and then schools for 16 years. We also discuss the shift in his educational philosophy about teaching students with disabilities, and why inclusion is always the answer. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Tim Villegas is the Director of Communications for the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education. He is also the founder of Think Inclusive, which is the blog, podcast, and social media handle of MCIE. He has 16 years of experience in public education as a teacher and district support specialist. His focus now is on how media and communications can promote inclusive education for all learners. https://www.instagram.com/therealtimvegas Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian — References: The Criterion of The Least Dangerous Assumption by Anne M. Donnellan (paper) The United States Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (website) Dr. Shelley Moore’s Bowling Analogy (video) Sally and Regina blog post by Tim Villegas (website)

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Nikiea—a filmmaker, graphic designer, and motivational coach to authors—about her earliest memories of growing up in a home led by strong women who served their community. We talked about her being the oldest child, and the weight of responsibility that came with assuming those roles, and how the things she saw and experienced impacted how she learned in school. We also discuss the impact of losing loved ones, and how that grief manifests in our bodies if we are not careful, and especially if we don’t know how to say no. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Nikiea is an author, branding strategist and motivational coach for both aspiring and established authors. She works with schools, non-profit organizations, and other community partners to offer workshops and services like Design Collab and Publish Your Way. Nikiea is also the Co-Director and Producer of the award winning feature-length documentary Anatomy of Wings, as well as the recipient of the 2015 Black Wall Street Awards for her design work with organizations and entrepreneurs. Her latest books include Inhale Deep, A 3-Days Girls Guide to Loving Herself 1st and The Self-Publishing Checklist, Volume 1. https://www.instagram.com/designedbynikiea Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian — References: homeroom the podcast Episode 32 (S1 E31)

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I chat with SJ—a former classroom teacher, LGBTQ+ Inclusion Expert, and DEIB trainer—about their experience being “the new kid.” We talk about how their experience of moving across states every few years impacted their social relationships, and how their biracial and transgender identities didn’t make it easier. We discuss what led them to education, as well as what made them leave the classroom, and what now fuels their mission to creating spaces of inclusion and belonging for all. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — SJ Janjua (they/them) is the founder of Empowered for Equity Consulting, where they use their passion and expertise in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging to help equip others with the tools to create inclusive schools and workplaces. SJ is a proud queer/transgender/non-binary/multiracial person who uses their lived experience to guide their work. They started their career as a high school level English teacher and went on to wear many hats in the field of education, from curriculum developer to teacher trainer. They have a master’s degree in International Education from George Washington University. SJ specializes in providing workshops, trainings, and strategic planning support to schools and organizations on LGBTQ+ inclusion, creating and fostering spaces of belonging, integrating restorative practices, and empowering folks to go beyond performative allyship. https://www.instagram.com/empoweredforequity Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I interview Lauren—a poet, musician, voice coach, and mom—about her earliest memories of being creative. She talks about the influence her family and societal messaging had on the development of her voice, how schools limited her freedom, and what it took to recover her creative confidence. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Lauren is a poet, musician and voice coach, making an impact through 15+ years of music leadership. Her 2023 poetry collection, Just Leaves, builds upon experiences as Owen Sound's Poet Laureate (2017-2019). She co-created the international collaboration Infinite Improvisation Podcast. Her newest podcast Lauren's Best (2024), focuses on creativity. https://www.instagram.com/bylaurenbest Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Paula—a writer, reader, and polyglot—about her memories of being stubborn and opinionated growing up, and how her introspective abilities fueled her curiosity and drive to pursue self-improvement as an adult. We talk about the obstacles that get in the way of showing up authentically as ourselves, the charm of people who struggle with depression, and how social media can be used for both social connection and disconnection. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Paula is Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian — References: Donald Miller of Story Brand with Lewis Howes on The School of Greatness (podcast/YouTube video) Poly-vagal ladder (theory/framework) Dr. Gabor Mate on Dr. Mark Hyman’s podcast referencing Dr. Lewis Mehl-Madrona (podcast/YouTube video)

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Shawn—a visual effects artist and digital compositor—about the institutional challenges he faced growing up on the south side of Chicago, and the father figure who helped him overcome the limiting beliefs that were instilled in him from a young age. We talk about his early creative interests, the journey of nurturing his talents, and what he had to do before he became a senior compositor on major films and shows like Captain America, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Avengers, and at least 60 others. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Shawn is a Chicago native with 15+ years of experience in post production. He currently works in Los Angeles as a Senior Compositor in film and episodic shows. You may have seen his work in Marvel and DC films such as Guardians of the Galaxy, Dr. Strange, The Flash and upcoming Joker: Folie a Deux. Check out his work at www.ShawnSahara.com Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian — References: John Adams’ letter to Abigail Adams (website) Alan Watts (website) Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki (book) How Not To Die by Dr. Michael Greger (book)

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Maaike—a visual dialogue maker, mediator, social worker, and mom—about her earliest memories of being a student. We talk about the educational philosophy of her parents and teachers, and how they encouraged play and exploration throughout her education journey. We also talk about the point at which she burnt out, and how a chance opportunity led to the career of her dreams. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Maaike is a visual dialogue maker and mediator with degrees in Social Work and Social Studies based in the Netherlands. She enjoys tapping into the creative resources of individuals and groups, and combines that with thinking, unraveling, deconstructing, and restructuring the issues they are working on so that new doors and possibilities can be opened for them. https://www.instagram.com/inksight.nl Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Oswald—a poet, writer, and content creator—about his memories of growing up with cerebral palsy. We talk about what his environment both at home and at school was like, and what kind of messaging he he received from his teachers and peers about his talents and interests. We also talk about student assessment, and what a better alternative to grades and tests could look like. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Oswald, aka OP Writer, is a writer and a poet from New York City known for the poetry book, A Poetic Journey, Staying at Home. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He has appeared on the podcast, “Don’t Keep Your Day Job”. He had his set of poems, “An American Tourist In Italy” published in the 2020 edition of the literary anthology, Groundwaters. His set of poems “The Sea Cycle” appeared in the 2021 edition of Groundwaters. He has contributed to the best selling multi author books, “Going Places” and “Authentic”. He is currently working on his second book of poems, “A Poetic Summer”. You can connect with him through: Instagram: www.instagram.com/oswaldperez85  Website: www.oswaldperez.com YouTube: www.youtube.com/opwriter Substack: www.oswald.substack.com TikTok: www.tiktok.com/opwriter Swell: www.swell.com/opwriter Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Lia—a web designer, community builder, mom, and content creator—about the various events in her life that catalyzed a career shift from psychology to design. We talk about her earliest memories of various adult figures preventing her from pursuing her creativity, and what she thinks we need to do differently about how we educate our children, both at home and in schools. She also shares a brilliant negotiation hack that convinced her son to learn a new language. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also find a computer-generated transcript of our episode at https://www.homeroomed.com — Lia is a designer, writer, artist, and creator of Swishie®. As the Director of Product Design and Research at Pathstream, she designs experiences to help employees grow in their careers. With @swishieofficial, she applies her design philosophy to create inspirational content for women of color, drawing on her own lessons of how she came to design a life she loves. https://www.instagram.com/swishieofficial Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian

homeroom is an international podcast bridging the education gap between the classroom and the living room by starting conversations impacting the next generation. In this episode, I speak with Alondra—a social worker, author, consultant, and mom—about her earliest memories of feeling different from her peers. We talk about her journey towards receiving an autism diagnosis, her expert opinions on what autism is and isn’t, as well as her thoughts on both the challenges, drawbacks and benefits of self-diagnosis. She also entertains a few of my eccentric questions, and backs up her responses with the most current research. Check out our conversation, join our ongoing discourse on social media, and subscribe for more. https://www.instagram.com/homeroomed You can also check out an auto-generated transcript of this episode on our website https://www.homeroomed.com — Dr. Alondra Rogers is a Licensed Master Social Worker and Autism Consultant. She is a late diagnosed Autistic and ADHD mom of a non-speaking Autistic girl who spells to communicate. She is the author of three books. Her upcoming book is called Autistic Thinking: How Autistic Brains Think, Learn, Relate, and Remember. https://www.instagram.com/dr_alondra_rogers/ Rée is a visual storyteller and educator exploring the consequences that mass education has on creativity, identity, and interpersonal connection. https://www.instagram.com/theinterdisciplinarian — References: Open source project with MRI scans of people with autism (initiative) Cassandra Speaks by Elizabeth Lesser (book) Thin Slice Judgments Study (report) Lurie Center for Autism (website)