PODCAST · education
Real Talk Education
by EduGladiators
Welcome to the Real Talk Education Podcast, where we dive into the real topics facing real teachers, leaders, and students with your host, Marlena Gross, DEI champion, national ed thought leader and founder of EduGladiators. Each week we will discuss the topics that might be keeping you up at night as an educator or parent. This is not an echo chamber podcast. We will unapologetically examine the real challenges in education, plus provide insights and tips to help you navigate all the things, including curriculum, leadership, DEI, student engagement, advocacy, misinformation, and more. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
Episodes
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#44 - Damn the Torpedoes! Fighting Book Bans & Erasure at the Naval Academy
In this episode, we’re diving into the dangerous and deliberate removal of nearly 400 books from the U.S. Naval Academy’s library ahead of a visit from the Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth this past Tuesday, April 1, 2025. 🎧 We’re unpacking: ✅ What’s really behind this wave of book bans ✅ How this...
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#43 - More Than Just a Party: The Black Resistance of Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is often seen as just a wild party—beads, parades, and celebrations. But what many don’t realize is that Mardi Gras has deep African, Creole, and Black American roots. It’s a tradition born from Black resilience, joy, and resistance. So, in today’s episode, we’re answering: ✅ What are...
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#42 - Honoring Black History Month Year Round
We’ve spent February celebrating Black History Month, amplifying Black excellence, addressing the current state of DEI and recognizing the profound impact of Black leaders, innovators, and change-makers. But as the month comes to a close, here’s the real talk—Black history doesn’t end on February...
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#41 - Hiring Season 2025: Will Politics Keep Good Teachers & Leaders Away?
Public school hiring in 2025 is under attack. With new political restrictions on DEI, merit-based hiring shifts, and increased scrutiny on educators, schools are struggling to hire diverse and experienced teachers. In this episode of the Real Talk Education Podcast, we break down: ✔️ How…
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#40 - How the Past Is Fueling Today’s Fight for Public Education
📢 Did you know that the push for a federal Department of Education was originally backed by the Ku Klux Klan? Yes, you read that right. In the 1920s, the KKK pushed for a federal education department to enforce cultural homogeneity and racial exclusion. But over time, education policy...
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#39 - Navigating Black History Month in a Divided America
As Black History Month begins, the battle over Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in schools is intensifying. With political attacks against DEI initiatives growing—led by Trump and other conservative leaders—educators, students, and communities must be prepared to resist efforts to erase…
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#38 - Teaching Moment: Trump's First Day Echoes of Hitler
In this episode of Real Talk Education, we analyze the historical parallels between Adolf Hitler’s rise to power and Donald Trump’s planned first-day executive actions. From “Draining the Swamp” rhetoric to targeting marginalized groups, we explore how Jim Crow laws inspired the Nuremberg Laws…
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#37 - MLK’s Dream vs. Trump’s Agenda 47: What Does America Stand For in 2025?
In this episode of Real Talk Education, we dive into the striking contrast between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of justice and equality and the policies associated with Donald Trump’s presidency and Agenda 47. As Trump’s inauguration coincides with MLK Day in 2025, we discuss what this…
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#36 - Post-Election Classroom Strategies for Educators
Explore strategies for educators to create supportive, inclusive classrooms after the election. Discover practical solutions for fostering respect, empathy, and civil discourse in your school community post-election. Resources: For a complete list of strategies to help your students and…
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#35 - Embracing Discomfort: Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
The topic of race and racial discrimination continues to remain a pressing issue in modern society particularly in schools for both students, teachers and leaders. As discussions surrounding racism and microaggressions become more prevalent, it is crucial for white people to not only participate…
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#34 - Real Talk About MLK Day
Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, better known as MLK Day. Many people will post their favorite MLK quote. Some white allies will even join in marches around the country remembering the legacy of Dr. King, usually quoting from his "I Have A Dream"speech. Today is often filled with…
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#33 - Tips to Prioritize Student Athlete Safety
Injuries are a common occurrence in sports, especially in the NFL where players can be seriously injured in front of a large audience. This was the case for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who collapsed on the field during a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on January…
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#32 - Top 7 Tips to Keep Your Classroom Inclusive During Christmas & New Years
During the Christmas season, many people around the world celebrate the holidays and traditions of their respective religions. While the specifics of these celebrations may vary widely, there are a few general principles that can help you to respectfully and thoughtfully participate in the…
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#31 - Stay or Go? Educator Exodus on Twitter
For over a decade, Twitter has provided teachers and leaders a transformational space to build their professional learning communities, exchange lesson ideas, find out what’s going on in schools around the country, build successful side gigs, and be inspired by other educators. Since billionaire...
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#30 - Teaching The Truth About Native Americans
November is Native American Heritage Month with the goal of celebrating the rich and diverse cultures and traditions of Native Americans. November is also the perfect time to correctly educate our students and school communities on the full histories, important contributions, and the unique...
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#29 - The Hidden Superpower of “Black Panther”: Boosting Diversity In STEM
The blockbuster hit, ‘Black Panther’, may be set in the fictional afro-centric world of Wakanda, but the movie’s power of boosting diversity in STEM careers is very real. According to the United States Department of Commerce, 7 out of 10 STEM positions in the US are held by white, non-Latinx...
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#28 - Empowering BIPOC Students To Be More Than "The Help"
As we think about eradicating the barriers of occupational hierarchy of our BIPOC students, we have to identify drivers and access points in our college and career readiness practices that subconsciously reinforce the pathways of these barriers. Equity work is complex. It is time to have some…
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#27 - DEI Allies…It’s Not About You
Allies are a critical piece for moving the needle of making our schools for students and staff more diverse, equitable, and inclusive; however, when faced with action steps that includes addressing one’s own biases, microaggressions and discriminatory behavior, DEI allies quickly revert to...
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#26 - DEI Recruitment & Retention Strategies For Schools
It’s time to have some “real talk” about why districts are struggling with recruiting and retaining diverse staff. Having a diverse teacher and leadership workforce is critical, yet, few districts have achieved the goal of building a teaching workforce that looks like its students. In today’s...
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#25: Top 3 Strategies to Effectively Fight Misinformation in Schools
It’s time to have some “real talk” about the elephant in the room or for some listeners, the boardroom - misinformation. Plus I will share tips to fight back against misinformation about our schools, students and curriculum! This particular podcast episode corresponds to the EduGladiators Twitter...
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#24: Psychological Safety for Diverse Staff
Since the horrific, public murder of George Floyd in the summer of 2020, companies and school districts nationwide have increased their awareness of systemic racism towards Black Americans, but have done very little since that unforgettable event to operationalize the DEI pledges, resolutions and...
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#23: Culture Vulturing: Cultural Appreciation vs. Appropriation
The fall season is here and now is the perfect time to have some ”real talk” on Culture Vulturing. Our holidays in the United States have always been political, but so have the practices of appropriating a group's culture instead of simply appreciating it. Listen closely to today’s episode for…
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#22: DEI Awareness to Action
Have you ever heard of the fable, The Elephant and The Mouse? Well in this episode of Real Talk Education, we are zeroing in on what is needed for teachers and leaders to move beyond just awareness of inequities, biases and microaggressions, but to actual action to combat these issues. How can...
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#21: Unapologetic DEI In Schools
“Unapologetic DEI” is our October theme for our #EduGladiators Twitter Chat and resources including this podcast. All month long we will have “real talk” on DEI topics that often keep us from creating inclusive learning environments for our students as well as psychologically safe work…
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Trailer: Real Talk Education Podcast
Welcome to the Real Talk Education Podcast, where we dive into the real topics facing real teachers, leaders, and students with your host, Marlena Gross, DEI champion, national edu thought leader and founder of EduGladiators. Each week we will discuss the topics that might be keeping you up at...
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#20 - The Excellence Lifestyle with Colin Seale
Excellence isn't just a goal or expectation, but a lifestyle. Welcome to The Arena - the podcast for EduGladiators. In this week's episode we sit down with award-winning educator, advocate, entrepreneur, #criticalthinking expert, @Forbes contributor, and Founder of @thinkLawUS - Colin Seale - to...
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#19 - Diving Into Leadership with Evan Robb
Welcome to The Arena - the podcast for EduGladiators. In this week's episode Principal, TEDx Speaker, and Corwin Author Evan Robb discusses leadership as well as his latest projects. Evan shares how to build the foundations of effective leadership despite daily distractions in his new book - The...
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#18 - The Secret Sauce with Rich Czyz
It is always an honor to have incredible educators in The Arena - the podcast for EduGladiators. In this week's episode, author and educator Rich Czyz helps us uncover The Secret Sauce to engage our students. Connect with Rich Czyz to learn more about his new book and strategies to engage…
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#17 - Power of Play with Michael J. Hynes
EduGladiators is BACK with a NEW season of podcasts to help you grow as a warrior for our students! We are excited to have Michael Hayes share his passion advocating for play in schools. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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After the Chat - Developing High Performing PLCs with Josue Falaise
(11.10.17) Looking for ways to take your PLC to the next level? Join in to hear from Josue Falaise as he answers questions on Developing High Performing PLCs! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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After the Chat - Gearing Up
(7.29.17) Keep the convo going after the #EduGladiators chat! Join in to hear from the #EduGladiators CORE Warriors on how they are gearing up for the new school year! Plus ask the warriors your Qs! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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#16 - Super Hero Powers with Dennis Griffin, Jr.
(7.17.17) Dennis Griffin, Jr. shares how his passion of super heroes and how we all can tap into our super powers to be impactful in our students' lives. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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#15 - Masterminds with Daniel Bauer
(6.26.17) In this episode, Daniel Bauer shares his secret system on how to accomplish more in 12 weeks than others do in a year through his Masterminds program. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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After the Chat - Peer Classroom Observation with Josue Falaise
(6.24.17) Keep the convo going after the #EduGladiators chat! Join in to hear from Josue Falaise & ask him your questions on Peer Classroom Observations & Walkthroughs. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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#14 - Rise From the Ashes with Terence White
(6.12.17) Terence White shares his story of perseverance rising from the ashes with the help of his teachers to become a successful teacher and mentor. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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#13 - Staying on Target with Zachary Jeans
(5.22.17) In this episode, #Impact Matters founder, Zachary Jeans, share how to stay on target with our goals to further our professional growth and increase our impact in our respective organizations. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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After the Chat - Professional Learning Communities with Daisy Dyer-Duerr
In this episode, Daisy Dyer-Deurr shares how Professional Learning can transform your practice as an educator to have a greater impact on students and colleagues. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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#12 - Leadership Dunk Tank with Rebecca Coda & Dr. Rick Jetter
(5.8.17) No school leader is immune to the effects of discrimination, bad politics, revenge, or ego-driven coworkers. In this episode, authors Rebecca Coda and Rick Jetter share how they equip school leaders with the practical knowledge and emotional tools necessary to survive and, better yet,...
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#11 - Formative Tech with Monica Burns
(5.1.17) In this episode, Monica Burns talk about her NEW book #FormativeTech sharing how how technology tools can energize teacher practice by providing easy ways to implement formative assessment every day. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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#10 - Student Leadership with Mathieu Williams & Kealakehe Intermediate Students
(4.17.17) How are you elevating student leadership in your school? In this episode, Mathieu Williams and his students from Kealakehe Intermediate (Hawaii) share how they promote student leadership! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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After The Chat - Hacking Engagement with James Sturtevant
(4.1.17) April is all about "Hacking" and we are honored to have James Sturtevant, author of Hacking Engagement, leading the April 1st chat! Don't miss the opportunity to engage with James LIVE After the Chat! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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#9 - The Wheel of Misfortune with Erik Francis
(3.6.17) In this episode, Erik Francis debunks the DOL Wheel of Misfortune and share strategies to enhance your capacity in asking rigorous questions. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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#8 - Permission to Parent with Daniel Patterson
(2.20.17) #EduGladiators is more than a hashtag! Now, it's also a PODCAST helping to usher in a new era of leadership, engagement and advocacy grounded in what is BEST for kids! In this episode, Daniel Patterson empowers our greatest allies as educators - PARENTS! Hosted on Ausha. See...
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#7 - Systemic Change Agents with Joël McLean
(2.6.17) In this episode, Joël McLean, #TacEdChat leader and Canadian Principal, shares the importance of Systemic Change Agents to further improve the learning experience for students. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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#6 - Restorative Justice
(1.21.17) January EduGladiators is Rethinking Discipline! Saturday, January 21, we discuss Restorative Justice. After Saturday's chat the convo continues with the warriors of #EduGladiators - Dr. Sanée Bell, Colleen Skiles & Sean Thom. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more...
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After the Chat - Classroom to Community with Colleen Skiles & Sean Thom
(1.14.17) Join EduGladiators' "After the Chat" on January 14 as Core Warriors Colleen Skiles & Sean Thom take a deeper dive in the chat topic - Classroom to Community from the EduGladiators {NEW} Chat Series: Rethinking Discipline. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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#5 - Connected Ed
(1.9.17) In this episode, Brendan Fetters shares the impact of Connected Ed and strategies to become and remain engaged in the global educational community. #realtalk #newera #connecteded Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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#4 - The Power of Simple with Kyle Wagner
(12.19.16) As adults, we can tend to over complicate things. In this episode, author and middle school director, Kyle Wagner, walks us through his book "The Power of Simple". Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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#3 - Asking Good Questions with Erik Francis
(12.5.16) #EduGladiators is more than a hashtag! Now, it's also a PODCAST helping to usher in a new era of leadership, engagement and advocacy grounded in what is BEST for kids! In this episode, Erik Francis will help us understand the power of Asking Good Questions! Hosted on Ausha. See...
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The Arena {Special Edition} - Defining Sanctuaries with Sean Thom
(11.18.16) #EduGladiators founder, Marlena Gross-Taylor, and Core Warrior, Sean Thom, examine the impact of the presidential election on school culture and define how schools must always be a safe place for students to learn and grow. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to the Real Talk Education Podcast, where we dive into the real topics facing real teachers, leaders, and students with your host, Marlena Gross, DEI champion, national ed thought leader and founder of EduGladiators. Each week we will discuss the topics that might be keeping you up at night as an educator or parent. This is not an echo chamber podcast. We will unapologetically examine the real challenges in education, plus provide insights and tips to help you navigate all the things, including curriculum, leadership, DEI, student engagement, advocacy, misinformation, and more. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
HOSTED BY
EduGladiators
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Real Talk Education have?
Real Talk Education currently has 52 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Real Talk Education about?
Welcome to the Real Talk Education Podcast, where we dive into the real topics facing real teachers, leaders, and students with your host, Marlena Gross, DEI champion, national ed thought leader and founder of EduGladiators. Each week we will discuss the topics that might be keeping you up at night...
How often does Real Talk Education release new episodes?
Real Talk Education has 52 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Real Talk Education?
You can listen to Real Talk Education on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Real Talk Education?
Real Talk Education is created and hosted by EduGladiators.
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