The WhoDeannyPod

The 2024 election brings to mind echoes of the 1864 election. That was a moment in which Americans had a chance to opt out of war. And chose heroically.    The Gettysburg Address:  https://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/speeches/gettysburg.htm 

Michael Harriot asked Black Twitter, "Who is the most 'blackfamous' person of all time?"  We're going to start our #BlackFamous Series with Billy Dee Williams, someone White folks think they know and someone Black folks LOVE.  Enjoy this fun new ride!  Billy Dee's IMDB page. 

Some reminders that Kyle Rittenhouse isn't the end; he's another opportunity for beginning.  Please know there are no punches pulled in this episode. If you're not ready to hear this one, just save it for later.  Connect with us when you can. We're @whodeannypod on Twitter and Facebook. You can also email us@ [email protected]. We truly want to hear your thoughts on this episode and these difficult days.

Franklin shares some of his thoughts on interacting with strangers in public spaces. Do you have some of the same instant reactions he does?    Feel free to connect with us, sharing your own thoughts on this episode via Twitter and FB @whodeannypod and email at [email protected]. We look forward to continuing the conversation! 

Check out host Rishab Prakash as he explores the incredible world of Kanye West. Join him for the WEST. POD. EVER.   

What do badges, Confederate symbols, and UFOs have in common?  They're part of this short and sweet podcast about undersold stories that should bring us hope!  Share your hopeful stories with us through email@ [email protected] or via FB and Twitter @whodeannypod.    Extraterrestrial: The First Sign of Intelligent Life Beyond Earth," https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/01/04/metro/new-book-harvard-astronomer-pushes-theory-about-object-that-passed-through-solar-system-alien-world-may-have-sent-it/ 

Franklin shares his admiration for a magnificent love poem, Resignation, by Nikki Giovanni. It helps to be a hopeful romantic.    Read the whole poem here. https://poets.org/poem/resignation     

At the NBA's regular season halftime, Franklin takes a look at a few continuing lessons from the first half of the season then suggests a couple fun things to look forward to from here on out. This pod is FAN-TASTIC! 

Franklin pays homage to Audre Lorde by sharing an important revelation her poetry provides. Here's a hint: poems are temporary.  

Franklin takes a 10 minute look at the life and legacy of Coretta Scott King, one of America's greatest social justice warriors.  Please share your thoughts with us via email@ [email protected] or on FB and Twitter @whodeannypod. 

Franklin highlights four ways the Biden administration has already brought a little normal back to America.  Sometimes, normal is good.     

Franklin makes the case that the Democratic Party should make plans now for a bonus VP, someone to enlist in the event Biden's age keeps him from serving his full term in office.    Who should be on the list?   Let us know through email@ [email protected] or via FB, and Twitter @whodeannypod.     

In the wake of the Super Bowl, Franklin tackles the idea of guilty pleasures.  What are your favorite guilty pleasures? Do you feel guilty about them? Just let us know via FB and Twitter @whodeannypod or  through email@ [email protected]. 

Franklin expresses his amazement at what January 21, 2021 has brought. And hasn't. There are lots of reasons to breathe easier today.    Enjoy the pod and let us know what you're happy about by email:  [email protected] or via FB and Twitter:  @whodeannypod. 

Franklin shares a magnificent quote from Rumi and what he's learned about love by returning to in person work.  He also reads a short poem he's never performed before. Enjoy "Tuesday Night" for the first time.  Please share your favorite words of love! You can connect with us through email@[email protected] or via FB and Twitter @whodeannypod.  

Franklin encourages his listeners to read MLK's Letter From Birmingham Jail and consider where it applies to you. You know about King's Dream. Now, what will you do to make it a reality? This podcast is worth five minutes of your time. 

Franklin shares some of the poems he's written in conjunction with IUPUI's Religion, Spirituality, and the Arts seminar. The seminar's theme of Cultural Ecologies centers on Noah and various stories about flooding. Check out some of his work here then share your thoughts by email@ [email protected] or @whodeannypod on FB and Twitter. Enjoy the pod!     

Franklin uses a new book to suggest different ways of thinking about history, heroism, and ourselves. Check out the book The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks: https://rosaparksbiography.org/introduction/ 

Franklin considers ways his work as a teacher can help young people explore their capacity for change.  How are you helping change the world? We'd love to learn so please connect with us over email @[email protected] or via FB and Twitter @whodeannypod.

This is the first BIG episode in the new era of The WhoDeannyPod. Franklin reflects on the Trump Insurrection and his determination to be a voice working for change in this hard moment. We went a little past five minutes this time. Today requires a little more from all of us.  

Franklin shares some of his thoughts on making 2021 a better year. What are your plans to do the same?   And enjoy Cautiously Optimistic from Sarah Silcox https://tinyurl.com/y2fjdks3

Franklin takes a quick look at the latest Trump fiasco, openly asking for help in stealing an election.  This one straddles the lines between funny, gross, and sad. Sounds familiar, don't it? 

Franklin announces a format change for the WhoDeannyPod. Stay tuned! 

Drew Rizzo-Connor makes a triumphant return to the WhoDeannyPod and shares his thoughts on a wild 2020 as well as predictions for the upcoming NBA season.    Enjoy this super fun, smooth flowing pod! 

Explore https://www.designsbyljs.studio and discover some fun stickers, planners, pins, and boxes to help you smile through the hard moments!    The dynamo behind LJS, Leah Shields, chatted with Franklin and shared some great insights behind her designs and love of art. Listen in on their fun conversation and pick up something from LJS! 

Let's share some of the light from this election season!  Enjoy this short, uplifting pod then share heartwarming voting stories via Facebook and Twitter @whodeannypod. 

Franklin asks his listeners to acknowledge that we're in the midst of a long term struggle for the soul and future of America. There's no guarantee who will win. Enjoy this short yet vital WhoDeannyPod.   

Drew Rizzo-Connor returns to the WhoDeannyPod and shares his thoughts on the unprecedented elevation of LeBron James before we transition to talking about our favorite team, the Indiana Pacers.    LOTS of fun was had.    Now, go vote! 

Franklin shares a few quick reflections on Chadwick Boseman from a morning meeting at his school. 

Check out this Basketball Reasons edition of the WhoDeannyPod as Franklin shares his predictions for the first round of the NBA playoffs! 

Mac Perkins and Caroline Todd make a triumphant return to the WhoDeannyPod!  Two of my favorite guests, former students, and people, these young folks give us great reminders of just how malleable and insightful their generation truly is.  I'm incredibly excited to follow their journeys into college and the future! 

Franklin shares a few summer themed poems for your enjoyment!  Find more of his poetry @ https://whodeannypod.org and order Dreams and Premonitions @ http://tinyurl.com/y38oymvo. 

Franklin shares his reflections on living through an age of renewed lynchings, his experiences in Bloomington, IN, and the purposes of public violence. He also asks White listeners to consider whether they would be bystanders or interveners in moments of crisis.  Slow this one down to 1x speed, y'all!  Hamden Rice  http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/8/29/1011562/- "Thoughts on the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr's Assassination" https://tinyurl.com/yd5ag6rm  Trash Day https://whodeannypod.org/2013/03/12/trash-day/  Carmel policing https://www.wishtv.com/news/carmels-own-data-supports-i-team-8-investigation/   

Franklin asks pointed questions about the multiple giant mysteries still surrounding this POTUS. Perhaps most urgently, what does Trump actually care to know?  Check out this highly thought provoking pod! 

Brett Krieble! 

Logan Murray and Andrew Pirkle make their podcast debuts in a wide ranging conversation with their former History teacher, Franklin Oliver.    These thoughtful young people speak smartly about their experiences with school, society, and the future. Learn from their wisdom!     

Franklin chatted with his friend and colleague, Brett Krieble, to talk about teaching in the time of Covid and her work with the Ribe Project. Ribe is a nonprofit organization that helps provide job training for women in northern Uganda. Learn more and donate!  https://www.ribeproject.org  Facebook: theribeproject Twitter and Instagram: @ribeproject It's also FREE to choose Ribe for your Amazon charity of choice. 

Franklin shares a deeply personal story of living as a Black man with a White son. Pass it along as helpful.    Here are some of the links referenced in the pod. We hope they help.        The Race Card Project: https://theracecardproject.com/im-glad-son-white/   Previous WhoDeannyPods  Welcome: https://tinyurl.com/ybnjvont   Writing for Resistance: https://tinyurl.com/vxppleq   Seen But Not Heard:  https://tinyurl.com/t6y52ud   Navigating the White Space:  https://tinyurl.com/y2vgylqk Change- A Poetry Pod:   https://tinyurl.com/y5at8o49 Thoughts on the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr's Assassination:  https://tinyurl.com/yd5ag6rm  

The WhoDeannyPod returns with a mini-pod recognizing the beautiful new reality that America finally agrees that #BlackLivesMatter. 

Drew Rizzo-Connor joins us again to talk about the ESPN doc, The Last Dance. Drew and Franklin talk about frustrated Pacers fandom, Michael Jordan's reluctance to speak up for Harvey Gannt, Isiah Thomas' role as Jordan's foil, some superstar comparison, and Drew's love for Air Jordans in this super fun, wide reaching conversation about hoops and much, much more. ENJOY!  N. B. A book we reference a couple times is Jack McCallum's The Dream Team. It's fantastic.  So are the Mars Blackmon commercials. "It's gotta be the shoes."     

Franklin flies solo to share a minipod about the new ESPN doc, The Last Dance. Franklin asks a few questions concerning the choices made in the doc including the big one: Was Isiah right?    Check it out! 

Drew Rizzo-Connor returns to talk about the brand new ESPN doc, The Last Dance. Drew and Franklin talk about the Bulls' villain, underappreciated superstar, and guiding light in this far reaching, wide ranging, super fun hoops conversation.   We hope you'll enjoy listening almost as much we enjoyed talking!    A substantial reference for Drew is Sam Smith's The Jordan Rules. I haven't read it.   

Franklin shares some of his spring themed poetry in a short, warming podcast.  Enjoy! 

Logan Burger chats with Franklin about his interest in politics, visiting Iowa for caucus season, and his current support of Vice President Biden. Enjoy this thoughtful pod! 

Sam Cooper makes her podcast debut and explains some of the benefits and problems with ubiquitous technology in the classroom.    Take a listen to this insightful young thinker! 

Franklin praises the brand new XFL and makes suggestions for its growth and tweaks for improving it.    Enjoy this short, fun, football focused pod! 

History teacher and author Franklin Oliver reflects on four figures from Black History whose primary mode of social resistance was writing. Please share this pod with folks who might be lifted by hearing it. 

Short, inquisitive pod on the death of Kobe Bryant.   

Franklin shares his thoughts on the Zionic Exchange that energized the NBA!    Enjoy 5 minutes on the next big thing. 

Franklin sits down with University High student Geri M and they chat about her name change, family history, and love of music. And Bieber!  Check out her own music.  Enjoy, y'all.