The Advocate Podcast: Amplifying Voices. Challenging Systems. Prioritizing Children.

Send us Fan MailAre passing grades really a sign of success… or just a sign students are getting through?In this episode, we take an honest look at a growing concern in education: 👉 Students who are passing… but not truly understanding 👉 Grades that don’t always reflect mastery 👉 And a system that sometimes prioritizes completion over comprehensionThrough real classroom experiences, personal reflection, and insights from educational theory, including the work of Paulo Freire, this episode explores the gap between performing in school and actually being prepared for life beyond it.You’ll hear: Why compliance is not the same as comprehension  How students can “do school” without truly learning  The impact of rushed instruction and surface-level understanding  A powerful personal story about hidden gaps in learning  And why meaningful feedback matters—even when answers are correct This conversation is for educators, parents, and anyone invested in student success.Because at the end of the day…👉 The real question isn’t “Did they pass?”👉 It’s “Are they prepared?Connect With MeTo submit a question or join my mailing list, use the information below.Facebook Group: TheAdvocateInstagram: @TheAdvocateDr.LoveEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWhat actually makes a grade fair, and what happens when we mix learning, behavior, and completion into one number?In this episode, we go beyond traditional grading debates and get into the real questions educators and parents are asking right now: Should students be allowed to retest? How do we fairly grade homework when access and home environments vary? And what role does AI play in whether homework even reflects true learning?We also explore why some schools are shifting grading scales (like the 50 minimum) and moving toward standards-based grading, and why changing numbers alone doesn’t solve the deeper issue.A major focus of this conversation is clarity: grades should reflect academic mastery, not behavior, effort, or circumstances outside of learning. So what does accountability look like if it’s not tied to grades?This episode challenges assumptions, invites reflection, and pushes us to ask a bigger question:Are our grading systems measuring what students know or everything around it?A must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone rethinking what fairness in education really means.Connect With MeTo submit a question or join my mailing list, use the information below.Facebook Group: TheAdvocateInstagram: @TheAdvocateDr.LoveEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWhat if the way we grade students is not actually measuring what they know?In this episode, we take a deep look at traditional grading practices and ask hard but necessary questions about equity, accuracy, and student learning.From the 0–100 grading scale and how a single zero can distort achievement, to late penalties, extra credit, and assignments that don’t always reflect mastery, we explore how grades can sometimes measure compliance more than understanding.I also share a personal experience as a parent that challenged my perspective on grading and learning, along with reflections on how we support students who are struggling, and those who may be passing without being fully prepared for what comes next.We also talk about: Why behavior and academic achievement should be separated  The problem with averaging scores over time  Why re-teaching and reassessing matters for true mastery  And how instructional decisions should be driven by data, not just grades in a gradebook This is a conversation for educators, parents, and anyone who cares about student success beyond the report card.Are our grading practices telling the truth about learning or are they gatekeeping opportunity?Let’s talk about it.Connect With MeTo submit a question or join my mailing list, use the information below.Facebook Group: TheAdvocateInstagram: @TheAdvocateDr.LoveEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWhat if the problem starts with the labels we use? I’m your host, Dr. Kristi N. Love, and on this episode of The Advocate Podcast, we explore how the words we choose in education shape student identity, expectations, and outcomes.We’ll discuss the origins of the term at-promise, share stories of students who defy labels, and offer practical strategies for educators to raise expectations, nurture potential, and see students for who they truly are. This episode is for anyone ready to shift the narrative from risk to promise, and make a real difference in the lives of children.Let's Go!Connect With MeTo submit a question or join my mailing list, use the information below.Facebook Group: TheAdvocateInstagram: @TheAdvocateDr.LoveEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWhat if the students we label as “unmotivated” are actually the most misunderstood?In this powerful episode of The Advocate Podcast, Dr. Kristi N. Love sits down with a guest whose story challenges one of the most common narratives in education. Identified as gifted but often disengaged, he struggled to meet traditional academic expectations, not because he lacked ability, but because the system didn’t align with how he experienced learning, responsibility, and motivation.From unfinished homework and falling behind… to the influence of a father who demanded accountability… to ultimately finding discipline, structure, and purpose through the military, this conversation unpacks what it really means to grow into your potential.Together, we explore: ✨ The difference between being unmotivated and being misunderstood ✨ Why academic success doesn’t always reflect true ability ✨ The role of parents in balancing accountability and support ✨ What educators often miss about students who don’t “perform” ✨ How discipline and direction can transform a lifeThis episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone who believes in seeing beyond labels and investing in what’s possible.Because sometimes, the problem isn’t the student… it’s the narrative.🎧 Tune in—and don’t forget to share with someone who needs this perspective.Connect With MeTo submit a question or join my mailing list, use the information below.Facebook Group: TheAdvocateInstagram: @TheAdvocateDr.LoveEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWhat if the problem isn’t that people aren’t working hard enough…but that we’ve been telling the wrong story?In this episode of The Advocate Podcast, we challenge the deeply rooted “bootstrap” narrative—the idea that success is simply the result of hard work and personal responsibility. While effort matters, this conversation goes deeper, unpacking the systems, structures, and historical realities that shape access, opportunity, and outcomes.Building on earlier discussions about literacy as a justice issue, this episode zooms out to examine the broader context: how environment, exposure, and policy influence what children experience long before they ever step into a classroom.We explore:The difference between effort and accessHow communities are shaped by systemic decisions over timeWhy we often misinterpret struggle as lack of effortThe lasting impact of historical policies on present-day outcomesAnd how our language—like shifting from “at-risk” to “at-promise”—can reshape how we see and support childrenThis episode invites listeners to move beyond surface-level explanations and begin asking deeper questions—not just about education, but about equity, opportunity, and responsibility.Because when we change the narrative…we change how we show up for children.🎙️ Next week: A powerful, real-life story that brings this conversation to life—exploring responsibility, resilience, and the role of community in shaping success.💛 If this episode resonates, share it with someone who believes in advocating for children and challenging the narratives that limit them.Connect With MeTo submit a question or join my mailing list, use the information below.Facebook Group: TheAdvocateInstagram: @TheAdvocateDr.LoveEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Advocate Podcast, we explore why literacy is not just an education issue—it’s a justice issue. I sit down with an expert to discuss the social and environmental determinants that shape early childhood reading comprehension, and how struggles with literacy by third grade can lead to negative long-term outcomes, including dropout, suspension, and even justice system involvement.We dig into the factors outside the classroom that impact reading, the ways academic frustration can be misinterpreted as behavioral issues, and what schools, families, and communities can do to intervene early. This conversation is essential for parents, educators, and policymakers who want to understand how equitable literacy opportunities can transform a child’s future.Connect With MeTo submit a question or join my mailing list, use the information below.Facebook Group: TheAdvocateInstagram: @TheAdvocateDr.LoveEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailThird-grade reading proficiency is often discussed as an academic milestone. But what if it’s also a justice issue?In this episode of The Advocate Podcast, Dr. Kristi N. Love begins a deeper conversation about why early literacy matters far beyond the classroom. Before next week’s expert interview, she explores how reading development is shaped by early childhood experiences, environmental conditions, and access to opportunity.Listeners will learn:Why third grade is considered a critical literacy benchmarkHow early language exposure and environment influence reading developmentThe connection between reading struggles, frustration, and classroom behaviorWhy literacy should be viewed as prevention — not just academic interventionDr. Love also introduces next week’s guest, Demetrius Paschel, founder of DeedsCorp, whose work examines complex systems through data analysis and risk assessment. His research on youth outcomes, environment, and systemic conditions offers a powerful lens for understanding how early literacy can shape long-term life trajectories.This episode challenges us to rethink how we respond when students struggle — and to consider the broader systems that shape learning long before children enter a classroom.Because literacy isn’t just about reading.It’s about access.It’s about opportunity.And in many ways, it’s about justice.Connect With MeTo submit a question or join my mailing list, use the information below.Facebook Group: TheAdvocateInstagram: @TheAdvocateDr.LoveEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailThird-grade reading isn’t just a milestone, it’s a turning point. In this episode of The Advocate Podcast, Dr. Kristi N. Love explores why early literacy is one of the most powerful tools for equity, opportunity, and life outcomes. We unpack the myths and facts behind the alarming statistic linking third-grade reading struggles to future incarceration, discuss systemic barriers that impact children, and share actionable ways parents, educators, and communities can support young readers.Because reading isn’t just about books, it’s about escaping a system designed for failure. Tune in to learn how literacy can change lives and why advocacy starts with a book.Connect With MeTo submit a question or join my mailing list, use the information below.Facebook Group: TheAdvocateInstagram: @TheAdvocateDr.LoveEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailThis week on The Advocate, Dr. Kristi N. Love shares a powerful letter from an anonymous parent at a Christian school advocating for respect, dignity, and belonging for her child.This episode isn’t an interview—it’s a reflection on what happens when faith, identity, and school culture intersect. It challenges parents, educators, and leaders to examine what advocacy really looks like in their own communities.Because advocacy isn’t about taking sides. It’s about taking responsibility—for children.New episodes drop every Wednesday. Subscribe, share, and keep advocating.Connect With MeTo submit a question or join my mailing list, use the information below.Facebook Group: TheAdvocateInstagram: @TheAdvocateDr.LoveEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWhen Taylor Christina Terry sat in my 10th-grade classroom, neither of us could have imagined the journey ahead.Now a wife and mother, Taylor is raising her oldest son, Clayton, who has autism. In this powerful and honest conversation, she shares how becoming a special needs mom completely transformed her perspective, not just as a parent, but as a former educator.Taylor opens up about:The early signs and diagnosis processNavigating therapies and support through The Riley CenterWhat it feels like when professionals dismiss a mother’s concernsThe emotional toll of having to fight for your childHow faith has anchored her through uncertaintyPractical advocacy tips for families walking a similar pathShe also reflects on something many of us are brave enough to admit: how easy it is to judge what we don’t understand, until it becomes your story.Connect With MeTo submit a question or join my mailing list, use the information below.Facebook Group: TheAdvocateInstagram: @TheAdvocateDr.LoveEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when parents follow the rules, communicate clearly, and still aren’t heard?In this episode of The Advocate, Dr. Kristi Love continues the conversation sparked by her interview with Dr. Yanique Rolingson, digging deeper into the difference between communication and true understanding in school-family relationships.Through a real parent’s story, this episode centers the child’s experience and explores how rigid policies, when applied without empathy, can unintentionally harm students and exclude families. Dr. Love examines what advocacy can look like in real life: sometimes quiet, sometimes strategic, and sometimes simply choosing your child in the moment.This episode also challenges schools to reflect honestly on access. From morning events that unintentionally exclude working families, to practical solutions like virtual meetings, recorded PTA sessions, live-streamed events, and flexible engagement models, Dr. Love highlights ways schools can move beyond good intentions toward responsive, equitable practice.You’ll also hear a powerful Title I school example that proves what’s possible when schools design engagement with families, not just for them.This conversation is for:Parents navigating school systemsEducators and leaders committed to equityAnyone who believes children deserve to be seen, valued, and protectedAs you listen, you’re invited to reflect:Are we mistaking parent absence for disengagement?Who is burdened by our policies?And what changes when understanding comes before compliance?Because communication without understanding is just noise. But understanding- that’s where advocacy begins.🎧 Next episode preview: A mother and educator shares her journey navigating school spaces with her son who has autism, a conversation about judgment, love, and the power of truly understanding a child.Connect With MeTo submit a question or join my mailing list, use the information below.Facebook Group: TheAdvocateInstagram: @TheAdvocateDr.LoveEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Advocate, we slow down and reflect on what it truly means to teach, lead, and serve with purpose in a season of exhaustion and noise.This thoughtful conversation explores teaching as a calling, the emotional weight educators carry, and how burnout often shows up not because teachers don’t care, but because they care deeply. We discuss discipline as communication, the power of being seen, and how one caring adult can change the trajectory of a child’s life.We also examine the disconnect between schools and families—why parents often feel intimidated in school spaces, how miscommunication fuels frustration on both sides, and what it looks like to move from conflict to partnership. Through real stories and lived experience, this episode highlights the importance of trust, intentional communication, and advocacy rooted in relationship rather than reaction.This episode is for educators who feel stretched thin, parents who want to speak up but aren’t sure how, and anyone who has ever questioned whether the work they’re doing still matters. It’s a reminder to pause, reflect, and reconnect with your why, because purpose doesn’t disappear just because the work gets hard.Connect With MeTo submit a question or join my mailing list, use the information below.Facebook Group: TheAdvocateInstagram: @TheAdvocateDr.LoveEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when we slow down long enough to actually listen to children?In this episode of The Advocate Podcast, Dr. Kristi Love unpacks a powerful social media post that sparked strong reactions and uses it as an entry point into a deeper conversation about communication, authority, and emotional development.Allowing children to explain themselves is often misunderstood as permissiveness or loss of control. Dr. Love challenges that narrative, clarifying that letting a child speak does not mean removing boundaries, surrendering authority, or excusing behavior. It means teaching a skill.Drawing from lived experience, generational context, and school-based realities, this episode explores:Why many adults struggle to let children explain themselvesHow fear-based parenting and survival strategies show up as silenceThe difference between validation and agreementWhy assuming children are lying shuts down honest communicationHow lack of voice at home often leads to discipline issues at schoolWhy adult accountability, including apologizing when we’re wrong, models integrity and trustThis episode is especially for parents, educators, and school leaders who want to raise and teach children who can advocate for themselves without aggression, speak without fear, and disagree with respect.Because advocacy isn’t about being loud. It’s about being intentional.🎧 Listen, reflect, and join the conversation.Connect With MeTo submit a question or join my mailing list, use the information below.Facebook Group: TheAdvocateInstagram: @TheAdvocateDr.LoveEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we confront a hard truth in education: what happens when discipline becomes a substitute for development. Too often, students, especially those from historically marginalized communities, are punished for behaviors that are actually cries for support, understanding, and growth. We unpack how zero-tolerance policies, exclusionary practices, and adult-centered control can derail academic progress and damage students’ sense of belonging.Through real-world insights and a culturally responsive lens, this episode challenges educators, school leaders, and families to rethink behavior—not as defiance to be managed, but as communication to be understood. We explore what it looks like to shift from punishment to purpose, from control to connection, and from compliance to care. If we truly want to develop whole children, we must ask: Are our discipline practices helping students grow, or simply pushing them out?Connect With MeTo submit a question or join my mailing list, use the information below.Facebook Group: TheAdvocateInstagram: @TheAdvocateDr.LoveEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this foundational episode, Dr. Kristi N. Love, educator, advocate, and mother of 2 , shares the personal and professional experiences that led her to create The Advocate Podcast.  Drawing from over 20 years of teaching and leading across diverse school settings, she reflects on the mindset shift that transformed how she understands children, discipline, and advocacy.  Her dual lens as both an educator and a parent offers insight into how families can navigate school systems and advocate effectively for their children. This episode explores how misaligned expectations, punitive discipline, and inequitable systems impact children, families, and educators, and why advocacy must always center child development, culture, and humanity.In this episode, you’ll hear about:Why Dr. Love nearly left the education profession—and what helped her stayThe critical mindset shiftHow culturally responsive teaching, trauma-informed practices, and SEL transformed her perspectiveWhat effective leadership, accountability, and support look like in schoolsHow inequitable systems show up for families, especially during moments of crisisWhy The Advocate is a space for parents, educators, and leaders seeking clarity, reflection, and changeThis episode is not about blame. It’s about responsibility.Whether you’re a parent navigating school systems, an educator feeling overwhelmed, or a leader committed to growth, this conversation sets the foundation for understanding what advocacy truly means.Connect With MeTo submit a question or join my mailing list, use the information below.Facebook Group: TheAdvocateInstagram: @TheAdvocateDr.LoveEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailJoin Dr. Kristi N. Love, educator and advocate, as she introduces The Advocate: Amplifying Voices. Challenging Systems. Prioritizing Children. In this trailer, hear why the podcast exists, how social media inspired her mission, and how she helps parents, educators, and leaders center children, embrace restorative practices, and hold schools accountable. New episodes release weekly on Wednesdays—tune in, join the conversation, and share. Connect With MeTo submit a question or join my mailing list, use the information below.Facebook Group: TheAdvocateInstagram: @TheAdvocateDr.LoveEmail: [email protected]