Womansplaining with Julie Barrett

Well, it’s June 2025, and like clockwork, riot season is back in full swing.But this year, I’m watching it from a very different perspective.For the first time in my life, I’m experiencing this chaos not from Washington State or another deep blue disaster zone, but from the law-and-order state of Florida. And let me tell you — the difference is night and day.In this latest video, I reflect on what it feels like to observe the unrest in places like Seattle, Portland, L.A., and New York — all while living in a state that values its citizens’ safety and backs its law enforcement. Here in Florida, Governor DeSantis and the legislature made it clear back in 2021 that rioters would not be allowed to run wild. That anti-riot law they passed? It works.Meanwhile, back in Washington State — the place I called home for decades — I remember trying to attend peaceful gatherings with my children only to be met with Antifa counterprotests, intimidation, and the ever-present question: Is this safe for my family?That question haunted me for years. And it was one of the major factors that led our family to leave.A lot of people have asked me, “Why Florida? Why not just move to Idaho?” And I answer that in the video, too — but the short version is this: We were looking for more than just conservative politics. We wanted sun, freedom, strong leadership, and a state with the guts to enforce law and order. Florida checked every box.There’s a major nationwide protest planned for this Saturday, June 14 — and while I’ll be keeping an eye on it, I’m not adjusting my schedule or hiding in my house like I would’ve done in Seattle. I know local law enforcement here is empowered to act. I know the state has my back.That’s how it should be.I’m sharing this not to shame anyone still living in a blue state — but to offer perspective. If you’re feeling trapped, surrounded by rising crime, unchecked violence, and elected officials who seem more concerned with appeasing radicals than protecting citizens… I see you. I was you.And if you can’t leave, I’ve got some practical advice in another video I’ll link below about how to prepare and protect yourself and your family during times like these. Because let’s be honest — this isn’t going away anytime soon.👉 My story: Escaping Washington for Florida👉 Surviving Blue State Chaos: Practical TipsIf you have questions about relocating, want to talk through what it might look like for your family, or just need someone to listen — I’m here. You can always email me: [email protected] safe, stay strong, and know that you are not alone.— JulieFounder, Conservative Ladies of America This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit juliebarrett1.substack.com

This week on the podcast, I had the chance to sit down with a veteran teacher—known online as Dissident Teacher—who has 23 years of experience in the classroom and a clear warning for all of us: Artificial intelligence is quietly dismantling the very foundation of how kids learn.We covered a lot of ground in our conversation, and I want to highlight some key takeaways here for those of you who want a deeper dive.📚 Learning is a pyramid—and AI is knocking out the bottom.Our guest explained how real learning builds from the ground up. Basic facts lay the groundwork for deeper understanding. But students using AI to complete assignments are skipping the hard but necessary work of learning, memorizing, and applying.🧠 Memory matters.If a student can’t recall basic information, they can’t make meaningful connections across subjects or ideas. Relying on AI to do the thinking short-circuits this vital cognitive process.🤖 Teachers are using AI too—and that’s a problem.More and more teachers are using AI to create lessons and grade assignments—many of which were AI-generated by the students themselves. It’s a feedback loop where no one is fully engaged in the learning process.📉 Students don’t have the knowledge to evaluate AI content.When students lack a strong knowledge base, they can’t judge whether what AI gives them is accurate or misleading. That’s dangerous—especially in a world where AI tools could be programmed with bias or misinformation.💻 One-to-one device policies are fueling screen dependency.Giving every student a device may seem helpful, but the long-term effects are serious:* Poor handwriting* Shortened attention spans* Weakened critical thinking* Diminished creativity⚠️ Who controls the AI controls the narrative.If education becomes fully dependent on government-approved AI tools, we have to ask—who’s deciding what our kids learn? And what viewpoints are being left out?As a mom and advocate for education rooted in truth and values, this conversation hit home for me. I know many of you feel the same way.So what can we do?💡 Here’s what Dissident Teacher recommends:* Limit your kids’ screen time* Encourage physical books over digital* Prioritize outdoor play and imagination* Be the “project manager” of your child’s education* Seek out community with like-minded familiesWe can’t afford to be passive about this. The future of education—and our children’s ability to think independently—is on the line.🎧 Listen to the full interview on the podcast for even more insight.👉 Follow Dissident Teacher on X: @educatedandfree📬 Subscribe to her Substack: Dissident Teacher | SubstackRead Trump’s Executive Order on AI for Youth: Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth – The White House This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit juliebarrett1.substack.com

Many people have recently asked me to share our family’s story of making the difficult decision to move from our lifelong home of Washington state to Florida. This is my personal story of why my husband and I left our lifelong home in Washington State for the sunny beaches of Southwest Florida. From political disillusionment and frustrating legislative battles to a traumatic experience with our daughter’s mental health crisis, I share the moments that led us to seek freedom in a red state. I’ll walk you through our moving process, from exploring Sarasota to practical tips like downsizing and using a Packrat pod. Moving wasn’t just about escaping a blue state—it was about finding a place where I could fight for conservative values with purpose. If you’re thinking about leaving a blue state or want to hear why I’ve never regretted this move, this video is for you. Share your thoughts in the comments, and if you’re considering a similar journey, let’s connect—email me at [email protected]. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit juliebarrett1.substack.com