Education Episodes

Welcome to another episode of R4F- the Podcast and today we sit down with THE INCREDIBLE Dr. Byron McClure, a rare gem in the field of school psychology—part of the less-than-1% club of Black male school psychologists. We’re jumping right into his journey, starting with how he got into the world of school psych. We’re not skirting around the issues. Dr. McClure discusses the culture of low expectations that often shackles Black students, the hesitation to set high standards, and the unfortunate...

We left y'all with a cliffhanger on that last episode, so let's finish it off!!!! Welcome back to another episode of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast. On this episode, I am joined by some teacher-moms as we discuss the chaos of being a loyal employee of a school/district where your own children attend. How do you manage this juggling act without feeling like you're dropping the ball in either role? We discuss the complexities of navigating advocacy challenges when it comes to our own children. H...

Welcome back to another episode of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast. On this episode, I am joined by some teacher-moms as we discuss the chaos of being a loyal employee of a school/district where your own children attend. How do you manage this juggling act without feeling like you're dropping the ball in either role? We discuss the complexities of navigating advocacy challenges when it comes to our own children. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you desperately wanted to advocate...

In this long awaited episode, we get into the diverse and dynamic journey of Attorney Staci Childs, a remarkable woman who transitioned from the classroom to the courtroom. Staci, a former teacher turned attorney (and dope rapper), shares her insights and experiences serving on the Texas State Board of Educators, where she actively shapes policies that impact school districts across the state. As an outspoken advocate for education reform, Staci discusses with me the controversies surrounding c...

Welcome to another episode of Ridgemont4'sfinest-The Podcast. In this episode we are discussing the stories of black women teachers who have faced profound trauma under the guidance of black women principals. We will be taking some of my most recent a TikTok videos and turning them into a raw hour-plus conversation that will leave you inspired and enlightened. Our guests, experienced educators who have been in the field for years, openly share their experiences, and the emotional and mental tol...

We are continuing this episode with our college professors discussing the literacy gap and was they see from their POV. Our educators share their insights, experiences, and concerns regarding students' preparedness as they transition from high school to college. Are academic standards slipping? Is the 'Literacy Gap' real, and what's the impact? We'll discuss the controversial changes in academic standards and how they impact students. Our expert guests share their experiences and insights into ...

In this episode, we bring you an extraordinary panel of educators. Not only are they high school teachers and college professors, but one of them, a local comedian, achieved viral fame after being recorded by her students. Our educators share their insights, experiences, and concerns regarding students' preparedness as they transition from high school to college. Are academic standards slipping? Is the 'Literacy Gap' real, and what's the impact? We'll discuss the controversial changes in academ...

Welcome back to another episode of Ridgemont4'sfinest-The Podcast, where we continue our important conversation about black girls and their mental health in the educational landscape. In this episode, we revisit and deepen the dialogue with a panel of accomplished black female mental health professionals. Together, we explore the multifaceted journey of black girls as they navigate the challenges and opportunities within our school systems. Our guests bring their expertise and unique perspectiv...

In this episode of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast , we confront a deeply troubling issue that is shaking communities across the globe: the alarming rise in suicides among school-aged children, teenagers, and young adults. Join us as we shed light on this heart-wrenching topic, its underlying causes, and the urgent need for action. We start by examining the staggering statistics, providing a stark reality check on the extent of the problem. With suicide now among the leading causes of death in t...

In this deeply moving episode of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast, we are honored to share the remarkable story of a family that turned their unimaginable grief into a powerful force for change. Join us as we get into the inspiring journey of a family who transformed their pain into purpose by establishing the A Bold Story Never Ends foundation in loving memory of their son, Kameron. Through candid conversations with Kameron's mom and aunt- 2 mental health therapists, we explore the deeply person...

In this soul-stirring episode of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast, we discuss the often uncharted territory of Black girls' mental health. Join us as we explore the multifaceted aspects of their experiences, challenges, and triumphs, shedding light on issues that have remained in the shadows for far too long. We start by diving into the heart of the matter: undiagnosed mental health issues. Our panel of experts, including a dedicated teacher and mental health advocate, an experienced mental healt...

Get ready to get into some crazy conversations with a burst of energy and laughter in this episode of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast!Join us for a whirlwind of wisdom as a bunch of seasoned teachers spill the beans on their quirky, unconventional, and downright brilliant tips for newbie teachers. We call it "Quickie Professional Development," but trust us, we've got a knack for letting our ADHD lead us down the rabbit hole of epic conversations! ADHD aside, we're getting into the must-know secr...

In this highly anticipated season 2 premiere of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast, I am joined by some of my teacher besties as we celebrate the start of a new school year over brunch and beverages. Shout out to Extraordinary Creations, Steel Kitchen for the delicious meal!! We get into the importance of self-awareness and community involvement in the success of our schools. We discuss the privilege some parents/communities have in being able to focus on the schooling/education of their kids, whil...

Welcome to the season finale of Ridgemont4sFinest - The Podcast! In this "Quickie" episode, I am back to thank my incredible audience for their support, as we prepare to kick off the school year in just a few weeks. With over 11,000 downloads, the support, sponsorships, and donations have made this season possible. As the school year approaches, I want to wish everyone a great back-to-school preparation and to continue following me on social media for some "alternative" Professional Development ...

Part 2 of the conversation with these amazing men and we tackle the vital topic of mental health and disparities in punishments faced by black children. Our dynamic guest speakers, The Counseling Coach, Mr. Egbo, and The Good Doc, share their valuable insights and personal experiences. In this episode, we explore alternative approaches to disciplining children, emphasizing the importance of advocating for their rights and well-being. Disagreeing with a viral video's suggestion, we encourage pa...

Let's talk mental health in Black boys! Our guests, Mr. Egbo, The Counseling Coach, and The Good Doc, join us to discuss the challenges faced by Black boys and their parents when seeking therapy and support. One of the major issues highlighted is the lack of representation of Black male therapists, making it difficult for families to find someone who understands their unique experiences. Additionally, the high cost of therapy and the limited availability of therapists who accept insurance furthe...

On this episode of Ridgemont4sFinest-The Podcast, we get into the topic of unlawful termination, workplace bulling, harassment, discrimination, and the challenges of fighting against them. With our guest, Tai WES from Workforce Equity Solutions, we discuss examples such as a paraprofessional who faced discrimination and harassment from their white female administrator. This administrator made derogatory comments and created a hostile work environment, retaliating against the paraprofessional for...

Join us in this much needed podcast episode as we uncover the tough reality faced by teachers who find themselves wrongly accused of inappropriate behavior with students. We discuss the damaging effects of media sensationalism, unfair investigation processes, and the profound impact on the lives of these dedicated educators and their families. Through real stories and expert insights, we shed light on the emotional toll experienced by teachers who become entangled in false allegations. From the...

Welcome back to another episode of the podcast! Today we are checking our teacher privilege by getting into the glaring educational disparities that exist within our school systems. In this episode, we shed light on the challenges faced by teachers in schools with limited resources and explore how these disparities impact both educators and students. We the humor that only we can bring, we discuss the advantages that teachers in well-resourced schools may enjoy, such as access to technology, am...

Let’s celebrate Father’s Day and the resilience, strength, and authenticity of black male educators in our latest episode, "Unicorns in the Classroom: Celebrating Black Male Educators." Join us as we take you on a journey through their trials, triumphs, and the magic they bring to education. In this episode, I had the incredible opportunity to provide a brunch for and sit down with a panel of about 15 black men, who candidly shared their experiences, challenges, and victories as black male educa...

Welcome to Episode 9 of Ridgemont4sFinest-The Podcast! Get ready as we step into the captivating world of high school counseling, and unveil the untold stories, challenges, and triumphs of the profession like never before. Join us as we bring together the crème de la crème of high school counselors from the Houston area for a truly captivating episode. But hold on tight, because this episode comes with a little more. We've teamed up with a visionary teacherpreneur who will be crafting mouthwater...

Get ready for a mind-blowing episode that tackles the phenomenon of Karens in the workplace head-on. In this discussion, we're not holding anything back as we explore the deep-rooted issues surrounding entitlement, unfair treatment, and micro-aggressions. But that's not all – we're also diving into the complex dynamics between white and black women, unveiling the fear, jealousy, and even hatred that can arise when black women challenge societal norms. Prepare for an eye-opening conversation as w...

Continuing our liberating episode as we, a group of teacher friends, finish the much-needed conversation about the freedom to recharge and indulge in personal interests during our well-deserved time off. Join us as we challenge the notion of round-the-clock professionalism and explore the benefits of embracing our passions outside the classroom. In the continuation of our Happy Hour, we dismantle the traditional expectations placed on teachers and unravel the myth that we should be "teachers" e...

Grab your favorite drink and join us for a lively and spirited happy hour episode of our podcast as we celebrate the last day of school with a bonus "Happy Hour" episode. In this episode, we dive into the hot topics that have emerged this last week of school. From a cancelled graduation to participation trophies, parent complaints, last-minute grade-fixing attempts, and the question of teachers monetizing their platforms using student/teacher trauma and content, we cover it all with drinks, flai...