Podcasts about Literacy

February 2026 – #AIESEPConnect #CoffeeWithColleaguesThis is the audio from the February 2026 AIESEP Connect The development of aquatic literacy from early years. Why and how with Boris Jidovtseff, Professor Kristy Howells, Kristine De Martelaer, Léa Mekkaoui and François Potdevin Session Video Recording can be found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XJole31wtQ

In this episode, we explore why the National Reading Panel (NRP) still matters for our classrooms and homes in 2026. We look at how the NRP's review of more than 100,000 studies led to the well-known “Big Five” components of reading—phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension—and why these elements were never meant to be taught in isolation. We also examine how this foundational research connects directly to structured literacy and the science of reading, especially for students with dyslexia and other struggling readers. We'll clear up common misconceptions, like the idea that the NRP is outdated or “just about phonics,” and discuss how its findings continue to influence legislation, curriculum decisions, and intervention today. We wrap up with practical reflection questions to help us think about whether our instruction is truly aligned with what decades of research say about how children learn to read. Resources mentioned in this episode: National Reading Panel The National Reading Panel Report: Practical Advice for Teachers EdView 360 Webinar Recording with Casey TIL 1.13 The Matthew Effect and Literacy Development in Children TIL 3.10 Effective Vocabulary Strategies in Literacy Intervention TIL 4.7 The Power of Observation: What, When, and How TIL 5.4 Beyond the Basics: 5 Deeper Truths About Teaching Spelling in Structured Literacy TIL 5.6 The Structured Literacy Playbook with Dr. Melissa Orkin and Sarah Gannon (Part 1) TIL 5.7 The Structured Literacy Playbook with Dr. Melissa Orkin and Sarah Gannon (Part 2) TIL 5.11 Rethinking Phonemic Awareness with David Kilpatrick, PhD We officially have merch! Show your love for the Together in Literacy podcast! If you like this episode, please take a few minutes to rate, review, and subscribe. Your support and encouragement are so appreciated! Have a question you'd like us to cover in a future episode of Together in Literacy? Email us at support@togetherinliteracy.com! If you'd like more from Together in Literacy, you can check out our website, Together in Literacy, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. For more from Emily, check out The Literacy Nest. For more from Casey, check out The Dyslexia Classroom. Let us know what you want to hear this season! Thank you for listening and joining us in this exciting and educational journey into dyslexia as we come together in literacy!

Menu Holistic Wealth Trailblazers​ About Us About Keisha Blair Global Holistic Wealth Day Contact us Menu Podcast Quizzes Personal Financial Identity Quiz Aligned for Love: Relationship Readiness Quiz Holistic Wealth Teen Superpower Quiz – Discover Your Strengths! Services Holistic Wealth Coaching Program Resources Our Courses Student Portal My account Membership Holistic Wealth Podcast What is Power Literacy? Power Leaks and Why High Performers Get Stuck in their Careers with Kisha Wynter In this episode of the Holistic Wealth Podcast with Keisha Blair, we explore the topic of power literacy, power leaks and why high performers get stuck in their careers. Our special guest on the podcast is Kisha Wynter, leadership strategist, author of Your Power Unleashed, and founder/CEO of Wynter Rich Enterprises. Kisha specializes in helping senior leadership teams take their effectiveness to the next level. Her methods have been successful for a variety of leaders in over 50 countries. Using knowledge gained from more than 20 years of corporate Human Resources experience in talent development, and organizational effectiveness, her work has impacted companies including General Electric, Baker Hughes, CVS, Adobe, Kraft and Heinz.Global Holistic Wealth Day is coming up on April 9th. The theme for this year is “Resilient Wealth in an Uncertain World”, and power literacy is a tool to help achieve resilient wealth. This podcast episode on power literacy is a timely contribution to Global Holistic Wealth Month in April. True resilience today comes from understanding and navigating systems of power, not just money. The ability to understand and navigate systems that shape wealth outcomes is critical. Holistic Wealth as well as the Holistic Wealth mindset  are powerful frameworks to help create a life of balance, financial security, and emotional resilience.What is Power Literacy?Power literacy is the ability to recognize, understand, and navigate the invisible structures, dynamics, and impacts of power within organizations, institutions, relationships, and decision-making environments. This includes knowing how to navigate, advocate and position ideas within existing power structures and applying influence responsibly.Power literacy is one tool needed for sustaining and protecting Holistic Wealth and to live a holistically wealthy lifestyle. Holistic Wealth encompasses the full architecture of human wellbeing and functions as a framework “mother concept”, of the overall philosophy of human flourishing. By aligning life's key pillars—money, mindset, relationships, and physical health—Holistic Wealth empowers individuals to thrive at every stage of life. Holistic Wealth is an ecosystem – and power literacy is one of the tools needed to thrive within it.Resources Used In This Episode:Holistic Wealth (Expanded and Updated): 36 Life Lessons To Help You Recover From Disruption, Find Your Life Purpose and Achieve Financial Freedom by Keisha BlairYour Power Unleashed: How Savvy Women Use Courage to Get Promoted, Get Paid, and Find Fulfillment by Kisha WynterHolistic Wealth Personal Workbook by Keisha BlairThe Certified Holistic Wealth Consultant Program  Topic:What is Power Literacy? Power Leaks and Why High Performers Get Stuck in their Careers with Kisha Wynter TUNE IN: APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | STITCHER What You Will Learn What is Power literacy? Why is it so important?What are Power leaks? How do they undermine influence in an organization?Why do high performers get stuck in their careers despite significant experience and a stellar track record?What is the DIVA Method and how can it help advance your career.What most people misunderstand most about workplace politics, and its important in gaining influence in an organization.Why does the organizational chart often fail to explain how power works?How can someone start building influence right away?What is the difference between mentorship and sponsorship? Join the Holistic Wealth MovementHolistic Wealth is the overarching philosophy for human flourishing across every dimension of life. By developing the capabilities needed to sustain it – from financial literacy to power literacy – individuals can protect their wellbeing, navigate complex systems, and build resilient wealth for themselves and communities. Over 300 million people have already been touched by the principles of Holistic Wealth, through the Holistic Wealth podcast, Holistic Wealth books, Global Holistic Wealth Day, Global Holistic Wealth Week, the Holistic Wealth Retreat, and the Holistic Wealth coaching programs at the Institute on Holistic Wealth. Our mission is bold: 1 billion people living Holistic Wealth. The German Edition: Holistic Wealth: Holistic Wealth: 36 Lebenslektionen für ganzheitlichen Wohlstand, published by Scorpio Verlag was just recently launched, and is also a big step in reaching 1 billion people with Holistic Wealth.Holistic Wealth is more than financial success. It's the ability to:Recover from life-altering setbacks with grace and confidenceMaintain your mental, emotional, and spiritual healthCreate a life rooted in meaning, alignment, and legacySteps to Take:Listen to the Holistic Wealth podcast episode, leave a quick review on Apple Podcast and share it with your network.Get your copy of Holistic Wealth Expanded and Updated book and the Holistic Wealth Personal Workbook by Keisha Blair.Explore Holistic Wealth Coaching Programs at the Institute on Holistic WealthJoin us. Share the message. Let's reach one billion people—together. Featured on the Show: Feature One Holistic Wealth – Holistic Wealth (keishablair.com)Holistic Wealth (Expanded and Updated): 36 Life Lessons To Help You Recover From Disruption, Find Your Life Purpose and Achieve Financial FreedomCertified Holistic Wealth Consultant ProgramTrauma of Money Certification programHolistic Healing Certification programCheck out the new Global Holistic Wealth Day website: www.globalholisticwealthday.comBecome a Global Holistic Wealth Day Ambassador: https://www.globalholisticwealthday.com/become-an-ambassador/  Feature Two Order Keisha Blairs new book, Holistic Wealth:36 Life Lessons To Help You Recover From Disruption, Find Your Purpose and Achieve Financial Freedom.Visit www.keishablair.com and subscribe. Also check out our FREE financial identity quiz and online courses at the Institute on Holistic Wealth. Check out our signature program, and become a Certified Holistic WealthTM Consultant and help people build a life of Holistic Wealth. Check out our signature program, and become a Certified Holistic Wealth Consultant and help people build a life of Holistic Wealth.  Feature Three Order my award-winning, bestselling book Holistic Wealth: 32 Life Lessons To Help You Find Purpose, Prosperity and Happiness, and the Holistic Wealth Personal Workbook. Feature Four Follow me on Instagram and Twitter – and ask me your questions related to holistic wealth! Feature Five Full Transcripts are available on the Institute on Holistic Wealth website and are available to members of the Institute on Holistic Wealth (Become a member of the Institute on Holistic Wealth). The post What is Power Literacy? Power Leaks and Why High Performers Get Stuck in their Careers with Kisha Wynter appeared first on Holistic Wealth Courses.

In this episode of the Holistic Wealth Podcast with Keisha Blair, we explore the topic of power literacy, power leaks and why high performers get stuck in their careers. Our special guest on the podcast is Kisha Wynter, leadership strategist, author of Your Power Unleashed, and founder/CEO of Wynter Rich Enterprises. Kisha specializes in helping senior leadership teams take their effectiveness to the next level. Her methods have been successful for a variety of leaders in over 50 countries. Using knowledge gained from more than 20 years of corporate Human Resources experience in talent development, and organizational effectiveness, her work has impacted companies including General Electric, Baker Hughes, CVS, Adobe, Kraft and Heinz.  Global Holistic Wealth Day is coming up on April 9th. The theme for this year is “Resilient Wealth in an Uncertain World”, and power literacy is a tool to help achieve resilient wealth. This podcast episode on power literacy is a timely contribution to Global Holistic Wealth Month in April. True resilience today comes from understanding and navigating systems of power, not just money. The ability to understand and navigate systems that shape wealth outcomes is critical. Holistic Wealth as well as the Holistic Wealth mindset are powerful frameworks to help create a life of balance, financial security, and emotional resilience.  What is Power Literacy?Power literacy is the ability to recognize, understand, and navigate the invisible structures, dynamics, and impacts of power within organizations, institutions, relationships, and decision-making environments. This includes knowing how to navigate, advocate and position ideas within existing power structures and applying influence responsibly. Power literacy is one tool needed for sustaining and protecting Holistic Wealth and to live a holistically wealthy lifestyle. Holistic Wealth encompasses the full architecture of human wellbeing and functions as a framework “mother concept”, of the overall philosophy of human flourishing. By aligning life's key pillars—money, mindset, relationships, and physical health—Holistic Wealth empowers individuals to thrive at every stage of life. Holistic Wealth is an ecosystem – and power literacy is one of the tools needed to thrive within it. 

Let’s learn how to BEHAVE and how to RESIST HYPNOTISM! It’s The Berenstain Bears Forget Their Manners and The Wicked Weasel Spell!

Episode 247Small-group instruction can feel powerful and overwhelming at the same time. Questions about grouping, time, routines, and impact come up constantly.In this episode, we're joined by Julia Lindsey, author of Small Groups, Big Results, to talk about what actually makes small-group instruction work. Julia helps break down small groups into manageable, intentional practices that don't require more time or complexity, just clearer purpose.In this conversation, we discuss:Why small groups don't need to be long to have a big impactHow flexible, needs-based grouping supports student growthThe role of immediate, specific feedback in small-group readingPractical routines teachers can use right awayHow small-group instruction connects to Tier 1 teachingWhether you're new to small groups or looking to refine your approach, Julia offers clarity, research, and realistic guidance.RESOURCESSmall-Group Instruction Listening GuideSmall Groups, Big Results: Evidence-Based Routines to Get Every Child Reading by Julia Lindsey Reading Above the Fray: Reliable, Research-Based Routines for Developing Decoding Skills by Julia LindseyOther podcast episodes with Julia Lindsey: Science of Reading Part 1: Decodable Texts, Sound Walls, & the Aim of Early LiteracyScience of Reading Part 2: Decodable Texts, Sound Walls, & the Aim of Early LiteracyResearch-Based Routines for Developing Decoding Skills with Julia LindseyReaders' Theater: Easy, Effective, & Fun! with Chase YoungUFLI Foundations Toolbox FCRR Student Center Activities We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night.Grab free resources and episode alerts! Sign up for our email list at literacypodcast.com.Join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

In this episode of Education Matters, Sarah and Cesar sit down with Greg Harrell from the Institute for Quality Education to break down the key themes from Indiana's 2026 legislative session. They discuss: Major wins on literacy and math policy to boost student achievement, including new requirements for parent notifications and math instruction frameworks. Updates to school choice, including moving up the start of universal Choice Scholarship eligibility and important changes for charter schools. Efforts to cut red tape in education, including deregulation bills and new K-12 operational reports. The new bell-to-bell cell phone and smartwatch ban in public and charter schools, plus social media restrictions for students under 16. Expanded opportunities for work-based learning, including adjustments around transportation barriers and workers' compensation. Tune in for a practical recap of the biggest legislative changes impacting Hoosier students, educators, and families heading into the next school year. Did you find this episode informative? Help us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

Literacy rates in the US are shocking. Nearly half of the nation's fourth graders cannot read at a basic level. Even Massachusetts, a leader in public education, reading scores have been falling. These disappointing results have fueled a bitter debate over how best to teach reading. And now that debate is fueled by another factor: artificial intelligence. Could tech tools help save more of our kids from illiteracy? Or will it simply expand the use of junk science? This week on Say More, opinion page editor Jim Dao talks to Ola Ozernov-Palchik, a cognitive neuroscientist at Boston University. She specializes in understanding how the brain learns how to read.  Her lab is working to ensure that new tools using AI are also backed by good science, which history shows, is not something you can take for granted in literacy education. Email us at saymore@globe.com.

What does it take to transform literacy outcomes across an entire school district? In this episode of Literacy Talks, we explore how leadership, alignment, and a commitment to the science of reading can create lasting change for students and educators alike.In this episode, we discuss: • Leading systemwide literacy change • Building a birth-to-12 literacy ecosystem • Investing in people over programs • Aligning district systems around the science of readingDr. Grant Rivera, Superintendent of Marietta City Schools in Georgia, joins us to share the story behind his district's literacy transformation. What began with a single conversation about how children learn to read quickly revealed a challenge many districts face: literacy efforts were well intentioned but not aligned around the research on how students actually learn to read. Instead of searching for another program or quick fix, Marietta City Schools focused on investing in people. The district committed to building educator expertise, aligning leadership and professional learning around structured literacy, and embedding literacy support throughout the system. Dr. Rivera also shares how Marietta expanded its vision beyond the classroom—partnering with hospitals, early childhood providers, and community organizations to support literacy development from birth through high school.This conversation offers valuable insights for superintendents, district leaders, literacy coaches, and educators working to improve reading outcomes and create sustainable literacy change.GuestDr. Grant Rivera Superintendent, Marietta City Schools (Georgia)Resources MentionedMarietta City SchoolsMarietta City Schools: Literacy Resources FolderMarietta City Schools: District Literacy Initiative NewsAIM Institute – Marietta City Schools Literacy Leadership Story

In the 20th century, financial literacy was essential. In the 21st century, it's product development. AI has made building faster and cheaper—which means more bad bets are being made at higher speed. The bottleneck isn't "Can I build this?" It's "Should I build this? Will anyone pay?" In this episode, Sophia Matveeva shares the story of a business owner who validated her idea and decided NOT to pursue it—which saved her $98,000 and 6-12 months, while gaining a skillset she'll use forever. You'll learn: Why product development skills matter MORE in the AI age What this skillset gives you  How to know what to build before you build it Why this is your competitive advantage as a non-technical leader Essential for founders, corporate innovators, and strategic decision-makers. For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora   TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction: Why knowing what NOT to build is the real skill 02:00 - Case study: The student who chose not to pursue her idea 04:08 - Finding out quickly vs. slowly: $2,000 in 6 weeks vs. $100,000 in a year 06:26 - The shift from execution to judgment in the age of AI 08:44 - Product development as your unfair advantage 11:11 - Five core product development skills explained 13:32 - Two types of founders in the age of AI 15:59 - Action steps: What to do with your idea right now 17:46 - Program information and closing   FULL TRANSCRIPT: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/product-development-is-the-new-business-literacy

Jason Swenson with the Deseret News, breaks down the education changes coming to Utah classrooms from this year’s legislative session — from stricter “bell‑to‑bell” cellphone restrictions to new literacy requirements, tech‑safety mandates, and investments in higher‑ed research. What will this mean for students, teachers, and parents?

Topics we cover on this episode of KSL's Inside Sources include: 'One of the Most Productive Legislative Sessions' Mayor Mendenhall Responds to 2026 Legislature Classroom Changes: Cellphones, Literacy & Classroom Tech Eye on the Courts: Did Utah Reform or Reshape Judicial Power? Uber’s Women‑Only Feature Faces Legal Challenge From Men Understanding Bipolar Disorder: What Mixed Episodes Really Look Like

In this episode, I'm joined by Anjanette McNeely, an award-winning kindergarten teacher in Davis County, Utah, who is deeply committed to research-informed classroom practice. Anjanette focuses on translating educational research into practical strategies that help every student build strong foundations in literacy and mathematics.She is LETRS-certified (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) and holds a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and a master's degree in Instructional Design. In addition to her classroom work, Anjanette has served as a literacy coach and curriculum writer. She is currently a Goyen Literacy Foundation Fellow, where she continues to deepen her work advancing evidence-based literacy instruction.Links:Substack:  https://substack.com/@anjanettemcneelyX: Anjanette McNeely (@anjanettemcnee2) / X This podcast sponsored by:The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey. Learn more here. 

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by CORE Learning.The webinar recording can be accessed here.District leaders are often clear on what evidence-based instruction requires, but less clear on how to lead that work coherently across schools, roles, and initiatives. In this third edWeb podcast of Structured Literacy for Every Learner Week, Olga Cobb shares a district leader's perspective on how Salem-Keizer School District approaches evidence-based instruction at scale.She focuses on the leadership decisions that help align vision, professional learning, and classroom practice so literacy work is supported consistently without adding competing initiatives. Listeners gain insight into how district-level priorities show up in daily instruction, what leaders protect as the work scales, and how coherence is sustained while honoring local context across schools.This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 school and district leaders.This edWeb podcast is part of Structured Literacy for Every Learner Week.CORE LearningTransform teaching and learning so that every student thrives.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.

This episode is a conversation with Nick of North, a wild food chef, forager, and educator from Prince Edward Island who works at the intersection of cooking, ecology, and landscape literacy. Nick has built a unique career teaching chefs how to understand the landscapes around them and translate wild ingredients into meaningful food. His work focuses on flavor, aromatics, fermentation, and developing a deeper relationship with the land through cooking.In this conversation, we explore Nick's journey from working as a line cook in restaurants to becoming a forager who now teaches chefs around the world how to work with wild ingredients. We also dive into how landscape literacy can transform the way we cook, why many wild foods are misunderstood, and how learning to work with flavor, aroma, and seasonal timing can unlock entirely new possibilities in the kitchen.Episode Overview:How wild ingredients often enter restaurant kitchens — and the surprising problems chefs face when working with themWhat landscape literacy actually means and why learning to read ecosystems changes the way you cookWhy understanding the environments plants grow in can make you a better forager and a more attentive cookNick's method for learning plant identification by studying ecosystems instead of relying entirely on field guidesWhy wild greens taste bitter — and how harvest timing and time of day can dramatically change flavorHow chefs can use wild aromatics, herbs, and plant materials to elevate dishes beyond basic ingredientsCreative ways to extract wild flavors into oils, vinegars, fats, and other cooking mediumsHow plants like oak leaves can be used to add tannins for better pickling and food preservationWhy trusting your senses is one of the most important skills when fermenting and preserving foodThe fear many beginners have about poisonous plants — and how learning just a few dangerous species can unlock confident foragingHow the same wild plant can taste completely different depending on where it growsWhy understanding plant families helps chefs cook unfamiliar wild foods more confidentlyWhy becoming a great forager is a lifelong process of learning, observation, and patienceUse code “yearofplenty” for 15% OFF at www.mtblock.comMY ULTIMATE FORAGING GEAR LIST - Check it outLeave a review on Apple or Spotify and send a screenshot to theyearofplenty@gmail.com to receive a FREE EBOOK with my favorite food preservation recipes.Watch the Video Episode on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/live/n6C0k9XC5bA?si=pZkwtN5qSSq3xfHkSign up for the newsletter:www.theyearofplenty.com/newsletterSupport the podcast via Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/yearofplentySubscribe to the Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@yearofplentyvideoDo you follow the podcast on social media yet?IG: https://www.instagram.com/bigforagingguy/X: https://x.com/yearofplentypodI want to hear from you! Take the LISTENER SURVEY: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KZW53R

Sean Morrisey, former school psychologist turned fifth grade teacher, walks us through the many different literacy assessments teachers administer. Which are useful, and which are a waste of time? You'll love this practical episode!Click here for the show notes from this episode. Sign up for my free masterclass, 5 Essential Steps to Reach All Readers. Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that align with the science of reading? Click here to learn more about our popular and affordable membership for PreK through 3rd grade educators.Connect with me here! Blog Instagram Facebook Twitter (X)

Welcome back to Progressively Incorrect, a show sponsored by John Catt from Hachette Learning and hosted by me, Dr. Zach Groshell. My guest today is Christopher Such, literacy expert, former primary teacher, and author of Primary Reading Simplified. Chris makes his epic return to the show to tackle several debates currently shaping reading instruction in … Continue reading S5E20: Christopher Such on Action Steps for Reading and the Latest Literacy Debates

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by CORE Learning. You can access the webinar recording here.This first edWeb podcast of Structured Literacy for Every Learner Week examines national priorities for strengthening instructional quality and accelerating academic recovery, with a focus on literacy, support for diverse learners, and coherent pathways from early learning through postsecondary success. Listeners explore leadership and policy strategies that center student achievement while expanding access and opportunity.This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 school and district leaders.This edWeb podcast is part of Structured Literacy for Every Learner Week.CORE LearningTransform teaching and learning so that every student thrives.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by CORE Learning.You can access the webinar recording here.This second edWeb podcast of Structured Literacy for Every Learner Week explores what responsible, community-centered AI can look like in schools and why Latino leadership is essential to shaping its design and adoption. Listeners examine future-ready competencies students need in an AI-driven world, alongside lessons from deep, community-based work across California and Texas that foreground equity, trust, and local voice.This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 school and district leaders.This edWebinar is part of Structured Literacy for Every Learner Week.CORE LearningTransform teaching and learning so that every student thrives.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.

Let’s kick off Season 2 of The Berenstain Bears with the classic “Mama Gets Angry” episode “The Messy Room” and follow it up with the Raffish Ralph classic “The Terrible Termite!”

Today's guest is Judy Braus, Executive Director of the North American Association for Environmental Education or NAAEE for short.NAAEE's mission is to use the power of education to advance environmental literacy and civic engagement so that people and communities can make informed decisions and take action toward a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable future. They equip educators, leaders, and learners with evidence-based tools and knowledge, to help people across ages and backgrounds understand environmental issues and take meaningful action.In this episode, we explore how the organization's mission has evolved, how it bridges research and practice, and how it's helping shape the future of environmental literacy in the face of climate change, social justice challenges, and digital transformation.Connect: https://naaee.org/

In this episode, guest host Dr. Chrisna Perry sits down with literacy expert Dr. Lee Wright to explore practical, classroom-ready strategies for differentiating reading instruction without sacrificing evidence-based practices.From building effective small groups to balancing skill development with meaningful reading experiences, they unpack how educators can support diverse learners while staying grounded in the principles of the Science of Reading.Whether you're refining your small group instruction or rethinking how differentiation fits into your literacy block, this conversation offers actionable insights you can apply right away.Visit Savvas.com/Literacy today to learn more about our high-quality PreK-12 literacy solutions for your school district. To keep the conversation going follow us @SavvasLearning on Instagram, Facebook, X, Youtube, or Linkedin. Visit Savvas.com today to learn more about our award-winning K-12 programs and to request curriculum samples for your school or district.

There is so much cultural conversation about pleasure.How to create more of it.How to perform it.How to optimize it.But very little about how to listen for it.In this episode, we explore a quieter, more powerful truth:Pleasure is not something you manufacture. It is something you allow. And something you gently cultivate through presence.Dianne guides you into a new understanding of pleasure as sacred biology — not indulgence, not performance — but information.We explore:The difference between a mental “yes” and a somatic “yes”Why safety — not intensity — is the true doorway to alivenessThe role of dopamine, oxytocin, opioid receptors, and the endocannabinoid system in sensual regulationHow pleasure becomes literacy inside the bodyWhy midlife is not decline… but initiationThis is an invitation to slow down.To track subtle expansion.To honor neutrality.To notice contraction without shame.Because pleasure is the body's yes.And when a woman learns to trust that yes, everything reorganizes.Her boundaries strengthen. Her clarity sharpens. Her radiance steadies.Embodiment is reclamation. And embodiment is revolution.

  Welcome to Absolutely Intercultural show number 316. My name's Anne Fox and this show is coming to you from Denmark. In the last few weeks I began to see lots of videos by Zach Lincoln, an American who is moving to Europe. Why would he move to Europe? One of the things that struck … Continue reading "USA +++ UK +++ Zach moves abroad +++ Absolutely Intercultural 316+++"

This week, the hosts review Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, a sweeping multi-generational novel that traces the descendants of two half-sisters from 18th-century Ghana into the modern era. One sister, Effia, lives above the dungeon of Cape Coast Castle; the other, Esi, is imprisoned below and sold into American slavery. From that pivotal separation, the book follows their children and grandchildren across centuries, continents, and systems of power. Through alternating chapters, Gyasi explores the legacy of slavery, colonialism, identity, belonging, resilience, and generational trauma. Each descendant wrestles with the inherited shadows of the past, from plantations and Jim Crow to migration, incarceration, and cultural disconnection. The hosts unpack the book's structure, thematic depth, and emotional resonance, reflecting on how history lives in individual lives long after its origins. It's a layered, compassionate conversation that centers legacy, memory, and the ways personal story intertwines with collective history. Cheers!Please be advised this episode is intended for adult audiences and contains adult language and content. We are expressing opinions on the show for entertainment purposes only. Dedication: To our patrons as always!! We love you! Moni & Kat: To the ancestors, old and new!About the  Book: :https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/533857/homegoing-by-yaa-gyasi/Title: Homegoing Author: Yaa Gyasi Genre: Historical Fiction Published: 2016 (Moni states 2026 in error) Pages: 320 (first edition)About the Author:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yaa_GyasiYaa Gyasi is a Ghanaian-American novelist. Her work, most notably her 2016 debut novel Homegoing and her 2020 novel Transcendent Kingdom, features themes of lineage, generational trauma, and Black and African identities.WikipediaBorn: 1989 (age 37 years), Mampong, GhanaParents: Kwaku Gyasi, Sophia GyasiEducation: Stanford University, Grissom High School, University of IowaAwards: PEN/Hemingway Award, Audie Award for Literary Fiction & Classics, American Book AwardF.A.B. Episodes mentioned on the show:https://www.spreaker.com/episode/GreatGatsbyEpisodehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/-review-of-ketera-of-punishment-island-on-netflix--56231879**Stranger than Fiction:

Feeling overwhelmed by a caseload that includes autism, childhood apraxia of speech, developmental language disorder, articulation, fluency, and AAC users… all back-to-back? You are not alone. Many speech-language pathologists walk into therapy sessions with a stack of different activities for every child. One game for articulation. Another for language. Another for fluency. Another for AAC. Before long, therapy starts to feel like running a fast-food counter. But what if you could run one powerful therapy routine that works for every child on your caseload? In this episode of The Preschool SLP Podcast, Kelly Vess shares the five-step therapy routine she uses every single day to deliver educationally rich, engaging sessions that treat the whole child while producing powerful gains across: • Speech sound production • Language development • Literacy skills • AAC use • Executive function • Motor planning and coordination Instead of pulling ten different activities from behind the therapy table, this routine uses one structured activity and simply changes the treatment target to match each child's goals. Built on principles from Universal Design for Learning, motor learning, and executive function research, this approach allows clinicians to work smarter, not harder. You will learn: • The five predictable therapy steps Kelly uses with every child • How to use one activity to treat speech, language, AAC, literacy, and fluency • Why predictable routines help children feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn • How task-oriented movement improves executive function and engagement • Why treating the whole child instead of just the mouth produces stronger outcomes When therapy is predictable, engaging, and multimodal, both the clinician and the child can be fully present. And that is when the magic happens. Join the SIS Membership If you love practical therapy frameworks like this, the SIS Membership was built for you. Each week inside SIS you receive: • Ready-to-use movement-based therapy activities • Powerful complex speech and language treatment targets • A growing treatment target library you can use with any caseload • A full literacy, language, and movement Google Slides deck for therapy, classrooms, or teletherapy Everything is designed to help busy SLPs deliver high-impact therapy without spending hours planning. Many members prep their entire week of therapy in less than one hour. Join today and receive the entire Treatment Target Library immediately: https://www.kellyvess.com/sis with you in this,

In this episode of the STEAM Box VS podcast, the Panthers are joined by Shawn Andrews, founder of the Rhode Island nonprofit Heroes Read. Shawn explains how his organization tackles the K-12 literacy crisis by using popular arts, such as comic books and graphic novels to engage struggling readers with material they are actually passionate about. The group discusses the real-world challenges of funding and running a grassroots nonprofit while trying to balance a full-time day job. Along the way, the conversation takes fun, passionate detours into the room's favorite anime series, debates over the greatest Batman portrayals, and the unparalleled storytelling of classic hip-hop artists like MF DOOM and Big L#HeroesRead #SteamboxVSPodcast #LiteracyMatters #ComicBooks #GraphicNovels #AnimeCommunity #HipHopCulture #NonprofitLife #YouthEmpowerment #NerdCulture

Steve Baranowski, Senior Vice President of Retail Lending at Marquette Bank, joins Jon Hansen on Your Money Matters to discuss purchase rates in the 5’s and home inventory levels. Steve also discusses pre-approval numbers, budgets, and home-buying assistance. For more information, visit emarquettebank.com.

Dave Schlueter of the Law Offices of David R. Schlueter joins Jon Hansen to discuss what to do financially before house hunting. To learn more about what Dave Schlueter can help you with, go to schlueterlawoffice.com or call 1-630-285-5300.

This is a rebroadcast of Episode 245 from the Melissa and Lori Love Literacy Podcast – you can check out that episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/read-like-us-building-fluency-through-repeated-reading/id1463219123?i=1000748503901Make sure to check out the Literacy.io training on the Kat Framework for Comprehension this June!-June 24-25 in East Lansing Michigan-Individual registration available at: https://tamu.estore.flywire.com/products/cusp—the-reading-leagueliteracy10-participant-registration–412940-Group registration available at: https://tamu.estore.flywire.com/products/cusp—the-reading-leagueliteracy10-group-participant-registration–412945-More information available at literacy.io/contact Show Notes2:30 – What is Read Like Us? Overview of the five-step repeated reading protocol How it supports accuracy, automaticity, and prosody 4:10 – The Five Reads Explained Listening passage preview Echo reading Choral reading Partner reading Performance/independent reading 6:00 – Implementation in Classrooms Can it work in whole group settings? Small group intervention applications Working with paraprofessionals and volunteers 10:00 – Maximizing Reading Time Why 90% of intervention time should be actual reading The workout approach to building fluency Ensuring students are actually reading (not just holding books) 12:53 – How Read Like Us Differs from Traditional Approaches More than just “read three times and check for speed” Building all three components of fluency simultaneously The role of modeling and scaffolding 15:00 – Gradual Release of Responsibility Transferring task responsibility to students Why rate/speed wasn’t emphasized in coaching Automaticity as the outcome, not the input 18:00 – Prosody and Comprehension Expression as an indicator of understanding Using the Rasinski multidimensional fluency rubric Rotating focus areas: expression, phrasing, smoothness, pace 20:00 – Study Results Fourth grade students: 16.5 WPM growth in 50 days Effect size of 0.9 Improvements in accuracy, vocabulary, and comprehension measures 22:30 – Potential Comprehension Enhancement Adding a 10-word takeaway or gist statement Keeping it “fluency heavy, comprehension light” Future iterations of the protocol 25:30 – The Stacking Protocol Approach Learning from dissertation chair Dr. Kit Moore Combining multiple evidence-based practices Weaving the reading rope together 27:30 – Cost and Accessibility Read Like Us is free to implement Comparison with commercial tier-two interventions Open access article available 28:48 – Text Selection Philosophy The month-long process of curating 50 texts Using challenging and engaging content (100-200 words) Types included: giggle poetry, science facts, short stories with twists, weird state laws 30:30 – The “Challenging Text” Debate Using texts above grade level with proper scaffolding Addressing the 1960s neurological impress research Why modern research supports stretching students 33:17 – Texts Students Actually Want to Read Students asking to take intervention texts home Incorporating core reading program texts for continuity Balance between practical and engaging content 36:00 – Lexile Levels and Text Complexity Many texts in 6th-8th grade Lexile range for 3rd-4th graders Testing the hypothesis: Can struggling readers succeed in harder texts? Being “level agnostic” in text selection 39:00 – Rethinking Leveled Texts Limitations of the Lexile formula Starting with engaging content, not filter levels The scaffolding makes the difference, not the exact level 42:00 – Student Motivation and Text Choice Chase’s son reading adult-level joke books in first grade The power of “want to” over prescribed levels Teacher control vs. student self-selection 43:00 – Repeated Reading vs. Wide Reading Defining both approaches Why they shouldn’t be pitted against each other Read Like Us = repeated reading across wide array of texts 46:30 – Wide Reading and Teacher Control Students won’t achieve wide reading through self-selection alone The teacher’s role in exposing students to diverse genres Balancing instruction with student choice 48:00 – Benefits of Wide Reading Exposure to different language patterns across genres Informational vs. narrative text structures Building terrain navigation skills with various text types 49:00 – Getting Started with Read Like Us Start with tomorrow’s text Find the 200-300 word section with the most “oomph” Use what you already have in your classroom 50:21 – Closing Where to find the protocol and resources Final thoughts and wrap-up

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Amplify.The webinar recording can be accessed here.Reframe how you think about reading in your classroom. In this edWeb podcast, join three powerhouse educators (who are also the voices behind the award-winning podcasts Science of Reading: The Podcast and Beyond My Years) for a conversation that revolutionizes your teaching approach, no matter what subject you teach.Dr. Susan Lambert, host of Science of Reading: The Podcast, Ana Torres, host of the Beyond My Years podcast, and Eric Cross, Beyond My Years' Classroom Insider, come together for an inspiring discussion that expands your understanding of how literacy fits into every subject area. These passionate educators share why this is such an important topic and what it looks like in practice.Listeners:Discover strategies to weave literacy seamlessly into your classroomLearn approaches and tactics for supporting multilingual learnersGet strategies for developing academic language across all subjectsExplore what literacy instruction looks like in an adolescent classroomThis edWeb podcast is of interest to PreK–8 teachers, school leaders, and district leaders.AmplifyHelping teachers celebrate and develop student thinking.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.

Tim Stearns, owner and president of TJ Stearns Financial Planning & Benefits, joins Jon Hansen to discuss how to properly plan for retirement. Tim and Jon talk about creating a sustainable income from assets in your account. For more information, call 800-640-2256.

S7 E9: Reading and the Brain w/ Dr. Maryanne WolfIn this episode, Alexis and Gerald were honored to be joined by Dr. Maryanne Wolf, one of the leading experts on the science of reading. Dr. Wolf shares a tremendous amount of knowledge and wisdom from her extensive career and experiences, as she continues to advocate for the needs of all students as it pertains to their development of and appreciation for reading.This discussion raises so many questions about our relationship with reading. We address topics such as the evolutionary nature of reading, the impact of technology on our reading brains, the interconnectivity of brain areas related to reading, progressive and effective modes of reading instruction, Dyslexia, and how reading relates to humanity and our relationship with one another.SummaryEvolutionary nature of readingUnderstanding of how reading is learnedImpact of technology on our reading brainsThe interconnectivity of brain areas related to readingEffective modes of reading instructionConnections between reading, empathy, & humanityDr. Maryanna Wolf is a scholar, a teacher, and an advocate for children and literacy around the world. She is the Director of the newly created Center for Dyslexia, Diverse Learners, and Social Justice at the UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies. Previously, she was the John DiBiaggio Professor of Citizenship and Public Service and Director of the Center for Reading and Language Research in the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development at Tufts University. Dr. Wolf obtained her doctoral degree in Human Development and Psychology at Harvard University. She is the author of Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain (2007, HarperCollins), Dyslexia, Fluency, and the Brain (Edited; York, 2001), Tales of Literacy for the 21st Century (2016, Oxford University Press), and Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World (August, 2018, HarperCollins). Welcome to the Reid Connect-ED podcast, we are honored to have you join us today.The Reid Connect-Ed Podcast is hosted by Siblings Alexis Reid, M.A. and Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by CyberSound Recording Studios, and original music is written and recorded by Gerald Reid (www.Jerapy.com).*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.Show notes & Transcripts: https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcastFollow us on Instagram @ReidConnectEdPodcast and X @ReidConnectEdStreaming everywhere (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, etc.)Be Curious. Be Open. Be Well.

This is NOT OK: If a child is not reading on grade level by 3rd grade, they are 4x LESS LIKELY to graduate high school, and if living in poverty, 13x LESS LIKELY!Carol Goglia, CEO of Catch Up & Read is focused on one of America's most urgent challenges: early literacy. She has spent her career turning strategy into impact, from her early days at Frito-Lay to leading one of the country's most powerful giving movements at Communities Foundation/North Texas Giving Day.In this episode, Carol shares this idea of joy as a catalyst for learning and retention. From the “joyful results clubs” that make kids ask, “Is it Catch Up & Read day?” to lessons corporate leaders can borrow from the nonprofit world, this conversation is a powerful reminder that sometimes the biggest business signals start in the smallest moments.If you care about the future talent pipeline, team development, or the long game of leadership, I think this will resonate!

ValueIn this episode with Reid Lyon, we go straight to the source of the modern reading research movement. You hear firsthand what the research actually revealed about how children learn to read, where implementation has gone wrong, and why misunderstanding the science continues to create confusion in classrooms. This is not secondhand interpretation. It is direct insight into the evidence, the history behind it, and the consequences of getting it wrong. You walk away with deeper clarity about literacy acquisition and stronger conviction about what matters most.PromiseWe will not water this down.We will not rewrite history.We will not soften the hard truths about research and implementation.We will examine the science.We will confront the misinterpretations.We will connect the evidence to real classroom practice.No spin.No agenda.Just research, accountability, and clarity you can stand on.Kicking off March Madness with the LION OF READING!

(00:00:00) We look back at Ephraim Slaughter: Freedom’s Witness, the one-act production created for the Annual Dauphin County Black History Celebration by Sankofa African American Theatre Company and Gamut Theatre, in partnership with the National Civil War Museum. Actors Marcus McGhee and Melinda Anderson help us revisit the life of Ephraim Slaughter—a man born enslaved who became a Union Army veteran, community leader, and witness to a century of American change. Through their performances, the play brings audiences into a Harrisburg room in 1943, where memory, resilience, and long-silenced truths finally speak. (00:22:02) Then we turn to a new Pennsylvania law requiring cursive handwriting instruction in schools. Dr. Kerry Hasler-Brooks and Dr. Sarah Fischer explore why cursive still matters—from reading historical documents to strengthening cognitive development, deepening literacy skills, and slowing down enough to think critically in a fast-paced digital world. Together, they make the case that preserving history isn’t just about the stories we tell—it’s about ensuring future generations can read them. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a Mesirow Monday! Gary Pattengale, Advanced Planning Specialist and Wealth Advisor at Mesirow, joins Jon Hansen on Your Money Matters to talk about tax season. From filing too early to what you should talk to your CPA about, Gary gives tips on what to do before filing your taxes. For more information, visit www.mesirow.com or call […]

Tom Appel, Publisher, Consumer Guide Automotive and host of the Consumer Guide Car Stuff podcast, joins Jon Hansen to talk about the current car market for buyers and sellers. Plus, Tom talks about how Gen Z is interested in buying vehicles from China and a cheaper Cybertruck.

In this episode, we (Mark Raffler and Statia Davey) sit down with Dr. Sharon Vaughn, the Manuel J. Justice Endowed Chair in Education and Executive Director of the Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk at the University of Texas at Austin. Drawing on her extensive work with the Michigan Dyslexia Research Network, Dr. Vaughn shares her deep expertise on how we can best meet the needs of all learners under Michigan's K-12 Literacy and Dyslexia Law. This conversation moves past the buzzwords to look at the heart of structured literacy, the evolving nature of the science of reading, and practical ways to support students who struggle with decoding.Here are some highlights from our conversation:Moving Beyond Dyslexia Myths: Dr. Vaughn helps us understand that dyslexia isn't simply about seeing letters or words backwards in fact, many young children naturally reverse letters as they learn positionality. Instead, educators should look for significant hurdles in phonological awareness, slow acquisition of word reading, and extreme challenges with spelling.The Science of Reading as an Evolving Field: Much like the science of nutrition, our understanding of how the brain learns to read is constantly refined by new research. Dr. Vaughn emphasizes that while some students seem to learn to read "automatically," every student benefits from the explicit, systematic, and organized instruction that is absolutely essential for students with dyslexia.Structured Literacy is for Everyone: Dr. Vaughn explains that structured literacy isn't just a specialized tool for students with dyslexia, it is a comprehensive "umbrella" that benefits every learner in the classroom. By integrating phonics and fluency with the ultimate goal of comprehension, educators can use a single, cohesive framework. She breaks down the "I do, we do, you do" sequence, showing how this explicit model gives every student the opportunity to practice new skills while receiving the immediate, supportive feedback they need to succeedThe "Secret Sauce" of Instructional Success: One of the most powerful things a teacher can do is use data-based instruction. Dr. Vaughn encourages educators to be "data processing machines" who use screenings, progress monitoring, and everyday observations to refine their teaching and provide quick, targeted support in those small classroom moments.We closed the interview by asking for Dr. Vaughn's top resource picks. She highlighted the wealth of materials available at the Meadows Center (meadowscenter.org) and spoke highly of the book Structured Literacy Interventions Teaching Students with Reading Difficulties, Grades K-6, by Louise Spear-Swerling describing it as a valuable and accessible resource for teachers.Check out our podcast resource page for all the links! We wrap up this episode by asking you to share your thoughts on future podcast topics your voice matters! Please visit bit.ly/LLCNtopics to let us know what you want to hear more about.All resources in this LLCN Brief (and future podcasts) can be found at: bit.ly/LLCNresources2526.  Subscribe to the Literacy Leadership and Coaches Network podcasts here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/llcnbrief or your favorite podcast platform.Please note the audio used as an introduction and in transitions in this podcast is under the Creative Common License and attribution is given as follows:Medicine by WinnieTheMoog Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/6256-medicineLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On today's show, we hear that public school enrollment in Arkansas is at a 20-year low, and some educational leaders say economic pressures and the state voucher program are playing a role. We also investigate another critical aspect of the LEARNS Act: third-grade reading proficiency in Arkansas. Plus, we visit with Fayetteville High School's Bulldog Buddies.

In this episode, we sit down with Nancy Duggan, co-founder and executive director of Decoding Dyslexia Massachusetts. We talk about how Nancy's path from parent of a dyslexic child to statewide advocate helped move Massachusetts from “we don't say dyslexia” to mandated screening and the Right to Read law. Nancy explains how grassroots parent organizing, neuroscience research, and relentless policy work combined to drive real change, and why early identification, evidence-based instruction, and intensive, comprehensive intervention (far beyond phonics alone) are non-negotiable for students with dyslexia. Whether you're an educator or a family member, you'll walk away with practical strategies for IEP advocacy and a clear-eyed look at how systems can actually change. Resources mentioned in this episode: Decoding Dyslexia Massachusetts Decoding Dyslexia (national network) International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Mass Reads Coalition 2015 “Say Dyslexia” Letter (OSERS, U.S. Dept. of Education) National Reading Panel Massachusetts Right to Read / High-Quality Curriculum Bill Overcoming Dyslexia by Dr. Sally Shaywitz Wilson Reading System RAVE-O We officially have merch! Show your love for the Together in Literacy podcast! If you like this episode, please take a few minutes to rate, review, and subscribe. Your support and encouragement are so appreciated! Have a question you'd like us to cover in a future episode of Together in Literacy? Email us at support@togetherinliteracy.com! If you'd like more from Together in Literacy, you can check out our website, Together in Literacy, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. For more from Emily, check out The Literacy Nest. For more from Casey, check out The Dyslexia Classroom. Let us know what you want to hear this season! Thank you for listening and joining us in this exciting and educational journey into dyslexia as we come together in literacy!

Send a textIn this episode, hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid welcome back author and literacy advocate Fleur Bradley. The discussion centers on the importance of mysteries in keeping kids reading, the structural "nuts and bolts" of writing for middle grade (MG) versus young adult (YA) audiences, and the release of Bradley's new craft book designed to help writers navigate the genre. Get A Clue is available for preorder right now! Releases April 7th.Key Discussion PointsAddressing the Literacy "Drop-off"Statistics show a significant decline in reading for pleasure as children move from 3rd grade into middle school.Middle grade and YA mysteries act as a "hook" to keep reluctant readers engaged because of their high stakes and interactive nature.Mysteries foster critical thinking and deductive reasoning, making the reader an active participant in the story.Crafting the MG and YA MysteryThe "Fair Play" Rule: In a successful mystery, the reader must be given all the clues necessary to solve the crime alongside the protagonist.Pacing and Momentum: Unlike contemporary fiction, which may focus heavily on internal character arcs, mysteries require constant external momentum and "beats" to keep the reader turning pages.Revision Strategies: Using a structural approach during the revision process can help identify "sagging middles" and ensure clues are properly planted.Defining the Crime by Age CategoryMiddle Grade (MG): * The focus is on the puzzle and the "how."While murder can be a plot point, it should be handled with a "cozy" sensibility—minimal gore and focused on the intellectual challenge.Young Adult (YA): * Allows for more "grit," darkness, and emotional complexity.Authors have more flexibility regarding the types of crimes and the level of peril involved.Practical Advice for Aspiring AuthorsWriters are encouraged to focus on the "nuts and bolts" of plotting early on.Implementing "Your Turn" exercises—taking a specific craft lesson and immediately applying it to a current manuscript—is the most effective way to learn the genre.Character voice is paramount; testing a character's voice through short scenes can determine if they are strong enough to carry a full-length mystery.Key TakeawaysMysteries are essential tools for literacy because they turn reading into a game or puzzle.Structure is the backbone of the genre; without a solid plot and well-timed clues, a mystery will lose its audience.Understanding the specific expectations of the MG vs. YA market is crucial for publication success. Support the show Visit the WebsiteWriters with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

Our guest this week is Dr. Jenn Pollitt! Jenn Pollitt, PhD is the Assistant Director of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies and an Assistant Professor in the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University. She holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from Widener University. Dr. Pollitt currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Woodhull Freedom Foundation, a national organization dedicated to advancing sexual freedom as a fundamental human right through policy, law and education. With over 15 years of experience as a sexuality educator, Dr. Pollitt has developed and taught a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses on topics including Men & Masculinities, Sexuality and Disability, Porn Literacy, Sexuality Education, and Pleasure. She has also created and facilitated trainings and curricula for professionals in nonprofit organizations, corporations, and labor unions—working with groups such as Lambda Legal, the American Medical Student Association, and Philadelphia's Men's Center for Growth and Change. Dr. Pollitt has developed the first comprehensive sexuality education course for law students, which launched this fall at Temple University's Beasley School of Law. Her work focuses on sexual and erotic agency, LGBTQIA+ rights, reproductive justice, and the intersections of sex, law, and policy. She also examines the influence of popular culture as one of the most powerful—and under-acknowledged—sources of informal sex education in the U.S. Dr. Pollitt's work and commentary have been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, Slate, Psychology Today, HuffPost, Business Insider, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The 19th News, NPR, WHYY, and Doctor Radio. Listeners, you can find information about Dr. Pollitt and her publications here! If you want to catch up on other shows, just visit our website and please subscribe! We love our listeners and welcome your feedback, so if you love Our Better Half, please give us a 5-star rating and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. It really helps support our show! As always, thanks for listening!

Are you ready to rip that binky out of that baby’s face?! It’s Baby Berenstain Bears Pacifier Time!

Greg and Holly check in on what's happening on Utah's Capitol Hill and discuss key education-related legislation that is being debated.

DOJ Sues Utah Lieutenant Governor over Voter Information The Urgent U.S. Embassy Exit in Jerusalem Amid Looming Iran Strike Ethics vs. Orders: The Fight Over Military AI Use Bills on the Hill: The Future of Tech, Civics, and Literacy in Utah Schools House Cleaner Testifies on Supplying Drugs to Kouri Richins Unaffordable America: The Vanishing Middle‑Class Essentials Scream 7 and Greatest Movie Plot Twists

Notes and Links to Oliver James' Work   Oliver James is a literacy advocate and motivational speaker who has been sharing his journey about learning to read as an adult, through TikTok and Instagram. Through videos and posts, he has been charting the books he's read, and the lessons he's learned and relearned. He has been featured on The Jennifer Hudson Show, The Today Show, NPR, and more.   Buy Unread: A Memoir of Learning (and Loving) to Read on TikTok   Oliver's Website   Oliver on The Jennifer Hudson Show At about 1:25, Oliver talks about feedback he has gotten from early readers of Unread At about 2:35, Oliver responds to Pete's question about vulnerability in writing the book and presenting the book to the world At about 4:00, Oliver talks about his social media availability and upcoming tour stops At about 5:20, Pete asks Oliver about the book's Dedication and important epigraph; Oliver expands upon the connections between reading and exercises At about 7:40, Oliver talks about the emotions at the moment after he shared with his social media followers that he couldn't read, in 2021 At about 10:00, Oliver explains how he would get by when being called on to read in school At about 12:20, Oliver replies to Pete's question about good ways for people to start learning to read/cement their developing reading skills At about 15:00, Oliver talks about his singing and reading and other things that he does on Tik Tok Live and Instagram At about 16:10, Oliver and Pete discuss  At about 18:00, Pete highlights Oliver's great book recommendations throughout his book, and particularly connections between The Giver and Oliver's pains and triumphs in learning and reading At about 21:45, The two discuss missing important learning opportunities and learning cycles in adolescence  At about 23:15, Oliver talks about “creating [his] own identity” based on what teachers and other authority figures sometimes told him, subtly or not At about 24:40, The two discuss how The Phantom Tollbooth connects to Oliver's reading and learning journey At about 26:30, Oliver gives background on how a speech class gave him more confidence and how it led to speech becoming a vocation At about 29:50, Oliver reflects on what might have been different had he been a reader when he was set up in a sting operation At about 31:50, Oliver explains how people in jail gave him hope and how this experience connects to the character of Zero in Holes, particularly with regard to a sense of “duty” and community learning  At about 33:50, Oliver highlights Dirty Laundry and shame and relationships with girls and dependence  At about 37:20, Oliver talks about the importance of a quote book that was his first gifted book and the “helpless[ness]” that came at the beginning of the COVID pandemic  At about 43:20, Oliver makes connections between COVID and “how to carry” on his reading and emotional journey At about 44:20, The Diary of Anne Frank and The Outsiders and ideas of reading and being in community with readers and reading is discussed  At about 45:40, Pete gives a rec for one of his all-time favorites, That Was Then, This is Now At about 46:20, The two discuss the Piiraha people and “living in the moment” based on Oliver's car accident and other traumatic and triumphant moments  At about 51:00, Pete highlights The Alchemist and ideas of how books “unlock” so much, and expands upon the “agreements” featured in Don Ruiz's books, in particular with regards to his father  At about 54:30, Empathy is discussed, as experienced in reading and in life, and love and thanks for his mother At about 56:10, Oliver reflects on children's books and “tap[ping] into emotions” and “be[ing] a kid” At about 1:00:30, Pete highlights ways in which Oliver gave him a different perspective on finishing a book and on the classic The Giving Tree At about 1:02:10, Oliver responds to Pete's questions about his feelings upon meeting famous people for interviews, like Jennifer Hudson    You can now subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and leave me a five-star review. You can also ask for the podcast by name using Alexa, and find the pod on Stitcher, Spotify, and on Amazon Music. Follow Pete on IG, where he is @chillsatwillpodcast, or on Twitter, where he is @chillsatwillpo1. You can watch other episodes on YouTube-watch and subscribe to The Chills at Will Podcast Channel. Please subscribe to both the YouTube Channel and the podcast while you're checking out this episode.       Pete is very excited to have one or two podcast episodes per month featured on the website of Chicago Review of Books. The audio will be posted, along with a written interview culled from the audio. His conversation with Jeff Pearlman, a recent guest, is up soon at Chicago Review.     Sign up now for The Chills at Will Podcast Patreon: it can be found at patreon.com/chillsatwillpodcastpeterriehl      Check out the page that describes the benefits of a Patreon membership, including cool swag and bonus episodes. Thanks in advance for supporting Pete's one-man show, DIY podcast and extensive reading, research, editing, and promoting to keep this independent podcast pumping out high-quality content!    This month's Patreon bonus episode features an exploration of formative and transformative writing for children, as Pete surveys wonderful writers on their own influences.    Pete has added a $1 a month tier for “Well-Wishers” and Cheerleaders of the Show.     This is a passion project, a DIY operation, and Pete would love for your help in promoting what he's convinced is a unique and spirited look at an often-ignored art form.    The intro song for The Chills at Will Podcast is “Wind Down” (Instrumental Version), and the other song played on this episode was “Hoops” (Instrumental)” by Matt Weidauer, and both songs are used through ArchesAudio.com.     Please tune in for Episode 326 with Yiming Ma, who spent a decade in tech and finance before writing the dystopian novel These Memories Do Not Belong to Us, named a Spotify Editors' Pick, longlisted for the Goodreads Choice Award, and featured on Best Book of 2025 lists by Electric Literature, Debutiful, PEN America,  and elsewhere.    The episode airs on February 24 or 25.       Please go to ceasefiretoday.org, and/or https://act.uscpr.org/a/letaidin to call your congresspeople and demand an end to the forced famine and destruction of Gaza and the Gazan people.       You can also donate at chuffed.org, World Central Kitchen, and so many more, and/or you can contact writer friend Ursula Villarreal-Moura directly or through Pete, as she has direct links with friends in Gaza.

Author and academic Katherine Rundell explores the precipitous decline in reading books for pleasure, and what can be done to reverse it. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

242: Ever heard of RAN assessment but weren't quite sure what it was or what to do with it? Dr. Erin Pzinski breaks down rapid automatized naming and explains why it's like a "check engine" light. You'll learn what not to do with RAN assessment data and what really helps students with low RAN succeed.Find the show notes here:https://reachallreaders.com/episode242 Sign up for my free masterclass, 5 Essential Steps to Reach All Readers. Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that align with the science of reading? Click here to learn more about our popular and affordable membership for PreK through 3rd grade educators.Connect with me here! Blog Instagram Facebook Twitter (X)