Podcast Episodes

In this episode of the Think Inclusive podcast, we are joined by Sharon Draper, an exceptional voice in middle-grade literature whose books have captivated readers around the globe. Draper takes us behind the scenes of her creative process during the conversation, sharing the inspirations and challenges that shape her memorable characters and their stories.

Ken Posner delves into the fascinating world of barefoot living and its unique connection to the autistic community. Ken shares the origins and experiences of the Barefoot Autism Challenge, a movement initiated by Tyler Leach that endeavors to provide sensory stimulation and support for individuals with autism.

Dr. Thomas Guskey delves into the complexities of traditional grading systems and explores the potential of standards-based grading to revolutionize how learners are evaluated. The episode kicks off with Dr. Guskey discussing the gaps between grading knowledge and practices and how the reliance on traditional models has impacted education.

This week, we have a feed drop from a fantastic podcast, Learn with Dr. Emily. Dr. Emily King is a child psychologist and former school psychologist specializing in raising and teaching children and teens diagnosed with autism, ADHD, anxiety, learning disabilities, and/or giftedness. Each week, she shares her thoughts on a topic related to psychology, parenting, education, or parent-teacher collaboration.

Tim Villegas welcomes guest Beth Leipholtz to a dialogue that navigates the intertwining paths of personal narrative, maternal advocacy, and the pursuit of inclusive environments. Beth provides a window into her world as the mother of a deaf child equipped with cochlear implants, touching on the role of American Sign Language (ASL) in their lives and the decisions that have shaped their journey. 

In this episode of Think Inclusive, Lauren delves into her origin story and how a research-focused professional found her calling in New York City’s public schools, ultimately leading her to champion an education model embracing inclusion and neurodiversity. We talk about PINE’s structured professional development solutions and how the organization’s systemic approach enables educators across entire school systems to support neurodiverse students effectively. The conversation underscores the transformative potential of inclusive education when professional development becomes a shared language and responsibility.

In this episode of the Think Inclusive podcast, Tim Villegas interviews Lauren Rivera, author of the research article “Not in My Schoolyard: Disability Discrimination in Education Access.” Rivera discusses her study on how school principals respond to requests for school tours from families with children with disabilities. The research reveals significant discrimination based on disability and race, with principals less likely to respond to families with children who have an IEP, especially if the family is perceived as black. Rivera emphasizes the importance of shedding light on these discriminatory practices and working towards more equitable education for all children.

In this episode of Think Inclusive, Tim Villegas interviews Andrew Goff, author of “Love is a Classroom.” They discuss the transformational moment that changed Goff’s perspective on inclusive education and the importance of love and compassion in the classroom. Goff shares his experiences advocating for inclusion and offers advice for educators navigating the tension between being an advocate and an employee. They also discuss Goff’s new book and the importance of leadership in creating inclusive learning environments. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on the power of love in education.

In this episode, Tim Villegas welcomes Robyn Stack Reagan, the dynamic CEO of Circle of Friends, for an engaging conversation that dives deep into the organization’s mission and the tangible impact of inclusion in educational settings. This candid discussion unveils the profound effects that fostering genuine friendships and promoting anti-bullying can have on students of all backgrounds, particularly disabled learners and those facing adversity.

Tim Villegas interviews Jeannie Gainsburg, an expert in LGBTQ+ inclusion and allyship. They discuss their personal journeys to becoming allies, the importance of inclusive education, and strategies for respectful conversations with people who may have different views on LGBTQ+ issues. Jeannie shares tips for using gender-neutral language and gathering and using pronouns respectfully. They also discuss the need for self-care and sustainable allyship. This episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for anyone interested in promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion.