Ep. 192: The Arc of the Moral Universe Seems Like It's Bending Towards Hell

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In this episode, Hope, Annie and Doug process their reactions to the 2024 US Election results, processing a mix of anger, exhaustion, and disbelief. With Republicans securing power across all three branches, we’re all struggling to find hope. Annie reflects on the jolt of living in her "blue bubble," while Hope wrestles with disgust  over Trump's continued support, particularly from Christian Evangelicals and white women. Coping mechanisms are all over the place—from exercising to keep our anxieties at bay to avoiding political news. Project 2025 and its potential threat to democratic freedoms weighs heavily on our souls. As we look ahead, we encourage listeners to sit in whatever stage of grief  they may be in, and perhaps adopt emergency plans and "doomsday prepper" mindsets as we brace for a politically charged future. Our takeaway: care for yourself and your community, and stay engaged because the 2026 midterms are around the corner, and there’s more work to do.

Ep. 191: Reparations in Action: Building Racial Equity in Tacoma

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In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Jordan, a Black, queer activist with deep ties to Tacoma’s Hilltop community and Laurie Arnold, an educator and longtime social justice advocate focused on racial justice. Together with a cohort of strong women, lead Tacoma Does Reparations, a grassroots initiative dedicated to reparative payments for Black womxn living in Tacoma. This conversation dives into the organization's origins, the scope of their work, and their vision for racial equity. Listeners will hear about the concept of reparations, both broadly and specifically in the context of Tacoma. Laurie and Nicole discuss past reparative efforts as models for the Tacoma initiative, common misconceptions and challenges they’ve faced. Most importantly we explore why reparations are essential to addressing racial wealth disparities. 

Do Your Fudging Homework:

Ep. 178: Democracy's Flame: Student Protests Ignite Discourse on Gaza

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Note to Listeners: Things have already changed since we recorded on Sunday!

EQ: To what extent are the student-led protests on college campuses igniting urgent discourse on the ongoing genocide in Gaza?

This podcast explores the student-led protests on college campuses in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, focusing on their demands, reactions from university administrations, police responses, historical context of student activism, and the impact on campus dialogue. Throughout the discussion, the podcast examines the role of academic freedoms, the support from professors, contradictions within the protests, and the potential impact on campus dialogue and divestment decisions.

Resources to Explore:

Champagne & Real Pain:

🥂Evergreen–I want to see more universities responding like this

🥂Motaz–citizen journalist; Renowned photojournalist

Do Your Fudging Homework:

Ep 174: Let Trad Wives Explain How Feminism Tricked You!

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EQ: What role does the 'trad wife' concept play in modern society, and how does it intersect with traditional gender roles, feminism, and individual agency?

All the IWLs return for a passionate and riveting conversation about a recent trend on Tiktok–the trad wife movement. In this podcast, we delve into the intriguing and controversial world of "trad wives" and domestic care tasks. We first question the notion of whether domestic care tasks are considered sexy and explore the various layers of controversy surrounding the term "trad wife." We dissect the difference between a homesteader and a trad wife and examine why the trad wife phenomenon has gained traction in 2024. Delving into online discourse, we encounter different perspectives, from the anti-feminist stance to the progressive feminist SAHM/SAHW response contingent. We also address the racial dynamics and financial implications associated with being a trad wife. Finally, we ponder whether the concept of trad wives is merely a mutually agreeable kink or a concerning trend of weaponized incompetence. Join us as we navigate through the complexities of modern-day domesticity and societal expectations.

Do Your Fudging HW:

Ep. 172: These Conditions Are Not Working For Us

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EQ:  "In navigating the challenges posed by increasingly restrictive policies in the U.S. education system, how can educators strategically and actively build alliances to foster a more inclusive and just society?"

Guests: Candra McKenzie and Elana Eisen-Markowitz

In this episode, we discuss what it means for teachers to build alliances with peers and the community. Both Candra and EM have a wealth of knowledge as educators, activists, and organizers in their schools and respective communities. We discuss how schools have changed in the last 15 years and how the system continues to perpetuate inequalities and marginalized the traditionally marginalized. We touch on union involvement, teacher recruitment and retention, and the need to support educators of color and queer educators. 

Related Resources:


Reading Recommendations:

Do Your Fudging HW:

  • Hope: Black History Month–grab a book and get your read on

  • Candra: find something new to do & do it!

  • EM: Examine our policies for who is at the center (let’s challenge the conditions that exist that put people in these positions).

Ep. 171: Is the Enneagram a Tool for Good or for Evil?!

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EQ: How can understanding the cultural complexities of the Enneagram serve as a valuable lens to navigate race, class, and gender; offering insights into individual perspectives and fostering deeper understanding of societal challenges and opportunities?

In this episode we are joined by law-student and enneagram expert, Dayo Ajanuka, aka The Black Enneagram “Where the Enneagram Meets Black Culture”. She walks us through the various Enneagram types, why this is such a great tool for communication and behavior analysis, and how it might be weaponized in the workplace.

Additional Shouts:

Do Your Fudging Homework:

  • Hope: Go take an enneagram test! Follow Dayo @the blackennegram

  • Megan: Don’t be in a silo

  • Dayo: read about it don’t just do an online test

Ep. 166: You Get an Opinion and You Get an Opinion!

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EQ: How do we navigate the tension between the dichotomies “silence is complicity” and “the loudest are the most ignorant” from a position of learning and allyship?

In this episode we talk all things opinions! From how we build them, to the validity of certain opinions and the tension between silence, complicity, and advocacy. We explore the practical side of things with  topics such as Black Lives Matters, transrights and other recent events.

Related Resources:

Grab a copy, start reading and tag us in your posts!

Ep. 159: Troll, Troll, Troll Your Boat

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EQ: To what extent does the audacity of mediocre white, male opinions forced upon women cause us to NGAF about their opinions rather than convince us to listen to them?

In this episode we engage in a “critical reading” of a letter a former Tacoma Public School educator sent to Megan in response to her recent op-ed published in the Tacoma News Tribune. We break down the writer’s argument, offering counterclaims, different evidence and perspective on the issues at hand.

Related Links:

Ep. 158: The Edge of the Glass Cliff

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EQ: What is the glass cliff phenomenon, and how does it impact women and minority leaders in various industries?

Resources Referenced:

Do Your Fudging Homework:

  • Megan: go read some of the articles linked above!

  • Hope: take inventory of your role in the workplace and how you can use your privilege to support those impacted by the glass cliff

Ep. 156: SCOTUS Goons Never Die

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DISCLAIMER: Despite our extensive research, we were not aware of the mummerings about Lori Smith and the 303 Creative LLC v Elenis case being built upon fake evidence. Now of course, the information is everywhere as folks are picking apart the ruling and the case. Deepest apologies that we didn’t know about this prior to our conversation otherwise we would’ve addressed it. It further proves how absolutely ridiculous this case/ruling are.

EQ: What are some of the most significant Supreme Court cases this year and how could the ideological changes on the court impact the country?

Just last episode we gave an update on recent SCOTUS rulings. Today we meet again to discuss some of the most unsurprising decisions and what they might mean for us. If you haven’t listened to our previous conversations check them out “the SCOTUS goons” and SCOTUS Rulings Trickle In.

Related Articles:

Do Your Fudging Homework:

  • Hope: The book Stephen Vladeck, The Shadow Docket: How the Supreme Court uses Stealth Ruling to amass power and undermine the Republic.”

  • Megan: Follow SCOTUSblog for nerdy, indepth cover of the Supreme Court.

Ep. 155: SCOTUS Rulings Trickle In

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EQ: What are some of the most significant Supreme Court cases this year and how could the ideological changes on the court impact the country?

In March we discussed what “the SCOTUS goons” were up to in an episode reviewing some significant cases. This episode we check-in on recent rulings, sharing surprises and reactions. Things may have changed since the recording but hopefully it’s still an insightful conversation.

Related Resources:

Do Your Fudging Homework:

  • Hope: Check out this book Stephen Vladeck, The Shadow Docket: How the Supreme Court uses Stealth Ruling to amass power and undermine the Republic.” or his NPR Interview

  • Megan: Sign up to be a Channel 253 member and come to our live event on  June 29!

Ep. 152: Sensible Gun Laws: A Marathon Not a Sprint

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EQ: To what extent is the WA state gun control conversation reflective of the national conversation and how might activists engage in making our state safer from gun violence?

Following our very dire previous episode on American fascism and gun violence, Hope and Megan are joined by two organizers and activists from Moms Demand Action, Rebecca Elbaum and Amy Newcomb. In this episode they discuss the landscape of gun violence and activism in Washington, make national comparisons, and dig into the recent legislation passed, sharing stories of hope and change in what many feel is an ocean of discouragement.

Bills Referenced in the Episode:

Get Involved!

Do Your Fudging Homework:

Ep. 151: Sliding into Fascism One Bill At a Time

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EQ: In what ways is the US political landscape a foreshadowing  of fascism?

In today’s episode Hope and Megan discuss how the political climate feels like a slide into fascism. In particular, they center the conversation using Tim Snyder’s 20 Lessons from the 20th Century. By framing it this way, they also encourage listeners to find ways to fight this slide.

Snyder’s 20 principles are listed below:

1. Do not obey in advance.

2. Defend institutions.

3. Beware the one-party state.

4. Take responsibility for the face of the world. 

5. Remember professional ethics. 

6. Be wary of paramilitaries.

7. Be reflective if you must be armed.

8. Stand out.

9. Be kind to our language.

10. Believe in truth. 

11. Investigate.

12. Make eye contact and small talk.

13. Practice corporeal politics.

14. Establish a private life.

15. Contribute to good causes. 

16. Learn from peers in other countries.

17. Listen for dangerous words.

18. Be calm when the unthinkable arrives.

19. Be a patriot. 

20. Be as courageous as you can. 

Playbooks On Fascism:

Topics referenced:

Ep. 148: The SCOTUS Goons Have Been Busy

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EQ: What are some of the most significant Supreme Court cases this year and how could the ideological changes on the court impact the country?

Today we dig into the various cases in review by the Supreme Court, discussing the implications of a ruling in one direction or other. 

Related Sources:

Champagne & Real Pain:

🥂Mo Amer, Palestinian-American comedian came to Abu Dhabi for a show!

🥂 Jon Stewart!

👎🏻Desantis

Ep. 144: The Year of Charcuterie

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Essential Question: To what extent is 2023 the year of charcuterie? 

In this episode Hope sticks to her beliefs that charcuterie boards are white supremacy, but she concedes that if you take out the whiteness from the experience, then maybe they are okay after all. Listen and laugh at this silly new year episode. 

A Few Related Links:

Cultures that have things on boards/equivalents

Do Your Fudging Homework:

  • When life hands you lemons, slice them up and add them to your charcuterie board!

Ep. 140: On Making Space for Trauma & Grief in DEI Work

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EQ: What is the role of brain science and psychology in creating more inclusive organizations? 

Guest: Noor Awad, a “brain science and psychology” student, a corporate diversity and inclusion specialist, and the founder of Homegrown Palestine @homegrownpalestine

This conversation took surprising turns as we discussed grief, trauma, creating inclusive spaces and how listening to the stories of others is a chance for healing and community building. We hope you will find some encouragement and comfort in this episode.

Do Your Fudging Homework:

  • Noor: to understand generational trauma check out Dr. Gabor Mate

  • Megan: Do the work—get therapy

Ep. 138: If We Want Equity, We Have to Put It in Contracts

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EQ: To what extent would re-writing seniority clauses in teacher union contracts promote retention of educators of color and better serve our students?

In this episode of IWL, we are joined by Chris Stewart, the Chief Executive Officer of brightbeam, to discuss the recent change in the Minneapolis Teacher Union contracts. Chris was part of the first campaign to protect Black teachers (and other teachers of color) back in the early 2000s when he was on the school board. We discuss what this current provision in the contract means, including implications for other school districts. More importantly, we learn key contextual information behind this provision and how Black educators are fighting for their right to stay and teach the diverse body of students in the Minneapolis school district. 

To learn about Chris’ work check out his website Citizen Stewart and follow him on Twitter @citizenstewart 

Related Links:

Do Your Fudging Homework:

  • Hope/Megan: Follow @citizenstewart for some thought provoking tweets

  • Chris:

    • Support the local NAACP chapter fighting for Black educators

    • Write to the union president Greta Callahan and tell her you support the protection for educators of color

    • Find a group of friends to learn more about the situation facing Minneapolis educators of color. Read together, discuss and consider how it relates to your local context.

Ep. 134: Back to Life, Back to Reality

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EQ: What concerns, questions, ideas, or fears do you have for the upcoming school year?

In this episode of IWL, Hope and Megan recount the last few years in education. From ”we think the pandemic is over but wait, surprise it’s not” to ”we’re back to normal” to ”Pandemic is over now…maybe, we think.” They’ both excited and nervous about the return to school this year. There are a wide range of contextual factors shaping the upcoming school year. Their discussion centered on how teachers might “protect your peace” this school year. 

Previous Back to School Episodes:

Do Your Fudging Homework:

Ep. 133: Tiktok Ya Don't Stop

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EQ: To what extent would we miss out on trivial nonsense if we didn’t have Tiktok Summers?

In this episode, Hope and Megan catch up with the O.G. white lady, Annie Jansen. After an update of her journey to being an electrician, they take on the ins and outs of Tiktok. We’re sure you’ll learn a little about who to follow, how to prevent echo chambers, and some of the weird nonsense on the tok.

Referenced in the show:

Do Your Fudging Homework:

  • Expand your Tiktok bubble

Ep. 132: Spin the Bottle Elections

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EQ: Do the results coming in from the primary elections inform what is to come in November or are politics in the United States a cluster and nothing makes sense any more ever? And what, if anything, can we learn from what happened?

Aug 2  was the primary elections, gearing up for the Mid-Term elections in November. Some interesting, disheartening, and hopeful things took place. Today, Hope and Megan focus on what happened through the lens of why and how we can use that to propel us forward into November in order to see the results that we want.

Related Links:

Your Fudging Homework:

  • Find 1-2 people who aren’t registered or don’t usually vote—bring them along