Shows
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastWhen Healing Meets Hustle: Educator Self-Care, Brain-Gut Health, and the Faith That Keeps Us Standing (with Dr. Jewel White Williams)This episode right here. It’s the reminder so many of us need: your body is not a machine, and burnout is not a badge of honor.I’m joined by my sister-friend and powerhouse healer, Dr. Jewel White Williams — founder of Living Legacy Health, health scientist, educator, faith-centered leader, and advocate for whole-person, trauma-informed wellness.Dr. Jewel lives at the intersection of science, spirituality, education, and health equity, and this conversation is both grounding and eye-opening.We talk about:Why educators must stop normalizing exhaustion and start listening to their bodies...
2025-12-1738 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastThe Quiet Crisis: How Anti-DEI Rollbacks Are Devastating White Men TooWhat happens when the political movement that promised to “restore fairness” ends up harming the very group it claimed to protect?In this powerful episode of Brave Voices in Education, Craig Aarons-Martin breaks down a reality many are whispering about but few are willing to confront:Anti-DEI bans are destabilizing white men — and still hitting Black men and Black women harder.Drawing on reporting from The Washington Post and TheGrio, Craig explores:• why white male college students are now among the groups most impacted by anti-DEI policies• how first-gen, rural, and workin...
2025-12-0916 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastWhen Belonging Is Under Attack: Your Brave Move NowWhat happens in our schools when national leaders dehumanize entire communities — Somali, immigrant, Muslim, Black?What happens in classrooms the morning after rhetoric turns violent?And what does brave leadership look like when belonging itself is under attack?In this Brave Bites episode, Craig Aarons-Martin reflects on an overheard coffee shop conversation that revealed the deep cracks in our national discourse — and the psychological, emotional, and cultural weight our students now carry into school every day.Craig offers a simple, powerful tool from The Brave Leaders Playbook — the B.R.A.V.E. Princi...
2025-12-0805 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastWhen the President Calls a Community ‘Trash’: Belonging in the Line of FireWhat does it do to a school community when the President of the United States publicly dehumanizes an entire group of people?And what happens when some of the people he attacked… actually voted for him?In this Brave Voices in Education episode, Craig Aarons-Martin breaks down the emotional, cultural, and political shockwaves following President Trump’s statement calling Somali Americans “trash” — including new CNN reporting showing that a meaningful share of Somali American voters supported him in the last election.Craig explores:the painful contradiction between campaign promises and lived experience...
2025-12-0811 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastThe Power of Presence: Teaching, Leading, and Thriving with Trelane ClarkI’m joined by my friend and powerhouse principal, Trelane Clark — national president of the Black Women Education Leaders, mother, truth-teller, sister-friend, and the kind of educator whose presence shifts the whole room before she even speaks.We talk about:• Teaching from the heart — the kind of teaching children feel, not just receive• The weight and responsibility of this work in a country where educators’ rights are shrinking and expectations keep growing• The power of Black women in education and how they continue to hold families, staff, systems, and whole generations together• The sacred power...
2025-12-0345 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastBlack Men, Mental Health, and the Myths We’re Done Carrying | Brave Voices in EducationIt shouldn’t take a hashtag or a month on the calendar for Black men to be seen, heard, and held.In this special Brave Voices in Education conversation, I’m joined by a powerful panel of brothers for a sacred check-in on Black men’s mental health, masculinity, and what it really means to stay alive and present in this season:• Vladimir Louissaint – @vladlouissaintspeaks• Bernard King – @krown_bgk• James O’Neal – @mr.jamesoneal• Joshua Warren – @coach_warren06• Michael Teasley – @coach_teasley• Hosted by: Craig Aarons-Martin – @iamcraigaaronsmartinTogether, we talk about:• Why every...
2025-11-191h 12
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastCulture Codes: Coach Hicks on Tech, Creativity, and the Future of Black EducationWhen culture meets code, innovation becomes liberation.In this dynamic episode, Craig sits down with Victor “Coach” Hicks—educator, step coach, and founder of Coding with Culture—to talk about how HBCU pride, Black creativity, and culturally responsive teaching are transforming STEM education for the next generation.They dive into:💻 How coding and culture unlock identity and brilliance for Black and Brown youth🤖 Why AI isn’t a cheating tool—it’s a tool for justice and equity🎮 From MySpace to Minecraft: reclaiming tech spaces through Black joy🏫 How educators can innovate their teaching in the age...
2025-11-1353 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastLegacy, Liberation & Leadership featuring Tremain HollowayIn this soulful and empowering conversation, Craig sits down with Dr. Tremain Holloway — a visionary school founder and lifelong educator — to talk about the journey from the hardwood to Harvard, the power of HBCU roots, and what it means to build schools that reflect community, culture, and possibility.🗣️ Topics Covered:From athlete to educator: How one injury shaped a lifelong callingFounding Maritime High School and reimagining equity through innovationBalancing faith, family, and leadershipLegacy, love, and being a good ancestorHope as a framework: Helping Other Peo...
2025-11-061h 02
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastA Family Affair: Blood, Chosen & Brave with Shaplaie Brooks & Daniel AlfaroFamily isn’t just who raised us — it’s who chooses us, holds us, and helps us become.In this episode of Brave Voices in Education, host Craig Aarons-Martin brings together two powerful voices — Shaplaie Brooks, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth, and Daniel Alfaro, social worker, educator, and commissioner — for a heart-centered conversation about family, resilience, and courage in this moment of history.Together, we explore:The difference between blood family, chosen family, and brave familyHow educators can model love and belonging for LGBTQIA2S+ youthWhy “...
2025-10-2947 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastOur Love Story, Our Faith, Our Fight: Omari Aarons-Martin on Leadership & BelongingThis LGBTQ History Month, we’re not just remembering history — we are history.In this deeply personal episode, Craig Aarons-Martin sits down with his husband, Omari Aarons-Martin, for a conversation that is as intimate as it is revolutionary — a love story between two Black queer men leading, loving, and living boldly in faith and freedom.Together, they open up about what it means to:Stand in truth inside beloved institutions that weren’t built with you in mindLive and love openly as queer Black men of faith in today’s America
2025-10-2435 min
FreshAirAtFiveShare Wisdom Bravely - FAAF 235Share Wisdom Bravely - FAAF 235In this 234th episode, I share my daily reflection posted on BlueSky, TwiX @bryoncar and YouTube shorts @FreshAirAtFiver, from October 6-11th, 2025. Check out the WHOLE SPOTIFY PLAYLIST I put together with all the listens mentioned below:>>>
2025-10-1720 min
Fresh Air At FiveShare Wisdom Bravely - FAAF 235Share Wisdom Bravely - FAAF 235In this 234th episode, I share my daily reflection posted on BlueSky, TwiX @bryoncar and YouTube shorts @FreshAirAtFiver, from October 6-11th, 2025. Check out the WHOLE SPOTIFY PLAYLIST I put together with all the listens mentioned below:>>>
2025-10-1720 min
SEL in EDU082: What the Mountain Teaches, the Valley Proves: Nurturing Brave Voices with Craig Aarons-MartinThe first breath of the conversation is gratitude, and from there it builds into a grounded, courageous blueprint for how belonging becomes real. We sit down with Craig Aarons-Martin, CEO of CCM Education Group, to unpack the craft of creating brave spaces in schools and communities, not as a slogan, but as a daily practice shaped by rituals, reciprocal relationships, and stories that center joy without denying the weight of the moment.Craig shares how his morning rhythm shapes the way he leads culture, equity, and SEL work across classrooms and organizations. He names the mountain and...
2025-10-1536 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastYou Belong Here: Dr. Patrice Dawkins-Jackson on Leadership, Legacy, and the Soul of the WorkOn this episode of Brave Voices in Education, Craig Aarons-Martin sits down with Dr. Patrice Dawkins-Jackson — a mother, educator, philanthropist, and scholar — to talk about leading with love and living equity from the inside out.They explore:Her journey from early childhood education to philanthropyFaith as a foundation for justice-driven workThe meaning of transformation that begins at the soulWhy belonging is both a personal and collective act🎧 Listen: BraveVoicesPod.com🔗 Connect with Patrice: LinkedIn | InstagramTags: leadership, equity, organizational learning, philanthropy, education...
2025-10-0956 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastDisrupting Systems with Courage & Care | Dr. Phil Echols on Leadership & LegacyWhat does it mean to lead with courage and care in education, healthcare, and life?Craig Aarons-Martin talks with Dr. Phil Echols—Organizational Development & Diversity Specialist at WakeMed, former counselor and educator, and lifelong storyteller.They discuss:Zip codes, predictability, and disrupting inequitiesLessons from a teacher mom & pastor dadCourage as both loud action and quiet strengthStorytelling, legacy, and leadership rooted in love🎧 Podcast: https://BraveVoicesPod.com🔗 Connect with Phil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philechols | https://www.instagram.com/philechols | https://philecho...
2025-10-0144 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastAmerican First, Black Second? Kevin Simpson on Identity, Power, and Leading Across Bordersducator and movement-builder Kevin Simpson (KDSL Global, AIELOC) joins Craig Aarons-Martin to unpack: the seed that launched his global journey, how Lagos reshaped his lens, why AIELOC “calls in” then “calls out” biased recruitment—rooted in love, and what real equity in international schools requires (leadership, research, retention). Plus identity abroad (“American first, Black second”) and practical steps for building psychological safety.Links:IG: @kdslglobal | aieloc.org/team | LinkedIn: Kevin Simpson (KDSL Global)Show: BraveVoicesPod.com | IG: @iamcraigaaronsmartin#international education #AIELOC #recruitmentreform, #cultural competence #leadership #equity #psychologicalsafety
2025-09-2447 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastYou Are the Biggest Factor: Educator Jonathan Santos Silva on Humility & PowerJonathan Santos Silva is an educator, founder of the Liber Institute, and a catalyst for liberatory education. In this episode of Brave Voices in Education, Craig Aarons-Martin and Jonathan dig deep into what it means to lead with humility, presence, and power:The lessons from teaching math on the Pine Ridge Reservation — humility, proximity, and the responsibility of showing up.Why representation matters: Black male educators shift narratives for all students.How homeschooling, fatherhood, and protecting your peace shape joy and leadership.Why “balance” is a myth — and why choosing enough sustains...
2025-09-1750 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastSay It So It Stops Owning You: Men, Story, and Healing Out Loud with Vladimir LouissaintIn this powerful episode of Brave Voices in Education, Vladimir Louissaint (CEO & Founder of The Embrace Method) sits down with Craig Aarons-Martin (CCM Education Group) to explore the hidden truths of men’s mental health, the urgency of telling our stories, and the radical act of healing out loud.Inside this episode:Men & Mental Health: The Unspoken CrisisEmbrace Your Story — why your raw, unmasked truth matters“What Was She Trying to Tell Me?” — grief, memory, and unfinished lessonsHealing Through Storytelling — how testimony breaks generational cyclesChapters...
2025-09-0956 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastShow Up + Get the Coffee: Courageous Practices for School LeadersFilter with fences. Progress over perfection. Show up, then get the coffee.In this Brave Voices in Education episode, Allison (Allie) Rodman — CEO & Founder of The Learning Loop, ASCD faculty member and Danielson Group specialist, joins Craig Aarons-Martin to talk personalized professional learning, alignment, and what it really means to be a brave school leader in 2025.We cover:Filtering with fences — keeping what matters, letting go of what doesn’tProgress > perfection for teachers, coaches, and principalsMaking PD feel alive (no more one-size-fits-all sit-and-get)Mom • board member • learning d...
2025-09-0345 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastCourage Counts: Josh Kraft Talks Youth, Education & Brave LeadershipIn this powerful episode of Brave Voices in Education, Craig Aarons-Martin sits down with Josh Kraft—lifelong advocate for youth, former CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, and Boston mayoral candidate—to talk about the power of listening, community, and courageous leadership.Josh shares heartfelt lessons from his parents, mentors, and decades of community work in Boston’s neighborhoods. Together, they discuss education reform, youth empowerment, and what it takes to lead with empathy, vision, and heart in today’s world.If you believe in bold leadership and building a better future for all youn...
2025-08-2736 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastTeaching Without Armor: Patrick Harris II on Courage, Black Horror & The Humanity of TeachersIn this episode of Brave Voices in Education, host Craig Aarons-Martin sits down with Patrick Harris II—award-winning educator, bold storyteller, and author of The First Five: A Love Letter to Teachers—to explore what it takes to bring your full self into the classroom and beyond.Together, we unpack:Embracing the Humanity of Teachers – Why teachers must bring their stories, identities, and passions to sustain the profession.Black Horror as Social Justice – How Patrick’s Black Horror course and The Black Paranormal Project help students have courageous conversations about race, justice, and liberation...
2025-08-2750 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastTrading Wall Street for Whiteboards | BVE with Dr. De'Shawn WashingtonWhat would make someone walk away from six-figure bonuses and corner offices to teach in classrooms? This isn’t just a career switch—it’s a radical redefinition of success. Listen in as we unpack how chasing purpose over profit transforms not only schools but entire communities.🎙️ A must-hear for anyone questioning the grind of corporate life or reimagining what impact really looks like.#BraveVoices #EducationReform #WallStreetToClassroom #PurposeOverProfit #TeacherLeadership #CareerChange #FutureOfEducation #LeadershipMatters #InspirationForEducators #BraveLeadership
2025-08-2001 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastWhy Brave Leadership Requires Hard Truths: Dr. De’Shawn Washington on Equity, Power & ChangeWhat does it take to be brave when leadership gets uncomfortable? In this episode of Brave Voices in Education, Craig Aarons-Martin sits down with Dr. De’Shawn Washington—educator, strategist, and founder of Cultivating Changemakers LLC—to talk equity, power, and the hard truths leaders must face to spark change.Together, we dig into:Why avoiding discomfort keeps schools stuckHow equity-driven leadership goes beyond buzzwordsThe risks (and rewards) of speaking truth to powerWhat it means to cultivate changemakers in 2025 and beyond💡 This episode will challenge...
2025-08-201h 12
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastErasing Us Is Not an Accident: Reclaiming Truth in Education with Charesha BarrettWhat happens when the curriculum hides more than it reveals? In this powerful episode of Brave Voices in Education, we sit down with Dr. Charesha Barrett, a nationally recognized equity leader, speaker, and founder of CHARP EDucation Consulting. Together, we unpack the deliberate erasure of marginalized communities in education—and the bold work required to reclaim truth, disrupt silence, and reimagine schools as spaces of liberation.From navigating racial battle fatigue to confronting bias in AI, Dr. Barrett shares unflinching truths about the emotional toll of equity work, the dangers of superficial DEI efforts, and what it re...
2025-08-1349 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastMy Authenticity Is Not Up For Debate— BVE with Dr. Sarah ThomasIn this heart-centered and high-impact episode of Brave Voices in Education, Dr. Sarah Thomas — founder of EduMatch, global educator connector, and edtech visionary — joins Craig Aarons-Martin for a candid conversation on what it means to lead with authenticity, healing, and radical joy in education.From burning out to setting boundaries, from invisibility to global influence, Sarah drops truth after truth on how educators (especially Black women) can reclaim their time, energy, and voice in systems that weren’t built for their thriving.🎧 In this episode:How EduMatch began as a tweet and became a global...
2025-08-0641 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastI Told Every Student, I Love You - Because You Exist | Leroy Smith, M.Ed.In this deeply affirming episode of Brave Voices in Education, Craig Aarons-Martin sits down with Leroy A. Smith, M.Ed.—Black male educator, SPED advocate, and founder of @RealizedCurriculumSolutions. Leroy brings the fire and the facts, offering a liberatory vision for how schools can honor the brilliance of all learners, especially Black boys and neurodivergent students.This is more than a conversation about curriculum—it’s a masterclass in human-centered, culturally responsive design. Leroy challenges us to stop waiting for permission to lead bravely and start building classrooms where students feel seen, heard, and loved on purpose.✨...
2025-07-3051 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastThe Most Powerful Love Word...is No! - Rev. Minnassa GabonOn this soul-stirring episode of Brave Voices in Education, host Craig Aarons-Martin sits down with Reverend Minnassa Gabon—a mindfulness expert, spiritual leader, and founder of Minnassa Wellness. Together, they explore what it means to lead with divine alignment, reclaim sacred stillness, and embody brave leadership rooted in love.This conversation is for every leader who has ever felt like they had to shrink to belong. Rev. Minnassa reminds us that healing is strategy, stillness is a superpower, and our voices—just as they are—are enough. From coming out at 50 to challenging patriarchal church traditions, her story...
2025-07-2336 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastLove Takes Off Masks: Healing, Liberation, and Leadership with Coach Justice Roe WilliamsWhat if healing isn’t just yours to do alone?In this powerful episode of Brave Voices in Education, host Craig Aarons-Martin sits down with Coach Justice Roe Williams — Black trans father, abolitionist, author of Deconstructing the Fitness Industrial Complex, and founder of Fitness for All Bodies.Together, they explore:✨ How toxic masculinity harms everyone — and how we heal beyond it ✨ Why decolonizing fitness is essential for liberation ✨ Leadership rooted in radical love and abolitionist care ✨ Building movements that center Black trans voices and collective healing ✨ How storytelling can unmask the truths we’ve been taught to...
2025-07-1643 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastThey Tried to Silence Me! | Brave Voices with Coach Justice WilliamsWhat does it take to truly find your voice—when every system tells you to stay silent?Coach Justice Roe Williams shares how growing up Black, queer, and radical in activist spaces taught him the power of speaking up, even when it wasn’t safe. From working with political prisoners to creating trans-inclusive fitness spaces, his journey shows that your voice is not just your tool—it's your resistance.This one’s for anyone who’s ever felt erased, underestimated, or asked to shrink in movement spaces.Your voice is valid. Your truth is power. Speak it.
2025-07-1602 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastVictor Terry: From Mississippi Dirt Roads to Educational LiberationHow does a Black queer Southern boy become a truth-telling, justice-centered educator leading with radical love?In this powerful episode, Victor Terry shares his journey from Utica, Mississippi to founding Necessary Means Consulting and serving as Director of DEIB at Neighborhood House Charter School. Together with host Craig Aarons-Martin, Victor explores:Storytelling as liberationBlack Southern queerness and faithCreating spaces of belonging and healingLeadership rooted in cultural truth and radical joy✨ This is for every educator, advocate, and leader ready to mo...
2025-07-0945 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastSculpted by Purpose: Healing, Leadership & Art with Ayesis ClayHow do we reclaim our purpose when the system pushes us to the edge?In this soul-stirring episode, Ayesis Clay—educator, playwright, and founder of Sculpted Clay Productions—joins Craig Aarons-Martin to explore what it means to live, lead, and liberate through story and self-awareness.🎙️ Topics include:The real cost of burnout in educationStorytelling as a path to liberationHow leaders can model vulnerabilityReimagining schools as spaces for healingBlack women reclaiming their narratives in education✨ This episode is a love letter to the brav...
2025-06-2538 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastHBCUs, Healing & Higher Ground: Black Legacy, Leadership, and Liberation with Dr. Moala Bannavti & Dr. Robert JenningsHow do Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) continue to build bridges between legacy and liberation in today’s educational landscape?In this dynamic episode of Brave Voices in Education, Craig Aarons-Martin brings you a special recording from the 2025 HBCU Summit held at Harvard University, hosted by Dr. Keith Lezama, founder of the Building Bridges Foundation. Featured guests include Dr. Moala Bannavti and Dr. Robert Jennings, two powerful educators and advocates for Black excellence in higher education.This episode explores the intersection of cultural identity, the enduring impact of HBCUs, and what it means to le...
2025-06-1836 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastUnderstanding Power in Education with Dr. Tanji Reed-Marshall | Brave Voices in EducationWhat happens when educators examine their power instead of protecting it?In this eye-opening episode of Brave Voices in Education, host Craig Aarons-Martin sits down with Dr. Tanji Marshall-Reed, a veteran educator, leadership coach, and unapologetic advocate for equity. Together, they unpack how instructional power, curriculum design, and leadership decisions impact student agency, family engagement, and educational justice.🎯 Key Topics:Power dynamics in classrooms and school leadershipHow curriculum can either liberate or limitWhy relationships matter more than rulesThe real role of parent engagement in edu...
2025-06-1148 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastBVE: Beautiful. Brave. Queer.” — A Pride Month SpecialIn this powerful episode of Brave Voices in Education, host Craig Aarons-Martin (he/him) moderates a dynamic and deeply personal roundtable with four youth leaders from the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth:🎤 Avery Barry (she/her) – Student & Commissioner, Bridgewater State University🎤 Kamryn “KC” Chandler Fontaine (they/them) – Fieldwork Administrator, HGSE & Commissioner🎤 Adrian Romero (he/him) – Music Business Graduate, Berklee College of Music🎤 Oliver “Olly” Kelly (they/he) – MPPA Candidate & LGBTQ Policy InternTogether, we explore:🌈 Navigating queer identity and advocacy🧠 How education can liberate — or oppress💬 What true allyship looks like in school...
2025-06-0250 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastBeautiful. Brave. Queer.” — A Pride Month SpecialIn this powerful episode of Brave Voices in Education, host Craig Aarons-Martin (he/him) moderates a dynamic and deeply personal roundtable with four youth leaders from the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth:🎤 Avery Barry (she/her) – Student & Commissioner, Bridgewater State University🎤 Kamryn “KC” Chandler Fontaine (they/them) – Fieldwork Administrator, HGSE & Commissioner🎤 Adrian Romero (he/him) – Music Business Graduate, Berklee College of Music🎤 Oliver “Olly” Kelly (they/he) – MPPA Candidate & LGBTQ Policy InternTogether, we explore:🌈 Navigating queer identity and advocacy🧠 How education can liberate — or oppress💬 What true allyship looks like in schools🎉 Why joy is n...
2025-06-0250 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastCarrying It All: Resilience, Racism, and Radical Joy with Dr. Keisha ChandlerHow do we stay brave when the world asks us to be bulletproof?In this soul-stirring episode of Brave Voices in Education, host Craig Aarons-Martin sits down with Dr. Keisha Chandler, Managing Director of Partner Success at ASCD and fierce advocate for Black brilliance in schools. Together, they explore the long shadow of racism, childhood experiences in segregated spaces, Montessori education, faith, and what it takes to truly center students in systems that often forget them.🎙️ Topics include:Leading through trauma and truthAdvocating for Black women and girls in education...
2025-05-2842 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastFinding Joy in the Uncertainty | Dr. Keisha ChandlerWhat does it look like to hold peace while the world spins in chaos?In this bold excerpt from Brave Voices in Education, Dr. Keisha Chandler reminds us that even in the face of political turmoil, personal loss, and systems built to overwhelm us — joy is not just possible, it's necessary.✨ Listen as she shares her radical approach to choosing joy, stillness, and Black womanhood rooted in legacy, faith, and fierce hope.🎙️ Full episode available now.#BraveVoicesPodcast #EducationalEquity #KeishaChandler #BlackWomenLead #RadicalJoy #Resilience #FaithAndLeadership #CCMEdGroup
2025-05-2802 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastHedreich Nichols | Protect Your Peace: Wellness Advice for EducatorsIn this Brave Voices in Education short, Hedreich Nichols reminds today’s educators: protect your peace. Her advice? Limit your news intake. In an age of nonstop headlines and rising tensions, tuning out can be a radical act of self-care and sustainability.🎧 Listen to the full episode:https://open.spotify.com/show/17hB2hI7DFfxghHRPeCe2B🎙️ Guest: @Hedreich | hedreich.com#BraveVoicesPodcast #HedreichNichols #EducatorWellness #LimitTheNoise #SelfCareForEducators #EducationLeadership #MentalHealthMatters #RestIsResistance
2025-05-2301 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastRepresentation is A Non-Negotiable.Craig Aarons-Martin shares how he bypassed politics and put students first — investing $20K in diverse texts from Lee & Low Books to ensure Black and Brown youth saw their brilliance in every classroom. This is what unconventional, courageous leadership looks like.📚 Learn more about Lee & Low Books: https://www.leeandlow.com🎧 Full episode → https://bravevoicespod.com#BraveVoicesPod #CraigAaronsMartin #LeeAndLowBooks #InclusiveEducation #RepresentationMatters #BIPOCAuthors #DEI #EducationLeadership #BraveLeadership #CCMEdGroup
2025-05-1801 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastCorey Yarbrough on Embracing Imperfection in Anti-DEI TimesIn this clip, Corey Yarbrough opens up about leading with heart — not ego — as he fights to amplify student voices in a time where DEI work is being silenced. Bravery looks like showing up anyway.📺 Watch the full episode: https://bravevoicespod.com#CoreyYarbrough #BraveVoicesPod #DEILeadership #StudentVoiceMatters #YouTubeShorts #BlackEducators #BraveLeadership #826Boston
2025-05-1800 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastHistory is a mirror — Not a menu!@Hedreich Nichols keeps it all the way real in this powerful clip from Brave Voices in Education 🎙️She breaks down why history — the full, unfiltered truth — must remain in the American canon, no matter how uncomfortable it makes folks who want to erase or rewrite it.Listen to the full episode on Spotify →🎧 https://open.spotify.com/show/17hB2hI7DFfxghHRPeCe2B#BraveVoicesPodcast #HedreichNichols #DEI #HistoryMatters #AntiRacism #EducationIsPolitical #TruthTellers #BlackWomenEducators #CCMEdGroup
2025-05-1801 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastBanned, Brilliant, and Unbothered: Hedreich Nichols on Teaching the Full TruthIn this episode, host Craig Aarons-Martin sits down with award-winning author, curriculum designer, and global educator Hedreich Nichols for a timely and truth-filled conversation on teaching with courage, heart, and historical honesty.Together, they unpack what it means to be an educator in an era of book bans, anti-DEI rhetoric, and legislative pushback on inclusive teaching. Hedreich shares how childhood experiences shaped her work, why multiple histories belong in every classroom, and how we can push back against sanitized narratives.Whether you're in the classroom, leading professional development, or advocating for equity, this episode will...
2025-05-1837 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastBrave Voices in Education Bonus Episode: Women Who Disrupt SystemsPresented by Massachusetts ASCD | Women’s History Month SpecialThis powerful episode honors Women’s History Month by centering the voices of women who are boldly disrupting inequitable systems, resisting harmful policies, and reshaping education through justice, truth, and healing. Hosted by @wearemascd and @iamcraigaaronsmartin of @ccmedgroup, this panel unites leaders on the frontlines of advocacy, activism, and equity in action.📆 Recorded Live: March 31, 2025 | 6:00 – 7:15 PM EST📍 Virtual Panel Event🔥 Featured Speakers:Shaplaie Brooks – Executive Director, Massachusetts Commission for LGBTQ YouthDr. Shaunna Harrington – Former MASCD President, Higher Education LeaderKathy...
2025-05-111h 20
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastLouder Together: Kwame Sarfo-Mensah on Amplifying Others as Radical ResistanceIn this powerful episode of Brave Voices in Education, Craig sits down with author, educator, and unapologetic truth-teller Kwame Sarfo-Mensah—founder of Identity Talk 4 Educators—to explore what it means to teach, lead, and liberate as a Black man in education.Kwame unpacks the urgency of disrupting dominant narratives that silence Black male educators and learners, shares his journey from classroom teacher to nationally recognized thought leader, and breaks down why culturally responsive teaching is not a buzzword—it’s a mandate. Together, they explore questions of legacy, resistance, and purpose.Key Takeaways:Why repr...
2025-05-1145 min
Brave Voices in Education - The Podcast"That money came with a muzzle"When offered $250K in federal funds, Corey Yarbrough chose courage over censorship. In this powerful clip from the Brave Voices in Education podcast, Corey explains why 826 Boston rejected the funding to protect student expression. “That money came with a muzzle — and we refused to silence our students.” This is what values-driven leadership looks like. 🎙️✨Watch the full episode to hear how Corey leads with integrity, builds community, and champions youth voice.#BraveVoicesPod #CoreyYarbrough #826Boston #YouthVoice #DEI #Leadership #BraveLeadership #CCMEdGroup #NonprofitLeadership #ProtectStudentVoices
2025-05-0400 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastChoosing Courage Over Checks: Corey Yarbrough on Rejecting Federal Funds to Protect Student VoicesIn this episode of Brave Voices in Leadership and Education, Craig Aarons-Martin engages in a profound conversation with Corey Yarbrough, an executive director and social justice advocate. They explore Corey's journey from his upbringing in Norfolk, Virginia, to his impactful work in Boston's educational landscape. The discussion emphasizes the importance of youth leadership, the challenges faced in the current educational climate, and the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in shaping future generations. Corey shares his experiences navigating federal funding cuts and the courage it takes to advocate for marginalized voices. The conversation also touches on self-care, vulnerability...
2025-05-0238 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastS1:E2 — Am I Living Brave Enough?What does it really mean to live brave? Not perform it. Not post about it. But live it — when nobody’s watching.In this solo episode, I’m pulling up real close to share what I’ve been sitting with in therapy, in prayer, and in quiet moments of reflection.I talk about growing up in New Orleans with blue-collar, God-fearing parents who gave with their whole hearts — even when it cost them. I share a recent conversation with them about generosity, legacy, and why speaking truth to power will always be worth it — even if it means...
2025-04-1321 minBrave Voices in Education - The PodcastS1:E1: My WhyWhy this podcast? Why now? In this first episode of Brave Voices in Education, host Craig Aarons-Martin gets personal about the journey that led him here. From navigating spaces that weren’t built for us to fighting for equity, belonging, and real change in education, this podcast is about amplifying the voices that too often go unheard.If you’ve ever felt unseen as an educator, leader, or student—or if you believe in the power of storytelling to transform systems—this episode is for you. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s the start of something p...
2025-03-3102 min
The Wake UpWake Up Well: Back To School BrainWhat are students thinking about as they head back to school? Changes in routines, worries about friends and teachers, social media, and more. Paris and Craig Aarons-Martin, CEO of the education consulting agency CCM Education Group, take questions from local high schoolers.
2024-09-0604 min
FreshAirAtFiveIt's Elemental DuctTape, my Dear WatsonIn this 179th episode, I share my daily reflection posted on Twitter @bryoncar, from July 29 - Aug 2, 2024
Check out the WHOLE SPOTIFY PLAYLIST I put together with all the listens mentioned below:
>>> bit.ly/FreshAirAtFiveSpotifyPlaylistE179
2024-08-0325 min
Fresh Air At FiveIt's Elemental DuctTape, my Dear WatsonIn this 179th episode, I share my daily reflection posted on Twitter @bryoncar, from July 29 - Aug 2, 2024 Check out the WHOLE SPOTIFY PLAYLIST I put together with all the listens mentioned below: >>> bit.ly/FreshAirAtFiveSpotifyPlaylistE179
2024-08-0325 min
The Elemental Educator PodcastBuilding Cultures of Excellence - Insights from Craig Aarons MartinConnect with Me:
On my Website: www.elementaleducator.com
Follow my Instagram @elemental_educator https://www.instagram.com/elemental_educator
Subscribe to my YouTube @elementaleducator
https://www.youtube.com/elementaleducator
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-comeau-961a49310/
X @ElementalEduc https://x.com/elementaleduc
Facebook @ElementalEducator https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555973948902&mibextid=JRoKGi
Email: tyler@elementaleducator.com
Connect with Craig Aarons Martin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigcmartin
Website: https://ccmeducationgroup.co/
Inst...
2024-07-2953 min
Teaching While Queer: Advocacy, Community, and Resources for LGBTQ+ Educators.54. Advocacy Strategies to Empower LGBTQ Educators to Thrive in SchoolsAsk A Queer EducatorHave you ever wondered how LGBTQ+ educators navigate their identities in the classroom? Join us as Craig Aarons-Martin shares his inspiring journey from teacher to consultant, offering bold solutions for empowering youth and educators.In today's world, understanding and supporting LGBTQ+ students and educators is crucial for fostering inclusive environments. Craig's experiences shed light on the challenges and triumphs of being queer in education, offering insights that re...The podcast explores the challenges and successes of Queer representation in education, addressing issues such as burnout, tokenism, doxing, and the importance of advocacy in creating inclusive classrooms...
2024-05-1657 min
Educator Happy HourHumor-based leadership: Why every school needs it (with Craig Aarons-Martin)About CraigCraig Aarons-Martin, Founder & CEO of CCM Education Group, is an award-winning teacher & school leader with 20+ years of experience in urban education serving as a mentor, instructional coach, teacher developer, and professional learning facilitator. Craig also works with groups, individuals, and organizations to create bold and joyful solutions that amplify equity and belonging. Craig is also the co-host of SELinEDU, The Podcast.Find CraigTwitter: @CraigCMartin12LinkedIn: CraigCMartinWebsite: https://ccmeducationgroup.co/SELinEDU Podcast: https://www.resonanceed.com/SELinEDUPodcast About Our Hopeful-but-probably-not S...
2024-04-2250 min
The Minimalist Educator PodcastEpisode 028: Wellness Strategies for the Thoughtful Educator with Craig Aarons MartinStruggling to strike the perfect balance between your professional responsibilities and personal well-being? Craig Aarons Martin joins us to illuminate the path to self-care mastery for educators, emphasizing the transformative effects of physical activity, meditation, and mindfulness. His personal anecdotes serve as a beacon for those looking to rejuvenate not just themselves but also their surroundings, demonstrating how one's own wellness practices can radiate positive influence across students and colleagues alike.During our heartfelt conversation, we unearth the often-invisible dedication that teachers invest in their craft, extending far beyond the classroom walls. Recognizing the synergy between empathetic...
2024-03-1927 minSEL in EDU052: Uncovering the Heartbeat of Social and Emotional Learning: An SEL Day Panel DiscussionUncover the heartbeat of social and emotional learning (SEL) as we celebrate International Women's Day and SEL Day, where our panelists, including Dr. Chaunte Garrett, Heather Lageman, Dr. Leigh Alley, Maureen Chapman, James Simons, and Dr. Damion Lewis, unwrap the gift of SEL in education. We engage in stories that underscore the influence of remarkable women and the power of nurturing connections that make for a robust learning environment. Their journeys reveal the impactful ways SEL can be woven into the fabric of educational experiences, radiating joy and hope.This episode is a treasure trove of strategies...
2024-03-1354 min
Conversations with Coach LAEmpowering Equity: Intersectionality in Education Leadership with Craig Aarons-MartinIntroduction:In today's episode, Therapist_Coach LA has the pleasure of inviting Craig Aarons-Martin to her virtual couch, the visionary Founder of CCM Education Group. With a rich history in educational leadership and a passion for transformative change, Craig leads initiatives that address critical issues in K-12 education. Today, we'll delve into how CCM Education Group champions belonging and inclusion in schools, confronts anti-blackness, supports the social-emotional wellbeing of youth and educators (with a focus on those identifying as LGBTQ+), and tackles the complex issue of body dysmorphia. About Craig Aarons-Martin:Founder and...
2024-02-151h 07SEL in EDU046: Connecting Through Culture in Our Global Village with Krista Leh and Craig Aarons-MartinJoin us on a journey of discovery and connection as we recount the tales from our travel escapades. Our adventures have broadened our horizons and beautifully woven into the social and emotional tapestry of our lives. This season's curtain-raiser is brimming with stories highlighting the transformative power of cultural immersion and the bonds it fortifies. As we open up about our reflections, prepare to engage heart-to-heart on the enriching impact of traversing diverse communities and how they shape our worldview. We're bringing more of our authentic selves to these discussions, guaranteeing a season filled with invigorating guest conversations and...
2024-01-0321 min
The Best Pick movie podcastThe Pirates! In An Adventure with Scientists!Best Pick with John Dorney, Jessica Regan and Tom Salinsky Episode 234: The Pirates! In An Adventure with Scientists! Released 30 November 2022 For this episode, we watched the 2012 stop-motion animated film The Pirates! In An Adventure with Scientists! adapted from his book by Gideon Defoe, directed by Peter Lord and starring the voices of Hugh Grant, David Tennant, Imelda Staunton, Martin Freeman and Russell Tovey. It cost $55 million to make and made $120 million at the box office. It has an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. https://flixwatcher.tv/pisode-237-my-neighbor-totoro-with-carrie-morrion-and-jessica-regan-from-the-best-pick-movie-podcast https://www.rsc.org.uk...
2022-11-301h 18
The Best Pick movie podcastGoodfellasBest Pick with John Dorney, Jessica Regan and Tom Salinsky Episode 222: Goodfellas Released 15 June 2022 For this episode, we watched and talked over Martin Scorsese's crime classic Goodfellas, based on the book Wise Guys by Nicholas Pileggi, who wrote the screenplay with Scorsese. Thelma Schoonmaker handled the editing, the cinematography was by Michael Ballhaus and the cast includes Ray Liotta, Robert de Niro, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco and Paul Sorvino. It cost $25m and made about $47m at the box office. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director...
2022-06-152h 33
The WORLD FAMOUS DJ KIDD's (Thedjkidd604) PodcastDJ KIDD "30 MINUTE TWERKOUT" VOL. 187 (OCTOBER 2018)DJ KIDD "30 MINUTE TWERKOUT" VOL. 187 (OCTOBER 2018)1. ONE IN A MILLION (DJ KIDD REFIX) - AALIYAH2. ELECTRICITY - SILK CITY FEAT. DUA LIPA3. ALL STARS - MARTIN SOLVEIG FEAT. ALMA4. BACK & FORTH - MK, JONAS BLUE & BECKY HILL5. SEPTEMBER - THROTTLE & EARTH, WIND & FIRE6. BE RIGHT HERE - KUNGS & STARGATE FEAT. GOLDN7. BE RIGHT THERE (DONT WALK AWAY) - DIPLO & SLEEPY TOM8. AIN'T GIVING UP - CRAIG DAVID & SIGALA9. SWEET LOVIN' - SIGALA10. I WANT IT THAT WAY (REMIX) - BACKSTREET BOYS11. ONE KISS - CALVIN HARRIS & DUA LIPA
2018-10-041h 16
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastFrom Breakdown to Breakthrough: The Healing Journey of Nieisha DeedSome people talk about mental health in theory.Today’s guest lives it, breathes it, and builds community from it.In this episode of Brave Voices in Education, Craig Aarons-Martin sits down with Nieisha Deed — founder of PureSpark, fierce mental health advocate, and a Black woman living, surviving, and thriving with bipolar disorder.Together, they unpack:What happens when your identity is wrapped up in your job — and your mental health collapsesHow 15 years in corporate accounting and four family deaths by suicide led Nieisha to reimagine everythingThe or...
1970-01-0138 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastFrom Breakdown to Breakthrough: The Healing Journey of Nieisha DeedSome people talk about mental health in theory.Today’s guest lives it, breathes it, and builds community from it.In this episode of Brave Voices in Education, Craig Aarons-Martin sits down with Nieisha Deed — founder of PureSpark, fierce mental health advocate, and a Black woman living, surviving, and thriving with bipolar disorder.Together, they unpack:What happens when your identity is wrapped up in your job — and your mental health collapsesHow 15 years in corporate accounting and four family deaths by suicide led Nieisha to reimagine everythingThe or...
1970-01-0138 min
Brave Voices in Education - The PodcastThe Cost of Silence: What My Body Has Been Trying to Tell MeWhat happens when the truth we avoid starts speaking through the body?What does it cost leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and caregivers to stay silent in a moment that demands courage?In this deeply personal episode, Craig Aarons-Martin opens up about the physical, emotional, and spiritual cost of silence — hair loss, weight changes, exhaustion, and the pressure of carrying brilliance while navigating burnout. Craig also lifts up real-world examples of courage and resilience from educators across the country, including stories highlighted by Next Generation Learning Challenges, where teachers and school leaders are rebuilding community through co...
1970-01-0107 min