Shows
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 #CCMEdGroup2025-05-2802 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 #CCMEdGroup2025-05-1801 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 #826Boston2025-05-1800 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 #CCMEdGroup2025-05-1801 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 #ProtectStudentVoices2025-05-0400 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
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
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
The Elemental Educator PodcastEpisode 21: Building 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
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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 min