Tiffani Marie & Kenjus Watson

Shows

Apocalyptic Educationparenting through the apocalypselast episode. 2025-05-142h 05

Apocalyptic Educationthe legacy of little nate (part 2)Potential Activation Warning- The following episode description contains references to suicide. Please take care while reading. We include helpful resources after the description In this continuation of The Legacy of Little Nate, Kenjus and Tiffani sit with Cassandra Edwards and Canada Taylor Parker once again for the conclusion of their unflinching conversation about death, grief, and the slow, grinding violence that Black people endure long before their final breath. Canada and Cassandra move the discussion beyond sanitized narratives about suicide, confronting the reality that death is rarely a singular moment but often a drawn-out consequence o...2025-04-301h 27

Apocalyptic Educationthe legacy of little nate (part 1)Potential Activation Warning- The following episode description contains references to suicide. Please take care while reading. We include helpful resources after the description In this initial installment of a special 2 part episode, Tiffani and Kenjus chop it up with Cassandra Edwards and Canada Taylor Parker to explore potent intersections between grief, mothering, activism, and the weight of trying to sustain life within an relentlessly anti-black world. As mothers, organizers, health practitioners and caretakers, both guests reflect on how grief is not a one time event across our communities. Instead, such disproportionate suffering i...2025-04-1652 min

Apocalyptic Educationnou tout se zanj oIn this episode, Tiffani and Kenjus chop it up with Dr. Amber McZeal—scholar, artist, and sacred activist—to explore the expansive terrain of decolonizing the psyche, ancestral memory, and the spiritual labor of refusing coloniality. From their first encounters with Amber’s transformative work to the unexpected synchronicities that led to this moment, the conversation unfolds as a meditation on relationality, refusal, and reverence.Amber traces her path from Lafayette, Louisiana, to the liberatory depths of sound healing, vibrational medicine, and depth psychology, illuminating how music, dreams, and ancestral guidance have shaped her scholarship and praxis. She br...2025-04-021h 14

Apocalyptic Educationa buoy to hold on toIn this episode, Kenjus and Tiffani reflect on their journey co-writing the Apocalyptic Education paper in 2020, tracing their paths through grief, academia, and spiritual grounding. They revisit the origins of their collaboration, peeling back the layers of their initial skepticism, the tensions of intellectual competition, and the deep ancestral calling that ultimately brought them together.The conversation weaves through personal and communal grief, from Tiffani’s reflections on her Uncle Louis and the lessons he left behind, to Kenjus’ struggles with the academy as a space of extraction and violence. They explore the ways academia conditions Black scho...2025-03-191h 21

Apocalyptic Educationterry and sheryll's childrenIn this episode, Tiffani and Kenjus chop it up with their mothers, Sheryll and Terry, who turn the tables to interview their children on the green couch. This special episode explores the impact of their wisdom on Tiffani and Kenjus' journeys as educators. Through critical questioning and listening, Sheryll and Terry elicit from their children a deep exploration of teaching as a calling, with Tiffani and Kenjus recounting early experiences that signaled their future roles. They reflect on the powerful moments when they felt compelled to challenge the narrative within their professional and personal lives, crediting their m...2025-03-051h 09

Apocalyptic Educationthe power of the leopardIn this episode, Tiffani and Kenjus chop it up with Kiazi Malonga, student/teacher of Congolese drumming and culture bearer. Kiazi walks us through the spiritual and communal powers of the Ngoma drum, as vessels of cultural preservation and healing. He shares his journey from the Bay Area, particularly East Palo Alto, to stages around the world.We explore the impact of his father’s legacy, the late Malonga Casquelourd, the craftsmanship of Congolese drums, the sacred art of drum-making, and how each drum carries the stories of our ancestors.As Tiffani and Kenjus engage wi...2025-02-1956 min

Apocalyptic Educationof stomach pains and burning menIn this episode, Kenjus and Tiffani chop it up with Moses Omolade, an educator, spiritual practitioner, and advocate for wellness, to explore the intersections of body, spirit, and community. They dive into Moses’ journey from discovering Pilates as a spiritual practice to using hunger strikes as a radical tool of refusal against systems invested in our undoing.The conversation unpacks how the body holds memory, the power of spiritual detox as preparation for resistance, and the profound lessons Moses learned during his hunger strike for Oakland schools. Tiffani reflects on her own transformative relationship with movement and fr...2025-02-051h 45

Apocalyptic Educationmaroon science and other runaway parrotsIn the Season 2 premiere, Tiffani and Kenjus chop it up about freedom, captivity, and Blackness through the lens of two stories about parrots that shift their understanding of autonomy, consent, and belonging. They unpack the layers of maroon science and how it illuminates African Indigenous paths of intergenerational love, navigation, and self-determination.The hosts reflect on rites of passage and other ceremonies, discussing how these sacred practices guide transitions and hold the potential to reshape our relationships with life, death, and community. They consider the tension between existing as a “free being” when others may perceive you as “...2025-01-221h 10

Apocalyptic Education(cult)ure and other thangs apocalypticIn this episode, Tiffani and Kenjus chop it up among themselves for their Season 1 recap. They explore the balance of calm amid chaos in their attempts to achieve homeostasis during the apocalypse. They discuss rites of passage, initiation, and ceremony as essential components of this balance.Tiffani and Kenjus also discuss the art of letting go of control. A vignette about a puppet show gone awry shows that the best moments often happen when we stop trying to control everything. The hosts use this grounding as a springboard to explore the stigma surrounding cults, challenging the negative...2024-04-251h 04

Apocalyptic Educationthe kids are alright (part 2)In Part 2 of The Kids Are Alright episode, we chop it up with about five of Tiffani's former students, spanning her last 20 years of teaching. The group includes a "cool and collective" entrepreneur planning to finish college soon, a program director deeply involved in community work and motivational speaking, a young college student contemplating joining the Armed Forces, a revolutionary artist and event organizer, and a charismatic young person who emphasizes their intellect and the importance of being "lit".As the conversation unfolds, the topic of schools - whether to keep them or leave them behind...2024-04-121h 25

Apocalyptic Educationthe kids are alright (part 1)In this episode, we chop it up with about five of Tiffani's former students, spanning her last 20 years of teaching. The group includes a "cool and collective" entrepreneur planning to finish college soon, a program director deeply involved in community work and motivational speaking, a young college student contemplating joining the Armed Forces, a revolutionary artist and event organizer, and a charismatic young person who emphasizes their intellect and the importance of being "lit".As the conversation unfolds, the topic of schools - whether to keep them or leave them behind - becomes a central theme. The...2024-03-281h 19

Apocalyptic Educationthe language we cry inIn this episode, we chop it up with Tinisch Hollins, a Black San Franciscan activist and critical advocate for the rights of crime survivors, and Apryl Joe, a citizen of the Navajo Nation dedicated to the reclamation of her people's sovereignty. Together, they discuss reparations & Indigenous reclamation, while illuminating the interconnected historical and ongoing fight against settler colonial violence faced by Black and Native communities. Through their conversation, they explore themes of solidarity, racial tension, healing, and the collective journey towards transcending the deep-seated confines of white supremacy._______ Stay connected: www.apocalypticeducation.orgHo...2024-03-151h 05

Apocalyptic Educationthis coat used to be blackIn this episode, we chop it up with the revolutionary preacha and community leader, Pastor Michael McBride. He shares his unique experiences of the deep impacts of systemic violence, including his personal encounters with police brutality. The discussion delves into the intricate relationship between grief and activism, particularly through Pastor Mike's involvement with 'Live Free', a movement addressing mass incarceration, voter suppression, police violence, and other systemic violences. He reflects on his journey, emphasizing the pivotal role of the Ferguson protests in reshaping his life and ministry. These experiences not only enhanced his understanding of social injustices but also...2024-02-291h 34

Apocalyptic Educationi am not coyolxauhqui - i am xihuicoyotl - turquoise fireIn this episode, we chop it up with Drs. Allyson Tintiangco-Cubales and Christine Vega, both mothers and critical professors. We explore Coyolxauhqui and dismemberment, and its relationship to birthing trauma, particularly in the high-pressure pursuit of tenure in academia.Allyson opens up about her personal journey through infertility, sharing the profound lessons learned and emphasizing the significance of rest in birthing endless possibilities. Christine adds her insights on the empowering role of Chicana Mother Work, underlining the critical interdependence between self-care and collective resilience.Together, they unpack "mothering" as a revolutionary educational philosophy. They advocate...2024-02-151h 24

Apocalyptic Educationdancing to kendrick lamar while the earth shookIn this episode, we chop it up with Kiki Jordan, a renowned midwife based in California. Kiki lends her expertise to our discussion on the radical aspects of home birthing, set against the formidable backdrop of the medical-industrial complex. We explore how Black Autonomous Birthing Communities (BABCs) provide valuable insights for rethinking our transition from schooling to holistic education. Kiki shares wisdom from her birthing experiences and her attempts to launch a community-grounded Wellness Center, guiding us in reimagining the concept of school abolition and its potential for transformative educational practices.University of Illinois at Chicago Professor...2024-02-011h 15

Apocalyptic EducationApocalyptic Education - The AudiobookApocalyptic Education is a transformative journey, presented by Tiffani Marie and Kenjus Watson, two critical Black educators. This audiobook invites listeners to participate in a funeral for schooling, marking the end of a violent regime and the beginning of remembered futures. Through their personal narratives and research, Marie and Watson explore the deep-rooted traumas inflicted by American schooling systems on Black folk. Watson's exploration of the psychological impacts on young Black men through biomarkers of health reveals the hidden costs of their academic pursuits. In contrast, Marie's studies uncover pedagogical practices that could shield Black...2024-01-181h 07

Drawing from the WellDrawing From The Well - Season 2 - Ep. 9: Season Recap with Tiffani, Kenjus & JewellDrawing From the Well is back!    In the final episode of Season 2, our host Tiffani Marie sits with Kenjus T. Watson and Jewell Bachelor for an extended Mic Check...1,2,3! round table segment to recap some of the topics and ideas explored in this season of Drawing From The Well. Drawing From The Well is hosted by Tiffani Marie.   The podcast is co-produced by Tiffani Marie and Jon Reyes with music by Jansen V.   DFTW is supported by Community Responsive Education. Continue the conversation at youthwellness.com 2022-06-031h 13

Drawing from the WellDrawing From The Well - Season 2 - Ep. 8: Land Based Practices in EducationDrawing From the Well is back!    In Episode 8 of Season 2, we're talking about land based practices in education.   In this episode we hear... • A reflection from our host Tiffani Marie, who shares with us her experiences incorporating the natural world in her pedagogy • Youth expert Isaiah who illuminates the joys and the happiness he experiences in nature • Theo Johnson and Jas Wade, sit down with Kenjus T. Watson and Jewell Bachelor for our Mic Check..1,2,3! round table segment and talk growth, land stewardship and accountability to the natural world Drawing From The Well is hosted...2022-05-271h 10

Drawing from the WellDrawing From The Well - Season 2 - Ep. 6: Alternatives to Higher EducationDrawing From the Well is back!    In Episode 6 of Season 2, we're talking about alternatives to higher education.   In this episode we hear from... • Kenjus T. Watson, who shares with us his challenges of determining whether or not to pursue the academy and what it meant to him to make that decision • An intimate and sacred moment between Kenjus and his 2-year old daughter Ayaan • Youth experts Jordyn and Angus, sit down with me for our Mic Check..1,2,3! round table segment and talk about the challenges of schooling, the pressures that come from adults, and what it would...2022-05-1358 min

Drawing from the WellDrawing From The Well - Season 2 - Ep. 5: Trauma Informed PedagogyDrawing From the Well is back!    In Episode 5 of Season 2, we're talking about trauma-informed pedagogy.   In this episode we hear from... • Sharim-Hannegan Martinez, who discussed her implication of trauma-informed pedagogy and her learnings around the significance of trusted, caring and loving relationships • Youth expert Tatiana who talks about the role of spirituality in her healing and what it meant for her in dealing with her trauma • Educator, counselor, and parent Candice Rose Valenzuela, who sits down for our Mic Check..1,2,3! round table segment alongside educators Kenjus T. Watson and Jewell Bachelor who puts in conversation t...2022-05-051h 08

Drawing from the WellDrawing From The Well - Season 2 - Ep. 4: Restorative Practices in EducationDrawing From the Well is back! In Episode 4 of Season 2, we're talking about restorative practices in education In this episode we hear from... Aaron James Nakai, who gives a compelling story about accountability from teacher to student Sheryll McDaniels gives an intimate portrait of an experience she had regarding criminalization in schools and the type of accountability that she wished she would have received Justice on Both Sides author, professor and dean Maisha T. Winn, who sits down for our Mic Check..1,2,3! round table segment alongside educators Kenjus T. Watson and Jewell Bachelor to...2022-04-281h 43

Drawing from the WellDrawing From The Well - Season 2 - Ep. 3: Culturally Relevant and Culturally Responsive PedagogyDrawing From the Well is back! In Episode 2 of Season 3, we're talking about culturally relevant and culturally responsive pedagogy! In this episode we hear from... Laurence Tan, who reflects on his experiences as an educator in bridging culture gaps to develop trust and relationships between himself and his students Youth Expert Leandro, who shares about his experiences with educators helping him to navigate a violent society Professor Patrick Camangian who sits down for our Mic Check..1,2,3! round table segment alongside educators Kenjus T. Watson and Jewell Bachelor to talk about the culturally relevant pedagogies...2022-04-211h 02

Drawing from the WellDrawing From The Well - Season 2 - Ep. 2: Ethnic StudiesDrawing From the Well is back! In Episode 2 of Season 2, we're talking about ethnic studies! In this episode we hear from... Manny Martinez, who emphasizes the significance of trusting relationships Lorenzo, who shares about his experiences learning his indigenous language and the healing that came for him and his family Teacher extraordinaire Artnelson Concordia who sits down for our Mic Check..1,2,3! round table segment alongside educators Kenjus T. Watson and Jewell Bachelor to talk about the history of ethnic studies, the challenges of getting it implemented by the State of California and the new...2022-04-151h 10

Drawing from the WellDrawing From The Well - Season 2 - Ep. 1: Schools in the Next DecadeDrawing From the Well is back! In the first episode of Season 2, we're talking about the future of schools and the ideas & issues critical for educators to be mindful of when centering student wellness in the next decade. In this episode we hear from... Fatimah Salahuddin, who reflects on the importance of rest and its relationship to wellness Mama McGee, who shares her experiences of sending her children to schools and what she would've done differently if she knew then what she knows now Scholar activist and educator David Stovall who sits down for...2022-04-071h 41

Drawing from the WellDrawing From The Well Ep.2: Threats to Youth WellnessWhat are threats to youth wellness? In episode 2, “Threats to Youth Wellness”, we hear from: Professor Kevin Nadal, Ph.D introducing the concept of microagressions and intersectional trauma to remind of the daily traumas that compromise youth wellness. A Q&A with Ashley Monterrosa, a youth activist thrust into activism after the killing of her brother Sean Monterrosa at the hands of the Vallejo Police Department. A reflection by Professor Kenjus T. Watson, on schooling, loss, and reclamation of self in community. Drawing From the Well is hosted by Tiffani Marie and is produced by J...2021-01-211h 11