In this engaging podcast episode, I sit down with Dr. Michael De Sousa, an experienced educator and passionate advocate for empowering parents. Dr. De Sousa shares insights, strategies, and personal anecdotes about parenting, education, and par

E: 65 Civil Discourse: Navigating Divides

Feb 7th, 2024 30m 3s

This thought-provoking episode of The Edupurist Podcast delves into the heart of America’s divisions. Join us as we engage in a candid and lengthy conversation with a friend who staunchly supports former President Donald Trump.Our discussion c

Let's Cook: (Bonus Episode)

Feb 3rd, 2024 12m 57s

In this episode, I talk about the importance of a balanced diet for kids based on a recent viral video of a kid throwing up from eating #Takis. I also talk about other issues pertinent to the development of historically marginalized communities

E:64: Letter Grades and Good Trouble feat. Memphis Lift

Jan 24th, 2024 39m 22s

This Edupurist podcast episode features a group of passionate women from Memphis discussing the issues with traditional school grading systems. They highlight the disconnect between report card grades and a child's learning level, emphasizing t

E:63: The New Fafsa feat. Steve Colon

Jan 17th, 2024 29m 18s

This Episode of the Edupurist podcast discusses the new FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) rollout. The host and guest talk about the simplification of the FAFSA form, the technical issues with its rollout, and its impact on stude

E:62: Acceptance Into HU (The Mecca) feat. Jah'mere

Jan 9th, 2024 15m 46s

In the video, Dr. Ray Ankrum interviews a high school senior named Jah’mere. Jah’mere shares his exciting news of being accepted into Howard University for the fall 2024 semester. He discusses his heritage as both African-American and Native Am

E:61: RCS/SUNY Suffolk Dual Enrollment

Jan 5th, 2024 10m 26s

This episode of the Edupurist features a discussion with dual-enrolled high school/ college students from Riverhead Charter School/Suffolk Community College about their experiences with college classes. They talk about the differences between h

E:60: Ray x Bibb Hubbard x RCS Seniors: Are Report Card Grades Important?

Dec 25th, 2023 33m 32s

Please join this riveting conversation with Bibb Hubbard, founder and Executive Director of Learning Heroes, and some of our first RCS Senior class. The discussion highlights the importance of effective communication between parents, teachers,

E:59: Ray x RCS E-Sports Team

Dec 25th, 2023 14m 36s

In this video, a group of high schoolers and their school superintendent discuss esports. They explain that esports is the competitive aspect of gaming, where players strive to become professionals in specific video games and compete against ot

E: 58: State of Black Learning 2023 The Prequel w/ K. Chase Patterson

Dec 25th, 2023 33m 26s

In this episode of The Edupurist Podcast, host Ray Ankrum engages in a thought-provoking conversation with K. Chase Patterson, one of the founders of the State of Black Learning Initiative. Together, they delve into the current state of Black l

E:57: School Choice w/ Jeanne Allen

Dec 25th, 2023 26m 50s

In this episode of Edupurist, Ray sits down with Jeanne Allen, founder, and CEO of the Center for Education Reform, to discuss her thoughts on the current state of education in the United States and her vision for the future. Jeanne has been a

E:56: Affirmative Action: Breaking Down Meritocracy feat. Steven Colon

Dec 25th, 2023 42m 26s

In this thought-provoking episode of The Edupurist podcast, your host, Ray Ankrum, engages in a compelling conversation with Steven Colon, CEO of Bottom Line, on the controversial topic of affirmative action and its impact on college access for

E:55: A Conversation with Recy Benjamin Dunn

Dec 25th, 2023 30m 2s

In this episode of The Edupurist podcast, join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Recy Benjamin Dunn, a prominent figure in the education landscape. Recy's story is about passion, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence in education

E:54: The Math Ain't Mathin w/ Dr. Kristopher Childs

Dec 25th, 2023 34m 14s

Dr. Childs:Join us for an eye-opening conversation on the latest episode of The Edupurist podcast as we delve into the critical topic of empowering marginalized students in mathematics. In this episode, we are honored to have Dr. Kristopher J.

E:53: Dr. Tanji Reed Marshall Book Talk:

Dec 25th, 2023 29m 24s

On this episode of The Edupurist podcast, join our host as they engage in a thought-provoking conversation with the renowned education leader, author, and advocate, Dr. Tanji Reed Marshall. Get ready to delve into the empowering world of educat

E:52: Ray x Kevin George of U-High School Baton Rouge, La.

Dec 25th, 2023 24m 32s

Ray interviews Kevin George, the director of LSU Laboratory School. They discuss various topics, including George's background and experience, students' success at the school, the importance of teacher advocacy and high expectations, the integr

E:51: Charter Schools feat. Nina Reese

Dec 25th, 2023 27m 43s

Ray interviews Nina Rees, the President and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, about the importance and future of charter schools. Nina shares her journey and passion for charter schools, emphasizing that most parents want

E:50: Raylo Solo (No Features)

Dec 25th, 2023 32m 26s

Host Ray Ankrum discusses various topics. First, he talks about the impact of cell phones and social media on children, highlighting the negative aspects and the importance of monitoring what kids are exposed to. Ray also mentions the issue of

E:49: Black Women in Leadership w/ Dr. Monique Darrisaw-Akil

Dec 25th, 2023 27m 31s

The host, Ray Ankrum, Sr., interviews Dr. Monique, a school superintendent, about her trajectory and challenges in the superintendent's seat. Dr. Monique emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting the community and the need to li

E:48: My interview w/ Sonia Park Diverse Charter Schools Coalition

May 17th, 2023 27m 41s

In this episode, we are thrilled to have Sonia Park, CEO of the Diverse Charter Schools Coalition, as our guest. The coalition is a national nonprofit organization that supports the development and growth of high-quality charter schools that s

E:47: Charter Schools Writ Large

May 17th, 2023 41m 45s

My guest today is Jill Shahen, co-founder of Empire Charter Consultants, a firm specializing in helping schools navigate the complex process of starting and running charter schools. Today, we will discuss some of the challenges and opportunitie

E:46: Non-Profit Work for Systemic Change

May 17th, 2023 19m 22s

In this episode of the Edupurist Podcast, the host interviews Adonica Duggan, CEO of the Baton Rouge Alliance for Students. The conversation centers around the organization's efforts to advocate for educational equity and access for all student

E:45: Report Cards vs. Grade Level Standards

Apr 25th, 2023 23m 15s

In this episode, we speak with Bibb Hubbard, founder and president of Learning Heroes, about her new report on parents' perception of their children's academic progress. We delve into the findings, discuss the reasons behind the disconnect betw

E:44: Single Site Charter Schools w/ Naomi Shelton

Apr 20th, 2023 25m 39s

We're discussing loan entities' challenges when navigating the charter school scene, particularly in single-site charter schools. Charter schools are publicly funded schools that operate independently of traditional public schools. They are gra

E:43: School Board Justice w/ Cliff Lewis EBRS Trustee

Apr 12th, 2023 28m 25s

Today's episode is all about how school boards operate. We'll be discussing the different methods that school boards engage with the community, and we'll also be giving some tips on how to make the most of your time as a school board member. Fo