Behind the Scenes

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2178045/open_sms) In this long awaited episode, we get into the diverse and dynamic journey of Attorney Staci Childs, a remarkable woman who transitioned from the classroom to the courtroom. Staci, a former teacher turned attorney (and dope rapper), shares her insights and experiences serving on the…

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2178045/open_sms) Welcome back to another episode of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast. On this episode, I am joined by some teacher-moms as we discuss the chaos of being a loyal employee of a school/district where your own children attend. How do you manage this juggling act without feeling like…

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2178045/open_sms) We left y'all with a cliffhanger on that last episode, so let's finish it off!!!! Welcome back to another episode of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast. On this episode, I am joined by some teacher-moms as we discuss the chaos of being a loyal employee of a school/district…

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2178045/open_sms) Welcome to another episode of R4F- the Podcast and today we sit down with THE INCREDIBLE Dr. Byron McClure, a rare gem in the field of school psychology—part of the less-than-1% club of Black male school psychologists. We’re jumping right into his journey, starting with…

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2178045/open_sms) In this episode of our podcast, we sit down with B. Drake, a seasoned professional in the field of child welfare with years of experience. We team up to really get into the nitty-gritty of the child welfare system, swapping heartfelt stories about kids finding…

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2178045/open_sms) Join us for a candid conversation with Mrs. Jackie Anderson, President of the Houston Federation of Teacher (HFT), as we discuss the pressing issues facing the Houston Independent School District (HISD) and the broader implications for education in Texas. At the heart of our discussion…

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2178045/open_sms) Welcome back to another episode of the podcast! We are continuing our conversation with some dynamic educators of HISD. In this episode, , Mrs. Muhammed and Mrs. Ebony, bravely share their experiences within Houston's education system post-state takeover. Mrs. Ebony pull back the curtain on…

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2178045/open_sms) Welcome to another episode of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast. We are prepping to return to work after the much needed winter break and I have some of my teacher besties with me to get the conversation started. We joke around about our holiday shenanigans and I try…

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2178045/open_sms) Continuing our conversation with B. Drake, a seasoned professional in the field of child welfare with years of experience. He goes deeper into the stories about kids finding their way through state custody and foster homes. In this segment he discusses the privatization of foster…

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2178045/open_sms) In this episode, we discuss the concept of radical education with the inspiring Dr. Qiana O'Leary, a seasoned educator turned principal, and now the founder of an education consulting firm. Dr. O'Leary shares her transformative journey, leveraging her knowledge and skillset to champion the cause…

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2178045/open_sms) In this episode of our podcast, we continue our conversation with about the recent student walkout and protest at Madison High School, where students are pushing back against a new cell phone policy imposed by their school district, HISD, the district that has recently been…

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2178045/open_sms) In this episode of our podcast, we dive into the recent student walkout and protest at Madison High School, where students are pushing back against a new cell phone policy imposed by their school district, HISD, the district that has recently been taken over by…

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2178045/open_sms) In this episode, we bring you the firsthand account of a teacher who is courageously confronting the systemic challenges within the Houston Independent School District (HISD). Despite facing termination for her advocacy, she refuses to be silenced as she shares her story of resilience and…

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2178045/open_sms) In this latest episode, we sit down with Mrs. Muhammed, a resilient educator who has just emerged from a termination hearing within the Houston Independent School District (HISD). With the results now in, we discuss the aftermath of the hearing, the ongoing uncertainty she faces,…

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2178045/open_sms) Welcome back to another episode of the podcast! We are continuing our conversation with some dynamic educators of HISD. In this episode, , Mrs. Muhammed and Mrs. Ebony, bravely share their experiences within Houston's education system post-state takeover. Mrs. Ebony pull back the curtain on…

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2178045/open_sms) In case you missed the YouTube LIVE with HISD Union leader Michelle Williams, here's the audio for you. In this episode of Ridgemont4'sfinest-The Podcast, we are discussing the controversial case of Michelle Williams, a dedicated teacher and union leader within the Houston Independent School District…

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2178045/open_sms) Where Have I Been? Ridgemont4'sFinest Is Back! After a whirlwind few months of working on Teachers After Dark and Divorce Diaries, and surviving the chaos of back-to-school season with helicopter parents and extra-needy students, I'm finally back! In this quick teaser, I catch you up…

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2178045/open_sms) As promised, WE ARE BACK! Welcome to Season 3 of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast! Catch up with the OG teacher crew as we get into all things the 24-25 school year! It has indeed, been whipping us all! We talk about what has been the most challenging…

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2178045/open_sms) In this unapologetic episode, we tackle three major issues facing education today: the Texas voucher push, the unique challenges for Black women educators, and the presidential election that could reshape American education entirely. First, we examine Donald Trump’s presidential re-election bid and his promise to…

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2178045/open_sms) This week, we are discussing one of the most embattled school districts in the country—HISD. Joining us is the bold and unapologetic Ms. Michelle Williams, president of the Houston Education Association (HEA), who’s been at the center of HISD’s whirlwind headlines. If you’ve been following…

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2178045/open_sms) In this episode, we sit down with Shannon, Licensed Professional Counselor of Hurt Speaks Wellness Center (https://www.hurtspeaks.com/) , to discuss the urgent issue of teen dating violence (TDV). We discuss what defines TDV and how it differs from adult domestic violence. We’ll explore the most…

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2178045/open_sms) Continuing our discussion on Teen Dating Violence...In this heart-wrenching yet vital episode, I sit down with Quin Levy, a courageous mother who shares the story of her teenage daughter’s life, love, and tragic death at the hands of her boyfriend. While honoring the boundaries of…

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2178045/open_sms) In this special "off-studio" episode, the Teachers After Dark crew wraps up 2024 in style—over a breakfast I was bullied into cooking! Teachers LOVE bullet points, so let's get into: • The best (and worst) holiday gifts we got from students this year. • That…

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2178045/open_sms) This week we are joined by the "Church Announcement" queen herself, Ms. Tiffiney Lee. Tiffiney and I sit down and have a long awaited for convo about the ups, downs, and pure chaos of being educators. From dealing with school politics to navigating life outside…