Take Back Our Schools
Ricochet
Take Back Our Schools puts you on the front lines of the culture wars as Andrew Gutmann and Beth Feeley explore the increasing politicalization of our schools and universities and just what to do about it.Listen to Take Back Our Schools, along with more than 40 other original podcasts, at Ricochet.com. No paid subscription required.
Lies My Liberal Teacher Told Me
Beth and Andrew speak with author, professor and conservative commentor Wilfred Reilly about his recently published book, Lies My Liberal Teacher Told Me, which sets the record straight on a variety of topics that are mistaught in our nation’s schools.Reilly discusses the real history of slavery and the truth about colonialism around the world. We also talk about how our education system and history curricula became so politicized and we discuss whether a backlash to politicized history and woke
Penalizing Women's Sports
On this episode, Andrew and Beth speak with Kim Russell, an activist for preserving girls’ and women’s sports.Russell shares her story about what attracted her to take the position of the Women’s Lacrosse Coach at Oberlin College, a notoriously left-leading college and how a social media post on trans swimmer Lia Thomas led to her removal from that position. She talks about the culture of fear on campus on speaking out about protecting the sanctity of women’s sports.Russell also talks about how
Title IX Rewrite
Andrew and Beth speak with education activist Erika Sanzi about the Biden administration’s recently released new Title IX Rules. Sanzi gives us a brief overview of the history of the legislation and illustrates how the rules changed dramatically under the Obama administration and then the Trump administration. And now Biden’s new rules bring back kangaroo courts and eliminate due process on college campuses for students accused of sexual harassment. She also talks about how the new rules compel
The WPATH Files: Exposing the Insanity
Beth and Andrew speak with researcher Mia Hughes, author of the WPATH report that exposed the insanity of transgender medicine worldwide. Hughes gives us an overview of the organization, World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and explains why they became so influential globally on transgender issues. She discusses some of the key findings of her report including the lack of informed consent, and the immense damage caused to children by cross-sex hormones and body mutilatin
One Mom’s Journey to Activism
Beth and Andrew speak with parent activist Alexandra Frank, who shares her own story about what led her to become an "accidental activist," having experienced the ideological capture of her twin daughters’ private school in Pennsylvania and then experiencing the same thing at their new public school in Massachusetts.She talks about the inappropriate sexual material being taught to elementary school aged children, about segregating affinity groups, and the influence of radical gender ideology. Fr
The End of Race Politics
On this episode, Beth and Andrew speak with author Coleman Hughes about his new book, The End of Race Politics. Hughes talks about race was never an issue growing up and then first experiencing the divisive obsession with race politics as a student at Columbia University. We discuss how the civil rights movement’s dream of colorblindness turned into today’s leftist belief in neoracism and DEI. Hughes also explains how the academic studies behind the idea of implicit bias are bunk.Coleman Cruz Hu
Radical Politics and Antisemitism in Our Schools
On this episode, Andrew and Beth speak with Free Press reporter Francesca Block. We discuss her recent reporting on the blatant antisemitism and leftist ideological capture of K-12 schools, specifically in a post October 7th world. Block talks about her articles which reports on how BLM materials are used in some New York City public schools, and how one school literally wiped Israel off the map being used to teach students.We also talk about another recent piece of hers which reports on whether
Everything Is Debatable
On this episode Andrew and Beth speak with James Fishback, founder of Incubate Debate.Fishback discusses how high school debate tournaments went woke in recent years and illustrates the National Speech and Debate Association’s extreme liberal bias. He shares stories of how judges are ideologically motivated and either won’t allow certain positions to be debated or dock points for non-leftist opinions.He also talks about his recent piece for The Free Press, entitled, “The Truth About Banned Books
Men of Steele
After a short hiatus, we are back with Take Back Our Schools. Welcome Back!On this episode, Beth and Andrew speak with the powerhouse father-son team of Shelby and Eli Steele about race relations in America. Both Shelby and Eli share their views on the recent Claudine Gay affair at Harvard University and give their opinions on whether this event marks a turning point in the fight against the diversity, equity and inclusion regime. Shelby talks about his own upbringing and his family’s experience
The States Take On Social Media
This week Beth and Andrew speak with Maragret Busse, Executive Director of Utah’s Department of Commerce.Busse talks about Utah’s lawsuits against Tik Tok and Meta for the harms social media platforms are causing children. We discuss these harms and the algorithms that social media platforms use to hook children. She shares her views on the possible remedies of these lawsuits, and the state’s new proposed rules for social media including age verification and parental consent. We also talk about
The Transgender Clinic Whistleblower
Jamie Reed is a gay woman, a parent of five children and is married to a transgender man. So, what led her to publicly pull back the curtain on what was happening at the Pediatric Transgender Center at Washington University in St. Louis, MO and to talk of the immense harms being done to children, especially young girls?We discuss the reasons for the explosion of transgender cases we’ve seen in America over recent years, including the role of schools, social media, and healthcare economics. Reed
Do Nice Guys Finish Last?
Beth and Andrew speak with author Alexandra Hudson about her recently published book, The Soul of Civility. She discusses the difference between politeness and civility, and shares her opinion on where today’s uncivil society stands in relation to other eras in history. We talk about the role that social media plays in modeling uncivil behavior and Hudson shares tips for how both parents and children can create a more civil world.Alexandra Hudson is a writer, popular speaker, and the founder of
Ethnic Studies and the Rise of Antisemitism
On this episode, Andrew and Beth speak with Dr. Brandy Shufutinsky of the Jewish Institute for Liberal Values. Shufutinsky shares her views on the atrocities committed by Hamas in Israel and on the antisemitism we are seeing in the United States. We discuss the roots of that antisemitism on college campuses and in K-12 schools. Ethnic Studies curricula first developed in the state of California, says Shufutinsky, has led to a generation of anti-Israel and antisemitic students. We also discuss wh
Generation Covid
Andrew speaks with author, filmmaker and former gymnast, Jennifer Sey, who tells her story of being forced out of her very prominent position at Levi Strauss & Co. for her outspoken advocacy of children during the Covid pandemic. We discuss the damage that society inflicted on children due to oppressive restrictions, and how those restrictions have led to mental health issues and unprecedented learning loss, and her upcoming documentary film on the subject, “Generation Covid.”Once a proud progre
Everything's Just Peachy
On this episode Andrew and Beth speak with author Peachy Keenan about her book, Domestic Extremist – A Practical Guide to Winning the Culture War. Keenan speaks of her own conversion from “secular nothingness” and liberal feminism as a young woman to Catholicism and traditional values as a mother and wife. We talk about the role of feminism in our culture and the difference between boys and girls and she shares some of her tips for other parents for raising children with traditional values and f
Teaching Liberty with the Tuttle Twins
Beth and Andrew speak with author and freedom advocate Connor Boyack.Boyack talks about the need for parents to educate their children on the principles of freedom, a subject matter that children are not learning in their schools. We discuss his book series, The Tuttle Twins, and how it helps teach both children and their parents about free markets, liberty and American history. He also previews two upcoming additions to the series, including one detailing some of history’s most notorious villai
Black History v Black Studies
Beth and Andrew speak with educator Donique Rolle on this week's episode. Rolle tells her story of what led her to become a teacher of African American history and how she realized that her our own college courses in African American studies were highly politicized. She explains the difference between African American history courses which focus on truth, facts and research, and African American studies courses which views history through a victim-based ideology.She also shares her views about t
Loudoun Clear
On this episode Andrew speaks with Loudoun County (VA) parent activist Ian Prior about how his local school system became the epicenter of the national parent’s movement in 2021, leading to the surprise election of Glenn Youngkin as governor.Prior shares stories from contentious school board meetings that got national media coverage, including the story of father Scott Smith, whose daughter was sexually assaulted in a school bathroom as a direct result of the Board’s transgender bathroom policie
Civics vs "Action Civics"
Andrew and Beth speak with education analyst, Tom Kelly who talks about his work with the Jack Miller Center advocating for civics education in K-12 schools. We discuss the appalling results of the recently released assessment of eighth-grade students on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) where only 14 percent of students scored proficient in US history and 22 percent in civics.Kelly also explains the difference between traditional civics education focused on America’s foundi
A Liberal Take on the Transgender Cult
This week Beth and Andrew speak with journalist and author Lisa Selin Davis, who shares how she, as a self-described liberal, started being interested in writing about gender and social justice ideology. We talk about her recent expose in The Free Press, “How Therapists Became Social Justice Warriors” and Davis shares her research on how the fields of psychology and psychiatry have been co-opted by critical social justice, and the role that feminization has played in these trends.Davis also talk
Can We Salvage Public Education?
Beth and Andrew speak with educator, political scientist, and author, Rick Hess, who shares his views on whether we can reform our country’s failing K-12 education system.We discuss the appalling results of our public schools in teaching kids reading, math, history and civics, and how they have declined even more since the covid pandemic. Hess talks about how progressive ideology has taken over the education establishment including graduate schools of education and shares his opinions on what we
Weathering the Storm in Transgender Research
Beth and Andrew speak with psychologist J. Michael Bailey, Professor in the Department of Psychology at Northwestern University.Bailey speaks about his more than three decades of research on gender dysphoria, transsexualism and sexual orientation. He also shares his views on the recent explosion of gender dysphoria amongst young people, especially adolescent girls, and whether it is indeed a social contagion. We also discuss his recent experience having his research on Rapid Onset Gender Dysphor
A U.S. Civil Rights Commissioner Speaks on Affirmative Action
On this episode Beth and Andrew speak with Civil Rights Commissioner, Peter Kirsanow, who discusses his background and talks about his four terms on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and its growing political polarization.We also discuss the Supreme Court’s recent decisions overturning affirmative action, including how it might affect the private sector. Kirsanow shares other controversial issues that are being brought to the civil rights commission, including transgender issues and the sexual
When Race Trumps Merit
On this episode Andrew and Beth interview noted author Heather Mac Donald. She was the first to write about elite K-12 private schools being taken over by an obsession with race and identity nearly 20 years before the events of 2020 and the start of the parent’s movement. We also discuss her recently published book, When Race Trumps Merit: How the Pursuit of Equity Sacrifices Excellence, Destroys Beauty and Threatens Lives.Mac Donald talks about how the concept of “disparate impact” and how it i
Catching the Trash: Predatory Teachers
Beth and Andrew welcome in Paul Zimmerman of the Defense of Freedom Institute about his recently released report, “Catching the Trash: Holding Teacher Unions, School Districts, and the U.S. Department of Education Accountable for the Epidemic of Sexual Abuse in Public Schools.”Zimmerman details the alarming rise in reported sexual abuse cases by teachers in public schools in recent years and explains how abusive teachers are allowed to remain in classrooms, being passed from one school district
School Choice Evangelism
Andrew and Beth welcome back school choice evangelist, Corey DeAngelis who updates us on the progress the school choice movement has made in the past year, and takes us on a state by state tour of who has passed “fund students not schools” legislation.Corey explains how teachers unions are typically the barrier to passing school choice bills despite the fact that school choice is overwhelming popular with Americans, both Democrats and Republicans. We also discuss Corey’s new book, Medocrity: 40
The Illiberal Takeover of Healthcare
Every week on Take Back Our Schools we tackle the culture of illiberalism that has permeated our education system. With teachers and administrators now involving themselves with medical decisions and parents' rights to control the care students get, this week we speak with physician and healthcare policy advocate Carrie Mendoza, MD.Dr. Mendoza discusses how the culture has changed our medical system, especially after the events of 2020. She also explains how the “administrative state” within the
Technology and Education: Friend or Foe?
Beth and Andrew speak with education innovator and author Ray Ravaglia about what lead to his founding of the Stanford Online High School back in 2007, and the challenges of using technology to create a robust online school for gifted and talented students.Ravaglia discusses how online learning has changed over the past several decades, and especially since the Covid years. We delve into his current work at the organization, Opportunity Education, and how technology can be used in the classroom
Restorative Education
Education analyst Max Eden joins Andrew and Beth for a wide-ranging discussion on the issues facing today's eductaion system. Eden describes what led to him to a career studying education policy and we discuss his explosive and bestselling book about the Parkland school shooting, which concluded that progressive “restorative justice” policies in the school led to the horrific incident.Eden also gives us an update on the Biden administrations proposed changes to Title IX rules and their impact on
Can Comedy Save DEI?
On this episode, Andrew and Beth speak with comedian and diversity trainer, Karith Foster.Foster shares her views on what is wrong about the way diversity training is done in schools and corporations and talks about her own methodology for DEI trainings, which she calls “inversity.” She explains how comedy can be used in a productive way to bring people together, rather than divide them, as happens in typical DEI trainings. We also discuss the state of comedy in today’s climate of hypersensitivi
Academic Freedom in the Age of DEI
This week Beth and Andrew speak with geophysicist Dorian Abbot, an outspoken activist for academic freedom. Abbot discusses his views on the state of free speech and academic freedom in elite universities in the United States and talks about his own high profile experience of being cancelled from a speech he was supposed to give at MIT because of his outspoken activism against the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) regime.Abbot also shares his scientific views on climate change and whether th
Media and the Parents Movement
On this episode Beth and Andrew speak with Chicago radio host and former Illinois gubernatorial candidate Dan Proft.Proft shares his views on the polarized media environment and how radio has changed in the decade plus that he's been a talk show host. Moreover, Proft also talks about how the parent’s movement has used media to get the story out on the insanity that is happening in our nation’s schools.Proft gives his take on the recent Chicago mayoral election, what it means for the city and the
Take Back the Schools, Take Back the Neighborhoods
This week Beth and Andrew speak with Pastor and community leader, Corey B. Brooks of Chicago. Pastor Brooks discusses the fight against violence gripping the city's poorest neighborhoods. He talks about how progressive policies over the past 60 years have led to a deterioration of black neighborhoods and the destruction of the traditional family.Moreover, Pastor Brooks explains how the loss of religion and the deterioration of schools has impacted the community and how that adds to the allure of
The Fight for Parental Rights
This week Beth and Andrew speak with attorney and activist Will Estrada, who explains what is meant by the term “parental rights” and gives a history of legislation and the important court cases that have impacted the rights of parents.Estrada also discusses his organization’s work fighting for curriculum transparency in our nation’s public schools and the importance of fighting for parental rights at all three levels of government: local school boards, state legislatures and at the federal leve
Stolen Youth
On this episode, Andrew and Beth speak with journalist and author Karol Markowicz, who discusses her brand new book, Stolen Youth, which details how our nation’s children have been under siege from Covid restrictions and the left’s political indoctrination in schools. She also shares her view on what parents must do to raise their own children given today’s political climate and how they can help the fight within their kids’ schools.Karol talks about her own upbringing in the Soviet Union and he
There are Only Two Sexes
On this episode, Beth and Andrew speak with evolutionary biologist Colin Wright. Wright walks us through the controversies around gender and trans ideology from the perspective of an evolutionary biologist and discusses the difference between sex and gender and explains why there are only two sexes: male and female.He shares his views on why so few scientists and doctors are willing to speak up on these issues. That leaves it to the parents and we talk about what they need to know about gender a
Reviving Jewish Classical Education
This week Andrew and Beth speak with Eric Cohen, author and founder of The Lobel Center for Jewish Classical Education where we discuss the importance of classical education for the Jewish community, the differences between classical and progressive schooling and the relationship between classical education and academic rigor. Cohen shares some of the initiatives of his new organization, including partnerships to train Jewish classical teachers and launching a Jewish version of Teach for America
The Great Parent Revolt
On this episode, Andrew and Beth speak with author and education expert Lance Izumi about his new book, The Great Parent Revolt, which highlights the stories of ordinary people that stood up to the against critical race theory and woke indoctrination in their children’s schools. We discuss how these new American heroes come from all walks of life, geographically, politically and socioeconomically. Lance talks about how many of the parents he profiles share one thing in common – an immigrant stor
Proof CRT/Social Justice Ideology is Rampant in America’s Schools
On this episode Andrew and Beth interview professor Eric Kaufmann on his new Manhattan Institute report, “School Choice Is Not Enough: The Impact of Critical Social Justice Ideology in American Education." Eric shares the findings of his comprehensive report and details how critical race theory and radical gender ideology are rampant in American schools, including public, private and religious schools. Eric discusses how this ideology in schools is influencing political beliefs and how it is ass
An Immigrant Defends the American Dream
On this episode Beth and Andrew speak with philosophy professor and author Jason D. Hill. Jason talks about his life as an American immigrant from Jamaica, what led him to the study of philosophy, and his rejection of leftist social justice ideology. He discusses the state of today’s woke college campus, including what is motivating impressionable students, and why most professors are so reluctant to speak up against illiberal trends. We talk about whether higher ed is savable and Jason shares h
Saving My Daughter from the Transgender Cult
In this powerful episode of Take Back Our Schools, Beth and Andrew speak with Mom and children’s advocate, Erin Friday. Erin shares her emotional journey rescuing her own teenage daughter from the cult of transgender ideology. She speaks about the role of sex ed curriculum in schools in introducing children to concepts of gender ideology, and how the isolation from extended school closures during Covid encouraged girls to become lost in a sea of toxic social media and susceptible to social conta
James Lindsay: The Theft of Education
On this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Andrew and Beth speak with author and anti-woke activist, James Lindsay, known on Twitter as @ConceptualJames. James shares his views on how America’s education system was overtaken by revolutionary ideologies based in Marxism and how these ideologies, including critical race theory and queer theory, are manifested in the classroom. We discuss how parents can recognize this transformation of their children’s schools and what can be done to reclaim our co
Get Up and Fight
Andrew and Beth speak with Dr. Elana Yaron Fishbein, founder of the organization, No Left Turn in Education. Elana tells her story of how she became an activist in the parents movement and founded a national “boots on the ground” grassroots organization. She talks about the issues that motivated her to begin speaking up about the crises of K-12 education, including critical race theory and the sexualization of children. She also shares her views on what has changed in the parents movement over t
What is Wrong with Our Schools?
On this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Andrew and Beth welcome teacher and author, Daniel Buck. Daniel talks about his new book, What is Wrong with Our Schools, and shares his own experiences as a student in the progressive echo chamber of education schools and as a teacher. Daniel describes his journey away from progressive education and towards knowledge-based traditional education, especially classical literature. We discuss the importance of student behavior in the classroom and the delet
Can the Classic Learning Test Replace the SAT?
On this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Andrew and Beth welcome classical education innovator Jeremy Tate who talks about his experiences teaching in inner city New York City and what led him to found the Classic Learning Test, a standardized test for classical education that aims to compete with the SAT and ACT. We discuss the differences between classical education and progressive/modern education and Jeremy shares his views on the history of progressive education and of standardized testing
The Collapse of Parenting
Beth and Andrew welcome family physician and author, Dr. Leonard Sax, who shares his views on how both parenting and children have changed over the 30+ years he has practiced family medicine, particularly how the scourge of cell phones, social media and pervasive pornography have impacted our nation’s youth. He also talks about the exploding social contagion of gender dysphoria and trans ideology, especially among girls. Sax passionately implores parents to reclaim their proper role vis-à-vis th
Britain’s Strictest Headmistress
On this episode Andrew and Beth interview “Britain’s Strictest Headmistress,” Kathrine Birbalsingh. Kathrine speaks about the state of education in the U.K., which we compare with our own experiences in the U.S. She discusses what led her to a career in teaching and to forming her own school in London, Michaela Community School. She also shares her views on woke education and how a culture of victimhood is harming children, especially lower income and inner city children. She explains what being
Teacher’s Perspective on the Politicization of our Public Schools
Beth and Andrew welcome former teacher and dissident, Frank McCormick. Frank shares his reasons for why he went into teaching and what led him to become disillusioned with the ideological indoctrination happening in his public high school in Illinois. Frank talks about what critical pedagogy and critical race theory look like in the classroom and the role of teachers unions and school administrators in pushing these Marxist ideologies. Frank also shares his views on what role parents can play in
Stopping the Illiterate Revolution
On this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Beth and Andrew speak with the Nathan Hoffman, one of the leaders of the school choice movement. Nathan talks about how the issue of school choice fared in the recent midterm elections. We discuss the parent movement’s role in the march for school choice and some of the various criticisms of school choice from both woke and non-woke camps. Nathan talks about what a hypothetical Republican presidential administration could do to in 2024 to further school
Pioneers of the Parents Movement
In this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Andrew and Beth speak with parent activist, Betsy Hart. Betsy was, along with our own Beth Feeley, a co-founder of the group Parents of New Trier (now New Trier Neighbors). Betsy and Beth share their stories about being pioneers of the parents rights movement. Betsy talks about what prompted the group's founding more than five years ago, and shares her views on how the parents movement has evolved. We also discuss the recent expose in Mother Jones magazi
Why Are Our Children Hollowed Out?
On this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Andrew and Beth speak with award-winning teacher and author, Jeremy Adams. Jeremy shares his views on why students have rejected the wisdom, culture, and institutions of Western Civilization and have given up on the American Dream. He talks about the breakdown of families and the loss of family-time that his own students are experiencing. We also discuss the damage that cell phones and social media are doing to children and how they have led to isolation
A Reinvention of Catholic Schools
On this episode Beth and Andrew speak with education innovator Stephanie Saroki de García about her formative experiences as a Teach for America member and teaching in one of the most dangerous schools in Oakland, CA. She discusses the network of Catholic charter schools she helped found that combines optional faith-based education along with an academically rigorous curriculum. Stephanie also discusses the challenges today of hiring teachers that are not social justice activists and the difficu
Work, Study, Success – The Cristo Rey Model
On this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Andrew and Beth speak with educator Tony Ortiz about his school, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, which has an innovative work study program which allows low income students in Chicago to get a high quality college preparatory education by working one day per week. Tony discusses the origins of the program, how it has developed and changed over the years and...
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Work, Study, Success – The Cristo Rey Model
On this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Andrew and Beth speak with educator Tony Ortiz about his school, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, which has an innovative work study program which allows low income students in Chicago to get a high quality college preparatory education by working one day per week. Tony discusses the origins of the program, how it has developed and changed over the years and how it inspired a national network of work study schools. Tony talks about the impressive graduatio
Equity, Excellence and Choice
Robert Pondicio On this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Beth and Andrew speak with education policy analyst, author and former teacher Robert Pondiscio. Robert talks about what led him to make a midcareer switch to teaching and opines on the proper role of schools America. We discuss whether equity and excellence in schools can be reconciled or should be considered opposing ideals.
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Equity, Excellence and Choice
On this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Beth and Andrew speak with education policy analyst, author and former teacher Robert Pondiscio. Robert talks about what led him to make a midcareer switch to teaching and opines on the proper role of schools America. We discuss whether equity and excellence in schools can be reconciled or should be considered opposing ideals. Robert shares his views on why some charter school networks have embraced social justice and why others have not, and talks about
Courage is a Habit
On this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Andrew and Beth talk to fellow parent activist, Alvin Lui. Alvin is the founder of Courage Is A Habit, an organization that creates tools and strategies for the average parent, school board candidate, and legislator to take action in defending children from indoctrination in K-12. Alvin discusses his organization’s work exposing aspects social-emotional...
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Courage is a Habit
On this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Andrew and Beth talk to fellow parent activist, Alvin Lui. Alvin is the founder of Courage Is A Habit, an organization that creates tools and strategies for the average parent, school board candidate, and legislator to take action in defending children from indoctrination in K-12. Alvin discusses his organization's work exposing aspects social-emotional learning (SEL) in our schools and explains how SEL is a gateway to teaching critical race theory (CRT)
The Social Contagion of Gender Dysphoria
In this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Beth and Andrew welcome psychotherapist and author Stella O'Malley to talk about the exploding number of teenage girls with gender dysphoria. Stella shares her own difficult childhood experiences growing up thinking she should be a boy and describes her journey to a career in psychotherapy. She talks about why she thinks girls are susceptible to social contagion and the role that both schools and social media play. Stella also illustrates why so few psyc
The Social Contagion of Gender Dysphoria
Photo: Stella O’Malley In this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Beth and Andrew welcome psychotherapist and author Stella O’Malley to talk about the exploding number of teenage girls with gender dysphoria. Stella shares her own difficult childhood experiences growing up thinking she should be a boy and describes her journey to a career in psychotherapy. She talks about why she thinks girls are...
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Empowering Children Through Family, Religion, Education and Entrepreneurship
Photo courtesy Ian Rowe On this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Andrew and Beth welcome education innovator and author Ian Rowe. Ian shares his own personal story coming from an immigrant family which ignited his passion for education. He discusses his framework F.R.E.E. – family, religion, education and entrepreneurship – which serves as an alternative to the toxic and divisive victimhood...
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Empowering Children Through Family, Religion, Education and Entrepreneurship
On this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Andrew and Beth welcome education innovator and author Ian Rowe. Ian shares his own personal story coming from an immigrant family which ignited his passion for education. He discusses his framework F.R.E.E. - family, religion, education and entrepreneurship - which serves as an alternative to the toxic and divisive victimhood narrative currently ascendant in our nation's schools. Ian also talks about the charter high school he cofounded in the Bronx, NY
A Teacher’s Stand Against Racialized Curriculum
Photo courtesy Ramona Bessinger On this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Beth and Andrew welcome Ramona Bessinger, a teacher who bravely spoke out about the racialized curriculum in her school district. Ramona talks about what prompted her to speak up and the push back she got from her school, other teachers, parents and students. She discusses the article she wrote for Legal Insurrection...
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A Teacher's Stand Against Racialized Curriculum
On this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Beth and Andrew welcome Ramona Bessinger, a teacher who bravely spoke out about the racialized curriculum in her school district. Ramona talks about what prompted her to speak up and the push back she got from her school, other teachers, parents and students. She discusses the article she wrote for Legal Insurrection exposing her school's divisive CRT based curriculum and the retaliation she received for writing it. Ramona also shares her views on why it
Drag Queen Chapel and Twitter Censorship
In this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Beth and Andrew welcome back former math teacher, journalist and educational hero, Paul Rossi. Paul discusses his seven week purgatory from Twitter for exposing videos of toxic racial literacy curriculum that has infiltrated private schools across the country. Paul also talks about his recent expose of his former school, Grace Church, where a drag queen...
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Drag Queen Chapel and Twitter Censorship
In this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Beth and Andrew welcome back former math teacher, journalist and educational hero, Paul Rossi. Paul discusses his seven week purgatory from Twitter for exposing videos of toxic racial literacy curriculum that has infiltrated private schools across the country. Paul also talks about his recent expose of his former school, Grace Church, where a drag queen was invited to perform in bi-weekly chapel, and students were pressured to dance along. We also discus
Race Crazy: Charles Love on Clarence Thomas, Black Progressives and Racial Indoctrination in the Classroom
Photo courtesy Charles Love On this free-flowing episode of Take Back Our Schools, Beth and Andrew speak with author, activist and social commentator, Charles Love. We speak about Charles’s involvement in the recent, “ Open Letter Denouncing the Attacks on Justice Clarence Thomas.” Charles shares his views on why black progressives are silent on the racist attacks against Justice Thomas...
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Race Crazy: Charles Love on Clarence Thomas, Black Progressives and Racial Indoctrination in the Classroom
On this free-flowing episode of Take Back Our Schools, Beth and Andrew speak with author, activist and social commentator, Charles Love. We speak about Charles's involvement in the recent, "Open Letter Denouncing the Attacks on Justice Clarence Thomas." Charles shares his views on why black progressives are silent on the racist attacks against Justice Thomas, and what Republicans need to do to engage with the black community and encourage them to join the culture war. Charles also shares his own
Title IX: Endangering Women’s Sports and Attacking Free Speech
On this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Beth and Andrew speak with Bob Eitel about the Biden administration’s proposed changes to Title IX rules. Bob explains how the Obama administration manipulated Title IX to erode due process in favor of kangaroo courts and secret inquiries. He discusses how the Trump administration under Secretary Betsy DeVos reversed the Obama changes, and how the newly proposed Biden rules not only threaten free speech and academic freedom, but trample parental rights a
Inappropriate Sex Ed Turned Me Into an Activist
In this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Beth and Andrew speak with parent activist, Erin Phillips. We learn how discovering the Sex Ed curriculum in her child's school turned Erin into a parent activist and led her to start a national organization focusing on parents’ rights. Erin shares her experiences of leading this growing organization and her advice on how to encourage other parents to get involved. We discuss the power of the teachers unions, and Erin's efforts getting teachers to leave
Talking Education Freedom with Betsy DeVos
On this very special episode of Take Back our Schools, Beth and Andrew speak with former U.S. Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos. We discuss Betsy's lifelong advocacy for education freedom and school choice, and she shares stories of some of the innovative schools she has seen as well as her experiences being the primary target for the powerful teachers unions. We also discuss her effort reforming of the Title IX rules, and the Biden administration's proposed rollback, announced just yesterday,
Training Women To Take Back Their Kids’ Schools
On this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Beth and Andrew speak with parent advocate Kim Borchers. Kim is the President and owner of Bird Dog Recruitment and Consulting LLC, was formerly with the Foundation for Government Accountability, and has spent 20+ years in the grassroots movement. Along the way she also served in politics, serving as a Deputy Chief of Staff for a Midwest governor, is the current RNC National Committeewoman for Kansas and currently advises and directs the Policy Circle’s
Expelled For Speaking Up
In this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Beth and Andrew talk to two courageous mothers, Andrea Gross and Amy Gonzalez. They tell the story of how their children were expelled from their prestigious private school, Columbus Academy (Columbus, OH) because of their advocacy efforts. The two moms founded and organized a group of hundreds of parents, students, alumni, and teachers, called The Pro CA Coalition, to foster positive dialogue with the school and help the school return to a core focus on
Minnows Swimming Against the Hurricane
In this episode of Take Back our Schools, Beth and Andrew welcome social-emotional learning expert, Jason Littlefield. Jason is the founder of EmpowerED Pathways and co-designer of the Empowered Humanity Theory, a framework for life, leadership, and learning. He served as a public educator for twenty-one years and from 2014 to 2021 he was a Social and Emotional Learning Specialist for the Austin Independent School District. Jason is also affiliated with Free Black Thought and The Institute for
School Choice Saved My Life
In this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Beth and Andrew interview Denisha Merriweather, a remarkable young woman who experienced the life-changing impact a quality education can have on a person’s life. Denisha is a former Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program student who is the first in her family to graduate from high school and college. Denisha currently serves as the Director of Public Relations and Content Marketing at the American Federation for Children and is the Founder of Black Mind
A Renaissance of Classical Education
Andrew talk to Jennifer Burns about classical education. Jennifer holds a master’s degree in Marketing from Northwestern University and is a mom to three sons. She left a career in marketing communications to homeschool her son and then in 2004, Jennifer created an enrichment program called H.E.A.R.T. and two years later created a classical hybrid school called Classical Consortium Academy in Illinois. Both H.E.A.R.T. and C.C.A. are going strong today and serve over 350 students. On the podcast,
The Culture War is also a Constitutional War
On this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Beth and Andrew talk to Kim Hermann, one of the country's leading attorneys in the war against woke education. Kim is General Counsel at Southeastern Legal Foundation, one of the nation’s oldest conservative public interest law firms. In addition to representing clients, Kim testifies before state legislatures, has drafted several pieces of model legislation, and regularly publishes legal articles. Her work and that of Southeastern Legal Foundation is re
A Conversation with Bob Woodson
On this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Andrew and new co-host Beth Feeley welcome Robert Woodson Sr. to the podcast. Bob is the Founder and President of the Woodson Center, 1776 Unites and Voices of Black Mothers United. He is an influential leader on issues of poverty alleviation and empowering disadvantaged communities to become agents of their own uplift. Bob is also a frequent advisor to local, state and federal government officials as well as business and philanthropic organizations. Bob
Fighting the Good Fight
On March 30, former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, president of Young America’s Foundation, and former Wall Street Journal reporter and parent activist extraordinaire Asra Nomani, joined Andrew Gutmann to record a live episode of “Take Back Our Schools.” The trio talked about battling a formidable collection of foes in the quest to right the ship: school boards, teacher unions, accreditation organizations and state legislatures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fund Students, Not Systems
On this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Andrew welcomes in Corey DeAngelis to talk about educational freedom and school choice. Corey is the national director of research at the American Federation for Children, the executive director at Educational Freedom Institute, an adjunct scholar at the Cato Institute, and a senior fellow at Reason Foundation. Andrew and Corey talk about legislation being pursued in many states to give parents choice in their children’s education by funding students rat
Curriculum Transparency Legislation
In this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Andrew speaks with Matt Beienburg, Director of Education Policy at the Goldwater Institute. Matt shares his views on the politicization of America's public schools, critical race theory, and the genesis of curriculum transparency legislation, which Matt helped draft. We discuss the key features of this legislation and learn how it will help parents understand what is being taught in their children's schools. We also talk about the intense pushback from t
The Glass is Half Full
In this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Andrew speaks with parent advocate Beth Feeley. We discuss Beth's journey from concerned parent in suburban Chicago to founding New Trier Neighbors, one of the largest and most active local parent groups in the country. Beth shares her views on the state of public school education and how the parent movement has changed in the five years she has been involved in her local school district. Beth also gives her advice to other parents fighting against ident
Inside the Woke Indoctrination Machine
In this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Bethany and Andrew talk to Paul Rossi. We discuss Paul's journey from high school math teacher to education activist and learn how he went viral for exposing critical race theory at the prestigious New York City private school at which he taught. We also discuss his recent op-ed in The Wall Street Journal (co-authored with our own Andrew Gutmann) entitled "Inside the Woke Indoctrination Machine." Paul discusses the 100 hours of leaked video he and Andrew
Twitter Censorship and Broken Education
In this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Bethany and Andrew talk to Daniel Buck, middle school English teacher and co-founder of the website, The Chalkboard Review. We discuss Twitter's recent censorship and deplatforming of The Chalkboard Review account as well as Daniel's views on how to fix our education system. We also ruminate over the this week's decision of several blue state governors to finally relax mask mandates in schools. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/a
Exposing the Danger of Social Emotional Learning
In this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Bethany and Andrew interview Jennifer McWilliams, a parent advocate and expert on the proliferation of social emotional learning (SEL) in our nation's schools. We learn about the relationship between SEL and critical race theory (CRT), how parents can recognize SEL in their children's schools, and Jennifer walks us through why SEL is so dangerous to our children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Stop Hurting Our Children
In the latest episode of Take Back Our Schools, Bethany and Andrew interview Dr. Jennifer Reesman, a specialist in pediatric neuropsychology about the damage that unnecessary covid restrictions are doing to our nation’s children. We discuss how school and other closures have impacted educational outcomes and the mental health of children, and Dr. Reesman offers her views on the resiliency of kids. We also talk about Dr. Reesman’s (and Bethany’s!) own advocacy in Montgomery Country, Maryland, fig
Parents Matter: Erika Sanzi on the Fight to Reclaim Public Schools
In this episode of Take Back Our Schools, Parent Defending Education’s Erika Sanzi talks about her own experiences as a teacher, concerned parent, local school board member and as one of the leaders of the exploding parents movement. Sanzi, who has been in this fight longer than almost anyone else, also shares her views on the perverse incentives of the teachers unions. Plus Bethany and Andrew discuss Bethany’s new book series for children, Heroes of Liberty. (For a special 5% discount use the p
Rory Cooper on the Uprising of Parents and Virginia’s Election
In the latest episode of Take Back Our Schools, Bethany and Andrew interview political strategist and father of three, Rory Cooper, about the recent election of Glenn Youngkin as Virginia’s new governor. We discuss Rory’s experiences organizing parents against Covid school closures and the role that parents played in the recent election. Bethany and Andrew also talk about the enormous damage Covid policies are doing to our children and discuss whether the new “Omicron” variant will shut down sch
Suzy Weiss on America’s Woke Baby Bust and the Explosion of Homeschooling
Bethany and Andrew interview journalist Suzy Weiss about her two recent pieces for Bari Weiss’s Common Sense Substack. We discuss Suzy’s reporting on how young woke women are eschewing having babies and even getting sterilized, many under the guise of social justice. We also talk about the proliferation of the homeschooling movement in America due to the broadening dissatisfaction with the public school system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Introducing Take Back Our Schools
In the inaugural episode of Take Back Our Schools, hosts Bethany Mandel and Andrew Gutmann introduce the podcast, talk about Bethany’s proclivities for homeschooling, Andrew’s viral letter to the parents of New York City’s the Brearley School and the Biden administration’s divisive labeling of parents as “domestic terrorists.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices