From Street Shooter to Independent Filmmaker: Will Adams' Journey

Legacy and Innovation in Black Education. Healing Through Community ft. Dr. Alexis Riley

In this episode of Black Representation in the Curriculum, Dr. Alexis Riley discusses her work centered on the legacy, innovations, and healing of Black women science teachers. She shares her journey as a first-generation college student, the challenges she faced, and the importance of womanist pedagogy in education. The conversation highlights the need for more Black representation in medicine and the critical role of community in supporting Black educators. In this conversation, Alexis Riley shares her educational journey from a magnet school to her experiences in medical internships, ultimately leading to her transformation from a chemistry major to a sociology major. She discusses the importance of Black feminist theory and critical race theory in understanding systemic oppression and the significance of counter narratives in social justice. The dialogue emphasizes the need for diverse perspectives in academia and the power of storytelling in challenging dominant narratives. About Dr. Alexis D. Riley: Alexis D. Riley, Ph.D. (she/her) is a teacher-educator, writer, and Stevie Wonder enthusiast. She is a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor at New York University-Steinhardt in the Teaching & Learning Department, in the Science Education Program. Originally from South Central Los Angeles, CA, Alexis earned her Ph.D. in Science Education from Teachers College, Columbia University in the Fall of 2021. She received her MS.Ed at Fordham University in 2013 and her B.A. in Sociology from the University of California - Santa Barbara in 2011. Alexis has been faculty at California State University - Los Angeles, Barnard College, and Relay Graduate School of Education as an Assistant Professor and Adjunct Assistant Professor, respectively. Alexis’ research has prioritized the legacy, innovations, and healing of Black women teachers by placing their instinctual and improvisational teaching skills at the center of science education. She has major publications in journals such as Review of Educational Research, the Journal of Research in Science Teaching, the Journal of Science Teacher Education, Cultural Studies of Science Education, and Race Ethnicity, and Education. She served on the Board of Directors for the ASTE, Alexis has used her position to push the science education field to meet the unique realities of teachers and students of color. Her research and scholarship are heavily informed by her decades' worth of experience as a secondary Science and History teacher, and curriculum and instruction specialist in public and charter schools in Harlem and Brooklyn. Link to publications [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1E5tDImylcTq36asYgisPdCObpCo6UwtA] About the Host: Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan, ED.D. Researcher, professor, curriculum design expert.I currently hold the Brenda B. Brodie Endowed Chair for Teacher Education inthe School of Education at North Carolina Central University. Learn more about me and my research on my websites andYouTube channels. For more information visit my websites: Personal Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://drcatherinequinlan.com⁠⁠⁠ [https://drcatherinequinlan.com] Visibility In STEM: ⁠⁠⁠https://visibilityinstem.com/⁠⁠⁠ [https://visibilityinstem.com/] TEDx Talk: The ClarityWe Need For Belonging: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be] Recent Academic Book: Black Representation in the ScienceCurriculum: Implications for Identity, Culture, Belonging, and CurriculumDevelopment. ⁠⁠⁠https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193] Keystone Passage,Chapter Series Book: ⁠⁠⁠https://keystonepassage.com⁠⁠⁠ [https://keystonepassage.com] Check out the podcast: Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6IlAjleK06X35gdoGqylGH⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/6IlAjleK06X35gdoGqylGH]   YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@drcatherinequinlan⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@drcatherinequinlan]   Apple:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-representation-in-the-curriculum-conversations/id1785560564 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-representation-in-the-curriculum-conversations/id1785560564]   Music: ⁠⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/649118d6-1db7-4273-aa01-bfd495703f71/learning-for-truth-and-love⁠⁠⁠ [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/649118d6-1db7-4273-aa01-bfd495703f71/learning-for-truth-and-love]   iHeart Radio: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-black-representation-in-th-248725998/ [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-learning-for-truth-and-lov-248725998/]

Community Connections and Supporting Students ft. Ebony Burnett

In this episode, Ebony Burnett shares her journey from growing up in poverty to becoming a candidate for the Guilford County Schools Board of Education. With over 24 years of experience in education and community engagement, she emphasizes the importance of addressing basic needs, mental health support, and community involvement in education. Ebony discusses the challenges faced by students in Guilford County, including disparities in academic outcomes and the need for safe adults in schools. She encourages community members to support local schools through volunteering and mentorship. In this conversation, Catherine Quinlan and Ebony Burnett explore the systemic challenges faced by underfunded communities, particularly focusing on the historical impact of redlining and the importance of empowering these communities through education and resources. They discuss the role of after-school programs in providing safe spaces for youth, the need for partnerships with educational institutions, and the significance of civic engagement in amplifying community voices. The dialogue emphasizes the necessity of addressing basic needs to foster meaningful participation in local politics and community development. About Ebony Burnett: Ebony Burnett is a passionate community leader, educator, and advocate dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families. With more than 20 years of experience in education, youth development, and community engagement, she currently serves as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at a local education-focused non-profit in Guilford County. Ebony leads collaborative efforts that connect schools, businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders around student success and economic mobility. A former teacher and longtime YMCA leader, Ebony is known for bringing people together to turn big ideas into meaningful action. Her work has focused on expanding access to high-quality out-of-school time programs, strengthening family and community partnerships, and helping create systems that better support young people from cradle to career. Ebony has received numerous honors for her leadership and impact, including the Community Empowerment Leader Award from the Lieutenant Governor, the Excellence in Leadership Award from the YMCA, and recognition as one of the Triad’s 40 Under 40 Most Influential African Americans. At the heart of her work is a simple belief: every child deserves a champion. When she’s not building partnerships or advocating for students, Ebony enjoys leadership conversations, community events, affordable family adventures, and finding ways to make serious work feel a little more human. About the Host: Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan, ED.D. I am a researcher, professor, and curriculum design expert.I currently hold the Brenda B. Brodie Endowed Chair for Teacher Education in the School of Education at North Carolina Central University. Learn more about me and my research on my websites andYouTube channels. For more information visit my websites: Personal Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://drcatherinequinlan.com⁠⁠⁠ [https://drcatherinequinlan.com] Visibility In STEM: ⁠⁠⁠https://visibilityinstem.com/⁠⁠⁠ [https://visibilityinstem.com/] TEDx Talk: The ClarityWe Need For Belonging: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be] Recent Academic Book: Black Representation in the ScienceCurriculum: Implications for Identity, Culture, Belonging, and CurriculumDevelopment. ⁠⁠⁠https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193] Keystone Passage,Chapter Series Book: ⁠⁠⁠https://keystonepassage.com⁠⁠⁠ [https://keystonepassage.com] Check out the podcast: Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6IlAjleK06X35gdoGqylGH⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/6IlAjleK06X35gdoGqylGH]   YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@drcatherinequinlan⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@drcatherinequinlan]   Apple:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-representation-in-the-curriculum-conversations/id1785560564 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-representation-in-the-curriculum-conversations/id1785560564]   Music: ⁠⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/649118d6-1db7-4273-aa01-bfd495703f71/learning-for-truth-and-love⁠⁠⁠ [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/649118d6-1db7-4273-aa01-bfd495703f71/learning-for-truth-and-love]   iHeart Radio: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-black-representation-in-th-248725998/ [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-learning-for-truth-and-lov-248725998/]

From Street Shooter to Independent Filmmaker: Will Adams' Journey

In this episode of Black Representation in the Curriculum, host Catherine Quinlan engages with filmmaker Will Adams, discussing his journey as an independent filmmaker, the creative challenges he faces, and the inspiration behind his latest project, 'Tube-e Movie'. The conversation delves into the unique aspects of independent filmmaking, the importance of satire, and the influences that shaped his work. Will shares insights into the collaborative process of filmmaking, the significance of representation, and his future projects, emphasizing the need for creativity and authenticity in storytelling. In this conversation, independent filmmaker Will Adams shares his journey in the film industry, emphasizing the importance of being multifaceted as a creator. He discusses the freedom of independent filmmaking, the significance of storytelling, and the empowerment of female characters in his works. Adams reflects on his writing journey, the challenges he faced, and the lessons learned along the way, ultimately highlighting the universal appeal of comedy and the importance of strong narratives. In this conversation, Will Adams shares his unique creative process in filmmaking, discussing how he transitions from TV to film, the influence of his Chicago roots on storytelling, and the challenges faced in the industry. He emphasizes the importance of character development, persistence, and the evolving role of AI in storytelling. The discussion concludes with insights on the future of filmmaking and the significance of being prepared and efficient on set. About Will Adams: Will Adams is an award-winning Chicago filmmaker, director, and producer and the founder of Lokekey Productions, a fiercely independent production company dedicated to bold urban storytelling and amplifying new voices in film. Known for turning limitations into launchpads, Adams has built a reputation for creating high-quality, thought-provoking films regardless of budget or circumstance. His early feature films, Sex Ain’t Love and Step Off the Block, established him as a fearless voice in relationship dramas and urban coming-of-age stories. During the COVID-19 shutdown, he pivoted quickly, launching the viral digital series Plight of the Independent Filmmaker, proving that creative resilience can outpace industry disruption. In 2024, Adams expanded into sharp satire with Tube‑E Movie, a comedy that skewers streaming culture and the “so-bad-it’s-good” movie trend. The film earned festival buzz at the Urban Film Festival and Chicago IndieCon, further solidifying his reputation for culturally relevant storytelling with a comedic edge. Across short films, features, and digital series, Adams blends hard-hitting drama with razor-sharp comedy, consistently platforming underrepresented talent and stories. With multiple projects in development for 2025, he continues pushing the boundaries of independent cinema — proving that visionary storytelling is fueled by perseverance, not permission. https://lokekey.com [https://lokekey.com] View 2024 Tube‑E Movie for free on Plex [https://watch.plex.tv/movie/tube-e-movie?utm_campaign=share_metadata&utm_content=668a507a0cb48e8681b23af5&utm_medium=Plex+for+iOS&utm_source=dt&utm_term=351712165] About the Host: Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan, ED.D. I am a researcher, professor, and curriculum design expert. I currently hold the Brenda B. Brodie Endowed Chair for Teacher Education in the School of Education at North Carolina Central University. Learn more about me and my research on my websites and YouTube channels. For more information visit my websites: Personal Website of Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan: ⁠⁠⁠https://drcatherinequinlan.com⁠⁠⁠ Visibility In STEM: ⁠⁠⁠https://visibilityinstem.com/⁠⁠⁠ TEDx Talk: The ClarityWe Need For Belonging: [⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be⁠⁠⁠] Recent Academic Book: Black Representation in the Science Curriculum: Implications for Identity, Culture, Belonging, and Curriculum Development. [⁠⁠⁠https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193⁠⁠⁠] Keystone Passage, Chapter Series Book [⁠⁠⁠https://keystonepassage.com⁠⁠⁠] Check out the podcast: Spotify [⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6IlAjleK06X35gdoGqylGH⁠⁠⁠] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@drcatherinequinlan⁠⁠⁠] ⁠⁠⁠ Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-representation-in-the-curriculum-conversations/id1785560564] Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/649118d6-1db7-4273-aa01-bfd495703f71/learning-for-truth-and-love⁠⁠⁠] iHeart Radio [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-black-representation-in-th-248725998/]

The Cost of Being ‘Strong’: Black Women, Burnout, and Unlearning Everything ft. Dr. Whitley Grant-Goodman

In this insightful interview, Dr. Whitley Grant-Goodman discusses the mental health challenges faced by Black women, including racial trauma, burnout, and identity issues. She shares practical strategies for organizations and individuals to foster psychological safety, set boundaries, and challenge harmful stereotypes, emphasizing the importance of unlearning societal narratives and promoting self-care. About Dr. Whitley Grant-Goodman: Dr. Whitley Grant-Goodman is a therapist, speaker, and organizational wellness advocate dedicated to helping high-achieving Black women navigate burnout, boundaries, relationships, and the pressures of constantly being “the strong one.” With over a decade of experience in mental health and higher education, she specializes in creating conversations around racial trauma, emotional wellness, psychological safety, and sustainable success for Black women in both personal and professional spaces. Through her work as a clinician and speaker, Dr. Grant-Goodman helps individuals and organizations move beyond survival mode and build environments that support healing, authenticity, and well-being. She is passionate about helping Black women redefine success in ways that prioritize rest, community, and mental health without sacrificing ambition. Dr. Grant-Goodman is available for speaking engagements, workshops, panels, and organizational trainings focused on mental wellness, burnout prevention, psychological safety, and the experiences of high-achieving Black women. Whitley Grant-Goodman, PhD | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitleygrantgoodman/] Calendar Link: Consult Call [https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ1EC1TUVVVBvMdSn84x93sOtL-y00Kp_1-joFPXH3VDWXQjROPXNygR7qhwtV8Q1ygyDUHyRE4B] Website: www.whitleygrantgoodman.com Healing While Black Journal: Healing While Black: A Self-Guided Journal for Navigating Racial Trauma | Whitley Grant Goodman [https://www.whitleygrantgoodman.com/product-page/healing-while-black-a-self-guided-journal-for-navigating-racial-trauma] About the Host: Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan, ED.D. I am a researcher, professor, and curriculum design expert.I currently hold the Brenda B. Brodie Endowed Chair for Teacher Education inthe School of Education at North Carolina Central University. Learn more about me and my research on my websites andYouTube channels. For more information visit my websites: Personal Website of Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan: ⁠⁠⁠https://drcatherinequinlan.com⁠⁠⁠ [https://drcatherinequinlan.com] Visibility In STEM Education Consultant/Services: ⁠⁠⁠https://visibilityinstem.com/⁠⁠⁠ [https://visibilityinstem.com/] TEDx Talk: The ClarityWe Need For Belonging: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be] Recent Academic Book: Black Representation in the ScienceCurriculum: Implications for Identity, Culture, Belonging, and CurriculumDevelopment. ⁠⁠⁠https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193] Keystone Passage,Chapter Series Book: ⁠⁠⁠https://keystonepassage.com⁠⁠⁠ [https://keystonepassage.com] Check out the podcast: Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6IlAjleK06X35gdoGqylGH⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/6IlAjleK06X35gdoGqylGH]   YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@drcatherinequinlan⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@drcatherinequinlan]   Apple:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-representation-in-the-curriculum-conversations/id1785560564 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-representation-in-the-curriculum-conversations/id1785560564]   Music: ⁠⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/649118d6-1db7-4273-aa01-bfd495703f71/learning-for-truth-and-love⁠⁠⁠ [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/649118d6-1db7-4273-aa01-bfd495703f71/learning-for-truth-and-love]   iHeart Radio: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-black-representation-in-th-248725998/ [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-learning-for-truth-and-lov-248725998/]

Creating Inclusive School Cultures Through Brain Science ft. Dr. Lisa Riegel

In this episode of Black Representation in the Curriculum, Dr. Lisa Riegel discusses her journey from teaching to leadership in education, emphasizing the importance of neuroscience in understanding student engagement and behavior. She highlights the need for collective identity and belonging in schools, particularly for Black students, and how cultural values impact educational practices. Dr. Riegel advocates for creating safe and supportive learning environments that foster motivation and engagement, while also addressing the challenges teachers face in implementing these changes. In this conversation, Lisa A Riegel and Catherine Quinlan explore the critical themes of self-awareness, teacher effectiveness, parent engagement, cultural sensitivity, and the impact of societal assumptions on education. They discuss the importance of understanding the underlying fears that drive teacher behavior, the need for genuine partnerships between parents and schools, and the significance of adapting educational practices to align with diverse cultural values. The conversation emphasizes the role of brain science in fostering emotional safety and transformative change in educational leadership. About Dr. Lisa Riegel: Lisa Riegel started her career in education, driven by one goal: to help people reach their potential. Over time, she realized that fulfillment—whether in a classroom, company, or community—comes from understanding how the brain drives behavior and how systems shape success. That discovery became the foundation for her life’s work. As an educator, researcher, and author, she has spent two decades helping schools, leaders, parents, and organizations align brain science with human systems—creating cultures where people feel connected, capable, and in control of their growth. Dr. Riegel earned dual bachelor's degrees in English and Secondary Education from Kent State University. She holds a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from Otterbein University and a Ph.D. in Education Policy and Leadership from The Ohio State University. Her work has appeared in peer-reviewed journals and she has authored five books, including her two latest books, NeuroWell, and Aspirations to Operations, focused on brain science and how we can leverage it to help people become happier, healthier, and more successful. Book links NeuroWell [https://www.amazon.com/NeuroWell-Applying-science-supportive-proactive/dp/B0F1N5DJQF/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3ORFCI0CWVKDM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1rvkCzcpZVc5v4zfiscWcqhoKA77iMp2Nly7PzX7Ag5dIlUwv_UErOpgFNICR33LN56yZ_EwqRand5ANI-c3GPvIquUXRxFuklmhVjoW5p4.r-guZTmqiuIMGPZGX8NkhZ49x_L7kUyc4R9IpUYh8k0&dib_tag=se&keywords=lisa+riegel&qid=1775500135&sprefix=lisa+riegel%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-1] Aspirations to Operations [https://www.amazon.com/Aspirations-Operations-leaders-making-transformative/dp/B0GHF3P15G/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3ORFCI0CWVKDM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1rvkCzcpZVc5v4zfiscWcqhoKA77iMp2Nly7PzX7Ag5dIlUwv_UErOpgFNICR33LN56yZ_EwqRand5ANI-c3GPvIquUXRxFuklmhVjoW5p4.r-guZTmqiuIMGPZGX8NkhZ49x_L7kUyc4R9IpUYh8k0&dib_tag=se&keywords=lisa+riegel&qid=1775500135&sprefix=lisa+riegel%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-2] Stop Doing What Doesn't Work [https://www.amazon.com/Stop-Doing-What-Doesnt-Work/dp/1987698495/ref=sr_1_3?crid=30TTDXLJRNQMO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1rvkCzcpZVc5v4zfiscWcqhoKA77iMp2Nly7PzX7Ag5dIlUwv_UErOpgFNICR33LN56yZ_EwqRand5ANI-c3GPvIquUXRxFuklmhVjoW5p4.r-guZTmqiuIMGPZGX8NkhZ49x_L7kUyc4R9IpUYh8k0&dib_tag=se&keywords=lisa+riegel&qid=1775500194&sprefix=lisa+riegel%2Caps%2C158&sr=8-3]Author page: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=lisa+riegel&crid=30TTDXLJRNQMO&sprefix=lisa+riegel%2Caps%2C158&ref=nb_sb_noss_2 About the Host: Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan, ED.D. I am a researcher, professor, and curriculum design expert.I currently hold the Brenda B. Brodie Endowed Chair for Teacher Education inthe School of Education at North Carolina Central University. Learn more about me and my research on my websites andYouTube channels. For more information visit my websites: Personal Website of Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan: ⁠⁠⁠https://drcatherinequinlan.com⁠⁠⁠ [https://drcatherinequinlan.com] Visibility In STEM Education Consultant/Services: ⁠⁠⁠https://visibilityinstem.com/⁠⁠⁠ [https://visibilityinstem.com/] TEDx Talk: The ClarityWe Need For Belonging: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be] Recent Academic Book: Black Representation in the ScienceCurriculum: Implications for Identity, Culture, Belonging, and CurriculumDevelopment. ⁠⁠⁠https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193] Keystone Passage,Chapter Series Book: ⁠⁠⁠https://keystonepassage.com⁠⁠⁠ [https://keystonepassage.com] Check out the podcast: Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6IlAjleK06X35gdoGqylGH⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/6IlAjleK06X35gdoGqylGH]   YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@drcatherinequinlan⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@drcatherinequinlan]   Apple:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-representation-in-the-curriculum-conversations/id1785560564 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-representation-in-the-curriculum-conversations/id1785560564]   Music: ⁠⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/649118d6-1db7-4273-aa01-bfd495703f71/learning-for-truth-and-love⁠⁠⁠ [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/649118d6-1db7-4273-aa01-bfd495703f71/learning-for-truth-and-love]   iHeart Radio: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-black-representation-in-th-248725998/ [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-learning-for-truth-and-lov-248725998/]