Episode Summary
In this powerful episode, we welcome Dr.Michelle Pledger, an educator, speaker, and advocate whose work centers on culturally responsive living and teaching. Michelle shares how integrating mindfulness into daily life and classroom practice can deepen cultural awareness, foster genuine connections, and create spaces where all identities are honored.
As the Founder of Living for Liberation and Director of Liberation at the High Tech High Graduate School of Education, Dr. Pledger shares what it means to truly center liberation in education. From disrupting systemic inequities to designing culturally responsive learning environments, her insights challenge us all to rethink the purpose of education.
We also discuss her new book, LIBERATE! Pocket-Sized Paradigms for Liberatory Learning, and how educators can take practical steps toward creating affirming, justice-centered classrooms.
What We Cover
00:00 – Welcome + introduction to Dr. Pledger
02:26 – Turning pain into purpose
03:23 – The healing power of dancing and movement
10:26 – “Sometimes I just do things just to see if I can”
30.23 – How to partner with Michelle
30:48– Highlights from LIBERATE! and how educators can use it
31:05 – Subscribe to Liberation Love Letter31:17 – Anchor, Breathe, Check-in, Do It
Resources & Links
Dr. Michelle Pledger’s Book: LIBERATE! Pocket-Sized Paradigms for Liberatory Learning → https://michellepledger.com/books-%26-resources
Listen to Dr. Pledger’s Podcast: The U&U Podcast: Unearthing & Uplifting
→ https://michellepledger.com/the-u%26u-podcast
Learn More About Living for Liberation:
→ https://michellepledger.comStay Connected
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Website: https://www.joymeetspain.com/
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