SUMMARY:

In this conversation, Brent shares his journey from ministry to education philanthropy, offering deep insight into the role of love, community, and collaboration in transforming education. Set against the backdrop of Fort Worth’s innovative philanthropic efforts, the discussion explores how addressing both social needs and academic performance is essential for student success.

The episode sheds light on the realities educators face in today’s political climate, the emotional toll of social media, and the urgent need for community support and authentic connection in schools. Brent and the hosts highlight the power of high expectations, equity, and pronoia—the belief that the world is conspiring for good—to reshape the narrative in education. Through stories and insights, they call for a collective responsibility to support educators and ensure every child is seen, supported, and given the chance to thrive.

TAKEAWYS:

• “Love is such an essential ingredient in the mix.” True educational impact starts with love—for students, for the work, and for one another.

• “We don’t have to choose between those.” Social needs and academic performance are not competing priorities—they must be addressed together.

• “The world is conspiring for you.” In a time of uncertainty, embracing pronoia can help educators and students stay grounded in hope.

• “It's borderline criminalized to even talk about it.” Navigating today’s political climate requires courage and a commitment to honest conversations about student needs.

• “There’s a community out there that values your work.” Educators are not alone—when communities come together, lasting change is possible.

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Power of Love in Education
03:54 Brent's Journey into Education Philanthropy
06:51 Understanding the Role of Philanthropy in Education
11:30 Bridging the Gap: Philanthropy and Educators
19:10 Collaborative Approaches in Philanthropy
26:10 The Importance of Academic Performance and Social Needs
32:22 Integrating Love into Education
38:27 Expectations and Bias in Education
39:48 Navigating Expectations and Curiosity
40:45 The Impact of Social Media on Personal Well-being
48:11 Challenges in the Education System
54:18 Focusing on Kids Amidst Political Turmoil

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Oxygen for Educators is produced by Ripplemaker Project and proudly sponsored by Tacky Box.

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In this episode, Chris and Michelle introduce the brilliant Dr. Laura Latta, Executive Director of the Tulsa Higher Education Consortium—who Chris has aptly nicknamed “the queen of collaboration.”

From there, Michelle and Laura dive into a powerful conversation about leading with empathy in education. Laura shares her belief that education is people work, not a system where you plug in inputs and expect predictable outcomes. It’s human, relational, and deeply complex.

They explore how psychological safety creates space for innovation, how communities of practice can break through isolation, and why reclaiming teacher agency is essential. Laura reminds us that educators are icons, innovators, and often the “parent profession”—creating something from nothing every single day.

Highlights from the conversation include:
✨ “It just takes one friend.”
✨ “Teaching is the parent profession.”
✨ “You can reclaim agency in your work.”
✨ “Education is people work.”

Chris and Michelle return at the end to unpack the conversation and reflect on the heart of Laura’s message. This episode is a meaningful reminder of the emotional depth, creativity, and community that fuel the work of educators every day.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Creating Spaces for Recognition

03:37 Introducing Dr. Laura Lata

04:30 Laura's Journey in Education

08:14 Balancing Perspectives in Education

11:34 Communities of Practice in Higher Education

13:23 Real-World Examples of Collaboration

19:28 Navigating Bureaucracy and Tradition

28:21 Addressing Educator Exhaustion

34:09 Fostering Psychological Safety for Innovation

43:11 Facilitating Authentic Conversations

47:10 Reclaiming Educator Agency

54:20 The Heart of Education: Connection and Community

57:52 Celebrating the Role of Educators

01:00:23 Reflections on the Conversation

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Oxygen for Educators is produced by Ripplemaker Project and proudly sponsored by Tacky Box.

Follow on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/oxygen-for-educators/id1775510846

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2i21QueuqVqmEPmI7gzFfQ?si=1bef3354bff2402c

Follow on Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/podcast/Oxygen-for-Educators/B0DKL68DLX?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEdbuPy-L7p4RZKZ_VWKCXwK_j8vbjZF2&si=7SHeSWZRllrseygs

Website: https://www.tackybox.com/podcast

Thank you to our sponsor, Tacky Box!

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