Skip to main content
Ayodele Speaks

Ayodele Speaks

By Ayodele Harrison

Husband. Father of 2. Black Male Educator. This podcast offers you a peek into my world of thinking.
Available on
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

I don’t know why daughter is failing pre-Algebra

Ayodele SpeaksJul 29, 2021

00:00
25:48
Are Black Male Educators spending too much time with Students?

Are Black Male Educators spending too much time with Students?

New survey data released by DonorsChoose states that “Black male teachers spend more time mentoring and counseling students than any other demographic.” This is great. And, I wonder, by spending so much time with students, are they missing out on opportunities for personal growth and professional development. I discuss this and more in this episode. Enjoy
May 20, 202227:14
Self-Confidence - What are the key ingredients?

Self-Confidence - What are the key ingredients?

Self confidence can be defined in a lot of different ways under many different circumstances and situations. When thinking about self-confidence is the face of ambiguity, uncertainty, complex, what are the ingredients for self-confidence? Well, I explore a few, such as emotional intelligence, lives experience and others) in this episode. Take a listen.
May 12, 202222:04
Coming to terms with Pain - Part 2

Coming to terms with Pain - Part 2

In this episode, part 2, I share some new thinking about how I hope to better communicate my pain to others AND how to create brave spaces where Black men can more effectively come to terms with and manage their “pain”.
May 09, 202226:24
Coming to terms with Pain - Part 1

Coming to terms with Pain - Part 1

I have been away for a bit, so I decided to drop a two part series on the topic of pain. In the this episode, I share my recent experience coming to terms with pain. It’s not that I’ve never felt pain, its just that the way I classify it has been heavily influenced by my upbringing and socialization in these here United States of America. Take a listen.
May 09, 202217:50
What would I prefer less of in my life?

What would I prefer less of in my life?

Sounds like a simple question. Yet, it is difficult for me to answer. In this episode I explain why. Enjoy!
Mar 24, 202217:17
More Armor Won’t Help Me

More Armor Won’t Help Me

In this episode, I reflect on some advice my chiropractor gave me concerning how best to prevent a chronic injury from occurring. Spoiler Alert: Their answer was less stress in your life, not a new stretch or strength routine.
Mar 17, 202213:48
Journey in Leadership- the learning curve is real

Journey in Leadership- the learning curve is real

Im in the process of launching a project that will expand the services and reach of BMEsTalk, while deepening our impact. All that said, I’m learning a lot while on this journey. Take a listen.
Mar 04, 202216:57
Judgement vs Evaluation - my inner voice needs work

Judgement vs Evaluation - my inner voice needs work

In this episode I talk a bit more about my journey to cultivating my inner voice. No one talks to me more than myself.
Feb 24, 202222:09
“What’s the difference between being a Black principal or anyone else I don’t get it?”

“What’s the difference between being a Black principal or anyone else I don’t get it?”

I respond to title of this episode and more in this week’s episode.
Feb 17, 202220:13
Growing my “Coaching Tree”!

Growing my “Coaching Tree”!

I want my tree to full of successful Black men educators inspired to reach their full potential.
Feb 10, 202215:41
Taking an “L” is ok, but it’s not ok to ask for help.

Taking an “L” is ok, but it’s not ok to ask for help.

Let’s celebrate. It is now ok for us men to admit we took an “L” (a loss, failed, came up short). This is definitely progress, but we still are having a hard time asking for help. I’m having a hard time asking for help. Even when the stakes are at their highest.
Feb 03, 202239:47
I was too afraid to lead, so I left.

I was too afraid to lead, so I left.

I haven’t been completely honest with myself. I was afraid that I wasn’t smart enough. I was afraid that I didn’t have the skills or know how to lead a team of adults. I was afraid that I would not be able to work with colleagues that didn’t see/view instruction the way I did.
Jan 27, 202223:21
It’s time to take up space!

It’s time to take up space!

As a large Black man, I am always conscious of the way I inhabit physical spaces. That awareness, I’m learning, has kept me safe AND has stunted my growth. Take a listen.
Jan 20, 202228:09
Virtual Learning in my house is done!

Virtual Learning in my house is done!

It’s been two weeks of virtual learning and my 7 year old daughter is falling apart. In this episode, I explain more and share my solution, for now.
Jan 14, 202216:36
All Black men means “ALL” Black men

All Black men means “ALL” Black men

In this episode, I share a little bit of my learning journey to ensure that ALL Black men in education feel welcome, seen and valued on our affinity spaces.
Jan 06, 202223:41
3 Foundational Practices of a Racial Equity Practitioner

3 Foundational Practices of a Racial Equity Practitioner

In this episode, I share what I learned “ear-hustling” a conversation my wife had with one of her clients. The three practices are: Noticing, Holding Space and Accountability. Tap to hear more.
Dec 16, 202117:49
Thank you Youth Sport Coaches

Thank you Youth Sport Coaches

In this episode, I share my gratitude for the College Park Parks & Rec facilitating fabulous youth sport leagues around the city.
Dec 09, 202113:19
Free the MONEY - stop forcing Black educators to work in your schools

Free the MONEY - stop forcing Black educators to work in your schools

In this episode, I talk about professional development opportunities and accompanying stipends (or loan forgiveness) that are offered to Black educators in exchange for long term commitments to work in a particular type of school or district.
Dec 02, 202121:14
Critical Feedback - drives innovation

Critical Feedback - drives innovation

In this episode, I reflect on some critical feedback James and I received concerning the delivery of the BMEsTalk Leadership Lab. The feedback pushed us to examine what we do in the lab and rethink the way we describe the work. The sharp, yet constructive feedback from past participants was needed, welcomed and was the fuel we needed to take the lab to next level. Take a listen.
Nov 18, 202127:19
We are more than 2% - Let’s articulate a new narrative together

We are more than 2% - Let’s articulate a new narrative together

Black Male Educators are DOPE! Research statistically proves our positive impact on students. However, in this episode, I stress the need for a new narrative that talks about why we are so dope.
Oct 28, 202117:37
Play through the Pain - Parenting/coaching a 7 year old

Play through the Pain - Parenting/coaching a 7 year old

In this episode, I talk about the challenge of parenting a 7 year old when my default is to always encourage her to push through the pain.
Oct 21, 202138:12
Warrior in a Garden

Warrior in a Garden

In this episode m, I explore the quote, “I’d rather be a warrior in a garden than a gardner a war”.
Oct 14, 202117:10
Life Lessons: Walking to school in the rain.

Life Lessons: Walking to school in the rain.

I drop my kids off to school in the mornings and pick them up. Are they missing out on life lessons not having to walk to school or ride the bus.
Oct 07, 202126:50
Black men seek fellowship and more

Black men seek fellowship and more

In this episode, I talk about the importance of Black men fellowshipping with one another and it being the doorway to lasting relationships, greater self examination and self improvement.
Sep 30, 202122:20
Imposter Syndrome among Black Men

Imposter Syndrome among Black Men

In this episode, I talk about feeling the like an imposter when I am among a new group of Black men. This one is interesting. Enjoy!
Sep 23, 202126:09
Something Different: white supremacist culture is alive and well

Something Different: white supremacist culture is alive and well

In this episode, I talk about the work of Tena Okun, a Racial Equity Trainer, whose work centers around “white supremacist culture”. I discuss how I am beginning to integrate her work with mine.
Sep 04, 202134:11
Simone, Naomi, and Sha’Carri

Simone, Naomi, and Sha’Carri

In this episode, I talk about confidence/certainty, mental wellness and the “yips”.
Sep 02, 202123:07
Workforce Development - who are we kidding?

Workforce Development - who are we kidding?

In this episode, I talk about what’s missing in the workforce development industry and how that is harming Black people, specifically educators.
Aug 26, 202131:47
Groundwork: Dismantling White Supremacy can wait

Groundwork: Dismantling White Supremacy can wait

In this episode, I talk about how schools will never become equitable places of learning if the people running them avoid exploring their own identity.
Aug 19, 202117:18
COVID Chronicles: Back to virtual learning

COVID Chronicles: Back to virtual learning

In the episode, I share why I think we will be returning to hybrid, if not 100% virtual learning by Labor Day.
Aug 12, 202118:12
Building Relationships with Students: It takes more than handshakes and correctly pronouncing names

Building Relationships with Students: It takes more than handshakes and correctly pronouncing names

In this episode, I talk about ways I built healthy relationships with students before I meet them in person.
Aug 05, 202113:01
I don’t know why daughter is failing pre-Algebra

I don’t know why daughter is failing pre-Algebra

In this episode, I talk about a recent conversation I had with a friend who has a teenage daughter failing pre-Algebra. She can’t seem to understand why, since her daughter is testing through the roof on math aptitude assessments. I provide a possible explanation.
Jul 29, 202125:48
Let’s talk about Racial Affinity Groups

Let’s talk about Racial Affinity Groups

In this episode, I spend some time talking about the benefits Black educators (and their students) receive when they consistently engage in Racial Affinity Groups
Jul 26, 202126:11
Im so grateful for Summer Camp

Im so grateful for Summer Camp

In this short episode, I express my gratitude for all the youth Summer Camp administrators and leaders. I have a 7 year old daughter and during the summer of 2020, my household experienced cabin fever. So this summer, with camps open, my daughter has a safe place to make new friends, learn about the history of Black artists, swim and exercise all that energy God gifted her.
Jul 15, 202109:04
Beliefs, values and ideas can be trash, but not people.

Beliefs, values and ideas can be trash, but not people.

In this episode, I talk about how some people feel the need to say they like you, just prior to saying how they don’t like your stance on a particular topic or the way you handled a situation. Are they afraid that if they disagree with me, I would take that as an attack on my personhood? What’s up with that?
Jul 08, 202109:42
I never wanted to be a school principal.

I never wanted to be a school principal.

In this episode, I talk how there is more to leading in education, than becoming a school principals. I never wanted to be one and I’m finding many other Black men in education who feel the same way.
Jul 01, 202113:22
We need Truth and Reconciliation

We need Truth and Reconciliation

In this episode, I talk about the healing that power of the Truth and Reconciliation process.
Jun 24, 202133:42
Summers Off - Don’t get it twisted, we workin’

Summers Off - Don’t get it twisted, we workin’

In this episode, I talk about the incomplete truth that teachers and educators have the summer off.
Jun 24, 202113:16
Workforce Development: Is it causing more harm?

Workforce Development: Is it causing more harm?

In this episode, I share a short conversation Natasha (my wife and President/CEO) and I had concerning the responsibility incubators, non-profits, and other entities have when trying to support people of color and people from under resourced communities, with entering “professional” spaces that have historically been unwelcoming to them.
May 27, 202111:22
I’m an awkward “Girl Dad.”

I’m an awkward “Girl Dad.”

In this episode, I talk about the awkwardness of attending play dates and other social activities with my daughter and being one of 2 (or only) guy there.
May 20, 202128:09
Self compassion might be the most important form of self care.

Self compassion might be the most important form of self care.

In this episode, I talk about an awakening I had one day listening to the song “Cranes in the Sky” by Solange. It started me down a path of thinking that my self care practices needed to include exercising more self compassion.
May 13, 202121:29
Exploring our Blackness: The power of Racial Affinity Groups

Exploring our Blackness: The power of Racial Affinity Groups

In this episode, I spend a moment reflecting on my experience participating in a Black centered affinity group. Over the course of four (4) 75-min meeting, all we did was bask in our Blackness and it felt great!
May 06, 202126:11
 Where can school leaders turn for help and support?

Where can school leaders turn for help and support?

In this episode, I reflect on a recent Facebook post from a school leader seeking advice on how to honor/remember students who tragically died in a car accident at their upcoming graduation ceremony. I “give flowers” to our school leaders facing challenges like these every year while trying to build equitable world-class learning communities.
Apr 29, 202116:10
“Cold calling” ain’t for the faint of heart

“Cold calling” ain’t for the faint of heart

In this episode, I talk about the necessary task all sales people and consultants do at some point in their career - cold calling. I get really nervous every time I sit down to go thru my aspiring client list. Tap play to listen to how I navigate through each call and a success story from the other week.
Apr 23, 202124:45
Access doesn’t necessarily mean equity

Access doesn’t necessarily mean equity

In this episode, I share my thoughts on a comment I heard a school board member make during a recent board meeting concerning high students having access to a wider variety of courses via the districts virtual school platform.
Apr 15, 202123:55
You ain’t recruiting Black teachers with that ad!

You ain’t recruiting Black teachers with that ad!

In this episode, I react to seeing a very deficit minded social media advertisement that was intended to invite Black professionals to start their journey towards becoming a teacher. Very disappointed. Take a listen.
Apr 08, 202114:46
Do Not Disturb: Visioning in progress

Do Not Disturb: Visioning in progress

In this episode, I share about how I am using Spring Break to vision the next steps in my work with Black Male Educators. I want to design, build and lead a learning and leadership institute. I’m using the Camelback Ventures and Echoing Green fellowship applications to help me move my vision from the back of my head onto paper (or the computer screen). Writing has never been easy for me, but I have learned over the years to welcome an optimistic attitude during the process.
Apr 08, 202117:54
Transformative work requires intimacy

Transformative work requires intimacy

In this episode, I talk about how transformation begins when we start infringing upon and crossing personal boundaries. The topic of this episode comes from a passage in a book called Sexual Intelligence authored by Dr. Marty Klein.
Mar 25, 202121:52
“I wish you well” - One fiercely compassionate and life saving phrase

“I wish you well” - One fiercely compassionate and life saving phrase

In this episode, I share a brief story about an interaction I recently had with a neighbor and how I used the statement, “I wish you well,” to save my day.
Mar 12, 202112:08
It’s like we’re seen as barbarians

It’s like we’re seen as barbarians

In this episode, I answer the question, “How do you get Black Male Educators to be open, honest and authentic during your BMEsTalk professional learning experiences?”
Mar 04, 202134:59