The Xenolearn Podcast

Odile was the Executive Director of Wapikoni, an organization that teaches filmmaking to Indigenous Youth across Canada and around the world, for three years. Wapikoni travels to Indigenous communities with fully equipped mobile studios to empower Indigenous Youth and encourage them to find their voices. In this episode, Odile shares the importance of narrative sovereignty, how access and mobility allow Indigenous communities to feel agency over their stories, and the power of storytelling as a tool for societal change. Discover the incredible impact of Indigenous filmmaking and the beautiful meaning of the name behind the organization "Wapikoni". You'll be inspired to see the world differently and find a new appreciation for storytelling, filmmaking, and indigenous empowerment.

(Wapikoni has recently announced that Odile Joannette is stepping down from her position as Executive Director. We want to congratulate her on all of her hard work and dedication to Wapikoni over the years.) 

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To learn more about Wapikoni and to discover thousands of Indigenous short films, videos, musical recordings and animations by Indigenous creators, check out the links below.

Sara Bradford is a children's book author, known by her  pen name SJ Childs. Her storybooks help children learn about and understand the experiences of individuals with dyslexia, down syndrome,  autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, physical differences, and more. Today, Sara reads a passage from two of her books, Ana The Kitten, and DJ the Bear. Together, we learn the importance of including storybooks with characters that have special extraordinary needs and educating  children about physical and neurological differences. This heartwarming conversation will inspire you to buy her storybooks and learn more about  physical differences, extraordinary needs, and neurodiversity.

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To learn more about SJ Childs, buy her books and follow her on social media, check out the links below:

Joe is a 30 something gay Latinx man in the United  States on a journey exploring, educating, and highlighting Latinx,  BIPOC, and marginalized leaders. He hosts a podcast called My Latinx Life, where  he chats with community leaders in a cozy environment, similar to your mom's kitchen. In this episode, we talk about the Latinx change-makers  that Joe has interviewed, the impact of telling and sharing their  stories, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces BIPOC  communities in healthcare. Joe is charismatic and captivating as he  describes the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives at his work  (Seattle Children's Hospital), the experience of bonding over chips and  queso, and why his identity as a Texan will always be close to his  heart. Close your eyes and let yourself be carried away by Joe's voice  and his stories!

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Listen to My Latinx Life Podcast! 

Modeste is a youth support worker, a proud father, and  the National Policy & Grant Coordinator of We Matter. We Matter is a Canadian, Indigenous youth-led organization dedicated to Indigenous youth support, hope and life promotion. Overwhelmed by the number of suicides and other issues Indigenous youth face, brother and sister  Kelvin and Tunchai Redvers founded We Matter in 2016. They wanted to create a space that connects Indigenous youth across Canada and provides  support and love through culture and sharing. In this episode, Modeste takes us on a journey through time, giving context for the challenges  and crises faced by Indigenous youth, while encouraging listeners to explore We Matter's mental health resources, life promotion services,  and its ambassadors of hope program. We end on an uplifting note as Modeste's describes his love for jigging, a traditional Indigenous-Metis  form of dance that's fulfills his artistic, competitive, and cultural sides. We hope that our Xenolearners take a lot from this episode, and  as We Matter would say, remember that you are AMAZING!

[TW: This conversation includes discussions about and/or references to mental health, indigenous history, colonization, residential schools, suicide, and suicide prevention.]

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Learn More About We Matter:

Dr. Ken Fong started a podcast in 2015 at the suggestion of a colleague because Asian American voices were missing from the conversation. Since 2015, Ken's weekly podcast explores the cultural, artistic, historical and spiritual aspects of Asian American Communities. In this episode, we ask Ken about the value of creating  affirming spaces for Asian Americans, how the "model minority" stereotype is a double-edged sword, and the importance of seeing people,  not as half-this and half-that, but whole human beings. From stories about creative feats, to spirituality, and building bridges, this episode will re-invigorate your sense of self and have you embracing and  celebrating your identity and your culture.

Alex is the Founder of STEMAZINGltd. STEMAZING’s mission is to ignite  inspiration and amplify inclusion in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). As a Chartered Mechanical Engineer with over 15 years’ Industry experience, she has experienced the benefits of more diverse teams but also the barriers to diversity and inclusion. In this  episode, we talk about the importance of nurturing and encouraging young girls to explore the possibilities and wonders of science and  technology, how mentoring young women to become aspiring scientists and engineers also empowers the women already in STEM, and the power that diversity can bring to problem-solving the crises our planet is facing. Embrace your differences and champion diversity and inclusion with this (STEM)amazing conversation! Keep up the momentum from International Women's Day and support Women in STEM!

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Theresa Kauffeld, known by her childhood nickname Theo, is the  Co-founder of Equalista, the world's first mobile learning app helping  users to understand and act on gender equality. In this episode of The  Xenolearn Podcast, Theo explains what gender equality is and why there  is still a lot of work to do towards gender equality. Learn tips to  challenge gender inequality as it’s happening, like asking questions or  using body language or speaking out. Equalista is here to guide you  through this learning process with new courses and glossaries for  everyone. You won't want to miss this educational and encouraging  conversation just in time for International Women's Day on Monday, March  8th, 2021!

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Download Equalista on the App Store right now!
New Courses  available now! Equalista is also offering a special promotion (for  German App Store Users)on International Women's Day, March 8th!

Ama is a passionate photo-journalist based in Ottawa,  Canada. In this episode, she comes onto the podcast to share her literary debut, "Djribo: The Little Story to Galvanize the Troops".  Djribo is a snapshot of Afro-Canadian experiences, cultures and  communities, and especially, Black excellence and celebration. You'll  hear Ama entice us with a short passage from her book, paint a picture  of the sounds and sights of Vanier, and talk about the importance of  supporting Black, African and Afro-Carribean writing, music, art, etc.,  because there is neither enough, nor should there be a limit. Close your eyes and let Ama's voice take you away on a trip that will leave you feeling inspired and full of hope for a world where everyone is seen and  celebrated.

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Buy Djribo (bilingual edition) this spring!  And Follow her on Facebook and Instagram to follow her journey,  photography and activism.

Rudy, Arantxa, Gilberto and Minke all participated in  the Xenolearn Book Club Fundraiser for Nederland Wordt Beter. Together,  we read "Wij Slaven van Suriname" (We Slaves of Suriname) by Anton de Kom. De Kom's book is an account of decolonial history, and reveals the  experience of the oppressed across the Caribbean and adds to our  understanding of struggles against slavery, imperialism and racism. In this round-table discussion, we discuss the story of Suriname and slavery, talk about our feelings reading the book, and connect the  legacy of colonialism with systemic racism today. This episode is a  fascinating glimpse into the power of dialogue and hearing different  perspectives. You'll feel awakened and inspired to educate yourself,  take action and discover how you can support BIPOC communities and help to dismantle systemic racism.

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Read "We Slaven van Suriname" by Anton de Kom

Leroy is an antiracism and cultural literacy educator  based in London, Ontario, Canada. He joins us on this episode of The  Xenolearn Podcast to discuss his work addressing racial inequalities,  challenging stereotypes, and teaching cross-cultural understanding. With  compassion and kindness, Leroy explains that it is ok to recognize  physical differences, including skin colour. But it is what we do when  we see those differences that determines the world we live in. You'll  want to listen to this episode twice because Leroy shares so many  valuable lessons about antiracism, learning from our mistakes, and  appreciating human differences.

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Stay in touch with Leroy and continue the conversation!

Harriet is the founder of a global youth lead organization that focuses on gender equality, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability called Global Learning for Sustainability. She joins us this week on the podcast to talk about the importance of breaking down gender stereotypes, destigmatizing physical disability, and representative leadership. Above all, Harriet believes that accepting and celebration differences should be the highest priority, because diversity cannot be stopped, but discrimination can be stopped. 

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Stay in touch with Harriet and Global Learning for Sustainability by following them on social media!

Fareeha, Holly, Stephanie and Sinai have two things in common: 1. They are all teachers, and; 2. They all breathed a sigh of relief after the American Election in November 2020.  We asked them how the American election has impacted their classrooms, and how they create a diverse and inclusive space for all students to learn and feel affirmed. We talked for hours and hours, so we've decided to edit our interviews into 2 parts.

Part 1, last week’s episode, was about the election and the challenges of teaching in The United States of America over the last four years.

Part 2, this episode that you are listening to right now, is about specific tools and practices used by our teachers to create diverse and inclusive classrooms in which all students feel affirmed and respected. They share fantastic and informative insights, experiences, and advice. Teachers, parents and curious minds alike will learn a lot from this episode.

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Books and Resources Recommended by our Teachers:

Fareeha, Holly, Stephanie and Sinai have two things in common: 1. They are all teachers, and; 2. They all breathed a sigh of relief after the American Election in November 2020.  We asked them how the American election has impacted their classrooms, and how they create a diverse and inclusive space for all students to learn and feel affirmed. We talked for hours and hours, so we've decided to edit our interviews into 2 parts. 

Part 1, that you are listening to right now, is about the election and the challenges of teaching in The United States of America over the last four years.  In this episode, listeners will be taken on an emotional rollercoaster as these teachers share their feelings, experiences and challenges of teaching in The United States of America under the Trump Administration. 

Part 2, next week's episode, will be about specific tools and practices used by our teachers to foster a safe and respectful environment to learn about diversity, equity and inclusion. Stay tuned for Part 2 on December 2nd, 2020. 

A big thank you to the kind, generous and thoughtful teachers that share their time and experiences with The Xenolearn Podcast to make this interview series possible. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela

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Support Xenolearn and Buy a Postcard with a Personalized Message!

When Xenolearn began in April 2020, it was a two-sided PDF with a simple mission: try to make the world safer for human differences. Today, eight months later, Xenolearn is a thriving virtual learning hub! We have hosted 3 Book Clubs, interviewed 10 experts, teachers and advocates for our podcast, curated over 1500 resources for students and teachers, and donated €500 to diversity and inclusion organizations!

And this is just the beginning! We have big plans for Xenolearn in 2021. But to show our appreciation to our committed and passionate community of Xenolearners, we are selling Xenolearn Thank You Postcards for €12!

Tayfun is a historian, researcher, writer and community  organizer. He is also a Project Coordinator at The Hague Peace Projects for their Dutch, Armenian, Kurdish, Turkish (DAKT) workgroup. In this week's  episode, we ask Tayfun about his latest research project "Muslims on TV"  in partnership with Stichting Nieuw Wij and Republiek Allochtonië. He shares the lessons he's learned along the way and urges listeners to think critically about the narratives they see, include Muslims in  the research, production and presentation of the news, and hold media outlets accountable to represent a more holistic picture of Muslims in our communities. 

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Links to resources mentioned in this episode

Muslims on TV / Moslims Op TV:

Berber is a professional story-teller and founder of the tour company  "Tours that Matter". She joins us this week to talk about the power of  stories and their ability to connect humans across boundaries and  differences. She starts the show with a captivating story about love, betrayal and overcoming hurt, that will enthrall you. From feminist stories, to female comedians, to Anne Frank  and beyond, listen to Berber as she explains that stories are what make  us human. If you live in the Netherlands or plan to visit, don't  miss your chance to take a tour with Tours that Matter and see a  different side of Amsterdam than you've ever experienced before!

To learn more about Berber and Tours That Matter, check out the links below: 

Logan is a world-traveller with 84 stamps in his  passport. He joins us on the podcast this week to talk about growing up  as a third-culture kid, the experience of immigrating, debunking  stereotypes through travel and how you can travel too. Listen to us play  a little game to get us started, his experience returning to his home  country of Vietnam, and an amazing story set in Saudi Arabia. You will  be inspired to pack your bags and experience the world for yourself!

Find Logan on Instagram and check out his YouTube videos.

Welcome to The Xenolearn Podcast! Where we ask the  question, “If you could teach the next generation one thing, what would  it be?

For our very first episode, we are honoured to welcome  Christine Boucher. Christine is a retired high-school English teacher.  She spent most of her 31-year career at a small Catholic French high  school in London, Ontario, Canada. She shares some very insightful  experiences and lessons about teaching, and particularly, the power of  connecting with people where they are at, both in the literature they  read, and in their relationships in and outside of the classroom.

Let us know what you think! We would love to hear your feedback on the  content, conversation and how we can improve our sound quality. And if  this podcast resonated with you, please like, comment, tweet and share this with your friends or on social media!