Calling In with Loretta Ross

Calling In with Loretta Ross

Author: Andrew Lefkowits, Val Brown, Courtney Mykytyn December 3, 2025 Duration: 1:02:54
The Integrated Schools Podcast
KidsKids & FamilyCultureEducationFamilyParentingSelf ImprovementSocietySociety & Culture
We’re joined by MacArthur “Genius” and legendary activist Dr. Loretta Ross for a conversation that left us grounded, challenged, and deeply moved. From her early work in reproductive justice and anti-violence movements, to her current mission disrupting “call-out culture,” Dr. Ross offers us a path forward rooted in grace, accountability, and radical love. We explore what it means to “call in” rather than call out—especially in an era where public shaming feels ever-present and social media rewards outrage. Dr. Ross shares her personal story of trauma, healing, and transformation, and helps us understand how real change happens not through perfection or purity, but through connection and curiosity. Together we unpack the power of holding ourselves and others accountable without dehumanizing. We talk parenting, public schools, and what it means to stay in the struggle without breaking our link in the “chain of freedom.” Whether you’re navigating tricky conversations in your school community or trying to show up better in the fight for justice, this episode is for you. LINKS: Calling In: How to Start Making Change with Those You'd Rather Cancel - Dr. Ross's new book (https://bookshop.org/a/18658/9781982190798) What If Instead of Calling People Out, We Called Them In? - NY Times Article about Dr. Ross's work (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/19/style/loretta-ross-smith-college-cancel-culture.html?smid=url-share&unlocked_article_code=1.5k8.FdWT.To52fmpJVCqh) What Is A Good Parent? Blog post by NY Chapter member, Meredith Winfrey (https://integratedschools.org/what-is-a-good-parent/) Mothers of Massive Resistance: White Women and the Politics of White Supremacy - Dr. Elizabeth McRae (https://bookshop.org/a/18658/9780190088392) Ep 11 – White Women and the Politics of White Supremacy - Dr. McRae's 1st time on our show (https://integratedschools.org/podcast/mcrae/) S5E14 - White Supremacy and Black Educational Excellence - Dr. McRae's 2nd time on our show (https://integratedschools.org/podcast/ncsd/) Send us a voice memo: speakpipe.com/integratedschools Check out our Bookshop.org storefront to support local bookstores, and send a portion of the proceeds back to us. 9https://bookshop.org/shop/IntegratedSchools) Join our Patreon to support this work, and connect with us and other listeners to discuss these issues even further. (https://www.patreon.com/integratedschools) Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for video versions of our episodes. (https://www.youtube.com/@integratedschools) Let us know what you think of this episode, suggest future topics, or share your story with us – IntegratedSchools on Facebook, @integratedschools on Instagram and TikTok, or email us podcast@integratedschools.org. The Integrated Schools Podcast was created by Courtney Mykytyn and Andrew Lefkowits. This episode was produced by Andrew Lefkowits and Val Brown. It was edited, and mixed by Andrew Lefkowits. Music by Kevin Casey. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It’s easy to talk about school integration in the abstract, but what does it actually look like on the ground for families navigating these choices every day? The Integrated Schools Podcast moves beyond theory into the messy, personal realities of race, parenting, and educational equity. Hosted by Andrew Lefkowits, a White dad from Denver, and Val Brown, a Black mom from North Carolina, along with co-author Courtney Mykytyn, this podcast centers conversations that deliberately sit with discomfort and complexity. Each episode brings in voices from across the spectrum-parents making tough school decisions, educators in the trenches, researchers, and community organizers-to explore why our schools remain so segregated and what it truly means to work toward integration. You’ll hear candid stories about navigating predominantly white spaces, confronting personal bias, and the small, daily actions that either challenge or uphold systemic inequities. This isn’t a podcast offering easy answers; instead, it provides a necessary space to listen, reflect, and engage with the nuanced layers of a deeply entrenched issue. The dialogue here is built on the belief that honest, sometimes difficult talk is a prerequisite for meaningful change, both in our schools and in ourselves.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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