Angie Lawless and I go way back. She was my co-host on a previous podcast before life got busy and we both went in completely different directions. But we made time to catch up again to talk about how she’s running for office in Nashville!

So we sat down and talked through everything. How she got here, what finally pushed her to jump in, and what she’s actually seeing behind the scenes. We get into what campaigning actually looks like, what people in her district really care about, and why so much of politics feels disconnected from real life.

We do not agree on everything, and we don’t try to pretend we do. But the conversation doesn’t fall apart because of that, which honestly feels rare nowadays.

If you’ve ever wondered what it actually takes to run for office, or what’s happening behind the scenes of a campaign, this is a real look at it.

Angie is the democratic candidate for TN State House 59 and Election Day is August 6th. Be sure to follow along with Angie on Instagram @angielawless4tn and support her campaign at angielawless.com.

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Liz Durham Instagram | Website
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Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

It’s just me today, and yes… we’re talking about homework again. But this time, I’m not just venting, I’m actually getting to the root of why it bothers me so much.

Because I don’t think this is about worksheets or math pages. I think it’s about how we’re trying to force every kid into the same mold, and what happens when they don’t fit it.

In this episode, I break down the difference between kids who thrive in structured, detail-oriented environments and the ones who are wired completely differently… the ones who need to move, build, explore, and learn in a way that doesn’t involve sitting still for eight hours a day.

I talk about:

• Why homework feels like it’s cutting into the only real family time we have
• The “beaver vs. bower bird” personality types and why that matters more than we think
• How traditional school systems reward one type of kid and frustrate the other
• My own experience with homeschooling, procrastination, and how I actually work best
• Why I think making homework optional could change everything (for kids and teachers)
• And what it looks like to actually lean into how your kid is wired instead of fighting it

This is me trying to put words to something a lot of kids feel but don’t know how to say. They’re not “problems.” They’re just different.

And if we don’t start paying attention to that, we’re going to keep crushing the very traits that might matter most later in life.

If you agree, disagree, or think I’m completely off here… I want to hear it.

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Liz Durham Instagram | Website
Subscribe Apple Podcast | Spotify

Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

It’s just me today, and I’m saying something I know not everyone is going to agree with… kindergarteners should NOT have homework.

I’ve been thinking a lot about how much structure, pressure, and constant direction kids are under now, starting earlier and earlier, and how little space is left for them to just be kids. To play, to be outside, to figure things out on their own without someone telling them what to do every second of the day.

This isn’t about being anti-school or anti-teacher. It’s about asking whether we’ve pushed things too far, especially for five and six year olds.

I also get into the idea that not all kids are wired the same. Some thrive in structured, sit-down environments while others don’t. And when we force all of them into the same box, especially after they’ve already been at school all day, it’s no surprise things start to break down at home.

So this is me laying out my thoughts childhood, family time, and what we’re prioritizing… whether we realize it or not.

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Liz Durham Instagram | Website
Subscribe Apple Podcast | Spotify

Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production