In this episode of Moving Forward: Conversations on Culture, Identity, Healing, and Hope, Linda Anderson talks with award-winning historian and author Ann Bausum about her powerful new book, White Lies: How the South Lost the Civil War, Then Rewrote the History.

Ann grew up in Lexington, Virginia—the heart of Lost Cause mythology—and the daughter of a college history professor. Surrounded by monuments and messages that glorified the Confederacy, she spent her childhood reading, writing, collecting stories, and developing a fascination with history and current events. Those early experiences—segregated schools, integrated classrooms, and a front-row seat to the civil rights era—sparked a lifelong commitment to uncovering truth and creating books that challenge inherited myths.

With seven starred reviews, White Lies exposes the most successful propaganda campaign in American history and reveals how distorted narratives about the Civil War continue to shape textbooks, monuments, and national identity.

In our conversation, we explore:

• How Ann’s Southern upbringing inspired this book
  

• The 20 “white lies” at the heart of the Lost Cause
  

• Why myths like “the Civil War was about states’ rights” persist
  

• How misinformation shapes young people and communities
  

• What personal reckoning looks like when history contradicts family tradition
  

• Where Ann sees examples of truth-telling, healing, and hope
  

White Lies is written for teens but essential for readers of every age who want to understand how history gets rewritten—and how truth can help us move forward

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Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay

Podcast produced by Ury Gonzalez

In this episode of Moving Forward: Conversations on Culture, Identity, Healing, and Hope, Linda Anderson sits down with Dr. Anthony Muhammad—one of the most influential voices in education and organizational culture.

A former teacher and award-winning principal, Dr. Muhammad helped transform Levey Middle School into a National School of Excellence, where student proficiency more than doubled in five years. Today, as CEO of New Frontier 21 Consulting, he supports schools and organizations across the globe in building healthier, more inclusive cultures.

Together, we explore:

• What healthy culture looks like—and why it matters in every field
  

• How leaders can heal divisions and rebuild trust
  

• The role identity plays in creating belonging
  

• Practical strategies for collaboration and equity
  

• What gives Dr. Muhammad hope about the future of leadership
  

Whether you’re an educator, a leader, or someone committed to building stronger communities, this conversation offers powerful insight into how real change happens—and how each of us can begin moving forward with courage, clarity, and hope.

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Facebook: @Linda Unrath-Anderson

LinkedIn: @Linda Anderson

Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay

Podcast produced by Ury Gonzalez

Guests: Norma Rodarte, School Counselor Vidushi Agrawal, High School Senior and Student Leader

“The seeds we plant—through service, hope, and care—continue to grow long after we’ve moved on.”

🌿 Episode OverviewIn this heartfelt episode, host Linda Anderson reconnects with two inspiring changemakers—Norma Rodarte and Vidushi Agrawal—whose shared vision transformed an idea into a sanctuary of belonging. The Wellness Room at Oliveira Elementary School was once a dream Linda envisioned during her time as principal: a space where students and staff could pause, breathe, and heal. That dream has taken shape through the compassionate collaboration of Norma and Vidushi.

Together, they share how empathy, mentorship, and student leadership can create ripples of healing that extend far beyond the classroom.

💬 In This Episode

• How a high school student and a school counselor partnered to bring a dream to life
  

• The “Through Your Lens” philosophy and its power to honor every individual’s story
  

• The role of culture, identity, and compassion in creating inclusive school communities
  

• Lessons on trust, teamwork, and growth across generations
  

• How student voice can lead lasting change in education
  

🌸 About the GuestsNorma Rodarte is a compassionate school counselor at Oliveira Elementary, known for her “Through Your Lens” approach to supporting students and staff. Her work centers on empathy, belonging, and emotional wellness—helping children see themselves as valued and capable.

Vidushi Agrawal is a high-school senior whose leadership, creativity, and commitment to service have inspired peers and mentors alike. Her Gold Award project brought the Wellness Room to life, blending her passions for science, service, and the arts into a lasting contribution to her community.

💫 Key Themes

• Culture & Identity: Understanding how lived experiences shape connection and inclusion.
  

• Healing & Hope: Creating physical and emotional spaces that nurture resilience.
  

• Mentorship & Student Voice: The transformative power of intergenerational collaboration.
  

🕊️ Closing ReflectionAs Linda shares in the outro, “Even in retirement, seeing this vision come to life reminds me that the seeds we plant continue to grow long after we’ve moved on.” This episode reminds listeners that purpose transcends position—and that when we lead with compassion, we create spaces that heal hearts and inspire others to do the same.

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Facebook: @Linda Unrath-Anderson

LinkedIn: @Linda Anderson

Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay

Podcast produced by Ury Gonzalez

In this deeply personal and inspiring conversation, host Linda Anderson reconnects with her longtime friend and classmate, General Gustave F. Perna—a retired four-star general who served 38 years in the United States Army with honor, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to mission and people.

From their shared roots on an 8th-grade student council to leading at the highest levels of the military and national response during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gus reflects on the values that guided his life: character, accountability, mentorship, and purpose.

Now, as the Founder and CEO of Perna Consulting and a board member across multiple industries—technology, health, defense, and beyond—he continues to apply his leadership philosophy to help organizations move from evolutionary to revolutionary.

Together, Linda and Gus explore the meaning of service, the importance of defining your “why,” and the hope that comes from building strong, principled communities—whether on the battlefield, in business, or in everyday life.

Takeaways

• Leadership begins early—the seeds of character are planted long before titles or promotions.
  

• Mentorship matters—being guided by others and paying it forward is how leadership sustains itself.
  

• Hope fuels resilience—even in crisis, staying anchored in purpose allows us to keep moving forward.
  

• Culture and accountability—great organizations are built on trust, shared values, and integrity.
  

This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about authority—it’s about authenticity, service, and compassion. From student council to the Pentagon, General Perna’s story illustrates how culture, identity, healing, and hope all intersect in the journey toward purposeful leadership.

If you have a comment or question please email us at themovingforwardpodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on:

Instagram: @lluande1

Facebook: @Linda Unrath-Anderson

LinkedIn: @Linda Anderson

Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay

Podcast produced by Ury Gonzalez

In this episode, I talk with Kim Wallace who has more than 30 years of experience in education. Kim began her career as a high school English and history teacher, later becoming a site principal, district administrator, and superintendent of one of California’s largest school districts. Today, she serves as Associate Director of the 21st Century California School Leadership Academy at UC Berkeley’s School of Education and leads her consulting company, Process Makes Perfect, helping leaders across industries navigate systems change and create meaningful impact.

Kim is the author of two books — Leading the Launch and Leading Through an Equity Lens — and her upcoming book, Game-Changing Leadership in Action, explores how we can lead with purpose and courage in any field or setting.

In our conversation, we’ll explore what it really means to create cultures of belonging, lead through uncertainty, and move forward with hope — whether you’re leading a team, a classroom, a company, or simply yourself through life’s transitions.

Contact Information for Kim:

• Professional Education Consulting- Process Make Perfect

• Book - Leading the Launch; Leading Through an Equity Lens; Game Changing Leadership in Action

• Berkeley School of Education

If you have a comment or question please email us at themovingforwardpodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on:

Instagram: @lluande1

Facebook: @Linda Unrath-Anderson

LinkedIn: @Linda Anderson

Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay

Podcast produced by Ury Gonzalez

In this episode of Moving Forward: Conversations on Culture, Identity, Healing, and Hope, we welcome Dr. Limone Collins—Allergy and Immunology physician, retired military and federal leader, and trusted consultant in vaccine safety and public health.

A graduate of Morehouse College and Meharry Medical College, Dr. Collins has devoted his career to advancing science, protecting communities, and guiding national conversations on vaccine safety. From his leadership as Chief of Vaccine Safety and Evaluation at the Defense Health Agency to co-authoring more than 18 peer-reviewed articles, his impact spans medicine, military service, and community health.

In this rich conversation, Dr. Collins reflects on:

• How his experiences at Morehouse and Meharry shaped his identity as a physician and researcher.

• Lessons from military service about leadership, resilience, and service to others.

• Balancing scientific rigor with hope, healing, and clear communication.

• How cultural identity influences medicine, public health, and community understanding.

• What younger generations of healthcare leaders can learn from his journey.

• A personal message of hope about resilience for the future.

Even in retirement, Dr. Collins continues to consult, lending his voice and expertise to ensure that communities are informed, protected, and inspired to move forward. His story is a reminder that a life of service leaves a legacy of healing and hope.

Listen now to be inspired by Dr. Collins’ wisdom, experience, and vision.

If you have a comment or question please email us at themovingforwardpodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on:

Instagram: @lluande1

Facebook: @Linda Unrath-Anderson

LinkedIn: @Linda Anderson

Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay

Podcast produced by Ury Gonzalez

In this episode of Moving Forward – Conversations on Culture, Identity, Healing, and Hope, I sit down with Sri Narayanan, founder of Kodely and co-creator of Nala AI. After the pandemic, many students faced academic gaps, social isolation, and challenges with confidence. Sri responded by launching Kodely, a program that reimagines after-school, intersession, and summer learning through design thinking and tech literacy. In just one year, Kodely has reached more than 2,100 students across 45+ districts in California, Washington, and New York City.

Sri and I also share a special connection through our time at Rutgers University—a shared foundation that shaped both of our journeys. Today, I also serve on the Kodely Advisory Board, giving me a front-row seat to the powerful impact of her work.

Sri’s story is one of innovation, resilience, and vision. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or simply someone who cares about the future of learning, this conversation will leave you inspired about what’s possible when creativity and equity drive change.

Listen now to hear how Kodely and Nala AI are helping shape the next generation of problem solvers and leaders.

You can connect with Sri:

Website: Kodely.io

If you have a comment or question please email us at themovingforwardpodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on:

Instagram: @lluande1

Facebook: @Linda Unrath-Anderson

LinkedIn: @Linda Anderson

Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay

Podcast produced by Ury Gonzalez

In this episode of Moving Forward: Conversations on Culture, Identity, Healing, and Hope, I sit down with Jason Muñiz, Site Director of the UC Berkeley History–Social Science Project. Since taking on this role in Fall 2023, Jason has been leading efforts to expand Ethnic Studies education, support educators of multilingual and newcomer students, and connect schools with UC Berkeley’s rich academic and community resources.

Jason shares how his own journey—as a classroom teacher in South Florida and East Oakland—shapes the way he approaches both education and leadership. He speaks to the importance of identity and background in shaping our work with students, colleagues, and communities, and offers insights into how inclusive teaching and leadership practices can transform not only classrooms, but also workplaces, into spaces where more voices and histories are recognized, valued, and empowered.

We also explore projects like the Freedom Mapping Project, which connect local communities with broader historical narratives and movements.

To learn more about Jason’s work, visit:

• The UC Berkeley History–Social Science Project
  The Freedom Mapping Project
  Jason’s publications on LinkedIn

• If you have a comment or question please email us at themovingforwardpodcast@gmail.com

  Follow us on:

  Instagram: @lluande1

  Facebook: @Linda Unrath-Anderson

  LinkedIn: @Linda Anderson

  Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay

  Podcast produced by Ury Gonzalez