In a if you cannot beat them, join them move, we are totally into the FIFA World Cup 2026. The suspense of the matches, the excitement of the fans from around the world, and the focus on different aspects of culture have been engaging. The level of diversity led Dr. Hollie down proverbial rabbit hole: To what extent are the teams "authentically" diverse racially and nationally and why does it vary from team to team in expected but unexpected ways? Find out how this thought process got started for Dr. H and compare your thoughts to his. This episode is part 1 of 2, as we spend the summer time "just for fun."

Learn more about CLR and Dr. Hollie at www.culturallyresponsive.org and Twitter @validateaffirm

It's July and that means it's time for the FUN episode. The FUN episode is when take a break from usual exciting journeys to responsiveness from outstanding CLR educators. The episode features interviews from participants in our CLR Deep Dive Institutes or as I put, interviews from "dese streets." Each participant was asked the same four questions but they gave completely different answers. They were inquiries about their most impactful CLR moment thus far, their biggest CLR struggle, their first impression of Dr. Hollie, and how do they plan to sustain CLR in their locales. Of course, as always, Dr. Hollie chimes in with this unsolicited opinion. There is an opportunity for you to offer your answers to the questions as well via social media @validateaffirm. Thanks to our interviewees for their time, perspective, and practice in CLR.

Learn more about CLR and Dr. Hollie at www.culturallyresponsive.org and Twitter @validateaffirm

Now in video, we culminate the focus on ethnic identity in the context of the so-called racial "whiteness." We look at Italian culture through the lens of seasoned educator and friend of the VABB Nation, Nicole Lusiani. Now educating in Portland, Nicole has over 25 years of experience teaching in the Bay area, in namely the San Lorenzo schools. She has worked as a key team key member of the Center for Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning. Nicole walks the thin line of racial whiteness and ethnic Italian-ness very carefully and mindfully as you will hear, all the while realizing that perhaps that line could (or should be) thicker. Dr. Hollie culminates the series with his two cents. Nicole’s podcast, Copy Room Conversations, is available anywhere you get your podcasts and her most recent book, Nothing’s Missing: A Year of Reckoning, Release, and Remembering Who I Am can be found at any online book retailer. Learn more about Nicole at nicolelusiani.com.

Learn more about CLR and Dr. Hollie at www.culturallyresponsive.org and Twitter @validateaffirm