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Break it Down with Rick and Tim

Break it Down with Rick and Tim

By: Break it Down with Rick and Tim
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Tired of the corruption? Tired of the hate? Are you ready to hear two liberal men talk about seeing things through the lens of empathy? The Break it Down with Rick and Tim podcast brings you all the current events and hot topics that we are facing in America. From Critical Race Theory to Women’s Rights. From the overwhelming problems of mental health to out-of-control belief systems with possible solutions. Rictor Riolo and Tim Giardina give their perspective on serious issues and talk weekly about the current state of our rapidly changing world. Every Friday!Copyright 2023 All rights reserved. Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Red Pens and Red Flags - a Public Education Podcast - Episode 3
    Jul 2 2025

    In this third episode of Red Pens and Red Flags, host Rictor Riolo sits down with Nancy Gonzalez, an ELD (English Language Development) paraprofessional at the middle school level, for an honest and insightful conversation about the realities of supporting multilingual learners in today’s political climate. Nancy discusses her role in guiding newcomer students, those who have recently arrived in the U.S., through their academic day, helping them navigate not only English but also the cultural shift of a new country. She opens up about the linguistic diversity she sees in the classroom, including students from Micronesia, Mexico, Ukraine, and Indonesia, and how tools like Google Translate, push-in support, and personalized assistance are essential in creating an inclusive environment. Nancy also critiques standardized assessments like the ELPA (English Language Proficiency Assessment), questioning whether they accurately reflect a student’s English ability and expressing concern over how long some students, especially U.S.-born kids, remain trapped in the ELD system, limiting their academic growth.

    The conversation takes a powerful turn as Nancy addresses the political threats to the Department of Education, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs, and dual language immersion. She reflects on the potential dismantling of these systems and what that would mean for vulnerable students who still need support, even if the programs disappear. Nancy passionately advocates for inclusive, integrated classrooms where students can see themselves reflected in their teachers and feel emotionally supported amidst growing national anxiety. She shares her own journey as a former ELD student, her aspirations to become a social studies teacher, and her unwavering hope that, even if the policies change, dedicated educators will continue to show up, speak up, and care deeply for every learner. This episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of equitable education.

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    15 mins
  • Red Pens and Red Flags - a Public Education Podcast - Episode 5
    Jul 2 2025

    In this powerful sixth episode of Red Pens and Red Flags, host Rictor Riolo steps into the metaphorical (and literal) principal’s office to tackle the deeply unsettling implications of Project 2025 on America’s most vulnerable students. He’s joined by Jennifer Jones, a district administrator for alternative education, and Kaitlen Green, a high school social worker, who offer raw, unfiltered insights into how marginalized students are already fighting to survive in a system that’s stacked against them. Together, they examine the role of trauma-informed education, the erosion of federal protections, and what happens when discipline policies abandon equity in favor of “common sense” punishment. Spoiler: it’s anything but common or sensible.

    The conversation doesn’t just critique, it galvanizes. Jennifer and Kaitlen bring receipts, personal stories, and decades of experience working with students who’ve been pushed out, written off, and underserved. From the gut-punch reality of the school-to-prison pipeline to the glimmers of hope in Oregon’s DEI resistance, this episode dares to imagine a better way forward, even as the walls seem to be closing in. If you care about public education, civil rights, or the survival of empathy in policy, this episode is required listening. Like what Mr. Rogers once said, "In times of disaster, look for the helpers."

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    36 mins
  • Red Pens And Red Flags - a Public Education Podcast - Episode 2
    Jun 25 2025

    In this second episode of Red Pens and Red Flags, host Rictor Riolo sits down with Veronica Spedner, a veteran special education teacher working in one of Oregon's most diverse high schools. Veronica shares how her core values—hard work, preparation, and inclusion—guide her daily work with students who have IEPs. She emphasizes the importance of supporting students not just academically, but socially and emotionally, so they can thrive beyond high school, whether in college, the workforce, or independent living. The conversation takes a powerful turn as Veronica critiques the current political climate, expressing deep concern about efforts to dismantle the Department of Education and roll back DEI policies. She argues that the erosion of federal oversight could severely impact students with disabilities, English learners, and other marginalized groups. Veronica shares her fears that without strong federal protections, we risk returning to an era of segregation and exclusion. Her response to Project 2025 is blunt: “It feels like we’re going backward.” But amid these challenges, Veronica remains hopeful. She believes in the resilience of educators and the power of inclusive classrooms where students with disabilities not only belong but also enrich the learning experience for everyone. Her message to policymakers is clear: spend time in public schools, talk to students, and see the impact of inclusive education firsthand. This episode is a powerful reminder that equity in education isn’t a luxury, it’s a legal and moral imperative.

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    21 mins
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