On this 2025 launch episode of the Give It Up Podcast, Margo Hinton welcomes Sam Schmidt and Malcolm Thomas to reflect on 2024 and move us forward into 2025. Sam Schmidt is a native New Yorker, veteran, and a housing advocate in Pittsburgh. Malcolm Thomas is a dedicated educator, who currently serves as the Dean of Students at Life Male STEAM Academy in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. They discuss last year's biggest news stories including the war in Gaza, the election, and the national housing crisis. As Joe Madison would say, "listen with a third ear," to these experts and be prepared to be enlightened, inspired, and driven to action.

Call to Action

1. Be responsible with your social media posts.
2. Educate yourself on global conflicts.
3. Determine where and how you are willing to take a stand for what you believe in.
4. Political Education is vital for our progress. Take a civics course.
5. Find Mutual Aid Groups in your area. Build networks to save ourselves.
6. Get involved in local politics and community engagement efforts.
7. Run for Political Office!
8. Find likeminded people in 2025 to educate and empower others who are receptive.

Top Quotes

"I love the needy, but I try to work with the willing." Malcolm Thomas

"He who knows the truth is not equal to those who love the truth." Marcus Aurelius

"Being proactive in meeting our physical and mental needs." Sam Schmidt

Book Recommendations

Anything by Bell Hooks

Mutual Aid by Dean Spade

Abolish Rent by Tracy Rosenthal and Leonardo Vilchis

Author Ilan Pappe

Janel Young is a young artist and activist from Pittsburgh. Her work has been featured in places like New York, Chicago, and Australia. The Give It Up Podcast is showcasing her latest project called the Jungle. Janel designed the artwork for the basketball court, which was unveiled this summer on Pittsburgh’s North Side. Margo and Janel discuss many topics and be prepared to channel your inner artist.

On this episode of the Give It Up Podcast host Margo Hinton in on retreat with members of the Pittsburgh Education Leaders Academy (PELA). It is a group powerhouse educators on retreat discussing what it means to lead with love. The famous educator Paulo Freire said, "because love is an act of courage, not of fear, it is a commitment to others." These educators are commited to emboding love for their students. Tina Raspanti, Michelle King, Dr. Shallegra Moye, Dr. Eddie Wilson, Heidi Ondek, and Tracy Larson join the Give It Up podcast for an epsisode that will inspire students and educators.

Give it up podcast host Margo Hinton welcomes Phylissa Thomas to continue the discussion on Educational Leadership. Phylissa is the Director of Curriculum at Manchester Academic Charter School. She blends storytelling with concrete ways to improve education. Phylissa's mother Dr. Patricia Lee Washington was a phenomenal educator in the Pittsburgh Public Schools. Here about Phylissa's educational journey as well as amazing stories about her Mother's legacy. Margo and Phylissa also discuss their partnership with the Student Ambassador Program. They are also member of Pittsburgh Education Leaders Academy. Listen and take notes as they talk about education transformation on this episode of the Give It Up Podcast.

Margo Hinton interviews two education heavy weights on the Give It Up Podcast. Dr. Shallegra Moye is the Associate Director for Equity, Justice and Strategic Initiatives for the University of Pittsburgh as well as a Pitt Professor. Dr. Eddie Willson is the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum at Woodland School District. Dr. Moye and Dr. Willson are also members of the Pittsburgh Education Leaders Academy. They share personal stories and discuss equity in education.

Margo Hinton welcomes her partner in power Curleta Harris back to the Give It Up Podcast. Margo and Curleta discuss the WNBA and Caitlin Clark's record breaking rookie season. They also talk about the racial component of Clark's media coverage and preview the upcoming NFL season. Harris and Hinton go deep, but also share a few laughs in this episode of the Give It Up Podcast.

Margo Hinton welcomes Audrey Scott, Jennifer Bruce, and Dara Loftion back to the Give It Up Podcast. The crew continues to discuss the rise in popularity of women's basketball as well as this years WNBA Draft that had Caitlin Clark go to the Indiana Fever as the number one pick. The ladies break down the red carpet moments and reminisce about the first WNBA draft in 1997.

Margo Hinton welcomes her cousin Malcolm Thomas to the Give It Up Podcast. Malcolm is the Dean of Students at Life Male Steam Academy. He is the co-founder of the Manhood Maximizer program which provides a blueprint for young boys on the journey to manhood. Margo and Malcolm discuss the 22 Virtues outlined in the program. Malcolm's insight and authenticity can help anyone on the road to self-awareness.