On this episode speak with a man whose life has been completely transformed in the wake of the latest killings, of black Americans and who has now dedicated his life to the fight for racial injustice. He is white. He is also German-American, which carries its own set of complexities. We explore his life growing up in the San Francisco bay area, his understanding of white privilege, the effect of Breonna Taylor's murder on him and what impact he hopes to have moving forward.

My first podcast for the AHS Alumni podcast was Spenser. When planning this project five years ago, he immediately came to mind as the first person I wanted to interview, simply because of how he has lived his life. Spenser's love of adventure and people led him to run his own curbside recycling company at the age of 23, embark on a solo cross country bicycle trip from Iowa to Oregon and led him to Japan to work and experience the culture. An excellent conversation with my friend and brother.

Honored to have my high school principal and long time Ames Community School educator, Bill Ripp. I have a great amount of respect for Mr. Ripp and admire him for his love of teaching and his respect and treatment of students. He impacted many students and their families far beyond the walls of Ames High School. Thanks you to Mr. Ripp for joining be today.

Jason Crawford is a white parent raising two black children. He knows his son and daughter will experience prejudice and racism. He struggles, because as a white man, he feels he cannot rightly teach them how to deal with being marginalized and treated as something less than human. His heart aches for the world his children will face as they grow into adulthood.

Like many of you, I am frustrated and angry. I need to understand, to educate myself, to have a conversation with someone who will shed light on what to do with these feelings. That is why I asked my brother Adisa Banjoko to be a guest on this episode. Adisa is an activist, educator, writer, speaker, podcaster and entrepreneur. He has spent much of his life studying black culture and educating others on racial injustice and the complexities of navigating this world as an African-American.

Jolyn Brakke was a year ahead of me in high school. In my view she was very popular, athletic and attractive. My perception did not match her reality however, and it turns out, her time at Ames High was challenging. In this episode Jolyn and I talk growing up a twin, Central Junior High, Skittle woes, battling eating disorders, the pressure of varsity, finding your groove and competing in a fitness pageant at 40. Thank you to Jolyn for sharing her life with us.

One of the most raw and open podcasts I have ever done. Jessica's redemption story is fascinating, heartbreaking and inspiring all at once. Her journey from a physical, emotional and sexually abusive childhood to marriage to motherhood to biker gang to full-blown drug addict to becoming clean and reconciling her faith in God and her relationship with her family is nothing short of a miracle.

My good friend Bryce joins the podcast today to talk bullying, contact lenses, team sports, discipline, living abroad, divorce, friendship and renewal.

Holly and a special guest join me today to talk favorite movies, family challenges, trombone woes, teaching in the trenches and mothering an awesome kid.

Tabitha joins me today to talk about hair, high school, living in fear, overcoming those fears, mothering, self-care and mindfulness.