In this episode, I take you back to the swing sets of 1978 and jump off into the complex world of race, ethnicity, sex, and identity. The full story will be found in my NEW book 'That's Not What This Book Is About' - available July 1, 2025. The easy questions are never interesting...and to be honest, they never get asked anymore...there is google. Education is more about nuance, discussion and critical analysis than it has ever been before. I may not have even close to all the answers, but I pro...
Jun 28, 2025•35 min•Season 4Ep. 33
In this episode, I take a walk through Metro Prep Academy to see what we have accomplished over the year and what amazing things are in our future. The full story will be found in my NEW book 'That's Not What This Book Is About' - available July 1, 2025. I don't think I ever saw myself as a Vice Principal of a school, but I could never see myself working somewhere other than Metro Prep Academy. Thank god I had Ryan to direct this last year...he and I are really Batman and Robin (he is Robin). Th...
Jun 28, 2025•21 min•Season 4Ep. 32
In this episode, I almost get swept out to sea when the tide goes out. The full story will be found in my NEW book 'That's Not What This Book Is About' - available July 1, 2025. Fear and overcoming it are perhaps the two most important aspects of life. At no point does life come easy, and it is our job to figure out how to face adversity and rise. The ocean taught me a little of that, but being in a school play, that taught me the rest. That's Not What This Book Is About - Joanna Johnson Order i...
Jun 28, 2025•32 min•Season 4Ep. 31
In this episode, a student sat me down and forced me to unlearn. The full story will be found in my NEW book 'That's Not What This Book Is About' - available July 1, 2025. One student sat me down with one vital question and it changed me and how I educate from that day forward. Funny part is, she doesn't even remember having the conversation with...I guess we know when people change us but not when we change people. That's Not What This Book Is About - Joanna Johnson Order it on July 1, 2025 at ...
Jun 27, 2025•36 min•Season 4Ep. 30
In this episode, I step into daycare and decide that Bert and Ernie overalls are ssoooo last year. The full story will be found in my NEW book 'That's Not What This Book Is About' - available July 1, 2025. What we wear is an expression of who we are and how we wish to present ourselves...it has power and weight...it is the first way we are judged. Having good conversations about what we wear is the quickest window into our soul. And that's why I want those overalls back. That's Not What This Boo...
Jun 26, 2025•35 min•Season 4Ep. 29
In this episode, I take into the hallways of Wellesley Hospital where I would take my first steps while my mom taught me what it was to be a superhero. The full story will be found in my NEW book 'That's Not What This Book Is About' - available July 1, 2025. This episode dives into who my mom is and how she was able to SHOW me what empathy, work ethic, intelligence, and accountability were. Some parents lecture, some tell you stories and some simply say 'do what I say not what I do' - but my mom...
Jun 25, 2025•54 min•Season 4Ep. 28
In this episode, I jump into all my favourite memories of my Grandma Ruby - a woman who is the best source of my humour. The full story will be found in my NEW book 'That's Not What This Book Is About' - available July 1, 2025. This episode may get a little 'teary' at times...but it is an important retrospect of a woman who led a life with such courage and confidence I could help but follow...a woman who tried to fix everything with a shove and a 'get my purse'...a woman I hope the whole world n...
Jun 24, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 27
In this episode, I will sit down with a high school volleyball teammate, Saley, and we will talk about how a post =-it changed my life. The full story will be found in my NEW book 'That's Not What This Book Is About' - available July 1, 2025. This obviously isn't just about a single post-it...Saley and I discuss the incredibly important elements of a team, finding your strength and supporting your people. Volleyball may be just a sport to some, but to us, in those years, it was everything. Speci...
Jun 22, 2025•47 min•Season 4Ep. 26
In this episode, we jump into the baseball game that changed my life found in my NEW book 'That's Not What This Book Is About' - available July 1, 2025. I sit down with you in my car, hotdog from Harvey's, to discuss what it has been like being the only woman in some rooms or fields. It's funny how they always want to keep us out until they realize they need us - isn't it? PS - just wait for the part two bikers decided to sit and chat to each other beside my car while I was trying to tape this e...
Jun 21, 2025•32 min•Season 4Ep. 25
In this episode, we dive into the behind the words of my NEW book 'That's Not What This Book is About' - available July 1, 2025. My Uncle Ray and I sit down to have a conversation about the chapter 'Draw an Oval' - where we discuss art, teaching and where my inspiration comes from. You want an honest and powerful conversation about teaching - this is it. That's Not What This Book Is About - Joanna Johnson Order it on July 1, 2025 at unlearn16.com
Jun 20, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 4Ep. 24
In this episode, Kate Grosvenor and I sit down and talk about the crazy world of perimenopause and menopause. What is it? How do we mitigate the impacts? Why is NO ONE talking about it? And why aren't doctors educated on it? www.kategrosvenor.com
May 06, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 23
In this episode, I sit down with Elaine Fancy, photographer and philosopher, and discuss life, meaning and the truth behind the camera. You aren't going to want to miss this conversation. Just WAIT until you see the cover of my book!!! www.ripplemediagroup.com Tiktok - @ e_fancy Instagram - @ e_fancy
Apr 29, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 4Ep. 22
In this episode, Arlene and I sit down and discuss Canada and the US, the Chinese stance in the new world order and her favourite movie. Get your popcorn out
Apr 22, 2025•59 min•Season 4Ep. 21
In this episode, I sit down with Jagmeet Singh, leader of the Federal NDP Party of Canada, and ask him some hard driving political questions - all coming from my Grade 8 class. I personally loved how he handled the Messi question. BE SURE TO VOTE!!!!
Apr 15, 2025•17 min•Season 4Ep. 20
In this episode, I speak with 'Shameless Elle' - a tiktok star who made an impact with lip syncs but has repurposed her fame to focus on becoming politically education AND helping others do the same. @shamelesselle Want to talk politics? We got ya
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 4Ep. 19
In this episode, I sit down a give a politics lesson directly out of my notebook - the indicators and limitations of democracy. Maybe if we start here we will be able to have conversations that lead us down better roads than we are currently travelling. The first lesson is free...but the next will cost ya.
Mar 25, 2025•42 min•Season 4Ep. 18
In this episode, Leigh McGowan (I am Politics Girl), sit down and deconstruct the current US political and constitutional crisis. It just figures it would take two Canadian women to fix this situation...you should have called us earlier. Don't worry, we have all the answers... @PoliticsGirl
Mar 18, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 4Ep. 17
In this episode, I reflect on where the US is politically, economically, and socially - this isn't a new 'yellow brick road', this is just further on down the line towards the wizard. PS - there is a reason the road is paved with gold. I wonder who the wizard will be?
Mar 04, 2025•30 min•Season 4Ep. 16
In this episode, I have the incredible privilege and, let's be honest, horse shoe carrying buckets of luck, to sit down with the Canadian artist - Amanda Marshall. We talk about music, the business, politics and how she will dedicate her next single to me. (ok, maybe not that last one). So, sit down, put on Tuesday's Child softly, and spend the next hour being inspired by one of Canada's greatest singers and song writers.
Feb 18, 2025•51 min•Season 4Ep. 15
In this episode, I have the honour of sitting down with Arlene Dickenson, where we discuss being a women, being an entrepreneur, and being single. How much power can one woman wield? You are about to find out. Check out 'Arlene is Alone' - coming on Youtube February 14 (PS - I get to make a guest appearance on an upcoming episode)
Feb 09, 2025•52 min
In this episode, I have the absolute privilege to sit down with none other than Cordelia Chase!!! We get down to our 'childhood trauma', the uselessness of 'tact' and how sometimes 'we get the pieces'. If you understand all of those quotes...welcome to the Buffy the Vampire Superhero Club.
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 53 min•Season 4Ep. 14
In this episode, Marit Stiles (Leader of Ontario's NDP) and I take a tour of Queen's Park, discuss foundational ideas for Ontario, talk about federal politics, debate changes that need to be made, try to break into the chamber floor and discovered where they keep the best snacks for the government.
Dec 31, 2024•33 min•Season 4Ep. 13
In this episode, I have the great pleasure to sit down with 'Mr Global', aka Matt, as he is know all over social media to discuss the energy needs, wants and must have across the USA. I'm going to get to the bottom of the over used tag line 'drill baby drill'.
Dec 10, 2024•59 min•Season 4Ep. 12
In this episode, I speak to Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development of Canada. Together, we discuss the dynamics of creating a national food program for all Canadian students. I promise to ask ALL the tough questions to see just how effective this will be.
Dec 03, 2024•38 min•Season 4Ep. 11
In this episode, I address the complete and utter lack of focus on women and women's health care - primarily focused on menopause. It is about time WE take control of our bodies, our lives and our futures. And I am going to bring you with me along the journey of finding the right health care providers to educate and fight for our health.
Nov 19, 2024•28 min•Season 4Ep. 10
In this episode, I face the horrific social media reality in the wake of the infamous 'your body, my choice' threat. In the dark basements of some incel, a man is plotting his next threat and possible attack. It's not free speech...it's criminal.
Nov 13, 2024•21 min•Season 4Ep. 9
In this episode, I discuss, debate and rant about the impending presidential election. Who do you think will win? And what will be the consequence?
Nov 05, 2024•22 min•Season 4Ep. 8
In this episode, I dress up as Frankenstein (I know it's the monster, but he will always be Frankenstein to me) and Ana puts on her best Bride for our annual Halloween Party. That's not the point of the podcast though. I paint my nails black for the character - and the severe gender dysphoria I have over painted nails, which I enjoy doing, is incredibly weird. So, as anything that makes me uncomfortable I immediately dive into to figure out 'why'.
Oct 29, 2024•26 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Home ownership blows.
Oct 15, 2024•21 min•Season 4Ep. 6
In this episode, I attempt to answer a couple of age old teaching questions. One, what are the most vital things we are meant to teach? Two, when a student doesn't meet expectations what consequences will make them change their course?
Oct 09, 2024•20 min•Season 4Ep. 5
