Episodes
May 29, 2025
Episode 249: Pause to Ponder - The Hardest Episode Yet
After nearly 250 episodes of amplifying unheard voices, disrupting the status quo, and challenging dominant narratives, Charles Williams shares a deeply personal reflection in what may be the final episode of The Counter Narr...
May 22, 2025
Episode248: Interview w/ Eli Causas
In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, host Charles Williams engages in a deep conversation with Coach Eli Casaus about the nuances of leadership, the importance of coaching over consulting, and the challenges of i...
May 15, 2025
Episode 247: Interview w/ Dr. Amy Mathews-Perez
In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, host Charles Williams engages with Dr. Amy Matthews-Perez, a seasoned educator with over 34 years of experience in special education. They discuss the importance of embracing ...
May 8, 2025
Episode 246: Interview w/ Melisa Hayes
In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, Charles Williams speaks with Melisa Hayes, a dedicated second-grade teacher with over 25 years of experience. They discuss the importance of balancing fun and technology in ed...
May 1, 2025
Episode 245: Pause to Ponder - When Fairness Feels Like a Threat
In this reflection, Charles Williams addresses the alarming trends in education regarding equity, particularly focusing on the backlash against initiatives aimed at supporting Black students. He emphasizes the importance of t...
April 24, 2025
Episode 244: Interview w/ Tara Bonner
In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, Charles Williams engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Tara Bonner, an educator with extensive experience in understanding learning struggles. They explore the inte...
April 17, 2025
Episode 243: Pause to Ponder - When Autonomy Meets Apathy
In this conversation, Charles Williams reflects on the challenges faced in educational leadership, particularly the struggle between fostering teacher autonomy and the ingrained culture of compliance. He discusses the importa...
April 10, 2025
Episode 242: Interview w/ Craig Martin
In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, host Charles Williams engages with educator Mark Gibson Jr. about his journey in education, the importance of building resiliency in students, and the proactive strategies edu...
April 3, 2025
Episode 241: Pause to Ponder - Autism in Real Life
In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, Charles Williams shares his personal journey of understanding autism through the lens of his grandson, Leo. He emphasizes that autism awareness should extend beyond a single m...
March 27, 2025
Episode 240: Interview w/ Lydia McNeiley
In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, Charles Williams speaks with Lydia McNeely, a lead professional learning specialist for Hatching Results, about her non-traditional journey in education and the vital role of ...
March 20, 2025
Episode 239: Pause to Ponder - Hey Batter Batter!
In this episode, Charles Williams reflects on a transformative morning experience where he chose to listen to a baseball game instead of the usual news briefing. This decision led him to realize the importance of finding simp...
March 13, 2025
Episode 238: Interview w/ Julie Hasson
In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, Charles Williams speaks with Dr. Julie Hasson about her journey in education, focusing on the importance of teacher resilience and engagement. They discuss the shift from exte...
March 6, 2025
Episode 237: Pause to Ponder - When The Noise Fades...
In this episode, Charles Williams reflects on the current state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, particularly in the context of a recent conference he attended. He discusses the noticeable decline in engagem...
Feb. 28, 2025
Episode 236: Interview w/ David James
In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, host Charles Williams engages with David James, a dedicated seventh-grade social studies teacher and conference director for the North Carolina Association for Middle Level Ed...
Feb. 21, 2025
Episode 235: Interview w/ Ismael Jimenez
In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, host Charles Williams engages with educator Ishmael Jimenez, who shares his journey into education and the importance of understanding historical context in teaching. They dis...
Feb. 14, 2025
Episode 234: The 2025 Black History Month Special
In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, host Charles Williams engages in a rich conversation with guests Leonard Webb and Vernon Wright. They explore the significance of Black History Month, the importance of storyt...
Feb. 7, 2025
Episode 233: Pause to Ponder - The Intersection of Progress and Patriotism
In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, Charles Williams emphasizes the critical need to teach authentic history, particularly during Black History Month. He discusses the intersection of policies and problems, part...
Jan. 31, 2025
Episode 232: Interview w/ Maggie Broderick
In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, host Charles Williams engages with educator Maggie Broderick to discuss the importance of belonging in education and the concept of 'oases'—hidden spaces within schools where ...
Jan. 24, 2025
Episode 231: Pause to Ponder - A Dream & A Contradiction
In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, Charles Williams reflects on the significance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day coinciding with the inauguration of Donald Trump. He explores the contrasting legacies of King and ...
Jan. 17, 2025
Episode 230: Interview w/Jose Moreno
In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, host Charles Williams engages with Jose Moreno, a former tech professional turned EdTech entrepreneur. They discuss the importance of challenging harmful narratives surroundin...
Jan. 10, 2025
Episode 229: Pause to Ponder - From Progress to Regression
In this episode, Charles Williams discusses the recent rollback of DEI policies by major corporations like McDonald's, in light of the Supreme Court's ruling on affirmative action. He expresses concern over the implications f...
Jan. 3, 2025
Episode 228: Interview w/ Jennifer Abrams
Episode Summary In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, Charles Williams engages in a deep conversation with Jennifer Abrams about the significance of having hard conversations in educational settings. They explore ...
Dec. 27, 2024
Episode 227: Pause to Ponder - From Striving to Being
In this final episode of the year, Charles Williams reflects on his personal journey, emphasizing the importance of letting go as a means of growth. He shares insights from his experiences, including a transformative trip to ...
Dec. 20, 2024
Episode 226: The 2024 Holiday Episode
Episode Summary In this holiday episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, host Charles Williams is joined by co-authors of the book 'Grow Your Why' to discuss the significance of the holiday season, personal stories of growth...