Unlearn16: Class is in Session

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 promise to never stop asking the questions. That's Not What This Book Is About - Joanna Johnson Order it on July 1, 2025 at unlearn16.com

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). That's Not What This Book Is About - Joanna Johnson Order it on July 1, 2025 at unlearn16.com

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 it on July 1, 2025 at unlearn16.com

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 unlearn16.com

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 Book Is About - Joanna Johnson Order it on July 1, 2025 at unlearn16.com

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 always had me by her side so I could SEE those lessons for myself. She walked the walk...and I owe her everything for that. That's Not What This Book Is About - Joanna Johnson Order it on July 1, 2025 at unlearn16.com

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 never forgets. That's Not What This Book Is About - Joanna Johnson Order it on July 1, 2025 at unlearn16.com

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. Special shout out to Gord, the coach who taught me everything. That's Not What This Book Is About - Joanna Johnson Order it on July 1, 2025 at unlearn16.com

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 episode. That's Not What This Book Is About - Joanna Johnson Order it on July 1, 2025 at unlearn16.com

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

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

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

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

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!!!!

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

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.

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

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?

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.

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)