Tales from the Grit
Tales from the Grit is a podcast hosted by students from Tacoma Public Schools, delving into diverse life stories and pathways. Watch and listen as they engage with individuals from various backgrounds, uncovering their journeys, challenges, and triumphs. Our hosts aim to inspire listeners to envision and shape their futures.
Guests: Josh Garcia, Superintendent and Adam Kulaas, Chief of Schools for TPS.
Topic: Music for the Soul. Superintendent Garcia and Chief of Schools Adam Kulaas share their connection to music and how it both shapes and feeds their purpose and passions.
Guests: Jason Bullock, SAMi teacher who worked in veterinary sciences and Jake Bailey, Foss teacher who is a helicopter pilot.
Topic: Innovating with Industry. From the animal lab to the physics lab, their stories show how diverse experiences enrich education and empower students to dream big.
Guests: Ejay O'Donnell, founder of Dad Gang and Tacoma Run Club; Jared Haviland, typographic abstraction artist, and entrepreneur.
Topic: Carving a Path, this episode focuses on the opportunities that can arise by saying 'yes.'
Guests: U.S. Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland and TPS Director of Global Education Pat Erwin,
Topic: Guests U.S. Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland and TPS Director of Global Education discuss their unique life paths and insights for helping young people break barriers. Rep. Strickland who represents the 10th Congressional District is also the former Mayor of Tacoma.
Guests: Colin DeForrest, Founder i2 Strategies, Stephanie Martinez, Senior Consultant i2 Strategies
Topic: Each night there are thousands of people in our community without a stable place to sleep, this includes over 2,000 TPS students. Listen in to a conversation with Colin DeForrest and Stephanie Martinez from i2 Strategies as they share the work they are doing to help people experiencing homelessness.
Guests: Dave Jones, entrepreneur and former TPS administrator. Taylor J. Silas student.
Topic: Listen in as our student hosts, Immogen & Ayla, talk with guests about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom and in business. Former TPS administrator Dave Jones and his son Taylor bring their perspectives on AI; where it’s helpful, where it goes too far, and its future use.
Guests: Travis Johnson, Artist and Professor Willamette U. & Erika Naficy, owner of 3rd Hand Artist Support
Topic: How the arts provide a platform for students to express, innovate, and design their futures. Explore how creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration shape pathways for life and career readiness.
Guests: Kwabi Amoah-Forson, Founder of The Peace Bus & Mo Lawal, Civil Engineer for Snohomish County.
Topic: How community partnerships fuel learning beyond the traditional classroom. Explore how students engage in internships, gain industry experience, and connect their passions to future careers.