The WhoDeannyPod

Michael Harriot asked Black Twitter, “Who is the most ‘blackfamous’ person of all time?” 

We're going to start our #BlackFamous Series with Billy Dee …

Some reminders that Kyle Rittenhouse isn't the end; he's another opportunity for beginning. 

Please know there are no punches pulled in this episode. …

Franklin shares some of his thoughts on interacting with strangers in public spaces. Do you have some of the same instant reactions he does? 

Feel free to connect with us, sharing your own thoughts on this episode via …

Check out host Rishab Prakash as he explores the incredible world of Kanye West. Join him for the WEST. POD. EVER. 

What do badges, Confederate symbols, and UFOs have in common? 

They're part of this short and sweet podcast about undersold stories that should bring …

Franklin shares his admiration for a magnificent love poem, Resignation, by Nikki Giovanni. It helps to be a hopeful romantic. 

Read the whole poem …

At the NBA's regular season halftime, Franklin takes a look at a few continuing lessons from the first half of the season then suggests a couple fun …

Franklin pays homage to Audre Lorde by sharing an important revelation her poetry provides. Here's a hint: poems are temporary.  

Franklin takes a 10 minute look at the life and legacy of Coretta Scott King, one of America's greatest social justice warriors. 

Please share your thoughts with us via email@ whodeannypod@gmail.com or on FB and Twitter …

Franklin highlights four ways the Biden administration has already brought a little normal back to America. 

Sometimes, normal is good. 

Franklin makes the case that the Democratic Party should make plans now for a bonus VP, someone to enlist in the event Biden's age keeps him from …

In the wake of the Super Bowl, Franklin tackles the idea of guilty pleasures. 

What are your favorite guilty pleasures? Do you feel guilty about them? Just let us know via FB and Twitter @whodeannypod or  through email@

Franklin expresses his amazement at what January 21, 2021 has brought. And hasn't. There are lots of reasons to breathe easier today. 

Enjoy the pod and let us know what you're happy about by email:  …

Franklin shares a magnificent quote from Rumi and what he's learned about love by returning to in person work. 

He also reads a short poem he's never performed before. Enjoy "Tuesday Night" for the first time. 

Please …

Franklin encourages his listeners to read MLK's Letter From Birmingham Jail and consider where it applies to you.

You know about King’s Dream. Now, what will you do to make it a reality?

This podcast is worth five …

Franklin shares some of the poems he's written in conjunction with IUPUI’s Religion, Spirituality, and the Arts seminar. The seminar's theme of …

Franklin uses a new book to suggest different ways of thinking about history, heroism, and ourselves.

Check out the book The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks:
https://rosaparksbiography.org/introduction/ 

Franklin considers ways his work as a teacher can help young people explore their capacity for change. 

How are you helping change the world? We'd love to learn so please connect with us over email @…

This is the first BIG episode in the new era of The WhoDeannyPod. Franklin reflects on the Trump Insurrection and his determination to be a voice working for change in this hard moment.

We went a little past five …

Franklin shares some of his thoughts on making 2021 a better year. What are your plans to do the same?

And enjoy Cautiously Optimistic from Sarah Silcox
https://tinyurl.com/y2fjdks3

Franklin takes a quick look at the latest Trump fiasco, openly asking for help in stealing an election. 

This one straddles the lines between funny, gross, and sad. Sounds familiar, don't it? 

Franklin announces a format change for the WhoDeannyPod. Stay tuned! 

Drew Rizzo-Connor makes a triumphant return to the WhoDeannyPod and shares his thoughts on a wild 2020 as well as predictions for the upcoming NBA season. 

Enjoy this super fun, smooth flowing pod! 

Explore https://www.designsbyljs.studio and discover some fun stickers, planners, pins, and boxes to help you smile through the hard moments! 

The dynamo behind LJS, Leah Shields, chatted with Franklin and shared some …

Let's share some of the light from this election season! 

Enjoy this short, uplifting pod then share heartwarming voting stories via Facebook and Twitter @whodeannypod. 

Franklin asks his listeners to acknowledge that we’re in the midst of a long term struggle for the soul and future of America. There's no guarantee …

Drew Rizzo-Connor returns to the WhoDeannyPod and shares his thoughts on the unprecedented elevation of LeBron James before we transition to talking about our favorite team, the Indiana Pacers. 

LOTS of fun was had. 

Franklin shares a few quick reflections on Chadwick Boseman from a morning meeting at his school. 

Check out this Basketball Reasons edition of the WhoDeannyPod as Franklin shares his predictions for the first round of the NBA playoffs! 

Mac Perkins and Caroline Todd make a triumphant return to the WhoDeannyPod! 

Two of my favorite guests, former students, and people, these young …

Franklin shares a few summer themed poems for your enjoyment! 

Find more of his poetry @ https://whodeannypod.org and order Dreams and Premonitions @ http://tinyurl.com/y38oymvo. 

Franklin shares his reflections on living through an age of renewed lynchings, his experiences in Bloomington, IN, and the purposes of public …

Franklin asks pointed questions about the multiple giant mysteries still surrounding this POTUS. Perhaps most urgently, what does Trump actually care …

Brett Krieble! 

Logan Murray and Andrew Pirkle make their podcast debuts in a wide ranging conversation with their former History teacher, Franklin Oliver. 

These …

Franklin chatted with his friend and colleague, Brett Krieble, to talk about teaching in the time of Covid and her work with the Ribe Project. Ribe …

Franklin shares a deeply personal story of living as a Black man with a White son. Pass it along as helpful. 

Here are some of the links referenced …

The WhoDeannyPod returns with a mini-pod recognizing the beautiful new reality that America finally agrees that #BlackLivesMatter. 

Drew Rizzo-Connor joins us again to talk about the ESPN doc, The Last Dance. Drew and Franklin talk about frustrated Pacers fandom, Michael Jordan's …

Franklin flies solo to share a minipod about the new ESPN doc, The Last Dance. Franklin asks a few questions concerning the choices made in the doc …

Drew Rizzo-Connor returns to talk about the brand new ESPN doc, The Last Dance. Drew and Franklin talk about the Bulls' villain, underappreciated …

Franklin shares some of his spring themed poetry in a short, warming podcast. 

Enjoy! 

Logan Burger chats with Franklin about his interest in politics, visiting Iowa for caucus season, and his current support of Vice President Biden. …

Sam Cooper makes her podcast debut and explains some of the benefits and problems with ubiquitous technology in the classroom. 

Take a listen to …

Franklin praises the brand new XFL and makes suggestions for its growth and tweaks for improving it. 

Enjoy this short, fun, football focused pod! 

History teacher and author Franklin Oliver reflects on four figures from Black History whose primary mode of social resistance was writing. Please …

Short, inquisitive pod on the death of Kobe Bryant. 

Franklin shares his thoughts on the Zionic Exchange that energized the NBA! 

Enjoy 5 minutes on the next big thing. 

Franklin sits down with University High student Geri M and they chat about her name change, family history, and love of music. And Bieber! 

Check out her own music. 

Enjoy, y'all. 

Drew Rizzo-Connor returns to share some thoughts on the NBA at the end of the year. 

Who are the biggest surprises? 

Which player would we start a …

Everyone else is doing end of decade compilations; we're different here. Jake Thurman makes his debut on the WhoDeannyPod to talk about the most important year of movies EVER! It's a twenty year retrospective all about …

Kaila Lewis returns to the WhoDeannyPod to share some of her experiences working for an NFL team. She speaks directly to the difficulty of some …

Franklin walks you through the three big changes he wants to see in his beloved NBA. The rules, court, and schedule would all be adjusted if he were …

Check out Anthony Gomez, a junior at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, and aspiring poet. Gomez debuts two brand new poems from his forthcoming …

Jace Dery recently visited the WhoDeannyPod to share his thoughts on being a high school senior, his love of sports broadcasting, and his plans for …

Franklin is joined by his first University High student guest, Maya Callan, on this week's WhoDeannyPod! 

Maya shares some reflections on living in "The White Space" as defined by Elijah Anderson. We hope you'll enjoy …

Franklin is joined by one of his very first students, Drew Rizzo-Connor, to talk about the upcoming NBA season. And Drew is a fire breathing dragon! Hear their fascinating perspectives on teams, players, and (un?)likely …

Scott Esteb is making his podcast debut on this edition of the WhoDeannyPod! When he's a prominent broadcaster, we'll all look back on this momentous event. 

Until then, enjoy this spirited conversation in which Scott …

Franklin was recently joined by Brebeuf Jesuit seniors Mac Perkins and Caroline Todd for a rousing conversation at the Glendale Library, because …

Franklin was recently joined by Brebeuf Jesuit seniors Mac Perkins and Caroline Todd for a rousing conversation at the Glendale Library, because …

Franklin turns to an increasingly urgent topic, what happens if Pence or Trump leaves office. He shares his contention that the Republican Party needs to make some quick preparations for that possibility but finding a …

Ranging from Hall and Oates to Sandra Cisneros to integrating knowledge to Harkness Tables, Jamie MacDougall's visit with Franklin was a wonderful …

Caroline's conversation with Franklin lasted so long we decided to simplify things and divide into two parts. 

While there are still laughs, the …

Caroline Todd makes her triumphant return to the WhoDeannyPod and shares some updates and reflections on life as a high school senior in part one of …

Educator and poet Allyson Horton makes her podcast debut by sharing her thoughts on starting a new job, with new classes and new possibilities. 

…

We've reached the final podcast in this ongoing series focused on transitions and transformations. Franklin shares his early thoughts on changing jobs, and communities, after fourteen years. 

If you need encouragement …

Franklin hits the road, metaphorically, and shares a half dozen poems that connect through the theme of travel. 

These pieces come from his first …

Franklin pays homage to one of his literary heroes, Toni Morrison. 

Remember, Franklin's newest poetry collection, Dreams and Premonitions is …

Franklin shares a handful of poems that focus on change and transition including one of the earliest he's ever shared in a public forum. Enjoy! 

…

Franklin suggests ways the Christmas story connects with America's treatment of refugees. 

Plus, important news from Charlie Brown and Linus! 

…

Franklin chats with his niece, Amaiya, a recent high school graduate, about her experiences at two large public schools on this super fresh edition …

As a longtime teacher at Brebeuf, Franklin shares his reflections on this critical moment of decision for Catholic schools. He hopes it will bring …

Franklin shares his surprising predictions for how quickly this NBA season might be over. Enjoy this short look at the Finals! 

I'm reading some poems from my new book Dreams and Premonitions and an older Indy 500 favorite! 

Also, this podcast is the first time I’ve shared …

Caroline Todd comes back to share her theory on why Batman should be considered villainous and much, much more! Enjoy this super fun conversation. 

Grant Whitsett makes a return to the WhoDeannyPod to speak with Franklin about the true value of education, possibilities for growth and Grant's future.  

Listen in to this fun and fascinating conversation! 

Franklin sits with a student, Anthony Gómez, and the two chat about a host of issues. Anthony even spends time exploring the complicated politics of …

MaryClaire Molloy returns to the podcast! This time she chatted with Franklin about her work on the Since Parkland project. This effort to …

Franklin chats with one of his Sociology students, Mac Perkins, about making personal, intellectual, and community connections. 

Here's a taste of …

Franklin finishes the NBA regular season review by sharing his thoughts on league awards. There are some big surprises here!

Franklin continues dissecting the NBA regular season by announcing his All-NBA teams. Enjoy! 

Franklin shares his predictions for the first round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs! 

Spoiler Alert: 6 games is the max. 

"The act of creation is valuable in itself. So please. Go create."

Franklin celebrates the release of his new book, Dreams and Premonitions, by encouraging others to be creative in whatever form works best. 

Enjoy …

Here's our last preview of Dreams and Premonitions, Franklin Oliver's new collection of poetry. This e-book will be available on March 28. 

Enjoy …

Franklin puts on his NBA fan boy hat to dive into the greatness of Michael Jordan and discovers that Jordan's success was largely a product of some of the greatest timing of all time. Enjoy! 

Here's a sneak preview of Dreams and Premonitions, Franklin's new collection of poetry. This e-book will be available on March 28. 

Enjoy this …

Muhammad Ali is the subject of this Black History Month mini-pod. The focus is on Ali as a man of peace, not a practitioner of violence. 

Enjoy! 

Learn more about America's first Black Senator! 

DuBois helped give us concepts ranging from double consciousness in “The Souls of Black Folk" to pan-Africanism and from the "Talented Tenth" to …

On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X was assassinated. The world was robbed of a visionary thinker and leader. His image remains marred by the FBI's …

Rep. John Lewis is the subject of this mini-pod. Lewis has been on the forefront of social justice work in America for nearly sixty years. His efforts at securing human equality have taken him from the brink of death to …

Nat Turner was inspired by Christianity to forge a path of liberation as Moses and Jesus had done. Here's a quick look at his efforts to pave the way for the freedom of his people.

This Black History Mini-Pod focuses on the most famous Black person in the world, President Barack Obama.

Obama's rise to the White House and massive accomplishments as POTUS have made him not just famous, but an …

John Keele returns to chat with Franklin about the raucous NBA trade deadline, which Eastern teams made the biggest moves and whether anyone can challenge the Warriors (now or ever!) dynasty.

John drops some knowledge …

Paul Robeson, legendary Renaissance man, is the subject of this Black History Mini-Pod. Robeson's legacy has been given limited attention because of …

Franklin shares his reflections on the life and sacrifice of Rosa Parks, “the mother of the Civil Rights Movement”.

Enjoy this short, important podcast. 

Here's a grouping of poems coming out of my experiences with winter weather. Midwestern, midwinter weather. 

Enjoy this short, timely poetry pod. 

Franklin is joined by John Robinson, a high school senior who spent the fall semester in the Netherlands. 

John shares some of his adventures with …

It's time. Actually, it's past time. We need to start talking about impeaching the President of the United States. 

Loudly. 

Franklin sits down with one of his students in Genocide and the Holocaust to talk about that class, human morality, learning to care and the trouble …

Warm your spirits by joining Franklin Oliver as he spends 10 minutes sharing some of his favorite poems about the Winter season. Some of these poems …

Rachel Sipes joins Franklin to talk about Christmas favorites and not quite favorites. Lots of great listening suggestions for you! 

Cheers! 

This month's Poetry Pod focuses on home and family. 

Enjoy a few short poems from Franklin Oliver. 

Franklin puts on his history teacher hat and shares some reflections on the importance of WWI. He shares his conviction that the Great War might provide some important lessons for us 100 years after its ends and laments …

Here's our first live audience podcast!

Franklin had a chance to chat with some Brebeuf students who reflected on the Squirrel Hill massacre and …

Franklin had the chance to visit with John Strenski. They had a deep, thoughtful and wide ranging conversation. And you get to listen in! 

Intro …

Franklin rails against the Republican destruction of political norms in this short but mighty podcast. 

Choose where you stand! 

This month's Poetry Pod focuses on the least appreciated season, Autumn. 

Enjoy a few short poems from Franklin Oliver. 

Join Franklin for a special edition of the WhoDeannyPod. He shares his predictions for the upcoming NBA edition including two shocking outcomes for marquee teams in the first five minutes!

Get ready, hoopheads!

Rachel Sipes joins Franklin to talk about their journey to Singapore! Part One features their fantastic day in San Francisco, crossing the Pacific in comfort and their first two days in the Lion City.

Part Two will …

Franklin salutes his wife, Rachel, by sharing some of his original poetry. Hopefully you'll find some pieces here that connect with your own …

Since Franklin is (waaay) outta town this week, he thought he'd share some of his poems about traveling. 

Listen and share! 

Franklin pays tribute to the late John McCain by exploring a half dozen critical moments when McCain said 'No'. This is an atypical look at an atypical man. 

Enjoy. 

Franklin catches up with former student and rising music sensation O.D.D.I.T.Y. They discuss inspiration, the writing process and the importance of being positive. They also talk about O.D.D.I.T.Y.'s job as a PE teacher …

Franklin is joined by his colleague, John Williams, a Religious Studies teacher and moderator of the Young Republican club. LOTS of fun, interesting …

Lots of things and people are named after Ronald Reagan but no other President for the last fifty years. Why do Americans love him so much? 

Franklin explores the reasons in this short but fascinating episode! 

Franklin shares his thoughts on the possibility that we will have a President Pence sooner rather than later and the need to find potential VP replacements before the 2020 elections. 

Also, fun with the 25th …

Franklin is joined by Ann Wells who continues sharing reflections on her complicated personal journey and the happy life she has created for herself. 

Franklin is joined by Ann Wells who shares her poignant and personal reflections on discovering beauty. 

Franklin and @EvilMikeyMike analyze the peculiar circumstances surrounding Kawhi Leonard's attempt to escape the Spurs. 

As the summer heats up so do …

Franklin and @EvilMikeyMike celebrate independence in the most American way possible: starting something brand new! 

Join them as they premiere the Basketball Reasons podcast with a deep dive into NBA free agency and …

Quick thoughts on why LeBron's GOAT status transcends basketball. 

His work for justice places him in a category all by himself. 

The WhoDeannyPod is back! After a health driven hiatus, we return with a fun, fascinating conversation in which Grant Whitsett explores the vast …

Maggie Ryan joins Franklin to talk about how she's grown in her four years of highs school. And the excitement that's coming next! 

Franklin and Michael Armbruster continue to chat about optimism. This time, they dig into Black Lives Matter, White complicity, MLK and strategies to improve our society using optimistic approaches.

Enjoy Part Two! 

Michael Armbruster makes a triumphant return to the podcast to chat about optimism. Rest assured, this is no Pollyanna conversation. Instead, this is …

Sophie Ossip joins Franklin to talk about her growth through four years of high school... and what comes next! 

Franklin shares a couple new poems to celebrate National Poetry Month. Enjoy! 

This is our most important podcast yet. Franklin shares the hidden secret of the Civil Rights Movement and expresses his conviction that King is dramatically underappreciated in modern America.

Zev Burton shares his reflections on participating in the student response to the Parkland shootings. Enjoy this personal, powerful conversation. 

Franklin shares some reflections on the lights and shadows of beginning a DIY podcast.  

Franklin shares his thoughts on why Malcolm X might be considered the Father of the Black Panther and the Black Panthers. 

Enjoy a short, …

Kaila Lewis joins Franklin to talk about Michelle Obama, Black Panther as a celebration of Blackness and the Prom Genie initiative. Enjoy this spirited conversation!  

Franklin is joined by Kris Schwickrath and Peggy Poole for a fun, deep conversation. Listen in as the trio of teachers talks about Michelle Obama, …

Jen LaMaster sits down with Franklin to talk about hearing the former First Lady. 

Sorry for the technical difficulties; we had to share the space …

Carson King makes his podcast debut and talks about his decision to participate in the Women's March. Along with many other things! 

Enjoy this special pop-up edition of the WhoDeannyPod as Franklin honors a true hero, Frederick Douglass. 

Jason Rott stops by to talk about his attendance at the Women's March! 

Emily Myers joins us to discuss The Laramie Project, the legacy of Matthew Shepard and her efforts to secure hate crime legislation in Indiana. 

…

If the truth hurts, listen harder. 

The WhoDeannyPod is back! Hiatus is over and this week, we're pulling no punches. 

John Keele joins us to talk about the NCAA, amateurism and the rights and wrongs of college sport. So much fun! 

Franklin pulls no punches as he investigates theories of Roy Moore. Lots of growling included! 

Hear the full story of the greatest trip that never was.

Sean Buehler stops in to share his journey into the study of public health and his process of applying to med school. Fascinating stuff! 

Franklin asks the decades old question, "Where Are My Cubans?" Join him for a light hearted episode concerning America's weird policies toward Cuba.

…

The unsung hero of the WhoDeannyPod, Michael Armbruster stops by to talk about politics, activism and engagement, particularly in the age of Trump.

"HEART GUIDE: True Stories of Grief and Healing." 

Franklin shares his immediate, urgent thoughts on the potential constitutional crisis threatened by the Mueller investigation. Whose gonna be running the country?  

Justin Petty joins Franklin to talk about the importance of our ability to communicate. Especially when it's difficult. 

Franklin previews the "Basketball Reasons" spinoff with a big picture look at why the NBA is in its best place ever. 

'Action' Jack and Jake talk about their experiences in college fraternal life. Check out a fun discussion! 

Hear Franklin read some work from his second book of poetry, Myths. This kind of podcast will be a twice monthly Patreon subscriber exclusive. Our reward tiers start at only $5 so sign up now!

…

Franklin is joined by Ben Floreancig to discuss a variety of legal and political issues including Sanctuary Cities and the States Right Amendment.

Franklin is joined by Ben Floreancig to discuss even more critical issues. The conversation ranges from Sheriff Joe Arpaio, the rule of law and fears …

Franklin challenges us all to stay on the move as part of the New Civil Rights Movement.

We reveal how Action Jack got his name! Kinda. Enjoy this light hearted pod on dating in the 21st century. 

Action Jack and Franklin discuss being fathers in non-traditional situations. Check out their candid conversation. 

Here's a quick intro to your WhoDeannyPod hosts, Action Jack and Franklin Oliver. Get to know us! 

Poetry and reflections on Franklin's mom, Belinda Gathright. 

Franklin and Action Jack sound off about their favorite music events! 

Some thoughts on potential Presidential or Vice-Presidential vacancies. 

Here is a preview episode from The WhoDeannyPod. We hope you'll enjoy this quick exploration of 2017's Great American Eclipse!