Welcome to "Keeping It Real," in episode 3 we dive into a deeply personal and urgent topic: the critical need to dismantle oppressive systems. This episode focuses on the ongoing genocide in Palestine and examines how American government structures contribute to keeping us uninformed and oppressed. We also explore the profound local impacts right here in Kansas City.

In this powerful episode, our hosts discuss how global issues like the genocide in Gaza have direct implications on our local communities, affecting everything from education and healthcare to homelessness and workforce equity. We unpack the political intricacies and highlight the importance of understanding these connections to work towards meaningful change.

Samantha shares her personal story of living in Gaza, the loss of her beloved grandmother and cousin, and the ongoing struggles her family faces due to displacement and lack of basic human rights. Her heartfelt narrative brings a human face to the statistics and news headlines, making the conversation even more compelling.

We address the pressing need to support grassroots movements, hold our leaders accountable, and rethink our voting strategies beyond the traditional two-party system. This episode emphasizes the power of voting with your dollar and supporting businesses that stand for justice and equality.

We delve into the role of lobbyists, corporate money, and foreign interests in shaping American politics. We also highlight the importance of local activism and how participating in local politics can create a ripple effect for national change.

Join us as we challenge the status quo, advocate for campaign finance reform, and encourage you to stay informed and involved. Whether you're a seasoned activist or just beginning to understand the complexities of political systems, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable steps for everyone.

Please follow and support these Kansas City organizations:

Al-Hadaf

Free Palestine KC

Palestinian American Medical Association

Jewish Voice For Peace KC

KC Tenants

The Occupation of the American Mind

Explore the powerful influence of media and propaganda in shaping American public opinion and policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. "The Occupation of the American Mind" delves into how pro-Israel lobbies and strategic communication campaigns have controlled the narrative and affected perceptions in the U.S. This thought-provoking documentary provides crucial insights into the intersection of media, politics, and international relations.

Watch now: Occupation Movie

Join Jess and Samantha in their conversation about the transformative power of homeschooling in today’s episode of Keeping It Real. Hear why we believe homeschooling is more than just academics; it's a lifestyle choice that nurtures free thinkers and agents of change. Discover the significant reasons behind the shift from traditional schooling to homeschooling, including personal stories, safety concerns, and the desire for a customized learning environment that fosters curiosity and empowerment. Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler or just curious about alternative education methods, this episode is packed with insights, resources, and real-life experiences that will challenge the way you think about education.

• Highly Effective Kindergartner: Discover Jess's perspective on the impact of behavioral charts in kindergarten in this article, as she critiques their effects on young learners. Read Jess’s article here.
  
  
• Missouri Homeschooling Laws: Learn about the specific legal requirements for homeschooling in Missouri with this detailed guide from HSLDA. Explore Missouri's homeschooling laws here.
  
  
• Free CLEP Exam Prep: Access free CLEP exam preparation resources and vouchers at Modern States to help you earn college credits. Start preparing for free here.
  CLEP Exams: Gain college credits through examination with the College Board's CLEP program. Learn more about CLEP exams here.
  
  
• Penn Foster High School: Explore self-paced high school diploma programs at Penn Foster, designed for flexible, independent learning. Learn more about Penn Foster here.