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The Purple Zone
Welcome to The Purple Zone (formerly Our Kids Our Schools).
Bridging the Gap between Public Policy and Everyday Practice
The Purple Zone explores what it really means to align how we govern, how we educate, and how we show up for our communities.
Hosted by Alexis — a PhD student in public policy and administration, and longtime educator and advocate for kids, communities, and the systems that shape our lives. This podcast connects the dots between policy and practice, without the politics or platitudes.
It’s about naming what often goes unsaid — and making space for a more honest, human approach to systems that impact all of us.
How systems shape our communities, from policy on paper to action in practice. + Thinking Out Loud as a PhD Student
Podcasting since 2023 • 42 episodes
The Purple Zone
Latest Episodes
The Culture Keeper: Building Schools Everyone Believes In
What does it take to build a school culture that kids, teachers, and families all want to be part of? In this episode, I sit down with Tim Sperber, longtime educator, self-described Culture Keeper, and incoming superintendent of the Le...
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Episode 42
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1:59:39
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What If We Talked Like Everyone Mattered?--The Dignity Index with Tami Pyfer
A year in the making, I was fortunate to sit down with Tami Pyfer, co-creator of the Dignity Index, for a conversation that could truly change the way we engage with the world around us.The Dignity Index is more than a meas...
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Episode 41
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1:24:08
Tech That Helps Parents Protect & Connect: Rethinking Digital Parenting with the Smartphone Alternative Troomi
Explore how Troomi is helping parents stay connected while setting healthy boundaries—because safer tech leads to stronger families."Troomi is the kids safe phone for digital wellness and positive mental health." ...
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Episode 40
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49:27
Crowded Classrooms, Cheerful Chalkboards, and a Case for a New Elementary School
What’s it really like to be an elementary school teacher in Idaho? In this episode, I chat with Teri Smith, a dedicated educator from the Middleton School District, about the joy, heart, challenges, and everyday realities of teaching.<...
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Episode 39
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52:26
Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA): Exciting Opportunities for Your K-12 Journey
Join Alexis as she sits down with Jeff Simmons, Superintendent of the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA), to explore the incredible opportunities this online school provides to students across Idaho. From elementary to high school,...
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Episode 38
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1:01:30