The Purple Zone
Welcome to The Purple Zone (formerly Our Kids Our Schools).
Bridging the Gap between Public Policy, Practice & People.
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 • 59 episodes
The Purple Zone
Latest Episodes
Federalism, Elections, and the Constitution: Who Actually Has the Power?
Who actually has the power over elections in the United States — the federal government, the states, or the president?Alexis takes you go back to the Constitution itself. Because here’s the truth: many adults have never been taught (or h...
•
Episode 59
•
26:18
The Real Cost of Underfunded Special Education
When special education isn’t fully funded, the cost doesn’t disappear...it gets absorbed by families, classrooms, and educators.In this solo episode of The Purple Zone, I unpack what underfunded special education actually looks ...
•
Episode 58
•
38:07
Efficiency Meets Reality: Hard Math, Hard Choices 2026 Legislative Session
The math ain’t mathing...and that’s not about blame, it’s about reality.Yes this podcast has the words BUDGET, LEGISLATURE, DOGE, and GOVERNANCE...but I promise it's NOT boring--but rather something that is intended to help ALL ...
•
Episode 57
•
20:31
The Room Where it Happens: Getting Access to Where Idaho Policy Decisions are Made
Welcome to the first Purple Zone episode of 2026.As the new year begins and the legislative session ramps up (start date is January 12) ... I’m sharing three important opportunities and announcements for Idahoans who care...
•
Episode 56
•
42:07
A Five-Year Grant Promise Cut Short: What’s Happening to Idaho’s Community Schools
Last Friday, Idaho school and community leaders were notified that a major federal education grant already awarded and already supporting students is being cut short.The Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) State Scaling Grant, a...
•
Episode 55
•
19:38