Best Ted Madden Podcasts (2024)

1
90 Memorable Moments of The LET's Talk Podcast 2022-23 38:48

1y ago38:48

38:48

Join Dr. Gulley and Ted on the final episode of The LET's Talk Podcast for the 2022-23 school year as they reflect on their favorite moments from this exciting season. From insightful interviews to inspiring discussions, they revisit the highlights that made this season truly memorable.By Dr. LaDonna Gulley and Ted Madden

1
LET's Talk with Mesquite ISD Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Services, Dr. Andrea Hensley 40:32

1+ y ago40:32

40:32

On this episode of The LET's Talk Podcast, Dr. Andrea Hensley, Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Services, shares an inspiring story about how getting to know people from different backgrounds changed her "why." She learned the importance of listening with empathy and understanding through a pregnant woman on trial, which led her to pursue pris…

1
LET’s Talk with Mesquite ISD Family Support Liaison Carlos Bañuelos 41:33

1+ y ago41:33

41:33

Carlos Bañuelos is a Family Support Liaison for Mesquite ISD, born in San Antonio to Mexican parents. When he was a child, his mother relied on food and low-income assistance programs to make ends meet while she continued learning English to enroll in college. Although they could have returned to Mexico after his parents divorced, he admires his mo…

1
LET's Talk with Children's Book Author & Global Health Leader Erica Asante 40:56

1+ y ago40:56

40:56

Erica Asante is a children’s book author and a global health leader. Born in the United States but of Ghanaian heritage, she has always embraced and shared her culture. Erica, who has traveled to 20 countries and five continents, has observed that to assimilate, people often lose their culture and language. During the pandemic, she was inspired by …

1
LET's Talk with Mesquite ISD Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Gilberto Prado 34:23

1+ y ago34:23

34:23

Gilberto Prado joined Mesquite ISD near the end of the first semester, but his personality and leadership qualities allowed him to hit the ground running. He came to Mesquite after only 4.5 months in Northwest ISD. Despite his brief time there, his coworkers loved him, showing the kind of immediate impression he makes. Prado is the Assistant Superi…

1
LET's Talk with Mesquite High School Art Teacher Chris Bingham 32:04

1+ y ago32:04

32:04

Chris Bingham teaches art at Mesquite High School, and he's also a practicing professional artist. In his mind, that makes him a much better art teacher. The Oak Cliff native who got in trouble for doodling in class now has large murals across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Chris would argue that we're all artists in one way or another and feels …

1
LET's Talk with NBC 5 reporter and weekend anchor Vince Sims 41:04

1+ y ago41:04

41:04

NBC 5 reporter and weekend anchor Vince Sims joins his old friend Ted Madden and Dr. Gulley. As a polished presence in local media in the Dallas-Fort Worth market, Vince is still country at heart, as he grew up on a farm in Southeast Arkansas. Vince's career has included stops in Monroe (Louisiana), Pittsburgh, and Atlanta. His compassion, along wi…

1
LET's Talk with Mesquite Friendship Baptist Church Co-Pastor Caleb Turner 39:04

1+ y ago39:04

39:04

Caleb Turner has come a long way from kindergarten parent-teacher conferences. Caleb is currently co-pastor at Mesquite Friendship Baptist Church and is in line to become a pastor when his father retires in June. Caleb admits to being a bit of a troublemaker in school; he says he wasn't a bad kid, just more of a class clown. Turner was a football a…

1
LET's Talk with West Mesquite High School Principal, Karen Morris 33:13

1+ y ago33:13

33:13

West Mesquite Principal Karen Morris was an original member of the LET Committee – founded in June 2020 – but her desire for equitable treatment for everyone dates back to her youth in Burleson. As she said, "Everybody in the town looked just like me. So when I had the opportunity to go to the University of Texas, I went running." The former Spanis…

1
LET's Talk with A.C. New Middle School Principal Regina Jackson 54:13

1+ y ago54:13

54:13

Regina Jackson has been part of the Mesquite ISD family since 2000 and has had a front-row seat to all the changes in MISD over the last 22 years. After joining North Mesquite as a science teacher and then moving into administration, Jackson became principal of A.C. New Middle School in 2018. Hear how the hiring practices at A.C. New have created a…

1
LET's Talk with Sharing Life Founder and CEO, Teresa Jackson 38:12

1+ y ago38:12

38:12

On this episode of The LET’s Talk Podcast, hear from Teresa Jackson, Founder and CEO of Sharing Life. Jackson’s journey in nonprofits began as a recent divorcee when she sought help for her three children. Learn how a disheartening experience at a food pantry helped her realize her authentic purpose leading up to the creation of Sharing Life. With …

1
LET's Talk with Hanby Elementary teacher, Mabel Morales 29:59

1+ y ago29:59

29:59

On this episode of The Let's Talk Podcast, hear the powerful story of Mabel Morales, a bilingual teacher at Hanby Elementary. Morales, who lost her mother at one year old, found her safe haven at school as she struggled growing up in a toxic home in her native country of Bolivia. At 18 years, to escape this situation, Morales fled to the United Sta…

1
LET's Talk with Mesquite ISD Assistant Athletic Director Deidra Rucker 35:17

2y ago35:17

35:17

Deidra Rucker, Mesquite ISD Assistant Athletic Director, joins us on this episode of The LET’s Talk Podcast. An SMU college basketball alum, Rucker began her 20-year coaching career as a high school varsity head coach. Rucker shares an insight into her motherhood journey and how being a single mother changed her priorities, leading her to walk away…

1
LET's Talk with 2022 Mesquite ISD Convocation Speaker Jeremy Anderson 28:11

2y ago28:11

28:11

On this episode of The LET's Talk Podcast, meet Jeremy Anderson, education consultant and this year's convocation speaker. Anderson shares his experience as a troubled student and the relationships his teachers built that led him to overcome his challenges. Learn about the belief system and what it means to "Teach by faith and not by sight" as he u…

1
LET's Talk with Vanguard High School Dean Clint Elsasser 48:26

2y ago48:26

48:26

On this episode of The LET's Talk Podcast, get to know the story behind Vanguard High School's dean Clint Elsasser. Listen to how a struggling dyslexic student who failed third grade discovered his passion and managed to graduate from college on the dean's list within four years despite being placed on academic probation. A dedicated youth minister…

1
LET's Talk with Mesquite Academy Principal Terrence Williams 24:32

2y ago24:32

24:32

On this week's podcast, Terrence Williams, principal of Mesquite Academy, speaks about his experience growing up in West Texas and attending Midland Legacy, formerly known as Midland Lee High School. Learn why Williams, who graduated with a degree in Information Systems, says transitioning to an educator's role was the ‘best decision ever’. Now, a …

1
LET's Talk with Horn High School Director of Football Operations Kahn Rollerson 28:56

2y ago28:56

28:56

On this week's podcast, Horn High School Director of Football Operations and Running Back Coach Khan Rollerson credits his discipline to the birth of his son. Growing up without a father figure and being a young single father, Rollerson was determined to be a role model for his child. Hear how he is focusing on building leadership skills within the…

1
LET's Talk with Mesquite High School Soccer Head Coach Philip El-Aya 33:31

2y ago33:31

33:31

Mesquite High School history teacher and head soccer coach Philip El-Aya grew up in Mesquite – a world away from where he was born in Lebanon. In this week's podcast, he shares the moving story of his family leaving a war-torn country when he was only 2 years old and how their journey to U.S. citizenship shaped his deep appreciation for America. Le…

1
LET's Talk with Mesquite ISD Deputy Superintendent Dr. Janine Fields 33:02

2y ago33:02

33:02

Our first guest on the debut episode of Season 3 of the LET’s Talk Podcast is Mesquite ISD Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Janine Fields. Her journey began in a small farming town in Washington where she was the first in her family to attend college. Learn about how her summer jobs shaped her work ethic and what she’s learned about the hard-working peop…

1
LET's Talk with Mesquite ISD Radio Station KEOM FM Station Manager Peggy Brooks 35:03

2y ago35:03

35:03

Guest Peggy Brooks has served as the station manager of KEOM 88.5 FM for 14 of her 30-year tenure with the Mesquite ISD radio station. Before she retires this month, she shares a little history of the station and what makes it a unique opportunity for MISD students and our community. Hear how an MISD program for paraprofessionals to gain teaching c…

1
LET's Talk with 2022 Texas Regency International Beauty Pageant Winner and 2014 Poteet Graduate Maxcie Taylor 28:19

2y ago28:19

28:19

Thanks to compassionate MISD administrators who believed in her even as an angry teen, Maxcie Taylor is poised to give back to the Mesquite community in a multi-level capacity. She’s a 2014 graduate of Poteet and recently was crowned the 2022 Ms. Curve Texas Regency International. Hear how Maxcie is using her platform to help local entrepreneurs, n…

1
LET's Talk with Mesquite ISD Superintendent Dr. Rivera 37:18

2y ago37:18

37:18

Why is Dr. Rivera’s vision for the district resonating with the campus leaders and student families he’s visiting with? What has he already learned about the power of the new Mesquite Promise? How is he working with Mayor Alemán to leverage the strong school district/city relationship for an even brighter future for our community? In the LET’s Talk…

1
LET's Talk with Horn High School Athletics Coordinator and Head Football Coach Courtney Allen 34:15

2+ y ago34:15

34:15

Last January, guest Courtney Allen took the reins as Horn High School athletics coordinator and head football coach. Hear why Coach Allen calls Horn "a sleeping giant" with exceptional potential for success in sports and how the parents and students have rallied around his leadership during his first semester. He explains how his motto of "We're No…

1
LET's Talk with Education Legend Dr. Dawson Orr 48:09

2+ y ago48:09

48:09

In this episode, our guest is an education legend and friend of Mesquite ISD: the recently retired Dr. Dawson Orr. His multi-state and international career includes leadership roles in Texas, where he most recently launched the doctorate in education program at SMU. Born in Columbia, South America, Dr. Orr started teaching at a difficult time when …

1
LET's Talk with Mesquite High School Science Teacher Chandra Courtney 38:07

2+ y ago38:07

38:07

Today's guest Chandra Courtney has a brilliant mind--and heart to go with it. Hear how her Caribbean childhood, "melting pot" family and teaching excellence philosophy inspire her to teach her Mesquite High students much more than science. "See people as potential advocates and allies; Agree to listen and look for solutions; Persevere when people d…

1
LET's Talk with Vanguard High School Assistant Dean Patrick Haney 34:09

2+ y ago34:09

34:09

Teaching students ranging from fragile learners and at-risk youth to the gifted and talented. Raising two daughters--one adopted and bi-racial; the other biological and white like both parents. Opening a new-concept high school in Mesquite as second in command. Guest Patrick Haney, a North Mesquite graduate and current Vanguard High School assistan…

1
LET's Talk with Horn High School Principal Deeadra Brown 33:31

2+ y ago33:31

33:31

Finishing her first year as Horn High School principal, Deeadra Brown tells how she has excelled in that role as a Black female. Hear how she overcame challenges and now feels successful after working with students and staff to reset expectations in academics and behavior. Although an honors student in high school, the Texas native was initially pl…

1
LET's Talk with West Mesquite High School Athletic Coordinator and Head Football Coach Frank Sandoval 38:28

2+ y ago38:28

38:28

In this episode, meet Frank Sandoval, West Mesquite High School's athletic coordinator and head football coach since January 2020. Hear about his life tragedy at age 14 that he says "fuels" his five brothers, sister and him to work hard, succeed and give back to others with love. Learn how this Farmersville, Texas, native and family man is building…

1
LET's Talk with Horn High School Senior Meleah Minyard 43:06

2+ y ago43:06

43:06

Meleah Minyard--a Horn High senior recently accepted into Oklahoma City University's prestigious theatre program--has been known to use her performance skills for social change. To her, you are never too young or too old to learn how you personally can help break down inequities for success. Hear how and why she boldly challenged white people like …

1
LET's Talk with MISD School Board Trustee Teia Blackshear Collier 43:56

2+ y ago43:56

43:56

During Women’s History Month, we celebrate vital roles women play. Today's guest is the newest Mesquite ISD Board Trustee Teia Collier--a professional writer specializing in the automotive industry and a strong advocate of Mesquite and our school district. Hear her motivating perspective as a North Mesquite High School graduate with parents who tau…

1
LET's Talk with Former Dallas-Fort Worth Sportscaster Dale Hansen 45:28

2+ y ago45:28

45:28

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dale Hansen, the retired WFAA sports anchor discusses a range of topics: he disagrees with the notion that affirmative action infers lower quality, he discusses how the movie Bridge of Spies changed his outlook on life, and he encourages people to find happiness every day. Find out why Hansen believes everyone in …

1
LET's Talk with Retired Channel 8 Sportscaster Dale Hansen 45:06

2+ y ago45:06

45:06

In today’s episode, you’ll hear from Dale Hansen, the sometimes-controversial, always-opinionated retired WFAA Channel 8 sportscaster. The reasons why he has used his platform to speak about issues facing minority or disadvantaged groups may not be what you expect. Dale says his three years in the U. S. Navy opened his eyes to the inequities in soc…

1
LET's Talk with City of Arlington Unity Council Chair Dr. Jason Shelton 39:04

2+ y ago39:04

39:04

Did you know Arlington--40 miles from Mesquite--is America's 11th most diverse city? Today's guest Dr. Jason Shelton is chair of Arlington's Unity Council and director of UTA's Center of African American Studies. Learn how he leads people from all walks of life to be on the same page for greater success. Also an associate professor of sociology, Dr…

1
LET's Talk with Mesquite ISD Social Studies Coordinator Daniel Norwood 47:12

2+ y ago47:12

47:12

It's Black History Month, and today's guest details its origins and how it is honored by MISD staff and students. And who better to learn from than MISD's very own Social Studies Coordinator Daniel Norwood. Norwood, a proud West Mesquite High School graduate and former North Mesquite High School history teacher, stresses the importance of factual h…

1
LET's Talk with Poteet High School Principal Kelly Long 34:19

2+ y ago34:19

34:19

Today's guest Kelly Long is a proud 1994 Mesquite High School graduate, and she exudes excitement for her current job as Poteet High School principal. Find out how she's leading the next generation and why she credits the challenging upbringing of her husband and high school sweetheart with turning her into a better educator.…

1
LET's Talk with Grand Prairie City Councilman Junior Ezeonu 35:40

2+ y ago35:40

35:40

In this week’s podcast, meet Junior Ezeonu, a rising star city leader in the DFW area, who mesmerized MISD students when he spoke to them at last fall’s Emerging Leaders Conference. Born in Nigeria, Ezeonu came to the United States at age 2. Following in his immigrant family’s footsteps, he places community service as a number one life quest. At ju…

1
LET's Talk with Chief Executive Officer of Young Leaders, Strong City 35:27

2+ y ago35:27

35:27

Meet Amber Sims, a 2005 Mesquite High School graduate on a leadership quest our community and MISD's LET initiative can be proud of. Her non-profit Young Leaders, Strong City (YLSC) provides seminars and other community outreach to provide a place of belonging and fellowship for high school students from across the DFW Metroplex. Hear how YLSC has …

1
LET's Talk with MISD's Director of Federal Programs & Family Support Jennifer Mobley 26:28

2+ y ago26:28

26:28

For 13 years, today's guest Jennifer Mobley has played a significant role in creating equity for MISD students. As the director of federal programs and family support, she oversees a generous budget allowing wide-ranging support to MISD students and staff. Mobley's use of federal funds--from new clothes and free counseling to waived instrument rent…

1
LET's Talk with Teach for America Vice President Lacey Pittman Tomanek 33:00

2+ y ago33:00

33:00

This week's guest and podcast co-host Dr. Gulley have something important in common: both know the positive power of Teach for America. Both women taught for the organization, but guest Lacey Pittman Tomanek chose to continue up the ranks to vice president. Tomanek, a seventh generation Texan, and Gulley discuss why over 80% of Teach for America Co…

1
LET's Talk with Pakistani-American Dr. Sana Syed 44:05

2+ y ago44:05

44:05

In today's podcast, meet Dr. Sana Syed, a Pakistani-American whose multiple life struggles and successes seem impossible for just 39 years of life. Learn why her dad immigrated from Pakistan and how she overcame trauma from being different than other children in America. Find out how she credits education for giving her the autonomy and freedom to …

1
LET's Talk with Mesquite City Manager Cliff Keheley 27:11

2+ y ago27:11

27:11

What's new in Mesquite? City Manager Cliff Keheley shares that plus what he credits for the area's fast growth and exciting future. The city's strong partnership with Mesquite ISD, he says, supports his goal of "ensuring people have a good quality of life." For one, he's proud that there is a playground less than a mile from every home. Learn how t…

1
LET's Talk with Porter Elementary Counselor Melina Ontiveros 27:27

3y ago27:27

27:27

In this week's episode, learn why Porter Elementary Counselor Melina Ontiveros--an Asian raised in the Philippines--is a proud American and Mesquite resident. Living with just younger siblings at age 15 after her mom died, she's also proud to now serve in a role she refers to as 'the person I needed' during her childhood struggles. The former teach…

1
LET's Talk with Mesquite ISD Assistant Superintendent-Administrative Services Mike Jasso 28:55

3y ago28:55

28:55

In his 29th year working in the DFW area in education and first with Mesquite ISD, meet Mike Jasso, our assistant superintendent-administrative services. Hear about his first impressions, wide-ranging job duties, leadership philosophies that align with LET's, aspirations for the district and more. His high school football coach's advice as his team…

1
LET's Talk with Mesquite ISD Director of Counseling Kristy Davis and Family Support Facilitator Kem Edwards 35:31

3y ago35:31

35:31

In today's episode, hear from an impressive duo from Mesquite ISD: Director of Counseling Kristy Davis and Family Support Facilitator Kem Edwards. Learn more about the hearts and minds behind MISD's award-winning counseling staff working diligently to help students feel connected to their teachers and schools. Learn also how counselors follow LET’s…

1
LET's Talk with West Mesquite High School Head Soccer Coach, Mexican-American Studies Teacher Jeremiah Villareal 32:55

3y ago32:55

32:55

In this week's episode, meet West Mesquite High School coach and teacher Jeremiah Villareal. The third-generation Hispanic has served as the Wranglers' head soccer coach for the past five years, and this school year began teaching a new elective called Mexican-American Studies. Hear how he credits support from MISD staff and students and his faith …

1
LET's Talk with Mesquite ISD Board President Eddie Rose 36:42

3y ago36:42

36:42

In this week's episode, School Board President Eddie Rose shares his interesting path to Board service. The 26-year Mesquite firefighter, who has spent the past 13 years as an arson investigator, is no stranger to education. The son of a former principal (dad) and piano teacher (mom) and husband of a Poteet High School assistant principal believes …

1
LET's Talk with Cannaday Elementary Principal Dr. Lauren Chism 37:14

3y ago37:14

37:14

The confidence and positivity coming from guest Dr. Lauren Chism can easily put your mind at ease about Mesquite ISD students making it through these tough times of a pandemic. The principal of Cannaday Elementary, who has also served Kimball and Shands elementaries and Terry Middle School, earned her doctorate in educational leadership at SMU with…

1
LET"s Talk with Mesquite ISD Pre-K Facilitator Jean Pricer 34:41

3y ago34:41

34:41

Jean Pricer is the podcast's first tricultural guest. She shares her experiences as a Filipino-American born and raised in Garland, Texas, and the challenge to acclimate to the people who she said didn't "look like me." Hear why she is familiar with the Tagalog language but has better mastered Spanish and English. Learn what is new about Mesquite I…

1
LET's Talk with Mesquite ISD Bilingual & ESL Director Carolina Portillo 32:14

3y ago32:14

32:14

Carolina Portillo came into her role as MISD's director of bilingual and ESL (English as a second language) services with what seems like the perfect background. Coming to America 14 years ago from Venezuela for a better life, she is an English learner and also a parent of two English learner daughters. The former accountant, who taught elementary …

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