Best Tracy Mckenzie Podcasts (2024)

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105 | Finding community with author and artist Arna Radovich 44:37

15h ago44:37

44:37

In ep 105, James and Ashley interview Arna Radovich, the author of Limits of Forgetting, a collection of stories interwoven with themes of memory, grief and reflection. Arna shares insights into how her own experiences provide the background for her fiction, and how she found the resolve to release her collection after the loss of her husband. We a…

1
Episode #21-Sergio Rios, Coordinator of Maintenance 31:48

6d ago31:48

31:48

Dr. Spicciati interviews coordinator of maintenance, Sergio Rios. Hear about all the ways he supports students and staff, his passion for playing drums and his fondest recess memories.By Dr. Alan Spicciati

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Episode #20-Tracy Arnold & Arlista Holman, ASD School Board Members 32:52

22d ago32:52

32:52

Dr. Spicciati interviews two ASD Board members as they talk about the role of the school board, their deep connections to the ASD community and, of course, their favorite recess activities.By Dr. Alan Spicciati

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104 | Staying afloat with Olympic gold medallist Michael Klim 49:00

22d ago49:00

49:00

'For me, the only decision was to put myself out there and become more of service to others.' Olympic gold medallist Michael Klim speaks with James about his diagnosis and life with CIDP, the same autoimmune condition James lives with. Michael discusses his childhood and Olympic career, how his worsening health affected his mental health, and how h…

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Episode #19-Terri Herren, High School Principal 29:27

1M ago29:27

29:27

Dr. Spicciati interviews Auburn Mountainview Principal Terri Herren. Hear about her journey as ASD's first female high school principal, her advice for aspiring principals and her love of students.By Dr. Alan Spicciati

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103 | When reviews get personal with Robyn Harding, author of 'The Haters' 53:37

1M ago53:37

53:37

What's it like putting your creative work out in the world and discovering that some people hate it? In episode 103 of James and Ashley Stay at Home, international bestselling author Robyn Harding joins James and Ashley to explore her extensive career in writing. She shares her experience of releasing her first book in 2004, and how her journey has…

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Episode #18-Julie McKenzie, Kindergarten Teacher 28:15

2M ago28:15

28:15

Dr. Spicciati interviews Julie McKenzie, a Kindergarten teacher at Gildo Rey Elementary. Hear all about today's Kindergarten classroom, the importance of learning to read and of course her favorite recess activity!By Dr. Alan Spicciati

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102 | 'You had me at bog people' with Zahid Gamieldien, author of 'All the Missing Children' 32:46

2M ago32:46

32:46

'I wasn't even sure I was going to write a novel.' Author Zahid Gamieldien joins us to discuss his debut novel, All the Missing Children. Zahid speaks about his start writing short stories, his decision to transition to novel writing based on the advice of a publisher, and how he sees the differences between prose and screenwriting. He also speaks …

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Council Leader on Visitor Levy 2:18

3M ago2:18

2:18

Council Leader Cammy Day talking about the plans for introducing the long-awaited Visitor Levy - which the council began asking The Scottish Government for in 2018

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101 | Surviving betrayal (and so much more) with Khin Myint, author of 'Fragile Creatures' 42:23

3M ago42:23

42:23

'I didn't believe that I'd stalked my partner.' In episode 101, we speak with debut author Khin Myint about the multiple strands of biography he explores in his memoir Fragile Creatures. One of these is the sudden and extreme betrayal he faced from his ex-partner, who accused him of stalking her. We also discuss the ambiguous illness his sister The…

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Artist Leon Morrocco talking about his new exhibition 6:54

3M ago6:54

6:54

Edinburgh born artist Leon Morrocco talks to The Edinburgh Reporter about his new exhibition which is on at The Open Eye Gallery until 24 August

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100 | Where snark meets explosive laughter – a podcast retrospective 1:07:58

4M ago1:07:58

1:07:58

We made it to 100 episodes! In this celebration of books, reading and creative community, James and Ashley reflect on how the podcast came about, their favourite books and moments from the podcast, and how their lives, health and writing have changed over the four years since episode 1. You'll also hear from a variety of past guests and listeners, …

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Speaking to Scott Arthur MP 14:18

4M ago14:18

14:18

Scott is one of four new Labour MPs elected to Westminster this week - he represents Edinburgh South West with a majority of 6,217 in a swing from the SNP.

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Tracy Gilbert MP 15:40

4M ago15:40

15:40

Tracy Gilbert is the new Labour MP for Edinburgh North and Leith - and you can hear the excitement in her voice in this episode of our podcast. Her email is tracy.gilbert.mp@parliament.uk

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Episode #17: Khysner Ayo- Auburn High Senior 26:06

4M ago26:06

26:06

We close out the year with Dr. Spicciati's interview with Auburn High senior Khysner Ayo. She talks about moving from the Phillipines to the US, her excellent middle school experience and her love of swinging.By Dr. Alan Spicciati

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99 | Sianging at Home with Siang Lu, author of 'Ghost Cities' 40:48

4M ago40:48

40:48

'There are so many books in bookstores, how could it possibly be that, by complete randomness, someone would pick yours up?' Author Siang Lu joins us to discuss his second novel, Ghost Cities, and the multilayered inspirations behind his multilayered fiction, including Catch-22 and Paradise Lost. We also discuss talent stacking, the challenge of bu…

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Episode 16-Mande Wanlemvo-Auburn Mountainview Senior 28:34

5M ago28:34

28:34

Hear Dr. Spicciati's interview with Auburn Mountainview senior Mande Wanlemvo. He talks about the impact of AVID, the Superintendent's Student Advisory and his elementary football memories.By Dr. Alan Spicciati

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Chris Rutterford has created a new mural in the heart of the Okd Town 5:21

5M ago5:21

5:21

The new mural tells the tale of King David I and the white stag. It was King David who established the royal burgh here which is now 900 years old.

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98 | Come for the misophonia with Imbi Neeme, author of 'Kind of, Sort of, Maybe but Probably Not' 45:13

5M ago45:13

45:13

We've made it to episode 98! Author Imbi Neeme joins James and Ashley to discuss life with misophonia, a hypersensitivity to sounds that she describes as 'like a cheese grater against the brain'. Imbi speaks both about how she discovered that her personal experiences are shared by others, and how she's explored the condition in her latest novel, 'K…

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Episode #15: Rory Murry, Auburn Riverside High School Senior 20:42

5M ago20:42

20:42

Dr. Spicciati is highlighting graduates for the rest of the year and kicks it off with an interview with Rory Murry, Auburn Riverside High School senior. Hear about her journey through the ASD, future soccer plans and her recess memories.By Dr. Alan Spicciati

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97 | Needing to know – Ashley discusses narrative drive 29:12

6M ago29:12

29:12

Throughout their careers, James and Ashley have each picked up some excellent writing tricks, plus developed a few of their own. Now, they’re each sharing a few of their most effective writing techniques (starting with episode 94 - James’ shortcut to compelling characters). In this episode, Ashley gives a mini-masterclass on narrative drive and sha…

1
Episode #14: Dan Duran, Coordinator of Maintenance 31:13

6M ago31:13

31:13

Dr. Spicciati talks with Dan Duran, coordinator of maintence. They discuss the many aspects of keeping our buildings great learning environments, his path as an ASD graduate to his current role and of course, his favorite recess activity!By Dr. Alan Spicciati

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Cllr Simita Kumar the new leader of the SNP group 7:33

6M ago7:33

7:33

Cllr Simita Kumar was only elected in 2022 but she said to us that she has much more experience from the workplace that will allow her to operate well as leader. She will make changes but she is adamant - in the same way as her predecessor was - that the other parties on the council (except the Greens) are in coalition with the minority Labour admi…

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Episode #13: Ryann Mead, Assistant Director of PK-8 Student Learning 29:11

6M ago29:11

29:11

Dr. Spicciati talks with Ryann Mead, assistant director of PK-8 student learning. Hear about the science of reading, the importance of literacy and her love of double-dutch.By Dr. Alan Spicciati

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96 | Living to tell the tale with Tracy Sorensen, author of 'The Vitals' 41:24

6M ago41:24

41:24

'The doctors were telling me, "We’re going to take your greater omentum out" … I had no idea what these terms meant.' In episode 96, author Tracy Sorensen joins us to discuss her remarkable novel/cancer memoir, The Vitals, narrated by her internal organs. After her original cancer diagnosis, a desire to better understand her body led Tracy to croch…

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Episode #12: Robert Powell, Prevention & Intervention Specialist 34:10

7M ago34:10

34:10

Dr. Spicciati talks with Prevention & Intervention Specialist Robert Powell. He talks about the ongoing fight against vaping, the importance of checking in with students and, of course, his favorite recess memories.By Dr. Alan Spicciati

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95 | 'I'm Tom Cruise in Bulgaria' with Liz Nugent, author of 'Strange Sally Diamond' 43:37

7M ago43:37

43:37

‘I had thought I was going to be like Harper Lee. I was going to write one book, it was going to be a massive global success, and then I would go into hiding.’ Hear from award-winning Irish author Liz Nugent, whose novel Strange Sally Diamond may have turned Ashley into a total fangirl. Liz discusses her journey from a childhood accident leading to…

1
Episode #11: Noah Tenner, Auburn Riverside student 29:16

7M ago29:16

29:16

Dr. Spicciati talks with Auburn Riverside High School student Noah Tenner about his experience on the Superintendent's Advisory Council, the game of tag and the importance of student voice.

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Episode #10: DJ Eastlick, West Auburn High School Graduate 29:03

8M ago29:03

29:03

Dr. Spicciati talks with recent West Auburn High School graduate DJ Eastlick about her high school experience, being class president and her bright future.By Dr. Alan Spicciati

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94 | Cloning, shame and principles – James shares tips on writing character 31:55

8M ago31:55

31:55

Throughout their writing careers, James and Ashley have each picked up some excellent writing tricks, plus developed a few of their own. In the coming months, they’ll each share a few of their most effective writing techniques, starting with James’ shortcut to compelling characters. British science-fiction author Karen Traviss writes remarkably nua…

1
Episode #9: Analia Galloway, Director of Human Resources 33:22

8M ago33:22

33:22

Dr. Spicciati talks with HR Director Analia Galloway. She highlights the wide variety of positions in the district, how to apply and why you should come work with us! Join us for the ASD Hiring Fair, March 23 from 9 a.m. to noon at Auburn High School. All departments will be represented.By Dr. Alan Spicciati

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93 | Tricking yourself into writing with Adele Dumont, author of 'The Pulling' 37:02

9M ago37:02

37:02

’I kept this condition very, very secret from everybody.’ Adele Dumont's remarkable new memoir, The Pulling, details her life with trichotillomania — a mental health condition that, at times, has consumed her life. In this episode, she discusses the unique writing process that enabled her to put long-held secrets first on the page and then into the…

1
Episode #8: Elisabeth Ronley, Ceramics & Painting Teacher 36:23

9M ago36:23

36:23

Dr. Spicciati talks with Auburn High Art teacher Elisabeth Ronley. Learn about the Auburn High mural projects, the value of arts education and friendship bracelets.By Dr. Alan Spicciati

1
Episode #7: Kevin Paustian, Band Teacher 37:28

9M ago37:28

37:28

Dr. Spicciati talks with Mt. Baker Middle School Band teacher Kevin Paustian about trumpets, marbles and being the Washington State Middle School Band Teacher of the Year!By Dr. Alan Spicciati

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92 | How to save a life with Kylie Ladd, author of 'I'll Leave You With This' 38:43

9M ago38:43

38:43

'The whole concept of transplantation still blows me away. There is something a bit magical about it. But as with most things people do, it can also find ways to blow up in people’s faces.' Author and neuropsychologist Kylie Ladd joins us to speak about her latest book, 'I'll Leave You with This.' She shares her research into the incredible science…

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Episode #6: Cindi Blansfield, Associate Superintendent of Business & Operations 26:48

10M ago26:48

26:48

Dr. Spicciati talks with Cindi about funding sources that make up the district budget, the upcoming replacement levy and jumping off swings!By Dr. Alan Spicciati

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91 | Bonus ep! Learn how to run a writers group with Ashley Kalagian Blunt 5:03

10M ago5:03

5:03

If you listen to James and Ashley Stay at Home, you know that both Ashley and James credit much of their skill development to their writers group. And they're not the only ones! You can hear rom com author Jonathon Shannon talk about what he learned from the group, as well as literary fiction author Amy Lovat. Like Ashley and James, they joined as …

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90 | 'I was going to ask this privately, but...' - James and Ashley at the Boorowa Literary Festival 35:44

10M ago35:44

35:44

The tables are turned! Recorded live at the Inaugural Boorowa Literary Festival, festival director, book lover, and all-round excellent human Jeremy Clarke interviews James and Ashley. Learn more about the Absolutely Superb Bibliothèque and Occasional Wine Bar and its upcoming literary events here! Hear the James and Ashley Stay at Home origin stor…

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Episode #5: Marci Killian, Culinary Arts Teacher 31:49

10M ago31:49

31:49

Dr. Spicciati talks with Auburn High School Culinary Arts teacher Marci Killian. From favorite recipes to grease fires, hear about one of the ASD's strong Career & Technical Education programs from a great teacher!By Dr. Alan Spicciati

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89 | The Bed on a Plinth Awards: The best books we read in 2023 22:26

11M ago22:26

22:26

It's books wrap-up season! James and Ashley are getting on the bandwagon and discussing their favourite reads from 2023 in the first annual 'Bed on a Plinth Awards.' Books and authors discussed in this episode (warning: spoilers!): Dark Mode by Ashley Kalagian Blunt Crushing by Genevieve Novak The Sun Walks Down by Fiona McFarlane Desire by Jessie …

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Episode #4: Maeghan Bowman, Assistant Director of Multilingual Learners 37:06

11M ago37:06

37:06

Superintendent Dr. Spicciati talks with Maeghan about the richness of the languages of the students who call Auburn home and the teachers and programs that support them.By Dr. Alan Spicciati

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88 | Books galore: the best book recommendations of 2023 1:22:19

11M ago1:22:19

1:22:19

Our most popular episode of the year is back! James has gathered the best 'What Are You Reading?' segments from 2023 into a comprehensive summary of book recommendations from our guests. We discuss a huge variety of books, including thriller, mystery, memoir, rom com, literature, essays, poetry, nonfiction, plays and audiobooks. We also delve into …

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Episode #3 Ben Atkinson, Assistant Director of Child Nutrition 30:42

11M ago30:42

30:42

Dr. Spicciati talks to Ben about the importance of nutrition, Auburn's innovative Farm to School work with local farms and of course his best recess memory.By Dr. Alan Spicciati

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87 | How to climb a ladder covered in butter with Laurie Steed, author of 'Love, Dad' 40:43

11M ago40:43

40:43

‘I wanted to find compassion for me and for any writer out there who’s doing the best they can but it’s not working out the way they planned.’ Author Laurie Steed shares how crippling anxiety affected both his literary career and his experience of fatherhood. Before he could address the anxiety, he first had to unlearn the lessons around masculinit…

1
Episode #2: Patrick Mulick, Director of Student Engagement 39:03

12M ago39:03

39:03

Superintendent Dr. Alan Spicciati talks with Patrick Mulick about cheerleading, special education and what inclusion means for the success of students with disabilities.By Dr. Alan Spicciati

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86 | Starting late with Penguin Literary Prize winner Annette Higgs 35:49

12M ago35:49

35:49

‘When I was a lawyer, I knew what was good enough, because if you did the job properly, you were paid, and if you didn’t do the job properly, you were sued. It was very clear-cut. With writing, you never know. There’s a lot of subjectivity.’ James speaks with Penguin Literary Prize winning author Annette Higgs about her debut novel, On a Bright Hil…

1
Edinburgh Council has declared a Housing emergency 7:35

1y ago7:35

7:35

Here we speak to the Housing Convener Jane Meagher to find out what it means and also to Cllr Iain Whyte the leader of the Conservative group who voted differently from the remainder of the council.

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Episode #1: Blaire Penry, Washington State Teacher of the Year 25:24

1y ago25:24

25:24

Superintendent Dr. Alan Spicciati talks with Blaire Penry, the first Auburn School District teacher ever selected as the Washington State Teacher of the Year! Hear from Blaire about her path to Teacher of the Year, her favorite teacher and her platform as the state winner.By Dr. Alan Spicciati

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85 | 'These men do exist:' the Dark Mode spoilers episode 1:00:47

1y ago1:00:47

1:00:47

Ashley reveals the inspiration behind the twists and turns in her bestselling psychological thriller, Dark Mode. Together with return guest Jacinta Dietrich and self-described enthusiastic reader Ali Thomas, Ashley and James delve into every scintillating Dark Mode detail they normally can’t discuss, including the novel's real-life inspirations. Ja…

1
Speaking with the curator of the new exhibition at Dovecot Studios 8:33

1y ago8:33

8:33

Dovecot Studios opens new exhibition Monarchs of the Glen: From Whisky to Wes Anderson, celebrating the international history of a Scottish icon. The painting 'The Monarch of the Glen' by Edwin Landseer has inspired people around the world since the 19th century, being reproduced and re-interpreted many times. To commemorate the 150th anniversary o…

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