Leading stories, trending topics, changing narratives. This is the Critical Conversations podcast series with Dr. Rick Daniels. Engaging in topics related to, and focused on diversity, equity and inclusion.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
In this episode, Dr. Rick Daniels sits down with Oakton faculty and staff to discuss Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. They discuss the historical perspective and significance of AAPI Heritage Month, AAPI literature and research resources through Oakton's Library, the Model Minority Myth, and the diversity and intersectionality that exists within the AAPI community. Finally, the group discusses some upcoming programming and ways that the Oakton community can come together to learn about, uplift, and celebrate this diverse identity group.
🗓️ Mark your calendars! Asian Night Market - Friday, May 8th, 2026 from 5-9 PM - Student Street at the Des Plaines Campus
Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Guests: Mohamed Mehdi, Distinguished Professor, Co-Chair, Humanities and Philosophy
Michelle Oh, Associate Professor and Librarian for Open Access and Equity
Christian Kim, Asian and Pacific Islander Equity Coordinator
Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguised Professor of Design
14 Mar 2026
Celebrating Women's History Month with the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC)
Join Dr. Rick Daniels, Leah Kintner, and Esperanza Salgado-Rodriguez for a conversation on the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC) at Oakton. In honor of Women's History Month, they discuss the history of AAWCC at Oakton, key issues facing women in community colleges, upcoming initiatives and events, membership, and scholarship opportunities.
Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion "
Guests: Leah Kintner, Senior Program Developer for Workforce and Community Education
Esperanza Salgado-Rodriguez, Trio Student Support Services Program Manager
Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguised Professor of Design
13 Feb 2026
Sis, Ya Slip is Showing! A bold guide to ending toxic friendships and choosing yourself.
On this episode of Critical Conversations, we spotlight one of Oakton's own: Manager of Oakton's Career and Transfer Center and author of the new book, "Sis, Ya Slip is Showing! A bold guide to ending toxic friendships and choosing yourself. We sat down with Dr. Smith in the studio and asked her more about her role at Oakton and helping students prepare for their next steps after Oakton. Then she discusses her new book adn its unique title, her writing process, and what she hopes readers will take away from reading it.
Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Guests: Adrienne C. Smith, Ed.D., Manager of Oakton's Career and Transfer Center
Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguised Professor of Design
Who has been a guest on Critical Conversations
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Janeen Jackson
Adaugo Uduko
Mulla Juma
AnnLouise Applewhite
Brenda Cruz
Reach and audience
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Apple Podcasts (US)
4.6 / 5
9 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 45 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
67
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
60
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