Raising Them Right: Reclaiming Education. Restoring Values.

About Raising Them Right: Reclaiming Education. Restoring Values.

Raising Them Right is the show where conservative leaders, business owners, and advocates speak up for traditional values and real education reform. From school choice to cultural battles in the classroom, we spotlight bold voices fighting to reclaim the future — one student, one school, one community at a time.

Publisher

Monica Yatooma

Category

education · government · news

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

14 Jul 2025

Latest episode

8 Sept 2025

Latest episodes

5 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Sept 2025

   Episode 5: Ian Noble on Raising Men of Character Through Fatherhood, Faith, and the Power of Presence

   Episode Summary: In this powerful episode of Raising Them Right, host Monica Yatooma sits down with Ian Noble, devoted husband, father of three boys, and longtime mentor, to explore what it takes to raise boys into men of conviction in today’s complex world. Ian shares how his journey as both a parent and mentor has shaped his philosophy on fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of presence, faith, and intentional leadership in the home. He unpacks the difference between enforcing rules and instilling values, offering wisdom on how parents can raise children who make wise decisions long after they leave home. Drawing from decades of coaching and mentoring, Ian explains why boys crave guidance, how fathers can model resilience and humility, and why authenticity matters more than perfection. His message is both inspiring and practical: leadership in the home is built through small, consistent actions of love and intentional presence. For parents, mentors, and anyone who believes in the power of strong fatherhood, this episode offers timeless lessons on building character, fostering resilience, and leaving a legacy of faith and integrity that impacts generations to come. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why presence matters more than perfection in parenting The difference between teaching rules and instilling values How rhythms of connection create trust and stability in families Why authenticity and humility are essential for fathers The role of faith in guiding children toward purpose and conviction How challenges and failures help children develop resilience The power of mentorship in shaping boys into strong men Memorable Quotes: “Children are always watching—our presence speaks louder than any lecture.” — Ian Noble “Great parenting isn’t about perfection, it’s about staying teachable.” — Ian Noble Resources Mentioned: Connect with Ian Noble: Follow linkedin.com/in/iannoble1 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/iannoble1)on LinkedIn or visit runsteadyinvestments.com (https://www.runsteadyinvestments.com/) Call to Action: If you care about the future of our children and the integrity of our schools, subscribe to Raising Them Right on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/4gxi64OjvBQgJdvI6Gj2zW) or Amazon Music (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8b0043d5-b3ed-4cfc-88db-ae0d89223e38/raising-them-right-reclaiming-education-restoring-values) Want to help? Share this episode with a fellow parent, teacher, or advocate. Get involve at greatEA.org (https://www.greatea.org/get-involved) for updates, resources, and ways to be part.

2. 

   31 Jul 2025

   Episode 4: Wen Zhang on Breaking Generational Silence and Building Bold Women Leaders Across the Globe

   Episode Summary: In this deeply inspiring episode of Raising Them Right, host Monica Yatooma sits down with Wen Zhang, founder of the INNW Institute, to explore her remarkable transformation from a voiceless girl in rural China to a globally recognized leadership coach. Growing up in a remote village without internet or resources, Wen was told girls should stay silent, obedient, and invisible. But her spirit said otherwise. With a cassette tape and sheer determination, she taught herself English, earned a full scholarship to Duke University, and began a journey of self-discovery that would lead to empowering hundreds of underestimated women to find their voice, own their presence, and rise in leadership. Through the “If Not Now, When” (INNW) Institute, Wen is helping women around the world dismantle fear, perfectionism, and cultural conditioning that keep them playing small. This isn’t just a personal story; it’s a battle cry for women who are ready to lead from authenticity, courage, and conviction. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why do so many women wait to feel “ready,” and why does that moment never come How fear, doubt, and cultural silence shape leadership potential The cost of perfectionism and people pleasing, especially for high-achieving women How to build trust with your inner voice and speak with unapologetic presence The three things that separate invisible leaders from impactful ones Wen’s formula for creating internal safety in high-stakes spaces Why your story, even the painful parts, is your greatest leadership asset Memorable Quotes: “If I could unlearn silence, I believe any woman can.” — Wen Zhang “We tell our daughters to dream big, but model fear. That ends with us.” — Monica Yatooma Resources Mentioned: Connect with Wen at www.innwinstitute.com or follow her on LinkedIn (https://linkedin.com/in/wen-zhang-duke-mba) Websites: ifnotnowwen.com (http://www.ifnotnowwen.com/) & ifnotnowwen.com/services-8 (https://www.ifnotnowwen.com/services-8) INNW Institute – If Not Now, When Wen’s TED-style trainings and workshops Mindset and presence coaching for female leaders Tools for overcoming perfectionism and cultural blocks Call to Action If you care about the future of our children and the integrity of our schools, subscribe to Raising Them Right on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/4gxi64OjvBQgJdvI6Gj2zW) or Amazon Music (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8b0043d5-b3ed-4cfc-88db-ae0d89223e38/raising-them-right-reclaiming-education-restoring-values) Want to help? Share this episode with a fellow parent, teacher, or advocate. Get involve at greatEA.org (https://www.greatea.org/get-involved) for updates, resources, and ways to be part.

3. 

   29 Jul 2025

   Episode 3: Paul Kolin on Accountability, Equity, and the Hard Truths Behind Failing School Systems

   Episode Summary In this courageous conversation on Raising Them Right, host Monica Yatooma is joined by Paul Kolin, a public servant, KPMG US executive, and longtime Bloomfield Hills School Board member, to challenge the myths, missteps, and missed opportunities in today’s education system. From his early days growing up in Coney Island to teaching in some of New York’s most underserved classrooms, Paul has seen firsthand what it takes to lead with integrity — and what happens when we don't. Drawing on his experience in both public service and the private sector, Paul shares why real educational reform demands more than money. It demands accountability, courage, and community commitment. He doesn’t shy away from hard truths including why many affluent districts succeed while others fall behind, and how performative leadership on school boards harms the very kids those boards are meant to serve. This isn’t just a critique of the system. It’s a call to action for anyone who believes our children deserve better. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why high per‑pupil spending doesn’t always lead to high performance The difference between serving the community and serving a title How strong school boards can transform outcomes — and how weak ones erode trust What affluent districts get right that others can adopt Why true equity starts with expectations, not excuses How Paul’s Teach for America experience shaped his lifelong education mission The urgent need for tough policy decisions like consolidation in Michigan school districts Memorable Quotes “It’s not just about spending more — it’s about expecting more.” — Paul Kolin “We say we want accountability in schools. But we punish people who try to deliver it.” — Monica Yatooma Resources Mentioned Bloomfield Hills School Board Teach for America Michigan Department of Education data KPMG public sector consulting insights Call to Action If you care about the future of our children and the integrity of our schools, subscribe to Raising Them Right on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/4gxi64OjvBQgJdvI6Gj2zW) or Amazon Music (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8b0043d5-b3ed-4cfc-88db-ae0d89223e38/raising-them-right-reclaiming-education-restoring-values) Want to help? Share this episode with a fellow parent, teacher, or advocate. Get involve at greatEA.org (https://www.greatea.org/get-involved) for updates, resources, and ways to be part.

4. 

   23 Jul 2025

   Episode 2: Kevin Kijewski on School Choice, Parental Rights, and the War Against Catholic Education in Michigan

   Episode Summary: In this explosive episode of Raising Them Right, host Monica Yatooma sits down with Kevin Kijewski, Michigan Attorney General candidate, attorney, and former Catholic school superintendent, to expose how Michigan’s educational and legal systems have been weaponized against parents—and against faith-based schools. Kijewski dives deep into the roots of Michigan’s unconstitutional Blaine Amendment, revealing how anti-Catholic bias still affects funding, choice, and access to quality education today. From advocating for a new Office of Parental and Student Rights to confronting the censorship of parents on public school platforms, Kevin shares his bold vision for restoring constitutional values, academic excellence, and true parental authority. This episode isn’t just a legal breakdown—it’s a wake-up call for conservative parents who feel ignored, silenced, or powerless in today’s education wars. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The historical and unconstitutional roots of the Blaine Amendment in Michigan Why school choice isn’t just about funding—it’s about freedom How Catholic schools succeeded during COVID while public systems failed What Kijewski’s proposed Office of Parental and Student Rights would actually do The illegal ways public school pages are censoring parent speech online Why homeschooling deserves equal protection under the law How COVID relief funds were diverted to political agendas instead of student outcomes Why academic performance is plummeting—and how to fight back Memorable Quotes: “Parents are not co-parents with the state. They are the primary educators. And it’s time the system reflected that.” — Kevin Kijewski “If your speech can be censored by your child’s school district, we have a First Amendment crisis—plain and simple.” — Monica Yatooma Resources Mentioned: Kevin Kijewski for Michigan Attorney General:linkedin.com/in/kevin-kijewski (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-kijewski) Blaine Amendment history FOIA strategies for uncovering misuse of education funds Great Education Action https://www.greatei.org/ (https://www.greatei.org/) Catholic and homeschool legal advocacy Call to Action If you care about the future of our children and the integrity of our schools, subscribe to Raising Them Right on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/4gxi64OjvBQgJdvI6Gj2zW) or Amazon Music (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8b0043d5-b3ed-4cfc-88db-ae0d89223e38/raising-them-right-reclaiming-education-restoring-values) Want to help? Share this episode with a fellow parent, teacher, or advocate. Get involve at greatEA.org (https://www.greatea.org/get-involved) for updates, resources, and ways to be part.

5. 

   14 Jul 2025

   Episode 1: Shayna Levin on Exposing School Board Failures and Fighting for Parental Rights in Public Education

   Episode Summary: In this powerful premiere episode of Raising Them Right, host Monica Yatooma sits down with Shayna Levin, a Michigan mom-turned-school board member who went from volunteering in classrooms to fighting behind the scenes for transparency, accountability, and parental rights in public education. Shayna pulls back the curtain on what really happens inside school boards, why good teachers are afraid to speak out, and how parents can hold administrators accountable, even without a title. Her journey is raw, bold, and deeply relatable for anyone who’s ever felt frustrated with the state of public education. This is more than a personal story, it’s a roadmap for conservative parents and advocates looking to protect their kids, reclaim their schools, and restore common sense to classrooms. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The real reason behind classroom disruptions and why schools often do nothing How FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests can empower parents The legal and administrative barriers school boards hide behind, and how to navigate them What "Least Restrictive Environment" (LRE) means and how it’s impacting IEPs and general ed classrooms Why Shayna ultimately resigned and why you don’t need a title to make a difference How school vending machines are quietly contributing to behavior issues Actionable steps parents can take today to protect their kids and challenge the system Memorable Quotes: “You don’t need a title to make change — you just need to know where to put your energy.” — Shayna Levin "Your kids are not a paycheck. But to many school districts, that’s exactly what they’ve become.” — Monica Yatooma Resources Mentioned FOIA Michigan: https://www.michigan.gov/ag/resources/foia (https://www.michigan.gov/ag/resources/foia) Great Education Initiative: https://www.greatEA.org (https://greatEA.org) Contact Shayna: shayna.levin@gmail.com (mailto:shayna.levin@gmail.com) Call to Action If you care about the future of our children and the integrity of our schools, subscribe to Raising Them Right on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/4gxi64OjvBQgJdvI6Gj2zW) or Amazon Music (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8b0043d5-b3ed-4cfc-88db-ae0d89223e38/raising-them-right-reclaiming-education-restoring-values) Want to help? Share this episode with a fellow parent, teacher, or advocate. Get involve at greatEA.org (https://www.greatea.org/get-involved) for updates, resources, and ways to be part.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

3.8 / 5

6 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.