“Embrace the Cringe”: Self‑Love, Representation, and Real Education Reform with Tony Weaver Jr.
Tony Weaver Jr. joins Tino to talk about Weirdo, the Nerds for Literacy initiative, and how to build a culture of reading that actually serves kids. They dig into phones, algorithms, the canon vs. representation, and why embracing the cringe is a superpower for self‑discovery. Practical ways parents, teachers, and young people can take the first step today.
In this conversation, writer and Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree Tony Weaver Jr. breaks down:
The gap between “be yourself” and how schools actually treat kids
Why we must prioritise skills and engagement over sacred texts
Phones, algorithms, and the monetisation of youth insecurity
Representation in literature and who gets to define “the canon”
Nerds for Literacy: putting books and a culture of reading back into under‑resourced schools
“Embrace the cringe” as a path to self‑love and creative courage
Practical first steps for young people to use their voice through arts, writing, and community
Links
Tony Weaver Jr. on socials
Nerds for Literacy: https://www.tonyweaverjr.com/
Weirdo (book): wherever books are sold
