Listen & Learn
Developing Talent for Activism: Transformational Giftedness and Animal Justice
“Instead of telling somebody, here’s what you need to believe about animals, She gives him information about animals, Here’s what study show about how animals behave, and what they want and need and what they’re lives are like and that is a respect for the audience, you might not believe it or agree with me but here’s an information I’m gonna share with you. ”
– Dr. Jennifer Riedl Cross
Episode Transcription
In this Winter 2026 episode of the Listen and Learn series, Dr. Jennifer Riedl Cross joins Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett to challenge traditional views of giftedness. Moving beyond IQ and high achievement, she introduces Transformational Giftedness—the idea that intelligence and talent are most meaningful when used to tackle societal challenges and create positive change.
The conversation explores the “Rage for Justice,” the moral intensity often found in gifted individuals, and how it can be channeled into effective activism. Animal justice emerges as a compelling entry point for young activists, highlighting how concern for animals often sparks broader social awareness and motivates action for the common good.
Dr. Worwood and Dr. Burnett discuss practical strategies for nurturing young changemakers. From persuasive writing and public speaking to strategic thinking, they emphasize how educators and parents can help students transform passion into real-world impact. Creativity is central, with activism framed as an imaginative act—envisioning worlds that do not yet exist and taking steps to bring them to life.
About the Guest
Dr. Jennifer Riedl Cross is the Director of Research at the William & Mary Center for Gifted Education. Her research focuses on the social and emotional development of gifted students, particularly those who use their talents for social justice and advocacy.
Episode Debrief
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We are thrilled to partner with Curiosity 2 Create as our sponsor, a company that shares our commitment to fostering creativity in education. Curiosity 2 Create empowers educators through professional development and community support, helping them integrate interactive, creative thinking approaches into their classrooms. By moving beyond traditional lecture-based methods, they help teachers create dynamic learning environments that enhance student engagement, improve academic performance, and support teacher retention. With a focus on collaborative learning and exploration, Curiosity 2 Create is transforming classrooms into spaces where students thrive through continuous engagement and growth.
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