Best Amherst Student Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 51 - Exploring our Shadows & Diving into Servant Leadership with Dr. Max Klau 26:45

4d ago26:45

26:45

Dr. Max Klau, City Year staff alum and renowned speaker, author, consultant, and coach joins us for a conversation on the intricacies of servant leadership. From his journey as a volunteer, his research at City Year, and his work now as an author, Dr. Klau dives into the idea of shadows and light in the development of servant leaders. You can learn…

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Ep. 50 - Scale & Impact on the Global Stage, a Conversation with Johan Uvin, Donahue Institute at UMASS Amherst 48:19

11d ago48:19

48:19

Johan Uvin, Executive Director of the Donahue Institute at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, joins us for a conversation on the importance of cultivating and growing our young people, their skills, and providing opportunities for success.

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SPOTLIGHT : Allison Cunningham, Senior Corps Service Leader with City Year Columbus 22:13

18d ago22:13

22:13

Join us for a Spotlight episode featuring Allison Cunningham, Senior Corps Leader with City Year Columbus. Allison shares with us her experience as a first year corps member to her time as a senior service leader. She also fills us in on her future youth services librarianship plans that City Year has inspired her to pursue.…

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Ep. 49 - Service in New York State: a conversation with State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, Assemblymember Karines Reyes, and Assemblymember Jonathan Rivera 33:21

25d ago33:21

33:21

Join us for a special edition episode of Why We Matter, featuring three members of the New York State Legislature for a conversation on the state of service in New York, the SOMOS conference, empowering the Latino community in New York, and more.

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Ep. 48 - Developing a Leadership Mindset with Francesca Schuler, CEO of the Nantucket Project 38:16

1M ago38:16

38:16

Join us on Why We Matter as we meet with Francesca Schuler, the CEO of the Nantucket Project. Francesca shares with our listeners her leadership journey, the importance of storytelling and elevating impact, and the critical role a service mindset plays in achieving success.

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Ep. 47 - Student Success Coaching in New York State, with Gio Barcenes, City Year New York 35:21

2M ago35:21

35:21

Giovanni Barcenes, Senior Director of External and Government Relations at City Year New York joins us today on Why We Matter for an episode full of joy, hope, and ideas for the future. Tune in to learn more about the student success coach landscape in New York City and state, the power of storytelling, the SOMOS conference, and the future of caree…

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Ep. 46 - Exploring The Future of Student Success Coaches Supporting Students' Mental Health 38:24

2M ago38:24

38:24

John Albright, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of City Year Denver, joins us today on Why We Matter to discuss his aspirations of growing mental health support for students across Colorado in tandem with City Year's student success coaches. Tune in to learn more about John, his path to City Year, and his plans for the future.…

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SPOTLIGHT: Raijene Walker, City Year Greter Boston '16 18:51

2M ago18:51

18:51

Join us for a special edition Spotlight episode featuring City Year Greater Boston AmeriCorps alum, Raijene Walker. Raijene shares her journey to City Year, her experience serving in the Boston corps, and her joys along the way.

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Ep. 45 - Intentionally Cultivating Healthy & Happy Schools with Superintendent Dr. Ed Manansala 33:47

2M ago33:47

33:47

Superintendent of El Dorado County, Dr. Ed Manansala, joins us today to discuss the conditions to create thriving school environments for all students. Join us today to learn more about Dr. Manansala's career and his passion for personalizing support for students, families, and communities.

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Ep. 44 - The Mentorship Multiplier with Dr. Rachel Teague, CYNH '06 and Josh Corey, CYNH '25 28:16

2M ago28:16

28:16

Today Dr. Rachel Teague, CYNH '06 and her mentee, City Year AmeriCorps student success coach Josh Corey CYNH '25 join us for a conversation on the power and purpose of strong mentorship.

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Ep. 43 - Creating Environments Where Students Thrive with Laura Furlong, Chief Executive Officer, Citizens of the World Charter Schools 33:03

3M ago33:03

33:03

Join us for an inspiring episode of Why We Matter featuring Laura Furlong, Chief Executive Officer of Citizens of the World Charter School. Laura is a City Year Boston '02 and City Year Los Angeles '07 alum, and was a founding staff member of City Year Los Angeles. Laura shares with our listeners her journey of service and sheds light on her learne…

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Ep. 42 - Servant Leadership with Joe Patrnchak 41:44

3M ago41:44

41:44

Joe Patrnchak joins us today for an episode surrounding the exercise of servant leadership. Joe served as the Chief Human Resources officer at the Cleveland Clinic and transformed their approach to leadership and people management. He serves as the head of Green Summit Partners and continues to be deeply engaged with the servant leadership model, a…

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Ep. 41 - Live Más & The Belief in The Power of Young People, a Conversation with Marchela Lavey, Taco Bell Foundation 31:13

3M ago31:13

31:13

Join us for a special edition episode of Why We Matter featuring Marchela Lavey - Head of Programs & Partnerships at the Taco Bell Foundation. In this episode, Marchela shares with our listeners the journey that led her to Taco Bell Foundation’s philanthropic work and the exciting programs and opportunities the Foundation offers to communities acro…

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Ep. 40 - What Matters Most to You, a conversation with Principal David Errico 28:53

3M ago28:53

28:53

Join us for a conversation with Duval County Schools Principal David Errico, who partners with City Year's Network for School Improvement. David touches on his experience as a social studies and civics teacher, his leadership journey, and his passion for comic books as a way to bring students and the community together.…

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Ep. 39 - Creative Civics, a Conversation with Peter & Paul Reynolds 47:36

4M ago47:36

47:36

Today we are joined by two visionary creative leaders, brothers Peter & Paul Reynolds, for a conversation about the immense power of harnessing the creativity of young people. Join us to learn more about their stories, and to dive into the creativity of change-making. Learn more: https://www.reynoldstlc.org/…

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SPOTLIGHT: AJ Williams, Team Leader with City Year New York 37:42

4M ago37:42

37:42

Today's spotlight episode features AJ Williams, Senior Corps Team Leader with City Year New York. Tune in to hear more about AJ's journey to City Year, his experience serving with City Year New York, insight into recent convenings he's attended with City Year, and his plans for a future in education.…

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Ep. 38 - Meet Every Learner's Needs, a Conversation with Robert Barnett 30:55

4M ago30:55

30:55

Join us for a conversation about with City Year alum, Robert Barnett, the co-founder of the Modern Classrooms Project and author of Meet Every Learner's Needs: Redesigning Instruction So All Students Can Succeed - out tomorrow, February 5th! Together, Robert and Jonathan dive into the model of the Modern Classrooms Project and Rob's journey with Ci…

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Ep. 37 - Exploring Educational Leadership, a Conversation with Pablo Muñoz 35:19

4M ago35:19

35:19

Join us on Why We Matter for an inspiring conversation with Pablo Muñoz, Managing Director of Muñoz & Company Educational Consultants. Pablo joins us as an expert in education leadership, having served as a teacher or administrator for over 30 years, and a superintendent for 16 years. Listen to learn more about Pablo's inspiring story and his exten…

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SPOTLIGHT: Sam Schraver, City Year Boston '23, Care Force '24, Care Force Project Leader 37:14

4M ago37:14

37:14

Today's spotlight episode features Sam Schraver, City Year Boston '23 and Care Force '24, currently serving as a Care Force Project Leader. Follow Sam's journey to City Year, his experience serving with Care Force, and his exciting plans for a future in education.

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Ep. 36 - "The Power of With," a Conversation with Mark McIntyre 21:58

4M ago21:58

21:58

Today we are joined by Principal and Co-Founder of Merchant McIntyre Associates, the leading federal government relations agency serving exclusively nonprofit institutions and organizations. Today's conversation discusses Mark's new book, "The Power of With." "The Power of With" is a #1 National Bestseller. The book is a concise and entertaining ma…

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Ep. 35 - Finding Purpose, Passion, and Joy, a conversation with Shajena Cartagena 38:21

5M ago38:21

38:21

Today we meet Shajena Cartagena, Assistant Principal of Literacy at DC Public Schools. Shajena touches on her experience as a City Year corps member in Washington, DC, where she continued her career. Tune in to learn more about her experience finding purpose, passion, and joy.

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Ep. 34 - Committing to Community Voices, a conversation with Sonali Nijhawan, Director of AmeriCorps state and National 47:14

5M ago47:14

47:14

This episode was recorded on December 17, 2024. Today we are joined by Sonali Nijhawan, Director of AmeriCorps State and National for an inspiring conversation covering her service and leadership journey. Sonali touches on her personal experience serving with City Year and her subsequent career in education and national service. Tune in for an ener…

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Ep. 33 - Partnering with Young People, a conversation with Kate Cochran, the National Partnership for Student Success 41:28

5M ago41:28

41:28

Join us for a conversation with Kate Cochran, Managing Director of the National Partnership of Student Success Hub. Tune in to learn more about the important work of the NPSS, and the critical impact student success coaches add to schools and communities across the country. Together, we dive into the impact of this work on both local communities an…

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SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Jena Pugh, City Year Columbus Alum & Graduate School Strategist 16:16

6M ago16:16

16:16

Join us for a conversation with City Year Columbus alum, Dr. Jena Pugh. Dr. Jena shares with our listeners her journey to City Year, the skills she developed through service, and how her unexpected "gap year" led to graduate school and a successful career in higher education. To learn about Dr. Jena's work as a graduate school strategist, please vi…

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Ep. 32 - Striving to Increase Access to Education, a conversation with Eric Chapman 39:33

6M ago39:33

39:33

Today we meet with Eric Chapman, Principal of O.W Erlewine Elementary School to discuss his decades of leadership in Sacramento public schools. Eric dives into the benefit of whole child education and development.

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Ep. 31 - Making Places into Spaces for Community and Dialogue: A conversation with Jenn Hoos Rothberg, Einhorn Collaborative 40:39

6M ago40:39

40:39

Join us for a conversation with Jenn Hoos Rothberg, Executive Director of Einhorn Collaborative. Together, we discuss Jenn's nearly two decades of leading the foundation and her personal and professional experiences that have deepened her understanding of the power of human connection, service, and their transformative legacy.…

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SPOTLIGHT: Gage Barringer, City Year Greater Boston Second Year AmeriCorps Member 24:32

6M ago24:32

24:32

Today we are joined by Gage Barringer, a second year AmeriCorps member serving with City Year Greater Boston. Gage shares with us their journey to City Year, and some of his lessons learned, memorable moments, and inspiring reflections from his service experience. Tune in for a moving episode.

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Ep. 30 - Kelly Corrigan, A Conversation on Bravery 41:19

6M ago41:19

41:19

This week on Why We Matter, Kelly Corrigan, New York Times Bestselling Author and host of the Kelly Corrigan Wonders podcast, joins us for a conversation on the need for bravery in our dearest relationships.

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Ep. 29 - A Service Journey, with Tasha Booker, M.Ed, City Year 34:31

7M ago34:31

34:31

Today we meet with Tasha Booker, Senior Vice President of External Engagement at City Year. Tasha discusses her journey to City Year through education and service, and shares a few of her memorable stories from her time as Executive Director of City Year Columbus.

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SPOTLIGHT: René Sebastian Cisneros, Team Leader, City Year Greater Boston 34:11

7M ago34:11

34:11

Today on Why We Matter we have the chance to meet René Sebastian Cisneros- the Team Leader for City Year at Mattapan’s Young Achievers Pilot School.

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Ep. 28 - A Conversation with Coach Brad Knighton, New England Revolution 24:49

7M ago24:49

24:49

In this week's episode, we feature New England Revolution coach, Coach Knighton. Coach Knighton shares his incredible journey from professional player to coach and how he remains committed to giving back to his community. Tune in to hear his inspiring story of dedication, leadership, and supporting the next generation. This episode is brought to yo…

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Ep. 27 - Connecting the Head and the Heart, with John Barry, President & CEO of Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum 31:11

7M ago31:11

31:11

Join us for a conversation with Major General John Barry, President & CEO of Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. John joins us with extensive experience in public service. From serving in the United States Air Force for over 30 years as a combat veteran, fighter pilot, to becoming the Superintendent of Aurora Public Schools, and more.…

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Special Edition Episode: City Year's New Student Success Coach Playbook 29:10

8M ago29:10

29:10

Join us for a special edition episode discussing City Year’s new Student Success Coach Playbook for Program Developers. You can learn more about the playbook by following this link: https://www.cityyear.org/impact/research-publications/city-year-publications/ To contact Jennifer about the playbook you can email here: [email protected] To learn mo…

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SPOTLIGHT: Stefanie Vestal, City Year AmeriCorps and Staff Alum 35:17

8M ago35:17

35:17

Meet Stefanie Vestal, a City Year Providence and DC AmeriCorps Alum and City Year Staff Alum! Stef shares with us her impressive career in service, from her time serving in Providence and Washington, DC, to her time working as staff for City Year DC, to her experience at the Clinton School of Public Service and her current tenure as Director of Str…

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Ep. 26 - Public Eduction & National Service, a Conversation with Tom Brady, former Director of DoDEA 34:31

8M ago34:31

34:31

Tom Brady, former Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), recalls his extensive public service experience, from serving as the Director of DoDEA during the COVID-19 pandemic, to his experience working with City Year AmeriCorps members in DC, Providence, and Philadelphia and his personal and professional commitment to natio…

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Ep. 25 - The Power of Storytelling with Joe Zappala, City Year 25:23

8M ago25:23

25:23

Today on Why We Matter we meet with City Year's Vice President of Communications, Joe Zappala, for a conversation on the art and power of storytelling, especially in the service and education fields.

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Ep. 24 - Leadership and Service, a Conversation with Tim Quinn 30:14

8M ago30:14

30:14

Join us for a conversation with Tim Quinn, Founding CEO, Michigan Leadership Institute and Founding Managing Director, The Broad Academy for an important conversation about leadership, service, and meaningful relationships with students.

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SPOTLIGHT: Kevin Dua, City Year Boston Alum 16:45

8M ago16:45

16:45

For this edition of our Spotlight series we welcome City Year Boston Alum, Kevin Dua. Kevin served with the Boston corps in 2009 and is now a highschool humanities teacher. Join us for a conversation about Kevin's service and the pathway it led to his career in teaching.

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Ep. 23 - National Attendance Awareness Month: A Conversation with Dr. Bob Balfanz 31:06

9M ago31:06

31:06

September is National Attendance Awareness Month. To commemorate, we invited Dr. Bob Balfanz for a conversation about chronic absenteeism and the critical value student success coaches add to classrooms across the country.

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Ep. 22 - Service Bridges and Pathways with Sean McDevitt, City Year 34:01

9M ago34:01

34:01

Our episode today features City Year's own Sean McDevitt, City Year AmeriCorps alum '02, and Senior Director, AmeriCorps Member Experience. Together, we dive into Sean's journey to service and City Year, and his committment to service as a pathway to meaningful impact and success.

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Ep. 21 - Listening to Students with Elliot Washor, Co-Founder of Big Picture Learning 37:27

9M ago37:27

37:27

Today we are joined by Elliot Washor, co-founder of Big Picture Learning. Join us for a conversation on the importance of listening to students and the power of strong adult-student relationships.

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Ep. 20 - Servant Hearts and Learning Minds, a conversation with Dr. Tarra Mitchell, Executive Director of City Year Seattle/King County 35:54

9M ago35:54

35:54

Join us in welcoming Dr. Tarra Mitchell, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of City Year Seattle/King County for a conversation on the tremendous impact of both military and service on her own life and the value national service has on our young people and students.

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Ep. 19 - Trusting the Process: Impact & Mentorship with Shavon Marion, City Year Memphis 21:55

9M ago21:55

21:55

Today we are joined by Shavon Marion, Managing Director of Impact at City Year Memphis for a conversation about her journey to City Year and her experience working with students and student success coaches to cultivate positive learning communities.

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Ep. 18 - Mentorship, Prevention, Intervention, with Gustavo Ortiz, Principal of Ascot Elementary, Los Angeles, CA 35:02

10M ago35:02

35:02

Join us for a conversation with Gustavo Ortiz, Principal at Ascot Elementary in South Los Angeles. Gustavo speaks to the impact City Year student success coaches have had on his students and school.

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Ep. 17 - Following our Hearts with Sam Rodriguez, Walls for Justice 35:11

10M ago35:11

35:11

Today we welcome Sam Rodriguez, City Year alum and founder and executive director of Walls for Justice, a Philadelphia based nonprofit that strives to create positive change through art, for a conversation focused on the importance of following your heart.

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Ep. 16 - Community as a Path Forward with Charlie Rose, City Year 30:53

10M ago30:53

30:53

Join us for a moving episode with Charlie Rose, Dean of City Year. Charlie touches on the impact of community on his own life and on the lives of our corps members across the country.

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SPOTLIGHT: Annie Qin, City Year Boston alum 17:40

10M ago17:40

17:40

Today we meet Annie Qin, a City Year Boston alum and current Chief of Staff of Boston Centers for Youth and Families who discusses her time serving with City Year and the impact her service has had on her life and career.

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Ep. 15 - A Conversation with Paul Samuel Dolman 47:46

10M ago47:46

47:46

Today we meet with internationally acclaimed author and podcaster, Paul Samuel Dolman, where we touch on the topics of public education, mentorship, purpose, and bringing love into all areas of life.

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SPOTLIGHT: James Burton, City Year Boston 17:56

11M ago17:56

17:56

Join us for another SPOTLIGHT episode featuring James Burton, a recent City Year Boston alum who served at Mather Elementary School in Dorchester, MA.

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Ep. 14 - The Policy Perspective with Bethany Little, Education Counsel 33:24

11M ago33:24

33:24

Today on Why We Matter we are joined by Bethany Little of Education Policy for a conversation on the role of policy in education and national service.

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