Best Danu Poyner | Grokkist Podcasts (2025)

1
Deep Thinking, Education, and Freedom in an Age of Distraction - Jon Burmeister | S4E5 1:23:02

5M ago1:23:02

1:23:02

What does it mean to think deeply and live freely in an age of distraction? Philosopher Jon Burmeister reflects on his journey from analytical rigour to embodied integration, exploring whole-person education, the history of ideas, and reclaiming attention in a fragmented world. Conversation Themes Whole-person education as liberation: How liberal a…

1
Message Received: how authentic communication helps us find our voice and share our story - Kendra Fee-McNulty | S4E4 1:23:43

9M ago1:23:43

1:23:43

Kendra Fee-McNulty, founder of Raveloe+Co, leads an empathy-driven marketing consultancy that helps mission-driven organisations find their voice and share their stories authentically. We discuss effective storytelling and how to balance creativity and commerce without compromising your values. Conversation Themes Kendra’s personal journey, includi…

1
Embrace your inner outlier: going full desert weirdo with Brittany Cole Houston | S4E3 1:25:25

1y ago1:25:25

1:25:25

Brittany is a silversmith, non-traditional educator, and the creative force behind Full Desert Weirdo. Together we rethink the edges of normalcy, illuminating how our quirkiest traits not only shape an ever-changing personal identity but also hold the potential to remake the world around us. Conversation Themes The Value of Outliers Social Norms an…

1
“I was so undecided”: navigating personal fulfilment and professional purpose - Christopher Schoenwald | S4E2 50:26

1+ y ago50:26

50:26

Christopher hosts and produces the internationally-awarded "Life as A.." podcast, helping people find professional career ideas and business pathways by exploring jobs from around the world. We discuss the interplay between career and identity and the pursuit of purpose-driven work. Christopher's story in brief Christopher didn’t have a Plan A. He …

1
Calibrate your inner compass with a sense of gratitude for the peculiar - Lawrence Yeo | S4E1 1:16:47

1+ y ago1:16:47

1:16:47

Lawrence Yeo is a writer, illustrator, storyteller, and the creator of 'More To That', an illustrated long form blog that delves deeper into the things that make us who we are. We discuss the role of confidence, gratitude, uncertainty and many other practicalities of pursuing a creative life. Lawrence's story in brief Lawrence grew up feeling abund…

1
27 gifts of life-changing learning and one radical conclusion - an audio essay | S3E9 41:36

1+ y ago41:36

41:36

If you could gift someone a life-changing learning experience, what would it be and why? We discuss the combined wisdom of 27 of my podcast guests and what it means for how we approach the practice of education. Where, when, and how do moments of truly life-changing learning actually happen? What do they look like? When have you had a learning expe…

1
Listening with the heart: how the wisdom of plants helps us remember our connection to the divine - Amanda Nicole | S3E8 1:27:26

1+ y ago1:27:26

1:27:26

Amanda is a liriodendress, a human embodiment of the tulip poplar tree. We discuss her journey of reconnecting with nature, listening to the wisdom of plants, and exploring alternative ways of knowing in her pursuit of heart-centred living. Episode Summary Raised in a conservative Baptist church, Amanda always felt the divinity in the world but que…

1
Unlocking the power of purposeful play - Trudi Boatwright | S3E7 1:19:36

2y ago1:19:36

1:19:36

Trudi is an experiential designer, facilitator, and creative who specialises in play. We discuss how purposeful play fosters connection, innovation, and psychological safety in life and the workplace. Key Topics The importance of a playful mindset and its benefits in the workplace, including fostering connection, innovation, and psychological safet…

1
“One breath at a time”: daring life, mindfulness, and non-self - Lalith Gunaratne | S3E6 1:20:37

2y ago1:20:37

1:20:37

Lalith Gunaratne is a parent, entrepreneur, and educator on mindful leadership. We discuss Lalith’s mindfulness journey, his experience starting a solar energy business, and how his approach to equity, diversity, and inclusion training is informed by mindfulness and personal integrity. Key Topics Lalith's mindfulness journey and the benefits of bei…

1
“You don’t need a lab coat”: transforming chemistry education through imagination and play - Colleen Kelley | S3E5 1:16:16

2y ago1:16:16

1:16:16

Dr Colleen Kelley is a chemist and the creator and founder of Kids’ Chemical Solutions, a comic-book based chemistry curriculum that aims to transform chemistry education through imagination and play. We discuss Colleen's mission to make chemistry more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Key Topics How Colleen is making chemistry more accessible…

1
Unconscious Printouts, Threshold Guardians and Dead Man’s Dreams - The Ungoogleable Michaelangelo | S3E4 1:30:06

2y ago1:30:06

1:30:06

The Ungoogleable Michaelangelo is a multidimensional artist and creator of cosmic, comedic, and contemplative content. We discuss the mysteries of creativity and the disciplined use of psychoactive substances to expand one's understanding of the world. Key Topics Why "unconscious printouts" – unexpected creations that arise while doing something el…

1
Sitting Power: why the won game is the easiest to lose - John Fawole | S3E3 1:07:10

2y ago1:07:10

1:07:10

John Fawole is an International Chess Federation master, chess in education lecturer, and founder of Bruvs Chess Media. John shares his journey to becoming a national chess champion in Nigeria, the transformative effects of chess education, and how the game impacts people's lives beyond the board. Key topics John's journey to becoming Nigerian Nati…

1
Planning for a Positive Future: Natural Hazards, Risk, and Climate Change Adaptation - Lara Clarke | S3E2 1:16:08

2y ago1:16:08

1:16:08

Lara is a New Zealand-based planner with over 10 years of experience in the field, working on projects across the public and private sectors. With a background in both government processes and business realities, Lara has a unique perspective on the intersection of policy, science, and community engagement. We discuss breaking down institutional kn…

1
“I’m crafting a story to get something done” - Sam Hoffman | S3E1 1:12:48

2+ y ago1:12:48

1:12:48

Sam Hoffman is a multidisciplinary creative with roots in copywriting and content creation for Broadway shows and Fortune 500s. For over a decade, Sam has moonlighted as a part-time high school speech and debate coach with one of the nation's top programs, Ridge High School in New Jersey. He specializes in the competitive categories that allow stud…

1
Free yourself from external validation: unschooling, outdoor adventure and That Mountain Life - Erich Leidums | S2E13 55:31

2+ y ago55:31

55:31

Erich Leidums is the content creator behind That Mountain Life, where he documents his family's outdoor adventures and parenting journey in a small mountain town in the interior of British Columbia, Canada. We discuss the importance of building a fulfilling lifestyle that aligns with your values. Key Topics: The importance of building a fulfilling …

1
From guilt at leaving teaching to designing student wellbeing at scale, with Maria Fernanda Puertas | S2E12 1:08:15

2+ y ago1:08:15

1:08:15

A conversation all about what happens when a mingling of interests meets a sudden change in priorities. The moments where you change from being one kind of thing into another, how that happens and how you update your self-understanding along the way. Teaching moments and learning moments – the beating heart of education that enables each of us to r…

1
Living life out of sequence, with engagement and experience leader Grace Liaw | S2E11 1:11:27

2+ y ago1:11:27

1:11:27

A conversation all about doing things in a different way and order than you’re supposed to. Not doing what you’re told, leaning into life’s sudden twists and turns, feeling behind, and taking flight, all while figuring out adulting and navigating the exciting challenges, complexity and expectations of cultural identity. Key Topics: Having a family …

1
How we design conscious, creative and caring virtual learning - Seth Fleischauer | S2E10 1:06:00

3y ago1:06:00

1:06:00

Seth is the President & Founder at Banyan Global Learning, a group of educators who deliver live virtual programs in social and emotional learning (SEL), Digital Citizenship, and Global Citizenship. We talk about what it means to design education that helps us find our place in the world. Key Topics How Banyan Global Learning works with schools to …

1
Navigating the passing of a loved one with estate planning lawyer and author Robert Kabacy | S2E9 1:03:30

3y ago1:03:30

1:03:30

In this episode: Navigating the dynamics of death, grief and loss, from brain fog to finding a sense of control. Arguing over estates and why 70% of people don't make plans for what happens after they die. Explaining the mechanics of probate with a story about picking berries. Being a stage magician and how magic helps with storytelling. What we ca…

1
From classroom to corporate with TESOL teacher and instructional designer Diego Boada | S2E8 1:03:14

3y ago1:03:14

1:03:14

In this episode: Losing your job in the pandemic and reverse culture shock when moving from the US back to Colombia. From English language teaching to instructional design for product managers. Never leaving school and how teachers are more than teachers. Universal design for learning. How teaching expertise is valued in traditional education vs in…

1
TikTok teaching and activism with philoso-rapper Nathan Dufour Oglesby aka 'Nathanology' | S2E7 1:13:56

3y ago1:13:56

1:13:56

In this episode: What's involved in being an artist, academic and activist on YouTube and TikTok. Musical influences from Bob Dylan to Public Enemy. Why make songs and videos about the history of words and ideas? Getting naughty for nature. Performing rap on tap. Teaching as performance. Meditations on the self and social media. BONUS: Nathan and D…

1
From hating math to being a data analyst - Cristina Huidiu | S2E6 50:30

3y ago50:30

50:30

In this episode: Journey from a humanities background in libraries to technical integrations specialist for a global corporate. Building a chatbot and losing everything in a server crash. Importance of communication and soft-skills when working on technical projects. A love of problem solving and an avoidance of boredom. About the Guest: Being fore…

1
From Player to Educator: Embracing Games in Education - James Birt | S2E5 1:12:18

3y ago1:12:18

1:12:18

James Birt is an Associate Professor of Computer Games in the Faculty of Society and Design at Bond University, Australia. We discuss how gaming shaped James’ career in education, and the value of games in learning and fostering innovation. Episode Summary James' passion for computer games and technology began at a young age, leading him to pursue …

1
Why I refuse to sacrifice my curiosity for the sake of passing a test - Danu Poyner | S2E4 24:18

3y ago24:18

24:18

In this solo episode, Danu discusses how his own squiggly career is animated by his troubled personal relationship with education, and reflects on the traits that people who are 'still curious' have in common. Curiosity, love of learning, and privilege Why Front Row and Back Row are useful categories How we can recognise people who are 'still curio…

1
"How good are you willing to allow your life to get?": what happens when we set transformational goals – Ann Collins | S2E3 1:03:20

3y ago1:03:20

1:03:20

Ann Collins is an Executive and Leadership Coach who helps senior leaders to get clarity on their next career steps and transition into new roles with confidence and ease. We discuss the importance of setting expansive goals, understanding one’s values, and letting go of limiting beliefs. Key topics What happens when executives and senior leaders s…

1
My job title doesn't define me: finding joy in diverse interests - Amanda Young | S2E2 1:02:58

3y ago1:02:58

1:02:58

Amanda Young is a former linguist now working on risk mitigation and problem solving. We discuss the importance of trying new things, embracing mistakes, and finding joy both inside and outside of work. Key Topics Amanda's focus on finding joy both inside and outside of work The importance of trying new things and embracing mistakes Amanda's mix-an…

1
Still Curious – Trailer 0:59

3y ago0:59

0:59

1-minute trailer showcasing what the Still Curious Podcast is all about. [Updated 25 May 2022] Website: grokk.ist/stillcuriouspodcast | Email: [email protected] | Socials: @grokkist Music: Kleptotonic Swing by Tri-TachyonBy Danu Poyner

1
"I'll give that a crack": a squiggly story of science leadership - Maxine Bryant | S2E1 1:01:59

3y ago1:01:59

1:01:59

Maxine Bryant is an experienced team leader, project manager, and research management professional with fifteen years experience in the tertiary sector, specialising in operations management, system development, and policies and process. We talk about having an unplanned career and what's involved in leading science teams. Key topics The business o…

1
“I just need to know them very well”: connecting with young special needs students - Travis Yuan | S1E11 1:01:29

3+ y ago1:01:29

1:01:29

Travis is a special education teacher who trained as an early childhood educator. We talk about building relationships with special needs kids and what Travis learned by migrating from Taiwan to New Zealand. Key topics What happens in a special needs classroom and why every day is about both careful planning and also throwing the plan away most day…

1
No time to be curious when you're constantly at the grind - Kat Daley | S1E10 1:00:47

3+ y ago1:00:47

1:00:47

Kat is the Program Manager for the Bachelor of Youth Work and Youth Studies at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. We discuss how 'street wisdom' and lived experience of chronic disadvantage, child abuse and homelessness helps Kat and her students tackle systemic injustice for young people. Key topics How growing up in poverty taught Kat from …

1
"Don't start demoing, start listening": Why the salespeople we trust are experts in their clients' needs - Bo Alroe | S1E9 1:02:16

3+ y ago1:02:16

1:02:16

Bo is an expert in sales management, strategy and execution in the enterprise software industry, based in Denmark. We talk about how to walk into a room and what it means to establish a cycle of curiosity with your clients. Key Topics Bo's squiggly career, from studying communications for fun, to switching jobs with a friend, to helping grow a glob…

1
"Tell someone who cares": a shout-out to caring people who move within uncaring systems - Danu Poyner | S1E8 19:36

3+ y ago19:36

19:36

In this solo episode, Danu reflects on caring and uncaring teaching, how we live out what the world teaches us and why an ethical imagination is the beating heart of education. Why we need an ethical imagination How an uncaring teaching system kills curiosity How we live out what the world has taught us The truth about learning outcomes Episode Sum…

1
I moved to the middle of nowhere and found everything I'd been missing - Kathryn Harris | S1E7 58:43

3+ y ago58:43

58:43

Kathryn is a hydrogeologist with a wealth of experience in the private energy sector. We talk about how she fell into hydrogeology and how she combines her love of the environment, adventure, science and emotional connection to make a difference in her community. Key Topics Kathryn's squiggly career path, from dropping out of music school and waitr…

1
Creativity, classrooms, calligraphy: "You never know what it's going to be until it's finished" - Peter Gilderdale | S1E6 1:06:31

3+ y ago1:06:31

1:06:31

Peter Gilderdale is a freelance writer and calligrapher and recently retired lecturer in Design History at Auckland University of Technology. We talk about the difference between education that gets people creative and excited vs turning out people who just want to tick boxes. Key Topics Why ‘learning outcomes’ and the disciplinary apparatus of a u…

1
"Whose rule is that?" Examining the self-talk that limits our potential - Gail Reichert | S1E5 1:03:42

3+ y ago1:03:42

1:03:42

Gail develops and runs leadership programs in organisations to help people increase their self insight and become better leaders. We discuss why people can be really intellectually smart, but if they're not aware of the emotional impact they're having on others, then they won't be very effective. Key Topics How emotions drive behaviour and why no a…

1
Turn your curiosity into action before inspiration fades - Carl Leducq | S1E4 56:04

3+ y ago56:04

56:04

Carl is a games producer and podcaster. We talk about how learning to make short gameplay montages of Call of Duty 4 during high school set him on a squiggly path from film to social media content creation, and eventually into the games industry. Key Topics Why learning how to edit gameplay montages of Call of Duty 4 as a teenager helped Carl more …

1
A love-hate relationship with my profession - Eleanor Colla | S1E3 1:05:48

3+ y ago1:05:48

1:05:48

Eleanor is a tertiary Librarian living, working, and learning in Melbourne/Naarm. They are interested in researcher development, integrating library services in the research lifecycle, the role of cross-boundary professionals in tertiary institutions, and library advocacy. Key Topics What would happen if librarians disappeared? Eleanor’s thoughts o…

1
From theatre acting to change management, it's about human connection - Myles Tankle | S1E2 1:04:13

3+ y ago1:04:13

1:04:13

Myles Tankle is a theatre maker, performance capture actor, facilitator and change management professional based in Melbourne, Australia. Key Topics What theatre has taught Myles about dealing with emotion in corporate workplaces The teaching and customer service techniques Myles learned at Apple as a Creative Trainer that he still uses in everyday…

1
If your curiosity is still intact as an adult, you've already won - Danu Poyner | S1E1 23:33

3+ y ago23:33

23:33

It's the very first episode! Usually there will be guests but for the first one it's just Danu explaining what the podcast is about, what he's doing it and what he hopes to achieve with it. Why do a podcast about curiosity? Where Danu is coming from How curiosity connects to education Episode Summary Visit the Grokkist podcast hub for a full digest…

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