Best Futureoflearning Podcasts (2025)

1
Catching Up! | Shifting Enrollment, Dead Malls, and Community Hubs 49:20

1d ago49:20

49:20

In this episode of "Catching Up!", hosts Mason and Nate dive into a lively discussion on the future of education, exploring how learning spaces, AI readiness, and global innovations are reshaping the landscape. From the creative redevelopment of community hubs in former malls to the pressing need for media literacy amidst a wave of information over…

1
Who needs college anymore? | Kathleen DeLaski 34:07

3d ago34:07

34:07

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Kathleen deLaski, author of "Who Needs College Anymore?" to explore the ever-evolving landscape of higher education. DeLaski challenges traditional views on college education, delving into how the rise of alternative pathways like apprenticeships and dual enrollment are resha…

1
How Should we Confront Complexity in Uncertain Times? 36:50

8d ago36:50

36:50

On the latest episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Mason Pashia engages with Will Richardson, co-founder of The Big Questions Institute, to explore the evolving role of education in the face of global complexity and potential collapse. Richardson shares insights from his new manifesto, emphasizing the importance of repairing human and ecological r…

1
How Important is Research and Development for Education? | Sara Schapiro 31:38

11d ago31:38

31:38

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Sara Schapiro, the director of the Alliance for Learning Innovation. Together, they explore the critical need for enhanced research and development (R&D) within the education sector—an area historically underfunded compared to other industr…

1
Catching Up! | Exploring Learning Spaces, AI Readiness, and Global Education Innovations 44:38

16d ago44:38

44:38

In this episode of "Catching Up!", join Mason Pashia and Nate McClennen as they explore the intersection of learning spaces, AI readiness, and global education innovations. Discover how AI-assisted teams outperform conventional groups and what New Zealand's competency-based education system can teach us about learner records. Delve into the role of…

1
How Can Relational Intelligence Transform Education in Our Tech Based World? | Isabelle Hau 33:27

18d ago33:27

33:27

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Jordan Luster explores the transformative potential of relational intelligence in education with Isabelle Hau, Executive Director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning and author of “Love to Learn.” Together, they explore the concept of relational intelligence (RQ) and its importance in shaping relat…

1
What If the Era of AI is Really the Era of Youth Entrepreneurship? | Don Wettrick 30:04

25d ago30:04

30:04

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark chats with Don Wettrick, CEO of the StartEdUp Foundation, to explore the future of entrepreneurship education. Don Wettrick talks about how the foundation is transforming high school students into proactive problem-solvers and innovators through initiatives like the Innovate Within pitch …

1
From Getting Smart: Catching Up! | Abundance, Learning Experiences, and What's in Your Learner Wallet? 45:32

1M ago45:32

45:32

In this episode of “Catching Up,” Mason Pashia and Nate McClennen dive into the endless potential of AI across various sectors, with a focus on education and music. They explore the implications of AI-generated music, the concept of unbundling education to expand learning ecosystems, and the emerging importance of digital credentials and learner re…

1
What does a Community-Connected Career Readiness Program Look Like? | A Case Study with YouScience 41:44

1M ago41:44

41:44

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Mason Pashia and his guests talk about how YouScience is transforming career navigation for students and educators. Joined by an achieved panel of guests, including Peter Van Mondfrans from YouScience, Kaitlyn Tyler from the Greater Springfield Partnership, Christina Walters of Knight Dispatch, and Jami…

1
How might we transform the college application journey? | Tiffany Green on Uprooted Academy 34:07

1M ago34:07

34:07

In the latest episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Victoria Andrews engages in an enlightening conversation with Tiffany Green, the visionary founder of Uprooted Academy. This innovative platform is designed to transform the college application journey for young students by incorporating holistic elements such as financial literacy, wellness,…

1
The Students Know Best, Can Education Learn from Community? | Aylon Samouha 28:28

2M ago28:28

28:28

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Rebecca Midles sits down with Aylon Samouha, the CEO of Transcend and a visionary in education reform. They delve into the concept of The Third Way, an approach that blends community insights with proven educational practices to create lasting change in schools. Aylon shares his insights from years…

1
How bad is the "Disengagement Crisis"? | Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop 41:36

2M ago41:36

41:36

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Nate McClennen explores the topic of teen engagement with guests Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, authors of "The Disengaged Teen." They delve into the four modes of learning—passenger, achiever, resistor, and explorer—offering insights on how students move between these modes. The conversation…

1
What if all students had a menu of pathways options in high school? | Dr. Lazaro Lopez and Students from District 214 32:31

2M ago32:31

32:31

Welcome to the Getting Smart Podcast, in today's episode, we dive into the innovative initiatives of District 214, a leader in creating personalized, real-world learning experiences for students. Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, District 214 is part of the Illinois Accelerate Ed cohort, focusing on bridging K-12 education with po…

1
Are you "hiring" your dream job? | Michael Horn 30:24

2M ago30:24

30:24

In this episode, Mason Pashia is joined by Michael Horn to discuss his new book, "Job Moves: Nine Steps for Making Progress in Your Career." They explore the jobs-to-be-done theory and how it applies to career choices, highlighting the iterative process of career pathways. Michael shares insights on hiring your job, storytelling in career developme…

1
What if the Gap Year Was Actually a Launch Year? | Abby Falik 32:21

3M ago32:21

32:21

Mark your calendars for SXSW EDU March 3-6, 2025 in Austin, Texas, and register now at sxswedu.com. Let’s work together to shape the future of education—one idea at a time. In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark interviews Abby Falik, founder of The Flight School, a transformative educational initiative aimed at high school gr…

1
Profile of an Unbundled Learning Ecosystem: Arizona 50:28

3M ago50:28

50:28

In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, Arizona is pioneering a transformative approach through unbundled learning. This model breaks down traditional educational silos, integrating K-12, higher education, and workforce readiness to equip students with the skills necessary for the 21st century. By leveraging partnerships with local busin…

1
Profile of an Unbundled Learning Ecosystem: New Hampshire 46:51

3M ago46:51

46:51

The podcast episode "New Hampshire Unbundled" explores how New Hampshire has become a leader in unbundled and competency-based learning, offering students personalized educational pathways that extend beyond traditional school environments. By embracing initiatives like the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS) and Learn Everywhere, the s…

1
Profile of an Unbundled Learning Ecosystem: Colorado 46:57

3M ago46:57

46:57

In Colorado, the unbundled learning movement is reshaping how education is delivered, bridging the gap between traditional schooling and real-world experiences. This initiative is driven by the need to provide students with relevant, career-connected learning opportunities that prepare them for future success. By integrating work-based learning, in…

1
What Does it Take to Make a Great Microschool Leader? | Coi Morefield 24:03

3M ago24:03

24:03

In this engaging episode of the Getting Smart podcast, hosts Jordan Luster and Victoria Andrews dive into the world of micro schools with Coi Morefield, the innovative founder of the Lab School of Memphis. Morefield introduces Microschool Masters, a groundbreaking platform designed to address the unique challenges of microschool education by transf…

1
Town Hall: What’s Next in Learning 2025 39:02

3M ago39:02

39:02

The recent "What’s Next in Learning 2025" Town Hall highlighted pivotal trends poised to redefine education, emphasizing the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI), governance shifts, and literacy. AI is revolutionizing classrooms by offering personalized learning experiences but also posing challenges such as plagiarism and ethical use. Th…

1
Brad Leon on the BlueSky Institute and Radical Pathways at the Intersection of Health and Technology 32:17

3M ago32:17

32:17

In this episode, Shawnee Caruthers explores the innovative approach of the Blue Sky Institute to redefining healthcare education through its partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee and East Tennessee State University. This initiative addresses workforce shortages by offering accelerated pathways that integrate technology with hands-on …

1
Dr. Bo Stjerne Thomsen on The Future of LEGO Education 23:03

3M ago23:03

23:03

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we explore LEGOs exciting new venture into science education with their latest K-8 curriculum. Tom Vander Ark chats with Bo Stjerne Thomsen, head of LEGO Education, about how this innovative, inquiry-based learning approach is set to transform classrooms by integrating hands-on science experiences align…

1
Dannyelle Austin and Lisa Richardson On Catalayze: A Career-Connected Commnuity of Practice 31:33

3M ago31:33

31:33

In today's episode, we're diving into the transformative world of career-connected learning with two pioneers leading the charge. Joining us are Dannyelle Austin, the executive director at Launchpad, and Lisa Richardson, the project lead of Catalyze. Catalyze is dedicated to reshaping how students interact with potential career pathways by fosterin…

1
Dennis “Doc” Littky on Expanding The Vision: College Unbound 30:47

4M ago30:47

30:47

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark sits down with Dennis "Doc" Littky, an educational innovator whose work with Big Picture Learning and College Unbound is reshaping the landscape of personalized and experiential education. From the inception of Big Picture Learning, which challenges conventional schooling with its "leavin…

1
Adam Kulaas on Tacoma Public Schools Being a City-Connected, Career-Connected District 29:37

4M ago29:37

29:37

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark delves into the innovative educational approaches of Tacoma Public Schools, highlighting their commitment to integrating college and career readiness into a unified pathway. Partnering with Tacoma, Tom speaks with Adam Kulaas, Director of Innovative Learning, who shares insights on how th…

1
Jennifer Purcell on Future Ready Oregon and a Future Ready Workforce 37:57

5M ago37:57

37:57

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark delves into the intricacies of workforce development and public leadership with Jennifer Purcell, the director of Future Ready Oregon. This state-level initiative represents a groundbreaking approach to aligning education and workforce systems, with a strong emphasis on equity and access.…

1
Laura Slover and Mike Flanagan on Skills for the Future 32:21

5M ago32:21

32:21

In this episode of the Getting Smart podcast, Tom Vander Ark is in conversation with Laura Slover and Mike Flanagan, focusing on the transformative initiatives in education being spearheaded by ETS and the Mastery Transcript Consortium (MTC). The discussion gets into the Skills for the Future initiative, emphasizing the shift from traditional educa…

1
Competency-Based Education on the Getting Smart Podcast 32:43

5M ago32:43

32:43

In the podcast episode featuring Laurie Gagnon, the focus is on the transformative potential of Competency-Based Education (CBE) in reshaping K-12 learning environments. Laurie discusses how CBE moves away from traditional seat-time-based models, emphasizing mastery of skills and knowledge at an individualized pace. This approach not only personali…

1
Danny Martin on Esposure 33:13

5M ago33:13

33:13

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Victoria Andrews takes us into the transformative world of eSports alongside Danny Martin, co-founder and CEO of eSposure. With eSports growing into a $250 billion industry, it's more than just competitive gaming; it's a thriving ecosystem that fosters community, teaches valuable workforce skills, and o…

1
Dr. Tim Dasey on Wisdom Factories and Turning the Educational Model Upside Down 38:57

6M ago38:57

38:57

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen and Tim Dasey delve into the multifaceted impact of AI on education, exploring both the challenges and opportunities it presents. As AI becomes a larger part of various educational contexts, it prompts a reevaluation of traditional teaching methods and calls for the creation of new strate…

1
Dr. Christopher Emdin and Sam Seidel on From White Folks Who Teach in the Hood 34:38

6M ago34:38

34:38

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers gets into a profound discussion with Dr. Christopher Emdin and Sam Seidel about their latest work, "From White Folks Who Teach in the Hood." This conversation is essential for educators who are ready to challenge their own biases and rethink their roles in marginalized communities. Emd…

1
Voices of Small Schools Podcast: Accessibility 38:31

6M ago38:31

38:31

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, hosts Jordan Luster and Victoria Andrews dive into the world of microschools, exploring how these small, adaptive learning environments are making education more accessible and equitable. The conversation touches on the different strategies employed by micro school leaders across the country, emphasizin…

1
Zoe Weil on The Solutionary Way 29:45

6M ago29:45

29:45

Project Lead the Way is a proven national leader in science, technology, engineering, and math education, for Pre-K through high school. They strive to help teachers make every student in every grade STEM-successful, through interactive, problem-based learning. Learn more and find a school with Project Lead The Way near you. In this episode of the …

1
John Watson and Mawi Asgedom on Creating Innovative Experiences and Belonging for Adult Learners 30:34

6M ago30:34

30:34

In this podcast episode, Victoria Andrews gets into the transformative power of community in education. Joined by John Watson and Mawi Asgedom, the three discuss how fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion can lead to innovative learning environments. John Watson, the CEO of Evergreen Education Group, highlights the importance of creating spac…

1
Nevada’s State Portrait of a Learner 32:46

7M ago32:46

32:46

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we are joined by an inspiring lineup of educational leaders who are at the forefront of transforming Nevada's educational landscape. Our guests are Jhone Ebert, Nevada's State Superintendent, and Jeanine Collins, Chief Innovation Officer at Ed Extraordinary. They discuss their pivotal roles in the creat…

1
Voices of Small Schools Podcast: Scalability 36:08

7M ago36:08

36:08

In this episode of the Getting Smart podcast, hosts Jordan Luster and Victoria Andrews talk to Desiree Corbin of Mindsprout Montessori, Tiffany Blasingame of the Ferguson School, Kenesha Skaggs of SOAR Academy, Coi Morefield of The Lab School of Memphis, Amar Kumar of KaiPod, and Julia Bamba from the Issaquah School District. Together. The conversa…

1
Rachelle Dené Poth on How to Teach AI 32:52

7M ago32:52

32:52

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark speaks with Rachelle Dené Poth, an esteemed educator, author, and ed tech expert, about the integration of AI in education. Rachelle shares insights from her latest book, How to Teach AI: Weaving Strategies and Activities into Any Content Area, highlighting the importance of using AI to e…

1
Carolyn Weir on Philanthropies as Intermediaries and a Radical 13th Year Promise 34:24

7M ago34:24

34:24

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers is joined by Carolyn Weir, Executive Director of the McClure Foundation, discussing Vermont's innovative Free Degree Promise. This initiative offers accelerated, debt-free pathways to post-secondary education, particularly benefiting students from rural and underserved communities. Car…

1
Kyle Wagner on 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments 38:45

8M ago38:45

38:45

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by project-based learning (PBL) advocate Kyle Wagner to delve into the transformative power of PBL in creating student-centered environments. Kyle shares his journey from visiting innovative schools like High Tech High to becoming a global ambassador for PBL. They discuss how th…

1
Town Hall: Back to School with AI 46:45

8M ago46:45

46:45

This town hall discussion focuses on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the education system, particularly in K-12 settings. Nate McClennen leads this riveting conversation with featured speakers such as Wes Kriesel, Kunal Dalal, and Jerry Almendarez. Listen in as the discuss the growing use of AI tools among students and educator…

1
Rachel Davison Humphries on the Bill of Rights Institute and the Importance of Civics Projects 34:25

8M ago34:25

34:25

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Rachel Davison Humphries, Senior Director of Civic Learning Initiative at the Bill of Rights Institute. They explore the urgent need for robust civics education amidst a rapidly evolving socio-political landscape. Rachel emphasizes the role of civics in strengthening communit…

1
Betsy Revell and Marie Mackintosh on EmployIndy and Modern Apprenticeships 31:57

8M ago31:57

31:57

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers is joined by Betsy Revell, Senior Vice President of Career Connected Learning, and Marie Mackintosh, President and CEO of EmployIndy. They discuss the organization's efforts to provide Indianapolis students with access to tech apprenticeships through initiatives like Accelerate Ed, sup…

1
Lisa Gevelber on Grow with Google, Career Certificates and Artificial Intelligence 26:49

9M ago26:49

26:49

In this episode of the Getting Smart podcast, Tom Vander Ark speaks with Lisa Gevelber, Vice President at Google and founder of Grow with Google. They discuss the transformative impact of Grow with Google, a program designed to provide alternative career pathways through online certificates in high-demand fields. The conversation also delves into t…

1
Sonoma County’s Approach to CTE and Pathways 36:28

9M ago36:28

36:28

In this episode of the Getting Smart podcast, Shawnee Caruthers speaks with Kathy Goodacre, Principal Gabe Oliveira, and Vice Principal Erika Raffo about the transformative work happening in Sonoma County through the CTE Foundation and its partnership with Elsie Allen High School. Kathy discusses the foundation’s mission to invest in and expand car…

1
Todd Smith and Stacey Ocander on Pathways Strategies to Address the Healthcare Workforce Shortage in Nebraska and Beyond 37:50

9M ago37:50

37:50

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we’re joined by Todd Smith, past podcast host and guest and CEO of Symphony Workforce, and Stacey Ocander, Senior Director of Workforce and Education Initiatives at Nebraska Hospital Association to discuss their collaborative efforts to address the healthcare workforce crisis in Nebraska. Stacey discuss…

1
Conrad Wolfram on Computational Thinking and Revolutionizing Math Education 38:46

9M ago38:46

38:46

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark talks to Conrad Wolfram, CEO of Wolfram Research and author of The Math Fix, to discuss the evolving role of computational thinking in education. They explore how the surge in computational power and AI can transform math education by moving away from manual calculations and focusing on r…

1
Candy Van Buskirk on Learn Outside and Disrupting the Status Quo in Education 28:14

9M ago28:14

28:14

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark talks to Dr. Candy Van Buskirk, Assistant Superintendent of the Career Academy Network in South Bend, Indiana, to discuss her new book, 'Learn Outside. They talk about the innovative educational strategies at Career Academy Network and the goals of the new pathways campaign aiming to link…

1
Jean-Claude Brizard on a Career of Transformation and the League of Innovative Schools 34:49

10M ago34:49

34:49

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark talks with Jean-Claude Brizard, CEO of Digital Promise They talk about the organization's unique congressional mandate and its role in educational innovation. They explain how Digital Promise has exceptional access to U.S. government agencies, enhancing its impact on educational policy an…

1
Shane Doyle on Place and Story 29:34

10M ago29:34

29:34

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is part of a new short monthly series where Mason Pashia is joined by Dr. Jason Cummins, a previous guest and a friend of the podcast, to speak with indigenous leaders and academics to discuss how indigenous ways of knowing and leading can, and should, shape the education system. On this episode of the Gett…

1
Chris Coxon and Ryan Franklin on Opportunities and Equity with P-TECH 30:35

10M ago30:35

30:35

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we’re joined by two members of the Communities Foundation of Texas team: Chris Coxon, Managing Director of Programs; and Ryan Franklin, Senior Director, Policy & Advocacy. Educate Texas has been in a leadership role in college and career readiness school models for over two decades, and has been the lea…

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