Learning Unboxed
Education & Explainer
About
We hear, frequently, that the global education system is broken, and as a result, we spend billions of dollar trying to fix it. But the K-12 system isn’t actually broken at all – it’s working exactly as it was designed, 100 years ago, and it’s obsolete.So in Learning Unboxed, we will have a conversation about teaching, learning, and the future of work; we will reimagine, rethink, and redesign our educational system.
Episodes
- 302. Centering Student Agency Through Experiential Learning with Amy Besida
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Amy Besida, Chief Program Officer at Embarc, a Chicago-based organization helping schools bring learning beyond the classroom through real-world experiences, reflection, and community co…
- 301. Build Student Voice Through Creativity with Betsy Potash
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Betsy Potash, former English teacher, curriculum creator, and host of the Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast. We explore how teachers can move away from teacher-centered instruction and cr…
- 300. Design Learning That Sparks Confidence with Ashley Price
In this milestone 300th episode of Learning Unboxed, we celebrate with Ashley Price, Director of Student Experiences and All Things Summer and Out-of-School Programming at the PAST Foundation. Together, we explore how immersive, student-ce…
- 299. Reimagining Reading Through Visual Design with Hillary Summerbell
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Hillary Summerbell, founder and CEO of Summerbell, a literacy technology company transforming how visual dyslexic learners experience reading. Drawing from her own struggles, Hillary sha…
- 298. Reimagining Public Education Through Microschools with ECPPS Microschool
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Keith Parker, Colina Bartlett, Tiffany Dudley, and Kelly Cowell from the ECPPS Microschool in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Together, they share the story behind launching an innovativ…
- 297. Build Grit Through Youth Entrepreneurship with Krystal Popov
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Krystal Popov, founder of Futurepreneur, a program designed to help kids ages 6–16 turn creativity and tech skills into real-world ventures. Drawing on her own journey as a serial entrep…
- 296. Building Citywide Learning Ecosystems with Belén Quellet
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Belén Quellet, Executive Director of The Learning Quest, to explore what it really looks like to turn an entire city into a learning environment. Belén shares how Falls Church, Virginia…
- 295. Building Resilient Minds in Education with Ishan Shivanand
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Ishan Shivanand, founder of Yoga of Immortals and author of the international bestseller The Practice of Immortality. Together, we explore why resilience training and inner work are bec…
- 294. Building an Industry-Driven Tech High School with Nathan Gorsch
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re reconnecting with returning guest and “serial school starter” Nathan Gorsch, executive director and principal of the Colorado Springs School of Technology. Nathan shares how his experience launchi…
- 293. Rebuilding Teen Motivation and Daily Habits with Sean Geraghty
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Sean Geraghty, founder of Reset Coaching and co-founder of the Center for Teen Flourishing, to explore what today’s teens truly need to thrive. Sean walks us through the research behind…
- 292. Advancing Early College IT Pathways Through Microschool Innovation with Lisa Huffman
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Lisa Huffman, Dean of the University of Cincinnati’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology. Together, we explore the university’s long-stand…
- 291. Building Learner-Centered Ecosystems Through Community Partnerships with Coi Marie Morefield
What does it look like to build a truly learner-centered school from the ground up—and do it by activating the full power of the surrounding community? In this episode, we welcome Coi Marie Morefield, founder of the Lab School of Memphis,…
- 290. Building Math Confidence Through Strategy and Sensemaking with Mike Kenny
What if we taught math facts through understanding instead of memorization? In this episode, we welcome Mike Kenny—Vermont fifth-grade math teacher and creator of MathFactLab —who shares how strategy-based practice grounded in number sense…
- 289. Opening College Doors for Free with Jefferson Pestronk
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Jefferson Pestronk, Executive Director at Modern States, to discuss how their free online courses and College Board’s CLEP exams make college credit accessible to everyone. Learners can ta…
- 288. Ruckus Leadership with Danny Bauer
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Danny Bauer, host of the Better Leaders, Better Schools podcast and a champion for reimagining education through leadership. Danny shares how his journey from assistant principal to lead…
- 287. Psychological Safety in Classrooms with Craig Randall
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Craig Randall, author of Trust-Based Observations, to explore how great teaching thrives when educators feel psychologically safe. We look at why traditional evaluation systems—rubrics, ra…
- 286. Accelerating Reading Fluency with Tim Waldron
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we dive into reading skills development with Tim Waldron, CEO of Readable English. We explore why so many students—especially in upper elementary, middle, and high school—are still reading below grade l…
- 285. Instructional Audio for Equitable Classrooms with David Solomon
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome David Solomon, CEO of Lightspeed Technologies, to unpack “instructional audio”—low-volume, high-clarity sound that makes the teacher’s voice equally intelligible in every seat. We explore why…
- 284. Restorative Schools, Real Accountability with Nicholas Bradford
When it comes to student behavior, punishment often gets mistaken for progress. In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Nicholas Bradford, founder of the National Center for Restorative Justice, to explore a better path: rest…
- 283. The Early Childhood Promise with Dr. Aimee E. Ketchum & Dr. Crystal Corle Loose
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome Dr. Aimee E. Ketchum and Dr. Crystal Corle Loose, co-authors of The Early Childhood Promise. With a wealth of experience in pediatrics, occupational therapy, early education, and community ou…
- 282. Place-Based Nature Learning with Christie McKelvie
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Christie McKelvie, co-founder and director of Rooted & Free Nature School, to talk about the transformative potential of place-based education. Christie shares her journey from clas…
- 281. Generational Learning Shifts with Jeff Utecht
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Jeff Utecht, co-host of the Shifting Schools podcast and a consultant focused on generational change and AI in education. We explore how different generations—Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millenni…
- BONUS. Changing the Education Ecosystem with Byron Sanders
Welcome to our special series where we’ll explore four learning sites that are part of the Education Reimagined Ecosystem Lab. Usually, we take the month of July off, but this year we’re going to re-examine past episodes and big conversati…
- BONUS. Building Students and Staff Agency with Johnna Noll
Welcome to our special series where we’ll explore four learning sites that are part of the Education Reimagined Ecosystem Lab. Usually, we take the month of July off, but this year we’re going to re-examine past episodes and big conversati…
- BONUS. Relationship as the Basis of Education with Jim Bailey of Rocky Tree Sky
Welcome to our special series where we’ll explore four learning sites that are part of the Education Reimagined Ecosystem Lab. Usually, we take the month of July off, but this year we’re going to re-examine past episodes and big conversati…
- BONUS. Supporting Individual Interests and Strengths with Steve Heath
Welcome to our special series where we’ll explore four learning sites that are part of the Education Reimagined Ecosystem Lab. Usually, we take the month of July off, but this year we’re going to re-examine past episodes and big conversati…
- 280. Internships & Student Agency with Aya Belouadah
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore the transformative power of internships with Aya Belouadah, a college student at The Ohio State University and PAST Foundation Intern. Aya shares her journey from early high school internship…
- 279. Science Storytelling for Kids with Marshall Escamilla
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome Marshall Escamilla, co-host and music creator for the Tumble Podcast, a show that brings the wonders of science directly to kids and families. Marshall shares how Tumble was born out of a des…
- 278. Digital Citizenship & Leadership with Dr. Lisa Strohman
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Dr. Lisa Strohman, founder of Digital Citizen Academy and author of Unplugged: Raising Kids in a Technology Addicted World and Digital Distress: Growing Up Online. Dr. Strohman brings a…
- 277. Student-Centered High School Transformation with Steven Sell
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Steven Sell, Assistant Director at MAP Academy, an alternative charter high school in Plymouth, Massachusetts. MAP Academy’s mission is to serve students who haven’t found success in tr…
- 276. Transforming Lives Through Education with David Harris
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by David Harris, President and CEO of Christel House International, a global nonprofit breaking the cycle of poverty through an 18-year, full-circle education model. Christel House operates…
- BONUS. Learner-Centered Schools in Every State with Sonn Sam
Welcome to a bonus edition of Learning Unboxed, where we will spend two weeks revisiting innovative case studies of student-centered learning. We know that the one-size-fits-all sit-and-get strategy is not the most effective for students.…
- BONUS. Institute for Self Directed Learning with Tyler Thigpen
Welcome to a bonus edition of Learning Unboxed, where we will spend two weeks revisiting innovative case studies of student-centered learning. We know that the one-size-fits-all sit-and-get strategy is not the most effective for students.…
- 275. Playful Learning with Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor
We’re diving into the joy and purpose of play in this episode of Learning Unboxed with Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor, director of Dr. Diane’s Adventures of Learning. Diane brings a powerful message about the deep connections between literacy,…
- 274. Innovative Urban Learning with Kalimah Fergus Ayele
What if your city was your classroom? In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we meet Kalimah Fergus Ayele, Head of the New York City campus of The Winchendon School, a high school program that reimagines education through experiential learni…
- 273. Summer Learning Through Outdoor Joy with Lisa Gitelson
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore the powerful intersection of summer camp and education with Lisa Gitelson, CEO of the Fresh Air Fund. With over 148 years of impact, the Fresh Air Fund offers low-income youth from New York C…
- 272. Reimagining EdTech and Data with Chris Hull
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we dive into the transformative power of data in education with Chris Hull, former educator and co-founder of Otus. Otus is a K-12 assessment and data insights platform designed to centralize the many f…
- 271. Transforming Education Through Teaming with Nick Salmon, Mar Cano Mesa, and Erin O’Reilly
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we're joined by Nick Salmon, Mar Cano Mesa, and Erin O’Reilly, co-authors of TeamEd, a transformative guide to collaboration in education. Together, they share the story behind their international partn…
- 270. Revolutionizing Math Education with Dr. Aditya Nagrath
Math anxiety holds many students back, but what if we could change the way they experience mathematics? In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Dr. Aditya Nagrath, founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy, to explore…
- 269. AI as a Positive Disruptor in Education with Jose Moreno
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing education with Jose Moreno, founder and CEO of Neulight. Jose's company is at the forefront of using AI to empower educators through their innov…
- 268. Jazz Lab & STEM with Stephanie Matthews
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore the transformative power of jazz in education with Stephanie Matthews, Executive Director of A Tribe for Jazz. Stephanie has pioneered Jazz Lab, an innovative pilot program that integrates ja…
- 267. Empowering Kids: Rethinking Grades and Stress with Ned Johnson
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Ned Johnson, co-author of “The Self-Driven Child” and “What Do You Say?”. Ned’s unique blend of experience as a successful academic tutor and a dedicated advocate for student autonomy h…
- 266. Leading with Paws: Empowering Students Through Unconventional Support with Kim Wilson
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore how Ferris, a facility dog at Upper Arlington High School, is transforming inclusion and leadership for students with disabilities. Kim Wilson, an Intervention Specialist, shares how Ferris f…
- 265. Redefining Student Success: The Portrait of a Graduate Movement with Shannon King
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we dive into the transformative power of the Portrait of a Graduate with Shannon King, Chief Learning Officer at Battelle for Kids. This initiative is reshaping how schools define student success, movin…
- 264. Building a Better School System: The Vision for a Common Global Diploma with Carmela Fleury
What if education worked for every child, no matter where they lived or how they learned? In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome Carmela Fleury, the creator of the Global Education Meetup Retreat and host of the Global Nomad Paren…
- 263. Designing with Kids, Not for Kids with Dave Hersh
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Dave Hersh, the CEO of InTandem, a groundbreaking organization connecting youth voices with industries to improve products, programs, and services. Dave’s work centers on reducing the ba…
- 262. Reimagining Education: Purpose, Agency, and the PEAK Model with Kapono Ciotti
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we have the privilege of delving into the personal journey of Kapono Ciotti, CEO of the Pacific American Foundation and co-author of the Landscape Model of Learning. His story, inspired by his parents a…
- 261. Gamifying Life Skills: How CoLab is Transforming Education with Play with Alan Tang
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Alan Tang, co-founder of Collaboration Laboratory (CoLab), an award-winning online program that teaches kids life skills through immersive, game-based learning. CoLab combines elements o…
- 260. Latest Trends in Education Doctoral Research with Maggie Broderick
Dr. Maggie Broderick is the Dissertation Chair in the Department of Teacher Education at National University. National University has doctoral students all over the world and credentials the most PK-12 teachers in the state of California.…
- 259. Root Causes of Chronic Absenteeism with Amber Humm Patnode
Amber Humm Patnode has spent over a decade researching the root causes of chronic absenteeism and how to address them effectively. She joins us today to explain what the data shows. Amber is the Acting Director of the Proving Ground progra…