LinkedUp: Breaking Boundaries in Education

We're celebrating International Dot Day with the return of bestselling author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds to the pod! In this episode, we catch up with Peter on what's been keeping him busy lately and how he's expanding the Dot movement to millions around the world. Together, we dive into Peter's work, including new stories that champion kindness and courage, and learn more a...

What happens when a side hustle disappears, a global pandemic flips everything upside down, and two college students refuse to sit still? For Sophie English Smith and Leah Guesman, it sparked an idea that would reshape how families navigate the college journey. In this episode, we sit down with the co-founders of Your College Contact, a mentorship service built to take the stress out of applicatio...

How do you lead with purpose, serve with heart, and still make room to grow? In this episode, we’re joined by Drew Hinds, an education leader whose journey takes us from the classroom to the Oregon Department of Education and beyond. With every step, Drew’s focus stays crystal clear: empowering educators and making tech integration not just doable, but transformational. Drew shares a framework for...

Recorded LIVE at ISTE 25/ASCD in San Antonio, Jerri and Jamie sit down with Australian edtech rockstar and #AussieED founder Brett Salakas. Known for his people-first approach to technology, Brett shares how his personal story shaped his mission to connect, empower, and inspire through edtech. Brett offers real-world lessons on building connections, creating meaningful learning experiences, and em...

Get ready to laugh, learn, and level up your classroom with Tyler Tarver! In this lively episode, Jerri and Jamie sit down with the one and only Tyler—educator, author, YouTube sensation, and social media standout—for a conversation that’s equal parts insightful and hilarious. Tyler shares his go-to tech tips and creative strategies to make teaching more fun, effective, and downright unforgettable...

What if bravery isn’t something you’re born with, but something you train for? In this episode, Jerri and Jamie welcome Crista Samaras, former U.S. Women’s National Lacrosse Team player, entrepreneur, and founder of Brave Enterprises. Crista shares her mission to help people, especially women and girls, build measurable bravery so they can face discomfort, take bold risks, and grow with intention....

This week, Jamie and Jerri are joined by veteran education leaders Dr. Susan Enfield and Dr. Kristi Wilson to unpack their new book, On Fire, Under Fire, or Fired: Superintendents in the Pandemic . This book and this conversation shine a light on the emotional toll, public pressure, and deep commitment it takes to lead a school system today. Susan and Kristi share the inspiration behind the book a...

Ready to shake up your classroom or leadership playbook? In this episode, we chat with dynamic educator duo Kristin and Joe Merrill (aka The Merrills) about engaging today's learners through meaningful experiences. Known for their practical insights and infectious enthusiasm, the Merrills dive into how they blend teaching strategies with the power of technology to boost student engagement and...

What does it look like when a seventh grader turns a life-altering moment into a mission? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Matt Giovanniello, CEO of Frenalytics, who used a family tragedy to spark a lifelong drive to serve others. Matt shares how witnessing his grandmother's recovery from a devastating stroke lit a fire that would eventually lead to Frenalytics. Tune in as Matt opens...

This week, we welcome Rebecca Murray, voice coach, speaker, and fierce advocate for the power of self-expression, to the pod. Whether you're leading a classroom, presenting in a boardroom, or stepping onto a stage, Rebecca shares how owning your voice can unlock leadership, confidence, and connection. Join Rebecca as she offers actionable strategies to overcome self-doubt, communicate with authent...

How can school leaders harness the power of AI to fuel innovation, personalize learning, and support educators? Dyane Smokorowski and Rob Dickson, from Wichita Public Schools (WPS), are setting the pace. Join us as they unpack WPS's bold approach to AI integration: one that's focused not just on technology, but on people. Dyane and Rob share how their district is using AI to create more me...

Technology should make teachers' lives easier, not more complicated. This week, we sit down with Arman Jaffer, the visionary behind Brisk Teaching. He shares how a simple idea grew into a powerful platform that helps teachers save time, keeps students engaged, and streamlines school operations. Tune in as Arman takes us inside the journey of building Brisk Teaching—from the first spark of insp...

Think you know the role of the U.S. Department of Education? Think again. In this episode, Collin Earnst from the EdTech Leadership Collective challenges assumptions and sheds light on what the Department of Education really does. From funding and oversight to policy and support, Collin helps us break down the facts, bust common myths, and better understand how this federal agency impacts schools,...

This week, we're sitting down with Dr. Monica Burns, an edtech expert, author, and founder of ClassTechTips.com. With her signature energy and expertise, Monica shares practical strategies, must-know tools, and big-picture insights to help educators use technology in ways that truly support student learning. Whether you're just starting your edtech journey or looking for fresh ideas to dee...

Now more than ever, prioritizing health and wellness in K-12 education is essential. This week, we're joined by Dr. Julian Reed, a leading expert in kinesiology and the science of movement and learning. Dr. Reed shares his research on how physical activity enhances cognition, behavior, and overall well-being. He also offers practical, innovative strategies for integrating movement into the cla...

In this episode of the LinkedUp Podcast, we sit down with Dan Pfaff, Digital Learning Coordinator for Shelby County Public Schools in Kentucky, to explore how his district is redefining accountability and student success. Shelby County has taken a bold, community-driven approach by developing a Benefits-Based Accountability model—one that prioritizes local needs over standardized metrics. A key el...

Recorded LIVE at the 2025 Future of Technology in Education Conference (FETC), in this episode, we’re sitting down with FETC head Jennifer Womble for her insights on the latest trends in education and how they’re shaping the future of learning. Listen and learn how FETC’s mission inspires educators to use technology as more than a tool and create meaningful learning experiences. Together, we'l...

Leaders need practical, actionable strategies to grow and navigate their careers—this episode delivers just that! Join edtech experts Sheryl Abshire, Diane Doersch, Frankie Jackson, and Donna Williamson as they share insights on building strong leadership skills. Discover strategies that foster creativity, flexibility, and adaptability to tackle evolving challenges. Plus, explore how key topics li...

Prepare for a podcast showdown like no other! In this episode, recorded live at FETC, Adam Phyall and Carl Hooker, hosts of the UnDisrupted podcast , join Jerri and Jamie for a lively battle of ideas. Together, we dive into various fun and thought-provoking educational topics, each sharing our unique perspectives and insights. Whether you're a fan of one podcast or both, this episode promises...

What do dueling pianos and leadership transformation have in common? Gregory Offner, Jr., #CLON2025 keynote speaker and author of The Tip Jar Culture, joins us for a dynamic conversation on building engaging, high-performing organizations. As a former piano bar entertainer turned culture expert, Gregory shares how small moments of recognition can create lasting impact, just like a well-played requ...

Curious about bringing AI into your classroom? Dive in with Jack Dougall, an international educator and AI trainer known for his practical, no-nonsense strategies that truly resonate with students and teachers alike. Jack shares how he seamlessly integrates AI into his high school classroom, offering actionable insights you can use right away. Plus, discover Ecmtutors, his groundbreaking peer tuto...

Can you teach creativity? This week, we're diving into The ABCs of Creativity with Dr. Melissa Schmitz from Wise HD. Melissa redefines creativity as a teachable skill, not just an innate talent, and highlights its vital role in today's education. Drawing on her research and experience, Melissa shares practical strategies to foster creativity in schools, empowering students to think critically and...

This week, Jamie and Jerri welcome author, speaker, and EdTech leader Serena Sacks-Mandel back to the pod to discuss her powerful new book, Empowered . Serena shares her journey of resilience, from overcoming a trauma-filled childhood and surviving cancer to breaking through workplace gender barriers. Discover the tools and strategies she used to own her story, find purpose, and transform challeng...

Are the apps on your phone subtly rewiring your brain? Digital sociologist Dr. Julie Albright returns to the pod this week to discuss how social media's dopamine-driven design is reshaping our behavior and society itself. While humans are naturally wired for connection, the random rewards from these apps are creating ripple effects we can't ignore. Learn more about Dr. Albright's groundbreaking re...

This week, Jerri and Jamie welcome Dr. Jason Gulya to the pod as they delve into AI’s transformative role in higher education. Jason shares how he guides students to adopt a transparent, balanced approach to AI in learning and teaching, exploring AI’s vast potential alongside its complexities, from personalized instruction to responsible use. With hands-on insights from tools like ChatGPT, Claude,...