Disrupt Education Podcast

In this powerful episode of Disrupt Education, we reconnect with former students Abby Caudill and Lindsay McDonald—now college grads—to unpack what four years of higher ed really teach you. From changing majors and failing classes to chasing dreams and confronting burnout, Abby and Lindsay open up about the highs, lows, and everything in between. We explore the pressure to "figure it all out," why...

In this reflective Disrupt Education episode, Alli and Peter revisit their recent conversation with Liam Sundling, highlighting the raw realities of post-high school life in your mid-20s. They explore the pressures young adults face—from career uncertainty and the influence of social media to shifting interests and changing dreams. Liam’s honesty about pivoting careers, questioning his “why,” and...

Seven years after his first appearance on Disrupt Education as a college sophomore, Liam Sundling returns to reflect on the winding road from confident environmental engineering student to navigating the real-world messiness of early career shifts, getting fired, pivoting paths, and finding his groove in environmental consulting. Liam shares honest insights about the transition from "college plus"...

In this episode of the Disrupt Education Podcast, Peter and Alli revisit the powerful story of Isaac Palmer, a young creative who left traditional high school after ninth grade and charted his own path—earning his education through real-world experience, mentors, and what he calls “YouTube University.” Isaac’s journey underscores the life-changing impact a single piano class had on his life and ch...

Seven years after first appearing on Disrupt Education as a driven 17-year-old music producer, Isaac Palmer returns to share his journey from teen DJ to Billboard-charting artist. In this full-circle episode, Peter and Alli reconnect with Isaac to unpack how his nontraditional education, online learning path, and early passion for music shaped his thriving career. Isaac dives into the importance o...

In this reflective episode of the Disrupt Education podcast, Peter and Alli wrap up their recent series on gamification and agile learning in education. They dive into insights from guests like Dan, Kathleen, Simon, and Jeff, who challenge traditional methods by promoting hands-on, student-centered learning—often without relying on tech. The duo emphasizes the importance of user experience in educ...

In this episode of Disrupt Education, we continue our deep dive into the heart of educational transformation with Simon Holtzapfel and Jeff Burstein. Together, we explore how schools can break free from outdated systems and embrace agility, adaptability, and authentic learning. Simon shares insights from the LEAF Lab’s work in Denmark and around the world, where education becomes a living, breathi...

In this episode of the Disrupt Education Podcast, Peter Hostrawser and Alli Dahl dive into a bold conversation with Simon and Jeff, the minds behind the Learning Educational Agile Framework (LEAF). From Jeff’s dramatic exit from a traditional master’s program to Simon’s deep roots as a teacher and head of school, this episode explores how Agile thinking can revolutionize education. Alli brings rea...

In this episode, Peter and Alli unpack their conversation with Kathleen deLaski and dive deep into the shifting landscape of postsecondary education. From skill shakeups and the college enrollment cliff to the rise of microcredentials and AI-driven career paths, this one’s packed with bold ideas and real talk. Why do we pressure students to pick a rigid path at 18? What if we embraced agility, des...

In this episode of Disrupt Education, Peter Hostrawser and Alli Dahl sit down with Kathleen deLaski, founder of Education Design Lab, to explore how the future of education is being reshaped through learner-centric models and skills-based learning. Kathleen dives deep into the Lab’s mission to bridge equity gaps by co-designing with colleges and employers, unlocking opportunity through micro-pathw...

In Episode 382, Peter Hostrawser and Alli Dahl dive into why traditional education keeps missing the mark in preparing students for the real world. From disengaged learners to outdated compliance-based models, they unpack the growing gap between school and life. They explore the urgent need for durable skills, student-owned portfolios, and real community partnerships to bring relevance back to lea...

In this episode of the Disrupt Education Podcast, we sit down with Dan Thomas, a 30+ year STEM educator on a mission to transform learning through project-based education, LEGO integration, and AI-powered teaching. Dan shares his journey, the power of hands-on learning, and how durable skills like creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration come alive in his classroom. We dive into the balance...

In this episode of Disrupt Education, Peter and Alli welcome back Jason Van Nus for an insightful discussion on the power of failure in education. They explore why students need real-world challenges, how work-based learning fosters resilience, and why embracing failure leads to growth. The conversation dives into breaking down academic silos, leveraging LinkedIn for student portfolios, and pushin...

In this episode of the Disrupt Education Podcast, Peter and Alli welcome back guest Jason Van Nus for a rapid follow-up conversation after just two months. The discussion kicks off with Jason’s argument with ChatGPT over the term "underemployment" and how language shapes perceptions of education and career readiness. Jason critiques the term "College and Career Ready," arguing that it falsely prio...

In this Disrupt Education recap episode, Peter and Alli dive into the powerful lessons and insights shared by Bobby Miller, a passionate and innovative woodshop teacher. Bobby’s story inspires educators by showcasing how clear boundaries, purposeful work, and student autonomy can revolutionize a classroom. From leveraging technology creatively to empower students to crafting systems that allow the...

In this episode of Disrupt Education, hosts Peter Hostrawser and Alli Dahl interview Bobby Miller, the passionate educator behind Mr. Miller's Woodshop. Bobby shares his student-centered teaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of allowing students to guide their own learning experiences in the woodshop. He discusses how this approach fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and a de...

In this recap episode of Disrupt Education, Peter Hostrawser and Alli Dahl revisit their insightful conversation with Mark Covelle, a passionate advocate for Career and Technical Education (CTE). Mark’s journey from traditional education to championing CTE underscores the power of disrupting outdated mindsets. Peter and Alli highlight Mark’s revelation about the unintended consequences of the “col...

In this episode of Disrupt Education, Dr. Mark Covelle, Administrative Director at Middle Bucks Institute of Technology, shares his insights on transforming career and technical education (CTE). He dives into how MBIT connects students with industry professionals, fostering real-world skills and career readiness. Dr. Covelle emphasizes the power of collaboration, innovative pedagogy, and leadershi...

In this episode, Alli and Peter conclude the winter series by reflecting on powerful insights shared by inspiring guests. From Marc Isseks’ take on breaking educational norms to Dr. Sandra Adams’ strategies for inclusive innovation, each conversation explored how educators are sparking change from within schools. Jason Walke shared actionable tips for building community-focused learning, while Dr....

In part two with our guest Jason Van Nus, we dive into the $1.88 million economic impact his work-based learning programs have achieved. Discover how Jason uses these numbers to build powerful partnerships with local leaders and industries while transforming workforce development. Learn actionable strategies for breaking down silos and making innovative practices accessible to all. This is a must-...

In this episode of Disrupt Education, Jason Van Nus, Director of Work-Based Learning and Youth Apprenticeship Programs in Georgia, shares groundbreaking strategies to engage industry partners and transform education. Jason discusses recruiting partners before students, pitching value over altruism, and leveraging LinkedIn for public recognition. He also highlights his "31 in 31" campaign, a creati...

In this episode, Alli and Peter recap their conversation with TJ Vari, unpacking his transformative approach to education leadership. TJ shares how aligning schools around a clear North Star—helping every student develop a viable post-secondary plan—can redefine success in education. Alli and Peter discuss how focusing on skill development, career readiness, and meaningful conversations with stude...

In this episode of the Disrupt Education podcast, hosts Alli and Peter engage with Dr. T.J. Vari. Dr. Vari, a seasoned educator and co-founder of TheSchoolHouse302, shares his insights on creating viable post-secondary plans for students, emphasizing the importance of career exploration and the role of school leadership in fostering innovative educational environments. He advocates for personalize...

In this recap, Peter and Alli dive into the groundbreaking work of Jason Walke, who’s redefining education in rural Indiana. They explore the unique agility and innovation opportunities in small school districts, emphasizing how limited resources can spark creativity. Jason's story highlights how rural schools, with supportive communities and bold leadership, can disrupt traditional education mode...

In this episode of the Disrupt Education podcast, Peter and Alli sit down with Jason Walke, Senior Internship Coordinator and educator at Oldenburg Academy. Jason shares his inspiring journey from being a professional golf pro to an innovative educator, shaping the futures of students through experiential learning. He explains how every senior at Oldenburg graduates with a semester-long internship...