Dr. Diane's Adventures in Learning

Step into a world where time traveling fantasy meets action-packed history with a joyous celebration of Latinx culture. Join us as author Emma Otheguy unveils the hidden threads connecting Cinco de Mayo and the American Civil War through her magical storytelling in Cousins in the Time of Magic. The book is out 2/25/25, but you can send a text or subscribe to my website this week for a chance to wi...

Do you know the story of Yvonne Clark? She was a pioneering African-American problem-solving mechanical engineer who worked on the Saturn V rocket boosters and moon boxes for astronauts. For 55 years, she taught mechanical engineering at Tennessee State University, where her story captivated her student (and later picture book biographer) Allen R. Wells.  Discover how the remarkable legacy of engi...

Ever wondered what happens when a classroom becomes a hub of curiosity and discovery? Join us as we dive into the world of Amari Shields, a three-time Teacher of the Year, who transforms science education into a magical experience, inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.  Summary: In this episode, we sit down with Amari Shields, the dynamic CEO of Mentored Motivation and a celebrated eighth...

London Calling: Your Episode Case File Dive into the thrilling world of espionage and storytelling with author James Ponti as he unveils his latest thriller, London Calling , from the City Spies middle grade adventure series. Discover how real-world experiences, travel, and expert insights (he's interviewed a former CIA director!) enrich his narratives. Plus, there's a fun lightning fill...

Step into a realm where imagination dances with science, as Thomas Wheeler invites us on a captivating journey through time with his new middle grade fantasy (soon to be movie), Everwhen: The Doomsday Vault . Discover how a moment of meditation, a dash of Douglas Adams' time travel, and a lifetime of writing and world building helped bring this imaginative universe to life. Episode Summary: T...

Episode Overview: One of the things I love about the work I do is discovering new authors to share with you. This week, we are joined by debut author Gloria L. Huang to discuss her novel Kaya of the Ocean . Set against the scenic backdrop of Hawaii, Gloria's book intertwines themes of folk literature, family challenges, and the struggles of finding self-acceptance while battling anxiety. And...

Episode Summary:  Unlock the power of books and creativity as we delve into the inspiring mission of An Open Book Foundation . Join Executive Director Heidi W. Powell as she shares how connecting young minds with authors and illustrators can spark a lifelong passion for reading. In this episode, Dr. Diane sits down with Heidi W. Powell, the Executive Director of An Open Book Foundation , to explor...

Happy New Year! Raise a glass as we celebrate the vibrant world of children's literature, featuring insights from 12 amazing authors and illustrators who have been guests on the pod. Savor these excerpts about the power of storytelling, the importance of connection, and the elephant in the room -- standing up for and celebrating the freedom to read.  Grace Lin (1:20) and Vanessa Brantley Newt...

Summary: Discover the captivating journey of Rushil Kukreja, a passionate advocate for dark skies, as he sheds light on the unseen effects of light pollution. From stargazing to global advocacy, Rashil's story is a beacon of hope and action for a clearer night sky. High school junior Rushil Kukreja, who recently spoke at the United Nations and is the founder and president of Princia.org, take...

Have you made your 2025 sustainability resolutions? This week we talk with Andrea McGimsey, Executive Director of Sustainability Matters, about the innovative ways her organization is transforming environmental education and conservation. Discover how they are making nature accessible and engaging for all, while empowering the next generation of scientists and environmental stewards. In this episo...

What do you think of when we say story? Is it a favorite movie or book, a story passed down by a grandparent? As adults, we use stories in every aspect of our lives, from the social media we consume to the way we interact with our colleagues, clients, friends, and family members. Dive into the captivating world of storytelling with Shenandoah University's First Year Seminar (FYS) students as...

Episode Summary What happens when you blend storytelling with STEAM education? You transform learning and encourage playful discovery. In this week's episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, Kristen Rodriguez, a visionary youth services librarian from NSU Florida's Alvin Sherman Library , shares how her innovative library programs inspire creativity and curiosity in young minds. Kr...

It's a book birthday! Join us in celebrating Jen Swanson's latest book: Up Periscope! How Engineer Raye Montague Revolutionized Shipbuilding (and check out the contest below to enter to win an autographed copy). Get ready to blast off into a world where science meets storytelling with our special guest Jen Swanson , the NASA STEMfluencer who is making waves with more than 40 nonfiction b...

Unlock the transformative power of multilingual education and STEM integration as we explore how language can revolutionize learning and create more inclusive and equitable educational experiences for all students. This week's guest is global consultant and author Beth Skelton . Brought together by Steve Spangler and Science in the Rockies , we quickly discovered so many ways that our work in...

Ever wondered how a whimsical cartoonist could inspire the future of STEM education? Dive into the fascinating world of Rube Goldberg with Jennifer George, where creativity meets innovation and imagination knows no bounds. Jennifer George, Chief Creative Officer of the Rube Goldberg Institute and granddaughter of the legendary cartoonist, takes us on her journey to preserve and promote Rube Goldbe...

Dive into the captivating world of natural history and innovation with Jason Feller , the visionary young leader behind Thunder Bay's Boreal Museum . Discover how his passion for botany and creative community engagement transformed a dream into a dynamic space of curiosity and learning. Join Dr. Diane on a journey to Thunder Bay, Ontario, as we explore the remarkable story of Jason Feller and...

Exploring the Transformative Power of Nature Play with Jordan "Jo" Joly Ever wondered how nature can transform your life? Join us as we explore the magical intersection of play and the natural world with Jo Joly, the dynamic program manager at Families in Nature . Discover how rediscovering joy in the wilderness can lead to personal growth and a deeper connection to our environment. Epis...

Imagine waking up to find your beloved library gone, washed away by the relentless floodwaters of Hurricane Helene. That's the reality for many schools in Western North Carolina, and it's what drives our conversation with the compassionate author Carolyn Fraiser. Her heartfelt initiative to restock these lost books for K-12 classrooms unveils the power of community action and the dire ne...

Unlocking Creativity: Jonathan Payne's Innovative Approach to STEAM Education Show Notes: Join Dr. Diane as we unlock the secrets of using hands-on STEAM to transform education in an energizing conversation with Jonathan Payne, Lackland ISD STEAM specialist and founder of The Innovative Mind Lab. How did an insurance salesman find his true calling as a passionate STEAM educator? What are some...

Episode Summary: Ever dream of running away to sea to become a scientist? This week on the Adventures in Learning podcast, we chat with Dr. Kimberly Galvez, chief scientist aboard the Viking Octantis, about the groundbreaking work her team is doing. Discover how advanced technologies like multi-beam sonar systems, drones, and remotely operated vehicles are expanding our understanding of the ocean&...

Show Notes: How does the power of play shape the minds of our youngest learners? How can we use STEAM as an effective tool to ignite learning? Join me as we chat with Liz Rosu-Rosenberg , an inspiring artist and educator, who is also the Art Programs Manager at the Chicago Children's Museum. In this episode, Liz shares her remarkable adventures in learning from museum volunteer in Houston to...

Episode Summary: What does it mean to have freedom to read? Join us this week as best-selling author Beth Ferry celebrates the power of libraries and the freedom to read through her brand new picture book, Roar for Reading . We dive into banned books week as we explore the role of libraries (and those wonderful librarian lions) as guardians for the freedom to read. We also journey into the whimsic...

Show Notes for Episode 100: Unlocking Joy: The Healing Power of Laughter with Dr. Erica Buchholz Episode Summary: In this special 100th episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, we delve into the incredible benefits of laughter with Dr. Erica Buchholz of becomingplayful.com . Discover how laughter can reduce stress, boost creativity, and improve overall well-being. Dr. Erica shares her journe...

Join us for an engaging exploration of the Long Island Children's Museum (LICM) as we sit down with its president, Erika Floreska . Erika shares the museum's commitment to creating a hands-on, interactive learning environment that emphasizes inclusivity and community engagement. Discover how LICM celebrates cultural diversity through vibrant festivals like Lunar New Year, Caribbean and S...

Episode Summary: The game is afoot! Join us on a thrilling adventure with bestselling author James Ponti as we delves into his latest middle-grade series, The Sherlock Society . I personally loved this Miami-based mystery. It has so much humor. The writing and characters are cinematic in scope. There's a little environmental thrillerism and it's got the best grandpa I think has ever been...