Make It Mindful: An Education Podcast

In this insightful episode of Make It Mindful, Seth and Lauren delve into the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the educational landscape with the expertise of Andrew Easton, a seasoned educator, speaker, author, and consultant. Andrew illuminates the importance of embracing a growth mindset and the necessity for continuous learning amidst the swift advances in technology...

In this episode of Make It Mindful , host Seth Fleischauer delves into the dynamic world of media literacy with Julie Smith, a renowned instructor at the School of Communications at Webster University. Their conversation covers a broad spectrum, highlighting the profound impact of media literacy on both children and adults. Key Points Covered: "What is media literacy and why is it important?" : Ju...

In the latest episode of the podcast, hosts Seth and Lauren delve into the intricate relationship between technology and education with their guest (and former co-host), Komal Shah, a seasoned middle school teacher. Their conversation pivots around the unique technological landscape at High Tech High, emphasizing how it integrates with and enhances Project-Based Learning (PBL). A key focus of thei...

Summary Dr. Caroline Miller, a high school English teacher and department head at an elite private school, discusses academic integrity, the impact of proximity to power, engaging students in long-form education, unconventional paths to teaching, and the ethical dilemmas of AI and ChatGPT. She emphasizes the importance of balancing creativity and academic standards, reducing homework, and anxiety....

Dive deep into Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and its intersection with technology with guest Margot Toppen.  How can technology support, without overshadowing, the human-centric nature of SEL? We unravel the apparent contradiction of using technology in an inherently human domain, acknowledging that while tech offers valuable tools, it cannot replace the human empathy and understanding essential...

After leaving teaching for a few years, our former cohost Komal Shah recently returned to the classroom, drawn back by the innovative project-based learning model at High Tech High. Unlike many teachers fleeing the profession today, she was inspired by her colleagues and the hands-on, relevant learning happening in the classrooms. Students at High Tech High engage in project-based learning (PBL) w...

In this episode, Seth and Lauren interview Dr. Kiersten Greene, an expert in literacy education and teacher preparation. Dr. Greene shares insights on the next generation of teachers - Gen Z candidates who seem driven by making an impact rather than just finding a secure job. She acknowledges the very real recruitment and retention crisis in teaching, but says those who still pursue the career ten...

In this episode we interview Dr. Chandler Chang of Therapy Lab. Dr. Chang discusses how - though they are not expected to act as therapists - teachers play an important role in supporting students' mental health in schools. Dr. Chang's therapy company has experience providing wellness services in schools. Her school pilot program provides brief coaching sessions that teach students concrete life s...

In this enlightening episode, we are joined by Dr. Grant Atkins, educational researcher with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt as we discuss mindful approaches for professional learning and literacy instruction.  Dr. Atkins shares invaluable insights gathered from observations of and conversations with a diverse range of teachers. He argues that administrators can leverage teacher buy-in to quality profes...

This episode features Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, founder of Digital Respons-Ability. Carrie, Seth (the president of an edtech company), and Lauren (a tech integration specialist) discuss mindful approaches to teaching digital citizenship. Carrie explains how a mindless approach would focus solely on the technical aspects without considering the emotional impact, whereas a mindful approach balances t...

On this week's episode, host Seth Fleischauer interviews Preston Smith, CEO and co-founder of Rocketship Schools. The discussion revolves around Rocketship's -innovative, community-centered approach. Any Rocketship campus begins with an exploration of the school's families' and community's values. Preston describes how these diverse ideas are incorporated while scaling around a central model and h...

Dr. Adriana Galván is the Dean of Undergraduate Affairs at UCLA and the former head of an adolescent psychology research lab. Through a lens of mindfulness, hosts Seth and Lauren join Dr. Galván in exploring lván the persistence of outdated teaching methods, the innovative potential of Galván's leadership role, and her remarkable journey as a female POC to a major position of influence. Woven thro...

How do we make education sustainable for everyone involved? In this episode, host Seth Fleischauer shares a mic with Dr. Trevor Soponis as they explore the world of student-centered education. They delve into the mindful vs. mindless approaches in this educational philosophy. The discussion navigates the implications of putting students at the center of learning and the potential limitations. Succ...

How do you empower your child and ignite their passions? In this episode, hosts Seth Fleischauer, Lauren Pinto, and guest Matt Barnes dive into all things parenting. We speak to our own journeys as educators and parents and how to transition from a "tiger mom" to a present parent. We talk about the journey of guiding our own children towards having autonomy in their learning, and being empowered t...