School Talks

Nov. 1, 2026 ~ Host Dr. Robert Livernois explores how Michigan educators, school leaders, and community partners are creating innovative opportunities that help students discover their interests, build essential skills, and prepare for future success both inside and outside the classroom. The program begins with a visit to Amy Conway and Scott Wagner of Gibraltar School District, where STEM learni...

Oct. 25, 2026 ~ Host Dr. Robert Livernois examines how schools, unions, and community partners are expanding career and technical education opportunities to help students prepare for high-demand careers across Michigan. The program begins with a look at innovative workforce development efforts in Muskegon County, where career and technical education programs are connecting both high school student...

School Talks: Inside The Michigan School Machine: When Issues Arise, What to Expect From The School and Accountability From The Parents. Dr. Robert Livernois is joined by Attorney Lorie Steinhauer (Colins + Blaha) on bullying and the roles schools and parents play in the consequences and WCS Superintendent Dr. John Bernia joins the show to discuss chronic absences. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz...

Oct. 18, 2026 ~ Host Dr. Robert Livernois explores some of the biggest issues shaping education today, from the growing role of artificial intelligence in the classroom to student well-being and the future of Michigan’s educator workforce. The program begins with a conversation on how Ypsilanti Community Schools is helping teachers and students responsibly integrate AI into teaching and learning,...

Dr. Robert Livernois' special School Talks series continues. This week, Livernois takes a special look at Poverty and Mental Health. Livernois is joined by Dr. Nathan Carroll (InSite Health), Tom Bieniewicz, Sara Orris and Irma Lopez-Barajas from McKinney Vento, Dr. Jen Taiariol and Kelley Williams (Wayne RESA) and Nancy Buyle (Macomb ISD). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm...

Oct. 11, 2026 ~ Host Dr. Robert Livernois explores how Michigan schools are helping students connect classroom learning to real-world careers through innovative career and technical education programs. The program highlights hands-on learning opportunities at Washtenaw Intermediate School District, where students are gaining experience in fields ranging from aviation and drone technology to advanc...

Dr. Robert Livernois' special School Talks series continues. This week, Livernois takes a special look at School Funding. Livernois is joined by Dr. Jason Burns (Michigan State University), Drew McMechan (Assistant Supt. Wayne RESA) and Chris Frank (Assistant Supt. Macomb ISD) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of pers...

Oct. 4, 2026 ~ Host Dr. Robert Livernois examines two issues shaping the future of education and workforce development: the rapid expansion of AI-driven data centers and the growing impact of digital technology on student well-being. Finally, the program spotlights innovative approaches to online learning through Michigan’s Great Lakes Learning Academy, showcasing how flexible scheduling, career-f...

In this special School Talks Series: Inside the Michigan School Machine; Dr. Robert Livernois focuses on Politics and Lobbying this week. Livernois is joined by David Ladd (Kelley Cawthorne Lobby Firm), Neal Morton (Washington Post), Gary Collins (Attorney) and Mike Latvis (Wayne RESA Legislative Affairs). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about...

Sept. 27, 2026 ~ Host Dr. Robert Livernois explores the growing connection between education, career and technical training, and the future of manufacturing as Michigan schools celebrate Manufacturing Week and Manufacturing Day. The conversation highlights how partnerships between school districts, industry leaders, and community organizations are giving students firsthand exposure to high-demand...

Dr. Robert Livernois brings you School Talks: Inside The Michigan School Machine. This week's focus is Career and Tech Education. Livernois is joined by Jarrad Grandy (Executive Director of Student Services Oakland Schools), Shannon Williams (CTE Consultant Macomb ISD), Beth Harris (South Redford School District CTE Administrator and Thurston High School Assistant Principal), Diana Allard (Genesee...

Sept. 20, 2026 ~ Host Dr. Robert Livernois explores the impact of high school athletics, leadership, and effective school communication as students across Michigan settle into a new school year. The conversation examines evolving approaches to student safety, participation, and sportsmanship, from changes to football playoff formats and safety rules to the continued growth of girls’ field hockey,...

Part three of eight of the Special School Talk Series. Dr. Robert Livernois takes a look into Special Education this week and welcomes Dr. Jennifer Taiariol (Asst. Superintendent Special Education Services WRESA), Deana Tuczek (Director of Special Education / Executive Director of Instructional Services St. Clair RESA), Steve Polega (Asst. Superintendent Special Education Services GISD) and Justin...

Sept. 13, 2026 ~ Host Dr. Robert Livernois explores the power of career and technical education through the story of Jacob Morgan, a recent Lake Orion High School graduate and national SkillsUSA standout who earned a nearly $10,000 Snap-on tool package for his accomplishments in power equipment technology. The conversation highlights the growing demand for skilled trades, the role of industry part...

Sept. 8, 2026 ~ Student achievement is often measured by standardized test results, but educators say the full picture is far more complex. Discover how assessments, attendance, reading proficiency, classroom engagement, and targeted interventions work together to shape student success across Michigan schools. Learn why experts caution against relying on a single score to judge student performance...

Sept. 6, 2026 ~ Host Dr. Robert Livernois welcomes three newly appointed school leaders, Cathy Kochanski of Avondale Schools, Pasquale Cusumano of Richmond Schools, and Kenneth Janczarek of Swartz Creek Community Schools, for a conversation about their leadership journeys, first-year priorities, community engagement, and plans for supporting student success across their districts. Hosted by Simple...

Sept. 1, 2026 ~ The conversation around school safety often starts with physical security, but it rarely ends there. Learn why trust, mental health, attendance, and student engagement have become critical pieces of Michigan's school safety equation, and how schools use each as an early indicator of student well-being. Guests for this edition include: O'Reilly Rancilio Attorney Don Denault; Wayne R...

Aug. 30, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois and his guests discuss the upcoming Educators’ Night, a free event in Detroit’s Cultural Center that offers teachers professional development and access to various museums and institutions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug. 23, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois unpacks the Michigan School Machine by taking a deep dive into homelessness and all of the social and poverty issues surrounding students and achievement. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug. 16, 2026 ~ Robert Livernois explores regional aviation and aeronautics career programs that aim to build a skilled workforce through hands-on training and industry partnerships. He also details the expansion of high-quality early childhood education through the Pre-K for All initiative in Wayne County, along with collaborative systems from early childhood through high school that provide stud...

Aug. 7, 2026 ~ Robert Livernois leads a discussion with guests about supporting students through mental health resources, neighborhood revitalization projects, and civic education programs. He explores how Insight Health provides mental health support for students and details the work of Life Remodeled in transforming vacant school buildings into community hubs. Finally, he looks at the Levin Cent...

Aug. 2, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois discusses the impact of new federal legislation that allows tax credits for donations to scholarship-granting organizations. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 26, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois leads a discussion about the ongoing facility improvements and educational initiatives occurring within Michigan school districts during the summer break, highlighting how school bonds provide the funding for necessary infrastructure updates that enhance learning environments for students. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com f...

July 19, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois talks to several school coaches about the dedication and mindset required to lead their teams to state championships. The guests discussed their unique program cultures, the importance of community support, and how athletics provide students with valuable life lessons beyond the playing field. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.c...

July 12, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois explains how the Detroit Zoo is enhancing student engagement through new hands-on initiatives like the Herb Discovery Trails and animal care camps. He also discusses how school leaders are navigating the shift toward artificial intelligence by focusing on safety, ethics, and professional development. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.ad...