The Edumyseat Podcast

In this episode of the Edumyseat Podcast, Michael Petrilli, president of the Fordham Institute, shares his typically sharp and candid insights on education policy, the impact of teacher unions, and the broader political landscape currently shaping American education. We explore how governance, politics, and reform efforts influence student outcomes and what the future holds for public education in...

In this episode, Josh welcomes Sarasina Tuchen, a distinguished tech and transportation professional who is now doing great work at the intersection of STEAM education and advanced air mobility. They discuss the importance of using emerging technologies like electric and autonomous aircraft as the entry point to get young people learning and interested in eventual careers in STEAM disciplines. Sar...

In this episode, Josh welcomes Dr. John Pascarella, an expert in teacher education reform, racial equity, and digital media literacy, to discuss the critical role of mentorship in teacher preparation and retention in California. They explore the disconnect between education professionals and the legislative process, the challenges faced by new teachers, and the need for systemic changes in funding...

In this episode, Josh hosts Dr. Karen Escalante, an expert on teacher education and preparation, for a discussion on the current state of the educator workforce in California, highlighting the alarming trend of teacher attrition and the challenges faced by both new and veteran teachers. The conversation delves into the complexities of teacher preparation programs, the need for diversity in the tea...

In this episode of The Edumyseat Podcast, Josh welcomes Mike McGuffee, CEO of Unite for Literacy, to discuss the critical importance of early childhood literacy, community involvement, and creating the conditions that foster a lifelong love of reading. The conversation explores the impact of books in homes, community-driven initiatives like book gardens, and the influence of digital environments o...

This week on The Edumyseat Podcast, Josh sits down with Tim Daly, a former classroom teacher, founder of EdNavigator, and author of the Substack The Education Daly. Tim’s latest piece, “Bring Back the Try-Hard,” makes a compelling case that effort isn’t a personality trait or a punishment; rather, it’s the real engine of learning. And when adults remove too much friction, kids don’t rise to the oc...

In this episode of the Edumyseat podcast, Josh engages with Dr. Kieran O'Mahony and Jessilyn Barnhurst to explore the critical question of whether we are truly preparing students' brains for learning. They discuss the insights from neuroscience regarding the adolescent brain and how these insights inform the ASCEND program, which aims to help students arrive at school regulated and ready to learn....

In this episode of The Edumyseat Podcast, Josh welcomes Graham Dugoni, founder of Yondr, a California-based company which could be described as an “anti-tech company,” whose simple mission is to offset the intrusion of personal technology and create vital, distraction-free experiences. Their wide-ranging conversation explores the impact of smartphones on society, education and social development,...

In this episode of the Edge of My Seat podcast, Josh welcomes Dr. Timothy Shanahan, a leading literacy scholar, to discuss the current state of literacy in America, the implications of the science of reading, and effective teaching strategies. They discuss the challenges faced by educators and students, the importance of quality instruction, and the need for a rigorous learning environment. Dr. Sh...

In this episode, Josh welcomes Dr. Janice Myck-Wane for a discussion of the complexities of special education in California, focusing on the challenges faced by teachers, students, and families. They explore the role of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), the impact of chronic underfunding, and the teacher shortages in the field. The conversation also delves into the credentialing process fo...

In this episode of the Edumyseat Podcast, Josh Newman discusses the complexities of English language learning in California with Francesca Sanchez, a seasoned expert in bilingual education. They explore the misconceptions surrounding English learners, the importance of multilingualism, and the need for effective programs that embrace California's diverse linguistic landscape. The conversation also...

In this episode, host Josh Newman speaks with Superintendent Erin O'Neill of the MetroED School District in San Jose about the intersection of California's economy and Career Technical Education (CTE). They discuss the challenges of connecting students to the workforce; the importance of innovative programs and dual enrollment opportunities; the need for better funding and support for CTE initiati...

In this episode of The Edumyseat Podcast, Josh Newman and Roman Stearns, the founder and executive director of an organization called “Scaling Student Success” discuss the evolving landscape of education, focusing on student assessment, agency, and the challenges around defining a more coherent vision and framework for California's educational governance. They explore innovative practices from oth...

In this episode, Josh sits down with Sloane Keane, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire, to discuss the pressing crisis confronting boys and young men in California. They explore the critical role of mentorship in addressing academic, social, and emotional challenges faced by boys today, the need for male mentors, and the impact of mentorship on youth development....

In this episode of the Edge of My Seat podcast, host Josh Newman speaks with Tess Ulrey and Jonah Stewart from the Coalition for Responsible Home Education (CRHE) about the complexities of homeschooling. They discuss the motivations behind homeschooling, the public perception versus reality, the lack of state oversight, and the implications for child welfare. Both guests share their personal exper...

In this episode, Miguel Villarreal, co-executive director of the National Farm to School Network, explains the importance of improving school nutrition and the challenges faced in advocating for better food systems. Miguel shares his personal journey from a farm worker to a nutrition advocate, emphasizing the need for community engagement and collaboration between educators and food service progra...

In this episode of the Edumyseat podcast, Josh interviews Erin Volk, Senior Vice President of Workforce and Community Development for the Association of General Contractors of California. They discuss the pressing workforce shortage in the construction industry, the need for better alignment between education and workforce demands, and the importance of engaging Gen Z in skilled trades. Erin also...

In this episode, Josh and Tony Brown discuss the vital role of Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) in providing expanded learning opportunities for youth in underserved communities. They explore the importance of creating safe spaces for children, the challenges of funding and resource allocation, and the need for comprehensive support systems that extend beyond traditional school hours. Tony shares insig...

In this episode of The Edumyseat Podcast, Joanna McFarland, CEO and founder of HopSkipDrive, discusses the innovative student transportation solution designed to support vulnerable youth. The conversation explores the origins of HopSkipDrive, its partnerships with school districts, the challenges of navigating legislation, and the significant impact of transportation on educational outcomes. Joann...

A discussion with Richard Reeves, author of the provocative book, "Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do About It". Josh and Richard explore the challenges facing boys in modern society, particularly in education, with particular attention to the significant gender gaps in educational achievement, the developmental differences between boys and girls, an...

In this episode of The Edumyseat Podcast, Josh Newman and Heather Hough delve into the complexities of California's education funding, particularly focusing on the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF). They discuss the historical context leading to LCFF's implementation, the challenges faced in the wake of the pandemic, and the ongoing need for a balance between local control and state leadership...

In this episode, Josh welcomes Dr. Karen Anderson to discuss her role in leading Alabama's Office of Mathematics Improvement, focusing on the transformative efforts under the Alabama Numeracy Act. She shares insights on the importance of engaging teachers and students in mathematics, overcoming resistance to educational reform, and the significance of professional development. Dr. Anderson emphasi...

In this episode of the Edumyseat podcast, host Josh Newman welcomes Dan DeJager, an award-winning physical education teacher, to discuss the critical role of physical education (PE) in the educational framework. They explore the importance of PE in promoting mental health, the challenges faced in the post-COVID era, and the need for a balanced approach to structured and unstructured play. Dan shar...

In this episode, Tim Ranzetta, founder of NextGen Personal Finance, discusses his journey in advocating for financial literacy education in California. He shares insights on the challenges faced in implementing a financial literacy curriculum, the importance of teacher training, and the successful ballot initiative that led to a new graduation requirement. Tim emphasizes the need for engaging stud...

This week, Josh sits down with Dr. Debbie Rhea to explore how structured recess and whole-child education can transform school culture, student behavior, and academic outcomes. They dive into the origins of the Liink Project, the neuroscience behind movement and attention, and the policy implications for California’s K–12 system. It’s a timely conversation for educators, parents, and policymakers...