The Play Ed3 Podcast

Screen time in classrooms — it's one of the most debated topics in education right now. Rick and Tisha dig into the real question: not whether to use technology, but how. They explore what intentional technology use actually looks like, why so many schools are getting screen time policies wrong, and what happens to teachers when they're stripped of autonomy over how they use it. From the l...

What does it take to truly show up for your students? Rick and Tisha sit down with Keke Powell — award-winning educator, costume enthusiast, and former collegiate soccer player — for a conversation that's equal parts hilarious and deeply inspiring. From rocking over 100 classroom costumes to building a travel community called the Ina Fam, Keke brings the same energy she had on the soccer field...

Before Rick and Tisha get serious, they flip the script — starting with Juice Box Confessionals, where Dr. Will Deyamport III takes a trip back to Colecovision, Donkey Kong, and the slow-internet betrayal that had him calling his provider in desperation. Then things get real. Dr. Will — author of The Edupreneur and host of The Dr. Will Show — makes the case that teachers are already entrepreneurs....

What do you actually mean when you say "quite good"? Or "I hear what you say"? Or "bless your cotton socks"? If you're British, you know. If you're American — you have absolutely no idea. Rick and Tisha dive into the hidden language that sits between British and American English — the phrases that sound polite but mean the opposite, the words that look the sam...

In this episode of the Play Ed3 Podcast, Rick and Tisha kick things off with the historic Artemis II moon mission before welcoming a very special guest — Avery Davenport. A recent high school graduate and first-time manager, Avery shares candid insights on what it really felt like to step into the real world, and what she wishes school had taught her first. From learning to trust yourself and thin...

In this episode of the Play Ed3 podcast, hosts Rick and Tisha welcome Matt Miller, an influential figure in education and author of 'Ditch That Textbook.' The conversation explores Matt's journey from journalism to teaching, his writing process, and the impact of technology on education. They discuss the importance of critical thinking in the age of AI and the need for educators to ada...

Season 2 kicks off with a bang. Rick and Tisha bring together four of EdTech's most connected educators — Claudio Zavala Jr., Jeni Long, Dr. Lydia Croupe, and Manny Curiel — for a conversation about the power of community. From noise violations at conference booths to flying solo to Minnesota for the very first time, the stories in this episode show exactly what happens when educators find the...

In this season finale of the Play Ed3 podcast, hosts Tisha Poncio and Rick reflect on their journey through 50 episodes, discussing the evolution of their collaboration, the trust they've built, and the personal growth they've experienced. They explore the challenges of navigating in-between moments, the quirky changes in their podcasting journey, and the lessons learned along the way. Tis...

In this episode, Tisha & Rick hosts a lively discussion with Jace Poncio about the differences between Gen Z and previous generations. They explore Gen Z's activities, misconceptions about their lifestyle, the evolution of gaming, the rise of retro technology like cyber decks, and the resurgence of vinyl records. The conversation highlights the nostalgia for physical media and the unique e...

In this episode of the Play Ed 3 podcast, hosts Tisha Poncio and Rick discuss the importance of fun in education and podcasting, the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into creating their episodes, and the heart of teaching. They explore the challenges of planning and executing a podcast while maintaining a light-hearted atmosphere, emphasizing the need for spontaneity and adaptability in both teac...

In this episode of the Play Ed 3 podcast, hosts Rick and Tisha welcome Courtney Watson, an educator and tech coach. They discuss Courtney's journey from being a classroom teacher to developing her own educational philosophy, Tech Without Tears. The conversation highlights the importance of humor in education, the challenges of technology integration, and the personal stories that shaped Courtn...

In this episode of the Play Ed 3 podcast, hosts Tisha and Rick discuss the dynamics of their podcasting journey, emphasizing the importance of trust and spontaneity in their conversations. They delve into the role of video games in mental health, particularly how games like Tetris can serve as cognitive vaccines against trauma. The discussion shifts to the significance of gameplay in fostering cri...

In this episode, Tisha and Rick discuss the complexities of identity within the educational system, focusing on both teacher and student identities. They explore how external influences, such as social media, affect students' self-perception and how teachers often feel pressured to conform to rigid systems that stifle their creativity and individuality. The conversation emphasizes the importan...

In this episode of the PE3 podcast, hosts Rick and Tisha engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the role of technology in education, creativity in the classroom, and the experiences of their guest, Wanda Terrell. They explore Wanda's journey as an educator, her insights on neurodivergence, and the challenges of imposter syndrome. The conversation highlights the importance of creativity...

Tisha and Rick discuss the concerning trend of Gen Z showing lower cognitive abilities compared to previous generations. They explore the impact of technology on learning, the role of parenting in shaping children's relationship with technology, and the importance of cursive writing in education. The conversation delves into systemic issues within the education system, emphasizing that teacher...

In this episode of the Play Ed3 podcast, Tisha and Rick delve into the complexities of self-reflection, the nature of positivity, and the implications of personality models. They discuss the challenges of self-criticism, the societal perceptions of positivity, and the importance of understanding personality frameworks to enhance interpersonal interactions. The conversation emphasizes the spectrum...

In this engaging episode, the Tech Care Twins, Amy and Diane, share their journey merging educational technology, school counseling, and whole child advocacy. They discuss the importance of teacher well-being, emotional safety for students, and practical strategies for integrating tech to support educators and learners. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:08 The Olympics and Personal Stories o...

In this episode of the Play Ed3 Podcast, hosts Rick and Tisha discuss the cultural significance of Super Bowl commercials, the importance of creativity in education, and the role of technology in the classroom. They introduce their guest, Farmer Faubs, who shares his journey in EdTech and emphasizes the need for intentional use of technology to foster student engagement and creativity. The convers...

In this episode of the Play Ed3 Podcast, host Rick and co-host Tisha engage with three remarkable educators, Jornea, Jess, and Ann, who share their experiences with Flipgrid and the importance of community in EdTech. The conversation explores personal stories of connection, belonging in education, and the role of educators in shaping technology. The guests reflect on their journeys, the power of r...

In this episode of the Play Ed 3 podcast, hosts Rick and Tisha explore the experiences of neurodivergent individuals, particularly in relation to ADHD and dyslexia. They discuss the impact of platforms like TikTok in amplifying voices and creating community, the challenges faced in educational settings, and the importance of empathy and understanding in communication. The conversation delves into...

In this episode, Tisha and Rick explore the complexities of neurodivergence, particularly focusing on ADHD and dyslexia. They discuss the challenges of high-level masking, the impact of processing time in meetings, and the importance of understanding energy management through the spoon theory. The conversation emphasizes practical strategies for neurodivergent individuals and the need for better a...

First official Gen Z Desk episode of The Play Ed3 Podcast, hosts Tisha Poncio and Rick welcome Jace Poncio. The conversation dives into the nuances of Gen Z language, particularly focusing on two key terms: "unk" and "guff'd." Jace explains that "unk" is a term used to refer to someone older, often in a playful or teasing manner, while "guff'd" descr...

In this episode, Tisha and Rick explore the complexities of neurodivergence, particularly focusing on ADHD and dyslexia. They discuss the challenges of high-level masking, the impact of processing time in meetings, and the importance of understanding energy management through the spoon theory. The conversation emphasizes practical strategies for neurodivergent individuals and the need for better a...

In this episode of the Play Ed3 Podcast, hosts Rick and Tisha welcome Aileen Wallace, an educator from the UK, to discuss various aspects of teaching, including the challenges faced in the classroom, the importance of adapting to change, and the humorous realities of being a teacher. They explore Aileen's journey from aspiring dancer to educator, the impact of technology in the classroom, and the...

In this episode, Tisha and Rick reflect on their experiences in 2025, discussing the challenges and growth they faced. They explore the disparity between social media portrayals and real-life struggles, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and setting boundaries. The conversation shifts to the daily realities of teachers, the significance of self-care, and the need for reflection over goal-s...