Youth Career Readiness: The One Question Podcast

Colin Mochrie, the celebrated improv comedian from “Whose Line Is It Anyway,” joined us to discuss breaking into improv comedy as a career! Colin shared candid advice for aspiring performers—and emphasized the importance of true passion for the craft, consistent practice, seeking out local opportunities, learning from admired improvisers, and the necessity of having fun and supporting others in th...

Actor John Cusack joined us to discuss what it takes to succeed in artistic fields. John argued that individuals pursuing these pathways must have an irresistible passion to create and advised students to only pursue the arts if they feel absolutely compelled. If that’s you, only then do the normal rules of what it takes to succeed in any career endeavor apply. The Future of Education is a reader-...

Acclaimed television writer and producer Yahlin Chang, known for her work on “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Shades of Blue,” and “Supergirl,” joined us on the One Question Podcast. Yahlin shared her personal journey of pivoting from journalism to television writing and highlighted the importance of persistence, doing the research and breaking down the steps so you understand what it’ll take to do what yo...

Baseball legend David Ortiz—Big Papi!—joined us on the One Question Podcast to discuss how students can thrive in high-pressure environments. Ortiz emphasized the importance of discipline, strong work ethic, and preparation, as well as listening to advice from trusted mentors like parents. Big Papi was known as a clutch performer—so we wanted to know his advice for students to perform at their bes...

On our latest episode, we welcomed entrepreneur and leadership coach George Appling, who challenged the common advice to “follow your passion” when planning a career. George outlined five different ways young people can intentionally connect passion and work and concluded with advice for students to take a holistic, structured approach to career planning. Julie Lammers Today, we’re welcoming entre...

After a brief hiatus, we’re back with another episode of the Youth Career Readiness: The One Question Podcast! Legendary musician Kenny G. joined us to to share his advice for middle and high school students on the importance of compartmentalizing their time and dedicating consistent effort to multiple interests. You may be surprised to learn that he has an accounting degree! Kenny G encouraged st...

Former NFL-quarterback-turned-analyst Ryan Fitzpatrick joined us to discuss his experiences adapting to new environments throughout his football and media careers. Ryan shared practical advice for middle and high school students on how to succeed when entering unfamiliar situations—with an emphasis on being authentic, preparing diligently, and building strong relationships. Michael Horn Today we’r...

Reed Hastings, the co-founder and former CEO of Netflix, joined us to share advice for middle and high school students navigating a rapidly changing world influenced by AI. Reed encouraged students to move beyond traditional academic achievements to use AI to build, design, and solve real-world problems. He highlighted how engaging with AI in meaningful ways—whether for developing business plans,...

Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk joins the One Question Podcast to discuss the importance of embracing failure and perseverance in both sports and professional life. Tony shares personal stories of overcoming obstacles, including setbacks in his skateboarding career and business ventures. He argues that failure is often the best teacher. He encourages middle and high school students to learn from th...

How should today’s teens think about their futures in an AI-driven world? Kathleen deLaski, founder of the Education Design Lab, former ABC News White House correspondent, and author of Who Needs College Anymore? , joined us to share why she’s optimistic about the opportunities ahead. Kathleen spoke about how young people can experiment with new tools, stay curious, and prepare for careers that wi...

Judy Goldstein of American Student Assistance and I welcome Ice-T to discuss career advice for middle and high schoolers. Ice-T emphasized the importance of hard work and authentic self-reflection, and he encouraged students to consider the lifestyle they truly want and choose a career path that aligns with their values and aspirations. Judy Goldstein Hi, everyone. I'm Judy Goldstein, the senior V...

NFL defensive end and Super Bowl champion Trey Flowers joins us on our latest episode. The conversation centers on Trey’s insights from his journey to the NFL and beyond. He encourages young people to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process, not to fear failure, and to take bold steps toward their dreams. Michael Horn Our guest today is NFL defensive end Trey Flowers, a Super Bowl champio...

Legendary NFL Coach Jim Mora joined us to share advice for middle and high school students on building successful careers. Coach Mora emphasized the importance of being a good person, maintaining a positive attitude, showing up on time, and working well with others—traits he valued in his players. He encouraged students to get involved in activities beyond the classroom and to practice good teamwo...

Jean and Michael welcome world-renowned pianist Lang Lang to the podcast to discuss how teens can balance demanding schoolwork with their passions, particularly in music. Lang Lang shares his advice for young people facing time constraints by encouraging them to be intentional and passionate. Check it out. Michael Horn We are thrilled today to welcome Lang Lang to our podcast. Lang Lang is a globa...

On this episode of Youth Career Readiness, Alec Ingold, fullback for the Miami Dolphins and advocate for youth development, joined us from the ASU + GSV Summit to share his advice for middle and high school students exploring future careers. He encouraged young people to be bold about their dreams, to write down their goals and fears, and to create a daily, actionable plan focused on things within...

In this episode, actress and singer Kensington Tallman, well known for roles such as Riley Anderson in the animated blockbuster Inside Out 2, shares the most impactful advice she received early in her acting career: to confidently "take up space" and fully embrace her unique voice. She emphasizes the importance of having no fear, owning one's presence, and celebrating vulnerability in creative pur...

In this episode, social activist and former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick joins the podcast live from the ASU+GSV Summit. Colin’s advice for middle and high school students is to dream bigger, aim further, and take steady steps toward their goals. He urges young listeners not to limit their aspirations and to pursue their ambitions with dedication. Michael Horn Today's guest is former NFL quart...

In this episode, Michael sits down with musician Stevie Van Zandt, best known as a guitarist in Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, live at the ASU+GSV Summit. Stevie offers one piece of advice on how young people can develop skills that will serve them over a lifetime, even amidst ever-evolving technological change: develop a craft. Michael Horn Our guest on today's episode is Stevie Van Zandt. St...

Michael: Welcome to Youth Career Readiness, the One Question Podcast where we talk to people across careers about their professional journeys and what advice they would offer us to help all middle and high schoolers explore, experiment with, and discover careers. Jean, if you were a Notre Dame football fan, as I was in the 1980s, then Lou Holtz was your guy. He was the head coach, charismatic, and...

In this episode of Youth Career Readiness: The One Question Podcast, Jean Eddy and I sit down with actress Kristine Sutherland, known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. Kristine shares her advice on career exploration for young people and emphasizes the power of curiosity, asking questions, and staying true to one’s natural interests. Michael Horn Welcome to Yo...

On this episode, Jean Eddy and I sit down with actor John Pankow, who starred in the hit TV series Mad About You. John shares about the power of gratitude in fueling his own career success and encourages middle and high schoolers to adopt a similar mindset regardless of their interests. Thanks for reading The Future of Education! This post is public so feel free to share it. Michael Horn: Welcome...

In our latest Youth Career Readiness: One Question Podcast, Roy Spence shares why we shouldn’t ask kids what they want to be when they grow up. Instead we should ask them what do you love to do? Michael Horn Jean, I got to be on a panel recently with Roy Spence. Roy is a marketing professional. Guru might actually be the better word. He's actually in the Advertising Hall of Fame. And among his man...

Aaron Rasmussen, founder of MasterClass, joined me and Jean to share thoughts on how middle and high schoolers can find their career path. His advice? Students should ask questions, create things, and look for the themes in what interest them. Thanks for reading The Future of Education! This post is public so feel free to share it. Michael Horn: If you’ve ever taken a course or even watched a vide...

World-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma joins us to share his advice to young people finding their career paths and the adults supporting them. Yo-Yo considers how investing in your interests at a young age—before you're too old!—pays dividends down the line. Thanks for tuning in! This post is public so feel free to share it. Jean Eddy: Welcome to Youth Career Readiness, the one-question podcast. I'm Jean...

In the latest episode of our one question podcast, Jon Fortt, journalist and CNBC news anchor, joined me and Jean Eddy to discuss the importance of building skills that will prepare students no matter how technology changes the future of work. He described the experiences he pursued that prepared him to communicate effectively and work well in a team. Michael Horn: Today, we're welcoming journalis...