Change the Narrative

Let’s face it, the ROI on publishing a book is ridiculous. But there are many reasons why you should–or at least tackle a project of this scope. 

In this episode, author and award-winning educator Michael Hernandez talks about his hate/love relationship with reading and writing, and explains why his first book almost didn’t happen. In this episode:

• A list of reasons why you should write your own book
• Ironically, the argument against text-based assessment in schools
• The art of writing a paper book about digital storytelling. 
• Learn the vocab word of the week: subvocalization 

Educators who need the playbook and guide Michael mentioned in this episode can find it in his best-selling book, ⁠Storytelling With Purpose: Digital Projects to Ignite Student Curiosity⁠.

Also, learn how to design Uncheatable Assessments in this course for educators.

Find out more about Michael's ⁠workshops, keynotes, and professional learning services⁠.

⁠Subscribe to his free newsletter⁠ that inspired this podc

Educators, parents, and schools everywhere are worried about cheating with AI. But it turns out that it isn’t artificial intelligence that’s the problem–its artificial assessment. 

In this episode, author and award-winning educator Michael Hernandez argues that the ways we try to measure students–and even create entire school systems and calendars around testing– has drained the love of learning from everyone, and left us unable or willing to find learning interesting, rewarding, or meaningful once we leave school. The implications go far beyond career readiness–the result is a society who devalues expertise, and is unable to navigate change.

Educators who need the playbook and guide Michael mentioned in this episode can find it in his best-selling book, ⁠Storytelling With Purpose: Digital Projects to Ignite Student Curiosity⁠.

Also, learn how to design Uncheatable Assessments in this course for educators.

Find out more about Michael's ⁠workshops, keynotes, and professional learning services⁠.

⁠Subscribe to his free newsletter⁠ that inspired this podcast.

AI is disrupting entry level jobs, causing schools to rethink what they teach. If you’re a parent, student, or teacher worried about artificial intelligence and the future of college and work, this episode is for you.

In this episode, host Michael Hernandez helps us reframe these challenges as an over reliance on technique and mechanics, and offers three driving questions to help everyone determine their next steps.

Get a copy of the AI survival guide Michael mentioned in this episode, ⁠Storytelling With Purpose: Digital Projects to Ignite Student Curiosity⁠, wherever you buy books.

Also, learn how to design Uncheatable Assessments in this course for educators.

Find out more about Michael's ⁠workshops, keynotes, and professional learning services⁠.

⁠Subscribe to his free newsletter⁠ that inspired this podcast.

An entire generation of teachers and parents grew up under No Child Left Behind. Now AI is forcing us to remember what good teaching and learning is all about.

Educators are struggling to figure out what to do about AI and academic integrity, and low student engagement and chronic absenteeism. And while there are plenty of people who are good at diagnosing the problem, few are coming up with practical solutions. Until now.

LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE

Watch the ISTE+ASCD webinar where Michael talks about Uncheatable Assessments mentioned in this episode.

Learn how to design and grade authentic assignments in Michael's best-selling book, ⁠Storytelling With Purpose: Digital Projects to Ignite Student Curiosity⁠.

Design Uncheatable Assessments in this course for educators.

Find out more about Michael's ⁠workshops, keynotes, and professional learning services⁠.

⁠Subscribe to his free newsletter⁠ that inspired this podcast.

When confronted with intense workloads and a constantly changing world (and technological changes like AI), it only makes sense that educators and leaders feel the need to double down on cultures of compliance that traditional teaching and assessments create–its a way for us to manage the chaos in our lives and work. But we’ve forgotten that our students are really no different from us, and as the research says, need independence, agency, and self-determination to become healthy, self-actualized humans, and therefore successful learners and members of society.

In this episode, Michael talks about the role of agency in learning, why teachers are afraid of it, and how it's the solution to so many challenges in education and society.

Learn how to design and grade authentic assignments in Michael's best-selling book, ⁠Storytelling With Purpose: Digital Projects to Ignite Student Curiosity⁠.

Find out more about Michael's ⁠workshops, keynotes, and professional learning services⁠.

⁠Subscribe to his free newsletter⁠ that inspired this podcast.

The end of the year is always a time for reflection–and it’s B-side, goal-setting. Like the thesis statement of an essay, assessments can be a concluding sentence to sum everything up, or it can be placed at the top of the page like a road map or mission statement, challenging and preparing us for what’s to come. It got me thinking about assessment as a place to start rather than a place to end, like a New Year’s resolution, business plan, or syllabus which is just a set of goals with a timeline.

In this episode, Michael talks about how we can use assessment as a goal-setting exercise--like a New Year's resolution or business plan--rather than a backwards-looking, punitive measurement, when it's too late to do anything about it.

Learn how to design and grade authentic assignments in Michael's best-selling book, Storytelling With Purpose: Digital Projects to Ignite Student Curiosity.

Find out more about Michael's workshops, keynotes, and professional learning services.

Subscribe to his free newsletter that inspired this podcast.

Last year was really rough, and we’re happy to put it behind us. So this season I thought I’d give us all a break from the noise, and share constructive and inspiring ideas to help us adapt and thrive in 2026. These are highlights from some of my favorite content that I’ve published recently. These micro-episodes are inspired by my monthly newsletter, keynotes, and conference presentations, and are great for when you need a quick burst of inspiration, or when you’re on the go.

Expect episodes on topics like how to embrace authenticity in the age of AI, what I learned publishing my first book, How to ask the right questions, and why school is so much like summer blockbuster movies. 

Watch this episode on YouTube  

Join the webinar discussed in this episode.

In this episode, Michael Hernandez shares his journey of writing and publishing his first nonfiction book. He discusses the importance of choosing the right topic, building an audience, and the decision between self-publishing and traditional publishing. Michael also delves into the legal aspects of contracts, offers tips for the writing process, and emphasizes the significance of marketing your book effectively. Throughout the conversation, he provides insights and personal anecdotes to guide aspiring authors on their journey.

Michael’s book: Storytelling With Purpose: Digital Projects to Ignite Student Curiosity

Connect with Michael on

Linked In

Michael's website

Book Authoring Webinar mentioned in this episode: https://forms.gle/H4AaqdQkbgwWCdDR6 

WATCH this episode on YouTube

In this episode, Michael speaks with Dr. Rod Berger, an expert in storytelling and author of 'The Narrative Edge.' They discuss the importance of authentic storytelling, the writing process, and the challenges faced by first-time authors. Dr. Berger shares insights on finding inspiration, managing time for writing, and overcoming writer's block, emphasizing that everyone has a unique story to tell. In this conversation, Dr. Rod Berger discusses the importance of authenticity in writing, the challenges of the writing process, and his experiences with publishing. He emphasizes the need for writers to find their unique voice and stay true to themselves, as well as the significance of storytelling in connecting with audiences. Dr. Berger shares insights on navigating the publishing world, the role of editors, and the importance of understanding one's own story and its impact. He concludes with advice for aspiring authors on being authentic and the value of storytelling in all aspects of life.

TOPICS

• Everybody has a story.

• The essence of storytelling is universal.

• Writing can be a challenge, but it's rewarding.

• Finding time to write requires flexibility.

• Inspiration can come from everyday life.

• You can write chapters independently.

• Give yourself permission to explore ideas.

• Writer's block is often about lack of inspiration.

• Life experiences can fuel creativity.

• Each person's writing journey is unique. Writer's block often stems from not being authentic.

• Finding your voice is crucial for effective writing.

• Public speaking experiences can shape writing style.

• Authenticity leads to better audience reception.

• The writing process can be daunting but rewarding.

• Initial feedback from editors can boost confidence.

• Daily routines can help manage the writing process.

• Understanding the publishing landscape is essential.

• Storytelling is a powerful tool in all areas of life.

• Not everyone needs to write a book, but everyone has a story.

BOOKS:

The Narrative Edge - Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment (Wiley)

Book Authoring Webinar mentioned in this episode: https://forms.gle/H4AaqdQkbgwWCdDR6 

WATCH this episode on Youtube:

Acquisitions editor Valerie Witt shares her journey as an editor and author, discussing the intricacies of the book publishing process, the balance between traditional and self-publishing, and the essential roles of editors. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration between authors and publishers, the challenges new authors face, and the significance of effective marketing strategies. Valerie also offers valuable insights into what publishers look for in authors and the emotional journey of writing a book, encouraging aspiring writers to pursue their ideas with passion and patience.

TOPICS

• Introduction to Editing and Writing
• Valerie's Journey into Book Editing
• The Publishing Landscape and ISTE's Role
• The Book Publishing Process Explained
• Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing
• Understanding the Editing Process
• Types of Editors and Their Roles
• What Publishers Look for in Authors
• Market Forces in Publishing Decisions
• The Importance of Timing in Publishing
• Preparing a Book Proposal
• Challenges New Authors Face
• Marketing a Book: Author vs Publisher Responsibilities
• The Emotional Journey of Writing a Book

LINKS

Books: 

https://www.airliepress.org/valerie-witte-a-rupture-in-the-interiors

https://www.theoperatingsystem.org/oa_library/the-grass-is-greener-when-the-sun-is-yellow/ 

https://punctumbooks.com/titles/one-thing-follows-another-experiments-in-dance-art-and-life-through-the-lens-of-simone-forti-and-yvonne-rainer/

CONNECT WITH VALERIE ON SOCIALS

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriewitte/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shellthief/