Deep Dives

By Shah Family Foundation

What's Deep Dives about?

"Deep Dives" brings together national experts to discuss the biggest issues impacting America's schools, diving deep into root causes and exploring innovative solutions.

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Deep Dives episodes:

06.13.2024
Deep Dives: How Can We Help Kids Navigate the Digital World?
In today’s episode, Jill is joined by Dr. Jill Walsh. She is a sociologist and researcher at Boston University, and specializes in the impact of technology and social media on adolescent development. Dr. Walsh is also the founder of Digital...
05.30.2024
Deep Dives: What Should Be The Role of Standardized Testing?
Standardized testing has long been a cornerstone in educational systems, serving as a tool for measuring student achievement and influencing decisions at every level of schooling. Supporters see standardized tests as essential for maintaining accountability and providing clear metrics for...
05.16.2024
Deep Dives: How To Get Your Kids Into College
Last week, Jill and Ross hosted a live podcast recording at the University Club in Boston, MA, with College Uncovered co-hosts Jon Marcus and Kirk Carapezza. Jon is a higher education editor for The Hechinger Report, and Kirk is the...
05.02.2024
Deep Dives: Solving for Retention: Is It Time to Modernize the Teaching Profession?
There are over 50,000 teacher vacancies in classrooms across the country, with certain parts of the country seeing large numbers. As the number of individuals enrolled in teacher prep programs has dropped off and more and more teachers are leaving...
04.18.2024
Deep Dives: Why Can't We Get Multilingual Education Right?
According to the National Center for Bilingual Education, by 2030, over 40% of K-12 students in the US will be native language speakers of a language other than english. As this population continues to grow, education experts say that the...
03.07.2024
Deep Dives: How To Talk to Your Kids About Social Media
Today's parents and caregivers face the unique challenge of guiding kids through the complexities of social media, trying to ensure a safe and positive experience in the digital landscape. Over the past two decades, social media usage has skyrocketed among...
02.22.2024
Deep Dives: How To Move the Needle on Special Education
There are more than 7 million students with disabilities in the United States, representing a variety of needs and abilities. Schools across the country continue to struggle to meet the needs of students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment...
01.18.2024
Deep Dives: How To Pivot When Enrollment Declines
Across the country, public schools are seeing big declines in enrollment, with more than one million fewer students enrolled in public schools over just the past four years and the steepest drops in the highest-need districts. With declining birth rates,...
11.30.2023
Deep Dives: How To Support Our Most Vulnerable Students
In Massachusetts, there are 9,000 young people in the foster care system, and 50,000 engaged with the Department of Children and Families. These students face a unique set of challenges, and in today’s episode, Jill and Ross are joined by...
11.09.2023
Deep Dives: How To Get Kids Back In School
Chronic absenteeism rates in every state are skyrocketing – continuing a trend that started before the pandemic and leading the White House to double down on efforts to get kids back in school. In Massachusetts alone, 23% of all students were...
10.26.2023
Deep Dives: How To Improve Public Schools
School districts across the country are facing similar challenges, and “Deep Dives” aims to unpack why things are the way they are and what it will take to create change. In each episode, Jill Shah and Ross Wilson bring together...
10.12.2023
Coming Soon: New “Deep Dives” Podcast
“Deep Dives,” a new ongoing podcast series from the Shah Family Foundation, explores the biggest issues impacting America’s schools, bringing together local and national experts to discuss why things are the way they are and what it takes to create...
10.10.2023
What Drives Us? Valerie Jarrett on Creating Change in Government
Every decision we make is guided by incentives. From financial incentives to social and political incentives – how we are rewarded shapes how we behave and the choices we make. Have you ever thought about why you do what you...
09.19.2023
What Drives Us? Michael Horn and Jeff Selingo on Incentives in Education
Every decision we make is guided by incentives. From financial incentives to social and political incentives – how we are rewarded shapes how we behave and the choices we make. Have you ever thought about why you do what you...
09.05.2023
Catalysts Presents: “Cash Is King” from the “Say More” Podcast
In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic began, the city of Chelsea, Massachusetts faced record economic and food insecurity, with thousands of residents lining up at city-run food distribution centers. To meet the need, the Shah Family Foundation joined city leaders...
08.22.2023
What Drives Us? Professor Uri Gneezy on Understanding Incentives
Every decision we make is guided by incentives. From financial incentives to social and political incentives – how we are rewarded shapes how we behave and the choices we make. Have you ever thought about why you do what you...
06.27.2023
Can Teens Survive the Digital World? Richard Louv on Reconnecting with Nature
This year, the CDC’s annual Youth Risk Behavior Survey offered a grim outlook for the wellbeing of young people. Over the last two months, we’ve brought together experts, advocates, and school leaders to better understand the impact of social media...
06.13.2023
Can Teens Survive the Digital World? Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper on Student Mental Health
This year, the CDC’s annual Youth Risk Behavior Survey offered a grim outlook for the wellbeing of young people. Over the next few weeks, we’re bringing together experts, advocates, and school leaders to better understand the impact of social media...
05.30.2023
Can Teens Survive the Digital World? Dr. Jacqueline Nesi on Parenting in the Social Media Age
This year, the CDC’s annual Youth Risk Behavior Survey offered a grim outlook for the wellbeing of young people. Over the next few weeks, we’re bringing together experts, advocates, and school leaders to better understand the impact of social media...
05.16.2023
Can Teens Survive the Digital World? Dr. Jill Walsh on Managing Life in the Physical and Digital Worlds
This year, the CDC’s annual Youth Risk Behavior Survey offered a grim outlook for the wellbeing of young people. Over the next few weeks, we’re bringing together experts, advocates, and school leaders to better understand the impact of social media...
05.02.2023
Can Teens Survive the Digital World? Professor Jonathan Haidt on Social Media and Teen Mental Health
This year, the CDC’s annual Youth Risk Behavior Survey offered a grim outlook for the wellbeing of young people. 42% of young people experienced persistent feelings of hopelessness or sadness, and nearly 25% had suicidal thoughts. As these trends have...
04.18.2023
Dr. David Hamilton on the Healer Within Us
In today’s episode of “Catalysts for Change,” Jill is joined by Dr. David Hamilton, researcher and author of a number of books on healing, including “How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body” and “Why Woo Woo Works.” Dr. Hamilton’s research...
03.28.2023
Dr. Mark Hyman, Author of “Young Forever”
In today’s episode of “Catalysts for Change,” Jill is joined by Dr. Mark Hyman to talk about his new book, “Young Forever.” Dr. Hyman is a functional medicine doctor, a prolific writer on health and wellness, and a vocal advocate...
02.21.2023
What is World-Class Education? Michael Horn and Jeff Selingo on New Paradigms in Higher Ed
In March 2020, students across the country shifted to an unprecedented learning model as they logged onto their computers to attend classes on Zoom, forcing educators to quickly rethink how to effectively teach students in this new paradigm. As our...
02.07.2023
What is World-Class Education? Sal Khan on Reimagining How Students Learn
In March 2020, students across the country shifted to an unprecedented learning model as they logged onto their computers to attend classes on Zoom, forcing educators to quickly rethink how to effectively teach students in this new paradigm. As our...
01.24.2023
What is World-Class Education? Professor Tom Kane on Learning Loss and Recovery
In March 2020, students across the country shifted to an unprecedented learning model as they logged onto their computers to attend classes on Zoom, forcing educators to quickly rethink how to effectively teach students in this new paradigm. As our...
12.20.2022
Ingredients for Success • Award-Winning Chefs Ken Oringer & Ming Tsai
On September 28, for the first time in 50 years, the White House held a Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. This year’s conference comes as millions of families across the country struggle to access high-quality calories. In 2021 alone,...
11.29.2022
Ingredients for Success · Andy Fisher, Nutrition Activist and Author of “Big Hunger”
On September 28, for the first time in 50 years, the White House held a Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. This year’s conference comes as millions of families across the country struggle to access high-quality calories. In 2021 alone,...
11.09.2022
From the Vault: Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey
Yesterday, the people of Massachusetts elected Attorney General Maura Healey to be the next governor of Massachusetts. Governor-elect Healey was a guest on this podcast last year, where she talked about her views on health care, racial justice, education, food...
10.18.2022
Ingredients for Success · Rep. Jim McGovern on the White House Conference on Food, Nutrition and Health
On September 28, for the first time in 50 years, the White House held a Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. This year’s conference comes as millions of families across the country struggle to access high-quality calories. In 2021 alone,...
10.04.2022
Rahn Dorsey on Innovation, Philanthropy, and Improving Student Outcomes
In this episode of “Catalysts for Change,” Jill is joined by Rahn Dorsey, Chief Impact Officer at the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation and former Chief of Education for the City of Boston under Mayor Marty Walsh. Jill speaks with Rahn...
09.12.2022
Noubar Afeyan, Co-Founder and Chairman of Moderna
In this episode, Jill speaks with Noubar Afeyan, Co-Founder and Chairman of Moderna, about the development and growth of novel mRNA technology, the growing role of biotechnology in our lives, and the behind-the-scenes decision-making that made Moderna a household name...
07.26.2022
In and Around Boston · Dr. Robyn Riseberg on the Social Determinants of Health
Boston is an incredible place to live and work – full of innovative leaders, brilliant researchers, institutions at the cutting edge of their fields, and wonderful and effective public and private partners. In many ways, the work that happens here...
07.12.2022
In and Around Boston · Jascha Franklin-Hodge on Managing Boston’s Streets
Boston is an incredible place to live and work – full of innovative leaders, brilliant researchers, institutions at the cutting edge of their fields, and wonderful and effective public and private partners. In many ways, the work that happens here...
06.28.2022
In and Around Boston · Robert Lewis Jr., President & CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston
Boston is an incredible place to live and work – full of innovative leaders, brilliant researchers, institutions at the cutting edge of their fields, and wonderful and effective public and private partners. In many ways, the work that happens here...
06.14.2022
In and Around Boston · Justin Pasquariello on Creating Joy in East Boston
As we get into the full swing of summer in Boston, we're excited to share a special series of "Catalysts for Change" that we're calling "In and Around Boston." Over the next few weeks, we’re speaking with innovative local leaders...
05.31.2022
Populace’s Todd Rose, Author of “Collective Illusions”
In this episode, Jill is joined by Todd Rose, co-founder of the think-tank Populace and author of the new national bestseller, Collective Illusions. Jill speaks with Todd about how to understand what is happening in our country culturally, politically, and...
05.17.2022
Boston Superintendent Search: Community Voices
Introducing a special episode from the Shah Family Foundation's other podcast, Last Night at School Committee: The City of Boston has a new mayor, and Mayor Wu and her appointed school committee have begun a search for a new...
05.10.2022
How Are You Feeling? MIT’s Roz Picard on the Intersection of Technology and Mental Health Care
As the COVID-19 pandemic enters its third year, we are still working to fully understand its impacts – from lost lives and livelihoods, to years of learning loss, to a complete rewiring of how we think. And during that time,...
04.26.2022
How Are You Feeling? Kat Boit, Harvard Student Leader and Active Minds Campus Co-President
As the COVID-19 pandemic enters its third year, we are still working to fully understand its impacts – from lost lives and livelihoods, to years of learning loss in schools, to a complete rewiring of how we think about our...
04.05.2022
How Are You Feeling? John Crocker, Director of School Mental Health on Student Mental Health
As the COVID-19 pandemic enters its third year, we are still working to fully understand its impacts – from lost lives and livelihoods, to years of learning loss in schools, to a complete rewiring of how we think about our...
03.22.2022
How Are You Feeling? Dr. Maurizio Fava on the Pandemic of Mental Health
As the COVID-19 pandemic enters its third year, we are still working to fully understand its impacts – from lost lives and livelihoods, to years of learning loss in schools, to a complete rewiring of how we think about our...
03.01.2022
The Changing Workforce · CEO Corey Thomas on Navigating the New Normal
Since March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has sent shockwaves through the American labor market. Millions of Americans lost or left their jobs, and employers are having a harder time than ever recruiting workers. From government officials, to academics, to business...
02.15.2022
The Changing Workforce · Prof. Dan Schneider on What’s Driving Workers
Since March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has sent shockwaves through the American labor market. Millions of Americans lost or left their jobs, and employers are having a harder time than ever recruiting workers. From government officials, to academics, to business...
02.01.2022
The Changing Workforce · U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh
Since March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has sent shockwaves through the American labor market. Millions of Americans lost or left their jobs, and employers are having a harder time than ever recruiting workers. From government officials, to academics, to business...
12.07.2021
Ep. 60, Lisa Kashinsky: POLITICO Reporter and Author of the Massachusetts Playbook
In this episode, Jill talks with Lisa Kashinsky, POLITICO reporter and author of the Massachusetts Playbook, about the state of politics in Boston, the historic nature of Boston’s recent mayoral election, key issues facing Mayor Michelle Wu, and the implications...
11.23.2021
Ep. 59, David Simas: CEO of the Obama Foundation and former advisor to President Obama
In this episode, Jill talks with David Simas, CEO of the Obama Foundation and former advisor to President Obama, about his upbringing in an immigrant family, his experience working in the White House, what he learned from traveling the country...
11.09.2021
Ep. 58, Arne Duncan: Former US Secretary of Education, Managing Partner of Chicago Cred, and Author of How Schools Work
In this episode, Jill speaks with Arne Duncan, former U.S. Secretary of Education and current Managing Partner of Chicago CRED, about how to build more robust school systems, the impacts of gun violence and mental health on America’s youth, and...
09.28.2021
Ep. 57, Rick Weissbourd: Director of the Making Caring Common Project
In this episode of Catalysts for Change, Jill talks with Rick Weissbourd, Faculty Director of Human Development and Psychology at Harvard Graduate School of Education. The director of the Making Caring Common Project, Rick’s work focuses on children's moral development,...
09.16.2021
Ep. 56, Francis Goulliart and Lorena Lorenzet: The Growth of Local Lunchbox
In this episode of Catalysts for Change, Jill talks with Francis Goulliart and Lorena Lorenzet, two local food entrepreneurs who helped create Local Lunchbox, an innovative new program borne out of the pandemic that provides free, fresh, locally-prepared food for...

What's Deep Dives about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Deep Dives episodes:

Deep Dives: How Can We Help Kids Navigate the Digital World?

Deep Dives: What Should Be The Role of Standardized Testing?

Deep Dives: How To Get Your Kids Into College

Deep Dives: Solving for Retention: Is It Time to Modernize the Teaching Profession?

Deep Dives: Why Can't We Get Multilingual Education Right?

Deep Dives: How To Talk to Your Kids About Social Media

Deep Dives: How To Move the Needle on Special Education

Deep Dives: How To Pivot When Enrollment Declines

Deep Dives: How To Support Our Most Vulnerable Students

Deep Dives: How To Get Kids Back In School

Deep Dives: How To Improve Public Schools

Coming Soon: New “Deep Dives” Podcast

What Drives Us? Valerie Jarrett on Creating Change in Government

What Drives Us? Michael Horn and Jeff Selingo on Incentives in Education

Catalysts Presents: “Cash Is King” from the “Say More” Podcast

What Drives Us? Professor Uri Gneezy on Understanding Incentives

Can Teens Survive the Digital World? Richard Louv on Reconnecting with Nature

Can Teens Survive the Digital World? Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper on Student Mental Health

Can Teens Survive the Digital World? Dr. Jacqueline Nesi on Parenting in the Social Media Age

Can Teens Survive the Digital World? Dr. Jill Walsh on Managing Life in the Physical and Digital Worlds

Can Teens Survive the Digital World? Professor Jonathan Haidt on Social Media and Teen Mental Health

Dr. David Hamilton on the Healer Within Us

Dr. Mark Hyman, Author of “Young Forever”

What is World-Class Education? Michael Horn and Jeff Selingo on New Paradigms in Higher Ed

What is World-Class Education? Sal Khan on Reimagining How Students Learn

What is World-Class Education? Professor Tom Kane on Learning Loss and Recovery

Ingredients for Success • Award-Winning Chefs Ken Oringer & Ming Tsai

Ingredients for Success · Andy Fisher, Nutrition Activist and Author of “Big Hunger”

From the Vault: Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey

Ingredients for Success · Rep. Jim McGovern on the White House Conference on Food, Nutrition and Health

Rahn Dorsey on Innovation, Philanthropy, and Improving Student Outcomes

Noubar Afeyan, Co-Founder and Chairman of Moderna

In and Around Boston · Dr. Robyn Riseberg on the Social Determinants of Health

In and Around Boston · Jascha Franklin-Hodge on Managing Boston’s Streets

In and Around Boston · Robert Lewis Jr., President & CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston

In and Around Boston · Justin Pasquariello on Creating Joy in East Boston

Populace’s Todd Rose, Author of “Collective Illusions”

Boston Superintendent Search: Community Voices

How Are You Feeling? MIT’s Roz Picard on the Intersection of Technology and Mental Health Care

How Are You Feeling? Kat Boit, Harvard Student Leader and Active Minds Campus Co-President

How Are You Feeling? John Crocker, Director of School Mental Health on Student Mental Health

How Are You Feeling? Dr. Maurizio Fava on the Pandemic of Mental Health

The Changing Workforce · CEO Corey Thomas on Navigating the New Normal

The Changing Workforce · Prof. Dan Schneider on What’s Driving Workers

The Changing Workforce · U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh

Ep. 60, Lisa Kashinsky: POLITICO Reporter and Author of the Massachusetts Playbook

Ep. 59, David Simas: CEO of the Obama Foundation and former advisor to President Obama

Ep. 58, Arne Duncan: Former US Secretary of Education, Managing Partner of Chicago Cred, and Author of How Schools Work

Ep. 57, Rick Weissbourd: Director of the Making Caring Common Project

Ep. 56, Francis Goulliart and Lorena Lorenzet: The Growth of Local Lunchbox

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