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Paul LeBlanc is the former president of Southern New Hampshire University, the largest non-profit provider of online higher education in the country. His new book, Reclaiming Purpose: The University in an AI World, examines how higher education can respond proactively to leverage the rise of artificial intelligence and reconnect to its essential task of helping students discover lives of purpose. 

Hosted by Matthew Rascoff
This episode is part of the Edtech Insiders HigherEd Podcast Series, featuring conversations with leaders shaping the future of higher education.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How AI could reshape higher education and work
2. Why human connection will remain central to learning
3. The evolving role of teachers in an AI-powered classroom
4. Why human-centered skills and the liberal arts may make a comeback
5. How universities can help shape a better AI future

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:06:02] How AI is reshaping work and learning
[00:08:39] AI as the next chapter of the digital revolution
[00:24:02] Why human relationships matter in learning
[00:25:00] Rethinking the role of teachers
[00:42:05] Gen Z’s growing AI backlash
[00:49:05] What if AI goes “radically right”?

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.

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Nir Zicherman is the CEO of Oboe. Oboe's mission is to teach one billion people one trillion things. In 2015, Nir co-founded Anchor, which grew to become the world's largest podcasting platform. After Spotify acquired Anchor in 2019, he led Spotify's expansion into audiobooks as VP of Audiobooks.

💡 5 Things You'll Learn in This Episode

1. Why AI should teach—not just answer questions.
2. How personalized learning paths can outperform traditional chatbots.
3. Lessons from building consumer products that reach millions of users.
4. Why curiosity and intrinsic motivation are the future of learning.
5. How Oboe is reimagining education with AI-native learning experiences.

✨ Episode Highlights

[00:02:08] From Anchor to Oboe: why Nir made the leap from podcasting to AI-powered education.
[00:06:06] Why learning is the next great consumer technology opportunity.[00:10:00] How Oboe builds adaptive learning paths instead of AI chat conversations.
[00:17:12] The biggest flaw in large language models as teachers—and how Oboe addresses it.
[00:21:13] Bringing consumer product design principles to education.
[00:26:06] The vision to teach one billion people one trillion things.
[00:31:28] Why intrinsic motivation and curiosity are the future of AI-powered learning.

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.

Send us Fan Mail

Join hosts Ben Kornell and Alex Sarlin as they break down new federal guidance on edtech evidence and efficacy, the growing backlash against AI and big tech in schools, Harvard's AI faculty avatars, and MIT's evolving approach to teaching and learning in the AI era.

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:04:47] U.S. Department of Education issues edtech evidence guidance
[00:14:21] AI tutoring research highlights mastery-based learning
[00:16:36] The growing backlash against AI and big tech in schools
[00:19:02] OpenAI announces 55 school district partnerships
[00:20:50] Should big tech be in schools?
[00:29:57] Harvard launches AI faculty avatars for student practice
[00:35:41] MIT rethinks teaching and assessment for the AI era

Plus, special guests:
[00:39:42] Carl Madi, Co-founder and CEO of Stepful, on expanding healthcare career pathways through employer partnerships, AI-powered assessment, and scalable workforce training
[00:56:46] Manny Smith, Founder and CEO of EdVisorly, on modernizing college admissions and transfer through AI-powered enrollment operations and more transparent pathways for students

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.

Send us Fan Mail

Dr. Sasha Thackaberry-Voinovich founded Newstate University in 2026, bringing 20+ years of education leadership from executive roles at SkillsWave, Pearson, LSU and SNHU. She holds a PhD from Kent State and authored "The Power Worker" and "How to Grow Enrollment in Online Higher Education."

Hosted by Matthew Rascoff
This episode is part of the Edtech Insiders HigherEd Podcast Series, featuring conversations with leaders shaping the future of higher education.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why higher ed should be built from first principles.
2. How Newstate is rethinking the cost and structure of college.
3. The case for a one-course-at-a-time model.
4. How AI could reshape higher ed and credentials.
5. Why institutions need to narrow their focus and align incentives.

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:02:23] Sasha’s journey to building Newstate University.
[00:06:41] Removing friction from higher education.
[00:11:10] The one-course-at-a-time model.
[00:12:29] Rethinking the economics of college.
[00:18:52] Why colleges should “pick a lane.”
[00:24:21] The future of credentials and skills-based hiring.
[00:37:18] Sasha’s advice for disrupting higher ed.
[00:41:49] How AI is changing information consumption.
[00:48:12] Rethinking student debt.

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.

Send us Fan Mail

Aneesh Sohoni is CEO of Teach For America and a former high school English teacher and TFA corps member. He has also led TFA Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana and One Million Degrees.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why leadership matters more than technology in education.
2. How teachers can build practical AI fluency.
3. Teach For America’s 4 Ds framework for using AI.
4. Why AI can’t replace human connection in learning.
5. How teachers are using AI to personalize learning.

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:04:45] Teach For America at 35: What’s changed and what hasn’t.
[00:07:45] AI Fluency: Helping teachers use AI effectively.
[00:10:50] AI Won’t Replace Teachers: Why relationships still matter.
[00:11:30] The 4 Ds of AI: Delegate, Describe, Discern, Diligence.
[00:13:27] Teachers as Builders: Educators creating AI-powered tools.
[00:16:09] The Next Generation of Leaders: What new teachers are saying about AI.

Learn more and register for TFA35 here.

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.

Send us Fan Mail

Join hosts Ben Kornell and Alex Sarlin as they break down the biggest stories shaping AI, Edtech investment, the growing tech backlash, and the future of assessment.

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:05:47] ChatGPT for Teens introduces new safety and learning features
[00:11:29] Generalized AI models raise new challenges for Edtech companies
[00:13:47] OpenAI partners with CodeAI on AI learning and youth safety
[00:17:07] Reach Capital launches a new $265M fund focused on early-stage companies
[00:23:32] B2B vs. B2C: New dynamics reshape Edtech investment
[00:25:12] Hugh Grant and Closed Screens Open Minds fuel the Edtech backlash
[00:27:46] Why Edtech needs to put education first and technology second

Plus, special guests:
[00:32:28] Sabine Wallis, General Manager of NWEA, on assessment, learning science, and using data to drive instruction. 

[00:51:23] Andy Rotherham and Marisa Mission, of Bellwether, on AI in education, EdTech quality, market sustainability, and designing for productive struggle.

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.

Send us Fan Mail

Tony Wan is Head of Platform at Reach Capital and co-founder and former managing editor of EdSurge. Betsy Corcoran is a writer, speaker, serial entrepreneur, and co-founder of EdSurge who explores AI and learning through her work and podcast, Future Fluent.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How EdSurge helped shape the early edtech ecosystem.
2. Why edtech needs more honest and nuanced storytelling.
3. What the tech backlash gets right and where it misses the bigger picture.
4. Why teacher-turned-founders and school leaders are critical voices in edtech.
5. How AI can support education without becoming the focus itself.

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:03:48] The origins of EdSurge and the need for an edtech “water cooler.”
[00:13:49] Why teacher-turned-founders deserve a bigger voice in the tech backlash.
[00:18:04] Starting with the “why” instead of treating technology as the solution.
[00:23:58] Tony on the legitimate concerns around screen time and edtech.
[00:26:23] Betsy on why edtech needs more honesty about what doesn’t work.
[00:34:01] Why humility and learning from failure matter in edtech.
[00:35:50] Tony on where AI can genuinely add value in education.
[00:47:51] Betsy on the questions edtech should keep asking: Why, when, and when not to use technology.

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.

Send us Fan Mail

Join hosts Ben Kornell and Alex Sarlin as they break down the biggest stories shaping educator confidence, tutoring, higher ed grading, AI models, education policy, and AI workforce development.

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:02:47] Edtech Insiders heads to Teach For America’s 35th anniversary
[00:05:19] HMH survey shows educator AI adoption reaches 80%
[00:08:45] Varsity Tutors exits school-based tutoring
[00:11:46] What makes tutoring effective?
[00:13:00] MIT drops freshman grades as Harvard tightens grading
[00:15:06] AI reshapes academic integrity and assessment
[00:17:41] AI cheating accelerates competency-based learning
[00:19:52] Open vs. closed AI models heats up
[00:23:53] Could AI become a public utility?
[00:28:11] New benchmarks measure AI tutoring effectiveness

Plus, special guests:
[00:29:40] Reg Leichty, Founding Partner of Foresight Law + Policy, on screen time and AI regulation
[00:47:26] Mike Wales, Senior Director of AI Programs at CodePath, and Madison McCormick, CodePath leader, on AI apprenticeships and workforce development 

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.

Send us Fan Mail

Jomayra Herrera is a Partner at Reach Capital, an early-stage venture fund investing across learning, health, and work. Previously, she worked at Emerson Collective and Cowboy Ventures, investing in companies including Handshake, Guild, Contra, and Career Karma.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why Reach Capital is doubling down on pre-seed and early-stage investing with its new $265M Fund V.
2. How learning, health, and work intersect to create new opportunities for innovation.
3. What Jomayra looks for in exceptional founders, especially in the age of AI.
4. Why the strongest AI companies go beyond AI as a feature to create new capabilities and durable advantages.
5. How B2C-to-B2B models and school choice are creating new opportunities across education.

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:03:32] Reach Capital’s $265M Fund V and its renewed focus on pre-seed investing.
[00:06:28] Why Reach is choosing to go earlier rather than later.
[00:08:42] The intersection of learning, health, and work.
[00:16:02] The founder traits that matter most in the age of AI.
[00:24:47] What makes an AI company more than just an AI feature.
[00:33:14] Pathfinder, ESAs, and the changing education marketplace.
[00:39:06] Jomayra’s vision for the next 10 years of investing.
[00:44:24] Why strategic acquisitions and private equity remain the most common exit paths.

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.

Send us Fan Mail

Joy Delizo-Osborne is President and CEO of Student Achievement Partners, where she works to improve instructional quality and connect evidence-based practices with curriculum and edtech. A former teacher, instructional coach, and principal, Joy brings more than 20 years of experience in education.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How AI can support and not replace teachers and students.
2. Why productive struggle still matters in AI-powered learning.
3. What districts should consider when evaluating AI tools.
4. How edtech can better fit into existing classroom practices.
5. Why student agency should remain at the center of AI use.

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:02:40] Student Achievement Partners’ role in improving instructional quality
[00:07:37] Maintaining rigor and quality with AI-generated content
[00:18:25] Closing the gap between edtech tools and real-world outcomes
[00:24:27] Why edtech companies need to understand classroom realities
[00:29:07] Building AI around existing curriculum and teacher practice
[00:40:36] When should AI enter the learning process?
[00:47:06] Putting student agency at the center of AI

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.