What if technology didn’t replace our humanity—but helped us deepen it? In this episode, Eric Rodriguez—engineer, keynote speaker, and facilitator of the AMS Innovation Think Tank—shares how a formative experience in his Montessori-inspired childhood sparked a lifelong passion for technology, ultimately shaping his mission to create a more human-centered digital future.

Hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman explore with Eric:

• How a seventh-grade encounter with a school computer lab in Ecuador ignited his path into engineering and digital innovation
• Lessons from his work in the energy and tech industries, and how they shaped his understanding of technology as a tool for empathy and inclusion
• Why the distinction between a “job” and your “work” can transform your purpose
• His role in shaping AMS’s Innovation Think Tank and the importance of Montessori’s continued evolution
• AI as a “curiosity companion”—and how it can support educators, learners, and communities
• What it means to design tools that extend, rather than replace, our humanity

With warmth, insight, and vision, Eric offers a compelling reminder that even in an age of algorithms, empathy, agency, and human connection matter most.

Eric Rodriguez is a speaker with the goal to help audiences navigate and thrive in the digital era, championing a future where technology amplifies our human experience.

https://ericjrodriguez.com/

Contact Us: [email protected]

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.

For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/

And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:
https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood

Contact us: [email protected]

Elizabeth Tingle never planned to become a Montessori teacher, but her path seems to have led her there all along. With decades of experience behind her, Elizabeth Tingle discovered that Montessori aligned perfectly with the values she'd been teaching by for years.

Hosts Nicole Coman and Biff Maier talk with Elizabeth about:

• Elizabeth Tingle’s early calling to teach and how a fifth-grade teacher inspired her to embrace every child’s uniqueness
• The challenges and insights from 14 years working with students facing significant emotional and behavioral needs
• How Montessori philosophy resonated with her belief in personalized, respectful education
• The transition from token-based behavior systems (like earning points or prizes) to intrinsic motivation, and the importance of regulation, trust, and flexibility in learning
• Why understanding behavior as communication is key to unlocking student potential

Elizabeth’s story is a testament to how deep respect for the individual child, and a willingness to adapt, can lead to transformative teaching and learning.

Contact Us: [email protected]

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.

For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/

And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:
https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood

Contact us: [email protected]

What if the people you trust most try to change who you are—and call it love? In this episode, Garrard Conley, author of the bestselling memoir Boy Erased, adapted into a film starring Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe, shares his powerful journey from being outed and forced into conversion therapy to becoming a writer, educator, and advocate for truth and healing.

Hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman talk with Garrard about:

• Growing up gay in a fundamentalist Baptist community in rural Arkansas
• Conley’s experience in conversion therapy and how it attempted to erase his identity
• A life-altering moment with his mother during a car ride that changed everything
• The role of literature in survival and resistance
• Reconciling with his family and reclaiming his story on his own terms
• Conley’s latest novel, All the World Beside, which reimagines queer life in Puritan New England

With honesty, insight, and flashes of dark humor, Garrard speaks to the lasting impact of shame—and the liberating force of empathy, education, and asking the right question at the right time.

This conversation is a reminder that stories can be lifelines—and that educators have the power to make sure every child knows they’re worthy of one.

Garrard Conley is the author of:

All the World Beside: A Novel

Boy Erased: A Memoir of Identity, Faith, and Family (Now a Major Motion Picture)

Contact Us: [email protected]

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.

For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/

And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:
https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood

Contact us: [email protected]

How does a second-generation Montessori child become a transformational leader in the movement? In this episode, Anita Hanks, newly appointed President of the AMS Board of Directors, shares her deeply personal Montessori journey—from toddler in the classroom to founder of a thriving school, teacher education program director, and now national leader.

Hosts Nicole Coman and Biff Maier talk with Anita about:

• Anita's generational ties to Montessori and what led her back after a career in business
• The founding and growth of her school and AMS-affiliated teacher education program
• Anita's evolving view of leadership, mentorship, and building lasting school communities
• Urgent challenges in the field: educator burnout, teacher retention, and Gen Z recruitment
• Anita's vision for AMS: investing in teacher education, building community, and deepening support for members

With insight, warmth, and clarity, Anita speaks to the heart of Montessori leadership—finding joy, creating impact, and helping others discover their own cosmic task.

Contact Us: [email protected]

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.

For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/

And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:
https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood

Contact us: [email protected]

How do we stay energized, focused, and fulfilled in a world that constantly demands more? In this episode, hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman are joined by bestselling author and Harvard Medical School visiting scholar Suneel Gupta, who shares why the path from burnout to balance doesn’t require a major life overhaul—just a few intentional shifts.

Hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman talk with Suneel about:

• How your dharma—your inner calling—can be expressed without upending your life
• The connection between energy management and leadership, and why rest isn’t a luxury but a discipline
• Practical tools like the 55/5 rule and traffic light self-awareness to build resilience and avoid burnout
• Why we should stop asking kids “What do you want to be?” and start asking, “What brings you joy?”
• How Montessori education can support self-regulation, reflection, and purpose from an early age

With humor, insight, and real-life stories, Suneel offers a fresh, actionable take on how small adjustments—made consistently—can lead to big, lasting impact.

Suneel Gupta is the author of:

Everyday Dharma: 8 Essential Practices for Finding Success and Joy in Everything You Do

Backable: The Surprising Truth Behind What Makes People Take a Chance on You

Contact Us: [email protected]

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.

For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/

And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:
https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood

Contact us: [email protected]

What happens when Montessori students leave their multi-age classrooms and step into the world of traditional high schools? In this episode, two seniors—Symona and Josie—reflect on how their Montessori foundations shaped their confidence, relationships, and academic resilience through the challenges of public and independent school settings.

Hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman explore with Symona and Josie:

• The academic and social transitions after graduating from a Montessori middle school
• How Montessori shaped their confidence, academic habits, and emotional intelligence
• What Montessori did—and didn’t—prepare them for
• Navigating larger schools, peer groups, and grading systems
• Why they credit Montessori for giving them a voice and a deep love of learning

Honest, insightful, and real, this episode reveals Montessori’s lasting impact—well beyond the classroom.

Contact Us: [email protected]

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.

For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/

And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:
https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood

Contact us: [email protected]

How does a childhood spent exploring nature shape a lifelong passion? In this episode, Alexis Nikole Nelson—award-winning forager, chef, and social media star—shares how her Montessori education helped nurture her curiosity and independence, ultimately leading to her unique career.

Hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman discuss with Alexis:

• How her Montessori upbringing encouraged hands-on learning and a love of nature
• The history and cultural significance of foraging, especially in Black and Indigenous communities
• The intersection of food, environmental education, and social media storytelling
• Her upcoming cookbook

With humor, insight, and infectious enthusiasm, Alexis brings a fresh perspective on learning, history, and the joy of reconnecting with nature—one edible plant at a time.

Follow Alexis:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackforager/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisnikole
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BlackForager

And to learn more about the Montessori perspective on this topic:
An Introduction to Sustainability in the Montessori Classroom
https://learn.amshq.org/products/an-introduction-to-sustainability-in-the-montessori-classroom#tab-product_tab_about_the_class

Contact Us: [email protected]

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.

For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/

And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:
https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood

Contact us: [email protected]

How does social identity influence the way we learn, form biases, and navigate the world? In this episode, Dr. Jay Van Bavel, NYU professor and coauthor of The Power of Us, joins us to explore the psychology and neuroscience behind identity formation.

Hosts Nicole Coleman and Biff Maier discuss with Dr. Van Bavel:

• How group identity impacts learning, motivation, and cognitive performance
• The role of social media in shaping and reinforcing identities
• Strategies to reduce bias and build inclusion in schools and communities
• How leaders can foster unity instead of division

With insights from neuroscience, psychology, and education, this episode reveals how understanding identity can transform classrooms, parenting, and even society itself.

And read Jay’s book: The Power of Us: Harnessing Our Shared Identities to Improve Performance, Increase Cooperation, and Promote Social Harmony, by Jay J. Van Bavel and Dominic J. Packer

https://www.amazon.com/Power-Harnessing-Identities-Performance-Cooperation/dp/0316538418 

Contact Us: [email protected]

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.

For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/

And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:
https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood

Contact us: [email protected]

Are traditional discipline methods setting children up for failure? In this episode, hosts Nicole Coman and Biff Maier challenge the outdated, top-down approach to rules and discipline, revealing how Montessori principles cultivate true self-regulation, accountability, and independence—without authoritarian control.

They explore:

• Why rules often backfire and what works instead
• The power of natural consequences over punishments
• How to build a culture of respect where kids take responsibility
• Montessori’s radical approach to discipline that prepares children for life
• Practical strategies for parents and teachers to shift from control to collaboration

If you’ve ever wondered why traditional discipline methods feel frustrating and ineffective, this episode will change the way you think about rules forever.

Contact Us: [email protected]

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.

For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/

And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:
https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood

Contact us: [email protected]

How can parents and educators help kids develop healthy relationships, navigate social media, and build self-control in a world designed to capture their attention? In this episode, Dr. Sharon Maxwell, clinical psychologist and author of The Talk, joins her daughter Chelsea Maxwell, an educator and learning designer, to discuss the challenges of raising kids in today’s digital, oversexualized culture—through a lens that aligns with Montessori principles of self-regulation, independence, and values-driven learning.

They share practical strategies for:

• Talking to kids about relationships, consent, and online influence
• Teaching self-reflection and self-control, core Montessori life skills
• Addressing the impact of social media on young minds
• Guiding kids toward a values-driven understanding of sex and intimacy

This conversation is essential listening for parents, educators, and anyone invested in helping the next generation develop autonomy, critical thinking, and confidence in today’s complex world.

Contact Us: [email protected]

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.

For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/

And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:
https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood

Contact us: [email protected]