Edutainment Learning

Taylor Smith, President and Founder of Project Finance & Development Investments (PFDI), shares how finance can be a powerful force for building schools, strengthening communities, and expanding opportunity for students nationwide. Taylor has helped develop and finance more than $1 billion in schools, housing, roads, and public facilities across the United States. Much of his work centers on charter schools, including networks like Mater Academy, Pinecrest Academy, Somerset Academy, and River City Science Academy—bringing together educators, city leaders, and investors to create places where students can thrive.

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Professor Yarbrough draws on her deep expertise in American political thought to connect Tocqueville’s insights to the American Founding and to challenges confronting democracy today. This lecture offers a timely and thought-provoking look at why Tocqueville remains essential for understanding modern political life. Jean Yarbrough is Professor of Government and Gary M. Pendy, Sr. Professor of Social Sciences, and a leading scholar of American political philosophy. She is the recipient of the Henry Salvatori Prize and has served on the National Council of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Her work focuses on Alexis de Tocqueville and the American political tradition.

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Nathan, recently promoted Chief Executive Officer of RSM (Retail Sports Marketing), who shares insights from a 22-year journey in sales, marketing, and strategy. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, RSM is a leading shopper marketing and retail experience agency working with powerhouse clients like Walmart, Sam’s Club, Red Bull, Tyson, Meta, and Unilever. Nathan also oversees major strategic partnerships spanning NASCAR, the NBA, and iconic country music properties such as the CMA Awards and the Grand Ole Opry.

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Judith Marty, President of Doral College, shares how students across the country are earning real college credits and even associate degrees while still in high school—changing the trajectory of their futures before graduation day. With a career spanning elementary classrooms, high school leadership, district-wide administration, and higher education, Ms. Marty has dedicated her life to building schools where students thrive, teachers feel supported, and opportunity is expanded—not restricted.

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Alexis oversees the award-winning Distillations digital content platform at the Science History Institute, including its magazine, podcasts, and social media storytelling. She also cohosts the Distillations Podcast, bringing together history, science, philosophy, and culture for audiences around the globe. Previously, Alexis served as director of Innate: How Science Invented the Myth of Race, a National Endowment for the Humanities–funded podcast and magazine project that examines the historical roots and lasting legacies of racism in American science and medicine.

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What does real impact look like?

In this powerful Edutainment Learning interview, Kris Engelstad—longtime Nevada resident, UNLV graduate, and Trustee of the Engelstad Foundation—shares how a family commitment to service has resulted in over $300 million in scholarships and grants changing lives across the United States.

Founded in 2002 by her parents, Betty and Ralph Engelstad, the Engelstad Foundation has become one of the most influential philanthropic forces in the country—supporting education reform, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and those facing serious illness.

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What really happens after a death investigation begins?

In this powerful Edutainment Learning interview, students from around the world sit down with Dr. Quinton, Associate Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the Mayo Clinic, to explore the real science behind forensic pathology and medical examinations.

Dr. Quinton shares insights from his work as a board-certified forensic pathologist and medical examiner, including how cause and manner of death are determined, the role of forensic evidence in the justice system, and why education and ethics are critical—especially in cases involving child fatalities. Drawing on his experience as a former Deputy Chief Medical Examiner and national leader with the National Association of Medical Examiners, this conversation gives students an authentic look into one of the most misunderstood—and impactful—careers in medicine.

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In Session 3 of the Edutainment Learning Tocqueville Series, students from around the world explore a critical and often overlooked question: What conclusions did Alexis de Tocqueville ultimately draw for France?

Our guest, Alexis d'Hérouville, is a direct descendant of Alexis de Tocqueville, the renowned French philosopher and historian best known for Democracy in America. Raised at the historic Château de Tocqueville, Alexis d’Hérouville offers a rare, personal, and intellectual perspective on Tocqueville’s legacy and its relevance to France and the modern world.

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At just 22 years old, Matteo Curseri is already living the dream many aspiring actors chase. Born in Brescia, Italy, Matteo began his journey as a Mater Academy Dual Diploma student before moving to Milan to study acting and work on short films and professional movie sets. In 2025, he reached a major milestone—starring in his first leading role in Le Vie dell’Acqua, directed by Fabio Masi and presented at the prestigious Venice International Film Festival.

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Join students from around the world for an insightful Edutainment Learning conversation with Jacob Bourgault, a corporate associate at White & Case LLP whose work focuses on securities transactions, corporate governance, financial restructurings, out-of-court workouts, and Chapter 11 bankruptcies.

Jacob shares his remarkable academic and professional journey — from graduating magna cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School and being inducted into the Order of the Coif, to serving as Managing Editor of the Minnesota Law Review, directing the Bankruptcy Clinic, externing for a bankruptcy judge, and publishing six legal articles during his studies.

Are you an educator? Go to edutainmentlearning.com/podcasts to download student worksheets for every episode!