In this final episode in a four part series, Amanda Werner talks with Adrian Martinca about the critical pivot period we are in because of AI technology. The conversation outlines three phases: the enchantment phase of initial technological magic, the pivot phase where AI threatens existing dreams, and the potential future of the "Purpose Economy" or "Dream Economy". Adrian emphasizes the importance of encouraging adults, teachers and parents, to become champions for our children's futures amid technological disruption. He discusses the need for meaningful conversations with children to safeguard their sense of purpose and shares various resources and tools to facilitate these conversations, including the "Dream Guide". The episode underscores the importance of addressing the current mental health crisis among children and adults. We must reshape education to prioritize dreams, purpose, and wellbeing.

00:00 Introduction: The Technology Paradox
00:40 The Three Phases of Technological Impact
01:12 Adrian's Commitment to Protecting Our Kids
01:26 The Current Crisis in Education
02:08 Adrian's Vision for the Future
02:52 The Enchantment Phase: A Teacher's Perspective
04:00 The Pivot Phase: The Threat of AI
04:13 The Purpose Economy: A New Vision
07:59 The Importance of Proactive Conversations
11:19 Starting the Movement: The Open Doors Movement
13:39 Empowering Kids Through the "Dream Guide"
24:25 The Role of Parents and Teachers in the Future of Education
32:15 Conclusion: Shaping the Future with Intention

Resources

Kids Dream Matter

Technology for the Future

Open Doors Movement

Amanda Write Now

Send Amanda a Message

Host, Amanda Werner, continues her interview with Adrian Martinca in this episode. Adrian is a technologist and activist working tirelessly on behalf of  children. Adrian invites us to imagine a future where AI has replaced the workforce and the power and efficiency of AI tools has advanced so far that academic learning can be distilled into 20% of the school day, the other 80% of the time? Well, that's where things get exciting and hopeful! Adrian advocates for a transformation in educational focus during this 80% of the school day. This time could allow for more space to breathe, to heal, for adults to pause and really listen to what children have to say. Importantly, this precious time could allow adults to champion the dreams of children. Adrian also discusses his dream of creation of free an online curriculum to support emotional development and familial communication. 

00:00 Understanding Kids' Feelings
02:36 The Impact of Technology on Youth
04:56 Overparenting and Its Consequences
07:03 Screen Time and Mental Health
07:35 The Role of Technology in Child Development
15:08 The Future of Parenting and Education
19:12 The Future of Education and Technology
20:49 Creating a Compassionate Curriculum
22:22 Blaming Technology and Uniting Humanity
23:56 Developing Free Online Resources
25:09 Revolutionizing Social Emotional Learning
28:09 Empowering Teachers and Students
31:34 Project-Based Learning and Dream Guides
34:38 Involving Kids in Shaping the Future

Resources

Kids Dream Matter

Technology for the Future

Open Doors Movement

Amanda Write Now

Send Amanda a Message

In this episode, Amanda Werner and Adrian Martinca discuss the fundamental contradictions faced by educators and parents in preparing children for a future dominated by AI. They delve into the disparities between current educational goals and real future job prospects, emphasizing the potential obsolescence of many professions due to automation. The conversation stresses the importance of focusing on children's mental health, sense of purpose, and emotional intelligence as the bedrock of education. Drawing on personal anecdotes and larger societal observations, they argue for a shift towards a purpose-driven, family-oriented learning environment, urging educators to pivot from material-based education to nurturing the human soul. The episode concludes with calls for grassroots efforts and community engagement to bring about this transformative change.

00:00 Defining Reality in Education and Technology
00:39 The Impact of AI on Jobs and Education
01:27 The Future of Work and AI's Role
02:08 Introduction to the Empower Students Now Podcast
02:23 Current Education System Challenges
03:15 AI's Influence on Everyday Jobs
05:22 The Role of Feelings in Education
05:53 A Personal Story: The Birth of a Vision
08:32 Mental Health and the Purpose Economy
18:41 Homeschooling and Alternative Education
20:52 The Future of Education and Personal Development
23:20 The Value of Waking Up
23:37 Concerns About Money and Education
25:14 Future of Work and Family Life
27:28 Addressing Inequality and Homelessness
28:36 AI's Impact on Education and Jobs
34:06 Preparing for a New Economy
39:29 The Role of Community and Kindness
42:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources

Kids Dream Matter

Technology for the Future

Open Doors Movement

Amanda Write Now

Send Amanda a Message

Part 1 of a 5-Part Series: Your Guide to Navigating AI's Impact on Kids, Education, and the Future

Host Amanda Werner and guest Adrian Martinca dive into the challenges and opportunities of technology and AI in education. Adrian shares his personal journey from overcoming the digital divide to founding a nonprofit that empowers kids through access to technology. Together, they explore the impact of AI on children’s dreams, mental health, and the future of learning—emphasizing the importance of open conversations, values, and putting kids’ well-being and feelings at the center of the tech revolution.

• 0:00 – Introduction & Setting the Stage
  Amanda introduces Adrian Martinca and frames the episode’s focus on AI, technology, and education.
• 1:05 – Adrian’s Background
  Adrian shares his journey from Slovakia to North America, his early experiences with technology, and his motivation to bridge the digital divide.
• 3:12 – Founding Technology for the Future
  Adrian discusses starting his nonprofit, giving away computers, and focusing on children’s dreams.
• 4:20 – The Importance of Dreams
  Exploring how technology can both empower and limit children’s aspirations.
• 5:15 – AI as “Alien Intelligence”
  Adrian introduces the concept of AI as “alien intelligence” and discusses its unpredictable impact.
• 7:00 – Navigating AI’s Role in Society
  Amanda and Adrian talk about the challenges of integrating AI into daily life, education, and the workforce.
• 10:00 – The Three Phases of Technological Change
  Adrian outlines the “enchantment,” “pivot,” and “purpose economy” phases of tech evolution.
• 13:00 – Screen Time & Mental Health
  Discussion of rising screen time among children, its effects on family dynamics, and the need for open conversations.
• 16:00 – The Role of Parents and Educators
  Emphasizing the importance of values, safe spaces, and proactive dialogue in guiding children through the tech era.
• 20:00 – Looking Forward
  Amanda and Adrian reflect on the need for hope, community, and a focus on well-being as technology continues to evolve.

Key Takeaways

• Technology should be a pathway to dreams, not a barrier.
• AI’s rapid evolution requires new approaches to education, parenting, and mental health.
• Open, honest dialogue and a focus on children’s well-being are essential for a positive future.

Resources

Technology for the Future: https://t4tf.org/

Open Doors Movement: https://opendoorsmovement.org/

Amanda's Website-Amanda Write Now

Send Amanda a Message

In this episode of the Empower Students Now podcast, the host Amanda Werner, delves into the heavy topics of suicide and self-harm in relation to AI chatbots. This is part three of a series reflecting on the concerning impact of AI on students, parents, and teachers, especially focusing on the host's personal experiences as a parent. The episode discusses various incidents where AI chatbots have negatively affected children, including a tragic case involving an AI chatbot that led to a teenager's suicide. Emphasizing the necessity of informed discussions about the ethics and safety of AI, Amanda explores the deep concerns about the lack of regulation and control over AI technologies.

Articles: 

https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2024/08/another-year-ai-college-cheating/679502/

https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/08/ai-mass-delusion-event/683909/

https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/30/tech/teen-suicide-character-ai-lawsuit

https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2025/09/ai-parenting-app/684303/

https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2025/08/ai-chatbots-kids-teens-artificial-intelligence.html

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Content Warning
00:16 The Impact of AI on Education
02:33 Personal Story: AI's Effect on My Family
03:22 The Dangers of AI Chatbots for Kids
07:22 A Parent's Dilemma: Managing AI Use
08:35 The Broader Implications of AI
12:08 The Black Box Problem
15:09 Conclusion and Call to Action

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Amanda Werner on AI in Teaching and Teacherpreneurship: Part 2In this episode, Amanda Werner, former teacher and current teacherpreneur, dives into her evolving perspective on AI, specifically chatbots like ChatGPT. After initially embracing AI for classroom use and her online business, Amanda shares why she has grown skeptical about the ethical implications of AI, particularly concerning content creation and copyright issues. She discusses her personal experiences with various AI tools and their impact on her professional life, while also touching on broader societal concerns over AI’s influence. This is Part 2 of a series, with the next episode focusing on her viewpoint as a parent.00:00 Introduction and Support01:51 Podcast Overview and AI Concerns05:53 Teacherpreneur and AI Tools09:26 Ethical Dilemmas with AI17:28 Copyright Issues and AI26:56 Conclusion and Next Episode PreviewArticles Mentioned: https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2024/02/generative-ai-lawsuits-copyright-fair-use/677595/https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/03/libgen-meta-openai/682093/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jun/04/reddit-lawsuit-ai-startup-anthropic-data

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