In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Mason Pashia talks with Chris McNutt of Human Restoration Project about how empathy interviews can help schools move beyond traditional surveys and toward more meaningful, student-centered change. The conversation explores Polaris, a platform designed to gather and analyze qualitative student voice data at scale, and highlights how districts are using these insights to strengthen belonging, improve inclusion, and redesign learning experiences. From student agency and Portrait of a Graduate work to ethical questions around AI and data privacy, this episode offers a compelling look at how schools can listen better—and act with greater clarity and trust.

Outline

• (00:00) Introduction
• (07:11) Introducing Polaris
• (18:10) Student Agency & Action
• (30:02) AI Ethics & Data Privacy
• (35:33) Building a Broader Movement

Links

• Read the full blog
• Chris McNutt's LinkedIn
• Human Restoration Project Podcast
• Human Restoration Project Website
• Organization Overview