How'd You Learn That?

Secretary John King has seen the U.S. education system from almost every conceivable angle. He started his career as a history teacher and middle-school principal before going on to serve as New York State education commissioner and then as President Obama's education secretary during his second term. Today, he is a college professor and president of an education nonprofit. He is also running for governor of Maryland! In this episode, we talk about civics and the importance of covering the problematic parts of American history and culture.

We have a different kind of episode for you this week. I was invited to moderate a Q&A session with the former presidential candidate and Forward Party founder Andrew Yang and I wanted to share it with our audience. Join us as we discuss the future of American democracy!

Jeff Galloway, father of the world-famous "Run-Walk-Run" method, has been running for 63 years. What keeps him going? As I found out from speaking with him, much of the skill behind running is mental. Join us for a fascinating discussion ranging into psychology, neuroscience, and anthropology as we dissect the skill of running.

Most Americans know our democracy is in trouble. But what to do about it? Democracy advocate Daniella Ballou-Aares, CEO and co-founder of the Leadership Now Project, breaks down the essential skills of citizenship and how they can be applied by individuals and businesses.

Supporting lifelong learning will be one of our century's defining challenges. Sylvie Milverton, CEO of Paris-based Lynx Educate, has a fascinating perspective on the issue, built on her globetrotting career in education and technology. Join us to discuss the role of business in educating the workforce.

For an impactful career, where should you focus? Government? Business? The social sector? Esther Benjamin, CEO of World Education Services, answers... YES! Having split her career between three sectors (with leadership roles in each) she now leads an organization that lives in two simultaneously. Join us to discuss how to specialize in being a generalist.

Automation will change the skills we need to succeed, but adapting to this phenomenon is easier said than done. Karen Maguire, a senior research leader with the OECD group of industrialized countries, joins me on this episode to discuss how governments and businesses need to change.

Helping people get the right skills is big business. But if you are in it for more than dollars and cents, how do you ensure that your bets make the biggest possible impact? Matt Greenfield, one of the world's foremost investors in education, is here to discuss that question.

Singing has existed in every culture, always. Why is it such a special skill? And how do great singers learn their art? Matt Osifchin is a professional opera singer whose credits include a premiere at Carnegie Hall and a role opposite Placido Domingo. In this episode, he faces his biggest challenge yet: teaching Amit to hold a note!

"Social entrepreneurship." Is that even a thing? Marcus Castain says yes, and he should know. A graduate of UCLA's prestigious MBA program, he now uses the principles of business to pursue more than dollars and cents. Find out how in this episode.