Learning Unboxed

In this milestone 300th episode of Learning Unboxed, we celebrate with Ashley Price, Director of Student Experiences and All Things Summer and Out-of-School Programming at the PAST Foundation. Together, we explore how immersive, student-centered learning helps young people build confidence, discover new interests, and connect classroom skills to real-world challenges in meaningful ways.

We also dig into what makes these experiences work: student voice and choice, transdisciplinary design, authentic audiences, and the freedom to fail forward. Ashley shares how small shifts in practice can help educators create learning spaces that feel more engaging, relevant, and joyful for students. Join us to explore how we can make school feel a little more like summer camp and a lot more like real learning.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How student voice and choice shape deeper engagement and confidence
• Why real-world, transdisciplinary challenges make learning more meaningful
• How authentic audiences help students grow as communicators and creators
• Why failure, revision, and redesign are essential parts of learning
• What educators can do to bring informal learning practices into formal classrooms

Resources:

• Student Experiences at PAST Foundation

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Hillary Summerbell, founder and CEO of Summerbell, a literacy technology company transforming how visual dyslexic learners experience reading. Drawing from her own struggles, Hillary shares how rethinking text layout through her positional reading arc can reduce overwhelm, improve comprehension, and build confidence.

We explore how a simple shift in formatting can unlock access for millions of learners and why dyslexia is often misunderstood as a comprehension issue rather than a visual one. Hillary also walks us through the development of her technology and its potential as both a classroom tool and diagnostic support. 

Join us as we rethink what reading can look like and how design can make learning more equitable for all.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How visual dyslexia impacts reading and learning
• The science and design behind positional reading arcs
• Using technology to reduce visual clutter and increase comprehension
• The importance of equitable literacy tools in classrooms
• Reimagining education through creativity and learner-centered design

Resources:

• Summerbell Literacy Tools: (Explore the reading and writing tools designed for visual dyslexic learners)
• Summerbell Chrome Extension
• Summerbell Research Page
• Johns Hopkins School of Education 

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Keith Parker, Colina Bartlett, Tiffany Dudley, and Kelly Cowell from the ECPPS Microschool in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Together, they share the story behind launching an innovative public microschool designed to reimagine what learning can look like for today’s students. With small cohorts, flexible learning environments, and a strong emphasis on relationships and real-world experiences, the team is building a student-centered model rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and community.

We explore how the district moved from listening to community needs to rapidly designing and launching a new learning environment in less than a year. The conversation highlights the role of educators as guides, the power of project-based learning, and the importance of removing bureaucratic barriers to innovation. At its heart, this microschool is about creating meaningful choices for families and ensuring public education continues to evolve for the future. Join us to explore what’s possible when a community decides to do school differently.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Why districts are turning to microschools to reimagine public education and create new options for families
• How student-centered learning, project-based experiences, and the “guide” model shift the role of teachers and empower learners
• What it takes for a school district to remove bureaucratic barriers and experiment with new models that better prepare students for a changing world

Resources:

• ECPPS Microschool – Learn more about the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools microschool initiative
• Ascent Microschool – The innovative school model in Austin, Texas that inspired the ECPPS team’s design work
• North Carolina School Boards Association – Learn more about the organization that hosts the annual conference where ECPPS students presented their work
• Rock by Rock – Explore the project-based science learning program used by the microschool

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Krystal Popov, founder of Futurepreneur, a program designed to help kids ages 6–16 turn creativity and tech skills into real-world ventures. Drawing on her own journey as a serial entrepreneur and parent, Krystal shares why entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting businesses, but about building problem-solvers who can thrive in a rapidly changing world.

We explore the core skills at the heart of her work: seeing problems as opportunities, developing grit, and learning to communicate with confidence. Krystall walks us through how her “business-in-a-box” kits guide kids through branding, budgeting, marketing, and sales while engaging families and communities along the way. 

From lemonade stands to neighborhood helper services, these experiences help young people set goals, stick with challenges, and discover where they shine. Join us to explore how entrepreneurship can reshape learning for the next generation.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Why entrepreneurship builds problem-solving, resilience, and leadership skills   
• Engaging families and communities in authentic learning experiences  
• Barriers to entrepreneurship in traditional school settings and how to navigate them  

Resources:

• Follow Krystal Popov on Facebook  and Instagram 
• Futurepreneur – Explore youth entrepreneurship kits and programs
• Free Futurepreneur™ Starter Kit: Teach Your Kid to Dream
• Free Kid Biz (Lemonade Stand Freebie) – Download a starter business plan
• Lehman Academy of Excellence – Learn more about the charter model mentioned 

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Belén Quellet, Executive Director of The Learning Quest, to explore what it really looks like to turn an entire city into a learning environment.  Belén shares how Falls Church, Virginia is becoming an open-walled learning ecosystem where curiosity, repair, and real-world problem solving guide learning far beyond the classroom.

Together, we dig into learner voice, community partnerships, and why experiences like repair clinics, education passports, and local internships matter just as much as traditional academic pathways. Belén also reflects on shifting definitions of success, the future of work, and the importance of helping parents reimagine what learning can look like for their children. 

This conversation is a thoughtful look at how communities can stitch together existing resources to support agency, exploration, and lifelong learning. Join us to explore what’s possible when learning truly belongs to everyone.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• What a citywide learning ecosystem looks like in practice
• How repair and sustainability spark curiosity and problem solving
• Elevating learner voice through real community roles
• Rethinking credit, credentials, and success beyond classrooms
• Building trust with parents around nontraditional learning paths

Resources:

• The Learning Quest
• Education Reimagined: Learn more about learner-centered education and ecosystem labs nationwide
• Repair Café: Discover how community repair events support sustainability and hands-on learning
• Acton Academy: Learn more about learner-driven education models influencing Learning Quest’s work 

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Ishan Shivanand, founder of Yoga of Immortals and author of the international bestseller The Practice of Immortality. Together, we explore why resilience training and inner work are becoming essential supports for students and educators navigating rising levels of stress, burnout, and disconnection. Ishan shares how his research-backed, non-pharmaceutical approach blends breathwork, meditation, and cognitive awareness to improve mental health and overall well-being.

Our conversation digs into what resilience training actually looks like in practice and why even small, consistent moments of awareness can make a measurable difference in learning environments. We also discuss how schools can integrate these tools in culturally respectful, non-theological ways that support both students and teachers. Join us to explore how building resilient minds can reshape the future of learning.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The growing mental health challenges facing students and educators  
• Research-backed resilience training and its impact on learning  
• Burnout, anxiety, and sleep issues in high-performing students  
• Practical ways to integrate mindfulness into classrooms  
• Why inner work is a lifelong skill, not an add-on  

Resources:

• The Practice of Immortality by Ishan Shivanand
• Yoga of Immortals – Learn more about the research-backed mental health program and its applications in education  
• Peer-reviewed research in Frontiers in Psychiatry

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re reconnecting with returning guest and “serial school starter” Nathan Gorsch, executive director and principal of the Colorado Springs School of Technology. Nathan shares how his experience launching Village High School shaped the vision for this new, industry-driven high school designed around immersive, future-focused learning. We explore how a powerful coalition of district leaders, higher education, and local industry came together to create a tech-focused ecosystem serving both students and the regional workforce.

We also dig into what school actually looks and feels like for students: flexible, workplace-inspired spaces, pathway-based coursework in aerospace, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and leadership, and short, high-impact industry sprints led by professionals. Nathan reflects on why ethical leadership matters just as much as technical skills—especially in fields like AI—and hints at what’s coming next in the broader innovation zone. Join us to explore how schools can truly partner with the community to prepare students for emerging careers.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Launching the Colorado Springs School of Technology as an industry-driven innovation high school  
• Lessons learned from Village High School and applying them in a new context  
• Designing flexible, workplace-inspired learning spaces and student-centered pathways  
• Monday “industry sprints” with professionals in branding, ethics, design thinking, and rocketry  
• Embedding ethical leadership and social responsibility into high-tech career preparation  
• Envisioning an innovation zone with future medical, public service, and middle school models

Resources:

• Colorado Springs School of Technology – Explore the school’s pathways in aerospace, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and leadership to see how an innovation high school can partner with industry.  
• Village High School – Look into Nathan’s first school startup to understand the blended, learner-agency model that inspired this next chapter.  
• Colorado Springs School District 11 – Learn more about the district context and its commitment to a school of innovation and a broader innovation zone.  
• Challenger Learning Center – Check out their 3D printing, rocketry, and aerospace experiences that support hands-on learning for CSSOT students.  
• DECA– Discover how student participation in business and marketing competitions builds real-world skills and confidence.  
• Portfolio School (NYC) – Explore other innovative school models experimenting with short, intensive projects and student-centered design.
• Follow Nathan Gorsch on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Sean Geraghty, founder of Reset Coaching and co-founder of the Center for Teen Flourishing, to explore what today’s teens truly need to thrive. Sean walks us through the research behind how young people spend their time from 3 PM to 3 AM, highlighting the growing displacement of in-person connection, hobbies, work, and other meaningful activities by passive screen use. Together, we dig into why this shift matters and what opportunity costs families often overlook.

We also unpack the misconceptions around motivation and executive function—especially for teens with ADHD or chronic overwhelm—and how small, personalized strategies can lead to big wins. Sean shares practical insights from coaching, research, and behavioral science that help teens re-engage with life in authentic, sustainable ways. Join us to learn more about building healthier habits, supporting agency, and helping young people flourish.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How teens’ after-school hours have shifted from real-life engagement to digital distraction  
• The opportunity costs of screen time and why time-use matters  
• What motivation and executive function actually look like for ADHD and overwhelmed teens  
• Why personalized systems outperform one-size-fits-all strategies  

Resources:

• I’ll Do It Later: Surviving School and Renewing With Love With Your ADHD Son by Sean Geraghty & Mike Goldstein — A practical guide for parents supporting ADHD learners.
• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt — Explore the research shaping national conversations around teens, mental health, and technology. 
• Center for Teen Flourishing — Learn more about ongoing research into teens’ daily habits and wellbeing.
• Reset Coaching — Discover executive function strategies and coaching support for teens and young adults.
• American Time Use Survey (ATUS) — A national data source on how Americans spend their time, including trends among teens.

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Lisa Huffman, Dean of the University of Cincinnati’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology. Together, we explore the university’s long-standing Early IT program and the powerful new Microschool partnership designed to bring multiple districts, diverse learners, and shared resources into one collaborative ecosystem. Lisa unpacks why higher education is leaning in so deeply to rethink the K–12 pipeline and how this joint endeavor creates a win-win for students, universities, and future employers alike.

We also discuss how early college credit, real-world problem-based learning, and multi-district collaboration offer students a transformative pathway into high-demand IT careers. Lisa highlights the economic benefits of accelerated degree completion, the value of divergent perspectives, and why microschools may hold the key to scalable, future-ready learning experiences across communities.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Why post-secondary institutions are rethinking partnerships with K–12
• The design and purpose of the Early IT Microschool model
• Multi-district collaboration as an engine for divergent thinking and problem solving
• How early college credit accelerates economic mobility for students
• What it takes to scale microschool models across different contexts

Resources:

• University of Cincinnati Early IT Program

Produced by NOVA

What does it look like to build a truly learner-centered school from the ground up—and do it by activating the full power of the surrounding community?

In this episode, we welcome Coi Marie Morefield, founder of the Lab School of Memphis, a PK–8 learner-centered environment blending Waldorf, Montessori, unschooling, and constructivist approaches. Coi shares how her journey began with her own children and grew into a thriving school grounded in exploration, agency, and real-world learning.

We explore how the Lab School’s ecosystem model emerged out of necessity and evolved into a powerful framework for engaging local partners—from art museums and farms to restaurants, tennis programs, and even the Chamber of Commerce. Coi also reflects on growth, transitions, and what a flexible, a la carte future for high school could look like. This is an inspiring conversation about community-driven learning, bold leadership, and creating spaces where every learner is truly seen.  

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The origins of the Lab School of Memphis and its learner-centered philosophy  
• How community partnerships fuel real-world learning experiences  
• Building an ecosystem that supports both learners and educators  
• Navigating school growth, transitions, and evolving student needs  
• Rethinking high school through flexible, a la carte learning pathways

Resources:

• Lab School of Memphis
• Coi Marie Morefield on LinkedIn
• Follow Coi Marie Morefield on Instagram: @poimorefield
• PAST Foundation
• Education Reimagined

Produced by NOVA