All platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/
Direct Link to This Episode: 
YouTube Version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l_Kht8WObY&feature=youtu.be

Focus is not about more effort—it’s about better strategy and self-awareness.

ADHD is not a deficit in intelligence but a challenge in managing attention and regulation.

Productivity must include mental health, not come at the cost of it.

Transitions—into university, new careers, or independent learning—can be overwhelming without support systems.

Reflective practices, safe spaces, and collaborative environments are essential for real learning and growth.

Understanding the why behind distraction helps build better habits and not just guilt cycles.

Psychologically informed practices help students and professionals reclaim autonomy in high-demand environments.

Burnout often stems from mismatched expectations and lack of recovery.

Compassionate teaching starts with giving ourselves permission to pause, reflect, and realign.

00:00 Alicia’s Journey into Psychology and Education
06:00 Applying content from Tiny Experiments into her practice
12:30 Focus & Excitement for Learning,
14:00 Power of Vulnerable Spaces and Moving Into Education Spaces
17:30 Procrastination?
20:00 Burnout in High-Pressure Academic and Workplace Settings
24:55 Building Systems That Align With Wellbeing
31:00 Cell Phones In Classrooms
36:00 Less Tolerance For Boredom

39:00 Final Thoughts and Ideas Worth Sharing

43:00 Misconceptions of Engaged vs. Learning and the Perception of Either

Alicia Peña Bizama Website

Tiny Experiments

• Podcast 210 where I speak with author of Tiny Experiments and founder of Ness Labs

Upcoming Sessions with Alicia

Understanding ADHD and Strategies to Improve Focus and Productivity

Friday 09.05.25 at 15:00–16:00 UK time

Monday 12.05.25 at 15:00–16:00 UK time

Check Eventbrite or her website for registration

Aaron’s Full Podcast Archive

All platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/
Direct Link to This Episode: www.coffeeforthebrain.com/210
YouTube Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM0arJOqDbE

Linear goal-setting can trap us in burnout and a deficit mindset.

Learning and growth are nonlinear—curiosity and experimentation create deeper impact.

Traditional definitions of success often limit creativity and autonomy.

Tiny experiments help reclaim control, joy, and discovery in our personal and professional lives.

The education system can benefit from embracing experimentation over rigid outcomes.

Community and conversation are powerful tools for mental health and learning.

Neuroscience helps explain why curiosity and self-compassion are crucial for sustainable progress.

Instead of obsessing over perfection, we can focus on consistent iteration and playful learning.

Self-defined success leads to healthier productivity and long-term well-being.

Educators and knowledge workers alike need safe, brave spaces to question norms and try new paths.

00:00 Welcome + Introduction of Anne-Laure
03:10 Linear Thinking vs. Nonlinear Exploration
06:15 Anne-Laure's Shift from Corporate Life to Purpose-Driven Curiosity
10:50 The Origins of Tiny Experiments
14:20 Power of Community and Learning in Public
2o:45 Neuroscience of Learning and Curiosity with Plus, Minus, Next
26:00 The Beauty of New Learning With Published Book
30:30 How to Start a Tiny Experiment Today
Educators as Explorers, Not Just Executors

Ness Labs Community

Tiny Experiments: A Book by Anne-Laure Le Cunff

• Book website

Anne-Laure’s Keynote at SXSW

Anne-Laure on Twitter/X

Aaron’s Full Podcast Archive

• Learning is a vulnerable experience that requires admitting what you don't know.
• Creating engaging learning experiences is essential for both students and teachers.
• Trust and faith in the learning process are crucial for transformative education.
• Experience is the best teacher, and learning should be experiential.
• The education system needs to be remade to support teachers effectively.
• AI can enhance learning but does not replace the need for human creativity and experience.
• Creating a safe space for failure is necessary for real learning to occur.
• Communal learning experiences foster trust and collaboration among educators and students.
• Professional development should focus on what teachers are doing, not just what they are being told to do.
• Education should prioritize ideas and personal expression over performative tasks.

00:00 Introduction to CodeJoy and Kelsey Derringer
03:10 The Importance of Lifelong Learning in Education
05:57 Vulnerability in Learning: A Personal Perspective
09:01 Breaking the Education System: Kelsey's Journey
11:53 Innovative Approaches to Teacher Engagement
15:02 Creating Interactive Learning Experiences
18:06 The Role of Social Learning in Education
21:01 Reframing Teacher and Student Roles in Learning
26:33 The Nature of Learning and Experience
27:50 Human Evolution and Learning Challenges
28:50 Creating Safe Spaces for Learning
30:12 The Importance of Iteration and Failure
32:35 The Role of Experience in Education
34:35 Creativity and Trust in Learning
36:48 The Intersection of AI and Education
39:22 Shifting Focus from Performance to Ideas
42:10 The Human Experience in Education
46:09 Building Trust and Community in Learning

• CodeJoy
• CodeJoy on Socials
• 25 Days of Making
• The Artist's Way
• Hans Zimmer Isn't Scared of AI

• Mindfulness and emotional intelligence are essential in education to support the well-being of both students and educators.
• Establishing a noble goal and understanding one's why can help educators stay connected to their purpose and navigate challenges.
• Taking the time to pause, reflect on emotions, and choose self-care strategies can help educators manage stress and prevent burnout.
• Providing space for vulnerability and self-care in the education system is crucial for the overall well-being of educators and students. Educators need to prioritize their own well-being and practice self-awareness and self-care.
• The KCG framework (Know Yourself, Choose Yourself, Give Yourself) can help educators navigate difficult situations and manage their emotions.
• Emotions are data and should be acknowledged and understood.
• Education should focus on the whole child and provide educators with the tools and support they need.
• Showing up for others and spreading love can have a profound impact on individuals and communities.

• "Mindfulness and emotional intelligence are essential in education."
• "Establishing a noble goal and understanding one's why can help educators stay connected to their purpose."
• "Taking the time to pause, reflect on emotions, and choose self-care strategies can help educators manage stress and prevent burnout."
• "Emotions that are in your body for like six seconds."\"KCG: Know Yourself, Choose Yourself, Give Yourself"

00:00 Introduction and Background
10:30 The Work of Challenge to Change
23:07 Creating Space for Self-Reflection
27:40 Challenges of Bringing Mindfulness Practices into Schools
29:36 The Importance of Emotions in Education
33:55 Managing Emotions in Challenging Situations
38:14 Bringing Emotional Intelligence into the Classroom
44:48 Creating a Culture of Empathy and Understanding

• Challenge To Change
• Guided Mindfulness
• Six Seconds
• Jordan Turner Bio
• KCG. Know Choose Give

• AI can be used as a tool for augmentation in education, supporting academic writing and research.
• Curiosity is a powerful driver of learning and exploration in the AI space.
• Simulations can help students test their research ideas and understand the implications of their decisions.
• Good writing in academia involves the ability to synthesize research, support claims, and communicate effectively. Prioritize the audience in communication and understand their needs and wants
• Focus on the writing process and experiment with different strategies to improve
• Embrace bravery in pursuing goals and trust in the support of others
• Stay updated on advancements in AI technology and leverage them for feedback and guidance
• Recognize the influence of TV shows and movies in shaping personal experiences and perspectives

• "It's not just about AI. It's about thinking and learning and articulation and how we leverage emerging technology to continue to push what's potential."
• "You don't have to be a technical person to start an AI EdTech company. You can learn on your own."
• "The ability to create simulations for students so they can test their research ideas and understand the implications of their decisions."
• "Put the audience as your primary priority and put what you wanna say on the back burner and understand what the audience needs or wants to hear."
• "Good writing is about process, not just product."
• "Being brave also means collectively trusting that you are surrounding yourself with people who are going to have your back and who can do things that you can't."

00:00 Introduction and Background
02:55 The Role of AI in Education
08:06 Navigating the Challenges of AI in Education
16:00 Exploring Topics in AI and Education
25:59 The Importance of Good Writing in Academia
29:12 Putting the Audience First: Effective Communication
30:57 The Power of Process: Enhancing Writing Skills
35:46 Embracing Bravery: Pursuing Goals and Taking Risks
39:35 Advancements in AI Technology: The Impact of Claude III
42:47 Influential TV Shows and Movies: The Sound of Music and Ghost

• Here is the slidedeck to check out all the ideas discussed and the ones we did not have time to cover
• Moxie website to learn about the work and opportunities https://academicinsightlab.org/team
• Kimberly on LinkedIn
• Jessica on LinkedIn
• Anne Lamott book, Bird by Bird
• 10% Happier Podcast
• Adam Grant Podcasts
• The Alchemist book
• "What you seek is seeking you", a quote from Rumi
• "Follow your values and not your passions becase your passions will change but your values tend to stay the same"
• 197: The Art of Authenticity: Living Out Loud with Brant Menswar 

All platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/

Slidedeck of her ideas to explore as we did not get to them all

https://1drv.ms/p/s!AqtnAB8NPT2-8kpLZWCCEThXQepG

YouTube Video

• Vicki Davis believes that students should be at least 17 or 18 years old before getting cell phones.
  She emphasizes the negative impact of unrestricted cell phone access on students' mental health, sleep patterns, and social interactions.
• Vicki recommends watching the AI Dilemma YouTube video to gain a better understanding of AI technology and its ethical implications. Autonomous weapons raise ethical concerns and the need for human accountability in AI decision-making.
• Understanding AI ethics and the impact of technology is crucial for shaping the conversation and making informed decisions.
• AI education should focus on the process rather than just tools, and educators should address the ethical use of AI.
• Addressing knowledge gaps in math education is essential to ensure students have a solid foundation for future learning.
• Creating custom GPTs can be a valuable tool for personal and classroom use, but it should be supervised and used ethically.

00:00 Introduction and Background
03:22 Vicki Davis' Journey in Education
28:44 Recommendation: AI Dilemma YouTube Video
33:21 Ethics of Autonomous Weapons
34:19 Ethics of AI and Accountability
35:18 Ethics and the Impact of Technology
36:38 Balancing AI Education and Tool Usage
37:35 The Challenge of PD and AI Education
38:28 Teaching the Writing Process and Ethical Use of AI
39:24 Teaching Research Process and Avoiding AI Cheating
40:13 Addressing Knowledge Gaps in Math Education
43:34 The Importance of Conversations and Awareness about AI
46:17 Creating Custom GPTs for Personal and Classroom Use
54:06 The Craft of Teaching and Surrounding Yourself with Positive Influences

• https://www.coolcatteacher.com/
• When I was lucky enough to be on her show!
  • From 2013: ECM Show #13: Teacher Aaron Maurer https://go.shr.lc/4brPIB8
  • From 2017: 5 Ways to Improve STEAM Learning at Your School - https://go.shr.lc/44SUaGB
  • From 2019: 25 Days of Making: When Educators Make, Create, and Have Fun - https://go.shr.lc/3KbmlqQ
• Change. Improvement. Technology. Productivity. 
• How her book impacted me.....and reference to Vine(remember that?) Blogging: Why It Matters To Develop The Student Brand 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cphiov_RFc&feature=youtu.be

• Inspiration of show format from Tim Ferriss Podcast
  • Life Lessons from Taylor Swift, Conquering Anxiety, Coaching Teens, Career Reinvention, Supposedly Gay Bulls, Your Shadow Side, and More — Soman Chainani (#720) https://tim.blog/2024/02/06/soman-chainani/ 
• Slides of all topics shared and not shared due to time
  • https://1drv.ms/p/s!AqtnAB8NPT2-9HrD7fxxexgmUAV6
• Previous Podcast With Lisa
  • 111: Happiness Advantage Roundtable Discussion Part 1 https://coffeeforthebrain.com/111/
  • 116: Happiness Advantage Roundtable Discussion Part 2 https://coffeeforthebrain.com/116/
• Spotify Daylist is Blowing Up—Too Bad the Creator Was Laid Off 
• Tom Petty Greatest Hits
• A Little Bit Of Love by Weezer 
• SCARF
• Clear Thinking book
• Mississippi Bend AEA

00:00 Introduction and Experimental Format
03:17 Lisa's Origin Story
08:55 Something That Sparks Excitement: Human Behavior and Social Constructs
16:27 Object of Meaning: Tom Petty's Greatest Hits Album
23:12 Reflecting on a Recent Shift in Perspective: Co-Regulation
35:17 Something That Sparks Excitement: Weezer's 'A Little Bit of Love'
39:43 Weezer and the Power of Music
40:14 Introduction to SCARF
41:28 The Five Domains of SCARF
42:56 Applying SCARF in Education
44:23 Identifying Threat Responses
45:17 Strategic Responses to Threats
46:16 Complex Change Matrix
47:21 Problem Solving and Solution Focus
50:08 Creating Structures for Productive Conversations
54:51 Best Pieces of Advice

All platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/

• Gratitude can be a powerful foundation for AI, guiding its use and ensuring a positive impact.
• Play and experimentation are key when getting started with AI, allowing for creative exploration and learning.
• AI tools like ChatGPT can be used as thought partners and co-hosts, enhancing productivity and creativity.
• Incorporating AI in the classroom can provide new opportunities for learning and problem-solving.
• Embracing AI can enhance learning, problem-solving, and productivity, leading to a better future. Curiosity and experimentation are key to discovering the full potential of ChatGPT.
• The art of intelligence involves using personal creativity and making unique connections.
• Asking great questions is crucial for getting useful and usable output from ChatGPT.
• Embrace your unique flavor and don't be discouraged by the idea that everything has already been done.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
02:58 The Power of Gratitude in AI
06:13 The Origin Story of Grateful AI
09:23 Navigating the Worries and Fears of AI
16:43 Getting Started with AI: Play and Experiment
21:41 Lessons and Workflows from AI Experts
32:20 Using ChatGPT as a Co-Host and Thought Partner
37:04 Incorporating AI in the Classroom
40:27 Embracing AI to Enhance Learning and Problem Solving
46:56 Exploring the Possibilities of ChatGPT
48:21 The Art of Intelligence
49:21 The Importance of Asking Great Questions
50:41 Embrace Your Unique Flavor
52:41 The War of Art
54:02 Connect with Mark Latimer

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/artofchatgpt/
• https://www.youtube.com/@OpenAiTraining
• https://solopreneuraicoach.com/
•  

All platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/

• The current system of recognizing learning and competence is narrow and leaves many people behind.
• Credentials should include the expertise and affiliations of the content creators to provide more transparent and meaningful signaling.
• Considering different perspectives and ideas is crucial for a healthy democracy and society. Malformation and propaganda can distort the way facts are used and understood.
• The current information infrastructure, driven by the attention economy, shapes behavior and power dynamics in society.
• There is a need to create a new infrastructure that values the quality of attention and knowledge.
• Education should be valued beyond its immediate application in work and school.
• The economic value of intellectual data should be recognized and protected.
• Proof of human knowledge is essential in a world where fabrication and misinformation are prevalent.

00:00 Introduction and Background
02:47 The Problems with Credentials, Verifiability, and Status Signaling
14:39 Reflecting on a Recent Shift in Perspective: Democracy through Socrates' Eyes
34:20 Rethinking How We Value Learning
37:34 Creating a New Infrastructure for Society
44:19 The Economic Value of Intellectual Data
48:49 Proof of Human Knowledge
55:06 The Forward from 'Amusing Ourselves to Death'

• The Readocracy Manifesto
• A humble proposal to turn the internet upside down
• Intros to Infobesity and Information Wellness
• Browse Mario knowledge profile: www.readocracy.com/mario
• Neil Postman Amusing Ourselves To Death book
• Cal Newport Slow Productivity book

• Combining AI with sound educational practices can enhance the learning experience.
• The problem is not AI itself, but how we use class time and design learning experiences.
• AI can be leveraged to support students in the writing process and develop their skills as learners.
• Effective instructional practices, such as blended learning and student agency, are essential for empowering students and creating meaningful learning experiences. AI has the
• potential to bring about much-needed change in education.
• Teachers should consider alternative instructional models to meet the diverse needs of students.
• Resistance to change can hinder progress in education.
• Taking small steps and focusing on one aspect at a time can lead to success.
• Engaging in physical activity can bring joy and help disconnect from work.

 Introduction and Background
The Importance of Combining AI with Sound Educational Practices
The Problem is How We Use Class Time, Not AI
The Idea for the Book: Shifting Writing into the Classroom
The Importance of Intentional Design and Leveraging AI
The Need to Rethink the Classroom Experience
AI as an Editor of Thinking
The Promise and Misconceptions of AI
The Learnership and Developing Learners
The Need for Effective Instructional Practices
The Need for Change in Education
Barriers to Effective Learning
Teachers' Resistance to Change
The Potential of AI in Education
Reigniting Passion for Teaching
The Best Piece of Advice
Finding Joy in Physical Activity
Connecting with Catlin Tucker