On The Subject with Mike Vilardo

In this episode of On the Subject, CEO Michael Vilardo sits down with Chicago native and North Lawndale College Prep (Chicago Public Schools) principal Kyera Bradley to explore how personal experience, community leadership, and raw authenticity shape her mission in education. From her roots in Lincoln Park to her innovative approach to student-first leadership, Kiara shares how representation, gratitude, and realness have helped her build a culture where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. This one is packed with passion—and a few surprise shout-outs.

In this episode of On the Subject, we sit down with Christy Vehe, Director of Mathematics and Science at Valley View School District 365, working to disrupt the way we teach math and science. From her powerful reflections on building a culture of curiosity and productive struggle in the classroom, to her thoughts on engaging Gen Alpha students and embracing their evolving language and identities, Christy brings unmatched passion, wisdom, and humanity. She also shares a moving tribute to the mentor who helped her rethink everything—from grading to growth mindset. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or lifelong learner, this episode will reignite your belief in the power of meaningful learning and bold leadership.

In this episode of On the Subject, we sit down with Ava Gilani Jacobs, Director of Curriculum and Instruction at UCLA Lab School, to explore how students as young as third grade are learning to break down bias, question what they read, and craft arguments rooted in ethos, pathos, and logos. From simulations on EV cars to real-world kindness curriculum, we dig into what it means to raise not just good students—but thoughtful, critically-minded citizens. Plus, we reflect on the teachers who made us feel seen and the future of learning in 2035.

What does it take to raise emotionally intelligent students in a digital-first world? In this episode of On the Subject, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Chatmon, Director of Curriculum, SEL & JEDI at UCLA Lab School—alongside her incredible team of educators—to explore the power of intentional social-emotional learning. From building conflict resolution skills in 4-year-olds to helping students process digital overstimulation, the UCLA Lab School is proving that SEL isn’t a trend—it’s a foundation.

Dr. Chatmon shares her journey from New Jersey public schools to leading one of the most progressive education environments in the country. 

What’s changed in classrooms between 2005 and 2025? A lot—and educators like Dr. Renata Gusmão-Garcia Williams are the first to notice. In this episode, Subject CEO Michael Vilardo sits down with the inspiring Principal of the UCLA Lab School to talk about how today’s students are navigating anxiety, tech, and emotional growth in a post-pandemic world. From her own journey—working full-time while earning her doctorate and raising a family—to the small classroom moments that changed her forever, Dr. Renata shares what it really takes to lead with heart in education today.

In this episode of On the Subject, host Michael Vilardo sits down with Nathan Bowen—former pro hockey player, co-founder of Total Package Hockey, and Executive Chairman of TPH Academy. From gritty roots on the ice to leading one of the most impactful multi-sport academic academies in North America, Nathan shares how TPH is giving student-athletes back their time, their purpose, and their confidence. They dive into scaling culture, designing education around passion instead of the bell schedule, and what it takes to develop not just champions on the field, but leaders in life. Plus, the moment his mom told him to stop whining about ice time might be the best parenting advice ever recorded.

In this episode of On the Subject, host Michael Vilardo welcomes Kelly Cooper, Chief Secondary Academic Officer at Iredell-Statesville Schools in North Carolina. With roots in both business and education, Kelly brings a unique perspective to curriculum design, rigor, and instructional leadership. She reflects on the shift from recall-based learning to higher-order thinking, the importance of blended learning done right, and how digital tools should serve—not replace—engaged teaching. Kelly also discusses the social-emotional toll of growing up in a hyperconnected world, and how educators can help students navigate that reality. Tune in to hear how her team is building a one-to-one culture with depth, intentionality, and care—and don’t miss her powerful tribute to the mentor who first introduced her to technology and shaped her journey in education.

On the Subject hits a milestone with its first-ever three-person episode, featuring two inspiring leaders from Tustin Unified School District: Diana Gebe and Ali del Castillo. Host Michael Vilardo sits down with these powerhouse educators to explore what it means to lead with empathy, foster innovation, and center education around trust and access for all students. From their early passion for teaching to their current work in credit recovery and instructional leadership, Diana and Ali reflect on how the classroom has changed since 2003—and why the future of learning must focus on risk-taking, skills-based education, and teacher autonomy. Plus, don’t miss their moving tribute to the students who made it all worth it.

In this episode of On the Subject, host Michael Vilardo travels to Chicago for the Subject.com Media & AI Education Conference and sits down with a powerhouse leader from the Southeast—Dr. Norris Williams, Deputy Superintendent of Lancaster County School District, South Carolina. As our first guest from the region, Dr. Williams shares his decades-long perspective on how education is evolving to truly center the student, what Gen Alpha is teaching us about independence, and how AI and entrepreneurship are reshaping the classroom. They also explore what education might look like by 2040—and it’s anything but traditional. Plus, a heartfelt gratitude moment you won’t want to miss.

For our milestone 50th episode of On the Subject, host Michael Vilardo sits down with Dr. Nicole Howard, Assistant Superintendent of Indian Prairie—Illinois’ fourth largest and one of its most diverse school districts. From growing up with a brother underserved by the system to becoming a math teacher and now a district leader, Dr. Howard shares a deeply personal and inspiring journey rooted in equity, innovation, and compassion. She discusses why flexibility in learning pathways matters, how we can empower teachers to bring their full selves to the classroom, and what a truly modern education system could look like by 2035. Plus, hear her give heartfelt shoutouts to the educators who shaped her own path. This conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone committed to designing schools that see all students.