School Talks

Nov. 8, 2026 ~ Host Dr. Robert Livernois examines how schools, community organizations, and educational leaders are working together to support student success both inside and beyond the classroom. The program begins with a conversation featuring Dave Morin, CEO of Samaritas, and former University of Michigan football standout Jarrett Irons, who discuss the Coaches Who Care initiative. They explore the important role coaches play in supporting student mental health, building trust with young athletes, and creating environments where students feel comfortable seeking help.

The conversation then shifts to Adam Martin, superintendent of Waterford School District, who shares how the district is engaging students, staff, parents, and community members in shaping its future. He discusses efforts to reimagine educational opportunities through strategic planning, innovative literacy initiatives, and Grow Your Own workforce development programs designed to address teacher shortages while creating new pathways for educators.

Finally, the show welcomes Charley Ballard, professor emeritus at Michigan State University, for a discussion about Michigan’s economy and the critical connection between education and long-term prosperity. Drawing on decades of research, Ballard examines the state's economic evolution, the importance of educational attainment, school funding, early childhood education, and workforce preparation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Nov. 1, 2026 ~ Host Dr. Robert Livernois explores how Michigan educators, school leaders, and community partners are creating innovative opportunities that help students discover their interests, build essential skills, and prepare for future success both inside and outside the classroom. The program begins with a visit to Amy Conway and Scott Wagner of Gibraltar School District, where STEM learning starts as early as kindergarten and extends through high school career and technical education pathways. They discuss hands-on experiences in engineering, robotics, coding, aviation, digital media, and skilled trades, along with the district’s partnerships that provide students access to middle college programs, industry credentials, and career exploration opportunities designed to connect classroom learning with real-world careers.

The conversation then shifts to Dr. Tracey Jones, principal of Thorne Elementary School in Westwood Community Schools, who shares how early literacy, language development, and family engagement play a critical role in kindergarten readiness. She highlights the importance of supporting the whole child through self-regulation, community building, active reading strategies, and parent-focused programs that help strengthen learning both at school and at home.

Finally, the show spotlights the work of Makita Jones and Detroit CHEMpreneurIST, an organization helping students combine science, creativity, and entrepreneurship through hands-on experiences. From creating products with everyday materials to developing business ideas and pitching solutions to real-world problems, students gain confidence, critical thinking skills, and practical experience while learning how innovation can turn ideas into opportunities. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Oct. 25, 2026 ~ Host Dr. Robert Livernois examines how schools, unions, and community partners are expanding career and technical education opportunities to help students prepare for high-demand careers across Michigan. The program begins with a look at innovative workforce development efforts in Muskegon County, where career and technical education programs are connecting both high school students and adult learners with industry-recognized credentials, hands-on training, and pathways into careers in manufacturing, healthcare, skilled trades, and more.

The conversation then shifts to South Redford Schools, where new state expansion grants are helping launch cosmetology and advanced manufacturing programs designed to introduce students to career pathways earlier and create stronger connections between classroom learning and future employment opportunities. School leaders discuss how these new programs will provide students with valuable real-world experiences while supporting workforce needs in the region.

Finally, the show explores the many opportunities available through Michigan’s registered apprenticeship system. Representatives from Ironworkers Local 25 and Operating Engineers Local 324 highlight the training, education, and career advancement available in the skilled trades, while emphasizing the importance of communication, technical skills, safety, and hands-on learning in preparing the next generation of construction professionals. Guests for this edition include Bernard Brown of the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District, Beth Harris of South Redford Schools, Brad Pierce of Ironworkers Local 25, and John Hartwell of Operating Engineers Local 324. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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School Talks: Inside The Michigan School Machine: When Issues Arise, What to Expect From The School and Accountability From The Parents. Dr. Robert Livernois is joined by Attorney Lorie Steinhauer (Colins + Blaha) on bullying and the roles schools and parents play in the consequences and WCS Superintendent Dr. John Bernia joins the show to discuss chronic absences. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Oct. 18, 2026 ~ Host Dr. Robert Livernois explores some of the biggest issues shaping education today, from the growing role of artificial intelligence in the classroom to student well-being and the future of Michigan’s educator workforce. The program begins with a conversation on how Ypsilanti Community Schools is helping teachers and students responsibly integrate AI into teaching and learning, with an emphasis on innovation, ethics, and preserving the human connections that remain at the heart of education. The discussion then turns to school climate and student support, as Redford Union School District highlights its involvement in the statewide “Be a Buddy, Not a Bully” campaign and the work of its Hope Squad program to promote kindness, inclusion, and peer-to-peer support. Finally, the show examines efforts to strengthen and retain Michigan’s educator workforce, featuring insights on teacher preparation, collaboration, and policy advocacy from leaders working to ensure schools have the talent needed to meet future challenges. Guests for this edition include Carlos Lopez of Ypsilanti Community Schools, Lyn Adolfo of Redford Union School District, and Jack Elsey of the Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative alongside Jen DeNeal of the Skillman Foundation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Dr. Robert Livernois' special School Talks series continues. This week, Livernois takes a special look at Poverty and Mental Health. Livernois is joined by Dr. Nathan Carroll (InSite Health), Tom Bieniewicz, Sara Orris and Irma Lopez-Barajas from McKinney Vento, Dr. Jen Taiariol and Kelley Williams (Wayne RESA) and Nancy Buyle (Macomb ISD). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Oct. 11, 2026 ~ Host Dr. Robert Livernois explores how Michigan schools are helping students connect classroom learning to real-world careers through innovative career and technical education programs. The program highlights hands-on learning opportunities at Washtenaw Intermediate School District, where students are gaining experience in fields ranging from aviation and drone technology to advanced manufacturing, while local industry partners help build pathways to future employment. The conversation also turns to special education in Ferndale Public Schools, where inclusive programming, unified sports, early childhood services, and transition planning are helping students of all abilities thrive. Finally, the show examines how Clinton County RESA is preparing students for in-demand careers through industry partnerships, college credit opportunities, and workforce-focused training programs. Guests for this edition include Eric Jackson and Sean Brooks of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District, Valencia Cade of Ferndale Public Schools, and Jennifer Strickland of Clinton County RESA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Dr. Robert Livernois' special School Talks series continues. This week, Livernois takes a special look at School Funding. Livernois is joined by Dr. Jason Burns (Michigan State University), Drew McMechan (Assistant Supt. Wayne RESA) and Chris Frank (Assistant Supt. Macomb ISD) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Oct. 4, 2026 ~ Host Dr. Robert Livernois examines two issues shaping the future of education and workforce development: the rapid expansion of AI-driven data centers and the growing impact of digital technology on student well-being. Finally, the program spotlights innovative approaches to online learning through Michigan’s Great Lakes Learning Academy, showcasing how flexible scheduling, career-focused opportunities, and personalized learning pathways are helping students succeed in a virtual environment. Guests for this edition include Lydia DePillis of The New York Times, nationally recognized psychiatrist and InSite Health National Medical Director Dr. Nathan Carroll, and Great Lakes Learning Academy Executive Director Dan McMinn. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Sept. 29, 2026 ~ Many of the biggest decisions affecting local schools are made far from the classroom. Learn how lobbying, legislation, federal policy, school funding formulas, and emerging education initiatives shape the daily realities facing districts across Michigan. This episode examines the influence of Lansing and Washington, the debate surrounding federal tax-credit scholarship programs, and the challenges school leaders face as mandates, funding pressures, and political priorities continue to evolve. Guests for this edition include: Kelley Cawthorne principal David Ladd; Collins & Blaha attorney Gary Collins; Hechinger Report journalist Neil Morton; and Wayne RESA Senior Executive Director of Legislative Affairs Mike Lottifus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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