Is innovation possible in the traditional K-12 system? Today, a conversation with Alec Resnick, the co-founder of Powderhouse Studios in Somerville, Massachusetts. Powderhouse was nearly the first self-directed, public, in-district high school in the country. Over the course of more than five years, the Powderhouse team (with support from a wide variety of community organizations, foundations, experts, and policymakers) worked closely with Somerville Public Schools to develop a detailed, practical, and piloted plan to open a new high school…which was thwarted at the last minute by Somerville’s Superintendent and School Committee.

A special presentation of the Enrollhand Podcast, with Trevor McKendrick, Chief of Staff at Lambda School. Lambda is pioneering a new model of higher education in which the school invests in the students – not the other way around.

Steve Cadigan is a highly sought-after talent advisor who advises a wide range of innovative organizations that include Twitter, Google, GoPro, The Royal Bank of Scotland, and the BBC.

Isaac talks with his (at the time) 10 year old son (pseudonym "NL"), who asked to join Isaac on an episode to talk about his experience as an unschooler. Isaac and NL chat about the pros and cons of unschooling, what a typical day looks like, and whether NL worries about not knowing the things he'll need to succeed.

A summary of our second week back on the air and an announcement about our second new show on Skill FM. (Sorry, but you have to listen to this episode if you want to find out which one!)

Tim Spurlock is the Co-Founder and President of American Diesel Training Centers in Columbus, Ohio. ADTC is a mechanic academy that trains students from any background to become diesel engine mechanics in 12 weeks.

Isaac talks with his friend and former colleague at Praxis, Zak Slayback, currently an investor at 1517 Fund, about his recent and radical views on education, his love for aviation, and where he thinks the next big thing will come from.

A summary of our first week back on the air and an announcement about the first new show on Skill FM. (Spoiler: You have to listen to this episode if you want to find out which one!)

The use of Exclusive or Equitable Selection models to choose applicants for schools or jobs is coming to end. Today, elite institutions, like Y Combinator and The Navy Seals, use Exceptional Selection to choose the best applicants. This new model, selects each individual based on their real world skills, rather than using tests, grades, or group membership in the selection process.

Today, new schools are being created that leverage technology to empower individuals to achieve their unique goals, as quickly, and inexpensively as possible. This is Empowered Education.