Smarter Campus Podcast

In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, host Zach Kinzler sits down with Pravin Kaipa to explore creativity, artificial intelligence, and what it truly means to support learning in modern classrooms.

Grounded in the idea that “creativity is just intelligence having fun,” this conversation challenges traditional grading models and reframes AI as a guide on the side—not a replacement for educators, but a powerful creative and pedagogical partner.

Together, Zach and Pravin unpack how AI can democratize creativity, support differentiated instruction, and open new possibilities for students who have historically been underserved by traditional systems. The episode also dives into how educators can move away from “gotcha” teaching moments and instead use AI to foster curiosity, engagement, and deeper understanding.

🎨 In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why traditional grading often fails to reflect real learning
• How AI can support creativity without replacing human judgment
• Practical classroom uses for visual, audio, and multimodal AI tools
• The role of AI in differentiated instruction and special education
• Why AI literacy is becoming essential for educators and students alike

This episode is a thoughtful reminder that when used intentionally, AI can make learning more human—not less.

This week, I sat down with Dr. Betty Chandy, Director of AI & Technology Enhanced Learning Initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education — and this conversation is a masterclass in what real AI integration should look like.

Betty’s journey is incredible.

 She grew up in classrooms without even chalkboards… and now leads AI literacy and professional development initiatives at one of the top schools of education in the world. The through-line in her story is powerful:

In this episode, Betty breaks down the core tension in education right now:

• Teachers are being asked to teach in a world that looks nothing like the one they were trained for.
• Professional development is still treated as “one-and-done,” even though classrooms evolve daily.
• AI is accelerating change, but teachers often feel unprepared, undervalued, or afraid of being replaced.

And yet — she brings a refreshing, grounded optimism.

We talk about how to build ongoing professional learning communities, how to teach AI literacy through real-world examples students actually care about, and why IT departments and educators must collaborate instead of working in silos.

In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, host Zach Kinzler is joined by Austin Levinson, an award-winning international educator with over two decades of teaching experience and a deep commitment to rethinking how we teach critical thinking in the age of AI.

From dissecting a Gulf War headline to launching programs that merge design thinking, ethics, and artificial intelligence, Austin’s approach to education is all about creating “learners who wonder.”

This conversation explores how educators can maintain the human fingerprint in a world increasingly shaped by technology—and why AI literacy isn’t optional anymore.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why “Unexpected Resistance” became the foundation of Austin’s teaching philosophy
• How to teach students to analyze, not just consume, information
• The “fingerprint” method — using AI as a thought partner, not a replacement
• How to prepare students (and teachers) for an AI-enhanced world
• Why failure, questioning, and curiosity matter more than ever

Austin’s work reminds us that education isn’t about creating workers—it’s about developing thinkers who are ready to question, adapt, and create meaning in an AI-driven future.

n this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, host Zach Kinzler talks with Luca Caniato, an 18-year-old freshman at CU Boulder studying finance and management information systems — and already an AI consultant and fly-fishing guide.

Luca’s story is a perfect example of what happens when curiosity meets opportunity. From using AI to study, to teaching peers, to landing early consulting work, he shows how students can turn experimentation into real-world impact.

🎧 In this episode, we discuss:

• How curiosity and initiative led Luca to consulting at just 18
• Why time-saving is the biggest benefit of AI for students and professionals
• How education is failing to teach ethical and effective AI use
• What it means when the job market shifts “from a triangle to a diamond”
• How students can stand out by knowing what’s up in a changing world

Luca’s message is clear: AI isn’t about shortcuts — it’s about amplifying your curiosity and preparing for a future where those who adapt fastest thrive.

In this Smarter Campus Podcast episode, host Zach Kinzler sits down with Scott Carr, a veteran educator with over 30 years of experience transforming classrooms for students who’ve often been left behind by traditional systems.

Scott shares his journey from being a disengaged student himself to spending two decades teaching special education in Milwaukee’s inner city—and now helping districts reimagine alternative education with AI as a catalyst for change.

The conversation dives deep into what truly drives engagement: relevance, experimentation, and permission to fail forward. Rather than chasing the next tool, Scott challenges educators to focus on connecting learning to life, freeing up time for meaningful interactions, and building a culture of innovation where educators feel empowered to experiment.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• How Scott’s early struggles in school shaped his entire career
• Why disengagement—not technology—is the real crisis in education
• How AI can amplify what great educators already do
• Practical ways to give teachers permission to tinker and learn together
• A roadmap for small, iterative innovation that makes learning relevant again

Scott’s story is both grounding and inspiring—a reminder that technology alone won’t transform education, but the people using it can.

In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Galen Ziegler, Assistant Professor of Nursing at Harford Community College, to explore how AI is quietly revolutionizing the world of nursing education.

From limited clinical access to overworked faculty, Galen paints a clear picture of the challenges today’s nursing programs face—and how thoughtfully implemented AI tools can bridge those gaps.

This conversation goes far beyond theory. Galen shares the four-step AI module she built for her students and unpacks how tools like Google Bard, Google Lens, and Boodle Blocks are helping nurses think more critically, access better information, and prepare for a workforce shaped by technology.

If you’ve ever wondered what AI in a high-stakes, human-centered field like nursing really looks like… this one’s a must-listen.

In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, host Zach Kinzler talks with Mike Kentz, founder of Zentex Educational Advisors and former middle and high school teacher.

Mike’s story is one that every educator should hear: he went from actively avoiding AI to building an entire company around helping teachers not just adopt AI—but thrive with it.

This isn’t just a conversation about tools—it’s a deep, personal, and empowering discussion about mindset, transformation, and what it means to be an educator in an AI-powered world.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• How Mike spent 8–10 months ignoring ChatGPT—and why
• The book that changed everything (hint: 🧀)
• Why standardized testing might be the biggest obstacle to real innovation
• What teachers can do today to start learning AI, without pressure
• How AI can actually create jobs for teachers—not replace them
• What a future classroom looks like when AI and educators work together

Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or education leader, this episode offers a roadmap to AI literacy grounded in honesty, humility, and hope.

In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, host Zach Kinzler sits down with Michael Curtin, Innovation Coordinator and Adjunct Faculty in Informatics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Michael’s path is anything but ordinary — moving between the worlds of video game development and academia, he’s built a rare perspective on how to bridge creativity, technology, and education.

Together, Zach and Michael explore how the skills that make great game designers — experimentation, iteration, and imagination — are exactly what higher education needs to navigate the AI era.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• How Michael’s work in video games naturally led him to AI innovation
• Why universities need “translators” who can bridge technical and non-technical communities
• The expectation problem — why people think AI should act like every other program
• What makes ChatGPT 3.5 a turning point for higher education
• How AI can serve as a “thought partner” for rapid ideation and creative exploration
• The importance of managing hype while embracing potential

Michael’s story shows that the future of education isn’t just about adopting new tools — it’s about rethinking how we connect creativity, communication, and technology across disciplines.

What happens when you hand powerful AI tools to a curious 7th grader?
 You get insights that most adults overlook.

In this special episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, host Zach Kinzler sits down with Dawson Brown, a 7th-grade student from Sacajawea Middle School in Bozeman, Montana. Dawson shares his unique perspective on AI in education—and trust us, he’s got a lot to teach us.

Topics covered:

• ✅ Why Dawson prefers BoodleBox over other AI platforms (and what he thinks about Snapchat AI 👎)
• 🎓 How he uses AI to get ahead in math class
• 🧠 His bold claim: “AI has made me smarter”
• 🤝 Why teachers aren’t talking about AI—and why they should
• ⚖️ Dawson’s call for moderation and using AI as a learning tool, not a cheat code

This is the kind of conversation that will make you rethink how early AI literacy should start—and who should be leading it.

Whether you're an educator, a parent, or just someone interested in how the next generation is learning, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach Kinzler sits down with Matt Biggins, Managing Director of the Wolverine Fund at Utah Valley University and a dynamic force in student-run venture capital.

From decathlete to venture capitalist, Matt’s unorthodox journey shapes a unique perspective on AI, education, and the future of work. Together, Zach and Matt explore:

• How Matt uses ChatGPT as a thought partner—not a crutch
• Why today's education systems aren't preparing students for AI-integrated careers
• What soft skills will matter most in the AI age
• The paradox of democratized knowledge vs. shallow understanding
• Real talk on AI’s impact on job applications, productivity, and creativity

Matt’s advice? Use AI to sharpen your thinking, not skip it. And double down on the human skills machines can’t replace.

Whether you're a student, educator, or professional navigating this AI-driven shift, this episode will leave you inspired to think deeper, learn smarter, and stay human.