Sparking Genius

What if the same feedback loops driving ecological decline could be harnessed for ecological recovery and for optimism in education? 

In this compelling episode of Sparking Genius, host Dianne Drew welcomes Dr. Thomas Crowther, renowned professor of global ecology and founder of RESTORE, to explore how the science of feedback loops can shift our mindset from fear to hope.

Dr. Thomas Crowther draws on his latest book, Nature’s Echo, and groundbreaking fieldwork, showing how regenerative feedback loops not only build resilient ecosystems but ignite agency and possibility in students and communities. Discover inspiring real-world examples and actionable steps for schools, families, and individuals to catalyze positive momentum.

Join Dr. Thomas Crowther and Dianne Drew as they illuminate why fostering hope and finding your “spark” can transform the future of both our planet and our classrooms.

Listen now and be part of the feedback loop that powers lasting change.

Follow Us

• Facebook @dwightschool
• Instagram @dwightschool
• LinkedIn @dwight-school

Presented by the Dwight Schools Global Network
www.dwight.edu 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The years spent in school can shape much more than what happens in the classroom. They influence confidence, friendships, interests, and the choices people make long after graduation.

Host Dianne Drew sits down with recent Dwight graduate Paul Wilpon and Dwight Class of 2017 alumna Skye Lucas for a conversation about the experiences that helped shape who they are today. From teachers who left a lasting impression to finding passions that became part of their careers and future plans, both guests reflect on the moments that mattered most during their time at Dwight.

Skye shares how a love of storytelling grew into work in journalism and documentary filmmaking, while Paul talks about balancing academics and athletics and preparing for life at Wesleyan University. They also reflect on community, belonging, learning from classmates with different backgrounds, and the confidence that comes from having people who believe in you.

Tune in for a conversation about mentorship, belonging, and the experiences that continue to shape life long after graduation.

Follow Us

Presented by the Dwight Schools Global Network
www.dwight.edu

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Discipline in early childhood is often misunderstood as punishment or control, but what if it could instead become an opportunity to build connection, emotional regulation, confidence, and lifelong skills? 

From classroom culture to parenting approaches at home, this episode offers thoughtful insights for anyone supporting young children during their most formative years.

Follow Us

Presented by the Dwight Schools Global Network
www.dwight.edu

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Great school leadership shapes far more than academics; it influences school culture, student confidence, and the overall sense of community. In this episode of Sparking Genius, host Dianne Drew sits down with Chris Beddows, Head of School at Dwight London, to discuss what leadership looks like in modern education.

Dianne and Chris explore the importance of visibility, relationship-building, and balancing tradition with innovation, including AI, sustainability, student wellbeing, and career readiness. They also reflect on the value of global collaboration within the Dwight Schools network and how international connections create meaningful opportunities for students and educators alike. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the future of education and the leadership needed to guide it forward.

Follow Us

Presented by the Dwight Schools Global Network
www.dwight.edu

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a world filled with constant noise and distraction, the ability to slow down, observe, and stay curious matters more than ever. In this episode of Sparking Genius, Dianne Drew’s guest host Lesa Wang sits down with Andrew Farnsworth of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to explore how small moments of curiosity in our youngest learners can grow into a lifelong passion.

From spotting a bird at five years old to leading BirdCast, a project that tracks migration using radar, machine learning, and citizen science, Andrew shares how curiosity can evolve into meaningful work. They also discuss the role of mentorship, the power of observation at an early age, and how tools like Merlin Bird ID and eBird are opening science to everyone.

Listen now to explore how curiosity can shape learning and life.

Follow Us

Presented by the Dwight Schools Global Network
www.dwight.edu

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Creative thinking is a core skill every learner needs. In this episode of Sparking Genius, guest host Lesa Wang, Dwight Head of Design and Global Spark Programs Director, speaks with two bold leaders in design and education: Paul Bennett, former Chief Creative Officer at IDEO, and Maureen Reilly, Head of Building Experience Design at LEGO Design. The conversation explores how creativity and play can be powerful drivers of learning and why they should be protected in classrooms rather than pushed to the margins.

They share stories from their own creative paths, what schools can learn from Denmark’s approach to early learning, and how educators can help young people stay curious, confident, and willing to take risks. They also reflect on how AI is shifting the creative landscape and what skills will matter most going forward. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or student, this episode is full of meaningful takeaways for anyone invested in the future of learning.

Follow Us

• Facebook @dwightschool
• Instagram @dwightschool
• LinkedIn @dwight-school

Presented by the Dwight Schools Global Network
www.dwight.edu

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The future of education is being shaped by a new set of possibilities, ones that extend beyond traditional classrooms and school systems. In this episode of Sparking Genius, host Dianne Drew is joined by Vriti Saraf, educator, innovator, and co-founder of Ed3 DAO, to examine how Web3 technologies are reshaping learning experiences and educational access.

Vriti brings deep insight into how AI, blockchain, and decentralized platforms are creating more flexible, personalized, and equitable models of education. They explore critical topics, including learner agency, digital ownership, and how the role of teachers is evolving in an age where access to knowledge is ubiquitous but human connection remains essential.

For educators, school leaders, and parents alike, this episode provides a grounded look at how Web3 and AI are not just changing tools but transforming the purpose and process of education itself.

Follow Us

• Facebook @dwightschool
• Instagram @dwightschool
• LinkedIn @dwight-school

Presented by the Dwight Schools Global Network
www.dwight.edu

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Technology is everywhere and for today’s students, it can be both a tool and a trap. In this episode of Sparking Genius, host Dianne Drew is joined by Robbie Torney of Common Sense Media and Ron Posner of Dwight School New York for a practical conversation on helping kids build healthier digital habits. They unpack digital citizenship, the risks of AI companions, and how schools and families can team up to set smarter screen-time boundaries. From classroom strategies to parenting tips, this episode offers real-world advice for navigating the digital age with intention.

Follow Us

• Facebook @dwightschool
• Instagram @dwightschool
• LinkedIn @dwight-school

Presented by the Dwight Schools Global Network
www.dwight.edu

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Student-athletes face a unique challenge: maintaining high academic standards while committing to rigorous athletic schedules. 

In this episode of Sparking Genius, host Dianne Drew sits down with John Pelin, Head of Athletics at Dwight School New York, and Kathryn McMahan, an 11th-grade student who competes on three varsity teams: soccer, swimming, and softball. They talk about what it takes to balance sports and school life, the challenges student-athletes face, and what kind of support really makes a difference. You’ll hear about time management, motivation, dealing with pressure, and the impact sports can have on leadership and mental health.

This conversation gives a real look into how athletics shape students—not just on the field, but in how they show up in class, with their peers, and in the bigger picture of their education.

Follow Us

• Facebook @dwightschool
• Instagram @dwightschool
• LinkedIn @dwight-school

Presented by the Dwight Schools Global Network

www.dwight.edu

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

College admissions continue to evolve in response to societal shifts, technological advancements, and changing student expectations. 

In this episode of Sparking Genius, host Dianne Drew speaks with two experts shaping the admissions experience on both sides: Katie Korhonen, Director of Global Admissions, Evaluation, and Strategy at NYU, and Shellee Hendricks, Dwight’s Global Director of College Counseling. They break down what’s actually happening in the college application world—test-optional policies, access to international opportunities, ethical concerns, and the impact of AI. They also get real about how guidance counseling has evolved, and what parents should (and shouldn’t) be doing to support their kids through this journey. From how NYU is rethinking outreach, to what students can do now to stand out, this episode offers sharp, honest insight into the current admissions climate. 

Whether you're a parent, educator, or future applicant, there's a lot to take away from this conversation.

Follow Us

• Facebook @dwightschool
• Instagram @dwightschool
• LinkedIn @dwight-school

Presented by the Dwight Schools Global Network
www.dwight.edu

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.