In this episode of the SupportED Learning Podcast, host Dr. Joe Sebestyen welcomes Dr. Barbara Oakley, world-renowned educator, author of A Mind for Numbers, and co-creator of the global course Learning How to Learn.

Once convinced she could never do math, Dr. Oakley shares how her unlikely path from language learner to engineering professor reshaped her understanding of how the brain learns. Together, they explore the neuroscience behind effective learning, the overlooked value of practice and structure, and why teacher preparation programs must evolve to reflect modern research.

Dr. Oakley also offers a balanced look at the role of AI in education, describing it as “dynamite”, a tool with the power to transform learning when used wisely, but one that requires care and responsibility.

This episode delivers a powerful, evidence-based conversation on how educators, parents, and students can build the skills and mindset to learn how to learn in a world transformed by technology.

Thanks for tuning in to the SupportED Learning Podcast with Dr. Joe Sebestyen. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe for more insights on education, critical thinking, and AI integration in learning. Visit our website at supportedtutoring.com

Remember to share this podcast with fellow parents and educators who are passionate about reimagining education for tomorrow's world. Until next time, keep supporting learning!

In Episode 8 of the SupportED Learning Podcast, Dr. Joe Sebestyen interviews Amanda Dake, a former teacher turned marketing expert and founder of Funnel Kitchen. They discuss why the education system is outdated, how teachers can pivot into entrepreneurship, and how to use AI to create aligned, scalable offers.

Amanda shares her “Aligned AI Guide,” a powerful tool that helps entrepreneurs personalize their strategy using AI-driven insights. She explains why educators are uniquely equipped to build online businesses and how human connection remains essential—even in the age of automation.

This episode is perfect for educators, digital course creators, and aspiring edupreneurs looking to use AI, simplify systems, and grow with purpose.

Thanks for tuning in to the SupportED Learning Podcast with Dr. Joe Sebestyen. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe for more insights on education, critical thinking, and AI integration in learning. Visit our website at supportedtutoring.com

Remember to share this podcast with fellow parents and educators who are passionate about reimagining education for tomorrow's world. Until next time, keep supporting learning!

In this episode of the SupportED Learning Podcast, Dr. Joe welcomes Aditi Javeri Gokhale—MIT-educated executive, former Chief Strategy Officer and President of Retail Investments at Northwestern Mutual, and a 2022 Forbes 50 Over 50 honoree. With a career spanning Fortune 100 leadership, digital transformation, and AI-driven innovation, Aditi offers a rare dual perspective as both a business strategist and a parent navigating the evolving educational landscape.

Aditi reflects on her rise from Mumbai to MIT to the C-suite, sharing how embracing complexity—not conformity—fueled her leadership journey. She unpacks the systemic challenges legacy corporations face, the bold mindset required to drive transformation, and the critical role AI will play in wealth management, education, and beyond. As a parent, she provides invaluable insight into preparing the next generation for a future filled with unknowns—where critical thinking, adaptability, and communication matter far more than memorization.

This conversation dives into how legacy systems can be redesigned for agility and innovation, the expanding influence of AI in finance, education, and executive decision-making, and how to prepare students for careers that don’t yet exist. Aditi also challenges outdated corporate and educational playbooks, offering an executive’s lens on parenting and redefining what success truly means in today’s dynamic world.

Thanks for tuning in to the SupportED Learning Podcast with Dr. Joe Sebestyen. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe for more insights on education, critical thinking, and AI integration in learning. Visit our website at supportedtutoring.com

Remember to share this podcast with fellow parents and educators who are passionate about reimagining education for tomorrow's world. Until next time, keep supporting learning!

In this episode of the SupportED Learning Podcast, Dr. Joe sits down with Brian Humphrey—entrepreneur, coach, and founder of Successful Fatherhood—to explore the mindset shifts that come when chasing real freedom. Brian shares how he went from scaling brick-and-mortar gyms to embracing location independence, coaching fathers, and prioritizing family and fulfillment over traditional measures of success.

This episode unpacks the false promise of traditional security and explores why real learning often begins when you hit a wall. Brian and Dr. Joe dive into the evolving relationship between fatherhood, freedom, and fulfillment, while also examining how disruption, AI, and the changing rules of education are reshaping what it means to thrive in today’s world.

Whether you're a working parent, educator, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation will challenge how you think about success, stability, and lifelong learning.

Thanks for tuning in to the SupportED Learning Podcast with Dr. Joe Sebestyen. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe for more insights on education, critical thinking, and AI integration in learning. Visit our website at supportedtutoring.com

Remember to share this podcast with fellow parents and educators who are passionate about reimagining education for tomorrow's world. Until next time, keep supporting learning!

In this episode of the SupportED Learning Podcast, Dr. Joe talks with expert counselor Terri Koprivnikar about the flaws in traditional college admissions advice—and what families can do instead. Terri shares how her Common Data Decoder system helps students identify their real admissions chances, avoid wasted effort, and secure acceptance to top colleges (often with six-figure scholarships).

Learn why “congruent outliers” win over “well-rounded” students and how timing, testing, and targeted applications make all the difference.

Key takeaways from this episode include a clear explanation of what the Common Data Set actually reveals about your chances of admission, how to craft a compelling and authentic application that reflects your strengths, why colleges are more impressed by students who are exceptional in one area rather than simply good at everything, and how to strategically position yourself to maximize scholarship opportunities.

Thanks for tuning in to the SupportED Learning Podcast with Dr. Joe Sebestyen. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe for more insights on education, critical thinking, and AI integration in learning. Visit our website at supportedtutoring.com

Remember to share this podcast with fellow parents and educators who are passionate about reimagining education for tomorrow's world. Until next time, keep supporting learning!

In this episode of the SupportED Learning Podcast, Dr. Joe Sebestyen sits down with veteran educator and curriculum leader Craig Perrier from Fairfax County Public Schools. With more than 25 years of experience across local, state, federal, and international levels, Craig offers a timely perspective on how history and civics education are evolving in a post-pandemic world.

The conversation dives into the shift from traditional multiple-choice testing toward performance-based assessments that promote critical thinking, civic engagement, and deeper learning. Craig shares how AI tools like MagicSchool and Napkin AI are reshaping how educators design lessons, differentiate instruction, and connect classroom content to real-world applications. He also discusses how Fairfax County is approaching curriculum reform with a forward-thinking lens, positioning students to become informed, empowered citizens in the 21st century.

Whether you're a history teacher, school administrator, or education innovator, this episode provides actionable insights into what’s working now in social studies instruction—and where it’s headed next.

Thanks for tuning in to the SupportED Learning Podcast with Dr. Joe Sebestyen. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe for more insights on education, critical thinking, and AI integration in learning. Visit our website at supportedtutoring.com

Remember to share this podcast with fellow parents and educators who are passionate about reimagining education for tomorrow's world. Until next time, keep supporting learning!

In this episode of the SupportED Learning Podcast, Dr. Joe interviews Dr. Andrew Daily, Associate Professor of European History at the University of Memphis and veteran AP World History Reader. Dr. Daily shares insider knowledge about AP exam scoring, the evolution of history education, and how artificial intelligence is transforming the classroom.

Key topics include the shift from content memorization to critical thinking skills in AP exams, strategies for teaching effective writing in the digital age, and practical approaches to integrating AI as an educational tool rather than a threat. Dr. Daily also discusses the challenges facing K-12 education, the importance of curiosity in learning, and predictions for the future of higher education.

This episode is essential listening for AP teachers, students preparing for history exams, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and education.

Thanks for tuning in to the SupportED Learning Podcast with Dr. Joe Sebestyen. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe for more insights on education, critical thinking, and AI integration in learning. Visit our website at supportedtutoring.com

Remember to share this podcast with fellow parents and educators who are passionate about reimagining education for tomorrow's world. Until next time, keep supporting learning!

Dr. Joe Sebestyen launches the SupportED Learning Podcast by examining a critical issue in education: the disconnect between AP classroom success and exam performance. This episode reveals why nearly 50% of AP students fail to earn college credit and introduces the APEC framework that transformed pass rates from 20% to 90%.

Drawing from extensive experience as an educator and administrator, Dr. Joe provides actionable insights for parents, students, and educators approaching AP exam season. The episode emphasizes the importance of teaching critical thinking skills alongside content knowledge and offers specific strategies for last-minute preparation that can still yield significant results.

Key Topics: 

• The gap between classroom grades and AP exam performance 
• The APEC framework for critical thinking 
• Time-constrained practice strategies 
• The financial value of earning AP college credit

Thanks for tuning in to the SupportED Learning Podcast with Dr. Joe Sebestyen. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe for more insights on education, critical thinking, and AI integration in learning. Visit our website at supportedtutoring.com

Remember to share this podcast with fellow parents and educators who are passionate about reimagining education for tomorrow's world. Until next time, keep supporting learning!

Are our educational systems preparing students for an AI-dominated future? In this premiere episode of the SupportED Learning Podcast, Dr. Joe Sebestyen (Ed.D.) introduces his vision for transforming education beyond standardized testing and rote memorization. 

Drawing from his expertise in Educational Leadership and improvement science, Dr. Joe examines how our current systems fall short and offers practical solutions for developing the critical thinking skills essential for tomorrow's workforce. 

Discover why education has "become somewhat of a dirty word" and how we can reclaim its power to inspire innovation across political divides. Whether you're a parent guiding a college-bound student or an educator seeking fresh perspectives, this episode lays the foundation for a thought-provoking series that explores the intersection of traditional learning, AI advancement, and personalized education. 

Join Dr. Joe as he launches a movement to help students become AI collaborators rather than casualties of automation in the second quarter of the 21st century. 

Thanks for tuning in to the SupportED Learning Podcast with Dr. Joe Sebestyen. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe for more insights on education, critical thinking, and AI integration in learning. Visit our website at supportedtutoring.com

Remember to share this podcast with fellow parents and educators who are passionate about reimagining education for tomorrow's world. Until next time, keep supporting learning!