Dustin and Ghazali dive deep into the topic of cultural awareness and internationalization in education on this episode of Teachers Talking. Their guiding question: How can educators create meaningful connections across cultures locally, nationally, and globally, so students grow in empathy, understanding, and real-world readiness? They start by defining culture in a school context, discussing both visible and invisible layers, and the importance of students understanding that culture is something within them every day—shaped by their families, values, and lived experiences. They highlight strategies to help students see and respect cultural differences and overcome challenges such as language barriers and biases, while stressing that building cultural awareness should be a continuous, integrated effort in the classroom, not a standalone lesson. By fostering curiosity, empathy, and open communication, teachers can help students expand their cultural horizons and prepare for a globally connected world.

Interested in joining us on the podcast? We’re always looking for passionate educators and school leaders to share their insights—no need to be an “expert.” Tell us what you’d like to talk about here: https://forms.gle/RCeUFhmvLxY1nRwU9

Dustin and Ghazali are joined by Aditya Prakash, founder & CEO of SKIDOS Labs, to explore how playful design can turn “screen time” into learning time for our youngest learners. Their guiding question: How can beloved characters, adaptive game design, and thoughtful UX turn practice into joyful mastery for every child—without overstimulation?

With SKIDOS focused on ages 3–7, Aditya shares why open-ended pretend play is the engine of engagement, how the team aligns early numeracy/literacy/SEL to global outcomes, and why parents are part of the loop from onboarding to progress dashboards. He explains accessibility choices guided by WCAG (simple color palettes, dyslexia-friendly fonts, minimal on-screen text, voice/visual prompts) and a unique “safe space” that kids can enter—or that auto-triggers after extended play—to regulate stimulation. Recognizable IP (e.g., The Smurfs) helps kids persist with tasks (like exploring instruments in a music room), while the product stays calm, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate.

They also dig into SKIDOS’s use of AI: machine-learning personalization built from learner behavior data and AI to speed internal workflows—without exposing children directly to LLMs. Aditya touches on localization plans, parent-led SEL activities mapped to CASEL, availability across iOS/Android/Amazon/web (free to try, subscription for full access), and what it takes to keep curiosity at the center of early learning.

Interested in joining us on the podcast? We’re always looking for passionate educators and school leaders to share their insights—no need to be an “expert.” Tell us what you’d like to talk about here: https://forms.gle/RCeUFhmvLxY1nRwU9

Dustin and Ghazali get real about parent communication in Hard Conversations, Strong Partnerships—a practical episode on preventing most tense meetings before they ever happen. Their guiding question: How can teachers head off 80% of “hard” parent conferences—and turn the rest into collaborative problem-solving?

They share concrete moves for the first weeks of school (positive check-ins, asking families’ contact preferences, and steady transparency around grades/expectations), plus systems that keep everyone aligned: student-led bi-weekly update emails, inviting parents into LMS/grade portals, work portfolios to make progress visible, and simple co-created trackers (from blue-book notes to assignment checklists) to reduce repeat issues. When emotions run high, they model de-escalation—listen fully, name what you hear, avoid blame, and pivot to “what we can do” language—then repair the relationship so the focus returns to the child’s success.

You’ll walk away with ready-to-use scripts, documentation ideas, and a calmer approach to tough moments that builds trust—with families and with colleagues.

Interested in joining us on the podcast? We’re always looking for passionate educators and school leaders to share their insights—no need to be an “expert.” Tell us what you’d like to talk about here: https://forms.gle/RCeUFhmvLxY1nRwU9

Dustin and Ghazali flip roles in this episode as Ghazali joins as the guest to talk about a question he’s been helping educators tackle around the world: How can we harness AI to enhance instruction while protecting the human connection that makes great teaching possible?

Drawing on two years of classroom work in Singapore, Ghazali shares concrete examples of AI’s real impact on students—from custom chatbots that helped his class prepare for high-stakes interviews and resumes, to a writing process where students plan and draft first, then use AI mind maps and feedback to refine their thinking instead of letting the tool do the work for them. Along the way, he surfaces a central idea: used well, AI can actually deepen relationships, because it frees time and creates more success moments for students.

They also unpack teacher-facing AI—tools that speed up planning, feedback, and resource creation—alongside the risks of over-reliance, security concerns, and students starting to “sound like ChatGPT.” Rather than mastering everything, Ghazali argues for a mindset shift: start small, learn one tool well, and let AI act as a multiplier while you stay firmly in charge of the pedagogy.

Interested in joining us on the podcast? We’re always looking for passionate educators and school leaders to share their insights—no need to be an “expert.” Tell us what you’d like to talk about here: https://forms.gle/RCeUFhmvLxY1nRwU9

Dustin and Ghazali are joined by Mirriam Chintu to explore how something as simple as “try again” can transform how students see themselves as learners. Their guiding question: How can positive reinforcement reshape the way students experience learning and behavior in school?

Drawing on more than 20 years of teaching experience from grades 3–7 and now junior secondary English in Zambia, Mirriam shares how students’ home lives, histories, and daily struggles show up in the classroom—and why that context matters when they make mistakes. She reflects on the damage caused by shame, harsh responses, and labeling, and contrasts that with classrooms grounded in encouragement, patience, and belief. Through stories of wrong answers turned into growth moments, she shows how simple shifts in language and tone can build confidence instead of fear.

The conversation also turns toward teacher growth and school culture. Mirriam talks about how her own mindset has changed over time, how positive reinforcement has reshaped her identity as an educator, and what it would mean for entire schools—leaders included—to operate from a place of trust and care rather than punishment. As a teacher, school planner, and recent graduate with a master’s in education administration and management, she brings both classroom wisdom and a systems lens to what real encouragement can do.

Interested in joining us on the podcast? We’re always looking for passionate educators and school leaders to share their insights—no need to be an “expert.” Tell us what you’d like to talk about here: https://forms.gle/RCeUFhmvLxY1nRwU9

Dustin and Ghazali are joined by Theresa McSweeney to unpack what blended and hybrid learning really look like when they work—beyond the buzzwords. Their guiding question: How can schools move from tools-first thinking to student-centered, teacher-powered models of learning?

With experience across K–6 and a current role as a digital support specialist, Theresa shares how teaching kindergarten online during the pandemic reshaped her practice and why she champions teacher autonomy, clear definitions, and safety-first digital citizenship. She traces her path from classroom teacher to STEM builder and coach, and explains how individual attention, creativity, and a positive risk-taking mindset fueled her transition.

The conversation covers what distinguishes blended from hybrid learning, plus classroom-tested examples—from Canva-powered “trout in the classroom” and Padlet-based science/social studies hubs to Minecraft Education for connection and collaboration. Theresa makes the case for building AI use on top of strong digital citizenship; explores the 80/20 and Boise State’s 10/80/10 approaches; and shares practical moves like using GPTs to critique instructional videos, organizing with Notebook LM, and choosing tools that return real value on teacher time.

Interested in joining us on the podcast? We’re always looking for passionate educators and school leaders to share their insights—no need to be an “expert.” Tell us what you’d like to talk about here: https://forms.gle/RCeUFhmvLxY1nRwU9

Dustin and Ghazali are joined by Priya Aavla to unpack what truly supporting at-risk students looks like—beyond the buzzwords. Their guiding question: How can higher education shift from reacting to student struggles to creating proactive systems of support?

With over 16 years of experience working with students, faculty, and administrators, Priya brings a clear-eyed view of where gaps exist—and how institutions can close them. She shares what she’s learned from her work in student success, and makes the case that relationship-building and clear communication matter just as much as academic support.

The conversation covers early alerts, intrusive advising, and how to balance accountability with compassion. Priya also reflects on the systemic challenges that create barriers for both students and the professionals trying to help them—and offers practical moves for faculty and staff who want to make a difference.

Interested in joining us on the podcast? We’re always looking for passionate educators and school leaders to share their insights—no need to be an “expert.” Tell us what you’d like to talk about here: https://forms.gle/RCeUFhmvLxY1nRwU9

Dustin and Ghazali are joined by Judy Raphalalane to dig into the essential—but often overlooked—role of mentorship in schools. Their guiding question: How can mentorship programs strengthen both new and experienced teachers, and help build healthier school cultures?

After 11 years in the private sector, Judy entered public education and was immediately struck by the culture shift. From the absence of formal orientation to a lack of defined roles and clear communication, she shares the challenges she faced and how mentorship could have made all the difference. Judy brings not just critique but a vision—one where experienced educators actively walk alongside new teachers, developing them as both professionals and people.

The conversation expands from onboarding to culture-building, naming mentorship as a key lever for teacher retention, growth, and mental health. Judy makes the case that mentorship isn’t about climbing the ladder—it’s about building community, modeling integrity, and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.

Interested in joining us on the podcast? We’re always looking for passionate educators and school leaders to share their insights—no need to be an “expert.” Tell us what you’d like to talk about here: https://forms.gle/RCeUFhmvLxY1nRwU9

Dustin and Ghazali sit down with Dr. Kevin Jennings to rethink what rigor actually looks like in classrooms—and why the old definitions no longer serve students or teachers. Their guiding question: How can we reimagine rigor in ways that deepen learning—without crushing students or teachers?

Drawing from 15 years of classroom experience across the U.S., South Korea, and Switzerland, Kevin brings a global lens to this conversation. He shares how game-based learning, authentic assessments, and curiosity-driven design can create classrooms that are both rigorous and joyful. Together, they question how rigor became a synonym for compliance and explore how challenge, not grind, should define academic success.

From gamified assessments and playful research tasks to centering student thinking in curriculum design, the conversation is packed with classroom-ready strategies and perspective shifts teachers can apply right away. Kevin also reflects on how teachers can protect their creativity and agency—even in systems that often prioritize control over curiosity.

Interested in joining us on the podcast? We’re always looking for passionate educators and school leaders to share their insights—no need to be an “expert.” Tell us what you’d like to talk about here: https://forms.gle/RCeUFhmvLxY1nRwU9

In the Season 3 premiere, Dustin and Ghazali dig into what it really takes to start the school year strong—beyond bulletin boards and icebreakers. They surface the real pressures of Week 1 and why mindset matters, then ground the conversation in practical moves teachers can use tomorrow. Their guiding question: How can educators begin the year in ways that build lasting routines, relationships, and resilience—for students and for ourselves?

Through personal stories and classroom-tested strategies, the hosts show how to turn early weeks into durable culture. They unpack CCC—clear, consistent, connected—classroom management; doorway greetings that lead straight into a purposeful Do Now; “what-to-do” directions; and naming discussion norms so every voice is heard. They also tackle the early-semester adrenaline crash and unrealistic pacing, offering a sustainable plan: build a one-week buffer with two-week planning, protect weekends, and reflect regularly—especially on the wins.

Finally, Dustin and Ghazali share the advice they’d give their first-year selves: teach and practice routines like content, give yourself grace when lessons flop, and remember that students don’t need you perfect—they need you present. Two mantras to carry into Week 1: “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” and “Reflect on what went well.”

Interested in joining us on the podcast? We’re always looking for passionate educators and school leaders to share their insights—no need to be an “expert.” Tell us what you’d like to talk about here: https://forms.gle/RCeUFhmvLxY1nRwU9