The Gaming Concepts Podcast

In this episode of the Gaming Concepts podcast, we talk to two passionate esports coaches from New York, whose insight and determination for esports at their school has led to some amazing outcomes.

Hosts

• Michael Russell  -  @Russtheteach
• Trevor Goertzen -  @Goertzen_edu

Links

• Gaming Concepts
• YouTube
• Generation Esports

In this episode of the Gaming Concepts Podcast, we talk with Josh Ratliff - Director of Education Initiatives at Trafera. Josh has dedicated his career to deepening the intersection of technology and education by building capacity among educators on the topics of technology integration and digital citizenship. As educators, we’re asked to be both researched-based and innovative, two characteristics that can only be made harmonious through technology. His work as Director of Education Initiatives at Trafera allows him to help educators blend research and innovation to create a deeper learning experience for today’s youth. Join Us!

Hosts

• Michael Russell  -  @Russtheteach
• Kristen Craft  -  @KristenEsports
• Trevor Goertzen -  @Goertzen_edu

Links

• Gaming Concepts
• YouTube
• Generation Esports

In this episode of the Gaming Concepts Podcast, we talk with Rob Cassagne, Director of Social Studies and Business at Connetquot Central School District in New York. Rob's district was an early adopter of esports, and is reaping the benefits this year because of their commitment. Join us for a discussion about esports and education! 

Hosts 

Michael Russell  -  @Russtheteach 

Kristen Craft  -  @KristenEsports 

Trevor Goertzen -  @Goertzen_edu

On this episode of the Gaming Concepts Podcast, we talk with Danielle Johnson. Danielle is a recovering middle school teacher and now the Executive Director of the Texas Scholastic Esports Federation. Join us as we talk through her story of building one of the best esports leagues in the country and wehre esports is headed in the future. 

Hosts

• Michael Russell  -  @Russtheteach
• Kristen Craft  -  @KristenEsports
• Trevor Goertzen -  @Goertzen_edu

Links

• Gaming Concepts
• YouTube
• Generation Esports

This week on the Gaming Concepts podcast we talk with Lakin Zamorano, a high school student headed to OU on an esports scholarship and fulfilling his dream of playing Call of Duty on the mainstage. His goals were not always as auspicious as playing division 1 esports, coming from a humble beginnings, he worked hard and stays humble!  

Hosts

• Michael Russell  -  @Russtheteach
• Kristen Craft  -  @KristenEsports
• Trevor Goertzen -  @Goertzen_edu

Links

• Gaming Concepts
• YouTube
• Generation Esports

In this episode of the Gaming Concepts Podcast, we talk with Karen Quinones-Smith, a retired NYC Correction officer that has been active in her community for almost 24 years. She has a wealth of experience in encouraging youth and helping them succeed. As a mother of gamers, Karen found it necessary to learn more about the Esports Ecosystem, and was amazed at the great opportunities. Her mission is to provide positivity and diversity within the esports ecosystem, with zero tolerance for toxic behavior. 

Hosts

• Michael Russell  -  @Russtheteach
• Kristen Craft  -  @KristenEsports
• Trevor Goertzen -  @Goertzen_edu

Links

• Gaming Concepts
• YouTube
• Generation Esports

On this episode of the Gaming Concepts Podcast, we talk with 2 educators from Basehor-Linwood High School that are blazing a path for students in esports and project based learning. 

Jayme Breault is an educator with experience working with learners from different age groups, backgrounds, and abilities. She has taken on many leadership roles within districts and served as Redesign Pilot for the Kansas Can Redesign Initiative as well as a mentor teacher for both general education and special education teachers. Currently, Jayme is the lead facilitator in the Innovation Academy at BLHS, a successful redesign program focused on design thinking and real world learning that connects core and CTE content. 

Cadie Abdo is a current Media Technology High School Teacher in pursuit of her Masters of Science in Education through Fort Hays State University, and has over 6 years of industry marketing experience.

Hosts

• Michael Russell  -  @Russtheteach
• Kristen Craft  -  @KristenEsports
• Trevor Goertzen -  @Goertzen_edu

Links

• Gaming Concepts
• YouTube
• Generation Esports

On this episode of the Gaming Concepts Podcast we talk with Wacey Tobler, 2022 TCEA Instructional Technology Specialist of the Year. Wacey is a next-generation educator with a passion for helping teachers implement dynamic, engaging, student-centered learning in their classrooms facilitated with purposeful instructional technology. He is an Esports coach supporting students on their pathways to industry, taking a community-first approach to building an innovative and future-ready competitive program.

Hosts

• Michael Russell  -  @Russtheteach
• Kristen Craft  -  @KristenEsports
• Trevor Goertzen -  @Goertzen_edu

Links

• Gaming Concepts
• YouTube
• Generation Esports

On this episode of the Gaming Concepts Podcast, we talk with Neal Doolin, an award-winning Mathematics and Physics educator with 8 years’ experience in the classroom including 3 years sponsoring and coaching esports, now directing the Client Success department at Generation Esports. Hear about Neal's journey and the takeaways he has from his days in education and how that impact his work ant Generation Esports.

Hosts

• Michael Russell  -  @Russtheteach
• Kristen Craft  -  @KristenEsports
• Trevor Goertzen -  @Goertzen_edu

Links

• Gaming Concepts
• YouTube
• Generation Esports

In this episode we tlak with Jeremiah Okal-Frink a veteran educator, leader, director and change facilitator. Jeremiah started in the classroom and still centers his work at Dell around the changes we can make there. These changes are impacted by the work done with teaching and learning, technical departments and district leadership and organizational change.  Jeremiah has focused on impacting teaching and learning through the catalyst of technology in rural, suburban and urban districts. He has been involved in every aspect of the implementation, evaluation, and planning for sustained change through these initiatives from the strategic planning at the district level to support of students and teachers in the classroom. 

Hosts

• Michael Russell  -  @Russtheteach
• Kristen Craft  -  @KristenEsports
• Trevor Goertzen -  @Goertzen_edu

Links

• Gaming Concepts
• YouTube
• Generation Esports