What happens when a school leader brings a coach’s mindset, a heart for people, and a relentless commitment to culture into their role as principal? In this episode, West Dodge Station Principal Benji Hoegh joins The Good Life EDU to reflect on the systems, habits, and heart behind building a thriving school culture. From his “TRAIN” acronym that powers the school’s values to his commitment to daily visibility and over 200 personal phone calls home, Benji shares practical strategies that promote connection, consistency, and care.

Whether you're an aspiring leader or a veteran administrator, this episode offers energizing insights for creating a school where students, staff, and families all feel seen, supported, and inspired.

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Phillip Alcock (CEO and Co-Founder) and Thom Markham (Creative Director) of PBL Future Labs join the show to share how they’re fusing the best of project-based learning (PBL) with the transformative possibilities of AI.

With decades of experience in PBL design, coaching, and implementation, Phil and Tom reflect on PBL’s origins, the challenges that have limited its widespread adoption, and how AI can break down those barriers—saving teachers time, elevating student voice, and unlocking more authentic, community-connected learning.

They share real examples of “learning missions” that help schools move beyond static standards and worksheets, using AI to co-create meaningful projects and connect students’ learning to real-world impact in the students' local community. This conversation is an inspiring look at how educators can tap AI as a partner to reignite student engagement and prepare learners to solve the complex problems of tomorrow.

Learn more about PBL Future Labs, visit pblfuturelabs.com.

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we sit down with Elizabeth Dampf, a school administrator in the Chicagoland are and author of the new book from ASCD, Am I Cut Out for This? An Educational Leader’s Guide to Navigating Self-Doubt. Together, they explore the often unspoken realities of school leadership from early career challenges and feeling like an “instructional imposter” to facing difficult meetings and the isolation many leaders experience.

Elizabeth shares candid insights from her own journey as an administrator, explains why self-doubt is so prevalent (yet taboo) in the field, and offers practical strategies that leaders can use in real moments of uncertainty. Whether you’re a veteran principal or a new admin, this conversation — and Elizabeth’s book — will remind you that you’re not alone and that leadership skills can be learned and strengthened over time.

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, host Andrew Easton reconnects with longtime friend (and podcast guest) Rachelle Dene Poth for a timely and insightful discussion about the legal implications of AI in education. Drawing from her experience as an educator, speaker, and attorney, Rachelle unpacks some of the critical and often overlooked considerations educators should keep in mind when integrating AI tools into schools and classrooms.

Listeners will learn:

• Why AI literacy goes far beyond knowing how to use tools
• How AI is being misused in cases of cyberbullying—and what educators should know
• What legal considerations (like FERPA and COPPA) apply to AI tools in schools
• The dangers of uploading PII to generative AI models
• How to foster a district culture of responsible AI use for both staff and students

Whether you're just starting to explore AI or you're leading its implementation in your district, this conversation offers valuable guidance on what to prioritize and how to stay compliant and ethical in the process.

Connect with Rachelle and explore her work:

• Website/Blog: www.rdene915.com
• Socials: @Rdene915 (Instagram, X, Threads, LinkedIn)
• Recent Books Released: How to Teach AI and What the Tech

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, John White, the CEO of Great Minds and former Louisiana State Superintendent of Education, joins the show for a timely conversation on why curriculum matters more than ever in today’s evolving educational landscape. Drawing from his national leadership experience and current work supporting schools across the country, John reflects on the critical role that high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) play in advancing student learning, supporting educators, and ensuring equity.

Together, we explore how well-designed curriculum can reduce teacher workload, foster student curiosity, and drive meaningful, long-term achievement. From national policy to the classroom level, this episode offers a compelling look at how curriculum, when done well, can serve as a catalyst for sustained student growth and achievement.

Whether you’re a classroom educator, instructional leader, or policymaker, this conversation offers valuable insights into how curriculum can serve as a powerful lever for meaningful and lasting change

To learn more about Great Minds, visit: https://greatminds.org

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we’re joined by Suzie Fogarty and Theresa Hamer of Smart Gen Society (SGS), a Nebraska-based nonprofit working at the intersection of digital wellness, education, and youth empowerment. Together, Suzie and Theresa share the story behind SGS’s founding and its evolving mission to equip young people, families, and schools with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate today’s digital world safely and responsibly.

From uncovering online exploitation risks to advocating for stronger school-community partnerships, this conversation explores the unique approach SGS takes in engaging students, leading educators, and supporting parents. We also highlight how Smart Gen Society is making an impact beyond Nebraska and offers practical insights for anyone concerned about the well-being of digital-native youth.

To with connect and learn more about Smart Gen Society, visit https://www.smartgensociety.org/

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we welcome Lauren Heil, a passionate learning experience designer and the creator of the Stickity Add-On. Lauren shares her journey and insights on how thoughtful design enhances learning experiences and addresses crucial accessibility needs in digital environments.

Discover practical tips for optimizing digital materials, as Lauren also introduces Stickity, a free Google Workspace add-on. Stickity offers a library of graphics that boosts communication, supports student independence, and fosters a positive class culture.

To explore Stickity, search for it under extensions and add-ons within Google Docs, Forms, Sheets, or Slides.

Don't miss Lauren Heil live at the Future Ready Nebraska Conference on June 2nd and 3rd! There's still time to register -- and it's FREE --- at nefutureready.com.

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, national edtech speaker, Brian Buffington, returns to the show to preview his upcoming session at the 2025 Future Ready Nebraska Conference. Known for his energetic style and practical insights, Brian shares timely encouragement for educators navigating change, embracing AI, and leaning into creativity with confidence.

This conversation touches on the mindset shifts needed to innovate in schools, the importance of adaptability in the face of emerging technologies, and how teachers can remain rooted in their purpose while exploring new tools and approaches.

Whether you're looking for inspiration, strategy, or just a refreshing take on the future of learning, this episode delivers.

To learn more about Brian and to subscribe to his newsletter, visit: https://briankbuffington.com/

To register (It's FREE) for the Future Ready Nebraska Conference (June 2–3, 2025), visit: https://www.futurereadyne.org

In this special follow-up episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Dr. Larianne Polk (CEO of the Nebraska ESU Coordinating Council) and Dr. Dan Schnoes (CEO of ESU 3) return to reflect on their recent educational exchange in Singapore and South Korea. Their journey, part of a national effort to build global education partnerships through AESA, opened new doors for reimagining how service agencies and school systems can prepare students—and educators—for an increasingly interconnected world.

From cutting-edge innovations in polytechnic schools to globally collaborative student research projects, Dr. Polk and Dr. Schnoes share insights on what global learning really looks like and why it matters. They also discuss practical ways ESUs in Nebraska might engage in global partnerships through distance learning, teacher exchanges, and student collaborations—making international experiences more accessible than ever before.

Whether you're an educator, administrator, or policymaker, this conversation highlights why cultivating a global mindset isn't just a “nice-to-have”—it's a necessity for the future of education.

To learn more about ACES International, visit https://www.aces.org/schools-programs/aces-international/aesa-aces/overview

To learn more about AESA, visit https://www.aesa.us/

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Brian Lamb, CEO of Swivl, joins the show to discuss the M2—an innovative AI-powered co-teacher that’s transforming instructional support. Designed to enhance—not replace—the work of educators and coaches, the M2 leverages AI to deliver in-the-moment teaching tips, facilitate whole-group dialogue and feedback, and provide on-demand student support in multiple languages.

Brian unpacks the product’s roots in reflective video coaching, its current capabilities as a voice-activated classroom partner, and the ways it elevates differentiation, station rotations, and formative feedback to new heights. This episode also previews his upcoming presentation at the 2025 Future Ready Nebraska Conference.

If you're curious about how AI can empower real-time teaching and learning, this episode offers a forward-thinking look at the evolving role of technology in today’s classrooms.