On this episode of The Tattoo Teacher Podcast, I catch up with longtime colleague and global education leader Chris Barnes, currently Director of Curriculum and Assessment at The Franklin School (New Jersey, USA).

Chris shares his journey from Australian independent schools and the International Baccalaureate to helping design a fully re‑imagined high school built from the ground up. Together, Chris and I explore why education matters, how transdisciplinary learning breaks down silos, and what truly prepares students for complex, real‑world problems.

This wide‑ranging conversation touches on innovation in education, leadership, curriculum design, teacher collaboration, student agency, and the power of relationships — plus coaching, service learning, and (of course) tattoos.

You can find Chris:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-barnes-4a7541233/

you can find me onLinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-murdoch-%F0%9F%A4%99-68a846b1/

YouTube

https://youtube.com/@thetattooedteacher01?si=tJy1U6Huz684CtZE

Follow DJ Fruit Salad:

https://www.instagram.com/djfruitsaladofficial/

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