May 22, 2025

Trending in Ed "OG" Reunion with Brandon Jones and Dan Strafford

43 minutes

Step into a very special episode of Trending in Ed, where host Mike Palmer reunites with fellow co-founders Brandon Jones and Dan Strafford! Since its inception in September 2016, Trending in Ed has been a consistent voice in education, and this reunion delivers a nostalgic yet forward-looking take on education trendspotting. Catch up with Brandon and Dan, discover what they've been doing, and hear their and Mike's reflections on the podcast's journey and the evolving landscape of education over the past 8+ years. Here's the link to Tim Urban's What's Our Problem? which Brandon refers to in the conversation.

Key Takeaways

The Enduring Relevance of Early Discussions: Even before the pandemic, the "OG" hosts were discussing virtual learning, distance models, and the role of smartphones in the classroom, topics that remain highly relevant today.

The Nuanced View of Elon Musk: The hosts reflect on their past fascination with Elon Musk's expansive thinking and ability to apply systems thinking across various domains, while also acknowledging the shift in public perception and the potential for too many ventures for one individual, not to mention the troubling devolution of his public persona.

AI as a Tool for Both Progress and Concern: While recognizing AI's potential to enhance mental health solutions—such as processing large datasets for patient notes and improving crisis hotlines—the conversation also touches on concerns about AI's impact on human connection, critical thinking, and potential for widening societal gaps.

The Evolution of Education and Lifelong Learning: The hosts discuss the potential for fundamental disruption in education, particularly with the rise of AI, and emphasize the increasing importance of lifelong learning as traditional educational paths evolve.

The Importance of Courage and Human Connection: Amidst discussions of societal challenges and technological advancements, the conversation consistently returns to the significance of human connection and the need for courage to navigate uncertainty and take action.

A Blast from the Past with a Modern Twist: For long-time listeners, this episode is a rare opportunity to hear the original trio back together, reminiscing about the early days of the podcast and reflecting on how their predictions and observations have played out.

Deep Dives into Trending Topics: The hosts tackle pressing contemporary issues such as the impact of AI on mental health, the future of education, and the ongoing influence of figures like Elon Musk, offering diverse perspectives and thoughtful analysis.

Insights from Industry Leaders: Brandon Jones, CEO of Triad, shares his expertise on mental health in education and the potential of AI in behavioral health. Dan Strafford, an early podcasting adopter and new media producer, discusses his work in sales enablement and the continued evolution of video and audio production.

Don't miss this special reunion episode! Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an insight.

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