Trending In Ed with Mike Palmer

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Trending In Ed with Mike Palmer episodes

April 07, 2025Transforming Education Through Social Impact with Dana Bryson from Study.com
In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer welcomes Dana Bryson, Senior Vice President of Social Impact at Study.com, for an engaging discussion on the intersection of education, technology, and social impact. This follows almost exactly a year from Dana's first appearance on Trending in Ed with Paul Gollash from ETS.

Dana shares her inspiring origin story, from her upbringing with activist parents who had the first legal interracial marriage in Virginia, to her work in public policy, beginning at the Kennedy School and even working with Jerry Brown when he was the Mayor of Oakland. The through line for all of this is Dana's passion for creating change. Then we connect this to her role driving Study.com's mission to provide affordable access to education through the initiatives she leads to address key issues in education today.

Key Takeaways:
Discover how Study.com is working to bridge the gap in education by providing affordable and accessible learning solutions.
Gain insights into Study.com's recent survey of 700 educators on NAEP scores, revealing the critical role of family engagement and support in student success.
Explore how Dana views AI's role in education, including its potential to personalize learning and her concerns about widening achievement gaps.
Understand the importance of teacher diversity and representation, and learn about initiatives to create a more representative and diverse educator pipeline.
Get a sneak peek at Study.com's upcoming initiative to tackle the high cost of college and support working adults in completing their degrees.

Why You Shouldn't Miss This Episode:
This episode offers a unique blend of personal insights and professional expertise, providing listeners with a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities in education today. Whether you're an educator, policymaker, or simply passionate about social impact, this conversation will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to make a difference.

Subscribe to Trending in Ed so you never miss conversations like this one. Available wherever you listen to podcasts. Video versions now on Youtube and Spotify.
28 min
April 03, 2025Revolutionizing Research with AI | A Conversation with Subconscious AI Founder Avi Yashchin
In this episode of Trending in Ed, host Mike Palmer catches up with serial entrepreneur Avi Yashchin, the Founder of Subconscious AI, about his professional journey from Wall Street to the cutting edge of AI. Yashchin, who started his career as a high-frequency equity trader, offers us a unique perspective on the 2008 financial crisis and how it sparked his interest in understanding the “why” behind market fluctuations.

We delve into Yashchin's experience at IBM's Watson education business unit, where he worked on applying AI in education with early language models. We then explore his current venture, Subconscious AI, and its groundbreaking work using language models to replicate experiments in psychology, sociology, and economics.

We tackle the complexities of AI in education, discussing the importance of thoughtful integration to maximize learning outcomes. We also address the ethical considerations of AI research, including the fascinating responses of LLMs to questions of harm and consent.

Key Takeaways:
Discover how language models are being used to simulate human behavior and revolutionize research in social sciences.
Gain insights into the potential benefits and pitfalls of AI in education, including the crucial role of human oversight.
Understand the ethical dilemmas researchers face when using LLMs to study sensitive topics like harm and addiction.
Explore the debate around the future of AI development, including concerns about emergent behaviors and the importance of EQ in AI.
Learn why a balanced approach to AI is essential, encouraging both exploration and caution.

Why You Don't Want to Miss This Episode:
This episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of AI's current and potential impact on various fields, including education, research, and even our understanding of social behavior. Whether you're an educator, researcher, or simply curious about the future of AI, this conversation provides valuable insights and raises essential questions about the ethical and practical implications of this rapidly evolving technology.

Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts. Video episodes are now live on Youtube and Spotify.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:04 Avi Yashchin's Early Career and Wall Street Experience
03:12 Entrepreneurial Journey and Clean Edison
03:33 AI in Education and IBM Watson
05:46 Founding Subconscious AI and Climate Change Experiments
07:01 Using Language Models for Social Experiments
16:06 Ethical Considerations and AI Limitations
22:01 Final Thoughts and Advice for the Future
29 min
March 31, 2025Unlocking Education's Future with R&D with Auditi Chakravarty
In this episode of Trending in Education, we welcome Auditi Chakravarty, CEO of the Advanced Education Research and Development Fund (AERDF), to explore the cutting edge of education R&D. We begin by tracing Auditi's journey from a high school English teacher to a leader in curriculum and assessment development, with stops at Kaplan and the College Board, where she helped shape major programs like AP and the redesigned SAT.

Now, at the helm of AERDF, Auditi is driving a new approach to R&D in education, one that models itself on advanced research project agencies like DARPA, emphasizing cross-sector collaboration and a focus on breakthrough innovations. We dive into AERDF's four key programs, including the groundbreaking AugmentEd, which explores the role of AI in augmenting teaching and learning. We also discuss EF+Math, Assessment for Good, and Reading Reimagined, each tackling critical challenges in education with a focus on evidence-based solutions.

Key Takeaways:
Discover AERDF's innovative approach to education R&D, inspired by models like DARPA, and its potential to revolutionize teaching and learning.
Explore the transformative power of AI in education and how AERDF's AugmentEd program is working to shape the future of AI-augmented classrooms.
Learn about AERDF's initiatives to advance assessment practices, improve math skills through executive function development, and address literacy challenges in grades 3-8.
Understand the critical importance of R&D in education and how it drives evidence-based practices to support teachers and students.

Why You Don't Want to Miss This:
This episode offers a unique glimpse into the future of education R&D and the potential for groundbreaking innovations to transform teaching and learning. Whether you're an educator, researcher, policymaker, or simply passionate about the future of education, this conversation with Auditi Chakravarty will leave you inspired and informed.

Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:57 Auditi's Origin Story
01:17 Journey Through Kaplan and College Board
02:16 The Role and Impact of AP Programs
06:32 Transition to AERDF
07:31 Understanding AERDF's Mission
09:19 Exploring AERDF's Programs
09:45 The Role of AI in Education
16:53 AugmentEd: The Future Classroom
22:40 Other AERDF Programs
29:41 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
33 min
March 27, 2025Leading the Change: Lindsay Whorton on Educational Leadership
We're thrilled to bring you another engaging episode recorded live at SXSW EDU in Austin, Texas! Join Trending in Ed host Mike Palmer as he sits down with Lindsay Whorton, President of the Holdsworth Center, to explore innovative approaches to educational leadership, innovation, and the future of K-12.

Lindsay shares her inspiring journey from college hoops to teaching to leading a cutting-edge organization that's transforming how we develop and support educational leaders. We discuss the critical need to invest in people, move beyond traditional professional development, and reimagine the roles of principals and superintendents.

Key takeaways include:
The importance of generational investments in educators to achieve high levels of student success.
A deep dive into innovative leadership development models that move beyond traditional methods.
A fresh perspective on the evolving role of the superintendent, from "chief teacher" to a community-focused "mayor" figure focused on civic engagement.
Strategies for restructuring school leadership to better support teachers and foster a more collaborative environment.
An insightful exploration of how lessons from the private sector and other industries can inform and improve educational practices.
A candid discussion on the potential and challenges of AI in education, with a focus on preserving the importance of human connection.
An urgent call to address the changing landscape of the teaching profession and provide robust support for new educators.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about educational leadership, innovation, and creating sustainable change in our schools. We tackle the tough questions and offer actionable insights for educators, administrators, and policymakers alike.

Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on:
How to cultivate effective leadership at all levels of the education system.
Strategies for building resilient and supportive school communities.
The future of teaching and learning in an evolving world.

Don't miss this engaging conversation! Subscribe to Trending in Education for more thought-provoking discussions on the forces shaping the future of education.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:34 Lindsay Whorton's Origin Story
01:23 International Education Insights
03:11 The Role of Sports in Education
04:21 Leadership Development at Holdsworth
05:23 Challenges in K-12 Education
08:09 Superintendent and Principal Roles
09:36 Future Directions for Holdsworth
12:21 Adapting to Modern Educational Needs
16:52 The Role of Nonprofits in Education
19:28 AI in Education
25:12 Conclusion and Key Takeaways
28 min
March 24, 2025Bridging the Experience Gap: Dana Stephenson on Work-Based Learning and Higher Ed
In this dynamic episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer connects with Dana Stephenson, co-founder and CEO of Riipen, live from SXSW EDU in Austin. We dive into how Riipen is revolutionizing higher education and the workforce by tackling the critical experience gap head-on. Discover how their innovative platform seamlessly connects students and companies through impactful, skill-specific projects.

Dana shares the compelling origin story behind Riipen, revealing the challenges that he and his business partner witnessed among their peers—the struggle to gain that crucial first work experience. Learn how this inspired the creation of Riipen, a platform that's embedding project-based learning directly into a higher ed curriculum, providing students with invaluable real-world experience, vital professional connections, and essential career clarity.

Why You Can't Miss This Episode:
For Students: Uncover how to get a head start on your career, build a powerful portfolio, and gain the confidence and skills employers demand. Learn how to navigate the evolving job market and future-proof your skills.
For Educators: Discover innovative strategies to enhance your curriculum, boost student engagement, and ensure your graduates are career-ready. Learn how to build stronger connections with industry and stay at the forefront of educational innovation.
For Employers: Learn how to tap into fresh talent, gain valuable insights from the next generation, and support your community—all while addressing your project needs.
For Anyone Interested in the Future of Work: Gain exclusive insights into the skills revolution, the impact of AI on the workforce, and the urgent need for AI literacy in education. Understand how platforms like Riipen are leading the charge in preparing individuals for the changing world of work.

This episode isn't just informative—it's transformative. You'll walk away with actionable insights and a deeper understanding of how learners, higher ed institutions, and employers benefit from a platform focused on work-based learning.

Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts. Video episodes available on Spotify and Youtube.

00:00 Welcome to Trending in Education
00:17 Introducing Dana Stephenson and Riipen
01:20 The Origin Story of Riipen
02:26 Challenges and Solutions in Work-Based Learning
05:40 The Role of Higher Education Institutions
13:04 The Skills-Based Revolution and AI
23:48 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
25:42 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
29 min
March 20, 2025The Applied Neuroscience of Bias and Resiliency with Dr. Horacio Sanchez
In this episode of Trending in Education, we explore the fascinating intersection of neuroscience and resilience in education. We speak with Dr. Horacio Sanchez, the founder and CEO of Resiliency, Inc, about his groundbreaking work with K-12 systems.

We dive into Dr. Sanchez's origin story and learn how his early work as the youngest director of mental health in North Carolina led him to develop a resiliency-based treatment model for at-risk kids. We discuss how increasing protective factors, like positive relationships, can improve brain function and foster resilience, even in those not naturally resilient. We also explore the neuroscience of empathy and how it can be developed in students.

We also tackle critical issues such as the impact of poverty on brain development and the challenges of teaching in today's environment. We discuss the importance of understanding the neuroscience of bias and how it can be addressed in schools. Finally, we consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of AI in education, emphasizing the need to use technology to enhance, not replace, cognitive development.

Key takeaways include:
Resilience can be taught by focusing on protective factors and their impact on brain function.
Understanding the neuroscience of empathy can help educators create more supportive and effective learning environments.
Poverty significantly impacts brain development, requiring targeted interventions in schools.
AI has the potential to be a beneficial tool in education, but it must be used thoughtfully to support learning, not replace it.

Tune in to discover how applied neuroscience can transform teaching practices, improve school climate, and empower students to thrive. Don't miss this engaging conversation! Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:39 Dr. Horacio Sanchez's Origin Story
01:37 Understanding Resiliency and Protective Factors
02:41 The Impact of Relationships and Neuroscience
04:39 Books and Applied Neuroscience in Education
05:23 The Role of Empathy and Technology
07:46 Poverty's Effect on Brain Development
09:34 Neuroscience of Bias
19:56 Reading and Writing: Neuroscience Insights
26:40 Artificial Intelligence in Education
31:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
34 min
March 17, 2025Trending in Ed Live: March Madness at SXSW EDU 2025
Join us for a dynamic live recording from the Podcast Stage at SXSW EDU 2025! We're diving into the hottest trends shaping the future of education with a panel of experts. Mike Palmer, host of Trending in Ed and Founder of Palmer Media, leads a lively discussion with Mike Yates from Teach for America's Reinvention Lab, who shares his insights on AI and social media. Jenn Stredler, Managing Director of Common Group, brings her expertise on the intersection of education, workforce, and talent. Julia Shatilo, Programming Director for SXSW EDU, offers a unique perspective on the trends driving innovation in education based on what's submitted and chosen for the conference.

We explore a wide range of topics, including the growing importance of micro schools, the impact of new media on learning, the evolving landscape of Career and Technical Education (CTE), and the double-edged sword of AI in the talent marketplace. We also tackle critical questions about ethical AI use, the reimagining of higher education, and the essential role of relational intelligence in a tech-driven world.

Key Takeaways:
Discover how CTE is being reinvented to meet the demands of the modern workforce.
Understand the challenges and opportunities AI presents for both job seekers and employers.
Gain insights into the evolving conversations around higher education and alternative credentialing.
Explore the importance of relational intelligence and social capital in the age of AI.
Reasons for Listening:
Stay ahead of the curve on the trends influencing education, from K-12 to higher ed and the workforce.
Gain valuable perspectives from leaders in education, technology, and workforce development.
Understand the critical intersection of education and employment in a rapidly changing world.

Don't miss out on this engaging and informative discussion! Subscribe to Trending in Ed to keep up with everything happening in the rapidly changing world of education.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Event Overview
01:45 Meet the Panelists
02:18 Mike Yates on AI and Education
03:11 Jenn Stredler on Workforce and Education
04:24 Julia Shatilo on South by Southwest EDU
07:20 Panel Discussion on Trends
27:37 AI and Relational Intelligence
27:52 Howard Gardner on Mentorship vs. Influencers
28:58 Model Flexibility and Adaptive Intelligence
30:51 Social Capital and Workforce Trends
33:43 AI's Role in Human Connection
40:14 Gen Z and Apprenticeships
54:28 Future Predictions and AI Skepticism
58:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
1 hr
March 13, 2025The Power of Hands-On Learning with LEGO Education's Dr. Jenny Nash
Join us for a special episode of Trending in Education recorded live from the LEGO Education Curiosity Park at SXSW EDU.

We’re diving deep into the world of playful learning and the rollout of LEGO Education Science with Dr. Jenny Nash, Head of Impact Education at LEGO. In this fun and insightful conversation, we explore the latest from LEGO Education with a special appearance from host Mike Palmer's six-year-old son, Matthew, who joins in the fun, building and creating with LEGOs as we chat! You'll hear from Mike's wife and occasional Co-Host, Dr. Robin Naughton, who weighs in as a Librarian and Information Scientist at Queens College where she's thinking about Teacher Training and Maker Spaces.

Note: there's a bit of the conference buzz in the background, but that's part of the magic – capturing the excitement of learning and discovery in action.

Dr. Nash, a true legend in the field, shares her expertise on problem-based learning and science education while describing LEGO's innovative approaches to K-12 education. We discuss the importance of hands-on learning and how LEGO Education is bringing engagement back into the classroom. We also delve into the findings of LEGO's State of Classroom Engagement Report, highlighting the critical role of engagement and confidence in student learning.

Key Takeaways:
The LEGO Education Science program and its focus on purposeful play to achieve learning outcomes. Plus motors and wheels are cool!
How LEGO Education is designed to be classroom-ready, supporting teachers with lesson plans, slide decks, and professional development.
The balance between structured and unstructured play in educational settings.
Insights into fostering collaboration and problem-solving skills in the classroom.
Whether you're an educator, parent, or just a lover of LEGOs, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the power of play in education.

Don't Miss:
Matthew’s creative LEGO car designs and his interaction with Dr. Nash.
The discussion around extending hands-on learning into teacher training programs.

Subscribe to Trending in Education to stay on top of the latest trends and innovations shaping the future of learning!

A special thanks to Dr. Robin Naughton and Matthew Palmer for joining the conversation, and of course, to Dr. Jenny Nash for sharing her expertise and passion for LEGO Education.

Until next time, keep exploring, keep playing, and keep learning!

00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:11 Meet Dr. Jenny Nash from LEGO Education
00:51 Playful Learning with LEGO
02:02 Hands-On Learning and Engagement
04:03 LEGO Education Science
09:28 Collaborative Learning with LEGO
11:37 Teacher Workshops and Professional Development
12:04 Classroom Ready Resources for Teachers
13:18 Balancing Play and Structure in Learning
14:58 Extending LEGO Education to Higher Grades
15:43 Hands-On Learning in Teacher Training
18:40 Collaborative Learning and Its Importance
20:35 LEGO Education Science and Competitions
22:38 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
23:14 Conclusion and Future Episodes
25 min
March 11, 2025Innovations and Insights: Reflections from SXSW EDU 2025
Join us for a recap of SXSW EDU 2025! Host Mike Palmer shares his takeaways from the conference, including highlights from the panel discussion he hosted on the podcast stage. Catch highlights from interviews with Dr. Jenny Nash from LEGO Education, Dana Stephenson from Riipen, and Lindsay Whorton from The Holdsworth Center, as Mike shares his experiences attending the conference with his wife and 6-year-old son. Palmer discusses the importance of hands-on learning with Nash and Stephenson and gets into the role of AI in education and transformations in the workforce with Stephenson and Whorton.

Subscribe to the feed so you don't miss upcoming episodes including our amazing panel session with Mike Yates, Jenn Stredler, and Julia Shatilo, and Mike's interviews in upcoming episodes with Jenny, Lindsay, and Dana and more.

Key takeaways:
The importance of hands-on learning and engagement in education: Palmer discusses the importance of hands-on learning and engagement in education with Nash and Stephenson. Hands-on learning allows students to be more engaged and have a deeper understanding of the material.
The need for flexibility and adaptability in a rapidly changing world: Palmer emphasizes the need for flexibility and adaptability in a rapidly changing world. He discusses how this is important for both parents and educators.
The power of tiny experiments and small wins in achieving goals: Palmer talks about the power of tiny experiments and small wins in achieving goals. He provides examples of how this can be applied to both personal and professional goals.
The role of AI in education and the workforce: Palmer discusses the role of AI in education and the workforce with Stephenson. He talks about how AI can be used to personalize learning and provide students with more relevant experiences.
The importance of connecting research to startup activity and venture activity: Palmer emphasizes the importance of connecting research to startup activity and venture activity. He talks about how this can help to bring new ideas and products to market faster.

Subscribe to Trending in Ed where you get your pods and on Youtube to keep up with the accelerating pace of change in education.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and South by Southwest EDU Overview
00:29 March Madness of Learning Trends Panel
02:25 Family Adventures at South by Southwest EDU
03:30 Workforce Development and Future of Work
05:07 Reflections on Past South by Southwest EDU Experiences
08:01 Live Podcast Session Highlights
11:03 Lego Education and Hands-On Learning
14:48 STEM and Maker Kits at the Expo Hall
18:31 Keynote Highlights and Tiny Experiments
21:11 Interviews with Educational Leaders
28:00 Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Conferences
30 min
March 07, 2025Pathways to Impact: Jarian Kerekes on Education and Social Mobility
Jarian Kerekes, President of the Equitable Foundation, joins Mike Palmer on Trending in Education to share his personal and professional journey, highlighting the transformative power of education and the importance of finding one's passion. From his challenging upbringing in rural Virginia to his impactful work at the Equitable Foundation, Kerekes' story is one of resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to opening up higher education pathways for underserved students. Here's the link to NCAN also discussed in the episode.

Kerekes discusses the Equitable Foundation's multifaceted approach to education, encompassing college and career readiness for students, support for K-12 educators, and initiatives aimed at fostering vibrant and healthy communities. He delves into the foundation's scholarship program, which has helped over 7,300 scholars access post-secondary education, with a particular focus on BIPOC and first-generation students. Throughout the episode, Kerekes provides valuable insights into the challenges facing education today, including rising costs, the need for better support systems, and the importance of social capital and networking in bridging students into successful careers.

Key takeaways:
Education is transformative: Kerekes emphasizes the power of education to change lives and create economic and social mobility, particularly for underserved students.
Finding your passion is key: Kerekes encourages students to find their "why" and pursue their passions to unlock their full potential.
Giving back is essential: Kerekes highlights the importance of community engagement and using one's voice and resources to make a difference.

Subscribe to Trending in Education to stay informed and inspired by insightful conversations with leaders like Jarian Kerekes who are shaping the future of education.

Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:29 Jarian's Origin Story
02:09 Career Journey and Impact of Education
02:50 Equitable Foundation's Mission and Focus
04:58 Philanthropy and Community Engagement
06:07 Scholarship Programs and Higher Education
07:09 Challenges and Support in Higher Education
10:17 Volunteerism and Finding Your Why
12:36 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
14:44 Supporting First-Generation and Low-Income Students
22:59 Career Advice and Professional Development
29:09 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Source for Equitable’s distinction as the #1 provider of K-12 403(b) plans for 10 consecutive years: LIMRA, Not-for-Profit Survey, Q2 2024 results, based on 403(b) plan participants and contributions. Survey results include plans issued by Equitable Financial and Equitable America. Equitable is the brand name of the retirement and protection subsidiaries of Equitable Holdings, Inc., including Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (Equitable Financial), Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company of America (Equitable America), an AZ stock company with an administrative office in Charlotte, NC, issuers of insurance and annuity products and Equitable Distributors, LLC.
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32 min

About Trending In Ed with Mike Palmer

From the publisher's feed

At the intersection of learning, media, and the future of work, join us each week as we sense and discover where the future of education is heading. Join host Mike Palmer, the Founder of Palmer Media,…