Conversations on Grow Your Why
Join Barbara Bray in conversations with inspirational educators, leaders, and difference-makers as they talk about their passion, purpose, and their journey to define their WHY.
Go to podcasts with posts by episodes
Podcasts with posts in alphabetical order
New Reflections with posts going deeper
Our amazing podcast team
List of posts with the podcasts for each person by episode:
Unlock the Power of AI in School Counseling with Hanna Kemble-Mick (EP183)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Hanna Kemble-Mick, school counselor, dean of elementary school counseling, Indian Hills Elementary School, Topeka, Kansas. Hanna is a 2025 School Counselor of the Year® finalist, Therapy Dog mom, and Tech/AI enthusiast. I met Hanna through her mom, Jerri...
Building Future-Ready Schools and Families with Dr. Martha Umana (EP182)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Dr. Martha Umana, Founder of AIA (AI4Educator), author, and bilingual educator, is known as The Bridge. She helps parents and teachers thrive in the AI era by prioritizing human skills for future-ready kids. For over two decades, Dr. Umama...
Dismantling Math Anxiety with Dr. Aditya Nagrath (EP181)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Dr. Aditya Nagrath helps students overcome mathematics anxiety. He is the creator and founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy. With a PhD in Mathematics & Computer Sciences, he has spent over 30 years in industry as a software...
Ignite Joy, Creativity, and Purpose in Teaching, Learning, and Life with Michael Wesely (EP172)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Michael Wesely is an Instructional Technology Specialist with 28 years of experience in Virginia Beach City Public Schools, He believes creativity belongs at the heart of learning. Michael is passionate about turning classrooms into creative playgrounds where curiosity...
Empowering Educators and Championing Student-Centered Classrooms with Dr. Kaylah Holland (EP162)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Dr. Kaylah Holland is passionate about empowering educators through professional development, one-on-one coaching, and innovative lesson design. She holds a Doctorate of Education in Instructional Design and Technology with extensive research in active learning environments. Driven by a...
4 Levels of the Progression to Intrinsic Motivation
New Ways, New Forms, and New Measures for Learning with Elliot Washor (EP150)
Value Exceeds Circumstance with John Miller (EP147)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS John Miller is the head of school at the Eton School in Mexico City. John’s journey as an educator started in 1990 as a TFA Corps Member in Los Angeles with detours to the SF Bay area, to...
Durable Skills and Stackable Credentials with Tim Taylor (EP144)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Tim Taylor is the co-founder and president of America Succeeds whose vision is about building public education systems to prepare every student to succeed in the competitive global economy and contribute to their local community. The mission is...
Episode #143: Servant Leadership…In Gratitude with Chris Quinn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Chris Quinn is an educational leader who retired after 30 plus years in education serving as a district coordinator and classroom teacher in the London District Catholic School Board in Canada, finishing his last 3 years teaching Kindergarten....
Episode #142: No More Orange Jumpsuits with Josh Tovar
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Josh Tovar is a proud Team Member at Memorial Pathway Academy in Garland Independent School District in Garland, Texas. Josh is an engaging, inspirational educator. Josh’s focus is to create a culture full of love and joy for...
Episode #140: Cultivating Compassion through Creativity with Erika Sandstrom
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Erika Sandstrom is a Digital Learning Coach and Digital Media Teacher specializing in Green Screen and Video Production. Dubbed “Green Screen Galâ€, Erika shares her creative media and mindfulness passions as a featured speaker at conferences, provides district...
Episode #139: Raising Kids to be Brave, Smart, and Kind with PJ Brady
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS PJ Brady started “Brave Smart Kind†as foundational core values and as a way to teach English to his daughters. He wanted to redefine the word, “beautiful†to mean something that described how people feel on the inside,...
Episode #138: Engaging Inclusive Environments While Empowering Learners with Melisa Hayes
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Melisa Hayes, a 2nd-grade teacher at Hilliard City Schools in Ohio, knows how to engage kids in project-based learning so they build confidence in themselves. Melisa is a two-time cancer survivor, ambassador for Flip, Night Zookeeper, and Wakelet,...
Episode #136: The Art and Science of Designing Inspirational Learning Spaces of the Future with Robert Martellacci
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Robert Martellacci is the founder and president of the International award-winning MindShare Learning Technology. He’s a champion for igniting student success to help all students thrive through innovative solutions and partnerships in Canadian schools. Often referred to as...
Episode #133: Discovering Your Journey to Advocacy with Dr. Sheldon Eakins
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Dr. Sheldon Eakins. is the Founder of the Leading Equity Center and host of the Leading Equity Podcast. He is also the author of Leading Equity: Becoming an Advocate for All Students. With over 11 years in education,...
Episode #132: Potpourri of Clues with Dr. Colleen Kelley
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Dr. Colleen Kelley embraced the use of case studies in her chemistry courses for the past few decades. She has used these in graduate-level courses in medicinal chemistry and most recently in her 100-level course at the University...
Episode #131: Making Schools Places of Wellness with Kecia McDonald
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Kecia McDonald from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, is the EL Resource Teacher for the West Hawai’i Complex Area. She is one of 49 public school educators chosen to be a 2022 Global Learning Fellow by the NEA Foundation. The fellowship...
Episode #129: Transform Education by Making Learning Sticky with Debbie Tannenbaum
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Debbie Tannenbaum is a School-Based Technology Specialist in Fairfax County, Virginia who is in her fourth year in this position and twenty-second year in education. She shares with me how much she loves learning as a speaker, coach,...
Episode #126: Helping Students Feel Safe, Seen, and Stretched with Julie Schmidt Hasson
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Dr. Julie Schmidt Hasson is a professor teaching graduate courses in educational leadership, a researcher, and a teacher advocate who researched the ways teachers influence students’ lives. She interviewed hundreds of people about the teachers they remember. This...
Episode #124: Touch the Heart Before You Can Reach the Brain with Hal Roberts
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Hal Roberts has had an amazing journey as a teacher, principal, superintendent, and educational consultant. He focuses on leadership and the relationship with wine. Yes, I said, wine. Hal is the author of Make Waves! and started Safe...
Episode #121: Being Brave Even in Uncertain Times with Sean Arnold
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Sean Arnold has had a number of roles in his life, from construction worker to actor to musician to salesman to a bartender to tv news crew and a number of things in between. He is also a...
Episode #118: Unlocking the True Potential in Kids with Dr. Daniel Fried
Sparking Back a Love of Learning through Play with Katherine Mengardon (EP117)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Katherine Mengardon is an education innovator and writer with 20 years of experience in developing online innovative education programs and resources. She is the author of the three Little Inventors non-fiction children’s books published by HarperCollins. Your background...
Episode #116: Evolving to Relentlessly Rethink Learning with Lainie Rowell
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Lainie Rowell is an educator, author, podcaster, and international speaker. As a consultant, Lainie’s client list ranges from Fortune 100 companies like Apple and Google to school districts and independent schools. She is a TEDx speaker and has...
Podcast Episode #114: Human-Centered Learning with Katherine Prince
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS One of the United States’ foremost educational futurists, Katherine Prince, leads KnowledgeWorks’ exploration of the future of learning. As Vice President of Strategic Foresight, she speaks and writes about the trends shaping education over the next decade and...
Episode #113: Be the Change You Wish to Make! with Natalie Reeves Billing
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Natalie Reeves Billing lives in Liverpool, UK, and is an inspirational teacher, creative author. lyricist, and social entrepreneur. She was the Gold & Silver UK Mums TV’s Mums Choice Awards Winner 2020 for her Monstrous Me’ Children’s Book...
Episode #112: Spread the Kindness Ripple through Books with Rich Simpson
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Rich Simpson is a Year 6 teacher, Literacy Lead, from the Isle of Wight in the UK. He blogs about books and kindness and started the hashtag #kindnessripple on Twitter. After talking with Rich about his growing up...
Episode #110: Go Get It with Chip Baker
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Chip Baker is a fourth-generation educator, a speaker, host of the Success Chronicles Podcast, host of the Radio 111.7 Show, a Coach/Trainer for the John Gordon Power of Positive Leadership, and is the author of multiple books, videos,...
Episode #109: Play and Joy through Embodied Learning with Tommaso Lana
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Tommaso (Tom) Lana is a performance and consulting artist, as well as the creator of Embodied Learning. I’ve had several conversations with Tom and am excited about sharing his journey with you, from growing up in Milan, the...
Episode #108: Aspire to Lead with Empathy, Creativity, and Passion with Joshua Stamper
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Joshua (Josh) Stamper, a middle school administrator in North Texas, is passionate about community and engagement. He provides strategies on trauma-informed practices and how to develop a restorative mindset. Josh hosts the Leadership Development Podcast and created the...
Episode #107: Engaging Learners in the Online Environment with Dr. Cynthia Sistek-Chandler
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Dr. Cynthia Sistek-Chandler, a staff developer, trainer, and professor of educational technology at National University works with schools and the San Diego County Office of Education. Since 1998, Cynthia has primarily taught online EdTech courses. She currently the...
Episode #106: Inspiring the Next Generation Leaders, Thinkers, and Problem Solvers with Derek Wenmoth
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Derek Wenmoth is regarded as one of New Zealand education’s foremost future-focused thinkers, and works extensively with schools and systems in New Zealand and elsewhere as they seek to prepare students for their future. He also consults with...
Episode #101: Making a Difference in the Lives of Every Student with Craig Shapiro
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Craig Shapiro has been teaching for 30 years. He is a health and fitness instructor at William Tennent High School in the Centennial School District, PA. Craig also coaches Cross Country, Wrestling, and Track at William Tennent. Craig...
Episode #100: Empowering Striving Readers and Writers with Laura Robb
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Laura Robb, an author, teacher, coach, and speaker who has completed more than 43 years of teaching in grades 4-8 and has written more than 25 books for teachers. She presently coaches teachers in reading/writing workshops at Powhatan...
Episode #98: Learning + Connection + Human Flourishing with Dr. Michael Crawford
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Dr. Michael Crawford is the co-founder of EdSpace, LLC, the social learning network for teachers. A researcher by training, with passion at the intersection of human development, social impact, and entrepreneurship, Michael drives all things product and community....
Episode #97: Build Hope and Spread Kindness to Impact Globally with Roman Nowak
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Roman Nowak is a High School English Teacher in Rockland, Ontario in Canada. He is a Student Success Leader, an Agent of Transformation, and is also a fitness enthusiast. I am fortunate to know Roman because of Twitter...
Episode #96: Creating an Award-Winning Culture Leading with Kindness and Empathy with Jennifer Appel
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Jennifer Appel has been teaching for 21 years and is a teacher and coach at Enterprise Middle School in West Richland, Washington. She helped launch a blog about School Culture and helped roll out a student-led leadership podcast...
Episode #94: Empowering Learners by Innovating inside the Box with George Couros
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS George Couros is an “Innovative Teaching, Learning, and Leadership Consultantâ€, speaker, as well as the author of “The Innovator’s Mindset†and “Innovate Inside the Box.â€Â Formerly, he was the Division Principal of Innovative Teaching and Learning with Parkland...
Episode #92: Creating Student Agency, Ownership, and Empowerment with Andelee Espinosa
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Andelee Espinosa is a special education teacher and has been supporting students in high school regular education classrooms for 20 years. She has a passion for personalized learning and teaching students to use their voice. She currently supports...
Episode #91: Guiding Global Citizens, Becoming Tomorrow’s Leaders with Patricia Gartland
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Patricia Gartland has been Superintendent of Schools for School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) since 2015, British Columbia’s third-largest school district with over 32,000 students and 4,000 employees in over 70 schools and facilities. Patricia instituted what has become...
Episode #90: Being the Controller of My Learning with Aidyn Grice
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Aidyn Grice is a 6th-grade doing 9th-grade math and is a student at Norris Academy in Mukwonago, Wisconsin. I met Aidyn and his mom, Nicole, at the Aurora Institute (past was iNACOL) conference in October 2019 in Palm...
Episode #87: Becoming Agents of Student Agency with Evo Hannan
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Evo Hannan is the MYP Design Teacher and Spark Tank Coordinator at Dwight School in Dubai. He is dedicated to promoting design and abstract thinking, innovation and the UN SDGs in education and beyond. His passion for design...
Episode #86: Bringing Your Imagination to Life with Stephen Hurley
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Stephen Hurley currently lives at the intersection of two passions. A life-long love of radio (since Grade 4) and a 30-year career in public education in Ontario, Canada. Stephen is the architect and chief catalyst behind voicEd Radio—a...
Episode #85: Writing to Uplift, Inform, and Bridge Understanding with Nicole Biscotti
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Nicole Biscotti is proud to be an educator and believes that everyone should have access to a quality education that connects them with their purpose. She seeks to bridge understanding, spark conversations, and inspire through her writing. Nicole...
Episode #84: Make Learning Meaningful in a Global Society with Leigh Zeitz
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Leigh Zeitz (Dr. Z) is an Associate Professor, Instructional Technology & Coordinator for the Instructional Technology division at the University of Northern Iowa College of Education, Iowa. He has had the opportunity to teach all grade levels from...
Episode #82: Connecting By Heart with Barbara Gruener
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Barbara especially enjoys...
Episode #81: Providing a S.P.I.R.I.T.E.D. Environment Where Students Thrive with Dan Jackson
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Dan is a high school business and marketing instructor in North Carolina where his...
Episode #80: Learning from Each Other to Inspire Others to Do the Same with Sarah Thomas, Ph.D.
Episode #79: Leadership, Innovation, and Divergent Teaching with Mandy Froehlich
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Mandy is the author...
Episode #75: Start with the Why: Purpose-Based Learning with Tara Linney
Episode #73: Great Minds Don’t Think Alike: Embracing Learner Variability with Nancy Weinstein
Episode #71: Amplifying Inquiry, Honoring Agency with Tonya Gilchrist
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Tonya helps schools around...
Episode #70: Taking Risks and Learning from Students Taking the Lead with Rachelle Dene Poth
Episode #69: Using Technology to Close the Opportunity Gap with Ira Socol
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Ira presents...
Episode #67: Sharing Vulnerability is a Sign of Strength with Jon Harper
Episode #66: Educate, Be Real, and Live with your Heart with Tara Martin
Episode #64: Timeless Learning by Listening and Observing How Kids Learn with Dr. Pam Moran
Episode #62: EduProtocols for Infinite Student-Centered Learning Possibilities with Jon Corippo
Episode #60: Start with Why and Stay with Why with Dr. Jim Rickabaugh
Episode #59: Moving Students from Digital Citizenship to Digital Leadership with Jennifer Casa-Todd
Episode #58: Culturize: Do Whatever It Takes for Each and Every Student with Jimmy Casas
Episode #57: Kids Speak Out on Student Engagement with Heather Wolpert-Gawron
Episode #54: Create an Awarding Winning Culture with Hans Appel
Episode #53: Leadership and Why Mindset Matters with Evan Robb
Episode #52: Stories from the Heart and Sparks in the Dark with Todd Nesloney
Episode #51: Meaningful Progress to Put Learners First with Kerry Gallagher
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS I was fortunate to do an Ignite...
Episode #47: Why Choose to Matter with Angela Maiers
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS I’ve known Angela for many years, followed her...
Episode #46: Enriching Learning through Global Collaboration with Jan Zanetis
Episode #45: Pump the Positive with Dr. Rena Hawkins
Episode #42: Embrace a Culture of Joy with Dean Shareski
Episode #41: Supporting and Mentoring Teachers with Ilene Winokur Alzaid
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS I met Ilene at...
Episode #40: Asking Good Questions and Separating Fact from Fiction with Sara Armstrong
Episode #39: Scaling Innovations with Ted Fujimoto
Episode #38: Keeping the Spark Alive with Kevin McLaughlin
Episode #37: Hope, Unity, Education, and Democracy with Dr. Darryl Adams
Episode #36: Shift This! to Implement Gradual Change with Joy Kirr
Episode #35: Finding Your Why and Telling Your Stories with Cate Tolnai
Episode #32: Connect, Collaborate, Create with Sylvia Duckworth
Episode #31: Awakening Wisdom with Linda Inlay
Episode #30: Innovation, Technology, and Human-Centered Design with Naomi Harm
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS When it comes to human-centered...
Episode #29: Learn about the World with the World with Julie Lindsay
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS I am fortunate to...
Episode #27: Authenticity, Transparency, and Culture with Abbie Forbus
Episode #25: Building the Why for Learning with Mike Mohammad
Episode #24: Video Production for Education and Social Impact with Krista Moroder
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS I met Krista in...
Episode #22: Collaboration and Creativity in Education with Leigh Hynes
Episode #21: Modeling Behaviors We Want to See with Starr Sackstein
Episode #20: A Sense of Wonderment with Linda Ullah
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS I’ve known and followed...
Episode #17: Imagining Together at City Neighbors with Bobbi Macdonald
Episode #16: Professional Learning going ROGUE with Rich Czyz
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS I started following Rich Czyz...
Episode #15: Digital Citizenship with Sue Thotz
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS I met Sue several years ago at the CUE...
Episode #14: Global Collaboration Projects with JoAnn Jacobs
Episode #9: Framing the Path with Alex Corbitt
Episode #8: Framework for Maker Education with Dr. Jackie Gerstein
Episode #6: Passionate about Digital Learning: Shelly Sanchez Terrell
Episode #4: Conversations about PBL with Paula Ford
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Conversation with Paula Ford, Kindergarten teacher in Cupertino School District, San Jose, California, who facilitates collaborative global projects with her kids. Paula shares with Barbara that most of her career has been working with low-socioeconomic English language learners...
Episode #3: My Journey into Inquiry by Shelly Vohra, Ph.D.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Rethinking Learning Podcast Series Episode #3 Conversations with Shelly Vohra on Her Journey into Inquiry Shelly Vohra, Ph.D. @raspberryberet3 shares with Barbara why inquiry connects learners to the real world. She shares how she helps teachers bring voice and...
Episode #1: Learning through Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and Teaching
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Andrew...
TL Talk Radio: Talking about Deeper Learning
Our Amazing Podcast Team
Andrew Bray is a sound engineer and designer who helps plan, organize, and pull together the Rethinking Learning podcast and introduces Barbara in the most recent podcasts. He makes sure the conversations are clear and easy listening with music and other sound effects.
If you have questions or need any help creating amazing sound on your podcast, contact Andrew at amichaelbray@gmail.com
****
Dan Fury, a sound editor and post-production engineer who works under his company, Extension Audio, has supported the Rethinking Learning podcast for over nine years as an awesome team member.
If you need help with seamless editing and post-production of your podcast, go to extensionaudio.com or contact Dan at extensionaudio@gmail.com