Send us a text Pour yourself a cup of coffee and join me for a chat with rock star Newbery Medalist Katherine Applegate as we celebrate the book birthday of Dogtown , The One and Only Ruby , and Odder . You know her from The One and Only Ivan , but you also know her from so many other books like Crenshaw , Wishtree , and the Animorphs series, now in a new graphic format designed by Chris Grine. [01:14] How We Met: Shenandoah University's Rally for Reading John Schu's ability to get kids excited ...
Sep 13, 2023•38 min•Ep. 51
Send us a text Meet author/illustrator team Carole Boston Weatherford and Jeffery Boston Weatherford (also mother and son). Carole has authored 70+ books, including award winning Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre ; Box: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom ; and All Rise: The Story of Ketanji Brown Jackson. Jeffery's beautiful illustrations can be found in We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices and You Can Fly: The Tuskegee Airman . On this episode, we celebrate the book birthday of their ne...
Sep 06, 2023•49 min•Ep. 50
Send us a text She's STEMspirational! Meet youth inventor Lydia Denton. At 15, she's already been honored for many of her inventions, including the Beat the Heat car seat . In this episode we explore strategies for engaging girls in STEM and inventing, as well as secrets to being well-rounded and happy. [00:52] Lydia's Background and Inventions: Lydia shares her journey as an inventor since the second grade. Her diverse education path, from homeschool to charter arts school to early college, has...
Aug 30, 2023•26 min•Ep. 49
Send us a text Covey Denton is a rock star STEM educator. We met through Steve Spangler, when we were both presenting workshops at Science in the Rockies. Check out her strategies for helping you get your science classroom funded., [01:26] - Covey's Journey Covey explains her diverse career path, starting from biomedical engineering, and transitioning into teaching through unconventional pathways. [ 04:04] - Contribution to Kesler Science Escape Rooms Covey shares how she pitched the idea of wri...
Aug 23, 2023•40 min•Ep. 48
Send us a text Dr. Ronda Taylor Bullock is the co founder and executive director of we are ( working to extend anti-racist education), a nonprofit in North Carolina that provides antiracism training for children, families, and educators. I first met Dr. Ronda at the North Carolina Reading Conference, and she blew me away with the resources and the thoughtfulness she had put behind helping teachers and families really think through how to create an antiracist environment. [01:00] Setting Kids Up ...
Aug 16, 2023•39 min•Ep. 47
Send us a text Meet Wincey Terry-Bryant, an incredible, knock your socks off edutainer who knows how to connect history, STEM, cultural, and the performing arts in a way that engages early childhood and elementary audiences. She's the CEO of WinceyCo , and an international artist who has performed with Sting and Tina Turner and guested on Sesame Street In 1988, Wincey combined her love for music, education and children to found a performing arts troupe that educates audiences about serious socia...
Aug 09, 2023•52 min•Season 3Ep. 46
Send us a text Could this be the first podcast broadcast from inside a volcano's magma chamber? As Iceland braces itself for another potential eruption, join us for a special episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast. In this episode, we go Inside the Volcano with co-founder Ólafur Þór Júlíusson and Science of Iceland host Steve Spangler. Join us to learn about the Three Peaks Crater, as well as the difference between a tourist eruption and a seriously impactful eruption. If you want to see ...
Jul 08, 2023•21 min•Ep. 45
Send us a text Corinna Luyken joins us to share her journey and the story behind her latest book, ABC and You and Me . This delightful picture book celebrates movement, creativity, and the power of imagination. We delve into the inspiration and collaborative process behind, Patchwork , written by Matt de la Pena and illustrated by Corinna. We also touch upon the influence of mindfulness in Corinna's work and her personal connection to Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings. Join us as we explore the creati...
Jun 07, 2023•49 min•Ep. 44
Send us a text Welcome to Adventures in Learning, where curiosity and connection lead to exciting discoveries. In this episode, we delve into the world of STEM picture books with the acclaimed author Sue Fliess . With a passion for combining science, technology, engineering, and math with captivating storytelling, Sue has captured the hearts of young readers and educators alike. Sue is the author of more than 50 picture books, including Goldilocks and the Three Engineers , Little Red Rhyming Hoo...
May 31, 2023•42 min•Ep. 43
Send us a text What is an edutainer? How do we use entertainment to inspire STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education for and with young students? In this episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, we talk with DLR Foundation executive directo r Shaakira Hardy. Shaakira has worked in roles such as science training, program and curriculum development, district-wide science coordinating and directing within two school districts in Florida, Mr. Barrington Irving’s The F...
May 24, 2023•36 min•Ep. 42
Send us a text May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Miranda Schnoor works for NAMI, the National Alliance of Mental Illness. As NAMI Virginia ’s Educational Support & HelpLine Coordinator, Miranda oversees the HelpLine, developing and leading a number of NAMI’s programs, and working directly with volunteers. In this conversation, we share resources and picture books that may help caregivers, families, and educators support children's mental health and social emotional learning. She graduate...
May 17, 2023•39 min•Ep. 41
Send us a text If we want to be the change in the world as the adult, first we have to look at ourselves and say, this is something we value, and then tell our children that we value that because we want every child to be seen, heard, and valued. We want every family to be seen, heard and valued. In this episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, Dr. Diane chats with Alyssa Dituro, executive director of the McNeilly Center for Children in Nashville. Alyssa is an early childhood expert with m...
May 10, 2023•39 min•Ep. 40
Send us a text "W hen I think about what experiences I want guests on the expedition to bring back with them, it's this sense of connectedness with our planet." -- Phil Hunter When I traveled to Antarctica on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with my father and sister last December, we were fortunate enough to have Phil Hunter as our expedition guide. Phil has been guiding travelers around the world’s most remote regions for the past decade, and is grateful for every chance he has to witness our pl...
May 03, 2023•49 min•Ep. 39
Send us a text What do bicycles, Bruce Lee, the Dalai Lama, and the woman who helped unlock the secrets of the atom have in common? They are all products of the creative work of author Teresa Robeson . Teresa Robeson is the APALA Picture Book Award-winning author of Queen of Physics (also ILA Nonfiction PB Honor and NCTE Orbis Pictus Nonfiction Recommended Book). Other publications include Two Bicycles in Beijing and an essay in Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep , edited by Melissa Stewart. Her upcomi...
Apr 26, 2023•33 min•Ep. 38
Send us a text Today's guest is Deborah Freedman , author/illustrator of such beloved children's books as Carl and The Meaning of Life . Tiny Dino , Shy , Is Was , and the soon to be published Welcome to the Wonder House . Educators, librarians, and families will love the resources on her website to accompany her books, which includes many teaching ideas, connected experiences and activities, and suggested read alikes for each book. I first met Deborah at the Shenandoah University Children's Lit...
Apr 19, 2023•40 min•Ep. 37
Send us a text In today's episode, we meet a power couple who really know how to connect STEM experiences and picture books for powerful 21st century learning. Kahla DeSmit is the executive director of the Lewisburg Children's Museum and Raymond DeSmit is the Summit Early Learning site coordinator and maker space director. I met both of them at a Steve Spangler workshop last year where we were putting water over our heads, making bubbles, exploring connections, and bonding over a shared love of ...
Apr 14, 2023•55 min•Ep. 36
Send us a text How often in life do you get to meet a real life superhero? Strap in for a fun ride with Captain Antarctica , aka Sean McBride. A former member of Australia's Special Forces, he's studied anthropology, taught survival skills, organized rescues, created a character and blog dedicated to educating about Antarctica, and became a Buddhist Zen monk. Marvel, if you're listening, his juicy backstory starts at 36:27, and it rivals anything Hawkeye or Captain America have done. In this con...
Apr 05, 2023•50 min•Ep. 35
Send us a text In today's podcast episode, we visit with parenting expert, coach, blogger, and podcast host of Parenting in the First Three Years , Ann McKitrick. Ann is an early childhood specialist. She has done training and coaching for schools. She also coaches new parents and caregivers, and her podcast is a delight. If you haven't started following it, please head over to nurturednoggins.com and check out all that Ann has to offer. [0:51] Tell us about your adventures in learning. How did ...
Mar 29, 2023•29 min•Ep. 34
Send us a text Soar today with our guest Alison Green Myers , whose first book for middle grade readers, A Bird Will Soar , received the American Library Association's 2022 Schneider Family Book Award and the Pennsylvania State Library Association's 2022 Carolyn W. Field Award . Alison is the program director for the Highlights Foundation , a national writing fellow, and an active member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. And beyond that, she's got a ton of classroom exp...
Mar 22, 2023•46 min•Ep. 33
Send us a text On this episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, we chat with award-winning actor, entrepreneur, educator, radio host, and long-time friend Denise Summerford. Join us for a lively conversation that explores the impact the arts can have on preparing students for a wide range of career options, the importance of improv and being comfortable with pivoting for teachers and actors, and what it takes to launch a business like Broadway Arts Collective . We talk about the importance...
Mar 15, 2023•32 min•Ep. 32
Send us a text In this episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, we meet joyful world traveler Georgina "Gigi" Satchell. I met Gigi on deck as we both drank in our first views of the Antarctic Peninsula. Join us as we share our love and passion for Antarctica (it took Gigi two attempts at crossing the Drake Passage to make it to the Continent), discuss lessons we've brought home to our daily lives, and discuss Gigi's passion for baking, travel, and making a difference in the world. Followin...
Mar 08, 2023•35 min•Ep. 31
Send us a text On today's Adventure in Learning podcast, we meet Gaby Pilson, a guide and outdoor educator with a passion for introducing people to the world’s most beautiful and unique places. Gaby is also a founder and board secretary of Ocean Youth Academy , a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a sustainable model of education that connects youth with the ocean and the wonders of our natural world. Gaby holds undergraduate degrees in Philosophy and Environmental Studies, with...
Mar 01, 2023•30 min•Ep. 30
Send us a text What brings joy to award-winning author Alicia D. Williams ? Bubble baths, her daughter's smile, and authentic connections, for starters. Alicia D Williams just won the Coretta Scott King Author Honor award for her poignant and thought provoking picture book, The Talk . . She is the author of Genesis Begins Again , which received the Newbery and Kirkus Prize honors, was a William C. Morris prize finalist, and won the Coretta Scott King--John Steptoe Award for New Talent. Alicia D ...
Feb 22, 2023•37 min•Ep. 29
Send us a text Why is science so important in our lives? And how can we do a better job of preparing young children to love science and to embrace the wide range of STEM careers available to them? We discuss all this and more with Holden Thorp, Editor-In-Chief of the Science family of journals. I've known Holden since we were kids growing up in Fayetteville, NC, and he was one of my first role models for someone who seamlessly blended a love of science with a love of the arts. H. Holden Thorp is...
Feb 15, 2023•29 min•Ep. 28
Send us a text Hippos named Fiona, whether robots feel afraid, stories as gateways for building empathy and compassion, broadening what is perceived as diverse literature, and creatively avoiding silos. We talk about all of that and more with Newbery Honor winner Jasmine Warga on today's episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast. Jasmine Warga is The New York Times best selling author of middle grade novels Other Words for Home , The Shape of Thunder , and A Rover's Story . Other Words For H...
Feb 08, 2023•37 min•Ep. 27
Send us a text She loves leopard seals and cormorants even more than penguins -- and she tells an amazing and engaging story. Meet Nicole Flores Jara, an experienced tour guide and travel leader who has been to Antarctica at least eight times. Nicole was born and raised in Chile. Her passion about her country and the region sparked her adventure in learning. She's been leading travel programs since 1998, encouraging people to connect with nature, culture, and with each other. Nicole is a true be...
Feb 01, 2023•43 min•Ep. 26
Send us a text If you love history and you are fascinated by women in STEM, you definitely want to meet Nina Chhita, the creator of the popular Instagram account @nina.draws.scientists . If you're not following this account, stop what you are doing and follow it right now, because Nina Chhita is a talented writer. She's also a scientist, and she does these amazing illustrations of the stories you don't know about women in STEM. In this episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, we discuss fa...
Jan 25, 2023•34 min•Ep. 25
Send us a text Learning through play is the hallmark of Millbrook Community Preschool , an innovative preschool program currently celebrating its 16th year in operation. In this discussion, three of the women who founded and led the preschool during the last 16 years share insights into what makes a powerful early childhood education experience. Play, the arts, literacy, and STEM/STEAM are all explored in this conversation with Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor, Deborah Coconis, and Maureen Sarma. Grab ...
Jan 18, 2023•54 min•Ep. 24
Send us a text Where do we go for hope in dark times? In this special conversation with Bishop Doug Fisher (Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts), we talk climate action, radical empathy, compassion, and baseball. Plus Bishop Doug offers five strategies for hope in the winter darkness. The Right Rev. Dr. Douglas John Fisher is the IX Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts. Bishop Doug was rector of Grace Church, Millbrook , New York for twelve years before election to the...
Jan 11, 2023•33 min•Ep. 23
Send us a text Happy New Year, and welcome to Season 2 of the Adventures in Learning podcast. Our very first guest of 2023 is Dr. Mary Payton . You are in for such a treat. We have a STEM pioneer, educator, author, and All About STEM radio program host on the episode today (and she's a personal hero of mine). [01:16] Let's meet Dr. Mary Payton [03:42] What was some of the biggest obstacles or challenges that Dr Mary faced when she was serving in the military or working as a teacher? What were so...
Jan 04, 2023•44 min•Ep. 22
