ACCESS THE SHOW All platforms & past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/ Direct Link to This Episode: https://coffeechug.simplecast.com/episodes/2134 Resources Referenced in Podcast Book referenced in podcast: The Net and the Butterfly Podcast 213: Tools, Totems, and Totalities Learn More & Connect: Learn more about Steven: www.TheSukha.co/media Community: Join over 34K members at The Sukha Instagram: @the_sukha_co Twitter/X: @stevenpuri What We Talked About This is not you...
Aug 14, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 214
What We Talk About: Why “technology” means more than just tools The role of totems in identity (think: cars, smartphones, fashion tech) How totalities define entire systems in education and society The enchantment of technology—and how it competes with human connection AI as artificial “ignorance” and the narrowing of imagination The lost art of boredom and its role in creativity What convivial design looks like in daily life (yes, the family dinner table!) Practical takeaways for teachers, pare...
Jul 29, 2025•37 min•Ep. 213
ACCESS THE SHOW All platforms & past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/ Direct Link to This Episode: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/212/ YouTubeTakeaways Authentic learning is about process, not polish . Messy work is real work. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel—we need to reconnect with what matters in learning. Students need to see themselves in their work and communities. Teachers are not meant to be the sole experts —bring in community voices. There’s power in learning “o...
Jul 17, 2025•46 min•Ep. 212
ACCESS THE SHOW All platforms and past episodes : https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/ Direct Link to This Episode : YouTube Version : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l_Kht8WObY&feature=youtu.be Takeaways Focus is not about more effort—it’s about better strategy and self-awareness. ADHD is not a deficit in intelligence but a challenge in managing attention and regulation. Productivity must include mental health, not come at the cost of it. Transitions—into university, new careers, or ind...
Apr 17, 2025•50 min•Ep. 211
All platforms and past episodes : https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/ Direct Link to This Episode : www.coffeeforthebrain.com/210 YouTube Version : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM0arJOqDbE Takeaways Linear goal-setting can trap us in burnout and a deficit mindset. Learning and growth are nonlinear—curiosity and experimentation create deeper impact. Traditional definitions of success often limit creativity and autonomy. Tiny experiments help reclaim control, joy, and discovery in our perso...
Apr 08, 2025•38 min•Ep. 210
Takeaways Learning is a vulnerable experience that requires admitting what you don't know. Creating engaging learning experiences is essential for both students and teachers. Trust and faith in the learning process are crucial for transformative education. Experience is the best teacher, and learning should be experiential. The education system needs to be remade to support teachers effectively. AI can enhance learning but does not replace the need for human creativity and experience. Creating a...
Dec 19, 2024•48 min•Ep. 209
Takeaways Mindfulness and emotional intelligence are essential in education to support the well-being of both students and educators. Establishing a noble goal and understanding one's why can help educators stay connected to their purpose and navigate challenges. Taking the time to pause, reflect on emotions, and choose self-care strategies can help educators manage stress and prevent burnout. Providing space for vulnerability and self-care in the education system is crucial for the overall well...
Jun 05, 2024•51 min•Ep. 208
Takeaways AI can be used as a tool for augmentation in education, supporting academic writing and research. Curiosity is a powerful driver of learning and exploration in the AI space. Simulations can help students test their research ideas and understand the implications of their decisions. Good writing in academia involves the ability to synthesize research, support claims, and communicate effectively. Prioritize the audience in communication and understand their needs and wants Focus on the wr...
May 30, 2024•50 min•Ep. 207
All platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/ Slidedeck of her ideas to explore as we did not get to them all https://1drv.ms/p/s!AqtnAB8NPT2-8kpLZWCCEThXQepG YouTube Video Takeaways Vicki Davis believes that students should be at least 17 or 18 years old before getting cell phones. She emphasizes the negative impact of unrestricted cell phone access on students' mental health, sleep patterns, and social interactions. Vicki recommends watching the AI Dilemma YouTube vi...
May 22, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 206
Youtube Version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cphiov_RFc&feature=youtu.be Resources Inspiration of show format from Tim Ferriss Podcast Life Lessons from Taylor Swift, Conquering Anxiety, Coaching Teens, Career Reinvention, Supposedly Gay Bulls, Your Shadow Side, and More — Soman Chainani (#720) https://tim.blog/2024/02/06/soman-chainani/ Slides of all topics shared and not shared due to time https://1drv.ms/p/s!AqtnAB8NPT2-9HrD7fxxexgmUAV6 Previous Podcast With Lisa 111: Happiness Advant...
May 07, 2024•56 min•Ep. 205
Access The Show All platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/ Direct Link:YouTube:Takeaways Gratitude can be a powerful foundation for AI, guiding its use and ensuring a positive impact. Play and experimentation are key when getting started with AI, allowing for creative exploration and learning. AI tools like ChatGPT can be used as thought partners and co-hosts, enhancing productivity and creativity. Incorporating AI in the classroom can provide new opportunities for ...
Apr 30, 2024•50 min•Ep. 204
Access The Show All platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/ Takeaways The current system of recognizing learning and competence is narrow and leaves many people behind. Credentials should include the expertise and affiliations of the content creators to provide more transparent and meaningful signaling. Considering different perspectives and ideas is crucial for a healthy democracy and society. Malformation and propaganda can distort the way facts are used and unders...
Apr 26, 2024•57 min•Ep. 203
Takeaways Combining AI with sound educational practices can enhance the learning experience. The problem is not AI itself, but how we use class time and design learning experiences. AI can be leveraged to support students in the writing process and develop their skills as learners. Effective instructional practices, such as blended learning and student agency, are essential for empowering students and creating meaningful learning experiences. AI has the potential to bring about much-needed chang...
Apr 16, 2024•45 min•Ep. 202
Takeaways Play is not just for young children, but a natural and necessary part of learning for people of all ages. Playful learning experiences engage the brain and help information stick, making learning more effective and enjoyable. Play can be rigorous and challenging, but it should not be rigid or boring. It can foster creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Integrating play into education requires a shift in mindset and a willingness to embrace a playful approach to teaching...
Apr 12, 2024•47 min•Ep. 201
Takeaways How to shift perspective on how we examine the world around us How we sometimes take visual art for granted AI is being advertised as a solution for artists, but it is also seen as a threat to the creative industry. Seeking out and appreciating discarded, low-budget, and niche art can provide a unique and fascinating experience. Life and experience life Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:33 Claire's Journey into the Comic Industry 07:03 The Importance of Visual Storytelling ...
Apr 04, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 200
Takeaways Storytelling is a powerful tool in education and can help create connections and understanding. Understanding the neuroscience behind communication and relationships can lead to more effective teaching and learning. Trust and play are essential in creating safe and engaging learning environments. The intersection of technology and humanity offers both opportunities and challenges. Reading the classics and embracing a growth mindset can enhance personal and educational development. Wint...
Mar 26, 2024•43 min•Ep. 199
Takeaways Heather Cooper's background in education and her love for reading and storytelling have influenced her approach to tech writing and content creation. Visual communication is a powerful tool for breaking down complex information and making it accessible to a wide range of audiences. AI has the potential to revolutionize education by providing personalized learning experiences and supplementing traditional teaching methods. Educators should embrace AI as a tool to enhance learning and pr...
Mar 19, 2024•55 min•Ep. 198
Personal takeaways from his book 191: Chaos Sparks: Embracing the Black Sheep Within "Authenticity resonates at a different frequency... when you experience real authenticity, you feel a sense of connection that is so much more powerful than what we experience on a daily basis." - Brant Menswar "If you don't do the work, then you don't know who you are. You know a reflection of what everybody else says you are. But you don't know you." - Brant Menswar "Real change requires real work. It's hard, ...
Mar 01, 2024•49 min•Ep. 197
Access The Show All platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/ Direct Link: There is not video for this episode. Takeaways Privacy is a fundamental right that should be protected and respected. Algorithms can limit our exposure to new ideas and perspectives, leading to echo chambers and confirmation bias. Building trust online requires responsible technology development and platforms that prioritize user needs. Education plays a crucial role in understanding the implica...
Feb 22, 2024•52 min•Ep. 196
Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:00 Creating Robo Wunderkind 08:00 The Importance of STEM Education 13:00 Promoting Diversity in STEM 18:00 Approaches to STEM Education in Different Countries 23:00 Goals of Robo Wunderkind 28:00 Success Stories and Impact 33:00 Best Piece of Advice 35:00 Raving about Something Awesome 41:00 Conclusion and Appreciation Resources Mentioned In Show https://www.robowunderkind.com/us/home https://iowastem.org/Scale-Up https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaiaro...
Feb 13, 2024•40 min•Ep. 195
ACCESS THE SHOW All platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/ Takeaways AI has the potential to bring important topics to the forefront of education, such as ethics, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Educators play a crucial role in guiding students in the ethical and responsible use of AI. AI can be leveraged to address accessibility and inclusion in education, empowering students with diverse learning needs. Teaching AI mindsets and skillsets is essential for p...
Feb 06, 2024•52 min•Ep. 194
Takeaways Stories are a powerful way to make sense of the world and navigate chaos. Self-reflection is essential for personal and professional growth. Taking action and building habits are key to achieving goals. Overcoming perfectionism and embracing imperfection is crucial for progress. Martyrdom and neglecting self-care can hinder personal and professional success. Rethinking assessment in education can lead to more meaningful and effective learning experiences. Chapters 00:00 Introduction an...
Jan 30, 2024•50 min•Ep. 193
In this episode, I speak with the Jason Gulya who is one of my top voices of AI and education. Note that this was a conversation we had back in November 2023, but due to a computer crash and loss of files it has taken me time to restore and fix all files. I was able to save this file thank goodness. Here is his bio so you can learn more about him I am currently Professor of English at Berkeley College. I have been working in higher education for about 10 years and--before coming to Berkeley--hav...
Jan 23, 2024•51 min•Ep. 192
Introducing 'Chaos Sparks' - A New Episode Style on 'Living on the Edge of Chaos' Welcome to a fresh and exciting new experiment in my podcast journey I am calling 'Chaos Sparks'. In these shorter format episodes, I am switching gears from my usual structure where I bring in incredible thought provokers and instead will bring you short, solo segments where I explore the chaotic ideas that swirl in my head that I am challenging myself to bring out into the world more. All of these nerdy, intrigui...
Jan 17, 2024•6 min•Ep. 191
Here is video version - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmyaQv2oYKY CHALLENGES & GOALS Challenges such as the rapid evolution of AI and its implications for education, concerns about AI replacing human roles, privacy issues, and ethical considerations. The primary goals identified include helping educators keep pace with these changes, understand their implications, and adapt teaching practices accordingly. There's also a shared goal to make sense of these developments collectively due to th...
Nov 30, 2023•52 min•Ep. 190
Challenges & Goals Perception is everything. Given our last 10 years with ipads and chromebooks, if people had used ipads, the way they should have been used AI would be non issue in terms of plagiarism, student work and all these other kinds of things. And so it's an issue for us today because we have always latched on to these short term solutions that bring us even more long term problems. It's really also important to question these large organizations. These really large big organizatio...
Nov 14, 2023•48 min•Ep. 189
Challenges & Goals We discussed several challenges including overcoming fears about AI, navigating rapid technological changes, addressing ethical implications of AI in education, information overload, and teacher burnout. Our goals revolve around helping educators navigate these issues and preparing them for a future where AI plays a significant role in education. Surprising Takeaways Despite thework with AI, Priten emphasized that fundamental principles of teaching do not have to change du...
Nov 01, 2023•51 min•Ep. 188
LISTEN NOW: Apple Podcast – Find this episode and a ll the previous episodes on Apple Podcast Spotify – Find this episode and previous episodes of the show on Spotify! YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjfxftzCeTU&feature=youtu.be CHALLENGES & GOALS Dwayne's main challenge revolves around bridging the gap between education and innovation. His goal is to create opportunities for his son, peers, and their age group. We discuss how technology has become a commodity that no longer am...
Oct 24, 2023•54 min•Ep. 187
In this episode, I am so excited to share this conversation with Laura Miller who is an AI Ethicist. An innovative and logical-minded AI and Ethics Specialist with an extensive background in creating ethical AI policies, developing strategies and processes to overcome challenges, and providing practical guidance in fast-paced, high-growth companies from start-ups to Fortune 500. Strategic leader with a solid business background and high cultural, ethical, and emotional intelligence. Excels at pr...
Oct 15, 2023•53 min•Ep. 186
Challenges & Goals Trying to generate diverse images using AI tools due to their inherent bias. Her goal is to address these biases within AI systems and society at large. Another challenge revolves around her desire to solve problems using technology. Her goal is to leverage her coding skills and AI to address these issues. Surprising Takeaways Lori views biases not as obstacles but as opportunities for learning and growth. Lori believes that creativity exists within a spectrum influenced b...
Oct 03, 2023•49 min•Ep. 185
