Send us a text Secondary music classrooms are increasingly challenged by student disengagement—especially when traditional models fail to resonate with today’s learners. In this compelling episode, professional bassist and music educator Richard Frank introduces his Unison-Based Content (UBC) approach, a student-centered framework designed to revitalize music programs and re-engage learners of all skill levels. UBC shifts away from the conventional jazz band structure, offering a more inclusive ...
Jul 03, 2025•28 min•Season 3Ep. 68
Send us a text Discover the power of equine therapy through the eyes of specialist Erin Cain, founder of Grace Reins Equine Therapy in Colorado. When words fall short in traditional therapy settings, horses step in as powerful healers for children struggling with anxiety, trauma, and emotional regulation. The science behind this approach is fascinating. Horses, with heart rates half that of humans despite their massive size, naturally help children downregulate their nervous systems through a mi...
Jun 19, 2025•25 min•Season 3Ep. 67
Send us a text What if the solution to many childhood developmental challenges was literally right outside our windows? Naturalist and author Susie Spiegel reveals how unstructured nature play creates the perfect environment for children to develop crucial life skills that structured indoor activities simply can't replicate. Drawing from her book " Forest Magic for Kids: How to Find Fairies, Make a Secret Fort, and Cook Up an Elfin Picnic ," Spiegel shares how simple outdoor activities like mixi...
Jun 05, 2025•30 min•Season 3Ep. 66
Send us a text "Books are the key to unlocking your soul's true potential." These aren't the words of a veteran educator or bestselling author – they come from nine-year-old Ishara, host of Ishara's Reading Podcast , literacy advocate, and aspiring astronaut who dreams of leading a mission to Mars. In this inspiring episode, Ishara is at her skating rink ( YouTube video of this episode !) She shares how her reading podcast is helping children around the world access literature, explore big ideas...
May 22, 2025•25 min•Season 3Ep. 65
Send us a text Dinalynn Rosenbush , certified speech-language pathologist and host of the Language of Play podcast, shares research-backed approaches for supporting children's communication skills through play when speech therapy services are delayed or unavailable. • Nearly 8% of children ages 3-17 have communication disorders with speech problems being most common • Children need to hear a word approximately 400 times before they begin using it themselves • Understanding the difference between...
May 08, 2025•29 min•Season 3Ep. 64
Send us a text Post-secondary planning doesn't need to be overwhelming for students, parents, or educators. Sam Bernstein shares how his app Loper is transforming this crucial process into a personalized, engaging experience that meets Gen Z where they are. • Only 74% of Gen Z teens plan to attend college, down from previous generations • Students increasingly interested in staying at home or exploring alternatives to four-year colleges • College rankings create unnecessary stress and don't acco...
Apr 24, 2025•30 min•Season 3Ep. 63
Send us a text Worried about too much screen time for your kids or students? Discover how the Who Smarted podcast is helping parents and teachers bring back curiosity, focus, and fun — without a screen in sight. In this episode, Jerry Kolber, co-founder of Atomic Entertainment and creator of Who Smarted , shares how his wildly popular educational podcast (with over 3 million downloads!) is changing the game. Learn how short, engaging, screen-free episodes are being used in classrooms and homes t...
Apr 10, 2025•22 min•Season 3Ep. 62
Send us a text Robert Barnett , co-founder of the Modern Classrooms Project , explains how their innovative teaching model helps teachers effectively reach students with diverse learning needs through blended, self-paced, mastery-based learning. Traditional teaching methods struggling with different learning paces, gaps in knowledge, and absent students can be transformed with this approach that empowers both teachers and students. • Traditional teaching models fail when teaching to the middle l...
Mar 27, 2025•25 min•Season 3Ep. 61
Send us a text The education landscape is in turmoil as schools cope with a teacher shortage that leaves over 400,000 positions unfilled. This episode tackles the pressing issue head-on, exploring how innovative education leaders are transforming staffing challenges into pathways for continuity and excellence in learning. We welcome Nicola Soares , the president of Kelly Education , to share her insights from her frontline experience in education. Discover how Kelly Education addresses staffing ...
Mar 13, 2025•25 min•Season 3Ep. 60
Send us a text Are you aware of the gender gap in financial literacy? In this episode, James Comblo shares the impact of programs like Her Wealth , designed to empower girls aged 16-28 with the tools for financial independence. Through candid discussions, relatable anecdotes, and actionable strategies, we explore how parents and educators can foster environments that prioritize vital financial conversations. We aim to dismantle the stigma surrounding money discussions and encourage open dialogue...
Feb 27, 2025•28 min•Season 3Ep. 59
Send us a text Can better mental health support in schools transform student success? Join us as we explore this critical question with Kevin DaHill-Fuchel, Executive Director of Counseling in Schools (CIS) . With him, we uncover the profound impact of integrating mental health professionals into school environments, a strategy that has notably boosted attendance and graduation rates in New York City. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the challenges faced by schools, especially in accommod...
Feb 13, 2025•36 min•Season 3Ep. 58
Send us a text What if a simple tool could improve the way we address chronic absenteeism in schools? Join me, Dr. Lisa Hassler, as I explore this provocative question with Chris Hull, the visionary founder of Otus . In this episode, we uncover how integrating various data points into a single platform can empower educators to swiftly identify at-risk students and create tailored interventions. Discover how technology not only simplifies the teaching process but also enhances a teacher's ability...
Jan 30, 2025•39 min•Season 3Ep. 57
Send us a text The episode explores the science and psychology of math anxiety and features innovative educational approaches aimed at transforming math teaching. With a PhD in Mathematics & Computer Sciences, Dr. Aditya Nagrath shares insights on early intervention, preventive strategies to improve students' confidence, and the importance of viewing math as a language. As the creator and founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy, he's on a mission to empower children with mathematics...
Jan 16, 2025•23 min•Season 3Ep. 56
Send us a text Ever wonder how teachers and parents can navigate the festive frenzy of December without losing their minds? Join me and my husband, Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., as we unlock the secrets to maintaining sanity and maximizing learning during one of the busiest times of the year. We promise you'll walk away with practical strategies like planning detailed calendars to juggle school events and holiday activities seamlessly. Discover how aligning lesson plans with holiday themes can transfor...
Dec 05, 2024•22 min•Season 3Ep. 55
Send us a text Open the gates to the golden age of nonfiction literature with Dr. Lisa Hassler and Melissa Taylor , founder of Imagination Soup , as they unravel the often-overlooked power of nonfiction books in education. Did you know that 84% of first graders show a preference for nonfiction, yet these books are not as prevalent as they should be in children's literature? Join us as we discuss the crucial role nonfiction plays in nurturing literacy skills in our information-laden world. Meliss...
Nov 21, 2024•28 min•Season 3Ep. 54
Send us a text What if the key to managing childhood anxiety lies in the stories we tell? Discover how storytelling can transform anxiety from a daunting monster into a friendly guide, as Dr. Anna Housley-Juster , a licensed mental health clinician and author of " How to Train Your Amygdala ," joins us. With a blend of empathy and humor, Anna shares her insights on how understanding the brain's alarm system can empower children to see anxiety as a protective mechanism rather than a foe. She reve...
Nov 07, 2024•33 min•Season 3Ep. 53
Send us a text Unlock the powerful role of music in transforming education with insights from Dr. Lisa Hassler and guest, Dr. Giuliana Conti , Director of Education and Equity at Music Workshop . Prepare to discover how music education can boost adolescents' mental well-being, with research backing its impact on neural connectivity and emotional health. Giuliana shares her personal journey from classical viola performance to advocating for accessible music programs, highlighting the influence of...
Oct 24, 2024•28 min•Season 3Ep. 52
Send us a text What if schools could transform chaos into community strength during a natural distaster? Join me, Dr. Lisa Hassler, as we promise a deep dive into the critical topic of hurricane preparedness in American schools. In this episode, seasoned educators Mary Guarino and Beth Donofrio, share their poignant experiences in preparing and dealing with the aftermath of hurricanes. We promise you'll gain valuable insights into the physical, educational, and emotional challenges faced by scho...
Oct 08, 2024•28 min•Season 3Ep. 51
Send us a text What if mathematics could be as captivating and enjoyable as a symphony concert? In our latest episode, we promise you'll discover innovative ways to make math not only accessible but genuinely fun for everyone. Join me, Dr. Lisa Hassler, alongside Cindy Lawrence, the inspiring Executive Director and CEO of the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) , as we explore the vital role of mathematics in our modern world and tackle the concerning decline in math performance among US stu...
Sep 26, 2024•38 min•Season 3Ep. 50
Send us a text What if we could transform education to truly empower every student, regardless of their background? Join me, Dr. Lisa Hassler, and our inspiring guest, Dr. Emily Affolter, as we uncover the potential of building just and inclusive educational environments. Drawing from Paulo Freire's "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" and Jean Anyon's "Social Class in the Hidden Curriculum of Work," we explore how education can challenge social inequalities and become a tool for liberation. In this epis...
Sep 12, 2024•33 min•Season 3Ep. 49
Send us a text Dual language programs are growing as the value of linguistic diversity is seen as a strength to be leveraged, not a challenge to be overcome. Peek into the inner workings of the dual language program with Katherine Hamilton, the Senior Vice President of Programs at Ensemble Learning . Discover how these programs not only boost academic performance but also nurture bilingualism, biliteracy, and a strong sense of cultural identity. We'll explore key instructional practices, such as...
Aug 29, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 48
Send us a text "Our traumas can either be our greatest problem or our greatest superpower," ( Dr. Robyn Koslowitz ). Which do you believe it is? Reflect on childhood trauma with Dr. Koslowitz, a nationally recognized clinical psychologist, who dives deep into her personal journey and professional insights to help us understand how trauma can be hidden beneath a child's seemingly calm exterior. Dr. Koslowitz emphasizes the necessity for creating supportive environments for children who have faced...
Aug 15, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 47
Send us a text How can understanding and integrating Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) impact the way we educate and nurture young minds? Join us as we explore SEL with Dr. Maggie Broderick, Associate Professor in the Teacher Education Department of National University’s Sanford College of Education, where she serves as a Dissertation Chair and Faculty Lead for the Curriculum and Instruction Specialization and the Social Emotional Learning Emphasis. Learn how SEL ( Casel 5 framework ) can help chi...
Aug 01, 2024•28 min•Season 2Ep. 46
Send us a text Ever wondered how the commodification of education affects our teachers' mental health and the quality of education? Join us as we explore this pressing issue with renowned healthcare executive and leadership consultant, Dr. Roger Gerard . Together, we unpack the alarming rise in teacher burnout and anxiety, exacerbated by the pandemic, and delve into the structural issues that contribute to this crisis. Drawing from Dr. Gerard's upcoming book, "Lead with Purpose: Reignite Passion...
Jul 18, 2024•30 min•Season 2Ep. 45
Send us a text Want to change your approach to teaching? Join us with Jessica Cavallaro, co-founder of The Agile Mind, as she uncovers the transformative power of Agile methodologies in the classroom. Discover how Jessica embraced Agile principles, reshaping her educational environment into a vibrant space of collaboration and student-driven problem-solving. This episode promises to equip educators and parents alike with innovative strategies for creating a more engaging and effective learning e...
Jul 04, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 44
Send us a text Can questioning transform teaching more effectively than lecturing? Join us on The Brighter Side of Education as we welcome Dr. Eric Mazur, the Balkanski Professor of Physics and Applied Physics at Harvard University, to discuss social learning and assessment. Dr. Mazur is the innovator of Peer Instruction and Perusall . His motivational lectures on interactive teaching, educational technology, and assessment have inspired people around the world to change their approach to teachi...
Jun 20, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 43
Send us a text Discover how AI can transform your classroom with insights from EdTech AI consultant Jessica Lyons. Learn how ChatGPT can simplify lesson planning and administrative tasks, drastically cutting down the time educators spend on preparation. Jessica shares her compelling journey from teacher to AI advocate, revealing how ChatGPT’s conversational prowess and advanced features can boost teacher efficiency and student engagement. We also touch on the tool's limitations, including its tr...
Jun 06, 2024•23 min•Season 2Ep. 42
Send us a text Tap into the symphony of learning with us as we explore sound-based teaching techniques in the classroom. Author, Hayes Greenfield , brings over three decades of experience to the table as a jazz musician and film composer, sharing the magic of his Creative Sound Play learning system and offering a glimpse into his upcoming book, Creative Sound Play for Young Learners. Discover how intentional sound creation can enhance executive function skills in children, tapping into their abi...
May 23, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 41
Send us a text Unlock the secrets to teaching your children the priceless skill of financial literacy, as we welcome Anthony Delauney to share his expertise and heartwarming journey as a Family Financial Planner and author of Owning the Dash children's book series. This episode is packed with engaging stories and practical advice that will change the way you approach money management with your little ones. You'll hear stories which bring to life the concepts of patience and delayed gratification...
May 09, 2024•38 min•Season 2Ep. 40
Send us a text Discover the untold challenges of generational poverty and how it shapes the educational journey of countless children. I'm Dr. Lisa Hassler, and in a heartfelt conversation with Michael Coleman, CEO of Heart of Alabama Food Bank, we peel back the layers of societal norms and hidden barriers that dictate the success or failure of our youth in the classroom. This episode promises to alter your perspective, unpacking how generational poverty affects everything from financial literac...
Apr 25, 2024•41 min•Season 2Ep. 39
