All Episodes

AI Can Close the Learning Gap in Underserved Classrooms. But We Have to Guide, Not Just Give – Sam Whitaker, Director of Social Impact at StudyFetch

AI is already reaching underserved classrooms—but access alone isn’t enough. This episode explores how guided, responsible use of AI can support literacy, close learning gaps, and bring personalized learning to the students who need it most.

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The Rules for Earning College Credit Are Changing, and Competency (Not Time in Seats) Matters Most – Dr. Paul Carlsen, President of Lakeshore College

How does a rural college lead a national shift? Dr. Paul Carlsen shares how Lakeshore is transforming credit through competency-based education, early college pathways, industry credentials, and $32M in competitive grant funding.

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Rethinking Risk: How Strategic Guardrails Can Actually Empower Innovation – Abim Kolawole, Chief Audit Executive at Northwestern Mutual

Abim Kolawole shares how Northwestern Mutual uses risk as a strategic tool—empowering innovation, protecting trust, and helping a 167-year-old company stay relevant in a fast-changing, tech-driven world.

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They Haven’t Graduated Yet, but They’re Already Tackling the Big Problems of 2045 – Duncan Kane, SVP at Toshiba

How do we help students think beyond the world as it is and start shaping the world as it could be? This episode explores how K–12 learners develop creativity, purpose, and problem-solving skills when they’re encouraged to tackle the challenges of the future.

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Teaching in the Age of Distraction: Why Students Can’t Focus – And What Educators Should Do About It – Dr. Gloria Mark, Author of Attention Span

Attention spans are shrinking—but it’s not just TikTok’s fault. Dr. Gloria Mark joins us to explore how digital habits, stress, and AI are reshaping student focus—and what educators can do about it.

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Inside the Tour de France: Strategy, Technology, and the Science of the World’s Toughest Race – Jason Gay, Sports Columnist at The Wall Street Journal

How does STEM factor into the world’s toughest race? Get an inside look at the Tour de France 2025, with Wall Street Journal columnist Jason Gay – featuring a unique STEM-focused look at the race.

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Open to Anything = Hired for Nothing: Accelerate Your Career Search with Smarter Networking

If your networking efforts aren’t leading to job offers, you’re not alone. This guide shows how smarter, more specific conversations can turn vague connections into real career opportunities.

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AI Engineering: The Emerging Field Poised to Secure America’s AI Advantage – Pramod Khargonekar, ERVA Co-Principal Investigator and Vice Chancellor for Research at UC Irvine

A new NSF report reveals how AI Engineering can position the U.S. at the global forefront of AI innovation, blending advanced engineering with cutting-edge artificial intelligence systems.

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The 5 Strategies Driving Transformative K-12 Education – Dr. Annalies Corbin, Founder of the PAST Foundation

What makes K–12 programs truly transformative? Dr. Annalies Corbin breaks down the 5 strategies that drive long-lasting, career-connected education—and why most reforms miss the mark.

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Robots, Ice Cream and Instagram: The Viral Mechatronics Lab Turning Engagement Into Employment – Danny Murphy, Mechatronics Professor at Central Virginia Community College

How did a mechatronics class go viral—and start landing students jobs? Discover Danny Murphy’s creative teaching methods that are engaging students, impressing employers, and redefining technical education.

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