Best Inquiry Based Teaching Podcasts (2025)

1
2026 Will Bring Uncomfortable Shifts, and That’s a Really Good Thing - BNT Team Meeting [Ep 279] 23:52

Play Pause

41m ago23:52

23:52

If you’re limping toward break and just trying to survive the week, this episode is a quick, honest team meeting and much-needed reality check. I reflect on how teaching has shifted since 2020, how AI and technology are changing our classrooms, and why many old strategies no longer work. This isn’t about changing everything now, but about planting …

1
Episode 153: 2025 Holiday Gift Guide 40:12

1h ago40:12

40:12

Julian Sequeira from PyBites joins Sean and Kelly to share their top holiday gift picks for coders, makers, and educators. This episode features 15+ gift ideas ranging from budget-friendly maker tools to classroom robots—plus book recommendations, coding platforms, and a few surprises. Show Notes Wins of the Week Julian: Staying focused on "the one…

1
Kids Have Officially Forgotten How to Play, and We’re Going to Help Them Remember! - BNT Team Meeting [Episode 278] 17:54

4h ago17:54

17:54

If your algorithm has also been screaming “screens are ruining humanity!” at you lately, then you’re right at home with us in this week’s team meeting. We break down the tech panic, talk about why students are tech comfortable but not tech fluent, and shift the focus back to building real human skills through creativity and play. From improv to pan…

1
Phones, Chromebooks, AI, and The Battle for Their Attention (Send Help!) - BNT Team Meeting [Episode 277] 26:30

1d ago26:30

26:30

Screens are running the show, and we need to talk about it! Phones, Chromebooks, AI - they’re everywhere, and they’re changing how students focus, work, and just be. I (it's Marie!) break down two articles, one on how kids think we can get them off their phones, and another on how screen time is shaping education. From chaos during unstructured tim…

1
Ok, but what if the secret to getting them to read is getting them to WRITE?? - BNT Team Meeting (Episode 276) 30:45

6d ago30:45

30:45

In this week's Brave New Teaching team meeting, Marie's going a bit off-script with an idea that has been bouncing around her head the last couple weeks about how to get students to engage with reading and the literacy epidemic that is plaguing society at large (it's a lot, we know...). Is the secret to getting students reading actually in just get…

1
Reclaiming Our Attention with Menka Sanghvi 38:38

20d ago38:38

38:38

In this episode, host Claire Bown is joined by Menka Sanghvi, researcher, writer, guide and founder of Just Looking. Menka’s work explores attention through science, culture and creativity, and encourages us to slow down and notice more in our everyday lives. Together, we talk about why ordinary moments matter, how our attentional filters shape wha…

1
Episode 152: High School CS with Quincy Tennyson 54:19

18d ago54:19

54:19

In this episode, we sit down with Quincy Tennyson, who teaches an impressive four-year computer science pathway at Fern Creek High School. Quincy's background in the Marine Corps and as a network engineer brings a unique perspective to CS education. He discusses his curriculum progression from introductory courses through AP Computer Science Princi…

1
SHE Pod S6 Episode 6: Supriya Subramani and Bryan Mukandi 59:06

17d ago59:06

59:06

Host: Gabriel Watts Guests: Supriya Subramani and Bryan Mukandi Project: Passive Patient Culture in India: Disrespect in Law and Medicine (BookEditor: Ella Dungey Music: 'Years' by Death By Ginger Transcript: Provided by Otter.ai

1
S13 E2: Bringing Science and Math to Life for Every Learner 12:21

15d ago12:21

12:21

Send us a text In this episode of Practical Access, Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines focus on providing science and math tools for teachers working with students of all abilities. They highlight the importance of making abstract concepts like data and computation more engaging and accessible. The discussion features practical, research-backed resource…

1
Fine, We Can Game-ify Reading (But No Gimmicks!) - BNT Team Meeting [Episode 275] 31:56

27d ago31:56

31:56

Consider this your official invite to our Brave New Teaching team meeting! We’re catching you up on life, sharing what’s happening in our classrooms and libraries, and digging into why fun and whimsy are essential for bringing joy back to reading. We talk about the real challenges of getting students excited about books, our evolving thoughts on “g…

1
The Art Engager x NEMO: Who Cares? Museums, Wellbeing and Resilience 51:31

26d ago51:31

51:31

In this special episode created in collaboration with NEMO – the Network of European Museum Organisations, I’m sharing voices and ideas from the 2025 NEMO European Museum Conference ‘Who Cares? Museums, Wellbeing and Resilience’ in Horsens, Denmark. Recorded during the conference itself in the unique setting of the FÆNGSLET Prison Museum, this epis…

1
S13 E1: Filling the Gap: Practical Coaching for Math and Science Educators 15:15

1M ago15:15

15:15

Send us a text In this episode of Practical Access, Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines reunite to kick off a new season focused on filling important gaps in the field of education. They introduce their collaborative work on the FLITE STEM Coaching project, a national initiative designed to support math and science coaches working alongside special educa…

1
Slow looking, leadership and the neuroscience of perspective-taking 52:51

2M ago52:51

52:51

In this episode of The Art Engager, I’m talking with Dr Elizabeth (Zab) Johnson, Executive Director of the Wharton Neuroscience Initiative and a visual neuroscientist whose work explores the intersection of art, perception and leadership. Zab’s research asks one key question: how does what we see guide our decisions, actions and behaviours? Her wor…

1
TEACHING DYSTOPIA: Our NEW Favorite Stories & Protagonists [Ep 274] 32:19

2M ago32:19

32:19

Think you’ve seen all the dystopia books out there? Think again! In part three of our “Teaching Dystopia” series, we share hidden gems, fresh picks, and classics, from middle grade survival stories to YA novels exploring climate change and government control. We highlight favorites like Alone and Station Eleven, plus TV and movie options like The S…

1
Teaching Social Studies with The Simpsons – Hollywood or History Ep. 11 1:33:29

2M ago1:33:29

1:33:29

Dr. Annie McMahon Whitlock, Dr. Timothy N. Constant & Kymberli Wregglesworth join Dr. Scott Roberts to explore how episodes of The Simpsons can be used to teach economics, government, and civic identity in the classroom. 📄 Show notes: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/7v989y7y66xiq65p/Hollywood_or_History_episode_117xnq1.pdf 📘 Book: https://bookstore…

1
TEACHING DYSTOPIA: A Spotlight for Juxtaposition [Ep 273] 28:04

2M ago28:04

28:04

Have you ever felt like dystopia is the genre that just keeps on giving? In part two of our dystopia series, we focus on the essential skills that make these texts come alive in your classroom, showing why depth beats covering everything superficially. We explore how teaching students to notice author moves like juxtaposition helps them analyze ten…

1
Ask Me Anything: Your Questions on Museum Engagement and Facilitation 39:01

2M ago39:01

39:01

In today's solo episode, host Claire Bown celebrates the one-year anniversary of The Art Engager book with our first-ever Ask Me Anything format. She answers 10 practical questions from listeners about facilitating guided experiences in museums. From how long to let people look at artworks to building psychological safety with established groups, C…

1
TEACHING DYSTOPIA: New Essential Questions to Try [Ep 272] 30:16

2M ago30:16

30:16

Ready to refresh your dystopia unit? In this episode, we explore how to make the genre feel fresh, relevant, and engaging for today’s students by rethinking essential questions and diving deeper into structure, theme, and skill connections. From moving beyond the classic “Is America a dystopia?” debate to exploring what it means to rebuild a broken…

1
Teaching Inequality with Hidden Figures – Hollywood or History Ep. 10 1:19:55

2M ago1:19:55

1:19:55

Dr. Sarah Kaka & Lucas George join Dr. Scott Roberts to discuss teaching inequality through Hidden Figures—from race and gender in STEM to systemic inequities across U.S. history. 📄 Show notes: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/jpszf97sat3qwph6/Hollywood_or_History_episode_108pt84.pdf 📘 Book: https://bookstore.emerald.com/hollywood-or-history-hb-9781…

1
Exploring Poetry Through Museums and Visual Art with Tina Demirdjian 41:36

3M ago41:36

41:36

In this episode of The Art Engager Claire Bown talks with Tina Demirdjian, a poet and educator who has spent over 30 years transforming how people connect with poetry and visual art. Tina is someone who in her own words 'changes people's minds' about poetry, about themselves and about their capacity for creative expression. Working primarily with s…

1
Episode 151: AI in Practice: Learning from Law & Beyond with Pritesh Patel 54:50

3M ago54:50

54:50

In this episode, Sean and Kelly welcome Pritesh Patel, a computer scientist specializing in AI who brings over 20 years of experience from companies like Turner Broadcasting, Walmart, and GE to his current role at Fisher Phillips law firm. Pritesh shares fascinating insights about implementing AI in knowledge-based industries, from automating his p…

1
Teaching Genocide & Trauma with Hotel Rwanda – Hollywood or History Ep. 9 1:30:30

3M ago1:30:30

1:30:30

Dr. Paul Yoder & Leona Calkins join Dr. Scott Roberts to discuss teaching genocide, trauma, and resilience through the film Hotel Rwanda. This episode unpacks strategies for helping students critically engage with difficult histories. 📄 Show notes: [PDF link HERE] 📘 Book: https://bookstore.emerald.com/hollywood-or-history-hb-9781648029363.html…

1
Belonging, Community and Co-curation at Manchester Museum with Ciaron Wilkinson 45:08

3M ago45:08

45:08

In this episode of The Art Engager, Claire Bown talks with Ciaron Wilkinson, Head of Partnerships and Engagement at Manchester Museum — one of the UK’s largest university museums and recent winner of European Museum of the Year. After a values-led redevelopment, Manchester Museum has reimagined how a museum can engage with its community. Its missio…

1
SHE Pod S6 Episode 5: Tamra Lysaght and Christopher Rudge 36:46

3M ago36:46

36:46

Host: Gabriel Watts Guests: Tamra Lysaght and Christopher Rudge Project: Research paper https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5383460 Editor: Ella Dungey Music: 'Years' by Death By Ginger https://deathbyginger.bandcamp.com/ Transcript: Provided by Otter.ai Transcript link: https://otter.ai/u/GAj4E2PytimGnz6shbiepIVfL4I?utm_source=copy…

1
Teaching Mayan History with Apocalypto – Hollywood or History Ep. 8 1:02:14

3M ago1:02:14

1:02:14

Dr. Timothy Monreal & Dr. Jesús Tirado join Dr. Scott Roberts to discuss how the film Apocalypto can be used to critically examine Mayan civilization, media bias, and world history through inquiry. 📄 Show notes: [PDF link] 📘 Book: [Book Link]By drScottRoberts

1
Taking the fear out of inquiry-based teaching in the museum 23:51

4M ago23:51

23:51

In today's solo episode, host Claire Bown shares practical strategies for overcoming the most common fears about inquiry-based teaching in museums. From handling uncertainty and awkward silences to managing participation and time, she guides you through simple, actionable ways to build confidence and make inquiry feel rewarding- for you and your pa…

1
Episode 150: LLMs with Simon WIllison 1:36:27

4M ago1:36:27

1:36:27

In this milestone 150th episode, hosts Kelly Schuster-Paredes and Sean Tibor sit down with Simon Willison, co-creator of Django and creator of Datasette and LLM tools, for an in-depth conversation about artificial intelligence in Python education. The discussion covers the current landscape of LLMs in coding education, from the benefits of faster i…

1
An American Tail & Teaching Immigration – Hollywood or History Ep. 7 1:12:34

4M ago1:12:34

1:12:34

Dr. Scott Roberts welcomes Kate Van Harren to explore how An American Tail can be used to teach U.S. immigration, labor history, and cultural identity in the elementary classroom. 📄 Show notes: [Insert PDF link] 📘 Book: [Link to the Book]By drScottRoberts

1
Building a Classroom Community Series Part 3: The Science Classroom 27:56

4M ago27:56

27:56

In this episode, Erin continues her conversation with middle school science teacher Char Ritchie. Char explains how she builds on the community building practices discussed in the last episode to build a science routines that contribute to a safe classroom community. More Resources: Episode 121: Respect Agreements Check out Char’s resources on Teac…

1
BACK TO SCHOOL: State of the BNT Union + Reading Update [Ep 271] 46:44

4M ago46:44

46:44

In this “State of the BNT Union” episode, we’re sharing where the Brave New Teaching podcast is headed next, from a new focus on YouTube and refreshed dystopia content to better-organized resources for teachers...plus a peek at the projects we’re most excited about this year. Along the way, we’re swapping back-to-school recommendations, current rea…

1
Black-ish, Voting & Teaching with Sitcoms – Hollywood or History Ep. 6 1:26:49

4M ago1:26:49

1:26:49

Dr. Starlynn Nance joins Dr. Scott Roberts to explore how sitcoms like Black-ish and Derry Girls help students unpack civic identity, voting rights, and race. 📄 Show notes: [Link Here] 📘 Book: [Link to the Book]By drScottRoberts

1
Building a Classroom Community Series Part 2: Respect Agreements and Community Circles 34:46

4M ago34:46

34:46

In the second episode of our 3-part series on building classroom community and expectations, Erin shares conversations with two special guests — Bailey and her 8th grade science teacher, Char Ritchie. They reflect on their experiences with Respect Agreements (also called Community Agreements) and Community Circles — what worked, what was challengin…

1
INDEPENDENT READING: Breaking Down the Backwards Design for ELA Classrooms [Ep 270] 41:03

4M ago41:03

41:03

We’re calling it: independent reading is the back-to-school move of the year! In this episode, we’re getting honest about what it takes to build a reading culture that actually sticks, without burning you (or your students) out by October. We share the real talk on what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how our thinking has shifted post-COVID to make inde…

1
Building Classroom Community Series Part 1: Interview with Erin's Daughter 33:13

5M ago33:13

33:13

In this first episode of our 3-part series on building classroom community and expectations, Erin interviews a special guest — her daughter! Together, they reflect on the things that helped her feel seen, supported, and respected throughout middle school. From small gestures to classroom routines, this conversation offers a unique student perspecti…

1
SHE Pod S6 Episode 4: Diego Silva 21:14

5M ago21:14

21:14

Host: Kathryn MacKay Guest: Diego Silva Project: Research paper https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40592-025-00237-2 Editor: Ella Dungey Music: ‘Years’ by Death By Ginger https://deathbyginger.bandcamp.com/ Transcript: Provided by Otter.ai Transcript link: https://otter.ai/u/zL3OUTrFiNWqzvofLfxLM8REovc?utm_source=copy_url…

1
TJ KLUNE: A Conversation about The House in the Cerulean Sea [Ep 269] 1:24:33

5M ago1:24:33

1:24:33

In our final episode of Camp BNT, we got to sit down with none other than TJ Klune, author of The House in the Cerulean Sea—and let’s just say, it was everything we hoped for and more! We laughed, fangirled (a lot), and had the most meaningful conversation about TJ’s journey as a neurodivergent, queer kid from rural Oregon, how teachers shaped his …

1
Saving Private Ryan & Just War Theory – Hollywood or History Ep. 5 58:58

5M ago58:58

58:58

Dr. Scott Roberts joins Dr. Mark Pearcy to explore how films like Saving Private Ryan and Glory can help students evaluate the ethics and realities of war through the lens of Just War Theory. 📄 Show notes: [PDF link] 📘 Book: [Book link]By drScottRoberts

1
"Start Small" Series: Deepen Learning By Reducing Tasks 14:37

5M ago14:37

14:37

In the third episode of this "Start Small" series, Nicole shares some ways we can deepen learning by replacing *quantity* with *quality* in our science classrooms. More isn't always better, and while it can sometimes feel counterintuitive, cutting back on the amount of work we assign can open the gateway for richer discussions, natural differentiat…

1
HUDA FAHMY: A Conversation about Huda F Cares? [Ep 268] 47:24

5M ago47:24

47:24

We’ve been wanting to bring Huda Fahmy on the podcast for a long time, and this conversation was well worth the wait! From her journey as an English teacher to bestselling graphic novelist, to the power of humor, representation, and student voice, Huda shares how her work helps young readers feel seen—and why that matters. We talk about the themes …

1
"Start Small" Series: Quick Strategies To Get Your Students Thinking 16:18

5M ago16:18

16:18

In the second episode of this "Start Small" series, Nicole shares a few strategies to create a better THINKING science classroom -- you know, the kind where students actually NOTICE that the bird isn't giving its energy to the worm or that it just doesn't make sense for a pencil to measure 8 meters! More Resources: Why You Need Vertical Whiteboards…

1
LIBBA BRAY: A Conversation about Under the Same Stars [Ep 267] 58:53

5M ago58:53

58:53

Some conversations leave a mark, and this one with author Libba Bray is exactly that. From the first few minutes, we found ourselves completely pulled in by her honesty, humor, and the kind of insight that makes you pause and say, “Yes, that’s it.” What started as a chat about books quickly turned into a rich, winding conversation about creativity,…

1
Empathy & Activism with The One and Only Ivan – Hollywood or History Ep. 4 59:49

5M ago59:49

59:49

Dr. Scott Roberts speaks with Drs. Pennington, Fortune, Tackett & Horst on using The One and Only Ivan to teach elementary students about empathy, activism, and civic engagement. 📄 Show notes: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/vcpviustfx6tmsg8/Hollywood_or_History_Podcast_Episode_4azm52.pdf 📘 Book: https://bookstore.emerald.com/hollywood-or-history-h…

1
Episode 149: Guiding Education with Sheena O'Connell 47:42

5M ago47:42

47:42

Description In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Sheena O'Connell, an educator and developer from South Africa who has been making waves in the Python education community. Sheena shares her journey from electrical engineering to founding Prelude, where she runs advanced Django learning sprints and teamwork training courses. We explore the cri…

1
"Start Small" Series: Building Simple Routines With 3D Practices 29:54

5M ago29:54

29:54

In the first episode of this "Start Small" series, Nicole shares three ideas to consider implementing this fall that will engage your students in three-dimensional learning in a way that builds skill through consistency and practice -- all without eating up huge chunks of class time OR creating a sense of overwhelm for you or your students. 1) Noti…

1
KATIE BAYERL: A Conversation about What Comes After [Ep 266] 45:22

5M ago45:22

45:22

If you've ever daydreamed about writing a novel between grading essays, this one’s for you. In this episode, we chat with former English teacher turned YA author Katie Bayerl about her newest book, What Comes After—a laugh-out-loud, heart-tugging story about grief, identity, and the afterlife. Katie shares her journey from the classroom to the writ…