Best Inquiry Based Teaching Podcasts (2025)

1
The Story Behind the Soil: Why This Podcast Is Shifting 22:39

Play Pause

3h ago22:39

22:39

This isn't Episode 1. This is something deeper. Before we begin the rhythm of weekly episodes, I wanted to sit down with you and share the heart behind this podcast. It’s not just about faith or teaching or educational trends — it’s about the soul work of showing up, over and over, in spaces that don’t always see the roots we're growing. In this ep…

1
Creating the Classroom You Want: Culture, Ownership, and Doing Things Differently with Evalaurene Jean-Charles (Part 2) 37:23

1d ago37:23

37:23

I discovered Evalaurene Jean-Charles on Instagram and was instantly drawn to her joyful, honest, and unfiltered reflections on life as an educator. Her posts tackle hard truths about teaching and school systems, but always with a sense of hope, purpose, and joy. In the second episode of our conversation, Eva and I explore what it really takes to bu…

1
Dr. Alexandra Seidenstein: Yoga for Back Pain & Scoliosis. Bridging the Gap Betwen Yoga & Science. Yoga & the Biopsychosocial Model for Treating Pain. 1:17:57

2d ago1:17:57

1:17:57

Dr. Ali Seidenstein is an orthopaedic surgery resident at Johns Hopkins and longtime yoga teacher with nearly 20 years of experience which included three years living and studying in India. Before medical school, Ali was on faculty at NYU’s School of Engineering, where she continues to advise premedical students. Her Ph.D. research focused on how t…

1
194. The Importance of Inquiry-Based Learning - And How to Implement It Practically 31:17

2d ago31:17

31:17

Back-to-school season is the perfect time to breathe new energy into your classroom, and one of the most powerful ways to do that is through inquiry-based learning. In this episode, I’m sharing why inquiry matters, why students often push back against it, and how you can scaffold it to feel less intimidating for everyone. I’ll break down what inqui…

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

2d 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

2d 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

6d 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

7d 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
Teaching with Self-Awareness: Finding Joy and Purpose in the Classroom with Evalaurene Jean-Charles (Part 1) 36:55

8d ago36:55

36:55

I discovered Evalaurene Jean-Charles on Instagram and was instantly drawn to her joyful, honest, and unfiltered reflections on life as an educator. Her posts tackle hard truths about teaching and school systems, but always with a sense of hope, purpose, and joy. In this first part of our two-part conversation, Eva shares why self-awareness is essen…

1
Jivana Heyman: How and Why He Teaches Accessible Yoga. Balancing Structure and Freedom in a Yoga Class. Business Development for Yogis. 1:13:42

9d ago1:13:42

1:13:42

Jivana Heyman, C-IAYT, E-RYT500, is the founder and director of Accessible Yoga, an organization dedicated to increasing access to the yoga teachings and supporting yoga teachers. He’s the author of Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body; Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage & Compassion; and The Teacher's Guide to Accessibl…

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

9d 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
193. First Year Teacher Reflections With Cienna Domke 41:19

9d ago41:19

41:19

What if you could hit pause after your first year of teaching and really process what just happened? That’s exactly what we’re doing in this episode with Cienna Domke. Cienna just wrapped up her first year teaching high school biology and chemistry in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and y’all—she brought the honesty, humility, and wisdom that only come…

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

13d 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
Cultivating Metacognition and Self-Regulation in Multilingual Learners with the Station Rotation Model (Part 4) 23:24

15d ago23:24

23:24

In this final episode of the four-part series, I explore how the Station Rotation Model can nurture self-regulation, metacognition, and agency in multilingual learners. I share practical routines—like weekly goal setting, thinking routines, and strategy choice boards—that help students reflect, monitor progress, and advocate for their needs. These …

1
Dr. Tracey Shors: Her MAP Train My Brain Program. How Our Brains Learn. Trauma, Memories and the Brain. 1:03:24

16d ago1:03:24

1:03:24

Dr. Tracey Shors is a Distinguished Professor in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience in the Department of Psychology at Rutgers University, where she is also a member of the Center for Collaborative Neuroscience. Dr. Shors has more than 150 scientific publications in journals including Nature, Science, PNAS and Nature Neuroscience, and her research…

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

16d 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
192. Teaching Biology, Managing 6 Preps, and EOC Review with Macee Huseman 36:48

16d ago36:48

36:48

What would you do if you were the entire science department at your school? That’s the reality for my guest, Macee Huseman, a powerhouse high school science teacher from Texas who juggles six preps, engaging labs, and family life with incredible grace. In this episode, Macee shares her best tips for staying organized, keeping students engaged, and …

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

20d 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

21d 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
Designing for Independence: How to Support Multilingual Learners at Online and Offline Stations (Part 3) 20:04

22d ago20:04

20:04

In this episode, I explore how intentional design can help multilingual learners thrive at the online and offline stations in a rotation model. I share seven practical strategies—from using visuals and sentence frames to building predictable routines and peer supports—that build student confidence and autonomy. You'll hear how we can move from co-r…

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

22d 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

23d 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
Dr. Susanna Søberg: Debunking Misconceptions About Cold Plunges. What Are the Benefits of Cold Exposure? How to Practice Cold Exposure For the Most Health Benefits. 1:08:36

23d ago1:08:36

1:08:36

Dr. Susanna Søberg is a Danish scientist and expert in cold and heat therapy, with a PhD in metabolism. She's the founder of the Soeberg Institute and creator of the Thermalist Method and Søberg Principle, which combine cold and heat exposure to improve health. Søberg's research focuses on how deliberate exposure to heat and cold can improve metabo…

1
191. Engaging Students, Serving ELLs, and Teaching Earth Science With Becca of Science Lessons That Rock 32:08

23d ago32:08

32:08

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to make earth science engaging and hands-on, this episode is for you! I’m joined by Becca from Science Lessons That Rock, a veteran teacher with over 15 years of experience and a passion for turning abstract concepts into meaningful, accessible learning experiences. Becca shares creative ways to teach everythi…

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

27d 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…

1
The Disengaged Teen: Understanding Why Students Check Out—and How We Reignite Their Drive to Learn 58:36

29d ago58:36

58:36

Why are so many teens tuned out, stressed out, or just going through the motions at school? In this episode, I talk with journalist Jenny Anderson and education expert Rebecca Winthrop about their new book The Disengaged Teen, which breaks down four student engagement modes—Resister, Passenger, Achiever, and Explorer—and how each one impacts a youn…

1
Natalia Mehlman Petrzela: Connect With Your Teenage Kids With Exercise. How to Approach Exercise With Your Kids. Youth Sports and Accessibility. 1:00:32

1M ago1:00:32

1:00:32

Natalia Mehlman Petrzela is a historian of contemporary American politics and culture. She is the author of CLASSROOM WARS: Language, Sex, and the Making of Modern Political Culture (Oxford University Press, 2015), and FIT NATION: The Gains and Pains of America’s Exercise Obsession (University of Chicago Press, 2023). She is Executive Producer and …

1
190. Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather Bonanno 42:40

1M ago42:40

42:40

Have you ever met a teacher who just gets it—who knows how to challenge students, meet them where they are, and do it all with purpose and empathy? That’s exactly who you’ll hear from in this episode. I chat with Heather Bonanno, a high school chemistry teacher from Pennsylvania who recently returned to the classroom after a five-year break. Heathe…

1
Erin's ADHD Diagnosis 49:49

1M ago49:49

49:49

Erin discusses her recent ADHD diagnosis. She recorded this episode in hopes that it may potentially help other people who suspect they have ADHD or who want to know more about what its like having ADHD. In this episode: Deciding to be assessed - 4:25 Being a kid with ADHD - 9:45 Struggles as an adult and in the classroom 22:00 Deciding on medicati…

1
BREAK FOR THE 4TH: Amanda’s Road Trip Advice for Teacher Parents [Ep 265] 56:42

1M ago56:42

56:42

It’s Amanda here, and if you’ve ever hit the road with a car full of kids (or just your teacher brain trying to stay five steps ahead) you know that summer travel takes some serious strategy. In this solo episode, I’m sharing all my favorite tips for stress-free, memory-filled road trips. From how I set up my car to the genius packing system that s…

1
138: Maddy Gentry shares UDL co-teaching strategies: identifying barriers through proactive lesson planning. 13:45

1M ago13:45

13:45

Join Maddy Gentry, Learning Support Teacher at Dresden International School, as she shares how UDL transforms co-teaching through critical lesson planning. Discover her breakthrough moment when vocabulary barriers disrupted a math lesson, leading to powerful insights about proactive barrier identification. Learn practical strategies for implementin…

1
Teaching U.S. History with Pocahontas – Hollywood or History Ep. 3 54:23

1M ago54:23

54:23

In Episode 3 of Hollywood or History?, Dr. Scott Roberts and guest Dr. Nancy Sardone explore how the Disney film Pocahontas can be used to foster critical thinking about early U.S. history. Learn how C3-aligned lesson plans help students analyze historical accuracy and deepen inquiry in the social studies classroom. 🎧 Guide + book: [links below] 📄 …

1
Why Small Group Instruction Works: Supporting Multilingual Learners at the Teacher-Led Station (Part 2) 21:21

1M ago21:21

21:21

In this episode, I explore how small group instruction can transform learning experiences for multilingual learners. You'll learn why the teacher-led station in a station rotation model is the ideal space to differentiate support, build confidence, and offer real-time feedback. I break down three high-impact strategies—I Do, We Do, Pairs Do, You Do…

1
Leslie Kaminoff: A Real, Honest Conversation About Yoga. Discipline and Self-Inquiry in a Yoga Class. Humility and Adaptability in Yoga. 2:20:13

1M ago2:20:13

2:20:13

Leslie Kaminoff, co-author of the bestselling book “Yoga Anatomy” and creator of YogaAnatomy.net, is a yoga educator and internationally recognized specialist with over four decades’ experience in the fields of yoga, breath anatomy and bodywork. His approach to teaching combines intellectual rigor, spontaneity and humor, and is always evolving. Lin…

1
SHE Pod S6 Episode 3: Melissa McCradden 38:54

1M ago38:54

38:54

Host: Diego Silva Guest: Melissa McCradden Project: Research paper https://www.cell.com/patterns/fulltext/S2666-3899(25)00053-4#:~:text=The%20notion%20that%20we%20can,patient%20as%20AI's%20prime%20directive. Editor: Ella Dungey Music: 'Years' by Death By Ginger https://deathbyginger.bandcamp.com/ Transcript: Provided by Otter.ai Transcript link: ht…

1
189. True Life: I Grade Everything and Because of It, I Have No Life 17:19

1M ago17:19

17:19

If grading has taken over your life, this final episode in the True Life Teacher Confession series is here to help. I’m unpacking the hidden costs of grading everything, challenging the belief that every assignment needs a grade, and sharing mindset shifts and practical strategies to help you reclaim your time. From setting clear grading boundaries…

1
5 Things We Want Teachers to Know About ADHD 42:41

1M ago42:41

42:41

Both Nicole and Erin are parents of children with ADHD. Erin was recently diagnosed as having ADHD herself. In this episode, they share the things they've learned in the last year that they wish they would have known. More Resources: 122 Rethinking That Class: What to Do When Classes Feel like a Challenge 111 Rethinking Your Classroom Management Pl…

1
Where have we been for the last two years?!? 29:19

1M ago29:19

29:19

It's been two and a half years since we recorded our last episode. So, where have we been!?! In this episode we talk about: What we've been up to Big changes and life updates What this season will entail. Support the show Connect With Erin Sadler & Nicole VanTassel Instagram: @SadlerScience // @iExploreScience Website: Sadler Science // iExploreSci…

1
AARON H. ACEVES: A Conversation about This is Why They Hate Us [Ep 264] 47:31

1M ago47:31

47:31

This episode lit us up in the best way. Amanda sat down with Aaron H. Aceves, author of This Is Why They Hate Us, for a heartfelt conversation about identity and the power of honest storytelling. Aaron’s openness about his own journey challenged us to reflect on how we, as educators, can lead with vulnerability and create space for students to do t…

1
Supporting Multilingual Learners: Why Station Rotation Works (Part 1) 24:40

1M ago24:40

24:40

In this first episode of my new series, I explore how the station rotation model can be a game-changer for multilingual learners. I break down the barriers these students often face in whole-group instruction and explain how small-group, differentiated stations create more equitable learning experiences. You'll hear how this model can help build la…

1
Jake Panasevich: From Wrestler to Men's Yoga Teacher. Men's Health, Men's Mental Health and Yoga. 1:05:39

1M ago1:05:39

1:05:39

Today, I share a podcast that I had the honor to be a guest on: The Brain Shaman Podcast, where I talk about why I started practicing yoga, how I went from college wrestler to men’s yoga teacher. I also discuss men’s health, men’s mental health, and why I believe yoga is uniquely equipped to help men work through their challenges and do so without …

1
188. True Life: I Teach a Course With a High-Stakes Test and Don’t Care About It 14:51

1M ago14:51

14:51

“Help! I teach a course with a high-stakes test that I do not care about at all, but I need to care about it. How can I make myself care?” If you've ever felt this way, this episode is for you. In this True Life: Teacher Confessions episode, I'm sharing what to do when you're stuck teaching a test-heavy course but feel totally unmotivated by the ex…

1
AIMEE PHAN: A Conversation about The Lost Queen Part 2 [Ep 263] 24:30

2M ago24:30

24:30

We’re so excited to share part two of our conversation with Aimee Phan, author of The Lost Queen! If you caught part one, you already know how rich and thoughtful this discussion is. In this episode, we dive deeper into how retellings like The Lost Queen can help students see that stories aren’t set in stone—and that they have the freedom to make s…

1
137: Librarian Lauren Boop applies UDL to design accessible, student-centered learning spaces. 18:48

2M ago18:48

18:48

Elementary librarian Lauren Boop shares how Universal Design for Learning principles transformed her approach to designing a new library space for early childhood through second grade students. From accessible book displays to student-centered learning stations, discover how UDL creates intentional, barrier-free environments that enhance learner ag…

1
World Religions & Groundhog Day – Hollywood or History Ep. 2 57:21

2M ago57:21

57:21

🎬 Dr. Scott Roberts chats with Dr. Tom Malewitz & Adam Zoeller about using Groundhog Day to explore world religions in the classroom. 📄 Show Notes: [Show Notes Here] 📘 Book Info: [Get the Book HERE]By drScottRoberts

1
From Curiosity to Curriculum: How Inquiry-Based Learning Boosts Student Engagement and Agency with Trevor MacKenzie 45:28

2M ago45:28

45:28

In this episode of The Balance, I chat with educator and author Trevor MacKenzie about how inquiry-based learning creates accessible entry points and personalized pathways that build student agency, curiosity, and deeper engagement. Trevor shares practical strategies, unpacks the phases of the inquiry process, and offers guidance for aligning inqui…

1
SHE Pod S6 Episode 2: Vittoria Porta 32:54

2M ago32:54

32:54

Host: Diego Silva Guest: Vittoria Porta Project: Research paper https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01442872.2025.2486159 Editor: Ella Dungey Transcript: Provided by Otter.ai Music: 'Years' by Death By Ginger https://deathbyginger.bandcamp.com/ Transcript link: https://otter.ai/u/cX16d0XXaBO1vYiVzI3e3KoFt74?utm_source=copy_url…

1
Dr. Jonathan Rosenthal: Scientific Literacy For Yoga Teachers. Red Flag Claims & Misconceptions About Yoga. Balancing Tradition & Accessibility in Yoga. 1:31:11

2M ago1:31:11

1:31:11

Jonathan Rosenthal, MD is a neurologist in NYC and a yoga student of Sri Dharma Mittra. He is passionate about understanding how yoga affects the brain. He hosts educational events on neuroscience and yoga, conducts scientific research on yoga, and teaches yoga to clinical populations. Jonathan's Website Jonathan's Instagram Support the show…

1
187. True Life: I’m Drowning 18:55

2M ago18:55

18:55

Are you juggling multiple preps across several grade levels, trying to run labs every week, and still show up for your family? Feeling overwhelmed by unrealistic admin expectations and a lack of student accountability? If it all feels like too much, that’s because it is too much. In this "true life" episode, I’m talking about what it really means t…