Best Instructional Redesign Podcasts (2025)

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286. Accelerating Reading Fluency with Tim Waldron 29:47

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1h ago29:47

29:47

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we dive into reading skills development with Tim Waldron, CEO of Readable English. We explore why so many students—especially in upper elementary, middle, and high school—are still reading below grade level and what it takes to close that gap quickly. The stakes are high: student confidence, classroom participat…

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Growing a Heart for the Lost (Audio)

2d ago

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By Patrick Odle

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The Psalmist of Israel (Audio)

8d ago

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By Joe Kappel

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Why Have You Forsaken Me? (Audio)

9d ago

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By Joe Kappel

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285. Instructional Audio for Equitable Classrooms with David Solomon 29:50

8d ago29:50

29:50

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome David Solomon, CEO of Lightspeed Technologies, to unpack “instructional audio”—low-volume, high-clarity sound that makes the teacher’s voice equally intelligible in every seat. We explore why clarity beats volume for attention, language development, and early learners, and how speaking in a natural to…

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The Reign of the Lord's Anointed (Audio)

16d ago

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By Dalton Parker

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284. Restorative Schools, Real Accountability with Nicholas Bradford 32:28

15d ago32:28

32:28

When it comes to student behavior, punishment often gets mistaken for progress. In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Nicholas Bradford, founder of the National Center for Restorative Justice, to explore a better path: restorative practices that build relationships, invite accountability, and strengthen school communities. Nicholas …

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The Way of the Righteous, the Way of the Wicked (Audio)

23d ago

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By Tim Brokke

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283. The Early Childhood Promise with Dr. Aimee E. Ketchum & Dr. Crystal Corle Loose 31:03

22d ago31:03

31:03

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome Dr. Aimee E. Ketchum and Dr. Crystal Corle Loose, co-authors of The Early Childhood Promise. With a wealth of experience in pediatrics, occupational therapy, early education, and community outreach, they guide us through the transformative power of early childhood through evidence-backed strategies an…

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Bondservants and Masters (Audio)

1M ago

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By Mark Cizauskas

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282. Place-Based Nature Learning with Christie McKelvie 31:03

29d ago31:03

31:03

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Christie McKelvie, co-founder and director of Rooted & Free Nature School, to talk about the transformative potential of place-based education. Christie shares her journey from classroom teacher to nature school founder, explaining how hands-on outdoor learning can nurture children’s confidence,…

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Discipline and Instruction: God’s Model for Parenting (Audio)

1M ago

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By Mark Cizauskas

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281. Generational Learning Shifts with Jeff Utecht 34:02

1M ago34:02

34:02

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Jeff Utecht, co-host of the Shifting Schools podcast and a consultant focused on generational change and AI in education. We explore how different generations—Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and even Gen Alpha—bring unique values and expectations to both learning and work, and why understa…

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Parenting in Light of the Gospel (Audio)

1M ago

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By Mark Cizauskas

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BONUS. Changing the Education Ecosystem with Byron Sanders 41:32

1M ago41:32

41:32

Welcome to our special series where we’ll explore four learning sites that are part of the Education Reimagined Ecosystem Lab. Usually, we take the month of July off, but this year we’re going to re-examine past episodes and big conversations. The traditional educational ecosystem is not built to reflect kids’ lived experiences and development. It …

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Honor Your Father and Mother (Audio)

2M ago

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By Mark Cizauskas

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BONUS. Building Students and Staff Agency with Johnna Noll 33:48

2M ago33:48

33:48

Welcome to our special series where we’ll explore four learning sites that are part of the Education Reimagined Ecosystem Lab. Usually, we take the month of July off, but this year we’re going to re-examine past episodes and big conversations. In 2015, Norris School District came to Johnna Noll with a learner-centered educational consultant’s dream…

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Children Obey Your Parents (Audio)

2M ago

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By Mark Cizauskas

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An Actor's Purpose, Resilience, and Joy with Jefferson A. Russell 1:31:56

2M ago1:31:56

1:31:56

Send us a text In this episode of KeyBARD, Thembi sits down with the brilliant and beloved Jefferson A. Russell, a powerhouse stage actor and resident company member of Everyman Theatre in Baltimore, MD, USA. Jefferson’s path has taken him from law enforcement to the footlights, and his reflections on joy, grief, resilience, and the evolution of hi…

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BONUS. Relationship as the Basis of Education with Jim Bailey of Rocky Tree Sky 38:15

2M ago38:15

38:15

Welcome to our special series where we’ll explore four learning sites that are part of the Education Reimagined Ecosystem Lab. Usually, we take the month of July off, but this year we’re going to re-examine past episodes and big conversations. The most important thing adults can provide young people in their learning journey is a caring relationshi…

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The Hope of the Resurrection (Audio)

2M ago

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By Mark Cizauskas

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The REALM: Redesigning Education with Victoria Forsman and Jessica Slayback 43:42

2M ago43:42

43:42

Send us a text Host Thembi Duncan welcomes Victoria Forsman and Jessica Slayback, co-founders of The REALM (Redesigning Education and Living Meaningfully), a vibrant educational community in Santa Monica California that’s been changing the way kids learn for 15 years. They share their inspiration for creating REALM and describe what it takes to cre…

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BONUS. Supporting Individual Interests and Strengths with Steve Heath 34:11

2M ago34:11

34:11

Welcome to our special series where we’ll explore four learning sites that are part of the Education Reimagined Ecosystem Lab. Usually, we take the month of July off, but this year we’re going to re-examine past episodes and big conversations. Steve Heath calls himself a “professional confuser.” In a world where kids are defined by grades, test sco…

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280. Internships & Student Agency with Aya Belouadah 28:06

2M ago28:06

28:06

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore the transformative power of internships with Aya Belouadah, a college student at The Ohio State University and PAST Foundation Intern. Aya shares her journey from early high school internships to her current college experiences, highlighting how hands-on opportunities have shaped her approach to learn…

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To Him Be Glory Forever And Ever (Audio)

3M ago

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By Ashok Andrews

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Faith and Fearlessness in Theatre with Deidra LaWan Starnes 1:13:30

3M ago1:13:30

1:13:30

Send us a text In this episode of KeyBARD, host Thembi Duncan talks with award-winning actor, director, and educator Deidra LaWan Starnes for an unfiltered conversation about her lifelong career in theatre. With honesty, humor, and heart, Deidra reflects on what it means to lead in the American theatre as a woman of faith. We talk about: Her journe…

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279. Science Storytelling for Kids with Marshall Escamilla 33:15

3M ago33:15

33:15

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome Marshall Escamilla, co-host and music creator for the Tumble Podcast, a show that brings the wonders of science directly to kids and families. Marshall shares how Tumble was born out of a desire to make science accessible, fun, and genuinely engaging—not just for future scientists, but for every curio…

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Advocating for Children in Foster Care with Sharon Dunlevy 1:04:19

3M ago1:04:19

1:04:19

Send us a text Sharon Dunlevy shares her journey from special education to foster care advocacy, offering deep insights on trauma-informed education, caregiver collaboration, and what it takes to truly support vulnerable kids in school. We talk about: Why childhood trauma is a brain response, not just an event What teachers and schools often miss a…

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Singleness and the Sovereignty of God (Audio)

3M ago

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By Mark Cizauskas

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278. Digital Citizenship & Leadership with Dr. Lisa Strohman 31:37

3M ago31:37

31:37

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Dr. Lisa Strohman, founder of Digital Citizen Academy and author of Unplugged: Raising Kids in a Technology Addicted World and Digital Distress: Growing Up Online. Dr. Strohman brings a wealth of expertise as a clinical psychologist, sharing her journey from hands-on clinical practice to building…

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Marriage and the Mystery of Christ (Audio)

3M ago

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By Mark Cizauskas

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277. Student-Centered High School Transformation with Steven Sell 33:42

3M ago33:42

33:42

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Steven Sell, Assistant Director at MAP Academy, an alternative charter high school in Plymouth, Massachusetts. MAP Academy’s mission is to serve students who haven’t found success in traditional schools by offering a personalized, student-centered approach with strong academic, social, and emoti…

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Sacred Union: Embracing God's Role in Marriage (Audio)

3M ago

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By Mark Cizauskas

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Using AI to Reshape Real Estate Investing with William Hollis 57:51

3M ago57:51

57:51

Send us a text In this episode of KeyBARD, Thembi sits down with William Hollis (or just “Hollis”), a self-taught software engineer, real estate investor, and now the founder and CEO of Raise AI, a platform using agentic artificial intelligence to revolutionize how capital is raised. He talks about growing up in Hollis, Queens, and how his environm…

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276. Transforming Lives Through Education with David Harris 30:41

3M ago30:41

30:41

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by David Harris, President and CEO of Christel House International, a global nonprofit breaking the cycle of poverty through an 18-year, full-circle education model. Christel House operates nine tuition-free schools across five countries and supports students from early childhood through age 23. Wit…

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Ethical Web Design and Digital Storytelling with Warren Wilansky 26:25

4M ago26:25

26:25

Send us a text In this episode, Thembi sits down with Warren Wilansky, founder and president of Plank, a digital agency with more than 25 years of experience designing meaningful, accessible, and story-driven websites. Warren shares how his background in history and storytelling shaped his approach to ethical web design and how Plank has remained a…

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The Righteous Shall Live By Faith (Audio)

4M ago

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By Tim Brokke

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BONUS. Learner-Centered Schools in Every State with Sonn Sam 33:52

4M ago33:52

33:52

Welcome to a bonus edition of Learning Unboxed, where we will spend two weeks revisiting innovative case studies of student-centered learning. We know that the one-size-fits-all sit-and-get strategy is not the most effective for students. Join us in moving to a system that deeply values the individual. Tune in to get inspired and walk away with too…

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Husbands Love Your Wives Pt. 2 (Audio)

4M ago

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By Mark Cizauskas

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BONUS. Institute for Self Directed Learning with Tyler Thigpen 34:16

4M ago34:16

34:16

Welcome to a bonus edition of Learning Unboxed, where we will spend two weeks revisiting innovative case studies of student-centered learning. We know that the one-size-fits-all sit-and-get strategy is not the most effective for students. Join us in moving to a system that deeply values the individual. Tune in to get inspired and walk away with too…

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Husbands Love Your Wives (Audio)

4M ago

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By Mark Cizauskas

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Shaping Theatre through Black Women’s Stories with Fatima Quander 55:42

4M ago55:42

55:42

Send us a text In this episode of KeyBARD, I sit down with actor, director, and educator Fatima Quander, whose 20+ year career in theater is deeply rooted in research, collaboration, and cultural responsibility. We talk about everything from her first spark of inspiration in a second-grade classroom closet to her current work, teaching and directin…

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275. Playful Learning with Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor 34:49

4M ago34:49

34:49

We’re diving into the joy and purpose of play in this episode of Learning Unboxed with Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor, director of Dr. Diane’s Adventures of Learning. Diane brings a powerful message about the deep connections between literacy, creativity, and hands-on exploration—reminding us that learning through play isn’t just for preschoolers, it’s …

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A Marriage Reflecting the Gospel (Audio)

4M ago

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By Mark Cizauskas

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274. Innovative Urban Learning with Kalimah Fergus Ayele 34:11

4M ago34:11

34:11

What if your city was your classroom? In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we meet Kalimah Fergus Ayele, Head of the New York City campus of The Winchendon School, a high school program that reimagines education through experiential learning and citywide engagement. Kalimah shares the origins of this innovative school model and the intentional desi…

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Qualified to Counsel (Audio)

5M ago

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By Joe Kappel

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Theatre, Film, and Building Community with J.J. Johnson Part 2 1:00:11

5M ago1:00:11

1:00:11

Send us a text Part 2 of 2 Our discussion continues with actor, writer, and teaching artist J.J. Johnson taking us deeper into his creative process. He shares what it’s like to navigate the vulnerability, pressure, and freedom of creating a solo theatre piece, as well as the intensely collaborative nature of writing for film. He also reflects on th…

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Stories of Black Boy Joy with J.J. Johnson Part 1 41:36

5M ago41:36

41:36

Send us a text In Part One of this two-part conversation, Thembi sits down with actor, writer, and teaching artist James J. Johnson, known to many as J.J. He opens up about growing up as a quirky, intelligent, and imaginative kid in the small town of Front Royal, Virginia, and we dive into his earliest artistic influences, how humor became his tool…

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273. Summer Learning Through Outdoor Joy with Lisa Gitelson 29:57

5M ago29:57

29:57

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore the powerful intersection of summer camp and education with Lisa Gitelson, CEO of the Fresh Air Fund. With over 148 years of impact, the Fresh Air Fund offers low-income youth from New York City transformative summer experiences—think swimming, hiking, stargazing, and leadership training—all designed …

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Yielding to God's Design of Submission (Audio)

5M ago

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By Mark Cizauskas