Shifting Schools is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the latest trends, strategies, and tools in K-12 education. Hosted by educators Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman, the podcast provides a platform for teachers, administrators, and education thought leaders to share their experiences and insights on how to improve teaching and learning. From innovative approaches in classroom management to leveraging technology for personalized learning, Shifting Schools tackles the most pressing is ...
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Jeff Utecht Podcasts
Interviews with successful leaders and company founders sharing stories of their career journey, great leadership, and not-so-great. It will help you become a better leader while poking fun at all the crazy shit that happens in corporate America. Hosted by Jeff Pelaccio who has over 40 years of leadership experience for every t-shirt size company - Small (4 employees) to XL (over 1 million employees). Listen, learn, and laugh each week to learn from great leaders from all walks of life.
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The Washington State Real Estate Investing Podcast is geared towards real estate investors who want to grow their network and their real estate portfolio in Washington State. We know how diverse Washington state is and what works in one market, say Tacoma, might not work in another market, say Yakima. Our goal is to bring you insight into different markets across the state. Talking with real estate professionals from wholesalers and real estate agents to contractors, loan officers and of cou ...
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We hear, frequently, that the global education system is broken, and as a result, we spend billions of dollar trying to fix it. But the K-12 system isn’t actually broken at all – it’s working exactly as it was designed, 100 years ago, and it’s obsolete. So in Learning Unboxed, we will have a conversation about teaching, learning, and the future of work; we will reimagine, rethink, and redesign our educational system.
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Leading Across Four Generations: Jeff Utecht on the Future of Work and AI
1:12:32
1:12:32
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1:12:32For the first time in history, four generations, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z are working side by side. Jeff Utecht (see his bio below) has spent over 20 years helping leaders bridge these divides, and he brings a global perspective shaped by living in three countries, founding multiple businesses, and consulting with Fortune 500 com…
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Sabina Nawaz on Pressure, Power, and the Real Work of Leadership
56:49
56:49
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56:49Sabina Nawaz (see her bio below) has advised leaders at the very top - Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer, and executives across Fortune 500 companies. But her journey wasn’t a straight line. Starting as a software developer, nearly getting fired from Microsoft, and then pivoting into leadership development, Sabina has built a career helping thousands of le…
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286. Accelerating Reading Fluency with Tim Waldron
29:47
29:47
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29:47In 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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In this episode of Shifting Schools, Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman discuss their upcoming training sessions focused on integrating AI into education. They emphasize the importance of understanding AI's impact on the job market, the necessity of prompt engineering as a new skill for educators, and the need for AI literacy among students. The conve…
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Special Edition: Michael Mackie on Celebrity Interviews, Sobriety, and His New Book “You Have 4 Minutes”
25:07
25:07
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25:07Michael Mackie is back on The Corporate Couch, and this time, he’s here to talk about his brand-new book, You Have 4 Minutes: My Life as an Unlikely Celebrity Interviewer. With more than three decades of encounters with Hollywood’s biggest names, Michael shares the hilarity, awkwardness, and unforgettable moments that shaped his unlikely path into …
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From Job Sites to the C-Suite: Rusty Arnold on Servant Leadership, Lumber, and Building a Life That Lasts
1:02:09
1:02:09
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1:02:09Rusty Arnold’s story (see his bio below) begins with a hammer in hand at age 10 and a forklift under his control by 13. Today, as COO and soon-to-be CEO of Frontier Forest Products, Rusty has built his career from the ground up, shaping not just businesses but also the people around him. In this conversation, Rusty shares: Lessons learned from grow…
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Step up for Second Chance for Students around the world
39:42
39:42
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39:42On April 13th, 2018, Nepali New Year's Eve, the University of Texas at Tyler revoked full-ride scholarships it had previously awarded to 60 Nepali students. The university described it as "an administrative oversight." But the global education community knew that it was an unprecedented admissions crisis. The scholarships, which included tuition as…
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Data Literacy: The Key to Future Problem Solving
25:26
25:26
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25:26In this episode, Jeff Utecht, Tricia Friedman, and Dr. Curt Merlau discuss the transformative role of AI and data literacy in education and employment. They explore how Pivot, an AI-powered tool, helps unemployed individuals find better job opportunities and training. The conversation emphasizes the importance of data literacy for educators and the…
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285. Instructional Audio for Equitable Classrooms with David Solomon
29:50
29:50
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29:50In 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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Special Edition: It’s 5 O'clock Somewhere – Time, Joy, and the Little Things That Matter with Marc Shaffer
25:06
25:06
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25:06Six months, six happy-hour-type conversations and we’re just getting started. In this special edition of It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere, Marc Shaffer and I pour a couple of beers and dive into what’s been on our minds lately: The “five types of wealth” and why time wealth may be the most overlooked. How boredom, stillness, and slowing down fuel creativit…
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The Storytelling Alchemist: How Donna Griffit Turns Data into Billion-Dollar Narratives
1:06:09
1:06:09
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1:06:09Join us for an inspiring conversation with Donna Griffit (see her bio below), world-renowned storyteller and pitch alchemist who has helped clients raise over 2 billion dollars through the power of compelling narratives. From starting her first business as a seven-year-old clown to becoming a communications coach at Stanford's Graduate School of Bu…
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284. Restorative Schools, Real Accountability with Nicholas Bradford
32:28
32:28
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32:28When 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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Future-proofing students through service learning
30:58
30:58
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30:58In this conversation, Tricia Friedman and LeeAnne Lavendar discuss the evolving landscape of service learning and education. They explore the importance of experiential learning, community engagement, and the need for transformative teaching practices that resonate with students. LeeAnne shares practical examples and insights on how educators can a…
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Special Edition: From Business Owner to Recruiting Consultant - Jourdan Mercurio Lewis on Redefining Success
17:47
17:47
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17:47In this Special Edition (short) episode, I sit down with Jourdan Mercurio Lewis, COO of Blue Ocean Search Firm, to talk about her remarkable journey from business owner to stay-at-home mom to a new career in recruiting. Jourdan shares how she brings authenticity and consulting-style depth to an industry often known for transactional relationships. …
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From $17K to CEO: How John Mercurio Built a Career Without a College Degree and Why Talent Trumps Credentials
1:01:34
1:01:34
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1:01:34Join me as I sit down with John Mercurio (see his bio below), CEO of Blue Ocean Search Firm and a 30-year veteran of the human and animal health industries. In this candid conversation, John shares his remarkable journey from making $17,000 at Deluxe Check Printers to becoming a successful executive, all without finishing college. John opens up abo…
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283. The Early Childhood Promise with Dr. Aimee E. Ketchum & Dr. Crystal Corle Loose
31:03
31:03
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31:03In 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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Help students have a healthier relationship with the news
28:35
28:35
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28:35In this episode, Jeff Utecht interviews Jack Brewster, CEO of Newsreel, discussing the importance of news literacy, the impact of misinformation, and how Newsreel aims to engage students with high-quality news. They explore the role of social media and AI in journalism, the skills needed for future journalists, and how educators can utilize Newsree…
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Special Edition: The Get-Real Mindset for Caregivers - Harry Campbell on Optimism, Resilience, and Life’s Crooked Turns
20:18
20:18
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20:18In this 20-minute special edition, I welcome back my very first podcast guest, Harry Campbell (Website), for a candid and heartfelt conversation about his Get-Real Mindset for Caregivers. Harry shares the deeply personal journey of supporting his wife, Kris, who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor just 10 months after their wedding. Drawin…
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From Cold Calls to Kale Bowls: How Staci Cross Built Two Businesses by Learning When to Hold On and When to Let Go
1:09:25
1:09:25
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1:09:25Join me as I sit down with Staci Cross (see her bio below), the fearless entrepreneur behind Enjoy Pure Food + Drink. In this captivating conversation, Staci shares her remarkable journey from television advertising executive to restaurant founder, including her incredible ability to land major clients through cold calling, including securing Johns…
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The Future of Civics with Joshua M. Scacco, PhD
46:41
46:41
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46:41Tricia Friedman and Dr. Joshua Scacco explore the evolving landscape of political communication, emphasizing the impact of technology and attention fatigue on democracy. They discuss the dual nature of change in political engagement, the importance of understanding human behavior, and the challenges posed by the entertainmentification of politics. …
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282. Place-Based Nature Learning with Christie McKelvie
31:03
31:03
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31:03In 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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Special Edition: The Future of Recruitment - Navigating Challenges with Jourdan Mercurio Lewis and John Mercurio
18:21
18:21
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18:21Join us for the inaugural episode of this bi-monthly Special Edition (short 15-30 minute episodes) of The Corporate Couch, airing on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. We dive into the evolving landscape of talent acquisition with John Mercurio and Jordan Mercurio-Lewis from Blue Ocean Search Firm. Discover how technology and human connection…
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281. Generational Learning Shifts with Jeff Utecht
34:02
34:02
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34:02In 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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The Future of School with Dr. Annalies Corbin
40:48
40:48
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40:48In this episode of Shifting Schools, Jeff Utecht interviews Dr. Annalies Corbin, author of 'Hacking School: Five Strategies to Link Learning to Life.' They discuss the origins of the PAST Foundation, the importance of STEM identity, and the five key strategies for educational reform. Annalies emphasizes the need for cultural relevance, student agen…
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Curiosity, Questions, and Customer Champions: Donna Weber’s Journey from Scotland to SaaS
1:00:53
1:00:53
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1:00:53Most companies treat customer onboarding like an afterthought. Donna Weber sees it as a growth strategy. With her Orchestrated Onboarding® framework and decades of experience in customer success, Donna helps companies deliver value faster, retain more customers, and scale smarter. We talk about her concept of “time to first value,” the biggest mist…
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Special Edition: It's 5 O'clock Somewhere - Fireworks, Giftology, and Elevator Pitches with Marc Shaffer
23:08
23:08
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23:08In this fifth edition of our “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere” series, Marc Shaffer and I swap stories like you would over a cold drink on a hot summer night. From our 4th of July celebrations (including Joey Chestnut, $20,000 firework shows, and toddler-approved explosions) to the power of legacy and generosity, we cover it all. Marc shares an emotional …
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BONUS. Changing the Education Ecosystem with Byron Sanders
41:32
41:32
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41:32Welcome 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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Mental Health Meets AI: What Alongside Is Teaching Us About Students Today
34:58
34:58
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34:58What if AI could help schools not just support educators as they work to manage student mental health needs, but prevent crises before they start? In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Elsa Friis, licensed clinical psychologist from Alongside, returns to discuss how her team is using clinician-built AI tools to support students, educators, and fam…
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Just Say Yes: Dana Bernstein on Brave Careers, Coaching Through Conflict, and the Human Side of Project Management
53:36
53:36
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53:36Dana Bernstein (see her bio below) has built a career and a life by saying yes to unexpected opportunities. From publishing dozens of articles on negotiation to managing a family-run animal hospital to coaching leaders in high-stakes conflict, Dana brings empathy, clarity, and boldness to everything she touches. In this episode, Dana turns the tabl…
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Deals with Heart: Cam Bishop’s Journey from Copywriter to CEO and the Human Side of M&A
1:11:32
1:11:32
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1:11:32Cameron “Cam” Bishop’s (see his bio below) journey from copywriter to CEO is proof that leading with vision, grit, and heart still matters. In this episode, Cam reflects on a career that spans startups, scale-ups, turnarounds, and multimillion-dollar exits, but at the core of it all is his unwavering belief in the power of people. Now a Managing Di…
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BONUS. Building Students and Staff Agency with Johnna Noll
33:48
33:48
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33:48Welcome 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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AI Companions: the risks and benefits, and what educators need to know
43:59
43:59
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43:59How do we prepare students—and ourselves—for a world where AI grief companions and "deadbots" are a reality? In this eye-opening episode, Jeff Utecht sits down with Dr. Tomasz Hollanek, a critical design and AI ethics researcher at the University of Cambridge’s Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence, to discuss: The rise of AI companions …
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