Best Project Based Learning Coach Podcasts (2025)

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73. Back on meds!?! First time on ADHD meds since 2022! 28:47

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13m ago28:47

28:47

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not medical advice!! I'm only sharing my personal thoughts and experiences. Link to work with me 1:1 in coaching!By Tina Ethridge

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108 - Why Risk Management? Future You Will Thank You 38:28

2h ago38:28

38:28

Why bother with risk management when you can just deal with problems as they happen? In this episode, Kim and Kate dig into the heart of that question—and the answer might just save your future self a world of pain. You’ll hear: Hard-hitting stats: 1 in 6 projects go 200% over budget (Harvard Business Review), 17% of major IT projects threaten comp…

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54. Blending Strategies 16:44

38m ago16:44

16:44

Have you ever had a student rattle off the sounds in a word—/b/… /a/… /t/, only to say “tab,” “balloon,” or even “chicken”? If so, you’re not alone. And here’s the thing: these blending errors aren’t always decoding issues. Often, they’re tied to working memory. In this solo episode of Literacy in Color, we unpack why blending matters, what researc…

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#134 Real-World Math Applications: Make Math Feel Relevant Again 10:52

2h ago10:52

10:52

Listen in as we reveal the secret to using Real-World Math Applications to Make Core Content Feel Relevant Again. Let’s face it—students want to know when they’ll actually use the math they’re learning. In this episode, Kristen shares how to make your lessons more meaningful with real world math applications—even if you’re stuck with a strict pacin…

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HOTTEST SELLER FINANCING PROPERTIES OF 2025!! (Vegas, Denver, Utah & Much More)! 21:45

6d ago21:45

21:45

Send us a text We showcase three exceptional off-market real estate investment opportunities with seller financing options that our team has personally vetted but aren't purchasing ourselves. These are properties we've identified through our network that offer unique advantages and favorable terms not typically available. • Denver condo listed at $…

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72. Demands, overwhelm, perfectionism, & 'the big scary project' :} 32:56

9d ago32:56

32:56

Writer's Summit October 10-12 This episode is a case study on a 'big scary project' where I've been feeling a lot of overwhelm, fear, demands, and perfectionism. In it, I'm sharing with you how I process through the emotions that come with big projects like this one (shame, overwhelm, avoidance, shutdowns, meltdowns). This is an exploration on what…

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53. The High Frequency Word Project with Rebecca Loveless & Fiona Hamilton 59:05

5h ago59:05

59:05

What if high-frequency words aren’t “irregular” after all? In this episode of Literacy in Color, I sit down with Rebecca Loveless and Fiona Hamilton, co-authors of The High Frequency Word Project, to dig into the stories behind some of the most common words in English. Too often, these little “function words” get handed to students on flashcards wi…

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#133 Active Teaching Strategies That Actually Spark Student Discussion 10:24

2d ago10:24

10:24

Are you looking for active Teaching Strategies That Actually Spark Student Discussion in math class? Tired of asking a question and hearing crickets? In this episode, Kristen shares active teaching strategies that actually get students talking. Inside you'll learn: ✅ Why passive instruction is killing engagement ✅ 3 go-to talk strategies you can us…

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Travel Stories, & Secret Travel Destinations 1-on-1 Interview With Bill Roehm Travel Expert Tells Inspirational Stories You Won't Believe Are REAL!! 1:18:17

14d ago1:18:17

1:18:17

Send us a text Stephan Piscano welcomes Bill Rehm, host of the "Where Have You Been" podcast, to explore the profound distinction between travel and vacation, and how authentic travel experiences create meaningful human connections. • Travel differs from vacation by immersing in local culture rather than simply escaping daily life • Bill shares his…

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107 - Top Shelf Replay: The Closer - Avoiding Project Acceptance Exception 46:51

13d ago46:51

46:51

Please. Let it end. PLEASE! A defining characteristic of a project is that it ends. Finally. Just finish it, right? If it were only that easy! In another Top Shelf Replay, Kate and Kim revisit one of their classic past episodes, “The Closer.” We play highlights from the original Closer episode as they talk about how to build up to a crisp conclusio…

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52. Phonemic Awareness Research Unpacked with Dr. David Kilpatrick 1:10:32

7d ago1:10:32

1:10:32

In this pivotal episode of Literacy in Color, Michelle is joined by psychologist, professor, and reading researcher Dr. David Kilpatrick to untangle some hotly debated ideas surrounding phonemic awareness in the Science of Reading community. This conversation isn’t about taking sides in the “with letters vs. without letters” debate. It’s about gett…

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#132 Student-Centered Teaching in Math Class 12:42

14d ago12:42

12:42

Let's dive into Student-Centered Teaching: How to Build Autonomy Without Losing Control in your Math Class! Ready to shift your math class from teacher-led to student-driven? In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly what student-centered teaching looks like—and how to create autonomy without chaos. You’ll learn: ✅ What student-centered really m…

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#131 Real-World Math Projects Your Students Will Actually Care About 8:07

12d ago8:07

8:07

Not all real-world math is created equal. In this episode, I’m breaking down what makes a math project actually relevant to your students—and how to make math feel meaningful without needing a full curriculum rewrite. You’ll learn what students really care about, how to design your first spark of engagement, and how to use AI tools to help personal…

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106 - Finish Strong: Why the End of Your Project Matters Most 41:41

21d ago41:41

41:41

Projects aren’t remembered for how they started—they’re remembered for how they ended. In this PM Happy Hour episode, Kim Essendrup and Kate Anderson unpack why finishing strong is critical to your reputation and your project’s legacy. Drawing on real project stories, they explore the axiom that people will remember your project the way it ended—an…

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51. Rethinking Sight Words with Pryor Rayburn, Orton Gillingham Mama 36:59

14d ago36:59

36:59

In this episode of Literacy in Color, Michelle sits down with THE Orton Gillingham Mama, Pryor Rayburn to take a deep dive into the hot-button world of sight words and high-frequency word instruction. Pryor busts through common myths, clears up confusing terminology, and explores brain-based practices for teaching high frequency words through the l…

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#130- 3 Must-Have Classroom Routines That Actually Work in Secondary Math 10:38

14d ago10:38

10:38

Ready to stop managing behavior and start supporting student thinking? In this episode, we’re breaking down the three essential classroom routines every secondary math teacher needs—especially if you're trying to run a student-centered classroom without constant chaos. You’ll learn how to start class with purpose, build student talk into your every…

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1-on-1 Interview: Jay Skapinac (SkapAttack) On Kobe Bryant, Lebron, & YouTube Stardom 2:01:29

15d ago2:01:29

2:01:29

Send us a text We commemorate Black Mamba Day with a special episode honoring the late Kobe Bryant through an in-depth conversation with Jay Skapinac, founder of the rapidly growing YouTube channel Skap Attack. • Jay shares his journey from aspiring sports journalist to creating one of the fastest-growing sports channels on YouTube • How Kobe Bryan…

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#129- Student Engagement Strategies That Actually Work in Math Class 8:49

19d ago8:49

8:49

What does student engagement really look like in a math classroom? Spoiler: it’s not quiet rows, silent worksheets, or step-by-step compliance. In this episode, I’m sharing the story of my Holt student teaching placement—the moment I realized math class could be so much more—and walking through real engagement strategies you can use right now. You’…

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71. back in the house!! + a different way of thinking about routines 19:42

1M ago19:42

19:42

WE ARE BACK IN THE HOUSE!!! This feels like a whole new chapter of the Connected Divergents pod, and certainly of my life! Excited to chat with you about what it's been feeling like being back, and a discovery I made about how I experience 'routines' with my autism: not linked to time or sequences, but physical space & visual cues! Hope you enjoy

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50. The Truth About Progress Monitoring: Myth Busting with Shannon Moore, Moore Literacy Leaps 46:14

23d ago46:14

46:14

In this episode, Michelle is joined by instructional coach and literacy specialist Shannon Moore of Moore Literacy Leaps to bust four major myths about progress monitoring in reading instruction. Together, they tackle what progress monitoring really is (and what it’s not), how it fits into the MTSS framework, and why all students, not just those be…

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#128 My First Real-World Math Project Was a Mess—What I’d Do Differently Now (with AI Support) 7:12

21d ago7:12

7:12

Ever launch a project you were sure would be a hit… only for it to totally flop? In this episode, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes of my first real-world math project—a polished, professionally-designed activity that completely fell apart in the classroom. But that failure? It led to one of my most powerful, student-centered projects yet: Change M…

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#127 The First 5 Minutes Can Transform Student Engagement in Your Math Class 11:32

26d ago11:32

11:32

What if the most powerful way to shift your math class didn’t take a new curriculum—just the first 5 minutes? In this episode, we’re exploring how to kick off your class period with warm-ups that build relevance, confidence, and classroom culture. You’ll learn how to use thinking routines and real-world tasks to engage students before the lesson ev…

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49. Set for Variability with Jen Yagid and Wendy Darasz, Informed Literacy 34:36

1M ago34:36

34:36

What does it really mean to be “set for variability”? In this episode, Michelle is joined by Jen Yagid and Wendy Darasz of Informed Literacy to break down this complex-sounding but classroom-friendly concept. Together, they demystify set for variability, explore its role in decoding, and share practical classroom examples. If you’ve ever wondered h…

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#126 What Makes Math Feel Relevant? Isn’t it just Practical Examples of Real World Math? 13:51

28d ago13:51

13:51

We all want our students to feel like math matters—but what does “relevant” even mean in the classroom? Is it just practical math examples? Spoiler: It’s not just about adding real-world word math problems to a worksheet or doing a budget project once a year. In this episode, we’re breaking down what relevance really looks like, why it’s critical t…

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#125 Start Small, Finish Strong: The Power of a Mini Real World Math Project 10:09

1M ago10:09

10:09

Big shifts don’t require big overhauls. If you’ve been craving a way to make math more meaningful without throwing out your whole curriculum, this episode is for you. ✅ Whether you joined the Bootcamp or not, this is your reminder that bite-sized, student-centered changes—like a mini project—can create real momentum. ✅ You’ll hear exactly how small…

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48. SOR Mini-Con 2025 Recap with Heidi Martin, Jessica Farmer & Yvette Manns 53:26

1M ago53:26

53:26

In this heartfelt roundtable episode, Michelle is joined by her Science of Reading sidekicks, Heidi Martin, Jessica Farmer, and Yvette Manns to reflect on the very first Science of Reading Mini-Con! From spark-filled sessions to swag bags and sound baths, this conversation is full of gratitude, laughter, and heartfelt takeaways. They revisit each s…

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#124 You’re Not Boring, But Your Math Curriculum Might Be 9:20

1M ago9:20

9:20

If you’ve ever walked out of your math classroom thinking, “Why don’t they care? What am I doing wrong?”—this episode is for you. Spoiler alert: You’re not the problem. The system is. In this episode, we’re digging into: ✅ Why even the best teachers struggle to engage students with scripted, one-size-fits-all math curriculum ✅ What real student eng…

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#123 – 3 Quick Wins You’ll Walk Away With at Bootcamp 5:56

1M ago5:56

5:56

Wondering if the Back to School Bootcamp is for you? You don’t need a 180-day curriculum plan. You just need 3 small wins to start the year strong. In this episode, I walk you through what you’ll ACTUALLY build inside the Create a Kickass Math Class Bootcamp: ✅ Day 1: One first-week spark that sets the tone ✅ Day 2: An anchor task that sparks real …

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47. Why Representation in Children’s Books Matters—Especially for Black Boys with Tiffany Obeng, Sugar Cookie Books 33:26

1M ago33:26

33:26

In this powerful episode of Literacy in Color, I’m joined by lawyer-turned-author Tiffany Obeng, founder of Sugar Cookie Books. Together, we unpack the significance of representation in children’s literature, especially for Black boys, and how her “Andrew Learns” series is challenging the traditional narratives and creating space for all kids to fe…

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#122: Get Ready for the Back To School Bootcamp —Creating a KickAss Math Class 8:00

1M ago8:00

8:00

Build Your Dream Math Class in Just 3 Days (Without the Overwhelm) Want a math class that feels more real, relevant, and engaging—but not sure where to start? The (FREE) Create a Kickass Math Class Bootcamp is your answer. If you’re ready to build a math class that feels real, relevant, and rigorous — but don’t know where to start — this 3-day Boot…

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#121: How to Get Started As a Modern Math Teacher (Even If You’re Not “Techy”) 9:04

2M ago9:04

9:04

Worried you’re not “techy” enough to transform your teaching with real-world, project-based math? You’re not alone—and the good news is: you don’t need to be. You don’t need to be a tech expert to run engaging, real-world math lessons. In this episode, I’ll share: ✔️ Why low-tech strategies still work ✔️ How to build confidence without jumping into…

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105 - Top Shelf Replay: How to Deal with Stupid Executive Asks 55:14

2M ago55:14

55:14

Ah, executives. They fund your project, cheer you on, and sometimes… ask for things that make you want to slam your head into your Gantt chart. Like: “The project’s almost done—let’s change everything!” “I read about [X] in CIO Magazine—can we bolt that on?” “Why are we doing it this way? Let’s redo it completely differently… and badly.” In this To…

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46. Making Words Stick with Dr. Molly Ness on Orthographic Mapping 37:32

2M ago37:32

37:32

In this powerful episode, we welcome back Dr. Molly Ness, literacy researcher, educator, and co-author of “Making Words Stick”, the latest release from the Scholastic Science of Reading in Practice series. Together with Dr. Katie Pace Miles, Molly has created a teacher-friendly guide to help educators understand orthographic mapping and implement a…

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#120: Still Planning Lessons Alone? Let’s Fix That 10:04

2M ago10:04

10:04

Trying to make your math class more engaging, more real, and more relevant—completely alone? Are you still lesson planning alone at your kitchen table? You’re not lazy. You’re not doing it wrong. You’re just trying to do too much without a support system. You were never meant to do this work in isolation. In today’s episode, we explore: ✔️ Why plan…

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#119 BTS— What’s Inside the Modern Math Teacher Membership 11:04

2M ago11:04

11:04

If you're tired of buying resources that don't solve your classroom struggles, this episode is for you. I’m giving you a full behind-the-scenes tour of the Modern Math Teacher Membership—and sharing you why it’s so much more than just a library of lessons. 💡 Inside This Episode: ✅ Why most resource memberships still leave teachers overwhelmed ✅ Wha…

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45. A Global Lens on Morphology, Etymology & Literacy Instruction with Dr. Treasa Bowe 56:57

2M ago56:57

56:57

In this episode of Literacy in Color, we’re heading across the pond to Ireland for a powerful conversation with Dr. Treasa Bowe, an international literacy leader and passionate advocate for morphology, etymology, and meaningful instruction. With over two decades of teaching experience in both Ireland and the U.S., Dr. Bowe brings a truly global len…

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#118: The Truth About Teaching Real-World Math 10:02

2M ago10:02

10:02

There are so many myths out there about teaching real-world math: 👉 It’s too hard to plan 👉 Students can’t handle it 👉 You have to sacrifice rigor None of it is true. In this episode, I’m breaking down the real story—and showing you how real-world, relevant, and rigorous math is totally doable with the right tools and support. 🎙 In this episode, I’…

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#117 Why Your Students Deserve This Kind of Math Class 10:18

2M ago10:18

10:18

Let’s put aside standards and curriculum for a moment. Let’s talk about the actual humans in your classroom. Because chances are, you’ve felt it too: “They deserve more than just what the textbook gives them.” ✅ They deserve to see math as meaningful. ✅ They deserve to feel confident and curious — not just compliant. ✅ They deserve your best, even …

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44. 4 Warm-Up Drills for Effective Phonics Instruction 17:42

2M ago17:42

17:42

In this episode of Literacy in Color, we’re diving into 4 quick, high-impact phonics drills that spark engagement and build automaticity, without eating up your entire lesson time. These warm-ups aren’t about “drill and kill.” Instead, they’re short, intentional routines that help students review and retrieve previously taught phonics content. Whet…

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#116 Done-For-You Projects Are Not Enough 7:44

2M ago7:44

7:44

We’ve all been there: 📥 You download a promising project. 📄 The instructions look solid. ✅ The math checks out. But once it hits your classroom? Something’s missing. The truth is: done-for-you isn’t the same as done-right. In this episode, I’m breaking down the “Done-for-You Trap” — why great resources still fall flat without the systems, structure…

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FLASHBACK EPISODE: 11 Years Later To The Day, What's Been Learned & What Remains The Same 40:48

3M ago40:48

40:48

Send us a text Marking the one-year anniversary of the Stephan Piscano podcast, this reflective episode explains how a family visit to Florida in June 2024 ultimately led to the launch of this show and our other podcasts on YouTube as well. What began as casual YouTube viewing while spending time with a newborn nephew evolved into a realization: au…

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#115: The 3 Biggest Mistakes Teachers Make When Trying to Teach Real-World Math 8:20

3M ago8:20

8:20

You’ve seen all the cool Pinterest projects and Instagram reels that make real-world math look effortless. But when you try it in your classroom? 🙄 The kids don’t care. 🌀 The lesson falls flat. 😤 Or worse—it turns into total chaos. In this episode, I’m sharing the three most common mistakes teachers make when trying to implement real-world math—and…

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104 - The one meeting that will make or break your project 44:07

3M ago44:07

44:07

“Well begun is half done” — Aristotle (or Mary Poppins, depending who you ask) The beginning of a project is a time when all stakeholders THINK they know what they want, and maybe the team thinks they know what they are supposed to do. Or maybe they are just wondering, “what the heck is this new madness that I’m getting drug into?!” Regardless, it’…

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43. Rock Your Literacy Block with Lindsay Kemeny 34:58

2M ago34:58

34:58

In this episode of Literacy in Color, I’m joined by the incredible Lindsay Kemeny, a trusted voice in the Science of Reading community and author of Seven Mighty Moves and Rock Your Literacy Block. Lindsay shares her journey into structured literacy, sparked by her son’s dyslexia diagnosis, and how that led to a complete transformation in her teach…

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#114 The 5-Stage Path to a Kickass Math Class 9:30

3M ago9:30

9:30

What if transforming your math classroom didn’t require a complete overhaul—just a roadmap? In today’s episode, I’m walking you through the 5-stage success path at the heart of the Modern Math Teacher Membership. Whether you're stuck in survival mode or starting to explore project-based learning and real-world applications, this episode will help y…