Best Rapid Instructional Design Podcasts (2025)

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Unlock Learning Potential with Mayer's 12 Multimedia Principles 12:00

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21h ago12:00

12:00

Welcome to episode 43 of the Designing with Love podcast, where I dive into a set of research-based guidelines that will transform how you design multimedia content, whether it's a video lesson, e-learning module, or interactive slideshow. Struggling to create multimedia content that truly engages your learners without overwhelming them? This episo…

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What Is Specially Designed Instruction? | Part 1 34:07

3d ago34:07

34:07

What is Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) — and why is it the foundation of special education? In this brand-new series, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, breaks down one of the most misunderstood (and misused) concepts in IDEA: special education is specially designed instruction. In Part 1, we cover: ✅ Why SDI is different fr…

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Your Top Special Education Questions Answered | Rapid Fire with the Special Education Boss® 51:53

4d ago51:53

51:53

It’s one of our most popular formats—rapid-fire Q&A straight from TikTok Live! In this episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, answers your biggest special education questions with her signature mix of clarity, humor, and straight talk. We cover everything from: ✅ Do you need a meeting to add accommodations to an IEP? ✅ Can dy…

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Demystifying Prior Written Notice (PWN) in Special Education: What Parents Must Know 14:27

5d ago14:27

14:27

In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham unpacks one of the most overlooked yet powerful safeguards in special education: Prior Written Notice (PWN). Most parents don’t realize that a PWN is not optional—it’s federally required. And it’s the school’s responsibility to complete it whenever they propose or refuse changes to …

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Ask the Advocate: School Shenanigans, Paraprofessionals, and IEP Questions Answered 52:46

6d ago52:46

52:46

It’s a Marvelous, Amazing Monday with Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, back with another Ask the Advocate episode! This week’s Q&A is packed with real parent and teacher questions covering IEP services, paraprofessionals, afterschool programs, behavioral supports, and yes—school shenanigans. Here’s what Karen answers: ✅ What eva…

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Mastering the ARCS Model for Adult Learning 12:28

8d ago12:28

12:28

Welcome to episode 42 of the Designing with Love podcast, where I cover how you can leverage the ARCS model when designing adult learning experiences. Ever designed a learning experience that simply didn't connect with your audience? The missing ingredient might be motivation—the essential element that transforms passive content consumption into ac…

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Ask the Advocate: Dexcom Denials, Aides, Accommodations & LRE Truths 48:15

10d ago48:15

48:15

This week’s Ask the Advocate is packed with real questions from parents, teachers, and advocates across the country—and straight answers you won’t hear anywhere else. From Denton ISD removing a child’s Dexcom, to confusion around aides, accommodations, and placement, Karen dives into the hard truths with humor, clarity, and strategy. You’ll hear po…

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Unpacking the Supreme Court Decision: A.J.T. vs. Osseo Area Schools with Dr. Mitchell Yell 57:42

11d ago57:42

57:42

he U.S. Supreme Court has spoken—A.J.T. vs. Osseo Area Schools is now a landmark decision shaping the future of special education rights. In this powerful episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham sits down with Dr. Mitchell Yell, one of the nation’s leading voices on special education law, to break down what this case really means…

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Understanding Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) in Special Education 28:57

12d ago28:57

28:57

What exactly is an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE), and when should you request one? In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham breaks down the facts about IEEs under IDEA and why they matter for parents, advocates, and educators. We’ll cover: The legal foundation of IEEs (IDEA §300.502) What an IEE is — and what it…

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Falsified Service Logs, Shortened Days, and IEP Complaints Explained | Special Education Boss® 42:31

13d ago42:31

42:31

This week on Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham tackles tough parent and teacher questions that expose what really happens inside IEP and 504 meetings. From falsified service logs to shortened school days, denials of services, and lack of staff training—Karen breaks down exactly what you can do, what the law says, and how to respond wi…

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Light the Fire, Don't Fill the Pail: Adult Learning Secrets 11:43

15d ago11:43

11:43

Welcome to episode 41 of the Designing with Love podcast, where I cover why understanding Adult Learning Theory is fundamental to creating effective and engaging learning experiences for adult learners. Ever wondered why some learning experiences resonate deeply with adult learners while others fall flat? The answer lies in understanding how adults…

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IEP & 504 Q&A: Resource Classes, Behavior Goals, Health Plans, and More 45:17

17d ago45:17

45:17

In this Special Education Boss® episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham tackles your top special education questions—cutting through the confusion with clear, direct answers on IEPs, 504s, data collection, medical needs, and more. 🔥 Highlights include: College & Resource Classes: Does being in a resource setting impact college admissions—and how to make up…

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IEP & 504 Q&A: Placement, Accommodations, Modifications, and Advocacy Tips 54:59

18d ago54:59

54:59

In this powerful IEP & 504 Q&A episode of Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham, we tackle YOUR real-world special education questions—straight from the comments—about eligibility, accommodations, modifications, evaluations, placement, behavior, related services, and more. Karen breaks down complicated situations into clear, actionabl…

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Parents’ Procedural Rights – Part 1: Procedural Safeguards & Child Find 35:38

19d ago35:38

35:38

Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, kicks off a new series on Parents’ Procedural Rights under IDEA. In this episode, she explains what procedural safeguards really are, why the Child Find mandate is the foundation of special education, and how to protect your rights at the IEP/504 table. You’ll learn: When schools must provide you…

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Back-to-School Special Education Q&A: IEP Meetings, Teacher Certification, and Advocacy Tips 58:54

20d ago58:54

58:54

It’s August, it’s hot, and it’s time to talk about starting the school year strong! In this special Ask the Advocate Q&A, Karen Mayer Cunningham — the Special Education Boss® — answers real questions from parents, educators, and advocates on everything from calling IEP meetings to checking teacher credentials. You’ll hear how to: Identify real reas…

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Breaking Free From Bad Course Design with Dr. Catrina Mitchum 36:18

22d ago36:18

36:18

Welcome to episode 40 of the Designing with Love podcast! In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Catrina Mitchum, an educator, instructional designer, and the founder of Catrina Mitchum Learning Design. Ever wondered why so many online courses fail to deliver meaningful learning experiences? In this enlightening conversation with D…

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504 vs. IEP: Why the Difference Changes Everything 10:02

24d ago10:02

10:02

What’s the real difference between a 504 Plan and an IEP? According to Karen Mayer Cunningham, the answer is simple: everything. In this powerful episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen unpacks the critical distinctions between a Section 504 Plan and an Individualized Education Program (IEP)—and why settling for a 504 when your child needs an IEP…

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Back to School, Back to the IEP Table: Rapid-Fire Q&A for 2025-2026 51:58

25d ago51:58

51:58

It's August 2025, and we’re back to school and back to the IEP and 504 tables! In this episode of Ask the Advocate, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, takes questions live and delivers rapid-fire answers, real-talk strategies, and expert insight to get your year started right. Whether you're prepping for a first IEP meeting, navig…

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Understanding Evaluations: What Every Parent and Advocate Needs to Know 1:03:00

26d ago1:03:00

1:03:00

Evaluations are the foundation of every IEP, and most parents, advocates, and even school staff don’t realize how many sections are involved, what’s legally required, or how much can go wrong when pieces are skipped. In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham walks you through the full scope of educational evaluations, break…

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Diagnosis vs. Eligibility: What Every Advocate Needs to Know 32:51

27d ago32:51

32:51

Welcome back to Special Education Boss®! In this power-packed training episode from Day 1 of “How to Advocate for Anyone,” Karen Mayer Cunningham unpacks one of the most misunderstood areas in special education: the difference between medical diagnosis and educational need, and why it matters at the IEP table. Key takeaways: Differentiate between m…

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Faith Leads the Way: Building a Better World Through Giving with Tommy Kilpatrick 1:04:15

29d ago1:04:15

1:04:15

Welcome to episode 39 of the Designing with Love podcast! In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Tommy Kilpatrick, a retired teacher and author. Tommy Kilpatrick's spiritual journey takes us from the classrooms of California to the villages of the Philippines in this thought-provoking exploration of faith, purpose, and radical giving. …

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Divorce, Disability & IEPs: What Every Parent Needs to Know with Mary Ann Hughes 27:01

1M ago27:01

27:01

What happens when a parent of two children with autism faces divorce during IEP transition years? In this episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, sits down with Mary Ann Hughes, Certified Special Needs Divorce Coach and founder of Special Family Transitions. From navigating divorce while parenting children with disabilities to…

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From Special Ed Teacher to Advocate: Rachel Mottern’s Story of Bold, Brave Transition 34:14

1M ago34:14

34:14

From the classroom to the conference table—today’s episode is one of full-circle purpose. Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, is joined by the amazing Rachel Mottern, a former special education teacher turned full-time national advocate, for a powerful and heartfelt conversation you won’t forget. Rachel shares her journey from stru…

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How to Request and Navigate Special Education Testing & Evaluations 1:02:18

1M ago1:02:18

1:02:18

How to Request Special Education Testing + What Happens Next Special Education Boss® Podcast | Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham Confused about how to get your child tested for special education services? You’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. In this powerhouse episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, The Special Education Boss®, breaks down what …

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Writing Measurable, Meaningful IEP Goals 1:29:43

1M ago1:29:43

1:29:43

How to Ditch SMART Goals, Align with Present Levels, and Meet the Endrew F. Standard Most IEP goals aren’t measurable—and that’s a big problem. In this episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham is joined by Dr. Mitchell Yell, special education expert, professor, and hearing officer, to break down how to write IEP goals that actually meet legal standards and …

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Beyond the LMS: Why Instructional Design Keeps Growing with Shane Strand 34:12

1M ago34:12

34:12

Welcome to episode 38 of the Designing with Love podcast! In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Shane Strand, an instructional designer who works in the higher education sector. Ever wondered how educators transform into instructional designers? Shane Strand takes us through his fascinating journey from high school teacher to curricul…

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OCR Complaints Part 3: Mediation, Rebuttal, and Resolution Explained 55:35

1M ago55:35

55:35

What happens after you file an OCR complaint? In Part 3 of our special series on how to file effective OCR (Office for Civil Rights) complaints, Karen Mayer Cunningham, Special Education Boss®, walks you through everything that happens once your complaint is opened for investigation—including mediation options, rebuttal strategies, and meaningful r…

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Ask the Advocate: Paras, Placements, Phones & IEP Problems—Answered 1:03:42

1M ago1:03:42

1:03:42

What do you do when the IEP isn’t followed? When a para is left unsupervised? When your child is denied services due to a “lack of staff”? Or when a cell phone ban interferes with their support plan? In this rapid-fire Q&A episode of Ask the Advocate, Special Education Boss® Karen Mayer Cunningham tackles your most pressing questions about special …

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IEP or 504? Budget Excuses, OT Battles, and Why Data Always Wins | Ask the Advocate 45:50

1M ago45:50

45:50

What’s the real difference between an IEP and a 504? Spoiler: one of them is a “waste of good paper”… and Karen does not hold back. In this rapid-fire Ask the Advocate episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham answers the most pressing questions from parents, teachers, and advocates navigating special education. From whether schools can deny services based o…

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OCR Part 2: Next Steps Unveiled — Navigating Post-Complaint Procedures with OCR 1:04:05

1M ago1:04:05

1:04:05

So you filed an OCR complaint… now what? In Part 2 of our 3-part training series, Karen Mayer Cunningham walks you through exactly what happens after you hit "submit" on an OCR (Office for Civil Rights) complaint—because filing is just the beginning. This training picks up where we left off in Part 1 (go back and listen if you haven’t yet!). We’re …

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Career Shifts: From Classroom to Corporate Instructional Design with Sakina Brandford 33:04

1M ago33:04

33:04

Welcome to episode 37 of the Designing with Love podcast! In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sakina Brandford, an instructional designer in the corporate industry and recent graduate of the Master of Science in Instructional Design program at Grand Canyon University. The journey from classroom teaching to corporate instructional de…

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Rapid-Fire Q&A: IEP Services, Transition Plans, 504 Misconceptions & Parent Advocacy 51:50

2M ago51:50

51:50

Have a question about IEPs, special education rights, or how to advocate for your child? In this rapid-fire episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, answers YOUR burning questions from parents, teachers, and advocates across the country. ✨ From transition services at age 16 (or earlier!) to paraprofessional-only classrooms, rel…

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What Schools Get Wrong: Q&A on One-to-One Support, Service Minutes, and Your Parent Rights 1:00:34

2M ago1:00:34

1:00:34

Do you know your rights when it comes to makeup services, one-to-one support, and placement decisions? In this powerful, unfiltered Q&A session, Karen Mayer Cunningham, Special Education Boss®, breaks down REAL questions from parents and educators navigating the IEP table. We’re covering everything from: Can a school deliver compensatory minutes be…

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How to File an Effective OCR Complaint (Part 1): Know Your Rights and Get It Right 42:29

2M ago42:29

42:29

Do you know your rights when it comes to filing a federal complaint for disability discrimination? In this powerful Part 1 of our 3-part training, Karen Mayer Cunningham—The Special Education Boss®—walks you through how to effectively file an OCR (Office for Civil Rights) complaint with the U.S. Department of Education. If you’ve ever thought: 👉 “S…

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The Testing Talk: How to Get Your Child Fully Evaluated for Special Education 30:49

2M ago30:49

30:49

Is your child struggling in school, and you're wondering if special education testing is the next step? In this powerful episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham breaks down the entire process of requesting and navigating special education testing—from suspected needs to formal evaluations. If you've ever been told "your child doe…

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Math Revolution: Rethinking Education with Dr. Craig Hane 51:41

2M ago51:41

51:41

Welcome to episode 36 of the Designing with Love podcast! In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Craig Hane, a math educator and founder of the Triad Math Army. Mathematics doesn't have to be intimidating, confusing, or useless. Dr. Craig Hane proves this through his remarkable journey from being told he wasn't "college material" t…

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How to Make a Formal Special Education Request (Say This Exactly) 3:48

2M ago3:48

3:48

Parents: If you think you’ve made a request for special education testing, but it wasn’t written, clean, concise, and clear… you didn’t. In this short but powerful episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, walks you through exactlywhat a formal request is — and what it isn’t. No more: 🚫 "Hey Bob, can you check on that for me?" 🚫…

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AI, Authenticity, and Saving 10 Hours a Week: A Conversation with Matt Fornito 43:37

2M ago43:37

43:37

Are you using AI... or is it using you? In this powerful episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham sits down with keynote speaker, organizational psychologist, and AI strategist Matt Fornito to unpack what’s really happening in the world of artificial intelligence—and why it matters for educators, advocates, and business owners ali…

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Hot Topics + Hot Deals: July Q&A with the Special Education Boss® 58:03

2M ago58:03

58:03

July is heating up—and so is the conversation! In this live Q&A episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, answers your biggest questions on IEPs, 504s, eligibility, state complaints, ABA therapy, inclusion, and more. Plus, she announces exciting news: 📕 Karen’s long-awaited special education book is finally done—and pre-orders w…

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Dispute Resolution in Special Education: What Are Your Rights 29:03

2M ago29:03

29:03

If you're facing a disagreement with your child’s school over special education services, this episode is for you. Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, breaks down the four state-level dispute resolution options every parent, guardian, and advocate must know: ✅ IEP Facilitation ✅ Mediation ✅ State Complaint ✅ Due Process Hearing Thi…

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Mastering the SAM Model: A Guide to Rapid Instructional Design 13:41

2M ago13:41

13:41

Welcome to episode 35 of the Designing with Love podcast, where I introduce the SAM Model, explain why you should choose it for rapid development, describe its phases, offer tips for implementing it, and discuss some common pitfalls and how to avoid them. Ready to revolutionize your instructional design approach? The SAM (Successive Approximation M…

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What Is a Due Process Hearing—and What Does It Mean for Parents and Advocates? 31:51

2M ago31:51

31:51

f you’ve ever said, “I’ll sue the school district,” you may be thinking about a due process hearing—but do you actually know what that means? In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham breaks down the fourth and most formal dispute resolution option under IDEA: the Special Education Due Process Hearing. Whether you’re a pare…

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Ask the Advocate: Mid-Year Wake-Up Call + Your Top IEP Questions Answered 56:22

2M ago56:22

56:22

We’re back with a no-holds-barred Ask the Advocate episode—and this one is fire. Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, is answering your most-asked questions with the clarity, humor, and wisdom you’ve come to expect. Spoiler: It’s July. That means we’re in the second half of the year—and there’s still time to get in the game and figh…

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From Mom Guilt to Systemic Change: Angie Pannuti's Special Education Advocacy Journey 45:56

2M ago45:56

45:56

What happens when a fiercely intelligent parent is told her child just isn’t “a good fit” for school? In this raw and powerful episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, sits down with Kentucky-based mom, medical professional, and now advocate, Angie Pannuti. What began as a personal struggle with sleep-deprived nights, guilt-fil…

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From Classroom to Advocacy: Why This Educator Walked Away to Stand Up for Kids 23:34

2M ago23:34

23:34

The system isn’t just broken—it’s breaking teachers. This week on Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham sits down with Linda Glazewski, a bold new voice in the advocacy world. After 30+ years in the classroom, Linda walked away from the job she once loved to start advocating full-time for families and students with disabilities. Why? Beca…

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The 5-Step Method to Reinvent Your Classroom in the AI Era with Dr. Matthew Metzgar 47:36

2M ago47:36

47:36

Welcome to episode 34 of the Designing with Love podcast! In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Matthew Metzgar, an expert in the higher education field and the author of a new book titled The Overnight AI Educator: Transform Your Course in 24 Hours. Dr. Matthew Metzger explores how AI is transforming education and shares his inno…

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Ask the Advocate: Summer Services, Speech Support, and the 50% Off Sale! 59:37

2M ago59:37

59:37

We’re wrapping up June with Ask the Advocate—and it’s packed! Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, answers your most-asked questions about IEPs, 504s, compensatory services, and more. From data myths and goal-setting to speech therapy, para support, and placement issues—this episode is full of clarity, education, and laughter (of co…

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Fort Bend ISD Whistleblower Reveals IEP Failures, FERPA Violations & Retaliation 11:29

2M ago11:29

11:29

What would you do if your child’s school ignored the law—and told teachers not to speak to you? In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham shares a powerful whistleblower letter from a former general education teacher inside Fort Bend ISD. This teacher came forward to expose what was really happening behind closed doors: 🚫 I…

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From Classroom to Advocacy: Why Alan Driggers Left Teaching to Fight for Families 35:00

2M ago35:00

35:00

What happens when a seasoned special education teacher realizes the system isn't built to support the very students it's supposed to serve? In this powerful conversation, Karen Mayer Cunningham sits down with former educator Alan Driggers, who recently left the classroom after 14 years to become a full-time special education advocate. Alan shares w…

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From Cloud Architect to AI Specialist: Naveen Krishnan's Microsoft Journey 27:13

2M ago27:13

27:13

Welcome to episode 33 of the Designing with Love podcast! In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Naveen Krishnan, an expert in the AI technology and cloud computing field. What does the future of work look like when AI becomes your daily assistant? Microsoft AI Solutions Architect Naveen Krishnan offers a compelling glimpse into this r…