Best Working Together With Schools To Educate Students Better Podcasts (2025)

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Dear Life Kit: I’m sick of all this unwanted attention 19:31

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22h ago19:31

19:31

Clinical psychologist Adia Gooden and NPR's It's Been A Minute host, Brittany Luse, answer questions from Dear Life Kit listeners and they share their best advice on unsolicited advice. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at [email protected] Support the sho…

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Educational Eligibility, Clinical Diagnosis, and the “Just Be Like Finland” Argument (with Dr. Chrishawn Finister) 1:01:25

2d ago1:01:25

1:01:25

Every few years, conversations about education in the U.S. circle back to the same refrain: Why can’t we be more like Finland? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Chrishawn Finister from Your Joy Psychological, PLLC to unpack this comparison. We dig into the nuanced relationship between educational eligibility and clinical diagnosis, which often o…

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War In Ukraine: A Journalist’s Experience With Mary McAuliffe And Ellen Laipson 34:49

4h ago34:49

34:49

The war in Ukraine continues to rage, and with no end in sight, the people there continue to suffer. David Ramadan and guest co-host Prof. Ellen Laipson sit down with reporter and news producer Mary McAuliffe, who shares her experiences living in war-torn Ukraine. She explains what daily life looks like in the country while living under the threat …

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Episode 366: How to Teach Writing With Confidence (Even If You Feel Like a Fraud) 25:18

1d ago25:18

25:18

Teaching writing doesn’t have to feel hard — it just takes one mindset shift and a clear framework. In today's Teaching Middle School ELA podcast episode, Caitlin shares how to trust yourself, your system, and your students so teaching writing feels calm, confident, and easy. Tune in and discover how to step into your power as a writing teacher!…

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Having good posture doesn't just mean sitting up straight 19:11

3d ago19:11

19:11

Does your back hurt after a long day at your desk? Do you wake up with a sore neck every morning? Muscle aches in your body could be a sign you need to improve your posture. This episode, a physical therapist and a biomechanist break down what "good posture" looks like and how you can begin to correct yours. This episode originally published Feb. 2…

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Episode 365: Monday Mindset: Feeling Stuck? This Episode Will Help You See Why That’s a Good Thing. 6:45

11h ago6:45

6:45

You know that uncomfortable middle space — where you can see the vision of who you’re becoming, but you’re not quite there yet? That’s what today’s episode is all about. Caitlin opens up about her own season of “in-between,” where growth felt slow and uncertain — and how she learned to see that space not as wasted time, but as sacred ground for tra…

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How to afford food when money is tight 16:12

3d ago16:12

16:12

Millions of people have been left without access to food as a result of funding delays for SNAP benefits. Kevin Curry of Fit Men Cook, an online food community, shares resources for those affected, including how to build a low-budget cart at the grocery store. A previous version of this episode incorrectly said that Kevin Curry graduated from Harva…

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Episode 135 - Get Sticky 15:08

4h ago15:08

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We're better together. But we can become divided. When challenges rise and tensions build, the real test of any team isn't how talented they are, it's how united they stay. When people stick together through the messy, complicated parts, they create something stronger than "Us vs Them" can ever achieve. In this episode of Educators Among Us, host S…

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Grading What Matters: Rethinking Student Learning and Assessment | Marc Aronson 23:25

2h ago23:25

23:25

Send us a text Imagine a school where grades reward collaboration, character, and genuine mastery—not just memorization and speed. In this episode, Dean of Academics Marc Aronson shares how his school, Cheshire Academy, rethought assessment through Grading What Matters, a framework focused on authentic learning, student agency, and mission-aligned …

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Stop Using RACE: The Better Writing Framework Students Actually Understand 16:16

4d ago16:16

16:16

In today’s episode, Caitlin dives into why the RACE formula falls short for essay writing—and how the EBW Approach takes students from “answering questions” to thinking like real writers. You’ll learn how to recognize when your students are ready to level up, and what simple steps to take to help them move from summary to true analysis. -----------…

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How to repair after a fight with your partner 20:00

5h ago20:00

20:00

After a big blowup or recurring fight with your partner or spouse, how do you reconnect? Couples therapist Baya Voce offers a five-step process for couples to make amends after conflict, including what to do if you're still upset and how to make sure both of you get a chance to say what you feel and need. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up…

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What words should I target in language therapy? 19:19

4d ago19:19

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Most of us know that it’s important to work on vocabulary in language and literacy intervention. But how do we know what words to pick? Should we be working on specific words, or should we be focusing on strategies? If we DO work on words, how can we possibly keep up with the pace of the curriculum (and should we even try)? I get these questions AL…

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A Deeper Look Into The Media Today With Mark Halperin And Dr. David Rehr 30:47

1d ago30:47

30:47

With the digital world and people’s attention rapidly evolving, the media landscape also adapts quickly to catch up and stay relevant. David Ramadan sits down with guest co-host Dr. David Rehr and journalist Mark Halperin to dissect the state of media today, particularly with how it covers the most divisive political stories right now. Mark explain…

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Episode 364: Make Writing Feel Easy Again: 3 Simple Systems That Actually Work 29:57

6d ago29:57

29:57

Today, on the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, Caitlin breaks down exactly why writing feels overwhelming — and how the problem isn’t you, it’s the system. You’ll discover three simple, teacher-tested frameworks that will help you: ✅ Simplify writing instruction without reinventing the wheel ✅ Give faster, more meaningful feedback ✅ Bring fun (a…

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Smart home decoration tips from designer Vern Yip 24:51

2d ago24:51

24:51

When you're decorating a room, it can be difficult to identify your personal vision and stay true to it — especially if you have financial constraints or are designing with others in mind. But Vern Yip, who has designed on TLC's Trading Spaces and hosts the interior design show Home Reimagined, says that compromising on your tastes now means you mi…

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Episode 363: Monday Mindset: What Courage Looks Like in the Classroom (Hint: It’s Not Loud) 9:09

7d ago9:09

9:09

When we think of courage, we often picture grand, dramatic moments — standing up to someone, taking a huge leap, or making a bold change. But in today’s Monday Mindset episode, we’re exploring a different kind of courage — the quiet, everyday kind that often goes unseen. Caitlin shares her own story of rebuilding confidence and identity after a lon…

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How to get lower prices on prescription drugs 19:21

3d ago19:21

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Prescription drug prices can be costly. What are you supposed to do if you can't afford medication? In this episode, Dan Weissmann, host of KUOW's podcast An Arm and a Leg, shares how to find discounts on prescription medications and navigate the health care system when drugs cost more than you expected. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up …

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Episode 134 - Can You See It? 15:36

4d ago15:36

15:36

What do you see when you look at the people around you? Sometimes it's easier to notice flaws, frustrations, and failures. But the greatest educators have a different kind of vision. They see potential where others see problems. They treat people as if they already are who they could become. They get it, and that changes everything. In this episode…

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Episode 362: The Mystery Basket Game That Turns Any Lesson Into a Competition 10:31

7d ago10:31

10:31

Ready to turn ordinary review time into pure excitement? In today’s episode of The Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast, we’re bringing you another hit from our Classroom Games Series: Mystery Baskets 🧺✨ This activity works with any ELA concept—grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, root words, you name it—and adds just the right amount of suspense and …

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How introverts and extroverts can be better friends 18:52

7d ago18:52

18:52

Introverts and extroverts move through the world differently and sometimes friendships can suffer when those differences clash. Reporter Yowei Show, host of the podcast Proxy, explores the science of personality to help you bridge the divide in your own friendships. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episod…

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A Case for Talking about the “Summer Slide” in the Fall (featuring David Schipper) 16:50

16d ago16:50

16:50

Every time I look into research on the summer slide, I get more confused. It’s no wonder professionals and families are scrambling every May as they think about how kids should be spending their time in the summer. I’ve intended to do a deep dive into the research and gain a better understanding of how significant the “slide” is, for who, and what,…

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Reserves With Commanders Sean Purdy And Dan Matthews 50:21

8d ago50:21

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Reserves are an often overlooked pillar of American defense and public service. When you dig deeper, you will realize that they are more than just additional fighting forces during times of emergency. David Ramadan takes a closer look at the roles and responsibilities of the United States Army Reserve with his guest co-host Commander Dan Matthews a…

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Episode 361: How to Fix Classroom Culture Fast (Without Starting Over) 43:30

14d ago43:30

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Your classroom culture starts with you. 💛 In this week’s episode, Caitlin shares three powerful mindset shifts that can completely transform how you show up—for yourself and your students. Tune in to discover how small inner changes can create big outer results. From Mark Traver's article: A Psychologist Shares The ‘90-Second Rule’ To Survive Emoti…

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Want to avoid flight delays this holiday season? Follow these tips now 20:19

17d ago20:19

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When you've already spent money on an expensive ticket, and bad weather can cause potential flight delays and cancellations, it's good to know what you're entitled to in the event of a travel issue. Scott Keyes, founder of the travel site Going.com (formerly known as Scott's Cheap Flights), shares his recommendations, including days to avoid and th…

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Episode 133 - Better Educators Ask Better Questions: A Conversation with David Arrell 28:11

10d ago28:11

28:11

The greatest educators know that learning isn't about delivering information; it's about sparking discovery. When we ask the right questions, we don't just fill minds, we awaken them. In this episode, Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, welcomes longtime friend and education leader David Arrell, Assistant Director with the O…

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Do collagen supplements really work? 15:29

10d ago15:29

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Collagen supplements have been widely promoted on social media, with claims that they'll strengthen hair and nails, lessen wrinkles and even ease joint pain. But are there studies backing these claims? NPR health correspondent Maria Godoy dives into the research and shares science-backed tips for better skin that are more effective. Fill out our su…

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From Players to Creators: How Student Game-Making Builds AI-Era Skills | Matt Dalio 26:14

22d ago26:14

26:14

Send us a text Play isn’t just fun—it’s a blueprint for learning. In this episode, Dr. Lisa Hassler and Matt Dalio (Endless Studios/Foundation) explore how student game-making builds creativity, collaboration, and resilience while scaffolding real tools—from no-code building to Unity and Blender. We unpack the research on learning by making, connec…

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Episode 360: The Knockout Game That Makes Review Days 10x More Fun 9:30

18d ago9:30

9:30

Welcome back to our Games Series! Today, we’re bringing the energy with one of the most exciting review games you’ll ever play in your ELA classroom—Knockout. This game transforms any concept—whether it’s text structures, grammar, or figurative language—into a high-stakes, fast-paced classroom battle. Students aren’t just answering questions; they’…

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How parents can be screen time role models 24:59

18d ago24:59

24:59

There's a lot of talk about how to monitor screen time for kids. But for kids to have healthy relationships with technology and smartphones, parents need to model good habits. Life Kit reporter Andee Tagle talks with experts and offers practical tips so parents can set the tone for positive technology use that benefits the whole family. Take our su…

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What “Biologically Secondary” Means for Literacy Instruction (featuring Dr. Pamela Snow) 24:32

23d ago24:32

24:32

The idea that exposing kids to enriching literacy and play-based experiences will effectively teach them to read and write sounds nice on paper. Unfortunately, it’s not in-line with the large and growing body of evidence that suggests that kids need direct, explicit instruction to learn to read, write, and spell. Sure, a select group of fortunate s…

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Freedom Of Speech And Democracy: Defending Civil Discourse In Divided Times With Barbara Comstock And Walter Olson 41:03

15d ago41:03

41:03

Freedom of Speech stands at the heart of American democracy—and yet it faces new challenges in the age of polarization, executive overreach, and digital activism. In this episode, David Ramadan is joined by former Congresswoman Barbara Comstock and Walter Olson, Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute, for a powerful discussion on protecting free expre…

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The Free Halloween Escape Room Your Students Will Freak Out Over 10:32

21d ago10:32

10:32

Halloween week in middle school can feel like complete chaos—costumes, candy, and zero focus. But what if you could channel that energy into something productive and fun? In this special bonus episode, Caitlin shares a free, done-for-you Haunted Forest Escape Room that keeps your students engaged, practicing key ELA skills, and (miraculously!) on t…

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Frustrated by a relationship? Questions to ask yourself to move forward 19:23

24d ago19:23

19:23

If you feel overwhelmed or stuck in a close relationship, therapist KC Davis, author of Who Deserves Your Love, has a list of questions to help you decide whether you should continue to engage. Davis provides guidance on how to create boundaries you feel good about without cutting people out of your life. Take our survey at npr.org/lifekitsurvey Fo…

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How to take a refreshing nap (without ending up more tired) 21:14

25d ago21:14

21:14

Naps can offer significant benefits, from emotional regulation to improving memory and athletic performance. But there are right and wrong ways to snooze. A sleep psychologist and a sleep physician explain the factors of the perfect nap and the importance of daytime rest. This episode originally published Feb. 26, 2024. Take our survey at npr.org/l…