Best Inspiring positive change in schools and communities Podcasts (2025)

1
S6:E1 Leadership With Outcomes and Empathy: A Conversation with Iranetta Wright 20:35

3h ago20:35

20:35

In this episode of Stories from the Field, host Doug Roberts is joined by Iranetta Wright, Superintendent Emeritus of Cincinnati Public Schools and founder of The Wright Way Leadership Group. This no-fluff, all-substance conversation covers what it takes to drive student outcomes and sustain yourself as a leader in today’s educational landscape. Wr…

1
Redefining Success: Tony Branch on Mentorship, Emotional Vulnerability, and Inspiring Change 1:07:00

5M ago1:07:00

1:07:00

Send us a text Discover the transformative insights of Tony Branch, a distinguished author and motivational speaker from New York City, who joins us to illuminate the challenges and triumphs of his journey. Tony's narrative explores the shifting landscape of motivational speaking, particularly for young Black men, and the pressing societal expectat…

1
The Secret to Effective Change Leadership in Schools with Anne Sena 46:25

6M ago46:25

46:25

How do you lead change in schools while keeping people at the center? In this episode, we explore how technology, change management, and human connection all come together in modern education. Anne Sena, Director of Technology at St. David's School, shares her unique insights from a career that spans corporate America and independent schools. We di…

1
EdTech Success Through Inclusive Change with Alex Inman 53:17

6M ago53:17

53:17

In this episode of the School Leaders Project, we’re thrilled to welcome Alex Inman, a leader in EdTech and change management, to explore the transformative journey of educational technology—from the first one-to-one programs to the latest AI innovations in schools. Join us as we dive deep into the lessons that past tech shifts can teach us about i…

1
A Masterclass on Service Learning with Raj Mundra 40:15

7M ago40:15

40:15

How do we raise young leaders who see the world as their classroom and service as their responsibility? In this episode of the School Leaders Project, we sit down with Raj Mundra, an expert in education and civic engagement with over three decades of experience in shaping independent school students into compassionate, community-focused leaders. Ra…

1
Understanding and embracing neurodiversity with Temple Grandin, Steve Silberman, and Barry Prizant [FBF] 20:00

7M ago20:00

20:00

How might the unique minds of Nikola Tesla, Andy Warhol, and Albert Einstein reveal the untapped potential in neurodiversity? Join autism experts Temple Grandin, Steve Silberman, and Barry Prizant in a groundbreaking discussion that dives deep into the heart of neurodiversity. This conversation not only challenges conventional deficit models but al…

1
What is memory in the context of teaching and learning? With Ross McGill [FBF] 15:40

8M ago15:40

15:40

Dive into the fascinating world of memory and cognitive science with Ross McGill, also known as @TeacherToolkit , on this insightful episode of the SLP podcast. Sparked by his experience as a blogger facing critiques for evidence-based claims, Ross embarked on a deep dive into cognitive science, a journey that led him to explore the intricacies of …

1
Why is strategic planning important? Lessons from Diane Tavenner [FBF] 17:43

8M ago17:43

17:43

Join us in this enlightening conversation with Diane Tavenner, an acclaimed leader in education, as we dive into the world of innovative school design and strategic planning in education. In this video, Diane shares her insights on creating schools that are responsive to the needs of current students, communities, and the evolving world. Discover t…

1
How to Build Metacognition and Self-Regulation in Your School with Dr. Shyamm Barr 49:34

8M ago49:34

49:34

In this episode, we dive into the world of self-regulated learning with Dr. Shyam Barr, a thought leader in Australia specializing in student-centered learning and metacognition. Self-regulated learning is all about equipping students with the skills and capacity to understand how they learn best, when they learn best, and how to curate an environm…

1
How to navigate national educational standards in the UAE? [FBF] 22:08

8M ago22:08

22:08

Dive into a thought-provoking episode with David Gerber, a pioneering educator in the UAE, as we explore how progressive schools can thrive within the constraints of national requirements. Recorded against the backdrop of the innovative Fairgreen school located in the Sustainable City of Dubai, this conversation uncovers the strategies and mindset …

1
What makes a school sustainable? Lessons from Green School Bali [FBF] 14:47

8M ago14:47

14:47

Dive into an inspiring episode of the School Leaders Project podcast featuring Sal Gordon, the visionary head of teaching and learning at Green School Bali. Set in the lush jungles of Indonesia, this episode explores the groundbreaking educational approach that sets Green School apart as a beacon of the global education revolution. Sal shares his j…

1
How to Lead an Independent School with Peter Baron 34:44

8M ago34:44

34:44

Join us as we dive deep into the world of independent school leadership with Peter Baron, an expert in the field with years of experience and innovative solutions. We explore several crucial themes: 1. The Evolution of Independent Schools: Discover how independent schools have adapted over the years and the pressing need for innovation in their bus…

1
Back to School - How Our City Supports Students 14:25

9M ago14:25

14:25

As students head back to the classroom, co-hosts Dr. Robert Franklin and Former Mayor Lee take a closer look at the partnership between the City of San Mateo and the school districts to ensure students have what they need to succeed. From the Learning Education Assistance Program (LEAP) that provided essential resources during COVID-19, to safety i…

1
What is visible thinking? | Insights from Dr. Ron Ritchhart [FBF] 38:55

9M ago38:55

38:55

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Ron Ritchhart, a renowned researcher from Harvard and a pioneer in transforming schools into cultures of thinking. In this episode, Dr. Ritchhart shares his insights on how we can develop our students into powerful learners and thinkers by fostering a culture where thinking is made visible. Discover…

1
Pausing, Reflecting, Hoping 30:55

9M ago30:55

30:55

As series 1 of Imagining Tomorrow draws to a close, presenter Emma Newman reflects on the battle against despair and what the podcast has revealed about the entrepreneurs, scientists, innovators and communities she's interviewed. Emma explores the key lessons they've imparted, and whether they're enough to tackle the climate. Resources: Research on…

1
The role schools play in safeguarding students online 48:41

9M ago48:41

48:41

Our children and young people are growing up in an increasingly online world. Digital safeguarding is crucial in a school context given that students are spending more and more time on devices. Teachers can no longer rely on just their eyes and ears to detect harm that may be occurring for their students. In today’s episode, Safeguarding Children c…

1
What is Competency-Based Education: Tips and Strategies for Leaders with Rose Colby 1:00:10

9M ago1:00:10

1:00:10

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Competency-Based Education (CBE) with Rose Colby, a pioneering leader in the field. Over the last 17 years, Rose has guided schools across the nation in shifting from traditional education models to more innovative, personalized approaches that prioritize mastery and deeper learning. We explore the ev…

1
Youth experiences of peer-to-peer harm in online spaces - CSW 2024 1:00:15

9M ago1:00:15

1:00:15

In this episode of Together, guest Dr Emma Barker-Clarke, a specialist in violence prevention education, delves into the nuanced experiences of young people facing online harms, particularly peer-to-peer digital sexual harassment and sextortion. The conversation underscores the importance of centring young people’s voices, providing education that …

1
How to get students to ask better questions? [FBF] 40:44

9M ago40:44

40:44

In this episode, we dive into an insightful conversation with Trevor McKenzie about his latest book, which introduces 10 high-impact question routines designed to help students become more proficient and curious questioners. Trevor shares the inspiration behind his new book and discusses how these routines can transform classrooms by fostering deep…

1
Scams, screens and safety: Netsafe’s mission to keep kids safe online - CSW 2024 30:57

9M ago30:57

30:57

In this episode of Together, Safeguarding Children consultant Jessica McQuoid, and guest Brent Carey, CEO of Netsafe, explore the evolving landscape of online safety for children and young people. They discuss Netsafe's growth and its critical role in protecting New Zealanders from online harm, with a particular focus on scams targeting youth. The …

1
How to Increase Enrollment in Independent Schools with Brendan Schneider 49:09

9M ago49:09

49:09

In this insightful episode, join us as we explore effective marketing techniques for independent schools aiming to increase enrollment. We'll dive into how demographic shifts, COVID-19 impacts, and tuition costs influence prospective families' decisions. Learn about integrating marketing communications, leveraging digital marketing, and the importa…

1
How Future Schools Embrace Humanity and Belonging [FBF] 40:13

9M ago40:13

40:13

Listen in as Louka Parry brings a fresh perspective on building a 'fully human' education ecosystem. In this episode, he explores the crucial role of purpose-driven learning, social-emotional learning (SEL) strategies, and cognitive agility in empowering students. Louka shares how to honor diverse cultural practices while cultivating the essential …

1
Part 2: Unpacking The NZ Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care Final Report 48:05

9M ago48:05

48:05

In this episode of Together, the team at Safeguarding Children discuss the critical role that training plays in preventing child abuse and neglect, particularly in light of the recent findings from the New Zealand Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry. They explore the need for sector-specific, ongoing training that is not only tailored to the …

1
What’s next with AI in Education? With Dan Fitzpatrick 53:10

9M ago53:10

53:10

Welcome to an exciting episode of School Leaders Project! In this episode, we're thrilled to have Dan Fitzpatrick, a leading expert in artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation. Dan shares his invaluable insights on several key themes: 1. Always Have an Out: Discover the concept of "always having an out" and how this approach promotes innovative …

1
Storytelling and the Future of Education [FBF] 37:55

9M ago37:55

37:55

In today's fast-paced world driven by AI and rapid change, it can feel challenging to keep up. But what if the answers to education's purpose lie in stories- in the continuity of our past and present? In this episode, we chat with historian and futurist Phil Cummins to uncover how we can build future-focused schools while staying true to our core m…

1
Harvesting, Fertilising, Revolutionising 50:43

10M ago50:43

50:43

Seaweed has long been touted as an important resource in the battle against climate change, thanks to its rapid growth and ability to absorb carbon dioxide. Inspired by conversations with a community garden group in Scotland and the founder of a company producing sustainable materials from seaweed, Emma Newman imagines a world in which new material…

1
Unpacking the NZ Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care Final Report 36:44

10M ago36:44

36:44

In this episode of "Together," the team at Safeguarding Children discuss the findings of the New Zealand Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry. The discussion sheds light on the systemic failures that allowed abuse to flourish in state and faith-based care, and calls for urgent legislative reform to extend child safety standards across all orga…

1
City Services Academy: A Model of Transparency 15:06

10M ago15:06

15:06

In this episode of Beyond City Hall, we're thrilled to announce that the City Services Academy is now accepting applications! Join us as we dive into this unique opportunity for residents and workers in San Mateo to gain an insider's perspective on city government. The City Services Academy is not just an educational experience; it's a model of tra…

1
Willow Duffy's Journey in Child Safeguarding 45:09

10M ago45:09

45:09

Welcome back to Season 2 of Together - a podcast dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and the promotion of child-safe organisations. In this introductory episode, Willow Duffy, CEO of Safeguarding Children in New Zealand, outlines the grassroots inception of Safeguarding Children in 2011 and its evolution into a sustainable organization that …

1
Mapping, Restoring, Regenerating 54:55

11M ago54:55

54:55

Recent council decisions to cut down trees in Sheffield and Plymouth have prompted outcry from local residents and demonstrated how passionate we can be about preserving trees in urban environments. Research carried out on behalf of Friends of the Earth shows the dramatic impact trees have on bringing down temperatures in urban areas, and calls to …

1
Empowering Teens and Parents: Insights from Life Coach Desiree Panlilio 49:48

11M ago49:48

49:48

Send us a text Prepare to be inspired and empowered as we welcome Desiree Panlilio, a dedicated teen and parent life coach, to The Mic'd Up & Motivated podcast. Desiree shares her remarkable journey from a critical care nurse to a life coach, shedding light on the vital role of resilience, empathy, and parent-teen solid relationships. Learn how Des…

1
Liberation: Making Juneteenth Matter Every Day 16:15

11M ago16:15

16:15

Former Mayor Amourence Lee joined Dr. Franklin to discuss a momentous day in American history that marked the actual end of African-American slavery in the United States, some two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation had been made effective: Juneteenth. In 2024, the City of San Mateo declared Juneteenth an official C…

1
Pollinating, Gardening, Listening 55:43

12M ago55:43

55:43

The decline in pollinator numbers is a frightening trend that needs to be reversed as soon as possible. If you live in a city, is there anything you can do? And if you're a farmer, how can you tell if the changes you're making to increase numbers of pollinators that food production depends upon are actually working? Inspired by conversations with a…

1
Campaigning, Collaborating, Motivating 47:02

1y ago47:02

47:02

In recent years, young people have been at the forefront of campaigning on climate change. How does it feel to spearhead a campaign? How is it possible to campaign with busy lives and academic pressures? What keeps you going in these times of hostile politics, an adversarial press and toxic social media? Emma Newman talks to a young activist who ha…

1
Paradigm Shift in Community Investment: San Francisco Foundation Koshland Fellowship 16:55

1y ago16:55

16:55

Celebrating the North Central neighborhood in the City of San Mateo and 10 local leaders including Former Mayor Amourence Lee, honored by the prestigious Daniel E. Koshland Civic Unity Community Fellowship. For forty years, this fellowship program has empowered over 500 community leaders and invested $7M+ in over 35 neighborhoods throughout the Bay…

1
Holistic Approaches to Homelessness & Public Safety 18:47

1y ago18:47

18:47

Many cities are struggling to support their growing homeless population. Our City of San Mateo in California launched an innovative program that fills gaps between services and is successfully moving homeless folks into support services and housing. This cost-effective model is helping to reduce calls for service and officer involvement in homeless…

1
Nurturing the Next Generation's Path to Success 1:12:14

1y ago1:12:14

1:12:14

Send us a text Amy Hanna, a dynamo in youth advocacy and community leadership, shares her insights on the transformative power of recognizing the potential in our younger generation. Through her diverse experiences, from directing Youth for Christ to her pageantry days and authoring children's books, Amy offers a unique perspective on guiding young…

1
Monitoring, Rescuing, Cleansing 44:02

1y ago44:02

44:02

One day, a man in Salford Quays awoke to find a duck nesting on his balcony, 150 ft above the water. Once born, her ducklings had to be lowered down in a bucket. With over 20 acres of water at her disposal, why did that mother duck decide to nest there? And why did thousands of fish in the same location die overnight? Inspired by talking to the duc…

1
Investing in Families: The Vital Role of Childcare 12:17

1y ago12:17

12:17

Childcare is the essential social infrastructure supporting working families & working moms like me! During the pandemic, we saw the childcare industry come to the brink of collapse. I joined other #momleaders to create a $5.5M County Grant Program that benefited 300 childcare providers, including 75 childcare programs in the City of San Mateo. Cal…

1
Financing, Fundraising, Moving 1:01:29

1y ago1:01:29

1:01:29

When the average person can’t control how the funds in their own bank accounts or pensions are used by institutions, is there any way to stop terrible things being done with our money? Inspired by conversations with the leader of a grassroots movement empowering women to take control of their finances, a community farm in Wales raising funds to kee…

1
Empowering the Next Generation: Chip Murdock's Journey from Music to Mentorship 54:10

1y ago54:10

54:10

Send us a text Have you ever met someone whose spirit is so infectious that you can't help but feel uplifted in their presence? Chip Murdock from Wilmington College is precisely that kind of individual. In our latest episode, he shares his extraordinary journey and insights on empowering young people with love and respect. His philosophy, shaped by…

1
Warming, Decarbonising, Celebrating 52:57

1+ y ago52:57

52:57

Across the UK there are thousands of faith buildings playing important roles in their communities. Churches, mosques, gurdwaras, all host gatherings for worship and for community activities such as playgroups, choirs, support groups and many more. Recently, many have been serving as warm banks, providing a space for people struggling to heat their …

1
Growing, Feeding, Nurturing 54:48

1+ y ago54:48

54:48

Over the past couple of years, extreme weather events, the energy crisis and Brexit have put a visible strain on the UK’s food supply chain and increased prices for the consumer. What if we increased the amount of food that we grow in cities, and thus increased biodiversity and reduced food miles? Inspired by talking to a community gardens group in…

1
Heating, Cooling, Empowering 50:07

1+ y ago50:07

50:07

Most homes in the UK are still heated by burning fossil fuels. Struggling households are faced with unnecessarily high bills and cold winters, or bearing the financial burden of replacing old-fashioned central heating. So is there a better way to heat and cool our buildings, accelerate decarbonisation and reduce fuel poverty? Inspired by talking to…

1
S5:E9 Denver Public Schools – Maintaining a Sense of Community 45:40

1+ y ago45:40

45:40

In Season 5, Episode 9, of “Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast,” Doug Roberts, the CEO & Founder of Institute for Education Innovation visits Dr. Alex Marrero, Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, to discuss tough decisions and how community connections enhance the coming-together of Denver for addressing the Whole Child and Soc…

1
S5:E8 Denver Public Schools – Revisiting Equity Considering School Safety 35:50

1+ y ago35:50

35:50

In Season 5, Episode 8, of “Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast,” Doug Roberts, the CEO & Founder of Institute for Education Innovation visits Dr. Alex Marrero, Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, to have tough conversations about being a strong district leader looking out for his students and the Denver community, while maintai…

1
S5:E7 Denver Public Schools – Invoking Positive Change with Safety & Security 38:07

1+ y ago38:07

38:07

In Season 5, Episode 7, of “Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast,” Doug Roberts, the CEO & Founder of Institute for Education Innovation, visits Dr. Alex Marrero, Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, to discuss how safety and security are paramount in today’s school communities. Doug and Dr. Marrero review how difficult conversati…

1
Imagining Tomorrow- Trailer 4:04

1+ y ago4:04

4:04

Coming soon, a new podcast, Imagining Tomorrow shows how we can create a future that is good for people and for nature, based on innovations in technology and community action that are already having a positive impact. Join Emma Newman as she pieces together the roadmap to utopia by interviewing amazing inventors, communities and award-winning scie…

1
S5:E6 Stories from the Field: Honoring our Retirees - Leaving an Impact–Honoring our Retirees 37:47

1+ y ago37:47

37:47

In this episode of, “Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast,” Melissa Crawl, Member Success Manager and Sara Croll, Vice President of Institute for Education Innovation, discuss the behind-the-scenes of being a superhero superintendent and leaving a legacy of change for their respective school districts. Melissa interviews Dr. April Gra…

1
Empowerment Trust - positive learning experiences to empower children 32:39

1+ y ago32:39

32:39

Willow talks to Fiona Bryan, current board member and former CEO of Empowerment Trust about the work that they do to keep children safe. Empowerment Trust creates safe learning experiences for adults and young people to take positive effective action to avoid or stop bullying, abuse and violence. Fiona discusses the primary prevention programmes th…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Inspiring Positive Change In Schools And Communities Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen