Best Magic EdTech Podcasts (2025)

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Education at a Crossroads: AI, Equity, and Evidence 28:05

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9d ago28:05

28:05

Dan Sandhu, CEO, EDT, lays out a practical, evidence‑first view of AI in education. He argues that AI must be anchored to shared educational outcomes, owned by local systems, and guided by living policies for ethics, safety, training, and leadership. Equity remains the strategic lens. AI can widen gaps when bandwidth, devices, and power are scarce,…

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Quality by Design in the AI Era 50:26

1M ago50:26

50:26

Dr. Andrea Gregg, Associate Research Professor and Director of Learning Experience Design at Penn State University, outlines a practical approach to building strong online learning in the AI era. She explains why simple, “don’t make me think” design protects real learning, and why every choice should tie back to outcomes and assessment. She covers …

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The Engagement Illusion: Why Attention Doesn’t Equal Learning 30:40

1M ago30:40

30:40

Student engagement is a top priority in K12, yet teachers, students, and district leaders rarely agree on what it actually looks like or how to measure it. Brian Shaw, CEO of Discovery Education, shares new findings from their Education Insights Report, including a striking gap between how students and adults perceive engagement. We explore the sig…

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The Hidden Metric Behind EdTech Success 48:00

2M ago48:00

48:00

Joel Kupperstein, Chief Product Officer at Project Lead The Way, shares field‑tested product principles for K–12. He explains why “easier before better” should be every product leader’s mantra, how empathy beats features, and what decades of experience have taught him about building tools teachers actually adopt. The conversation tackles AI’s rapid…

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The Secret to Building an AI-Ready Workforce at Scale 35:04

3M ago35:04

35:04

What does it take to shift from degrees to skills-based hiring while tackling the AI skills gap? Lydia Logan, VP of Global Education and Workforce Development at IBM, joins host Laura Hakala to discuss how IBM’s SkillsBuild program and its culture of lifelong learning are helping close global skills gaps. She shares what it takes to build responsib…

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Cracking the Engagement Code in EdTech 31:33

3M ago31:33

31:33

What turns “edutainment” into real learning that lasts? Clarence Tan, co-founder of Boddle Learning, shares how thoughtful game design can keep students engaged without losing instructional focus. He unpacks strategies to reduce cognitive load, signals districts should track to judge impact, and the AI guardrails that keep student data safe. The co…

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The Blind Spot Holding Back Higher Ed's Future 44:23

4M ago44:23

44:23

What does it take to put career services at the center of the college experience? Christine Cruz‑Vergara, Chief Education Strategy Officer at Handshake, joins Eric Stano to unpack why higher ed’s value is under pressure, what today’s students expect, and how campuses can respond to close the trust‑usage gap. Christine shares what Handshake is seein…

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Building EdTech Through a Neurodiverse Lens 47:06

4M ago47:06

47:06

Students with ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences are often underserved by traditional school systems. Diana Heldfond, Founder and CEO of Parallel Learning, joins Tech In EdTech to unpack how edtech can help close that gap. Drawing from both personal and professional expertise, Diana shares how districts can deliver precision interventio…

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Building a Workforce That Bends, Not Breaks 28:58

5M ago28:58

28:58

As AI, automation, and talent shortages reshape the future of work, Bijal Shah, CEO of Guild, offers a clear, practical roadmap for building teams that bend, but don’t break. In this episode, she shares how to support frontline talent, track the real ROI of learning programs, and build a workforce that adapts, evolves, and drives business forward. …

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Proof Over Play: The New Rules for EdTech Engagement 49:31

5M ago49:31

49:31

Vadim Polikov, CEO of Legends of Learning, joins Dipesh Jain to explore what it takes to make game-based learning effective in K–12. He breaks down the difference between gamification and true game-based learning, the importance of curriculum alignment, and how AI is driving personalization and collaboration across edtech tools.…

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CTE 2.0: Scaling Hands-On Skills for Global EdTech Market 38:21

6M ago38:21

38:21

In this episode, Adam Reid, Online CTE Teacher at Anchorage School District, joins Sean Strathy and talks about what it takes to run effective virtual Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. He shares insights from his unique approach at his school district in Alaska, balancing course breadth with access, using industry partnerships to enric…

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Rethinking Knowledge Mastery in a Skill-Centric World 36:50

6M ago36:50

36:50

In this episode, Brainscape CEO Andrew Cohen joins Olivia Lara-Gresty and talks about how edtech products can better support serious learners preparing for high-stakes exams and certifications. Find out why active recall and spaced repetition still outperform AI shortcuts, how to design study tools that reduce learning fatigue, and what truly motiv…

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Rewriting the Future of Work, Skills, and Hands-On Learning 30:53

7M ago30:53

30:53

In this episode, Olivia sits down with Sara Leoni, CEO of Ziplines Education, to talk about what learners truly need: credentials that carry weight, hands-on simulations that reflect real work, not busywork, and support that builds confidence along the way. They dive deep into why higher ed is still stuck on outdated skill sets, what practical, lon…

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From Band-Aids to Breakthroughs: Rethinking Innovation in Education 43:44

7M ago43:44

43:44

Dr. Annalies Corbin, CEO of the PAST Foundation and author of Hacking School, brings an anthropologist’s lens to educational change. In this episode, she breaks down why many EdTech initiatives fail to stick, pointing to short funding cycles, lack of strategy, and cultural disconnects. For EdTech leaders aiming to build products that go beyond temp…

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The Hardest Conversation About Schools We Need to Have: School Safety, Technology, and Tough Decisions 33:40

8M ago33:40

33:40

How do you protect a school from threats you can’t predict? Philip Selton, CEO of Lockdown Experts, unpacks the realities behind school safety technology - what works, what doesn’t, and what most people get wrong. From the fire alarm systems we take for granted to the rising debate around metal detectors, reinforced doors, and AI surveillance, this…

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The Future of Social Emotional Learning: Access, Agency, and Action 39:22

9M ago39:22

39:22

In this episode of Tech in EdTech, Sean Strathy sits down with Jason Kahn, Founder and Chief Science Officer at Mightier, to explore how digital play can power real emotional growth in children. They dive into timely topics like the urgency for SEL programs in schools, the impact of the pandemic on social development, the difference between gamific…

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Slowing Down to Move Forward: AI Done Right in Schools 39:20

9M ago39:20

39:20

Nathan Holbert, Associate Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, talks about the thoughtful integration of AI and other technologies into education. The conversation goes beyond AI’s “wow” factor to discuss how teachers, learners, and the broader school culture interact with new tools. The main thread is a call for intentionality and t…

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Beyond the Buzzwords: Delivering Real Impact in Workforce Education 32:00

10M ago32:00

32:00

Juanita Soranno, Head of Impact at Cengage and founder of Code Connect, has an insightful discussion with Laura Hakala about delivering real impact in workforce education. Drawing from her personal experience as a workforce program participant, Juanita shares how Cengage measures impact through various metrics and shares essential insights into emp…

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Building Better Universities: Lessons from an Innovative Model 52:04

11M ago52:04

52:04

Christine Looser, Senior Academic Director of Minerva Project, shares insights on transforming higher education through active, skills-based learning and institutional partnerships. She discusses Minerva’s innovative approach, which prioritizes "durable, transferable skills" rather than just technical knowledge. The discussion also addressed AI’s r…

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AI, Accountability, and the Big Education Shift Ahead 42:00

12M ago42:00

42:00

Anna Edwards, Co-founder and Chief Advocacy Officer of Whiteboard Advisors discusses current trends and future directions in education policy and technology. She shares insights on federal education policy changes, state-level innovations in accountability measures, and the growing emphasis on career and technical education (CTE) through public-pri…

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Professional Learning That Moves the Needle: Insights for K12 Leaders 42:58

1y ago42:58

42:58

In this episode, Matthew Kennard, CEO of BetterLesson, discusses transforming professional development in education. Matthew shares how districts can move beyond one-off training days to create ongoing support for teachers, even with limited budgets. He highlights the need to use data to guide decisions, tailoring learning to teacher needs, and pra…

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Exploring AI, Assessment Gaps, and K12 Innovation 48:28

1y ago48:28

48:28

In this episode, Dan Cogan-Drew, Co-founder and Chief Academic Officer at Newsela, shares insights on how technology can genuinely support teachers and make learning more engaging for students. Dan discusses AI in education, explaining how it can be a useful tool when thoughtfully applied, and shares practical advice for school leaders on trying ne…

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AI for Learner Re-Engagement, Critical Thinking, and Curriculum Design in Higher Ed 1:34:45

1y ago1:34:45

1:34:45

In this episode, Dr. Dax Parcells, Ed.D., Chair of Education, Psychology, and Sociology at Palm Beach State College, shares his experience integrating AI into higher education. He discusses the impact of Gen AI on teaching, academic integrity, and critical thinking while highlighting personalized learning and learner engagement. Dr. Parcells also e…

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Balancing Innovation and Practicality in Curriculum Design 44:34

1+ y ago44:34

44:34

Sam Nelson, Director of Technical Curriculum at Multiverse, discusses the intersection of technology and curriculum design in the context of apprenticeships and workforce training. Sam offers valuable advice on balancing industry-specific skills with pedagogical best practices, the importance of using AI and new technologies thoughtfully to enhance…

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Unpacking What EdChoice and ESAs Mean to EdTech 35:13

1+ y ago35:13

35:13

Morgan Camu, Head of Programs at Outschool.org, dives deep into the world of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) and their impact on edtech in this episode. She offers unique insights into how these programs are changing families' approach to education. Learn from Morgan's experience about the challenges and opportunities ESAs present for edtech prov…

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Bridging AI, DEI, and Digital Accessibility for an Inclusive Future 41:04

1+ y ago41:04

41:04

This episode of the Tech in EdTech podcast features an insightful conversation with Dr. Sambhavi Chandrasekhar, Global Accessibility Lead at D2L, and Rishi. Dr. Chandrasekhar shares her extensive experience and insights on the evolution of accessibility in edtech. She discusses the role of AI in enhancing accessibility tools, the importance of incl…

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Transforming Live Event Accessibility with AI 25:34

1+ y ago25:34

25:34

In this episode, Chris Zhang, Senior Solutions Architect at AWS Elemental joins Rishiraj Gera in a conversation about multilanguage automatic captions and audio dubbing for live events. Chris discusses his career and current role, focusing on making live events more accessible using AI and automatic speech recognition (ASR) technologies. The conver…

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STEM Education: Effectiveness, Inclusion, and AI 24:28

1+ y ago24:28

24:28

In this episode, Kelly Rizk, Director of Learning Experiences, Slooh joins Olivia Lara-Gresty in a conversation about effective STEM learning and how to design STEM products that are engaging and accessible for all students. They emphasize hands-on, inquiry-based learning and the importance of representation in STEM education. Kelly highlights AI's…

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The Implications of Gen AI on Data: A Conversation with 1EdTech 27:21

1+ y ago27:21

27:21

In this episode, Beatriz Arnillas, Vice President of Product Management at 1EdTech, and Parag Samarth, Chief Strategy Officer at Magic EdTech, discuss the TrustEd Apps initiative by 1EdTech. They discuss the program's evolution from focusing on data privacy to encompassing security, accessibility, and a new GenAI data rubric. Beatriz explains the i…

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Driving Educational Outcomes Through Evidence-Based Learning and AI 37:19

1+ y ago37:19

37:19

Sunil Gunderia, Chief Innovation Officer at Age of Learning discusses the intersection of evidence-based and AI-driven learning with Dipesh Jain. Sunil emphasizes the importance of merging engaging learning experiences with proven effectiveness for both parents and students. He explains how AI is integrated into their platforms, highlighting the si…

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Can Digital Inclusion Be the Hidden Path to Corporate Learning Success 25:43

1+ y ago25:43

25:43

In this episode, Parampreet Singh from Guardian Life joins Rishiraj Gera to explore the intersection of digital inclusion and corporate learning success. Parampreet shares insights from his thirteen-year journey, and highlights the importance of "born accessible" content and its benefits: inclusivity, compliance, and cost savings. He provides pract…

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The Science Behind Developing Successful EdTech Products 21:26

2y ago21:26

21:26

Stephanie Barber, Product Manager at Teaching.com joins Sean Strathy to discuss the transformative Science of Reading, exploring its impact on literacy education. Stephanie shares insights on EdTech product designs, building an intrinsic love of learning, and the role of human interaction. The podcast touches on AI integration, ethical consideratio…

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Building Inclusive Workplaces in Corporate America 30:12

2y ago30:12

30:12

In this episode of Tech In EdTech, Eric Stano is joined by Maeve DuVally, author of "Maeve Rising - Coming Out Trans In Corporate America," to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with fostering an inclusive corporate culture. Maeve shares her experiences coming out as transgender in a prominent corporate setting, shedding light on t…

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Leveraging Global Competency Centers for Designing, Building, and Supporting Digital Learning Products and Platforms 58:44

2y ago58:44

58:44

Join Acky Kamdar as he explores Global Competency Centers with Ashish Malhotra, Founder of Ampalyst LLC. In this episode, Ashish demystifies GCCs, discussing their benefits, challenges, and the essential components of a successful setup. From talent and change management to navigating political risks, Ashish provides actionable insights tailored fo…

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Learning Leveled Up - Exploring Esports and E-Gaming in Education 31:53

2y ago31:53

31:53

Mark Deppe, Director of UCI Esports joins Sean Strathy as they explore the multifaceted world of esports in education and its potential to enhance student engagement and learning experiences. Mark shares valuable insights on the distinctive fusion of elite competition and academic excellence, highlighting the challenges within esports, and advice f…

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Educators and AI: Enthusiasm or Skepticism? 36:12

2y ago36:12

36:12

In this episode, Sean Strathy and Liz Lee, the Director of Online Learning at ISTE, discuss the integration of AI in classrooms. They explore the pandemic's influence on edtech, emphasizing the transition from reactive measures to inventive teaching techniques, and addressing educators' apprehensions regarding AI. Liz advocates for a cautious yet f…

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On-Campus Inclusivity: Can Students Be the New Enablers of Change? 58:01

2y ago58:01

58:01

This podcast episode features Kathleen Sestak and Greg Hannah, Director of Disability Services at Villanova University. They discuss the role of technology in supporting students with disabilities during the pandemic-induced shift to online learning. Greg shares Villanova’s initiatives for students with disabilities and the evolving landscape of st…

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The Future of EdTech with GenAI: Bridging the Literacy Gap 23:40

2y ago23:40

23:40

In this episode, Dan uncovers the future of EdTech for K12 with Brian Carlson, CEO of StoryTime AI. Delve into how AI, particularly Generative AI, can bridge literacy gaps by creating personalized and culturally relevant content for young readers. Brian urges education leaders to recognize the transformative potential of Web3 technologies, decentra…

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Inclusivity Unpacked: Addressing Current Accessibility Gaps in K12 Education 30:37

2y ago30:37

30:37

This podcast features Erin Evans and Sharron Rush, the Executive Director of Knowbility. The conversation explores the challenges and progress in promoting accessibility and inclusivity in K-12 education, including the role of Knowbility in making digital education more accessible. Sharron discusses the evolution of assistive technologies in K-12 e…

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Techquity: Balancing Innovation and Inclusion in Digital Learning 25:41

2+ y ago25:41

25:41

Christine Fox, Project Director at CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology) discusses the concept of "Techquity" and the challenges in making digital content and technology more accessible in education. She highlights the work of CAST and the Center on Inclusive Technology and Education Systems (CITES) in promoting accessible educational materi…

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Is It Back to the Drawing Board for Most EdTech Companies? 37:16

2+ y ago37:16

37:16

This Tech in EdTech episode features Camden Iliff, VP of Engineering and Product at Apollo Education Systems. Camden emphasizes the importance of stakeholder retention, product team structure, and adaptability in the EdTech age. He emphasizes agile product roadmaps, addressing emerging customer needs, and adapting to changing landscapes.…

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AI, Data Governance, and the Classroom Revolution in Higher Ed 21:34

2+ y ago21:34

21:34

Michael Lyons, Chief Information Officer at MassBay Community College, highlights the evolving role of AI in classrooms and more generally, in education. The conversation aims at discussing the challenge of data governance for education and intellectual property. Michael delves into the challenges and considerations faced by academic peers in maint…

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Meeting the Needs of a Global Market With Digital Learning 39:54

2+ y ago39:54

39:54

Lewis Birchon, Head of Publishing Solutions, Cambridge Partnership for Education, highlights the importance of considering target audiences and geographies when creating content. He discusses challenges around interoperability and the need to cater to different platforms, geography, and devices. He also talks about learning analytics and how to int…

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From Ink to Pixels - Discover the Intricacies of Transitioning to Digital Publishing 36:59

2+ y ago36:59

36:59

The transition from print to digital education is a significant shift, with AI being just the latest manifestation of traditional educational publishers and ed tech companies. Christine Emerton, Vice President at Ascend Learning, shares her journey from print to digital education. According to her, the present time provides incredible opportunities…

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Strategies for Developing Effective Workforce Skills 23:53

2+ y ago23:53

23:53

Sean Stowers, CEO, and Chief Learning Officer at WeLearn, discusses the concept of personalization in learning. He highlights the importance of empathy for learners, understanding their diverse relationships with learning, and addressing any barriers they may face. Sean also discusses the idea of radical reskilling and emphasizes that opportunities…

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The Role of EdTech in Shaping the Path to Equitable Learning 35:50

2+ y ago35:50

35:50

This Tech in EdTech episode features guest Ashwath Bharath, Senior Director, Movement Building at Teach for India. Ashwath discusses how technology has disrupted the educational landscape and how this can contribute to an equitable learning environment for all.By Magic EdTech

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How big will the AI in Education revolution get? 22:23

2+ y ago22:23

22:23

Are you prepared to explore the limitless potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and workforce readiness? Josh Jarrett, VP of Strategy, Wiley, discusses the captivating promises of AI in learning and highlights the uncertainties surrounding its use. Tune into some great insights on the adoption of AI in businesses and educational in…

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Integrating DEI and SEL Initiatives into Mainstream Childhood Education 35:02

2+ y ago35:02

35:02

How do we develop lifelong readers right from childhood? Amandeep Kochar, President and CEO of Baker & Taylor reflects on how his childhood experiences have shaped his outlook on incorporating DEI and SEL into early education. Listen in for great tips on how edtech is pivotal to bringing about this revolution and how it can benefit society as a who…

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020 Canva Magic Write + Draw, Microsoft Bing AI, Google Docs Stopwatches + Timers, ChromeOS Screencast Updates, Reading Coach in Microsoft Flip 28:25

2+ y ago28:25

28:25

Where does Magic Write work in Canva? Everywhere. Same with their new Draw feature. We check them both out today. Also, I break down the capabilities of Microsoft's Bing AI and how it compares to ChatGPT. Next, Google has added stopwatches and timers to Google Docs, but is it available in all accounts (spoiler alert: it's not). Google has also upda…

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Re-engineering Learning Products for Maximum Adoption 20:50

2+ y ago20:50

20:50

As the edtech market becomes more competitive and investments start to plateau, it's becoming increasingly important for education providers to stay ahead of the curve. Dr. Duriya Aziz, Senior Vice President of Education at Scholastic, shares her expert insights on creating a successful learning product, navigating the ever-evolving curriculum mark…