Category: Podcast Episodes

Ep. 288| How To Go From Stuck to Unstoppable With Barbara Bray

Feeling stuck as an educator? In this episode, Barbara Bray shares powerful strategies to rediscover your purpose and grow your why, one personal story at a time.

This episode is sponsored by Teq. One of the biggest challenges in schools right now is capacity. Educators are asked to do more, often with new tools, and very little support. Teq helps by combining classroom technology like SMART Boards and STEM resources with professional learning that respects educators’ time and reality. It’s support that makes technology usable, not overwhelming.

Learn more at Teq.com.

Do you ever feel like you’ve lost your “why” as an educator? In this episode, I have a heartfelt conversation with Barbara Bray, author, podcaster, and empowerment coach. She shares how burnout, system overload, and personal challenges can dim your spark… and how to get it blazing again. We discuss the process of rebranding your role in education to redefining purpose after life-altering events. Barbara offers empowering strategies to help you grow, heal, and teach with intention. If you feel like you’ve lost that spark, this episode will leave you ready to rise.

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About Barbara Bray

Barbara Bray is an award-winning author, podcast host, and international keynote speaker with over 30 years of expertise empowering women, educators, and thought leaders to navigate meaningful life transitions with clarity and confidence. As a cancer survivor and Story Weaver, she is known for listening deeply and helping people uncover purpose and possibility within their lived experiences. Through her Grow Your Why Collective and signature Purpose Shift: Values Framework, Barbara guides people to reclaim their voice, self-advocate, and become unstoppable—amplifying their influence, impact, and income, even in uncertain times.

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Ep. 287 | Why AI Fails The Sniff Test Every Time w/ Scott Nunes

AI can plan, grade, and analyze but it can’t replace intuition. This episode explores why human relationships remain the most powerful tool in education, no matter how advanced AI becomes.

Want to bring your whole district together with one simple tool? ClassDojo for Districts makes it easy to engage families and strengthen school communities—at every level. It’s the number one communication app trusted by millions of K-12 teachers, now with district-wide oversight and controls. From Pre-K to high school, ClassDojo connects your schools and families in one seamless place. Learn more at classdojo.com/districts.

AI is everywhere in education. It’s embedded into our lesson planning, grading, parent communication, and decision-making. But what happens when the data says “yes” and your gut says “no”?

In this episode, I sit down with a longtime educator, former tech coach, district advisor, and good friend Scott Nunes to unpack the one human superpower AI simply can’t replicate: intuition built through real relationships. We unpack hallway conversations, coffee chats, high-stakes gut decisions that protect students and families, and why schools can’t automate trust, empathy, or human judgment.

We also tackle equity in AI adoption, how under-resourced communities can scale responsibly, and why technology should support human intelligence, not replace it.

Plus… grilling talk, tortillas, Costco intuition, and why AI might know the recipe…but it’s never cooked in the kitchen a day in it’s life! This is a great conversation that is sure to get your human intuition and relationship-building skills up and ready for another day. Buen provecho!

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About Scott Nunes

Scott Nunes is a founding member of the Human Intelligence Movement and an ISTE-certified AI educator who helps education and technology leaders translate emerging tech into measurable outcomes. Through Scott Nunes LLC, he partners with tech companies on go-to-market, community, and partner strategies—building the messaging, playbooks, and enablement needed to drive adoption at scale. He also works directly with school districts to evaluate and rationalize their application ecosystem, strengthen special programs like CTE, P-tech, and virtual schools, and align tools to instructional priorities. Known for connecting strategy to execution, Scott helps districts secure non-traditional funding to protect educator roles and ensure teams have the resources they need to succeed.

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Ep. 286 | The Fix Your School Culture Needs With Mandy Froehlich

Why are so many teachers burning out and what can actually fix it? Discover how healing spaces can transform toxic school cultures in this powerful episode with my good friend Mandy Froehlich.

This episode is sponsored by Teq. One of the biggest challenges in schools right now is capacity. Educators are asked to do more, often with new tools, and very little support. Teq helps by combining classroom technology like SMART Boards and STEM resources with professional learning that respects educators’ time and reality. It’s support that makes technology usable, not overwhelming.

Learn more at Teq.com.

In this powerful episode, I welcome back Mandy Froehlich—longtime friend of the podcast and a leading voice in educator mental health. Mandy introduces us to the concept of healing spaces. These are not just quiet rooms or meditation music, but deep cultural shifts that support teacher recovery, emotional well-being, and long-term sustainability in education.

We unpack the difference between burnout and demoralization, how leadership can unintentionally miss the mark, and what educators truly need to feel supported. If you feel like you’re trying to stay afloat or you’re an administrator ready to build a better culture, this episode is your blueprint for creating change.

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Connect With Mandy Froehlich

Meatloaf Men: The High-Protein, Low-Effort Dinner That’s Shaped Like a Cookie

Turn ground turkey into spicy, BBQ-glazed Meatloaf Men using your cookie cutter. A fun, high-protein twist on classic meatloaf that’s perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners.

If you’ve ever looked at your gingerbread man cookie cutter in January and thought, “Should I even keep this?”. The answer is yes. Keep it. In fact, make it the MVP of your weeknight dinner with these Meatloaf Men. This is a protein-packed, slightly spicy, hilariously shaped twist on classic turkey meatloaf.

This recipe isn’t just for laughs (although yes, it’s very funny). It’s simple, healthy-ish, and packed with bold flavor thanks to sautéed veggies and a layer of tangy BBQ sauce instead of ketchup. These meatloaf men are perfect for meal prep, picky eaters, or just anyone who appreciates dinner with a personality.

And yes, they freeze well. You’re welcome.

🍴 Why This Recipe Works

  • Uses lean ground turkey for a lighter meatloaf option
  • Packs in veggies without compromising on flavor
  • Kid-friendly in shape, adult-approved in spice
  • Perfect for meal prepping or serving as party bites
  • A creative way to use cookie cutters year-round

🎥 Video Recipe

🛒 Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs lean ground turkey
  • ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ white onion, finely diced
  • 1 small bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
  • ¼ tsp garlic salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup no-sugar-added BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)

🔪 Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Sauté your veggies:
    In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, and garlic. Cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and fragrant. Let cool slightly.
  3. Mix it all together:
    In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, sautéed veggies, bread crumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined, but don’t overmix as that leads to dense meatloaf. Dense meatloaf leads to sadness.
  4. Spread the mixture:
    Press the meat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet until it’s about ½ inch thick. Think cookie dough… but meatier.
  5. Cut out your meatloaf men:
    Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to punch out as many “meatloaf men” as possible. Re-form scraps and repeat. Each man is a bite-sized masterpiece.
  6. Brush with BBQ sauce:
    Lightly coat each meatloaf man with BBQ sauce for that sticky, smoky finish.
  7. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until they reach an internal temp of 165°F and are browned around the edges.
  8. Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side — or over a bed of mashed potatoes if you’re feeling fancy.

🧊 Storage Tips

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in oven or air fryer.

📌 Pro Tips

  • Want them extra crispy? Broil for the last 2 minutes.
  • Add shredded cheddar to the mix if you’re living dangerously.
  • Skip the jalapeño if you’re spice-averse, or double it if you’re not.
  • Use mini cutters to make meatloaf bites for parties or kids’ lunches.

🤔 Final Thoughts

Meatloaf Men aren’t just a funny dinner idea — they’re a legit solution for boring weeknights and forgotten kitchen gadgets. You get protein, veggies, a little kick, and the satisfaction of cutting meat into cookie shapes. That’s what we call balance.

Save this post, share it with your group chat, and the next time someone says “meatloaf is boring,” send them a meatloaf man with attitude.

📌 Don’t forget to pin this recipe or bookmark it for later — your cookie cutters will thank you.

Ep. 285 | 3 Simple Changes to Avoid Teaching on Autopilot in 2026

Three simple changes can help teachers reset for the second semester, reduce AI overuse, and avoid starting 2026 on instructional autopilot.

Happy New Year! We’re officially in 2026. Teaching on autopilot feels efficient until it drains energy from the classroom. This episode breaks down three simple changes to reset instruction, set healthy AI boundaries, and bring intention back to the second semester. And if you’re looking to start the year off with a great sourdough recipe, here it is. Buen provecho!

Sourdough Bread Recipe

  • 100g active sourdough starter (the star of the show)
  • 325g water
  • 500g bread flour
  • 10g salt
  • 20g honey (adds sweetness and helps the dough chill a bit)

For the full instructions, check out the blog post below.

Homemade Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Purchase Your Copy Of “Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom”

https://tinyurl.com/CookingUpExperiences

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Ep. 284 | What Frankenstein Gets Right About AI in Schools w/ Brett Salakas

AI isn’t the problem in schools, fear is. This episode helps educators understand AI in education, reduce resistance, and approach edtech change with clarity and confidence.

Want to bring your whole district together with one simple tool? ClassDojo for Districts makes it easy to engage families and strengthen school communities—at every level. It’s the number one communication app trusted by millions of K-12 teachers, now with district-wide oversight and controls. From Pre-K to high school, ClassDojo connects your schools and families in one seamless place. Learn more at classdojo.com/districts.

AI is everywhere in education but what if our fear of it isn’t new at all?

In this episode, I’m joined by Brett Salakas from down under. He delivers one of the most unexpected AI metaphors you’ll ever hear: Frankenstein.

This conversation connects AI, educational change, and human fear in a way that will completely shift how you think about innovation in schools. We unpack why every major tech revolution follows the same pattern, why “Luddites” weren’t villains, and what educators can learn from a 200-year-old novel about embracing change without losing our humanity.

Oh and yes…Buc-ee’s, poetry slams, beaver onesies, and brisket sandwiches all make an appearance.

If you’re wrestling with AI implementation, staff resistance, or your own uncertainty, this episode will give you clarity, perspective, and a few laughs along the way. Buen provecho!

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About Brett Salakas

Brett Salakas, the HP Education Ambassador, is an international keynote speaker, the best-selling author of ‘A MAMMOTH Lesson’, the founder of #aussieED (the largest online network of teachers in Australia) and the co-founder of the ED Poets Society. Currently, he is identified by Linkedin as a TOP VOICE (top 1% worldwide) in K-12 Education. Brett was awarded with the NSWICTE and ISTE ‘Making ‘IT’ Happen award in 2024, was recently identified by the District Administration Leadership Institute as one of the top 100 most influential leaders in education globally (the only Australian named on the list) and he was named the Most Influential Educator in Australia for 2024 by The Educator magazine.

Brett is a teacher and experienced school leader who, over the past 26 years, has taught in South East Asia and Australia. He is passionately committed to turning educational theory into real classroom practice. Brett is all about CONNECTION, COLLABORATION and INSPIRATION.‍

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Ep. 283 | Revolutionizing Education: South Africa’s Bold Move with AI and Robotics

South Africa just made coding mandatory for ALL kids. Are they ahead of us? Discover why one global educator says most schools are teaching AI completely wrong.

Want to bring your whole district together with one simple tool? ClassDojo for Districts makes it easy to engage families and strengthen school communities—at every level. It’s the number one communication app trusted by millions of K-12 teachers, now with district-wide oversight and controls. From Pre-K to high school, ClassDojo connects your schools and families in one seamless place. Learn more at classdojo.com/districts.

In this episode, I chat with Steve Sherman to discuss the evolution of STEAM education in South Africa, particularly the integration of coding and robotics into the national curriculum for K-7 students. He highlights the rapid adoption of AI and EdTech tools in schools, the challenges of ensuring data privacy, and the disparities in resources between different schools. Steve also emphasizes the importance of AI literacy and ethical use in education, and shares his efforts to foster global collaboration among educators through a dedicated online community. He also schools us on Rooibos tea and how it’s made. Buen provecho!

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About Steve Sherman

Steve is the Chief Imagination Officer and Executive Dayreamer at a STEM-based NGO called Livingmaths.com, based in South Africa. He is works with many schools in person and online, teaches a few thousand students a week, facilitates teacher training a d he is an Edtech Evangelist. Steve knows Karate, Jujutsu and 2 other Japanese words.

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Ep. 282 | Why Male Teachers Second-Guess Every Move

Male teachers face unique challenges in today’s classrooms. Learn how SB 12, student interactions, and quiet boundaries affect trust, teaching, and school culture.

In many schools, male teachers navigate a daily reality that often goes unnoticed. Their role comes with a unique set of unspoken expectations and quiet boundaries—ones that deeply impact how they interact with students and build relationships.

Unlike their female colleagues, male teachers face heightened scrutiny when showing warmth or support. A hug, a kind word, or even eye contact can be misinterpreted. These aren’t just passing worries. They become part of a constant mental checklist male educators carry throughout the day. Is someone watching? Can this be misunderstood? Could this conversation be seen as inappropriate?

These questions intensified after the introduction of Texas Senate Bill 12 (SB 12), which took effect on September 1, 2025. The law requires written parental consent for schools to offer health-related services, including short-term mental health support and even basic first aid like giving a student a bandage. This has raised concerns among educators—especially male teachers—who already hesitate to engage in conversations that might now be labeled as “counseling.”

For many students, especially boys from underrepresented communities, male teachers serve as crucial role models. They may be the only consistent adult male figure in a child’s life. Building trust with these students is essential, but when every interaction feels risky, that trust becomes harder to establish.

The challenge is not about eliminating accountability. It’s about creating an environment where teachers—regardless of gender—can support students without fear of legal or professional consequences. Schools need clear guidance, legal clarity, and a commitment to preserving the human side of teaching.

As educators, it’s time to start conversations about how new policies impact classroom culture. Teachers deserve the tools and support to care for their students while protecting themselves. Male teachers, in particular, deserve to be heard, understood, and included in discussions about policy and practice.

Now more than ever, it’s important to listen, reflect, and advocate for policies that support student well-being and teacher confidence. Peep the episode below, comment, and don’t forget to subscribe.

Ep. 281 | Why Most Teachers Get Student Voice Totally Wrong

Discover how to move beyond student surveys and start amplifying real student voice through leadership, feedback, and classroom collaboration. Empower your learners to co-create meaningful learning experiences.

Want to bring your whole district together with one simple tool? ClassDojo for Districts makes it easy to engage families and strengthen school communities—at every level. It’s the number one communication app trusted by millions of K-12 teachers, now with district-wide oversight and controls. From Pre-K to high school, ClassDojo connects your schools and families in one seamless place. Learn more at classdojo.com/districts.

What if your students had the power to shape your lessons—and it actually worked? In this insightful conversation, educator and author Jennifer Casa-Todd joins us to break down the real meaning of student voice. From her work with high schoolers and pre-service teachers to co-authoring a book with a student, Jennifer shares how to move from “listening” to “collaboration” to full-on student leadership.

You’ll learn:

  • Why asking students to “keep it, ditch it, tweak it” transforms your teaching
  • How classroom committees build purpose and belonging
  • The surprising ways students are using AI to innovate (not just cheat)
  • Why your mindset—not your method—is the biggest roadblock

This episode will have you rethinking the role of students in everything from curriculum design to digital citizenship. Time to put the “co” in co-creator!

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About Jennifer Casa-Todd

Jennifer am a wife, mom, educator, a former Literacy Consultant, a Google Certified Innovator, and author of several educational publications–most recently, Hopes for School: A student perspective and ideas for educational transformation. She’s an ISTE Community leader, a Google Educator Group leader for Ontario and a Board member for the Canadian School Library Association. Jennifer can currently be found supporting pre-service teachers at Lakehead University (Ontario). She’s passionate about amplifying student voice and helping learners use technology positively and productively.

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Ep. 280 | Don’t Start a Drone Club Until You Hear This w/ Frankie Baker

Discover how to launch a successful school drone club, avoid common mistakes, and engage students in real-world STEM—no pilot’s license (or tech overwhelm) required.

Hear that? That’s the sound of STEM careers taking off. Meet CoDrone EDU from Robolink — the drone made for classrooms and competitions and the sponsor for this episode. It’s safe, durable, and fixable — with no FAA license or assembly required to fly and help every student feel more confident in a tech-driven world. Students fly CoDrone EDU three ways: manually, coded with Blockly, or coded with Python. See how over 7 thousand schools have proven you CAN have drones in classrooms, buzz and all, at www.robolink.com

Ever wondered how to get a drone club off the ground—without crashing it on day one? In this episode, we’re joined by Frankie Baker, former classroom teacher turned Community Manager at Robolink, to break down the big wins (and mistakes) teachers make when bringing drones into their schools.

From fixable, flyable classroom drones to career-ready skills and whale snot (yes, really), we’re covering everything you didn’t know you needed to know about drones in education. Whether you’re drone-curious or halfway to competition day, this episode will give you the real talk, the how-tos, and a few good laughs.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

  • The real reason most teachers fail at starting a drone club
  • Why drones aren’t just toys—and how they build real-world skills
  • A $250 drone that doesn’t need an FAA license? Yep.
  • Free curriculum + PD that makes drone clubs teacher-friendly
  • Student-led learning in action: from Earth Day bees to conference presenters
  • Why Frankie’s Twitter handle is “BaconEdTech”
  • A food segment featuring sourdough gone wrong and pan de muerto done right
  • Gabriel’s Sourdough Pan De Muerto Recipe

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About Frankie Baker

A self-proclaimed “hype girl of all the things,” Frankie is committed to empowering teachers to confidently integrate technology and foster student voice, choice, and agency in every classroom. With a strong focus on AI in education, robotics, and coding, she helps bridge the gap between tech and curriculum—making it approachable and meaningful for all learners. Frankie thrives on learning through collaboration and loves growing her network through communities, tools, and events that push the boundaries of what’s possible in education.

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