Dr. Diane's Adventures in Learning

Dr. Diane's Adventures in Learning

Are you ready for an adventure in learning? Need some STEMspiration in your life? Each episode brings a new adventure as we talk with fascinating guests about connecting real world experiences, multicultural children's literature, and engaged STEM/STEAM learning -- with a little joy sprinkled in for good measure! Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor travels the world in search of the coolest authors, illustrators, educators, adventurers, and STEM thought leaders to share their stories and inspire the WOW for early childhood and elementary educators, librarians, and families! Have an idea for a podcast episode? Share it with diane@drdianeadventues.com Links to the books featured in the weekly podcast can be found here: https://bookshop.org/shop/drdianeadventures Full show notes can be found at: https://www.drdianeadventures.com/blog Please subscribe, like, and review. Your support allows us to keep sharing Adventures in Learning.

Episodes

August 27, 2025 28 mins

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Imagine a world where every voice is heard, where empathy leads to genuine dialogue, and where personal transformation fuels leadership growth. How can we harness the power of our voice to inspire change and empowerment in ourselves and others? 

Join us in this compelling episode as we sit down with Tricia Brouk, an award-winning director, producer, author, and speaker, who transitioned from a successful dance career t...

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Imagine a world where art can reshape education and unlock the potential within each of us. That world is possible if we collaborate -- and this week's guest, Caldecott Honor-winning author-illustrator Molly Idle, has some inspiring ideas to get us started. 

In this episode, Molly shares her artistic journey, from her early inspiration sparked by The Little Mermaid to her influential work at DreamWorks Feature Ani...

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Stories spread wings. How do stories serve as windows into diverse cultures and histories while inspiring us to embrace our own identities? Author, educator, and global adventurer Leah Henderson helps us explore the transformative power of rich storytelling. 

This episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, and librarians working to create spaces that celebrate our diversity. Leah also discusses her upcoming conse...

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How can the simple act of play revolutionize early childhood education and reignite a passion for teaching?

Join us on a transformative journey as Rebecca List Freedman, co-founder of FirstDay Learning, reveals the incredible potential of play in early childhood education. Discover how integrating play into classrooms not only addresses challenging behaviors but also enhances teacher well-being. 

Rebecca shares innovati...

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Are you ready to break through your limitations and unlock your full potential?

Join us as Adolfo Gómez Sánchez, best-selling author, speaker, and Chief Passion Officer at Gold Results, shares his remarkable journey from competitive athletics to leadership in performance psychology.

Adolfo Gómez Sánchez and Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor met while speaking in New York under the direction of Tricia Brouk -- and quickly discov...

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How can creating language-rich environments empower multilingual learners and elevate the educational experience for everyone in the classroom? Join us for a transformative discussion with Katherine Hamilton, former Vice President of Programs for Ensemble Learning, as she reveals powerful strategies to achieve just that.

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In this episode, Katherine Hamilton shares her inspiring journey from high school math teac...

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What if stories and play were the bridge between children (and their grown ups) and nature? Join us as we explore this concept with Susie Spikol, a naturalist and educator whose enchanting book, Forest Magic for Kids: How to Find Fairies, Make a Secret Fort, and Cook Up an Elfin Picnic, serves as a portal to the wonders of the natural world. Susie shares her journey from being a Brooklyn secret fort naturalist inspire...

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How can picture books and play combine to spark creativity, empathy, and joy in our youngest learners? Join the conversation with Rachel Rubin and Annie Dycus, the innovative minds behind L-M-N-O Play, a subscription service that uses open-ended play and amazing picture books to engage young minds (while sparking wonder in their grown ups as well).

“Something we really need in our world is children who think outside th...

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Imagine an early childhood classroom filled with diverse books, engaging play centers, and joyful experiential learning where every child feels seen and valued. How does play-based learning help celebrate the unique strengths each child brings to the classroom? Join us this week as we talk about the importance of early childhood education in setting the stage for a lifetime of critical thinking and creative problem so...

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How can a children's book spark a lifelong passion for conservation and inspire young activists to protect our planet's endangered species? Today we learn how "toucan" help endangered species. Dynamic author-illustrator duo Hayley and John Rocco discuss the power of storytelling to empower young conservationists. 

We celebrate the book birthday of Hello, I'm a Toucan, the latest offering in the...

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When Threat of the Spider, the second installment in the Web of the Spider series, came across my desk, I knew we had to have the author, Michael P Spradlin on the podcast. I couldn't put the book down. It's so relevant to where we are today. Join us for a discussion about why we need to study history and how important it is build meaningful connections from the past to our present.

Spanning the years 1929 to...

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How can small steps spark significant changes for a healthier planet? Brenda Baker, Vice President of Exhibits, Facilities, and Strategic Initiatives at the Madison Children's Museum, walks us through the newly published (AND FREE) Climate Action Playbook designed to inspire and empower the next generation of environmental stewards. Highlighting the Caretakers of Wonder collaboration and addressing the impacts of...

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We’re reimagining the future of education in this episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast with Dr. Annalies Corbin, the chief goddess of the PAST Foundation. Dr. Annalies helps us discover how to bridge the gap between learning and real-world skills while empowering educators and fostering a community of lifelong learners.

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Drawing from her rich background in anthropology and archaeology, Dr. Annalies addr...

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You know Juana Martinez-Neal as the recipient of the 2019 Caldecott Honor for Alma and How She Got Her Name, her debut picture book as author-illustrator. You might also know her as the New York Times bestselling illustrator recipient of the 2020 Robert F. Sibert Medal for Fry Bread: A Native American Story and the 2018 Pura Belpré Medal for Illustration for La Princesa and the Pea. I first fell in love with La Prince...

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Feeling overwhelmed by the fast-paced world around you? Discover how to transform burnout into joy and purpose with Dr. Gitima Sharma, as she shares her personal journey and expert insights. Learn practical strategies to cultivate a dynamic sense of purpose and foster connections in a digital era.

Dr Diane leads us through a transformative conversation with Dr. Gitima Sharma, an authority on overcoming burnout. Dive in...

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Get ready for some amazing adventures as you plan your summer reading journey with not one, but TWO thrilling middle grade tales of courage, growth, and resilience featuring strong female leads. Happy Book Birthdays to Ann Braden and Caroline Starr Rose! Join us as we unravel the magic behind Into the Rapids and The Burning Season, where young heroines face the fury of nature and discover their inner strength.

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Where Are You, Bronte? celebrates its book birthday this week -- and this book should come with complementary tissues for the adults reading it! Beloved illustrator Barbara McClintock took on the herculean task of illustrating Tomie de Paola's final manuscript. The result is a beautiful collaboration that pays tribute to his style while exploring the universal themes of love, loss, and memory. In the end, our sto...

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The Gate, The Girl, and The Dragon is like a mug of hot tea on a snowy day. It warms your soul and sparks the imagination. The characters are memorable and Grace Lin’s lyrical storytelling and gorgeous illustrations are sure to make this an instant beloved classic for families and classrooms everywhere.

In this episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, Grace Lin delves into the inspirations behind her new book, Th...

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What's better than a novel in verse about a wild sea otter rescued by the Monterray Aquarium? A beautiful picture book that tells that otter's story! Award winning author Katherine Applegate returns to chat all things otter, as we explore environmental themes in her magical Odder: An Otter's Story, illustrated by Charles Santoso. We also offer some fun ideas for bringing the book to life in early childh...

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How did a humorous military anecdote about a mysterious Dorothy evolve into an enlightening nonfiction picture book about LGBTQIA history? Author Kyle Lukhoff and illustrator Levi Hastings share the creative journey behind Are You a Friend of Dorothy? Kyle and Levi discuss the challenges and joys of representing complex identities in children's literature, emphasizing the importance of these narratives in today&a...

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