Learning Can’t Wait

This episode explores how AI is reshaping school-based social work and youth mental health, through the lens of Dr. Marina Badillo-Diaz’s work as a professor and founder of The AI Social Worker. The conversation covers global disparities in access to mental health care, how AI tools and AI companions are already part of students’ lives, and why ethical, human-centered integration of technology is essential. Dr. Badillo-Diaz describ...

This episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast features Kunal Dalal, Chief Parentologist at AI Parentology, exploring how generative AI can support parents emotionally and practically while reshaping education and leadership. He traces his path from teacher and principal to startup founder and AI parenting advocate, explaining how tools like ChatGPT can reduce parental stress, deepen connection with children, and inspire creative ...

The episode explores how games can transform learning when they are used intentionally, highlighting Games for Change’s work to help students and educators harness play, game design, and technology for deeper engagement and social impact. Arana Shapiro shares how she moved from being “not a games person” to seeing games and organized play as powerful tools for student-centered classrooms, purposeful technology integration, and empo...

This episode of Learning Can't Wait features Transcend Network co-founders Alberto Arena and Michael Narea in a deep, human-centered conversation about what it really means to build in EdTech for the long term. They describe their own journeys—Michael seeking a true “co-pilot” for multi-decade visions, and Alberto being shaped by transformative opportunities like his experience at Minerva—and how these led them to create a founder ...

This episode explores how Roberto Vargas, Managing Director of IT and Data Systems at Distinctive Schools, uses technology, data, and AI to better serve students while fiercely protecting their privacy. He shares his journey from Chicago Public Schools student to building tech and network data leader, emphasizing the often-invisible infrastructure and cybersecurity work that keeps modern schools running. The conversation dives into...

The episode follows Hallie Smith’s journey from two decades in reading intervention and speech pathology to becoming a fractional marketing leader and founder of Hey There Insights, a new marketplace that connects edtech companies with educators for paid, unbiased product feedback. She explains how advances in technology and AI have lowered the barrier to building edtech tools while dramatically increasing competition and making it...

This episode centers on how the “science of reading” must expand beyond phonics to a broader “literacy science” that spans birth through adolescence, and how systems can better prepare and support teachers so no child learns to read “in spite of” their teacher. Dr. Paige Pullen shares her journey from feeling unprepared as an elementary teacher to leading large-scale professional learning and now launching a startup focused on brid...

This episode of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast features special education leaders Allie Nudelman and Vicki Trujillo, along with BCBA Allan Smith, sharing how their unlikely paths (from aspiring doctor, lawyer, and basketball player) led them into education and intensive behavior support in rural Arizona districts. They describe how partnering across Kingman Unified and Lake Havasu Unified with Allan has transformed how staff under...

The episode of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast features Matt Miller, CEO and Co-founder of OKO Labs, discussing how his team is innovating in education technology with a focus on tools that genuinely support teachers and students. Miller shares his journey from engineering and AI to educational impact, highlighting OKO Labs' strategy to empower small group learning and foster collaboration skills. The episode explores current chall...

The episode features Michael Lombardo as he explores the core principles of authentic leadership, emphasizing trust, empathy, and open communication as essential foundations for building strong, effective teams. Drawing from his own career experiences, he shares practical strategies for fostering a positive workplace culture, navigating challenges with integrity, and empowering individuals to grow. His insights offer listeners acti...

Lindsay Fuller, Executive Director of The Teaching Well and a legacy educator, shares her deep commitment to addressing educator burnout and mental health crises in education. Drawing from her experience as a teacher, administrator, and nonprofit leader, she highlights the systemic challenges educators face including understaffing, under-resourcing, and the lack of adequate mental health support. Fuller advocates for proactive self...

In this episode of Learning Can't Wait, Dr. Bill Chapman, Superintendent of London ISD in Texas and president-elect of NREA, shares his journey from initially resisting a career in education to embracing leadership in rural schools. He discusses the unique qualities of rural education, including close-knit communities and student engagement through multiple activities, and addresses challenges such as absenteeism and teacher shorta...

Emily Hartnett, Executive Director of Women Leading Ed, shares her journey from being a first-generation college student and teacher in post-Katrina New Orleans to leading a national nonprofit supporting women leaders in education. She discusses the unique challenges women face in education leadership, including higher standards of behavior and expectations, lack of training in negotiation and financial management, and the pressure...

Matt Winters, an AI Education Specialist, shares his unique journey from a radio DJ to a key player in Utah’s AI education landscape. He discusses Utah’s leadership in AI policy and infrastructure, emphasizing collaboration, open expertise, and strategic investment that supports schools statewide. Matt highlights projects like teacher professional development, AI policy advising, and the recent creation of an AI-infused student and...

Rebecca Boltsma, an AI ethics researcher and K-12 strategist, shares her journey from a communications background to becoming deeply immersed in AI ethics driven by her fascination with ChatGPT. She discusses the cognitive dissonance she experiences between excitement for AI's potential and concern over its ethical challenges, particularly in education and society. Rebecca highlights the importance of curiosity, inquiry, and co-cre...

This episode of "Learning Can't Wait" features JW Marshall, Vice President of Marketing at Summit K-12 and a seasoned podcaster, who shares his journey from growing up in a learning-rich environment to becoming a passionate advocate for EdTech and multilingual learners. JW discusses the evolution of EdTech from its early days to the current competitive market, highlighting the importance of storytelling and authentic customer voice...

Kimberly Smith and Seth Walker discuss the transformative power of education and innovative cybersecurity pathways for students, especially in rural communities. Kimberly credits her parents for emphasizing the value of education that changed her life trajectory, and Seth echoes this by sharing how mentorship and opportunity helped him find his passion in cybersecurity despite early challenges. Together, they highlight a nationally...