My Education

Today’s episode features Taylor Neiman, CEO and co-founder of Toucan. Toucan is an ed tech company that helps users learn without interrupting or adding to their daily routine. In addition to sharing the story of how Toucan came to be, Taylor tells us about her undergraduate experience at Cornell, how she managed her team during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and how she balances the technical and strategic components of her role.Toucan is free! Check it out here, and make sure to follow Taylor on Twitter!

In the second half of our interview with Zoe, Amber and Ellie, they share their personal experiences and opinions about a wide variety of timeless topics that have been uniquely affected by the ongoing pandemic, including grading, extra curricular involvement and student social behaviors.

Today’s episode was actually recorded in late August with three students at the University of Michigan. Zoe, Amber and Ellie wrote an insightful article about their early experiences studying during the pandemic; when I discovered their article, I reached out with the hope that they’d be willing to share more. In the first half of our discussion, you’ll learn about their individual backgrounds and pick up a few pieces of advice on how educators can connect with their students during these unprecedented times.

In the second half of our discussion with John Warner, we discuss the importance of “GenEd” requirements, decision fatigue and even NCAA reform. John discusses the culture of the comment sections that accompany some of his online work, and also shares some insights about remote instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more from John, check out the links below:Follow John on Twitter.Read John’s column at The Chicago Tribune.Catch up on John’s latest for Inside Higher Education.Why They Can’t Write: Killing the Five-Paragraph Essay and Other NecessitiesThe Writer’s Practice: Building Confidence In Your Nonfiction Writing

John Warner has done a bit of everything: as a best-selling author, Chicago Tribune columnist, university professor and regular contributor to Inside Higher Education, his perspectives on writing and education are as refreshing as they are insightful. In the first half of our discussion with John, he shares some details about his own education, his days editing McSweeney’s Internet Tendency and his motivation for writing two books about the writing process.Follow John on Twitter.Read John’s column at The Chicago Tribune.Catch up on John’s latest for Inside Higher Education.Why They Can’t Write: Killing the Five-Paragraph Essay and Other NecessitiesThe Writer’s Practice: Building Confidence In Your Nonfiction Writing

In the second half of our discussion with Dr. Peter Smith, he reflects on some of his recent publications and the future of education. Dr. Smith and Tommy discuss the future of education technology, improving access to education and Dr. Smith’s current role at the University of Maryland Global Campus. Dr. Smith closes with some advice for the next generation of educators and administrators.

On today’s episode, we welcome Dr. Peter Smith to the show. Before assuming his current role at the University of Maryland Global Campus, Dr. Smith filled a number of unique roles within the world of education: US Congressman, founding president (of a community college in New England and a state university in California), lieutenant governor, dean, author and more. Dr. Smith is a regular contributor at Inside Higher Education, and his work can be found at the link below:Dr. Peter Smith, Inside Higher Education

In the second half of our interview with Vanderbilt junior Ben Bryce, we discuss the process of transferring colleges and the importance of “fit” and rankings when comparing different schools. Ben reflects on his path so far and offers some advice to incoming college students and their families. Prospective college applicants interested in contacting Ben can reach him using the information below:Email: bnbryce76@gmail.comLinkedIn

On this week’s show, we sit down with Ben Bryce to discuss the college application process. Ben’s unconventional path took him from a public high school in Pennsylvania, a boarding school in Maine and a liberal arts college in Memphis before he eventually landed at Vanderbilt University. We hope that by listening to Ben’s story, our audience is able to learn more about the different components of a college application and understand the importance tying these components together in one cohesive narrative. Students and/or parents interested in contacting Ben can reach him using the information below:Email: bnbryce76@gmail.comLinkedIn

In the final installment of our conversation with Matt Reed, we talk more about how his blog “Confessions of a Community College Dean” was informed by the culture shock he experienced as he filled a particularly rewarding but challenging role. Matt talks about work-life balance, a parent’s perspective on the college admissions process, and the role of community college in our education system.In our episode, I asked Matt to share three blog posts that he is particularly proud of. You can check them out below:Struggling with Stevens PointLower Ed: A ReviewEscape Velocity

In the first half of our discussion with Matt, he talks about his unique experience in a myriad of educational environments: liberal arts colleges, state universities and for-profit institutions of higher education. Matt tells us how his experience as a student, educator and administrator in such different environments form his philosophy on education and family.

In the second half of our discussion with Dr. Andrea Capizzi of Vanderbilt University, she shares how her career took her from Virginia to Minnesota and eventually Tennessee. Dr. Capizzi defines the term “humanistic behaviorist” as she discusses the importance of methodology in special education. In the final half of the episode, Dr. Capizzi discusses the unique qualities of this generations college students and the importance of contextualizing our own shortcomings. On a personal note, this is one of the episodes I’m most proud of because of Dr. Capizzi’s ability to so clearly illustrate the importance of family in the lives of both students and educators.

Today, we are so excited to publish the first half of our discussion with Dr. Andrea Capizzi of Vanderbilt University. As Andrea tells us about her childhood within a military family and doctoral program, she also shares insights about the landscape of special education. To learn more about Dr. Capizzi’s current work at Vanderbilt University, click here.

In the second installment of our interview with Mike, he talks about the unique qualities of his students—(many of whom are children of migrant workers). Mike also talks about his experience as a basketball coach, the role of athletics in a high school education and curriculum development. In the final segment of the episode, Mike talks about the college admissions landscape and how his students approach the application process.

In Episode 16, we sit down with Mike Hernandez. Mike is a high school teacher in Arizona with a wealth of unique experiences. In the first half of our discussion with Mike, we talk about different leadership styles within school administrations. Mike also shares a few stories and opinions about school uniforms, discipline programs and why he was drawn to a career in education.

Join us for the second half of our discussion with Greg. In this episode, we discuss the importance of process when taking standardized tests. Greg and I also discuss the importance of equal access and affordability within education, the at-home GRE, and other themes that affect our society’s relationship with education.For more from Greg, follow the links below:Greg’s PrinciplesLive Teaching ExamplesGetting Started on the GRE

This week, we’re excited to welcome Greg to our program. Greg is the founder of gregmat.com, an affordable alternative to standard GRE preparation. Tune in to learn more about Greg’s teaching philosophy, learn more about the our country’s graduate education system, and more.For more from Greg, follow the links below:Greg’s PrinciplesLive Teaching ExamplesGetting Started on the GRE

As the world continues to fight the global COVID-19 pandemic, we are especially honored to welcome Dr. Joshua Kim and Dr. Edward Maloney to our show. In the second half of our interview, Josh and Eddie explore more possibilities for higher learning during the upcoming Fall 2020 semester, including several innovative and hybrid options. We close our discussion by discussion the priorities of universities at a time when student wellness is so critical to our collective success.For more information on Dr. Kim and Dr. Maloney’s work, check out the links below:15 Fall Scenarios - This article (published on Inside Higher Ed) was the impetus for our discussion.The Low-Density University - This article formally introduced Josh and Eddie's next project.Learning Innovation and the Future of Higher Education - Josh and Eddie co-authored this book about the intersection of learning, design, technology and organizational change.

As the world continues to fight the global COVID-19 pandemic, we are especially honored to welcome Dr. Joshua Kim and Dr. Edward Maloney to our show. In the first half of our interview, Josh and Eddie tell us about their recent research focused on the science of learning and the art of teaching. We then discuss the concepts of density and flexibility on campus, and introduce possible scenarios for higher education in the fall semester of 2020.For more information on Dr. Kim and Dr. Maloney’s work, check out the links below:15 Fall Scenarios - This article (published on Inside Higher Ed) was the impetus for our discussion.The Low-Density University - This article formally introduced Josh and Eddie's next project.Learning Innovation and the Future of Higher Education - Josh and Eddie co-authored this book about the intersection of learning, design, technology and organizational change.

In the second installment of our interview with actress and film producer Laura Hunter Drago, we talk Laura’s experience about NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Laura tells us about the curriculum of an arts education and what it’s like to be a college student in New York City. Finally, Laura shares her insights on the importance of supplementing traditional education in the arts with traditional business skills.

This week, we are proud to introduce Laura Hunter Drago, producer of “To The New Girl”, an anthology-style feature film that will be released in late Summer 2020. In the first half of our interview with Laura, she talks about the pros and cons of going to a small school, early educational influences and even shares a few thoughts about “Tiger King”.For more information about Laura’s upcoming film, visit https://www.tothenewgirl.com/

In our ninth episode, we are excited to share the final component of our interview with Navy Lieutenant Derek von Disterlo. In this episode, Derek talks about the unique curriculum that future pilots, SEALs, submarine officers and surface warfare officers must complete before commissioning as officers in the US Navy. Derek also describes the form and function of NROTC units and dispels common myths about what both civilians and service-members should expect from their college experience.Disclaimer: Derek and I spoke for nearly three hours about his own story and the military’s approach to learning. Although nothing confidential or controversial is shared, it’s important for listeners to understand that Derek’s opinions are his alone, and not those of the United States Navy.

In our eighth episode, Derek tells us the different between the difference in the way that enlisted sailors and officers are educated within the United States Navy. Derek also discusses the role of submarine warfare in our national defense policy before describing the education pipeline that nuclear engineers must complete before serving in the fleet. Finally, Derek shares the story of his person fight against cancer while maintaining his status as an active duty sailor in the United States military.Disclaimer: Derek and I spoke for nearly three hours about his own story and the military’s approach to learning. Although nothing confidential or controversial is shared, it’s important for listeners to understand that Derek’s opinions are his alone, and not those of the United States Navy.

In Episode 7, we welcome Derek von Disterlo to the show. Derek is a Lieutenant in the United States Navy and primarily serves as a Submarine Officer. In a year, Derek will return to duty in the fleet, but until then he’s serving as an Assistant Professor of Naval Science at the University of Memphis. In this episode, Derek tells us about his upbringing and how his experiences in boot camp and college helped for his worldview.Disclaimer: Derek and I spoke for nearly three hours about his own story and the military’s approach to learning. Although nothing confidential or controversial is shared, it’s important for listeners to understand that Derek’s opinions are his alone, and not those of the United States Navy.

In the second half of our interview with Andy Chapman, he tells us more about the principles that he built STRONG Men Baton Rouge upon, including self-awareness, discipline and service. Andy also discusses delayed gratification, experiential learning, parenting during a worldwide pandemic and closes with a story about a chance encounter with the head coach of reigning National Champion LSU Tigers, Ed Orgeron.

In Episode 5, we sit down with Andy Chapman, an Assistant Principal in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In Part 1 of a two-part interview, Andy tells us about his childhood and the way his father, Catholic elementary school and athletics impacted his development. Andy continues to talk about his parenting philosophy with his own son and his experience as a coach, teacher and administrator.

This week, we’ll complete our discussion with Juliette by discussion the three main takeaways from her book, the importance of living a balanced life, and the intersection of education and commerce.

This week’s guest is Juliette Nelson. Juliette is a jack of all trades—in this week’s interview, she talks about her diverse career as a teacher in South Korea, an entrepreneur and a published author. Tune in to hear Tommy and Juliette discuss the connection between self-awareness and purpose for both students and teachers.

"My Education" is a podcast about education and our society. Each episode features an interview with a guest who shares the story of how their own education impacted their personal and professional journey.

In this episode, Colin talks about his first year teaching in the Phoenix public school system. In their discussion, Colin explains to Tommy how the "Red for Ed" movement affected his community and explains the concept of restorative justice. Finally, Colin and Tommy discuss teacher retention and three ways to support students and educators.

In today's episode, we introduce with Colin Miller and discuss his educational journey through high school and college. Colin tells Tommy about his brief stint in the private sector before sharing the story of how he found himself back in the classroom: first in a job he never expected, then as a graduate student, and finally as a full-time teacher on the opposite side of the country.