Podcasts about cooley llp

Send us Fan MailInside Columbia's First EdTech Showcase, Alex Sarlin sits down with the founders and leaders behind the inaugural Columbia EdTech Showcase to explore the startups, ideas, and innovations shaping the future of learning from AI-powered discussion tools to health education, learning science, and content curation.

Send us Fan MailDrew Bent leads Education at Anthropic, where he oversees education initiatives including Claude for Teachers. A former math teacher, Khan Academy engineer, and co-founder of Schoolhouse.world, Drew focuses on applying AI to improve teaching and learning.Sandra Liu Huang is President of Learning Commons, where she leads the development of open AI datasets and learning science infrastructure for education. She previously held product leadership roles at Google, Facebook, and Quora.

Send us Fan MailJulie Young is the Founding CEO of Florida Virtual School (FLVS), where she helped pioneer online public education and expand access to millions of learners. She later founded ASU Prep Digital and is the author of Say Yes: How Virtual Became Reality, continuing to shape the future of student-centered learning.

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they discuss the latest developments in education technology, from growing AI skepticism in schools and major policy shifts to Anthropic's education strategy and conversations with founders tackling literacy and AI tutoring.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:05:49] New York City pauses AI procurement across its school system[00:11:28] New study questions AI's impact on teaching quality and student engagement[00:18:00] Norway introduces strict limits on generative AI for younger students[00:21:41] Anthropic launches Claude for Teachers with major edtech partnerships[00:23:27] Why partnerships and AI ecosystems may define the future of edtech[00:30:52] How AI infrastructure could help smaller edtech companies compete[00:33:31] Learning Commons and connected platforms point toward a more integrated edtech ecosystemPlus, special guests:[00:37:40] Louise Baigelman, Founder & CEO of Storyshares, on expanding adolescent literacy beyond the science of reading[01:01:02] Ashish Bansal, Founder & CEO of StarSpark.AI, on building AI tutors that promote learning instead of answer-giving

Send us Fan MailMichael Preston, Executive Director, Medha Tare, Senior Director of Research, and Liza Gak, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Joan Ganz Cooney Center, are leading researchers focused on child-centered educational technology. Together, they are helping edtech organizations design better products by combining learning science, participatory co-design, and thoughtful approaches to AI.

After more than 400 episodes across eight years, Corey Kupfer launches a new quarterly roundtable with his law firm partners Brian Meegan and Sara Mostafa (together representing roughly 90 years of combined deal experience) to unpack why the projected 2026 M&A boom has not fully arrived, revisit the negotiation tactics behind the 1951 Korean War armistice, and share parting wisdom for business owners in a slower market. In this episode of the DealQuest Podcast, host Corey Kupfer launches a new quarterly roundtable format with his law firm partners, Brian Meegan and Sara Mostafa. Brian has been a partner for several years. Sara joined this year as the newest partner. Together the three represent about 90 years of combined deal experience across M&A, capital raises, cross-border transactions, and wealth management. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN You'll discover why the pent-up M&A demand projected for 2026 has not materialized as expected, how a Virginia-focused fund is challenging the assumption that acquisitions drain leadership talent out of state, and why wealth management continues to run counter to the broader slowdown. Brian and Sara explain what a $60 billion all-stock transaction involving AnySphere signals about AI M&A, what the 1951 Korean War armistice negotiations still teach modern dealmakers, and how a post-Soviet Russian deal turned on cultural understanding rather than a legal provision. THE FIRM'S JOURNEY TO A QUARTERLY ROUNDTABLE The DealQuest Podcast has run for eight years and passed 400 episodes with a rhythm of three guest interviews followed by a solocast. Brian Meegan joined the firm a few years ago as a partner and has appeared on the show as a guest a couple of times. Sara Mostafa joined this year as the newest partner and has also appeared as a guest since coming on board. With three partners now representing roughly 90 years of combined deal experience, Corey launched this quarterly roundtable to talk deals openly, share what each partner is seeing across their practice areas, and introduce a new Deals in History segment. DEALS IN HISTORY Brian opened the first installment of Deals in History with the 1951 Korean War armistice negotiations, which contained nearly every classic tactic anyone has ever written about. The North Koreans picked up the UN delegation in cars carrying white flags, used higher chairs to gain physical advantage, and pushed multi-meeting standoffs over table shape and flag size. At one point both sides sat in complete silence for over two hours, refusing to move on a single boundary point. The full negotiation spanned roughly 160 meetings across two and a half years, and the document that resulted is not a peace treaty. It is a ceasefire that has held since the end of the war. KEY INSIGHTS The pent-up 2026 M&A demand has not arrived. Energy price disruption, interest rate uncertainty, and other macro conditions have kept the big bump from showing up. Deal flow remains active, but both Brian and Sara noted a less frenetic pace toward closing. Wealth management remains a meaningful exception, with private equity capital and succession pressure keeping RIA deal flow robust. Outside wealth management, Sara is seeing active smaller and mid-market activity, especially for targets that have successfully integrated AI into operations. Andrew Dunlap's Virginia-focused fund is a useful counterweight to the standard acquisition narrative. He shared with Corey that 82 percent of Virginia acquisition buyers were from out of state, and top leadership talent tends to relocate with the new HQ. His commitment is to keep businesses local, in a mini Berkshire Hathaway style approach. Cultural understanding often matters more than a specific legal provision. Corey shared a story from the early 1990s, just after the Soviet Union fell, when a Russian counterparty refused to sign a standard non-circumvention agreement as a matter of deeply held belief. Corey structured around it by locking up non-circumvention agreements with the US suppliers directly, and closed the deal. There is a deal for almost any business frustration, challenge, or opportunity. Corey's parting wisdom points to acquihires, joint ventures, strategic alliances, and white labeling as underused options. Brian added Jim Collins' 2009 line to never waste a good recession. Sara closed with practical guidance for women-owned and minority-owned business owners to seek community and specialized funds beyond the SBA. Perfect for entrepreneurs weighing M&A moves right now, wealth management and RIA professionals tracking deal flow, and anyone interested in how experienced deal lawyers read the market quarter to quarter. FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/quarterly-roundtable-brian-meegan-sara-mostafa FOR MORE ON KUPFER.https://www.kupferlaw.com FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFERhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/ https://www.coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast. Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today! Episode Highlights with Timestamps [00:00:00] - Launching the new quarterly roundtable format with Brian Meegan and Sara Mostafa[00:05:13] - Sara on smaller and mid-market deal activity, especially where AI is integrated[00:09:18] - Andrew Dunlap's Virginia fund and the 82 percent out-of-state buyer statistic[00:11:24] - Space industry multiples running hot alongside AI [00:14:09] - The $60 billion all-stock transaction involving AnySphere and Cursor[00:15:04] - Deals in History debut, the 1951 Korean War armistice negotiations[00:20:26] - Walking the Abraham Path with William Ury in 2017 [00:23:32] - Corey's post-Soviet Russian deal and the non-circumvention agreement story [00:28:17] - Cross-border capital flow from the Middle East, India, and China [00:36:22] - Parting Shots from Sara, Brian, and Corey Guest Bios: Brian Meegan has represented US and multinational clients on corporate matters for more than 25 years, primarily on M&A, business formation, contract negotiation, and real estate. Before joining Kupfer, he founded Evergent Law, listed in Best Law Firms in America (Colorado) for Corporate Law and the exclusive Colorado M&A firm in the IR Global network, and he separately founded Watson Ltd., a back-office support company serving law firms nationwide. Brian earned his B.S. and J.D. from the University of Colorado, is listed in Best Lawyers in America (Colorado), and is a self-described history nerd who powers the new Deals in History segment on the show. Sara Mostafa is a corporate attorney with nearly two decades of experience representing private companies and individuals across M&A, private equity, financing, corporate governance, employment, real estate, and outside general counsel work, with clients spanning technology, wealth management, retail, entertainment, construction, restaurants, medical practices, and fitness and nutrition. She began her practice at Cooley LLP in San Diego and later served as a Partner at Lobb & Plewe LLP before joining Kupfer. Sara earned her J.D. from UCLA School of Law and her B.A. magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania, completed Harvard Law School's Executive Education program in M&A in 2023, and is licensed in California and Hawaii. She speaks English, Spanish, Arabic, and French Host Bio: Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker with more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast. Show Description: Do you want your business to grow faster? The DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer reveals how successful entrepreneurs and business leaders use strategic deals to accelerate growth. From large mergers and acquisitions to capital raising, joint ventures, strategic alliances, real estate deals, and more, this show discusses the full spectrum of deal-driven growth strategies. Get the confidence to pursue deals that will help your company scale faster. Related Episodes: Episode 351 - There's a Deal for That Episode 331 - M&A Market Outlook and Deal Predictions Episode 293 - Sunny Vanderbeck, Selling Without Selling Out Keywords/Tags: DealQuest quarterly roundtable, Brian Meegan, Sara Mostafa, Corey Kupfer, 2026 M&A market, wealth management M&A, RIA deal flow, AI acquisitions, AnySphere Cursor, mid-market deals, cross-border transactions, Korean War armistice negotiation, William Ury, post-Soviet dealmaking, Andrew Dunlap Virginia fund, mini Berkshire Hathaway, non-circumvention agreement, deal-driven growth, Kupfer Associates, private equity M&A

Send us Fan MailSue Khim is the Co-founder and CEO of Brilliant, the interactive learning platform that has helped millions of learners build deep understanding in math, science, and computer science. In this episode, she shares how Brilliant's new AI tutor, Koji, is designed to develop critical thinking rather than simply provide answers.

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Ben Kornell and Alex Sarlin as they cover major edtech acquisitions, the biggest AI announcements from ISTE, the future of assessment, and how AI is reshaping teaching and learning.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:04:15] ETS acquires ACT, reshaping the future of assessment and college admissions[00:08:02] Handshake acquires Uplimit to expand AI upskilling and workforce learning[00:11:55] The debate over screen-free learning and the rise of Yoto[00:17:41] ISTE rebrands and launches a new Edtech Index[00:19:07] Google unveils Gemini Notebooks and new AI tools for classrooms[00:21:10] MagicSchool and Brisk expand their AI platforms for schools[00:27:15] Microsoft survey finds AI adoption reaches 92% of students and 88% of educatorsPlus, special guests:[00:32:10] Karlo Young, CEO of Teachstone, on why human relationships remain the foundation of great teaching in the age of AI[00:53:46] Tom Sayer, Co-founder and CEO of Ello, on building AI tutors that teach like great educators

Send us Fan MailSmita Saxena is the Founder of Maestro, an AI coaching platform helping K-12 STEM teachers improve instruction and student outcomes. Alexia Lewis is an 8th Grade Algebra I teacher at KIPP Polaris and a Maestro coach whose students achieved remarkable gains using the platform.

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and special guest host Daniela Pico, Head of Platform at Forum Ventures, as they discuss the AI backlash, workforce transformation, AI literacy, social media regulation, and the evolving future of education technology.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:37] Anthropic launches a $150M Claude Core fellowship program for AI workforce development[00:09:09] Why organizations need AI implementation strategies and not just AI licenses[00:15:13] The rise of dedicated AI teams and AI leadership inside organizations[00:16:35] OECD and the European Commission introduce an AI literacy framework for K–12[00:26:10] Bradley County Schools wins a $27M social media lawsuit against major tech platforms[00:29:12] Why edtech should not be conflated with social media and screen time[00:37:15] The decline of EdSurge and what it means for edtech journalism[00:44:37] AI backlash grows as mainstream media shapes public perception[00:49:29] Rebuilding trust in AI through thoughtful implementation and educationPlus, special guests:[00:58:32] Dr. Ran Liu, Chief AI Scientist at Amira Learning, on the evolution of AI-powered reading tutors and the future of intelligent tutoring systems[01:18:39] Antonio Pietri, CEO of PowerSchool, on rebuilding trust, strengthening cybersecurity, and the future of AI in K–12 education

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and special guest co-host Gemma Lenowitz Picot of Samvid Ventures as they break down the latest developments in AI, workforce development, edtech adoption, and education policy.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:26] OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic expand AI workforce training initiatives[00:10:30] Data center investments create new opportunities for workforce development[00:15:59] Anthropic launches Claude Core to help nonprofits adopt AI[00:21:00] AI safety concerns raise questions about education-specific AI models[00:27:23] Khanmigo tops the new EdTech AI Visibility Index[00:33:40] Teacher requests for AI tools on DonorsChoose have tripled[00:38:26] AI adoption may accelerate growth in microschools and school choice[00:41:22] UK proposes banning social media access for children under 16[00:42:37] UK expands AI tutoring access for low-income students[00:50:18] Satya Nadella introduces the concept of AI-powered organizational learning loopsPlus, special guests:[00:54:02] Tom ap Simon, President of Higher Education and Virtual Learning at Pearson, on AI readiness, career pathways, and workforce outcomes [01:16:03] France Hoang, Founder and CEO of BoodleBox, on AI collaboration, financial literacy, and preparing learners for an AI-powered future 

Send us Fan MailAnthony Salcito is President & GM of Enterprise at Coursera, where he leads partnerships with enterprises, universities, and governments to build job-relevant skills at scale. Previously, he held leadership roles at Microsoft and Nerdy (Varsity Tutors), and has spent his career at the intersection of technology, education, and workforce development.

Send us Fan MailGeorge Siemens is the Chief AI & Innovation Officer at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and one of the most influential learning theorists in modern education. He is the creator of Connectivism, co-creator of the first MOOC, and a leading voice on how AI is reshaping learning, higher education, and knowledge itself.

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and special guest co-host Thomas Rodgers of Whiteboard Advisors as they explore the latest developments in AI, edtech policy, learning outcomes, cybersecurity, and the future of AI-powered education.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:39] Anthropic's Claude Fable launch sparks discussion about the next generation of AI capabilities[00:09:07] Meta launches a workforce academy initiative focused on data center and skilled trade careers[00:17:47] The growing edtech and AI “techlash” raises questions about technology's role in schools[00:20:01] Why screen-time debates often overlook the quality of technology use in classrooms[00:29:50] New NAEP results show recovery among 9-year-olds but continued challenges for older students[00:30:38] Reading for fun among 13-year-olds continues its long-term decline[00:33:23] Code.org rebrands as CodeAI, signaling a broader shift toward AI literacyPlus, special guests:[00:34:57] Yi Ng, Founder of Curiosities AI, on designing AI that builds curiosity, critical thinking, and communication skills[01:11:23] Dr. Rob Abel, Former CEO of 1EdTech and Founder of EdTech Futures, on the Instructure Canvas breach, cybersecurity risks, and accountability in edtech infrastructure

Send us Fan MailIn this special crossover episode, Edtech Insiders host Ben Kornell joins Allison Salisbury, author of The Humanist, for a wide-ranging conversation about AI, education, workforce development, and the future of learning. Together, they explore how AI could reshape assessment, personalized learning, school design, and the skills students will need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and guest co-host Matt Tower of Whiteboard Advisors as they explore the latest developments in AI, workforce learning, edtech innovation, and literacy instruction.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:24] OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI prepare for potential IPOs[00:07:45] Anthropic surpasses OpenAI in valuation as enterprise AI adoption grows[00:08:59] Byju Raveendran's legal challenges raise questions about edtech governance[00:11:23] Handshake's growth contrasts with Chegg's struggles in the AI era[00:14:03] Coursera, Udemy, and the future of AI-driven workforce upskilling[00:19:10] The debate over AI's impact on jobs, careers, and the labor market[00:25:41] AI enables the rise of highly scalable one-person companies[00:27:32] The emergence of “purple collar” jobs in the AI economy[00:31:45] Why AI upskilling may be the biggest opportunity in education[00:33:34] OpenAI expands higher education partnerships across major university systems[00:38:33] Embedded learning and AI-powered skill development inside workplace tools[00:40:48] Balancing educational technology benefits with screen-time concernsPlus, special guests:[00:42:12] Vikas Pota, Founder of T4 Education, on the Global EdTech Prize, educator-led innovation, and the opportunities and risks of AI in education[00:57:30] Keri Dixon, CEO of Wilson Language Training, on the science of reading, structured literacy implementation, and AI as a tool to support effective teaching

Send us Fan MailLisa Gevelber is the founder and leader of Grow with Google, Google's economic opportunity initiative focused on helping people build skills, careers, and businesses. Through Google Career Certificates and AI training programs, she has helped millions of learners develop workforce-ready skills and navigate an increasingly AI-driven economy.

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they discuss the growing backlash against AI and screen time in schools, the launch of a federal education tax credit, promising new evidence for AI-powered remediation, workforce disruption from AI, and the future of higher education with Noah Pickus of Duke University.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:40] AFT shifts its position on AI and screen time in schools[00:07:25] i-Ready faces growing parent backlash despite strong adoption and efficacy data[00:13:36] New federal Education Freedom Tax Credit could accelerate school choice and supplemental learning[00:17:46] Education savings accounts create new opportunities for edtech business models[00:20:09] New research highlights AI's potential to help students catch up academically[00:23:16] Guided practice emerges as a promising framework for AI-powered learning[00:24:56] Survey finds 99% of executives expect AI-driven workforce reductions within two years[00:31:29] Anthropic's rapid growth reshapes the competitive landscape for generative AIPlus, special guests:[00:35:39] Noah Pickus, Head of Global Strategy and Partnerships and Senior Advisor to the Provost at Duke University, on the Future Universities Alliance and reimagining higher education globally

Send us Fan MailSam Olivieri is the CEO of and has spent more than two decades expanding educational opportunity through leadership roles at GreatSchools, Entangled Solutions, and Guild Education. Daniel Halper is Co-Founder of Step Up Tutoring and leads Step Up AI Labs, where he develops AI-powered tools that help novice tutors deliver high-impact instruction at scale.

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Ben Kornell and Alex Sarlin as they explore the growing backlash against AI in education, the race to build AI-native learning systems, and the shifting future of edtech, workforce learning, and global education policy.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:18] Reflections and takeaways from this year's ASU+GSV Summit [00:05:16] Gen Z backlash against AI grows at college commencements [00:08:06] China's practical AI rollout contrasts with the U.S. race toward AGI [00:15:09] Anthropic and Gates Foundation launch a $200M AI education partnership [00:23:02] Debate over the future and business model of AI tutoring [00:29:25] OpenAI expands its “Education for Countries” initiative [00:37:28] New education tax credits could shift spending power to families [00:42:15] Google, Meta, and Apple push AI glasses and XR learning forward [00:48:40] AI simulations gain traction in workforce training [00:51:06] Multiverse raises $70M for AI-driven workforce upskilling Plus, special guests:[00:55:51] Angel Chung, PhD Candidate at The Wharton School, on proactive AI tutoring systems and new research showing measurable learning gains for students using adaptive AI guidance[01:18:08] David Rogier, Founder and CEO of MasterClass, on AI-powered learning, the future of higher education, and MasterClass Executive — developed alongside OpenAI & Chicago Booth to explore the future of AI-native business education.Learn more here: https://www.masterclass.com/booth-ai

Send us Fan MailJason Katcher is the Global Education Channel Lead at Superhuman, where he focuses on scaling AI-powered productivity and communication tools across education through strategic partnerships. Previously at Google, Dropbox, and multiple edtech startups, Jason brings deep experience in education technology, AI adoption, and go-to-market strategy.

Send us Fan MailJoin host Ben Kornell for a special episode featuring leaders across digital literacy, AI-native schooling, student support, and curriculum innovation in K–12 education.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:10] Lisa O'Masta, CEO of Learning.com, on why digital literacy and AI literacy must start in elementary school[00:18:34] Aaron Feuer, CEO and Co-founder of Panorama Education, reflects on building Panorama into a platform serving one in four U.S. students[00:32:34] Larisa Hovannisian, Founder and CEO at Armenia Education Initiative, explains why Armenia is positioned to leapfrog legacy education systems[00:43:50] Alexandra Walsh, Chief Product Officer at Amplify, discusses bringing classroom experience into product leadership

Send us Fan MailKumar Garg is the President of Renaissance Philanthropy, where he leads thesis-driven philanthropic funds focused on major global challenges. Previously, he worked in the Obama White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and helped build Eric Schmidt's science and tech initiatives.

On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show, Wayne Kimmel interviewed Paris Dupree, Vice President, Senior Counsel in Business and Legal Affairs at OneTeam Partners.Prior to joining OneTeam, Dupree served as Vice President and Assistant General Counsel at JPMorgan Chase, where she led and negotiated major sponsorships and partnerships across  the company's Sports, Entertainment, Media, and Brand businesses—including the firm's partnerships with Madison Square Garden, the US Open, and the Chase Center, as well as global events such as the JPMorgan Corporate Challenge, the world's largest corporate running event. Her early career was shaped at leading law firms, including Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, Pepper Hamilton LLP (now Troutman Pepper LLP), and Cooley LLP, where she gained significant experience in venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, and advising private equity funds and growth-stage companies across technology, life sciences, and digital media sectors. A proud graduate of Brown University, Dupree earned her degree in Organizational Studies: Commerce, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship. While at Brown, she was captain of the Women's Lacrosse Team, earning First-Team All-Ivy and Academic All-Ivy honors, and also competed in basketball as a dual-sport athlete her freshman year. In 2010, she was selected to the U.S. National Women's Lacrosse Team—the first Brown player in more than a decade to earn that honor. She was recently inducted into Brown University's Athletic Hall of Fame, recognizing her enduring contributions to the university's athletic legacy. Dupree later earned her J.D. from The George Washington University Law School. Dupree's leadership and impact extend beyond her professional role. She was recognized as the 2024 Young Woman Professional Award recipient by the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, honoring her professional excellence and community contributions. She currently serves on Brown University's President's Advisory Council on Athletics & Recreation, focusing on long-term strategic planning, and as a member of the Board of Trustees at Sanford School, an independent, college preparatory school in Hockessin, Delaware, where she plays an active role in advancing the school's mission, shaping strategy, and strengthening community engagement. Dupree resides in Wilmington, Delaware, with her husband, Vern, and their 5-year-old son, Cairo. Family is central to who she is, and she can often be found cheering on her husband and father's Delaware State Hornets basketball team or supporting Cairo's activities. Paris Dupree:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parisdupree/Chapters02:07 Understanding One Team Partners' Role in Sports Licensing03:58 Commercial Partnerships and Their Impact on Athletes08:07 Structuring Fair Deals for Players and Brands09:59 Collaboration with Player Associations12:06 The Fun and Meaningful Aspects of Paris's Job14:11 Paris's Athletic Background and Its Influence18:03 The Similarities Between Sports and Business22:04 Mentorship and Leadership in Paris's Career30:17 The Future of Sports and Player Opportunities

Send us Fan MailStephen Jull is the Global Head of AI and Educational Technology at Teach For All, leading efforts to connect educators with frontier AI labs. He's joined by Maruf Hasan, a Bangladesh-based educator building AI tools in low-resource settings, and Sean McWeeney, a UK teacher focused on AI's impact in high-need schools.

Send us Fan MailAt the Kira 2.0 launch event in New York City, Sarah Morin captures rapid-fire insights from educators, administrators, and edtech leaders reacting in real time to one of the most ambitious AI learning platforms to date.

Send us Fan MailTed Dintersmith is an education advocate, author, and filmmaker who has spent the past 15 years working alongside educators to rethink what learning should look like in the modern world. He has visited more than 200 schools across all 50 states, listening to teachers and students and studying approaches that prepare young people for real life beyond tests.

Send us Fan MailSteve Tapp is the CEO of ACT, a leading nonprofit assessment organization best known for the ACT college admissions test. With over 30 years of experience in assessments across education, professional certification, and workforce testing, he previously led PSI Services and Lifelong Learner Holdings, helping scale global assessment platforms.

Send us Fan MailChase Rigby is the CEO of Tassel, a platform modernizing graduation experiences for universities worldwide. A former Google PM and Chief Product Officer at Canopy, his career sits at the intersection of education, technology, and product innovation.

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Ben Kornell and guest co-host Matt Tower, as they break down the biggest stories shaping AI, edtech efficacy, cybersecurity, and the future of work in education.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:00:33] Rapid rise of AI-generated “vibe coding” raises concerns about software vulnerabilities and cybersecurity risks[00:02:44] ASU+GSV preview highlights the importance of relationships over deal-making at major edtech gatherings[00:08:26] Anthropic's Mythos model withheld due to its ability to uncover critical security flaws across systems[00:11:37] Growing need for AI systems to defend against AI-driven cybersecurity threats[00:14:18] Schools question edtech effectiveness amid too many tools and limited evidence of impact[00:15:23] Debate over screen time intensifies as some classrooms move toward eliminating devices[00:20:47] Discussion on whether smaller, more personalized school models better serve students[00:26:08] OpenAI faces leadership changes and increasing competition from Anthropic and Google[00:30:30] Big Tech's varying levels of investment in education reshape the competitive landscape[00:33:25] AI disrupts entry-level job markets, raising concerns about college graduate employment[00:36:12] Future workforce will demand adaptability, entrepreneurship, and continuous learningPlus, special guest:[00:37:34] Yoon Yang, CEO and Co-founder of Pensive, on AI-powered grading and personalized tutoring in higher education

Send us Fan MailBrandon Cardet-Hernandez is the Founder and CEO of Medley Learning, a platform building AI-powered scaffolding tools for multilingual learners. A former multilingual learner himself, Brandon has served as a teacher, turnaround principal, Boston School Committee member, NYC education advisor, and edtech leader. His work focuses on closing the access gap, not lowering expectations.

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Ben Kornell and special co-host Steve Shapiro, Founder of Finetune.AI, as they break down the biggest stories shaping AI, workforce disruption, K–12 policy, and the future of higher education. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:05:10] NVIDIA signals the shift from AI experimentation to a full-scale platform “land grab” [00:08:19] Early signs of AI-driven productivity gains point to real workforce disruption [00:13:16] Governments invest in AI retraining, labor upskilling, and workforce preparedness [00:15:27] Apprenticeships emerge as a critical pathway as entry-level jobs decline [00:17:17] AI “agent armies” could make one-person businesses more viable than ever [00:19:23] Schools balance AI literacy initiatives with rising pressure for screen bans [00:21:23] Debate grows over big tech's responsibility in supporting education systems [00:24:14] Media backlash questions edtech's impact on student learning outcomes [00:28:00] School choice expands rapidly, with mixed impacts across states [00:32:09] ASU highlighted as a leading model for AI-ready higher education [00:34:10] Edtech funding shifts to more deals with smaller check sizes [00:36:01] Startups scale faster with less capital due to AI-powered development [00:37:41] Optimism grows for edtech innovation over the next 12–24 monthsPlus, special guests: [00:38:59] Aaron Cuny, CEO of AI for Equity, on building AI leadership capacity in school systems [01:06:39] Joshua Broggi, CEO and Founder of Woolf, on rethinking higher education with competency-based models

Research from Barna and C12 Business Forums shows that 51% of "Faith-Forward" CEOs consider faith a major motivation in leadership. A survey by Houston Christian University found that 74% of Christian business leaders rely on spiritual practice for decision-making and 63% look to scripture for guidance. Carl Grant III is an experienced leader in professional services business development, having worked with AM Law 50 firms and a Big Four accounting firm. He led Cooley LLP's business development team for 20 years, contributing to $1.7B in annual revenue growth, and drove a 33% market share increase at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Grant also doubled venture funds as part of Fairfax County Economic Development Authority and currently serves as Chairman and CEO of Cyrulion, Inc. He is a founding board member of the Austin Venture Association, an Army veteran, best-selling author, and has degrees from Indiana University and Harvard Business School. As a Christian business leader and founder of Bridges of Faith, Carl helps integrate faith, purpose, and leadership, advising executives on building trust and results without sacrificing values. His work includes promoting respectful Muslim–Christian dialogue, peacemaking, and living out faith with integrity. Married for 31 years with five adult children, he brings practical insights on faith both at home and in leadership roles. -- Follow: @carl.grant.iii Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/Live-Abundant-Life-Carl-Grant/dp/1637351941#:~:text=%22How%20to%20Live%20the%20Abundant,to%20live%20their%20best%20life.%22&text=%22Thoughtful%2C%20accessible%2C%20and%20compelling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan MailMindy Sjoblom is the Founder and CEO of OnYourMark, a research-backed virtual tutoring organization serving thousands of elementary students nationwide. Catherine Tierney is Head of Product and Program at OnYourMark, bringing deep experience from Match Education, MyCoach, and ThinkCERCA to the design of human-centered, evidence-based learning technology.

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they explore the latest developments in education technology, from OpenAI's push into interactive learning to new research on AI efficacy, growing AI backlash, and rising cybersecurity threats in K–12 schools.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:05:30] OpenAI launches a new suite of 70+ interactive science and math learning experiences built on cognitive science and visual learning principles [00:12:22] Stanford and SCALE release a meta-analysis of 800+ AI education studies finding only 20 with strong causal evidence of learning impact [00:19:44] Growing backlash against AI, screen time, and edtech as public concern rises about technology's impact on children and learning [00:21:10] Clever report finds more than half of school districts have experienced cyberattacks and 81% believe AI is increasing cybersecurity riskPlus, special guest:[00:29:19] Oliver Page, Co-founder and CEO of CyberNut, on why K–12 schools are uniquely vulnerable to phishing attacks and cyber threats

Send us Fan MailDr. Rachel Book is an education leader at Lincoln Learning Solutions with over 20 years of experience in early childhood and student development. Charlie Thayer, Chief Academic Officer, brings 15+ years in online and blended learning, specializing in scalable, instructionally sound solutions.

Send a textJosh Jones is the CEO of QuantHub, an edtech and workforce company advancing data and AI literacy across K–12, higher education, government, and enterprise. A serial entrepreneur and former data science consultant, Josh has spent decades helping organizations adapt to rapid technological change.

Send a textDean Celaj is the Founder and CEO of GoTeacher, a platform helping school districts understand, manage, and enforce student data privacy. Previously, he founded Akademi.al, an education platform used by over 90% of students in Albania during COVID, and was named to Forbes 30 Under 30.

Send a textJoin Ben Kornell and guest host Matt Tower as they break down the biggest stories shaping K–12 policy, AI in education, edtech funding, and emerging school models.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:55] FBI raids LAUSD headquarters and Superintendent Alberto Carvalho's home, raising questions about federal investigations and possible ties to the AllHere scandal [00:06:07] The hosts unpack whether the LAUSD probe is about vendor fraud, immigration tensions, or broader political conflict [00:11:06] A provocative Economist headline fuels growing backlash against edtech and classroom screen time [00:16:44] A deeper debate on what education reformers are actually advocating for beyond simply reducing screens [00:19:49] Alpha School, small school models, and whether test scores have become the gateway to deeper learning innovation [00:24:51] Google commits to training 6 million educators in AI, signaling a major investment in teacher-focused AI literacy [00:29:23] Comparing Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic's evolving strategies in the education market [00:31:59] NationGraph raises funding in the procurement intelligence space as edtech infrastructure tools expand [00:34:13] Southern states like Louisiana and Mississippi post notable academic gains, prompting questions about policy and funding modelsPlus, special guest:[00:37:27] Ariella Racco, Founder of CoLab Education, on building dedicated collaboration infrastructure for teachers in the AI era

Send a textGreg Hart is the CEO of Coursera, bringing 25+ years of leadership and technology innovation from Amazon, where he helped develop Alexa and expand Prime Video globally. At Coursera, he leads the company's mission to make learning more engaging, skills-focused, and accessible worldwide.

Send a textJoin hosts Ben Kornell and guest host Peter Stiepleman, host of The Imperfect Leader, as they explore AI in schools, screen-time policy, math reform, higher ed disruption, and the future of assessment integrity.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:00:00] Peter Stiepleman on leading with “ed, not tech” when implementing AI in schools[00:06:33] Seattle-area student walkout over ChatGPT access sparks debate on AI in classrooms[00:08:11] 26 states advance phone bans and K–5 screen-time legislation[00:10:59] Khan Academy's failed India rollout shows implementation, not tools, drives impact[00:16:26] Whether global systems may leapfrog the U.S. in AI-powered education[00:18:38] AI-supported speech therapy and reading intervention free educators for human connection[00:20:55] Utah's math overhaul ignites debate over data science, calculus acceleration, and rigor[00:27:24] Rural districts innovate through regional collaboration and expanded course access[00:29:14] Higher ed faces declining endowments, enrollment pressure, and early college expansion[00:35:09] Anthropic co-founder argues AI will increase the value of humanities degreesPlus, special guest:[00:39:10] Brandon Smith, CEO of Integrity Advocate, on AI-driven cheating, proctoring reform, and protecting assessment integrity

Send a textPriyank Chodisetti is the Co-founder and CEO of Workback.ai, an AI-powered platform helping edtech organizations achieve accessibility compliance faster and at scale. A repeat founder and former engineering leader at Coursera, Priyank brings firsthand experience navigating the complexity of WCAG standards and ADA requirements.

Send a textDr. Kathy Weston is one of the leading national experts on parenting, family life and parental engagement in children's lives. In 2018, she established Tooled Up Education, a holistic bank of evidence-based resources for whole-school communities. Tooled Up supports 166 schools in 8 countries, delivering bespoke CPD for educators as well as 'on tap' resource support for parents.

Send a textJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they unpack a fast-moving week in education. From AI-native curriculum battles and literacy leadership shifts to voucher surges and national AI pilots reshaping special education. ✨ Episode Highlights:[00:01:48] ASU+GSV preview and the expanding global EdTech ecosystem[00:06:25] The 2026 EdTech AI Map launches with 240+ companies[00:07:14] Brisk introduces AI-powered curriculum integration[00:09:04] The race to own the AI layer in schools[00:13:10] Data ownership becomes the key AI battleground[00:16:59] Kira 2.0 expands into a full AI-native LMS[00:21:16] Texas ESA applications surge past 61,000[00:30:20] UK launches $23M AI pilot for special needs[00:33:40] Microsoft invests in AI teacher training[00:34:59] Google expands Gemini in education[00:35:57] UX emerges as EdTech's new advantage[00:36:43] The AI grad profile prioritizes human skills Plus, special guests:[00:38:33] Karl Rectanus, CEO of Really Great Reading, on literacy outcomes, science of reading implementation, and scaling impact [01:02:22] Dan Meyer, VP of User Growth of Amplify on AI skepticism, social AI in math classrooms, and keeping learning human-centered

Send us a textAs CEO of ISTE+ASCD, Richard Culatta focuses on shaping innovative learning leaders. He previously served as Rhode Island's Chief Innovation Officer and was appointed by President Obama to lead the US Department of Education's Office of Educational Technology. His book, Digital for Good, helps create conditions for healthy tech use.

Send us a textJoin hosts Ben Kornell and Alex Sarlin, joined by special co-host Mike Palmer, host of Trending in Ed, as they break down the biggest stories shaping AI, K–12 policy, higher education, and the global future of education.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:34] SchoolAI study shows teachers using AI for reasoning and inquiry [00:09:58] Denver Public Schools blocks ChatGPT over safety and privacy concerns [00:12:20] SoftBank invests another $30B in OpenAI as ads roll out [00:13:24] Gemini and Anthropic lead the race for AI in education [00:20:36] China launches nationwide AI literacy for K–12 [00:29:58] Most U.S. states still lack formal AI guidance for schools [00:33:13] Phone bans spread rapidly across schools [00:38:44] Higher ed enrollment rebounds but retention remains weakPlus, special guests:[00:46:19] Jeremy Smith, CEO and Co-founder of pega6, on one-year AI-first career accelerators [01:11:29] Stewart Brown, K–12 Computer Science and AI Literacy Leader at Code4Kids, on CS as a core elementary subject

Send us a textShangyup Kim is the CEO of ZEP QUIZ, the metaverse-based gamified K-12 learning platform. Built AI-driven tools that help teachers motivate students at scale and is expanding across Asia and the U.S. As a former ZEPETO leader, focusing on gamification, futuristic change, and education. Formerly built two Series B companies.Jangwoo Bae is the business developer of ZEP QUIZ, a former English teacher and school administrator in Thailand during COVID-19. Recognized the need for educational tools that extend beyond traditional classrooms and the urgent necessity for digital transformation in schools, while preserving the fundamental values of learning.

Send us a textJohn Gamba is Entrepreneur in Residence at Catalyst @ Penn GSE, where he mentors education entrepreneurs and leads the Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition. Over 17 years, the competition has awarded $2M to ventures that have gone on to raise more than $200M in follow-on funding, with a strong focus on equity and research-to-practice impact.

Send us a textDora Palfi is the Co-founder and CEO of imagi, an edtech company reimagining computer science education through creative coding and AI. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Dora has a background in neuroscience, human-computer interaction, and technology, and is a passionate advocate for equitable access to future-ready skills.Special note: Free access to the Lovable × imagi collaboration has been extended through March 31, giving educators and students more time to explore professional AI tools in real classroom settings.

Send us a textNicole Jarbo is the CEO of 4.0 Schools, one of the nation's leading platforms for early-stage education founders. A former KIPP teacher, Teach For America Corps member, and fintech founder, Nicole brings deep experience across classrooms, startups, philanthropy, and systems-level education change. She is also the host of the award-winning podcast Pitch Playground.