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In America today, STEM and Career and Technical Education (CTE) have become two of the fastest-growing and most important pathways to economic mobility. As employers face increasing workforce shortages in healthcare, technology, advanced manufacturing, and the skilled trades, schools are playing a critical role in preparing students for high-demand careers. According to workforce experts, millions of skilled positions will need to be filled over the coming decade, making career-connected learning more essential than ever. This week, I am joined by Dr. Heather Handler, Program Coordinator for Career and Technical Education, STEM, and Youth Apprenticeships for Cecil County Public Schools. With 18 years of experience as an educator and instructional leader, Dr. Handler has dedicated her career to helping students discover their passions while developing the skills necessary to succeed in an ever-changing workforce. Beginning her career as a classroom teacher in science, biology, technology, and engineering, Dr. Handler gained firsthand insight into how students learn best through engagement, exploration, and real-world application. Today, she leads initiatives that connect education to industry through innovative STEM programming, robotics education, curriculum development, and youth apprenticeship opportunities. During our conversation, we discuss: • The growing importance of STEM and CTE programs in today's economy • How youth apprenticeships bridge the gap between classroom learning and workforce readiness • Building partnerships between schools, businesses, and community organizations • Emerging trends shaping the future of education and employment • Expanding access to hands-on learning experiences for all students • Preparing the next generation for careers that may not yet exist Dr. Handler shares valuable insights into how educators can inspire curiosity, foster innovation, and create meaningful pathways that empower students to thrive in both higher education and the workforce. Join us for an engaging discussion about the future of learning, workforce development, and the transformative impact of STEM and Career and Technical Education on students, communities, and the economy. Get the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Educators-Guide-Youth-Apprenticeships/dp/1041254105/ref=zg_bsnr_g_69830_d_sccl_18/000-0000000-0000000?psc=1 LinkedIn: @HeatherHandlerEd.D Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Maximize Your Hunt, the host discusses various strategies for improving hunting properties through effective land management and habitat improvement. The conversation covers the importance of cooperation among plants, innovative pruning techniques, and the integration of pioneer species to enhance soil health and biodiversity. The host also shares insights from a master class and emphasizes the significance of designing optimal habitats for deer, ultimately aiming to create a sustainable and productive environment for both wildlife and hunters. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of tree planting, pruning techniques, and the importance of creating healthy ecosystems for wildlife, particularly deer. They discuss the significance of timing in pruning, the tools that can be used, and the ecological principles that govern successful land management. The conversation also touches on the role of pioneer species in establishing a thriving habitat and the practical steps one can take to improve deer habitat on their property. Additionally, the speakers highlight the importance of sustainable practices in the nursery business and the benefits of using simple tools like machetes for efficient land management. takeaways The podcast focuses on maximizing hunting properties through land management. Master classes provide hands-on learning experiences for advanced hunting strategies. Cooperation among plants can enhance soil health and biodiversity. Pruning techniques are essential for maintaining tree health and productivity. Integrating pioneer species can improve soil conditions for fruit trees. Pruning can induce new growth and vigor in surrounding plants. Designing habitats with diverse plant species benefits wildlife. High-density plantings can create optimal conditions for deer. Understanding plant relationships is crucial for effective land management. Intensive habitat management can reclaim degraded landscapes. Planting trees can reclaim degraded agricultural land. Pruning is essential for tree health and productivity. Timing of pruning affects tree growth and vigor. Branches contain a high percentage of tree nutrients. Using simple tools can be effective for land management. High-density plantings can reduce vole damage. Creating diverse habitats attracts more wildlife. Pioneer species are crucial for soil health. Establishing a nursery can support sustainable practices. Effective land management benefits both wildlife and humans. Social Links https://whitetaillandscapes.com/ https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/ https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this Build Your Success podcast episode, Aaron Waechter, a Local Union 1121 millwright and tower lead on the Vineyard Wind offshore project, shares his path from studying engineering to completing a four-year apprenticeship and building a career in power generation. Aaron describes union training, paid hands-on learning,specialized courses in Las Vegas, and how opportunities led to nuclear work and travel, including a job in Romania and additional certifications. He explains his view of leadership as exemplifying standards, caring about crew members,and building trust, and highlights the importance of relationships and attitude alongside credentials. Aaron details the intensive safety training, helicoptertravel, harsh offshore conditions, complex U.S. logistics requiring open-water transfers, prototype equipment, multi-trade and multicultural teamwork, shift rotations, and the need for resilience, adaptability, and new procedures tocomplete first-of-its-kind work safely.Host Email: brianb@buildcs.net Host LinkedIn: Brian Brogen, PMP
Hello voices from the bench community, John Wilson here and I wanted to share some news about the evolution of the Programill lineup. Most importantly, Ivoclar's new PrograMill 7. What stands out right away is the reduced air consumption this mill requires, but what you'll notice first is that impressive new touchscreen. For us, the biggest advantage has been increased spindle power. Next time you see your Ivoclar representative, be sure to ask about the PrograMill 7 and tell them John Wilson sent you. Thank you. At exocad Insights in beautiful Mallorca, we finally caught up with Felix from Imagine USA—and the timing couldn't have been better. As an exocad dealer on the front lines of digital dentistry, Felix shared his excitement about the strong turnout, the familiar faces, and most importantly, the innovation coming from exocad. What stood out most? The new exocad Hub and its cloud-based capabilities, along with powerful AI-driven tools inside DentalDB designed for efficient batch processing. For Felix and the Imagine team, it's not just about seeing what's new—it's about putting it to the test. By running new features through their own production facility first, they ensure real-world performance before bringing solutions to their customers. This week, Elvis and Barb continue their coverage from exocad Insights 2026 in beautiful Mallorca, Spain, where the conversations are just as valuable as the lectures. The episode starts with Dr. Zhiqiang Luo, who shares his perspective on educating the next generation of dentists in an increasingly digital world. The discussion explores how students are adapting to technology, why foundational analog skills still matter, and the challenge of preparing future clinicians for workflows that continue to evolve at a rapid pace. It's an insightful look at where dental education is headed and how digital dentistry is becoming second nature to new graduates. The conversation then shifts to one of the most memorable encounters from the event as Elvis and Barb sit down with Alyson Bravo, a passionate dental technician from Brazil who has traveled across the globe to attend exocad Insights. What starts as a discussion about digital workflows quickly turns into a story about chasing dreams, making connections, and experiencing the international dental community firsthand. Alyson talks about discovering digital dentistry, teaching himself advanced design techniques, and the excitement of finally meeting people he has only known through podcasts, social media, and online education. The episode wraps up with returning friend of the podcast Tobias Specht from Ivoclar. Fresh off several major product announcements, Tobias gives listeners an inside look at the collaboration between Ivoclar and exocad and how customer feedback continues to shape product development. He discusses the integration of Ivotion into the exocad workflow, the importance of training and education, and how Ivoclar works with customers around the globe to refine new products before they ever reach the market.Special Guests: Alyson Bravo, Dr. Zhiqiang Luo, and Tobias Specht.
How Eco-Schools Slovenia, AquafilSLO, and Healthy Seas are helping students turn sustainability into actionCircular economy can seem like an abstract concept, but in the classroom it becomes tangible through creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning.In the latest Healthy Seas Podcast episode, Lucija Marovt, Project Director of Eco-Schools Slovenia, discusses how students learn about circular economy by rethinking products, exploring sustainable design, and viewing waste as a valuable resource rather than a problem.The episode also highlights the long-standing partnership between Eco-Schools Slovenia, AquafilSLO, and Healthy Seas, which has brought workshops, teacher training, and educational projects on circular economy, marine litter, and sustainable consumption to schools across Slovenia.Through practical activities and real-world examples, students develop not only knowledge but also the confidence to take action. By connecting sustainability with design, innovation, and ocean protection, these programmes help young people understand how everyday choices affect the environment and how they can contribute to positive change.Listen to the full episode to discover how Eco-Schools Slovenia, AquafilSLO, and Healthy Seas are inspiring the next generation to turn sustainability into action.If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.
A group of dedicated veterinarians joined me to talk about the launch of the Homeopathic Veterinary Teaching Group (HVTG), a new training academy for vets who want to learn and practice homeopathy. We discussed some of the challenges facing the veterinary profession today and how homeopathy has helped many vets find renewed purpose and satisfaction in their work. The conversation also explored HVTG's goal of passing on knowledge through mentorship, hands-on learning, and a strong sense of community. Along the way, we talked about the importance of understanding animals as individuals and how this approach can help vets provide more holistic care. Episode Highlights: 05:27 - The Birth of HVTG 08:59 - Curriculum Development and Teaching Methods 12:23 - The Learning Environment 18:03 - The Impact of In-Person Education 21:01 - Course Structure and Logistics 21:47 - Target Audience for the Course 24:35 - Growing Demand for Natural Solutions 26:37 - Curriculum Highlights 34:28 - Why this course matters for vets today About my Guests: Geoff Johnson is a veterinarian with nearly 40 years of clinical experience and more than 30 years of using homeopathy in practice. After working as a country veterinarian, he discovered homeopathy and became fascinated by its potential to improve animal health, leading him to pursue formal training in Oxford as a veterinary homeopath and later continue his studies in human homeopathy. Throughout his career, Geoff has developed a particular interest in the relationship between physical health, stress, behavior, and individualized patient care. In addition to his clinical work, he is passionate about teaching, lifelong learning, and advancing thoughtful conversations around integrative approaches to veterinary medicine. Emily McAteer is a Dublin-based veterinary surgeon with a special interest in integrative medicine, combining conventional veterinary care with homeopathy to provide individualized, patient-centered treatment. A graduate of University College Dublin, she has more than 20 years of experience using homeopathy in small animal practice and holds the MFVetHom qualification from the Integrative School of Medicine in Bristol. Emily has also trained at the Irish School of Homeopathy and is qualified to treat both animals and people. In addition to her clinical work, she is passionate about teaching, mentorship, and helping build a supportive international community for veterinarians interested in integrative approaches to animal health. Peter Gregory is a veterinary surgeon who discovered homeopathy after qualifying and later built his practice around its use in animal care. He trained in veterinary homeopathy in the UK and has since spent many years working in referral practice, alongside teaching veterinarians in the UK and internationally. With decades of clinical experience, he has also co-authored key texts in veterinary homeopathy and contributed widely to the field. His work focuses on helping vets apply homeopathic principles in practice while encouraging a more thoughtful, holistic approach to animal health. Barbara Jones is a veterinary surgeon with qualifications including BVMS, MRCVS, and VetMFHom, and she has built her career around integrating conventional veterinary medicine with complementary therapies, especially homeopathy. After qualifying in the UK, she went on to study at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital and became a member of the Faculty of Homeopathy in 1992. In 1994, she established Oakwood Veterinary Centre, where she combines diagnostics and treatment with a holistic approach that includes homeopathy, acupuncture, nutrition, and herbal medicine. She is also involved in teaching and supporting farmers and veterinary professionals in learning and applying homeopathy in practice. Find out more about HVTG Website: https://hvtg.academy/ Email: hvtgacademy@gmail.com If you would like to support the Homeopathy Hangout Podcast, please consider making a donation by visiting www.EugenieKruger.com and click the DONATE button at the top of the site. Every donation about $10 will receive a shout-out on a future episode. Join my Homeopathy Hangout Podcast Facebook community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HelloHomies Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eugeniekrugerhomeopathy/ Here is the link to my free 30-minute Homeopathy@Home online course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqBUpxO4pZQ&t=438s Upon completion of the course - and if you live in Australia - you can join my Facebook group for free acute advice (you'll need to answer a couple of questions about the course upon request to join): www.facebook.com/groups/eughom
Do your students freeze when faced with multiplication facts? Or perhaps they're relying solely on memorisation without really understanding what multiplication means?In this episode of Rainbow Skies for Teachers, we're diving into one of the most important building blocks of math: multiplication fluency. We unpack what fluency actually looks like in the classroom, why so many students struggle with multiplication, and how we can support them through engaging, hands-on learning experiences.Rather than focusing on speed and rote learning alone, we're exploring how students can develop deep understanding, flexible thinking, and confidence with multiplication facts. From practical classroom strategies to game-based learning ideas, this episode is packed with simple ways to make multiplication practice meaningful and enjoyable.In this episode, we discuss:What multiplication fluency really means (and why it's much more than memorising times tables)Common reasons students struggle with multiplicationHow mathematical language supports deeper understandingHands-on activities that help students visualise multiplication conceptsWhy games are one of the most effective tools for building fluencySimple ways to incorporate short, consistent fluency practice into your daily routineBrain break activities that reinforce multiplication while boosting engagementHow to build confidence by focusing on understanding before speedMultiplication fluency isn't built through pressure, timed tests, or endless worksheets. It develops when students have opportunities to explore patterns, use a variety of strategies, and engage in regular practice that feels achievable and fun.When we prioritise understanding first, confidence naturally follows.There are rainbows ahead,Alisha and AshleighResources mentioned in this episode: Free Flip it Multiplication GameOur fave Multiplication games blog postAPPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY | AMAZONLet's hear from you! Text us!
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Here is a structured summary of the Ri‑Karlo Handy interview with Rushion McDonald from Money Making Conversations Masterclass, including its purpose, key takeaways, and notable quotes.
In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Christine Churchwell, Co-founder of SlimeZilla. Christine shares how a childhood fascination with slime turned into an unexpected family business built alongside her son and daughter. Growing up in Philadelphia, Christine developed a strong desire to create opportunities and lasting stability for her family. Drawing on her experience as an educator and childcare center director, she encouraged her children to turn their interests into something meaningful, leading to the creation of SlimeZilla. What began as conversations about a slime-themed amusement park eventually evolved into a mobile slime experience that brings creativity, fun, and hands-on learning directly to families and events.Christine discusses the realities of building a business through measured risks, finding her first customers, refining her offerings, and learning how to price her services based on the value she provides. She reflects on balancing family responsibilities while growing a company, continuously improving the customer experience, and staying committed to delivering memorable events. Along the way, Christine reveals how her background as an educator shapes every interaction and why listening to customer feedback has been instrumental in SlimeZilla's growth.Hear how Christine Churchwell combined education, creativity, and family collaboration to build a business unlike any other in this episode of The First Customer!Guest Info:SlimeZillahttps://www.slimezillazone.com/Instagram and TikTokSlimeZillaZone Christine Churchwell's Number267-310-9407 Connect with Jay on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/The First Customer Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcastThe First Customer podcast websitehttps://www.firstcustomerpodcast.comFollow The First Customer on LinkedInhttp://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/
In this episode of The Full Arch Podcast, Dr. Aaron Miller discusses why investing in yourself is one of the most valuable decisions you can make as a clinician. Through real patient cases, continuing education experiences, and lessons learned from advanced training, Dr. Miller explains how expanding your knowledge and skillset can create more opportunities to help patients and grow professionally. Key Insights:
Today, we're sharing a conversation from the Healthcare Facilities Network podcast featuring DPR Construction's Healthcare Core Market Leader, Hamilton Espinosa. In this discussion, Hamilton joins Patrick Murphy, Regional President at CREF, and podcast host Peter Martin to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of healthcare facilities. From workforce shortages and evolving career paths to artificial intelligence and emerging construction technologies, this conversation examines how healthcare organizations, facility leaders, and builders can adapt to a rapidly changing landscape while keeping people at the center of every decision. In This Episode Why labor shortages continue to impact healthcare facilities and construction alike How data centers and other industries are competing for the same skilled workforce The growing role of AI in healthcare, construction, and facility operations How prefabrication and off-site manufacturing are transforming healthcare construction Why mentorship, apprenticeships, and hands-on learning are critical for the next generation The importance of creating workplaces that attract and retain skilled talent How healthcare organizations can rethink hiring requirements to expand their talent pool Why mission-driven work remains one of healthcare's greatest strengths Key Takeaways The Workforce Challenge Isn't Going Away Healthcare facilities are facing a perfect storm of aging infrastructure, aging employees, and growing demand for services. At the same time, industries such as data centers are attracting skilled tradespeople with higher wages, making recruitment and retention increasingly difficult. AI Is Changing How We Work Rather than replacing people, AI is creating opportunities to automate routine tasks, improve decision-making, enhance safety, and allow professionals to focus on higher-value work. The conversation explores both the promise and the practical realities of AI adoption across healthcare and construction. Alternative Career Paths Matter The panel discusses the growing acceptance of vocational training, apprenticeships, and hands-on career development. As labor shortages continue, organizations must broaden how they recruit and develop talent rather than relying solely on traditional degree requirements. Construction Is Becoming More Industrialized Prefabricated building components, robotics, automated layout tools, and data-driven workflows are helping construction teams improve efficiency and address labor shortages while maintaining quality and safety. Culture Is a Competitive Advantage Creating better work environments—from mentorship programs to improved jobsite conditions—plays a critical role in attracting and retaining talent. Investing in people is no longer optional; it's essential. Featured Guests Hamilton Espinosa National Healthcare Core Market Leader, DPR Construction Patrick Murphy Regional President, CREF Hosted by: Peter Martin, Healthcare Facilities Network Connect With Us If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to Constructing with Care for more discussions on healthcare construction, facilities, leadership, innovation, and the people shaping the future of the built environment.
We start our morning with Jill Welke in Eau Claire! She catches up with Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation's Brad Olson about roundtable conversations that could shape agricultural policy. Stu says we may have to dodge a little rain for Father's Day, but otherwise looking to be a sunny weekend! Traditionally, Father's Day means family outings and bbqs. A recent report from CoBank says the grill isn't the only place people are choosing protein. Abbi (Prins) Groves is a Livestock Economist who says that meat snacks are rising in popularity. She predicts whether it's a short-term fad or a long-term trend. Sarah Hagenow stops in with a quick recipe that pairs June Dairy Month and Father's Day nicely. Hands-on learning doesn't stop after school. There are many career education opportunities that benefit from acting out scenarios. Brad Zellner from the Luxemburg Fire Department says old farm houses being prepared for demolition make great training opportunities for local crews. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send Harold your questions!This episode of Admissions Straight Talk covers what it takes to get accepted into the top-ranked Entry-Level Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program at the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. Host Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Dr. Amber Bennett, associate professor of clinical occupational therapy at USC Chan, to break down how the occupational therapy (OT) field has shifted and what makes the school's top-ranked curriculum stand out. This episode is especially valuable for OT school applicants seeking a competitive edge in the graduate admissions process.Dr. Bennett highlights the division's historic commitment to clinical innovation, its extensive experiential learning partnerships, and the vast professional power of the global USC Trojan alumni network. Listeners will discover how the unique 14-week doctoral capstone allows students to complete their final year remotely while translating cutting-edge clinical research into direct healthcare advocacy and community action.For future applicants, Dr. Bennett delivers essential, hands-on strategies for mastering the program-specific prompts within the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) application portal. Listeners will gain concrete insights into how to build a highly structured and reflective personal narrative, how to strategically select recommenders who can share character-driven examples, and how the USC Chan admissions committee evaluates applicants using a holistic review framework.00:00 Introducing Dr. Amber Bennett, Associate Professor at USC Chan00:39 The Evolution of Occupational Therapy and the Shift to the OTD Program04:19 Why USC Chan Is the Nation's Top-Ranked OT Program08:39 Hands-On Learning, Fieldwork, and Student Experiences12:15 Where Occupational Therapists Work: Traditional and Emerging Career Paths14:44 Inside USC Chan's 14-Week Doctoral Capstone17:34 Application Essays: How to Answer USC Chan's Prompts Effectively20:05 What Makes a Competitive OTD Application?24:13 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Final Advice for ApplicantsRelated Resources:Dr. Amber Bennett bio USC Chan Department of Occupational Science and Occupational TherapyUSC Chan Entry-Level Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree programExtracurricular Activities Can Help You Get Accepted to Graduate Therapy ProgramsFollow UsYouTubeFacebookLinkedInContact Uswww.accepted.comsupport@accepted.com+1 (310) 815-9553
Too many preps and not enough time? Let's make your planning period actually work for you.Reserve your spot in the Unit Planning Lab here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/unit/?ref=podcastPlanning for the next school year? If your day is organized by class period, your planning calendar should be too. Grab my Editable Class Period Calendar here: https://khristenmassic.com/secondarycalendarpodGet the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/resetShop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-CoachUnit planning for next year starts long before you open Pinterest or hunt for activities. If you're sitting down to plan and your first move is searching for fun projects, let's pump the brakes—you're not alone, but you might be putting the cart before the horse. This mistake is pandemic among secondary teachers, especially if you're building a course from scratch or juggling CTE and electives. That urge to collect shiny activities is strong, but host Khristen Massic is here to steer your planning in a direction that delivers a bigger payoff for your students and your sanity.Many teachers—yes, even the most dedicated—start by looking for what to do, not what students will create or demonstrate. The result? Busy classrooms, energetic students, and a sneaky feeling things are working…until a well-meaning administrator or director asks a pointed question about rigor. Khristen drops a story right from her own teaching life: she built an entire high school course around a “detailed” curriculum, only to realize much too late that it was designed for middle school, not the AP-track kids in her room. The realization landed hardest when she requested equipment, and the CTE director wondered why she was shopping in the wrong aisle.That moment exposed the hole in her planning: she'd never asked what high school students should be able to do in that course. Instead, she'd just grabbed activities and hoped for the best. Sound familiar? This episode is a wake-up call and a practical playbook to make sure you're not just keeping students busy, but actually moving them toward mastery.Stop guessing. The conversation focuses on moving away from “what can I do with my students?” to “what should my students be able to produce?” Secondary classroom teachers, in particular, need this mindset shift. Khristen makes an unpretentious case for starting with outcomes. It doesn't matter whether your point of reference is a curriculum, industry certification, EOC exam breakdowns, or a coffee-fueled late-night brainstorm—what matters is answering the toughest question: What does mastery look like in your class, at the right grade level?Secondary teachers, especially those on their own with a course no one else teaches, know the pain of building benchmarks from scratch. It's hard work. There's often no AP rubric, no group of teammates down the hall, no standardized test to reverse-engineer your units from. You're not just teaching, you're doing curriculum design in the shadows, at night or over the summer, for no extra pay and little recognition. But skipping the step of defining rigorous, age-appropriate outcomes means your “engaging” activities might be missing the mark.Khristen offers a clear, three-question framework: First, what's the actual product or performance students should create by the end of the unit? Second, what do they need to get there—what practice, knowledge, and skills do you have to build? Third, where are students starting from, in terms of what they know, what they can already do, and what misconceptions they might bring? Secondary classrooms are full of wildly different skill sets and backgrounds, and smart teachers don't assume everyone starts from zero.That third question—where are students starting—is the one most teachers skip. Khristen admits she did it for years, defaulting to lowest-common-denominator content or hoping kids would catch up on their own. Sometimes all it takes is a non-scary pre-assessment: sticky notes, a brainstorm, a quick conversation. Knowing your students' starting points keeps you from either boring them with content that's too basic or smacking them with challenges they aren't ready for.The discussion explores the power of making all your classroom activities point toward that ultimate outcome. Labs become essential skills practice. A discussion introduces a concept students will need for the culminating project. Every activity is intentional, not just something you found on a website because you needed anything to fill the hour. Secondary classroom teachers know: When the end product is crystal clear, everything you do serves that goal.One concept discussed was the trap of confusing “busy and engaged” with actual learning. It's easy to celebrate energy and project-building in your room, but if the rigor isn't there, you're selling your students short. When you define the outcome up front, rigor isn't a menu item—it becomes your design criteria. You're not just asking “will this be fun?” but “is this worthy of what my students can actually do?”This episode is for every teacher staring down another year with too many preps, not enough resources, and a passion for giving students more than just hands-on fluff. If you're ready for a smarter, more effective approach to unit planning, Khristen's tough-love message will help you build outcome-first sequences—where every single lesson points toward a worthy product, not just another busy day.Before you lose yourself in a rabbit hole of activities this summer, stop and ask what students will actually produce by the end of the unit. Define it, visualize it, and then plan backward. That's how you build units with real depth, purpose, and excitement—for you and your students. Host Khristen Massic challenges you to make classroom rigor and hands-on learning the same thing—and to never settle for just busyness again.Your secondary classroom deserves more than hustle and hope. Trade activity-chasing for outcome-driven unit planning, and let your students do work that's both fun and truly challenging. Don't just fill days—build something with teeth.Smash “just busy” and level up learning—your students are ready, and so are you.
Cloud-first AI sounds great until you remember what a factory actually is: proprietary recipes, fragile uptime, legacy controls that still run fine, and a small team expected to keep everything profitable. We sit down with Brian Thykin, Head of Revenue at Sorba AI, to talk about what industrial AI and machine learning should look like when it's built for OT instead of for slide decks. The through-line is simple: the people closest to the process should be the ones shaping the models, and the tech should meet them where they work. We break down Sorba's end-to-end on-prem AI ML platform, from industrial data connectors and unified data access to no-code AutoML that can produce anomaly detection, forecasting, advanced process control, and digital twin models. Brian explains why “AI needs the cloud” is often the wrong assumption for manufacturing, how closed-loop control can drive more consistent yield than reactive PID hunting, and why the best results come from rapid iteration that proves value in minutes rather than burning months on a traditional data science cycle. Then we zoom out to careers and credibility. Brian shares his hot takes on what skills survive automation, why fundamentals and hands-on troubleshooting still matter, and why “one size fits all” pre-trained models rarely match how your specific plant behaves. We also call out the difference between a real digital twin that enables what-if optimization using time-series data and the kind that looks nice but doesn't move KPIs. If you care about industrial AI, OT security, predictive maintenance, digital twins, and the future of controls engineering, this conversation will sharpen your filter for hype and help you spot practical wins. Subscribe, share this with a plant engineer who's skeptical of AI, and leave a review with your take: where do you think AI truly belongs in manufacturing?Support the show__________________________________________________________________
TEATIME WITH MISS LIZ SERVES: Daman Grewal, June 18th | 7 PM EST TitleBuilding Opportunity Through Education & Entrepreneurship TaglineEmpowering people through practical knowledge, mentorship, and real-world learning. Description:On June 18th at 7 PM EST, Teatime with Miss Liz welcomes Daman Grewal, co-founder of LogisticsSales.com, a global educational platform dedicated to providing free, practical learning opportunities for people around the world. LogisticsSales.com, a global educational platform dedicated to providing free, practical learning opportunities for people worldwide, is built on the belief that education should be accessible to everyone. LogisticsSales.com focuses on teaching real-world skills in entrepreneurship, communication, sales, business, job searching, and professional growth. Through mentorship, awareness, and hands-on learning, Daman and his team are helping bridge the gap between traditional education and practical industry knowledge. Born and raised in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, Daman's journey reflects ambition, resilience, and a passion for helping others create opportunities for themselves regardless of background or location. This powerful Teatime conversation explores entrepreneurship, accessible education, mentorship, personal growth, and how practical knowledge can transform lives. Opening: Welcome everyone to Teatime with Miss Liz, where we bring people together through stories, purpose, education, and meaningful conversations that create real-life impact. Tonight's guest is helping reshape how people access learning and opportunity around the world. Joining us is Daman Grewal, co-founder of LogisticsSales.com — a free global educational platform focused on teaching practical, real-world skills in business, entrepreneurship, communication, sales, job searching, and professional development. Through mentorship, accessible education, and ethical entrepreneurship, Daman is helping people build confidence, careers, and opportunities no matter where they begin. Daman, welcome to Teatime with Miss Liz. Closing: Tonight's Teatime reminded us that education is not just about information — it is about empowerment, opportunity, and giving people the tools to believe in themselves. Daman Grewal shared how practical learning, mentorship, and ethical entrepreneurship can change lives and help individuals create futures they once thought were out of reach. His work is proof that when knowledge becomes accessible, possibility expands. As we close today's conversation, may we remember: Sometimes the greatest impact begins simply by teaching someone what is possible. Daman Grewal is the co-founder of LogisticsSales.com, a global educational platform providing free, practical training in business, entrepreneurship, communication, sales, and career development. Born and raised in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, Daman is passionate about mentorship, ethical entrepreneurship, and making real-world education accessible to learners worldwide. Favourite ColourBlack One Word That Describes HimAmbitious T-E-ETeachingEthical EntrepreneurshipEmpowerment Three Words/Phrases That Share His StoryStruggleAwarenessMentorship Website:https://www.logisticssales.com/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@LogisticsSales/shortsInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/logisticssales/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/LogisticsSalesInc/TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@logistics_salesLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/logisticssales-com/
Episode 2815 - Vinnie Tortorich and Chris Shaffer discuss the importance of hands-on learning for your mind and health, and especially for kids. https://vinnietortorich.com/2026/06/hands-on-learning-episode-2815 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS Pure Vitamin Club Pure Coffee Club NSNG® Foods VILLA CAPPELLI EAT HAPPY KITCHEN YOU CAN WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - @FitnessConfidential Podcast Vinnie's workout videos are available to purchase! Choose from a 2-day, 4-day, or 6-day workout–or buy all three at a discount! TO PURCHASE VINNIE'S WORKOUT VIDEOS, CLICK THIS LINK: https://vinnietortorich.com/workout Hands-On Learning The "information highway" is making us dumber. (3:00) People used to learn how to do research; now they don't bother and use AI. Vinnie shares a very hands-on childhood experience that was also a learning experience. Opportunities during school have been lost in today's curriculum because it is different. Kids don't learn much about cooking or food anymore, either, due to changes in the curriculum; however, they need hands-on learning. (18:00) Make sure your kids are learning useful, hands-on things, especially when it comes to health. Anna's products are now linked to PureVitamin Club's website. Look under the "Food and Snacks" section to purchase them there, too. https://purevitaminclub.com/collections/food-and-snacks Vinnie hopes to add other products as well, all of which will be health-related. The "Enhanced Olympics" happened. (43:00) Basically, you can use whatever enhancements to the competition you want, unlike the actual World Olympics. Off-track topic: F1 racing. (53:00) The NSNG® VIP GROUP IS NOW CLOSED AGAIN AS OF SUNDAY, MARCH 15TH Anna's next cookbook, Eat Happy Cocktail Hour, is filled with cocktails, mocktails, and appetizers and is available for pre-order right now. If you pre-order, you'll get bonus goodies! You can preorder from a wide variety of booksellers at https://eathappycocktailhour.com/ Save your receipt from wherever you preorder, you'll need it for your bonuses! Physical Release Date is October 2026 You can book a consultation with Vinnie to get guidance on your goals. https://vinnietortorich.com/phone-consultation-2/ More News Serena has added some of her clothing suggestions and beauty product suggestions to Vinnie's Amazon Recommended Products link. Self Care, Beauty, and Grooming Products that Actually Work! https://www.amazon.com/shop/vinnietortorich/list/3GPVU29UHHPMY?ref_=aipsflist Don't forget to check out Serena Scott Thomas on Days of Our Lives on the Peacock channel. "Dirty Keto" is available on Amazon! You can purchase or rent it here.https://amzn.to/4d9agj1 Please make sure to watch, rate, and review it! Eat Happy Italian, Anna's second cookbook, is available! You can go to https://eathappyitalian.com You can order it from Vinnie's Book Club. https://amzn.to/3ucIXm Anna's recipes are in her cookbooks, on her website, and on Substack —they will spice up your day! https://annavocino.substack.com/ PURCHASE DIRTY KETO (2024) The documentary launched in August 2024! Order it TODAY! This is Vinnie's fourth documentary in just over five years. Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere: https://vinnietortorich.com/documentaries Then, please share my fact-based, health-focused documentary series with your friends and family. Additionally, the more views it receives, the better it ranks, so please watch it again with a new friend! REVIEWS: Please submit your REVIEW after you watch my films. Your positive REVIEW does matter! PURCHASE BEYOND IMPOSSIBLE (2022) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere: https://vinnietortorich.com/documentaries FAT: A DOCUMENTARY 2 (2021) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere: https://vinnietortorich.com/documentaries FAT: A DOCUMENTARY (2019) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere: https://vinnietortorich.com/documentaries
In this episode of Maximize Your Hunt, the host discusses various strategies for improving hunting properties through effective land management and habitat improvement. The conversation covers the importance of cooperation among plants, innovative pruning techniques, and the integration of pioneer species to enhance soil health and biodiversity. The host also shares insights from a master class and emphasizes the significance of designing optimal habitats for deer, ultimately aiming to create a sustainable and productive environment for both wildlife and hunters. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of tree planting, pruning techniques, and the importance of creating healthy ecosystems for wildlife, particularly deer. They discuss the significance of timing in pruning, the tools that can be used, and the ecological principles that govern successful land management. The conversation also touches on the role of pioneer species in establishing a thriving habitat and the practical steps one can take to improve deer habitat on their property. Additionally, the speakers highlight the importance of sustainable practices in the nursery business and the benefits of using simple tools like machetes for efficient land management. Takeaways The podcast focuses on maximizing hunting properties through land management. Master classes provide hands-on learning experiences for advanced hunting strategies. Cooperation among plants can enhance soil health and biodiversity. Pruning techniques are essential for maintaining tree health and productivity. Integrating pioneer species can improve soil conditions for fruit trees. Pruning can induce new growth and vigor in surrounding plants. Designing habitats with diverse plant species benefits wildlife. High-density plantings can create optimal conditions for deer. Understanding plant relationships is crucial for effective land management. Intensive habitat management can reclaim degraded landscapes. Planting trees can reclaim degraded agricultural land. Pruning is essential for tree health and productivity. Timing of pruning affects tree growth and vigor. Branches contain a high percentage of tree nutrients. Using simple tools can be effective for land management. High-density plantings can reduce vole damage. Creating diverse habitats attracts more wildlife. Pioneer species are crucial for soil health. Establishing a nursery can support sustainable practices. Effective land management benefits both wildlife and humans. Social Links https://www.instagram.com/erik.schellenberg/ https://bcfnursery.com/home https://whitetaillandscapes.com/ https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/ https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Amy Reichanadter, Chief People Officer at Databricks, joined us on The Modern People Leader to discuss her upskilling journey throughout her career, creating consumer-grade employee experiences, and leading through rapid technological change. ---- Sponsor Links:
Most farms struggle with dust, inefficiency, and labor shortages—but Tyler Niday of Bonsai Robotics reveals how AI-driven machinery is changing the game by transforming existing equipment into autonomous workhorses. Inspired by biology, Bonsai Robotics is making some of agriculture's toughest environments manageable. Tyler shares how autonomous orchard shakers are improving nut harvest efficiency by up to 40%, while converting shuttle trucks into multi-functional farm platforms can save growers hundreds of thousands of dollars in equipment costs. Monte and Tyler explore the industry's evolution from retrofitting machines with autonomous capabilities to developing full-platform solutions, including Bonsai's Amiga series. These adaptable systems support precision spraying, harvesting, and crop scouting. Before co-founding Bonsai Robotics, Tyler began in mechanical engineering and helped develop vision systems at Blue River Technology and gained hands-on learning at Orchard Machinery Corporation. If you've wondered what the future of practical farm automation really looks like, this episode offers a firsthand look at innovations in the field today. Visit Bonsai Robotics: https://bonsairobotics.ai/ Watch episode: https://youtu.be/Cvs7v5FLSN0 Timestamps: 00:10 - Tyler's background and journey into ag tech 02:23 - The role of AI and perception challenges in dust environments 07:48 - Vision-only AI vs LiDAR debate and dust interference 12:04 - Scalability of perception models across crops 12:58 - Training AI models on dusty environments and data fusion 16:16 - Focus on specialty crops as a starting point for autonomy 16:45 - Collaborations with OEMs like Floria and OMC 17:30 - Managing connectivity in remote farm locations 19:07 - Starlink and cellular solutions for remote operations 21:30 - The Amiga platform's different configurations and applications 25:44 - Strategic move into precision spraying and harvest-related automation 28:28 - Future autonomous applications for open-field crops 37:44 - Autonomous nut shaker and harvesting efficiency 41:46 - Future of crop variability mapping and individual plant management 47:13 - Returning value through data management and software ecosystems 49:21 - Industry collaboration, standards, and evolving equipment 52:25 - Closing remarks and future outlook
The wait is over… UNO Version 4 is officially HERE!Today we are taking you behind the scenes of our brand-new UNO Version 4 math activity packs and sharing all the fun, engaging, and hands-on learning opportunities included in these brand new resources.From our brand-new pre-primary pack for 3–4-year-olds to upper primary activities exploring Fibonacci sequences, elapsed time, multiplication, probability, and more, these packs are packed with meaningful math learning your students will LOVE.We chat about some of our favourite activities across each grade band, the creative process behind designing Version 4, and why this collection may just be our most exciting release yet.Plus, we share how teachers around the world are already using our UNO packs in their classrooms — and even translating them into different languages!In This Episode, We Discuss:Our brand-new pre-primary UNO packOur favourite activities from Kindergarten through Grade 6How our UNO resources support differentiationMeasurement activities using UNO cardsElapsed time, probability, multiplication, Roman numerals, Money and positional language activitiesHow teachers are using these resources around the worldIf you are looking for low-prep, highly engaging math activities that support differentiation, independent learning and last you the entire year, this episode is for you.There are rainbows ahead,Alisha and AshleighResources mentioned in this episode: UNO freebie to try before you buyPreschool / Pre K UNO resourceKindergarten UNO Version 4Grade 1-2 UNO Version 4Grade 3-4 UNO Version 4Grade 5-6 UNO Version 4APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY | AMAZONLet's hear from you! Text us!
Dr. Amel Havkic, founder and Managing Director of EvoMed Consulting and a practicing physician, unpacks why so many amazing medtech solutions never reach the patient bedside, along with advice on how to change that. Driven by frustration from frontline care, Amel built EvoMed to guide companies from development through real-world clinical adoption, and shares how his MBA research became the StarMap framework: seven success factors spanning workflow alignment, implementation friction, ecosystem fit, quality of care, and economic viability. He explains why staying in clinical practice matters as medical knowledge rapidly evolves, offers a real example of digitalization increasing clinician burden, and discusses AI as “augmented intelligence” that supports—not replaces—human decision-making. Guest links: https://evomed-consulting.eu/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/a-havkic/ | https://www.instagram.com/evomed_consulting?igsh=aTlyaGVmeXYybGt3 Charity supported: Save the Children Interested in being a guest on the show or have feedback to share? Email us at theleadingdifference@velentium.com. PRODUCTION CREDITS Host & Editor: Lindsey Dinneen Producer: Velentium Medical EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Episode 082 - Amel Havkic [00:00:00] Lindsey Dinneen: Hi, I'm Lindsey and I'm talking with MedTech industry leaders on how they change lives for a better world. [00:00:09] Diane Bouis: The inventions and technologies are fascinating and so are the people who work with them. [00:00:15] Frank Jaskulke: There was a period of time where I realized, fundamentally, my job was to go hang out with really smart people that are saving lives and then do work that would help them save more lives. [00:00:28] Diane Bouis: I got into the business to save lives and it is incredibly motivating to work with people who are in that same business, saving or improving lives. [00:00:38] Duane Mancini: What better industry than where I get to wake up every day and just save people's lives. [00:00:42] Lindsey Dinneen: These are extraordinary people doing extraordinary work, and this is The Leading Difference. Hello, and welcome back to another episode of the Leading Difference podcast. I'm your host, Lindsey, and today I'm delighted to welcome my guest, Amel Havkic. Amel is founder and MD of EvoMed Consulting, Department Head for Weaning and Home Ventilation. Dr. Amel is also a consulting medical director for many companies, apart from being an educator, mentor, author, and currently working physician. All right. Well thank you so much for being here. Welcome to the show. I'm delighted to talk with you today. [00:01:23] Amel Havkic: Thank you so much. It's a pleasure being here, and thank you for having me. [00:01:27] Lindsey Dinneen: Of course. I'd love if you wouldn't mind starting off by sharing just a little bit about yourself, your background, and what led you to medtech. [00:01:37] Amel Havkic: Okay, so my name is Amel Havkic. I am still a practicing physician. But on top of that, I'm a advisor in medtech. I am in medtech since something like six, seven years, and it actually came from the frustration that I had in everyday work on the patient bedside. I was already consulting some medtech companies on specific topics. And I've seen this huge gap between amazing medtech solutions which, however, for whatever reason, never made it to the bedside. So I ended up, I ended up fund founding EvoMed Consulting consultancy, which helps medtech companies with clinical adoption, pretty much helps them guide from the development all the way to the patient bedside. The solutions really getting adopted, really having an impact. We've had quite some success with this. We've been named best Market Access Consultancy in '25 in medtech. I personally also celebrated recently award for Best Rising Star of the industry. And yeah, all of this came from the idea that I wanted to see a world where no patient is left behind and independent of geography or economy or economic status. Every patient gets the best care imaginable. And yeah, what better way to deliver that than medtech, right? [00:03:05] Lindsey Dinneen: Yes, that was the perfect plug for medtech right there. That was excellent. So first of all, congratulations on all of your success and these recent achievements. That is really exciting and incredible and I, I know that your motivation goes obviously so much deeper than that, but I love the fact that you're getting recognized and it's, it's nice to have those moments of affirmation, so. [00:03:31] Amel Havkic: Yes, it is. I said it on the interview, which I got after the, after the award. It's not even about the award itself. It is actually about what I stand for and that is the human side of medtech. I mean, it is technology, but we're still doing it for humans. And as a doctor getting recognized and not as a founder, it is something it, it is a signal. So that's the, I think that's the positive, the good part about it, and that's what makes me proud. [00:04:03] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. So did you always have an interest in medicine? Did you always think you were gonna go this route? [00:04:11] Amel Havkic: In medicine, yes. I think as far as I can remember, thinking I wanted to be, I wanted to be a doctor. I was trying to cater to wounded animals as a, as a kid with, I don't know, four or five, six years old. Then I went to med-- no, before I went to med school, I was doing basically nursing school. I grew up in Bosnia, in Sigovina There it's after eighth, eighth grade, you decide what you actually want to do. So I decided I wanted to go into medicine and at that time, Dr. House came out and or house MD in, in the English, English terminology. And I was a huge fan. So that was pretty much my, my route was set from that. I was al also always tech savvy, so if I wouldn't have done medicine, I would've probably done IT. And at one point it kind of merged. [00:05:09] Lindsey Dinneen: Wow. Okay. All right. So Dr. House, I can totally understand why that became an, an inspiration. Do you have any examples that you could share that are like, is, is the medical world ever as wild as some of those stories on Dr. House? [00:05:27] Amel Havkic: Oh yes. Oh yes. It is specifically. So besides working in the hospital, I work in a private practice, and funny enough that private practice is focused on difficult to diagnose and rare diseases of, obviously for, for that reason. I was also working in a hospital department, which was working with with or in discovering rare diseases specifically when it comes to, to respiratory diseases. So, yeah, it is like that. I can share a story of one patient, which came to me because she had thoracic pain every now and then. And it was reoccurring, came again and again. I did an ultrasound, and so she was at a cardiologist, she couldn't find anything. The, the whole thing. And it, I did an ultrasound of the chest and I found a, a little a little mass, which is not supposed to be there. So I sent her to a CT. Funny enough, the CT came back negative because it was so small that you couldn't see it on a ct. However, when you know exactly where to look, you could still like see outlines of it. And then in the, in the discussion came out that she had an endometriosis at one point. So, we said, "Okay, this might be somehow connected." We took a tissue sample, so in the end it was indeed an endometriosis, which got discovered after 20 plus years of or, or 10 years of, chest pain every now and then. So, it's just one of the examples of the, of the, so yeah, it's Dr. House specifically is quite realistic. [00:06:57] Lindsey Dinneen: Oh my goodness. That is wild. I, wow. Okay. That is, that is really cool. So, so do you also have these these moments, I could just imagine you just feel like you've solved a mystery and you can help this patient and you know exactly how, is that just like the best feeling? [00:07:13] Amel Havkic: For, for me it is, for me, it is, I always have to describe or, or tell to my assistants in a or, or not assistants, my residents. Please don't misunderstand me. I get excited by this, not because I want the patient to be sick, but because first of all, we find a way to help after so many people could not. And yeah, just for the pure love of the game, so to say. [00:07:37] Lindsey Dinneen: That's amazing. Okay, so, well, I feel like we can go off on many tangents, but I'll, I'll try to, I'll try to stay focused because I, but I love that. I love that. So you're a practicing physician and you're, you're seeing these instances of medical technology that I imagined isn't getting adopted in the way that you know it should, that would have clients or patient impact. So you're, you're seeing this for a while. So did that lead to direct opportunities to consult for some of these companies that needed a physician's perspective or how did, how did that go from, "Hey, I, I, gosh, I'm seeing this gap" to, "Okay, I know where to go from here." [00:08:19] Amel Havkic: So, it exactly like that. So I was brought into a medtech company to consult them as a clinical medical expert on, at that point, risks associated to their solution. Of course it makes sense to have someone who is still in the trenches, so to say, because the logic behind certain workflows in hospitals or in healthcare environment is not the same logic that it guy would have when talking workflows similar. So that's how it started. And then a pattern started emerging. When I did my MBA thesis, I basically took, took these two, these two, that, that gap that I saw and made it a topic of my MBA thesis. I was looking specifically on success factors in healthcare and what makes a solution gets adopted or delivery system healthcare path, what makes it get adopted in the real world and what does not. And what emerged was basically knowledge graph constellation, so to say, of seven success factors. And that constellation also showed how they're connected with each other, so, and how they interact how they impact one another. So I put that to the, to the to the test, the findings, running multiple times the most profitable hospital unit in basically every hospital I went to, starting my private practice, which got profitable from day one. Consulting clients on the same on the same, framework who were able to triple their, their revenue from 30 to 90 million. And so on, so forth. And ultimately then just about half a year ago, I made the framework public, and that's the StarMap framework which is the moment when everything kicked off. So everything I I said after all the awards and all the recognition came after I shared what I've been holding back up until that point. [00:10:25] Lindsey Dinneen: Okay. Alright. Wow. All right. Can you share a little bit about this framework and what makes it so unique and impactful? [00:10:34] Amel Havkic: So what the eye recognized is that it works because it's basically backwards engineered. I had the benefit of hindsight and had the benefit of seeing the solutions, which really made it to, to the patient bedside. So this is a challenge that many medtech companies, specifically the medtech startups face. You know, they come actually from the other side trying to pick one of the hundreds, if not thousands of ways to to, to navigate, to come to that one point where they want to be. For me, it was exactly the other way around. I was already where they want to be and was able to backwards and engineer those factors. And it is, when you think about it or when you read through it, it's almost common sense. Factors like specialization, cooperation and ecosystem fit, workflow alignment, predictability of services. But also implementation, friction digitalization, quality of care, and specifically economic viability. So pretty much a 360 view on the, the, on the solution because when you, when you come to think of it, for something to get adopted in the clinic, there is a lot of different stakeholders involved. So it's not just the doctors, it's not just the clinics, it's the insurance companies, it's the the procurement, IT. Does this at all integrate into my ecosystem and so on so forth as a whole bunch of stakeholders and questions that need to be answered. And the StarMap is the first framework, which basically has a, a structured way of looking through all of these. [00:12:16] Lindsey Dinneen: Okay. Yeah. So this is, this is a framework that you have, I imagine, developed and refined over time as you've been consulting. So when you first started consulting, what are some of maybe the lessons that you learned in terms of being able to really help these companies succeed? [00:12:35] Amel Havkic: This is a bit more of a personal one because, I founded a consulting company. So my thought I had, I have no clue about marketing. I have no clue about those things. I'm a doctor, right? So, I imagined that what I should be is a consultant, right? After all, I'm consulting. It turns out that the, the biggest impact I could make, in fact as a doctor, because in the end, that's what I am, it's what is most natural to me, and that is what is bringing most impact to the clients. And then there's one specific thing which I have, which many other consultants in healthcare, also good consultants, don't have. And it is the fact that I'm still practicing. Fact is that today medical knowledge doubles every 73 days. In theory, that means if you are out of the healthcare delivery for 73 days, your knowledge is almost obsolete. It was way less, it was a few years when I studied. And now it's, it's became so exponentially big. What that means is that if you would take a doctor, and make him a consultant, drag him out of the hospital, he would be an expert for 73 days, and that's where it would stop. And this is the, this is pretty much the, the mindset that I adopted and everyone consulting in the EvoMed is still a practicing, practicing healthcare practitioner. So yeah, that's what makes EvoMed specifically different and that's how I saw the world before and how I see it now. [00:14:09] Lindsey Dinneen: That's incredible. Okay. Yeah. And, and it makes so much sense that if you're practicing then you're, you're needing to keep up on all that. But just on a very practical level, how do you stay on top of so much new information coming out so regularly? I mean, it's not like, you know, you don't have three major career things going on right now. [00:14:33] Amel Havkic: Yeah, I think by now it's a flywheel, and luckily I, I am the very, in the, in the very lucky position that my, that my hospital knows and accepts what I'm doing outside of the hospital and also supports this. So, I get updated regularly through through people talking to me, reaching out to me, showing their solutions, asking for my opinion. And on the other side, so, so that's, that's what keeps me updated on a regular. And on the other side, I still I still see the challenges that you would have in a hospital implementing those solutions. So, recently the one specific thing happened, just as an example. We, I, I was involved or I'm involved in a digitalization pro project of an ICU and of operating room. For that they have now from, from paper, from from paper notes, they're switching to digital. Problem is the paper notes they could fill out within five minutes while the digital have all kinds of mandatory fields. And, and it's kind and, and the time it takes a physician to fill out those, those digital forms is six times... [00:15:47] Lindsey Dinneen: Hmm. [00:15:47] Amel Havkic: ...More, so it's 30 minutes roughly if you're fast. So although you would think that something which gets digitalized is automatically better, this specific thing proves that just because someone thought, okay, I need this information, it need, this needs to be mandatory. But because the system maybe doesn't communicate with other parts of the system, legacy systems, legacy data from somewhere, it makes the job of the doctor living hell. So you, you can imagine how it is when you have like one person doing, I don't know, 40, 50, 60 pre-medication a day, and then from like five to 10 minutes pre-medication, it goes to 30 minutes, 60 minutes. That's, that's a problem. [00:16:31] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. So yeah, that is, that's, that is so interesting. It's, it's kind of, I suppose that goes into a lot of innovation. There are sometimes, you know, the things that we think, "Oh, well, this is, this is progress" and, and it might be, but just because you can doesn't mean it's always perhaps the most efficient or we should at least stress test it and decide, you know, how to make it the best it can be. So, all right, what are some, what are some trends and innovations that you're seeing that you're really excited about in terms of the future of medical care? [00:17:08] Amel Havkic: Well, obviously AI is a, is a great trend. I am really hoping that it'll take the, the proper route. I am, I've, I've been saying this a lot and I will repeat it again. When I say AI in healthcare context, I don't like AI as artificial intelligence, but as augmented intelligence, because what it's supposed to do, it's supposed to support our natural decision making process. And a decision in a high stakes environment like healthcare still needs to be in the hands of humans because there's much more to it than just a simple yes or no, or a statistic, or it's most probable that and that is a trend. So, so that is a technology which has huge potential. But so far, I must say oftentimes I see it implemented in the wrong way. It's trying to automate certain things either not good enough, or at certain points, or in such a way that it's not a livable in daily life or meets resistance. Specifically in healthcare, it's a very inert system because innovation in healthcare is perhaps dangerous is, it introduces new risks. That's why healthcare evolved to be a very inert system and to resist changes unless those changes are definitely proven to be better than what we have right now. So as an example, we had IBM Watson Oncology, huge player, huge possibilities. But somehow the, the way that Watson Oncology did things was not the way that clinicians wanted to use it. So in the end, they ended up selling it off. And that is just one example of many, many. So what I would really like to see for the future is AI is augmented intelligence, which really is positioned at the right places in a workflow of healthcare practitioners and help support their decisions rather than trying to automize or making them obsolete. [00:19:24] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. And it's, it's something that of course we hear a lot about, you know, and, and a lot of times I think that what I've been hearing, exactly like you said is, you know, if it can help, if it can help minimize some workflows or make something more, a process more efficient or those kinds of things, that is great help. But I don't think anyone wants AI to replace the expertise and the hands on learning that you do. And, and you obviously every 73 days, like you said, you're constantly building up your, your knowledge bank. And literally having been in the, in the medical setting for so long, you've, you've gotten to see this play out in real life and AI can't do that. So yeah, that's really interesting. [00:20:12] Amel Havkic: True. What, what it can do however, is just like every other job, healthcare also has a bell curve. So you have 5% or a percentage of the practitioners who are massive under performers, a percentage which are massive over performers, and then there's an average in the middle. And what, what AI can do is it can help even out the bell curve and move it as far to the expertise side as possible. There's also other repetitive tasks which, which can be taken over. So I do see potential in the, I do see a lot of potential in that technology specifically. But just as another example in my private practice, I have a. I have a AI scribe. It is specific for medtech. It's not something that I misuse, foreseeable misuse, for all the regulatory people. But it is an AI scribe. Still, most of my colleagues are not using it because they say, "Okay, this does not fit our needs. And it is not that specific scribe that we use." You cannot tweak the way how it gives you the output. It's preset. You can optimize certain things, but you cannot, for instance, train on your on the way you like your letters to look, for example. Then there's errors. So although you think, "Okay, you save a lot of time typing," right? You add at another point another a few work steps with the solution and ending up being shelved again because it's not really helping. Although from the, from the first glance, on the first glance, you would think, "Okay, this is revolutionary." [00:21:55] Lindsey Dinneen: Hmm. Yeah. Yeah. Okay that. Yeah. So it's gonna be interesting to see how it evolves and how it becomes hopefully even more useful in the future. So are there any moments that along your journey, either as a physician or even as a consultant, are there any moments that really stand out to you as affirming, "Wow, I am in the right place at the right time." [00:22:23] Amel Havkic: So it happened on, so speaking of the doctor part, yeah. It happened to me quite often. And I was first thinking of it as having bad luck. But ultimately maybe I was supposed to be there. So for some reason I run on a regular, into, into big car accidents happening. And car accidents or motorcycle accidents or so on, so forth, at least maybe 6, 7, 8 of them through, throughout my life with people really being injured and me being there as a first responder. So, so those were for instance, moments where I thought, "Okay, well, I understand this happens once or twice," but now and, and keeps keeps getting more. It's a bit maybe I wouldn't say well, it, it seems that I am supposed to be there at that time. That's how it feels to me. On the, the consulting side as well, specifically now that medtech is gaining more traction and more impact, and also with the award recently and similar things happening, that also made me feel like, "Okay, maybe I can with this make impact on more lives than just the lives I treat directly." Because if you manage to help a medtech startup launch a revolutionary idea and then survive and really make it all the way to the market and then thrive there, you impact thousands hundred, thousands, maybe millions of lives. And the, it being accepted the way it is right now is for me as well a similar sign. [00:24:05] Lindsey Dinneen: That's really cool. Yeah. I, I think, you know, I, I talk about it a lot. My role within medtech industry, you know, is, is small. I don't have that same level of impact at all. I'm, I'm helping, I'm, I'm in marketing, so I'm helping people tell their stories and get the, the word out. But I think getting to even just think about the fact that no matter kind of where you fit into the ecosystem you're helping hopefully impact patients' lives for the better and it's, it's so special getting to feel like even though it's a small role, I got to play a role. Yeah. [00:24:42] Amel Havkic: It is a, i I wouldn't even downplay it that much to be honest, because if no one hears about the solution, if no one knows that it exists there's more and more and more we're getting overloaded with all kinds of information. So, marketers who help certain things break through and reach the right people are doing their share just as anyone else in the industry is. It's maybe just as important. So yeah, I, I would encourage you to continue what you're doing up until now. [00:25:12] Lindsey Dinneen: Well, thank you. That's, that's, that is very encouraging. Okay, so, pivoting the conversation a little bit. Just for fun. Imagine that you were to be offered a million dollars to teach a masterclass on anything you want. It could be within your industry, but it doesn't have to be. What would you choose to teach? [00:25:31] Amel Havkic: Oh, that's a relatively easy one for me. I would teach clinical adoption masterclass and clinical adoption simply for the reasons we already mentioned. I would really like to help good solutions survive the reality of everyday clinical life. [00:25:50] Lindsey Dinneen: Amazing. [00:25:51] Amel Havkic: I think survive is the right, right word for this. [00:25:54] Lindsey Dinneen: Yes, I think so too, especially in having conversations with startups that are currently in the midst of this and, and trying to navigate the best approaches. So, yeah. That's incredible. Okay. And how do you wish to be remembered after you leave this world? [00:26:11] Amel Havkic: Well, that's a more difficult one. How do I wish to be remembered? Well, I would like to be the, so I would like to be the guy who everyone thinks left the world a better place than I found it. Maybe, quite short, not that extensive, but the implications are huge. You know, you can make the world better in many different ways. I do have certain skills and talents which naturally got me to where I am today. But it ultimately doesn't matter how much better the world is after I'm gone as long as it is better and this became clear to me also recently. So, while the, the awards night was going on, my wife couldn't come with me because our kid got sick, so she stayed in a hotel and, but they were watching the live stream and in the amidst of it all, when, when I came up and I went front to get the award, the little one got up, although she was sick and she was like laying in bed all day and couldn't get up. She went to the screen and pointed to the screen. So yeah, ultimately I want also my my daughter to think of me as someone who made this world a better place one way or the other. [00:27:29] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. I love that. That's a beautiful legacy and yeah, you're, you're doing just that, so that's amazing. That is so amazing. Okay. Okay. And then final question, what is one thing that makes you smile every time you see or think about it? [00:27:48] Amel Havkic: Oh, that's also an easy one for me. It's definitely my daughter, also my wife. It's, yeah, it's an amazing it's, it's amazing just seeing her growing up and develop all of these new skills and all of the new things that you didn't, that she didn't know how to do the day before. Also the way she goes through the world. She's fascinated by everything. Everything around is somehow magical and new and, yeah, so she can just like sit, sit in a, in a baby carriage and look around and everything is so, so awesome. She doesn't even need more. And that makes me remember that we actually should be more, way more, way more aware of the world around us and maybe not so, rushing all the time. [00:28:39] Lindsey Dinneen: Mm-hmm. Yes. I, I love that. I think I think about this sometimes of the idea of everyday magic, and those are just those moments of, I don't know, a butterfly, you know, flying by and you just see how beautiful its wings are or, you know, nature is, is very much that way for me in general. I, I, you know, you go on a walk and you go, "Oh my gosh, you know, those, those daffodils weren't there yesterday, and how beautiful are these things?" And to me, that's everyday magic. [00:29:09] Amel Havkic: Well, it, it is, and we, I, I do think that we don't take enough time to appreciate it. With always being busy with what's in the future, where we have to be and what we still have to do, that we maybe forget sometimes to appreciate what's right in front of us. [00:29:25] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yeah. I love that. Well, this has been a wonderful conversation. I'm so thankful you joined me today. Thanks for sharing your time and your experience and your stories. We are so honored to be making a donation on your behalf as a thank you for your time today to Save the Children, which works to end the cycle of poverty by ensuring communities have the resources to provide children with a healthy, educational, and safe environment. So thank you so much for choosing that charity to support, and also thank you for continuing to work to change lives for a better world. We're grateful, and I wish you the most amazing continued success. [00:30:06] Amel Havkic: Thank you so much. It was a pleasure being here and looking forward to part two. [00:30:12] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. There you go. Alright, well thanks again and we'll talk again later. [00:30:20] Dan Purvis: The Leading Difference is brought to you by Velentium Medical. Velentium Medical is a full service CDMO, serving medtech clients worldwide to securely design, manufacture, and test class two and class three medical devices. Velentium Medical's four units include research and development-- pairing electronic and mechanical design, embedded firmware, mobile app development, and cloud systems with the human factor studies and systems engineering necessary to streamline medical device regulatory approval; contract manufacturing-- building medical products at the prototype, clinical, and commercial levels in the US, as well as in low cost regions in 1345 certified and FDA registered Class VII clean rooms; cybersecurity-- generating the 12 cybersecurity design artifacts required for FDA submission; and automated test systems, assuring that every device produced is exactly the same as the device that was approved. Visit VelentiumMedical.com to explore how we can work together to change lives for a better world.
Landmark Difference Makers Interview Series: Scott Bunn - Tree House Trade SchoolWe're honored to interview Scott Allen Bunn, the founder and visionary behind Treehouse Trade School, a regenerative education initiative empowering people through hands‑on training in construction, permaculture, sustainable living, and entrepreneurship. Scott brings over 25 years of experience in residential building and permaculture design, and a deep belief that resilience begins at home — in the way we develop land, raise children, and build communities.After the 2008 economic collapse, Scott began living with intention, turning his expertise and life lessons into educational opportunities for people of all ages. He leads Treehouse Trade School as part of his broader work with Treehouse Internatural Inc., teaching practical skills and a regenerative mindset that help people thrive in harmony with the planet and one another.Join us as we explore Scott's journey, the philosophy behind Treehouse Trade School, and how hands‑on learning in service of environmental stewardship can be a powerful force for transformation.Listen, share, and support the cause: https://www.youtube.com/@treehousetradeschoolContact Scott A. Bunn: www.TreehouseTradeSchool.comPhone: 864-710-7584---------71 Solutions - Version 2.0 coming in April Version 1.0 currently on Amazonhttps://a.co/d/0aZ2nia4
In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, host Bryan sits down with Lenny from Copeland to explore how one of the most respected names in HVAC and refrigeration is actively investing in the next generation of technicians. Lenny leads Copeland's aftermarket demand creation efforts, which includes everything from working with wholesale networks and trade shows to educational partnerships with schools and nonprofit organizations. The conversation covers a wide range of initiatives aimed not just at recruiting people into the trades, but at giving them the tools and confidence to thrive long-term in the industry. A major theme throughout the episode is Copeland's belief that workforce development is a shared responsibility across the entire industry chain — from manufacturers and parts suppliers to contractors and educators. Lenny describes how Copeland partners with organizations like SkillsUSA, Skills Canada, and the NC3 (National Coalition of Certification Centers) to provide hands-on training opportunities and industry certifications to students in trade and tech schools. Copeland sends trainers to these competitions with mobile refrigeration simulators, where students troubleshoot real-world fault scenarios and receive detailed feedback afterward — making it both a competitive and educational experience. The episode also dives deep into Copeland's Train-the-Trainer program, a cornerstone of their work with NC3 partner schools. Rather than simply handing schools a curriculum and walking away, Copeland brings educators through an intensive one-week program covering HVACR system fundamentals, troubleshooting, and compressor operation — complete with hands-on activities, refrigeration simulators, and even compressor teardowns. The goal is to ensure that instructors can confidently deliver accurate, field-relevant material to their students. Lenny emphasizes that Copeland intentionally avoids "death by PowerPoints," preferring interactive, application-based learning that mirrors what technicians actually encounter on the job. On the technology side, the conversation highlights the newly unified Copeland Mobile app, which now integrates White-Rodgers tools alongside the existing Copeland suite. Features like Check and Charge, PT Pro, and Fault Finder help technicians quickly diagnose system issues in the field, while the AI-powered Scout tool allows users to query Copeland-approved engineering bulletins and product data for fast, accurate answers. Lenny and Bryan discuss why this kind of tightly controlled, manufacturer-backed AI is genuinely valuable — cutting through information overload so a tech on a rooftop can get the right answer quickly. The episode wraps up with details on the HVACR Tech Appreciation Day sweepstakes happening April 1 through June 30, where Copeland is giving away approximately $3,000 worth of tools as a thank-you to technicians across the industry. Topics Covered Lenny's role at Copeland and the scope of their aftermarket and education work How Copeland approaches workforce development as an industry-wide responsibility Copeland's involvement with SkillsUSA and Skills Canada — booths, judges, and mobile refrigeration training simulators The NC3 (National Coalition of Certification Centers) partnership and how it connects trade schools to industry certifications Copeland's three-part curriculum: HVACR system fundamentals, troubleshooting, and compressor operation The Train-the-Trainer program — how Copeland educates educators to deliver consistent, field-ready instruction Hands-on learning philosophy: refrigeration trainers, scroll teardown kits, and compressor-in-a-suitcase tools available to schools Virtual reality scroll teardown in development to bring factory experiences to the classroom The newly integrated Copeland Mobile app — combining White-Rodgers and Copeland tools in one platform App features: Check and Charge, PT Pro (with altitude settings), Fault Finder, and the 30-year products catalog Scout — Copeland's AI tool that searches approved engineering bulletins and product data to answer field questions fast Why manufacturer-controlled AI is a practical and trustworthy resource for technicians The importance of retaining new technicians by giving them support systems so they aren't overwhelmed and don't wash out HVACR Tech Appreciation Day — June 22nd — and the sweepstakes giving away ~$3,000 in tools (vacuum pump, recovery unit, core removal tool, gauge sets) How to reach Copeland's Educational Services team: educationalservices.coldchain@copeland.com Accessing educator resources on Copeland's website and the Copeland Mobile app Copeland's Resources: Sweepstakes: Enter Copeland's HVACR Technician Appreciation Sweepstakes before June 30th, 2026 at hvacrschool.com/copelandsweepstakes. Copeland Mobile App: apps.copeland.com/copelandmobile Educator Resources: https://www.copeland.com/en-us/training-support Educational Services Email: educationalservices.coldchain@copeland.com Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 8th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.
In this episode, Pierre Michiels interviews Nicole Juhl. Nicole is an Associate Professor in Physical Education who oversees the Certified Personal Trainer program at College of DuPage. They discuss career paths in personal training, essential skills like communication and professionalism, and ways students can gain experience and build networks. After listening, we hope you better understand the personal training field and its opportunities.Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.00:00–02:20 | Introduction & Guest Background Pierre introduces the episode and welcomes Nicole Juhl, who shares her experience in the fitness and wellness industry and outlines the focus of the Certified Personal Trainer program. 02:20–04:20 | Career Paths in Personal Training Nicole explains the wide range of opportunities in personal training, from one-on-one coaching to careers in gyms, wellness centers, and fields like kinesiology and physical therapy. 04:20–10:20 | Key Skills for Success The conversation highlights essential skills such as communication, professionalism, passion, and authenticity, along with the importance of understanding your “why.” 10:20–13:20 | Building Experience Nicole shares strategies for gaining experience, including shadowing trainers, practicing with peers, and exploring different fitness modalities to build confidence and expertise. 13:20–17:00 | Program Opportunities & Resources Discussion focuses on hands-on learning, campus facilities, networking opportunities, and new resources like the upcoming kinesiology lab. 17:00–21:20 | Networking & Personal Branding Nicole emphasizes the importance of networking, building professional relationships, and developing an authentic personal brand in the fitness industry. 21:20–26:00 | Advice for Students Entering the Field Key takeaways include taking things one step at a time, building confidence, practicing self-care, and embracing continuous growth without needing to know everything immediately. 26:00–30:00 | Program Details & How to Get Started The episode wraps with details on program structure, alternative options, and how to connect with advisors and resources to explore the personal training field further Nicole Juhl (program info & questions): juhln@cod.edu Bess Fuertes (department advising): fuertese245@cod.edu COD Personal Trainer Certificate website: https://catalog.cod.edu/programs-study/physical-education/personal-trainer-certificate/Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers.Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter
One bad hookup can erase a month of profit, and one shortcut can change a life forever. That's why we brought on Beau White, CEO of Towing and Recovery Academy and a longtime heavy recovery operator, to get painfully clear about what training really buys you: fewer damage claims, fewer injuries, stronger confidence under pressure, and a reputation that stands up when everyone has a camera.We talk through Beau's path into towing, why he chose to join Hannon, and what great leadership looks like when owners show up on the roadside and invest in people like family. From there, the conversation goes deep on the real-world value of towing and recovery training: how humility separates good operators from great ones, why “I've always done it that way” is dangerous, and how hands-on learning beats watching from the back of a crowded class. Bo also shares a standout recovery bringing a loaded tractor-trailer out of the water during a hurricane, and why you don't “rise to the occasion” as much as you fall back on your training.We also get into what makes Towing and Recovery Academy different: small classes, “no wallflowers,” and a culture where questions don't get mocked. Bo announces the next step in heavy duty recovery training with an indoor heated and air-conditioned facility in Maryland, plus the chance to get hands-on with serious equipment. If you run a towing company, manage a team, or want to level up as an operator, this is a practical playbook for safer, cleaner, more professional recoveries.Subscribe wherever you listen, share this with one operator who needs it, and leave a review so more tow pros can find the training-first mindset.
This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Rowland Hall is an independent school in Salt Lake City that blends rigorous academics with hands-on learning and community engagement, helping students grow into curious, creative and impactful leaders. Director of Belonging, Equity and Impact, Chandani Patel, joins us with more. Chandani Patel: At Rowland Hall, we believe that meaningful learning extends beyond the classroom and into our community. That belief is why we created the Center for Community Impact, a place where students, faculty and community partners come together to address real challenges. Through action projects, outreach initiatives and collaborative research, our students develop not only skills, but empathy and a lifelong commitment to positive social change. This Spring, we hosted our annual Impact Summit, where high school students, educators and community leaders came together to celebrate a year of meaningful work and to look ahead. We're actively looking for local organizations, businesses, nonprofits and community leaders navigating challenges who want to partner with Rowland Hall students to find impactful solutions. If that sounds like something you'd want to be part of, we'd love to connect. You can learn more at rowlandhall.org. Derek Miller: By investing in student growth and education, Rowland Hall is helping shape Utah's youth into future leaders of our communities. They are building a more engaged, thoughtful and capable generation that is making a difference throughout the state. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 6/8/26
Are you tired of watching your child struggle in a school system that prioritizes standardized testing over their true potential? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Karina Streeter as we explore how to align education with your child's natural talents and future career goals.In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids podcast, host Jae sits down with educator and visionary Karina Streeter to discuss the revolutionary work being done at STEAMA Academy and INI International. Karina shares her powerful journey from being a frustrated school administrator to creating a curriculum that bridges the gap between academics and the real world. We dive deep into why traditional high school often misses the mark and how apprenticeships, mentorship, and hands-on learning can transform a student's outlook on life.You will learn about the importance of understanding how a child's brain works through assessments rather than rigid tests. We also discuss the role of AI as a collaborative tool for students, the necessity of emotional intelligence, and why building a supportive community is vital for homeschooling success. Karina also touches on the importance of parental self-care and being intentional about finding joy while raising the next generation of leaders.Steama Academy | Tampa Florida | Academic SuccessChapters0:00 Welcome and introduction to Karina Streeter3:15 The mission of STEAMA Academy and INI International6:40 Transitioning from administration to educational innovation10:20 Why mentorship changes the perspective of high schoolers14:15 Moving beyond worksheets to real world purpose18:30 Using assessments to understand how a child learns23:10 Connecting students with local business internships27:45 The reality of college prep vs. trade skills32:15 Breaking the cycle of labels in the classroom36:50 Entrepreneurship and financial literacy for young kids41:10 Overcoming fear and finding your village45:30 Why learning history and culture matters49:40 The role of AI and technology in modern education53:25 Self-care strategies for busy homeschool parents57:11 Conclusion and final thoughtsIf this conversation resonated with you, please subscribe for more tips on empowering your children through home education. Make sure to check out the resources mentioned in the video to help guide your child toward a future they love.#homeschooling #STEMeducation #careerreadiness #parenting #educationalfreedom
Welcome! Our latest Thriving Matters podcast is with Glenn Solomons, who thrives on his work with educational consultants and school systems, creatively designing professional learning supported by technology, that works for over 50,000 school staff and leaders. As we start the conversation, Glenn discusses his evolving role in education, shifting from direct teacher support to elevating voices in education and helping thought leaders reach broader audiences. He describes an exciting current project involving the development of a mentoring program for teachers, which includes both synchronous online sessions and asynchronous resources to support new mentors. The program is currently in beta testing with positive early feedback, focusing on helping mentees and potentially retaining teachers in the profession. AI's Impact on Work and Learning We discuss the impact of AI on work and learning, emphasizing the importance of avoiding AI shortcuts that prevent genuine growth and learning. Glenn highlighted how AI can be a useful tool for drafting and checking work but should not replace critical thinking and personal input. We also touched on the busy nature of modern life, which can lead to relying on AI as the path of least resistance. The conversation ended with a reflection on the role of leaders in guiding the appropriate use of AI in their organizations. We also discuss the importance of supporting early career teachers through professional development and mentoring programs. Glenn shared his personal experience of struggling to find his first teaching position and emphasized the value of human mentorship over AI-generated advice. They also added some thoughts to the current saturation of AI tools and the desire for more authentic, human-centered approaches in education and leadership. Challenges that system leaders face in implementing educational initiatives across schools explored how system leaders must balance strategic initiatives with the practical realities of teachers' workload, often receiving mandates from higher levels without much agency in how they're implemented. Glenn emphasized that system leaders, who typically care about supporting teachers, face the challenge of making new initiatives feel manageable and worthwhile while navigating competing demands from government and other sources. Also we covered some of the challenges and opportunities in education, particularly regarding digital learning and access to schooling for millions of children worldwide. Carrie highlighted the importance of balancing technology with face-to-face learning experiences, emphasizing the value of memorable, immersive activities for students. Glenn shared his perspective on the role of memorable teachers and hands-on learning experiences, noting that digital learning can never fully replace in-person interaction but should aim to provide contextualized and personalized content. Both agreed on the benefits of combining digital and traditional learning methods to enhance student engagement and outcomes. In summary, we discussed the role of technology and AI in education, with Glenn emphasizing that while AI can support learning, it cannot replace the human connection and thinking that teachers provide. They explored how knowing one's audience creates better connections, both in teaching and digital spaces, and discussed the importance of critical thinking when using AI tools. If you have enjoyed this conversation with Glenn, don't forget to share with your network of work colleagues, family and friends so you don't miss more exceptional educators and thinkers! To Connect with Glenn: LI: linkedin.com/in/glenn-solomons-5a3373128 URL: cheekylearning.com.au; cheekymousedesign.com.au Email: glenn@cheekymousedesign.com.au To Connect with Carrie: LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet URL: carriebenedet.com Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com
What does it take to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders? In this episode, Steve Zakuani and Brad Evans sit down with Megan Karch, CEO of IslandWood, an innovative environmental education organization helping young people build meaningful connections with the natural world. Megan shares her journey from leading Seattle-based nonprofit FareStart to guiding IslandWood's mission of creating transformative learning experiences for students, educators, and communities. Zak and Brad talk about the importance of access to nature, environmental stewardship, and how hands-on learning can shape not only future careers, but a lifelong commitment to caring for our planet.
ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum in Ashland is offering eight weeks of STEAM summer camps featuring shark dissections, gem mining, art projects and hands-on learning.
From hands-on training and change management strategies to executive sponsorship and employee engagement, our guests Allison Meadows and Taylor Tagg explore practical lessons from Stratas Foods' successful three-and-a-half-year ERP implementation. Learn how this leading supplier of fats, oils, mayonnaise, dressings and sauces kept their people at the center of the process to transform their business. Show Notes:Guests Allison Meadows and Taylor Tagg explore how Stratas Foods aligned training, change management, and executive support to implement a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system that impacted all 1,200 employees. Change management and L&D must work together. Taylor Tagg explained that while learning and development and change management often operate differently, both rely heavily on listening, communication, and supporting employees through uncertainty.Hands-on learning drives adoption. Stratas Foods discovered that employees learned best by “getting in the sandbox” and practicing in real-world scenarios instead of relying solely on traditional instruction.Employee involvement increases buy-in. Allison Meadows shared how training became more effective when employees helped shape tools and job aids, transforming resistance into collaboration.Executive sponsorship is critical to success. Taylor emphasized that strong support from company leadership—including resources, visibility, and alignment—was essential to completing the transformation on time and under budget.Successful change focuses on people, not just processes. Both guests stressed that organizations can become overly focused on systems and workflows, but lasting change happens when employees feel supported, connected, and included throughout the process.Powered by Learning earned Awards of Distinction in the Podcast/Audio and Business Podcast categories from The Communicator Awards and a Gold and Silver Davey Award. The podcast is also named to Feedspot's Top 40 L&D podcasts and Training Industry's Ultimate L&D Podcast Guide. Learn more about d'Vinci at www.dvinci.com. Follow us on LinkedInLike us on Facebook
What does it take to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders? In this episode, Steve Zakuani and Brad Evans sit down with Megan Karch, CEO of IslandWood, an innovative environmental education organization helping young people build meaningful connections with the natural world. Megan shares her journey from leading Seattle-based nonprofit FareStart to guiding IslandWood’s mission of creating transformative learning experiences for students, educators, and communities. Zak and Brad talk about the importance of access to nature, environmental stewardship, and how hands-on learning can shape not only future careers, but a lifelong commitment to caring for our planet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Everyone's talking about AI, humanoids, and the “factory of the future” but plenty of plants are still held together with undocumented panels, obsolete PLCs, and the same hard production constraints they've had for decades. Nikki sits down with Rylan Paishack from Cleveland Automation Systems to sort out what actually works when you're responsible for keeping equipment running and delivering automation projects that survive real life.We get into Rylan's path through manufacturing, Rockwell co-ops, OEM work, and system integration, then the leap into building his own automation business. Along the way we talk about why the integrator role forces nonstop learning, how good vendor relationships and honest communication save projects, and why a site assessment and full line walk can reveal the “missing truth” that never shows up in a scope document. If you've ever inherited a machine built in the 1950s, you'll recognize the problems instantly.Then we dig into the tension between shiny new tech and the basics: modern connectivity, new HMIs that still talk to PLC5 and SLC systems, and what has to happen before advanced tools can deliver value. We also talk about CodeSys adoption, subscription fatigue across industrial software, and where AI can genuinely help controls engineers with debugging and repeatable work without pretending it can replace human judgment on a production line.If this conversation helps you think more clearly about modernizing legacy equipment, choosing technology that will be supportable long-term, or building a healthier automation career path, subscribe to Automation Ladies, share the episode with a teammate, and leave a review so more people can find the show.Support the show__________________________________________________________________
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Here is a structured summary of the Ri‑Karlo Handy interview with Rushion McDonald from Money Making Conversations Masterclass, including its purpose, key takeaways, and notable quotes.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Here is a structured summary of the Ri‑Karlo Handy interview with Rushion McDonald from Money Making Conversations Masterclass, including its purpose, key takeaways, and notable quotes.
Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!Thinking about becoming a personal trainer after 50?SUF has helped over 10,000 people pass NASM CPT. In this episode, we sit down with Shiv, who passed her NASM exam at age 59 using the Show Up Fitness Study Guide and is proving it's never too late to start a second career in fitness.We discuss: • Becoming a personal trainer later in life • Overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome • How she passed NASM • What the fitness industry is really like • Advice for aspiring trainers over 50 • Why experience and people skills matter more than age• Hands on learning with SUF CPT in Santa Monica
Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!How to Become A Successful Personal Trainer vol. 2 interviews coaches and trainers who have lead a successful personal training career. HINT HINT, they don't praise textbook certifications, they focus on hands on learning and building teams.If you want to make real money as a personal trainer, “getting certified” is not the finish line, it's the starting line. We're pulling back the curtain on what we see from the one percenters in the industry: the coaches clearing $125,000+ a year while everyone else wonders why their calendar is empty and their confidence is shaky. We walk through three traits that keep showing up among high performers. First, they chase hands-on learning, not just books and bundles. They do seminars, internships, mentorships, and supervised reps in the trenches, because that's where you learn to handle knee pain, shoulder issues, and real-world client chaos without freezing. Second, they build a serious network, especially physical therapists (DPTs) and registered dietitians (RDs) they can actually talk to, not just follow online. That support raises your competence, your results, and your ability to charge premium rates with integrity. Then we tackle the taboo topic: looking the part. Not extremes, not unrealistic influencer standards, but a clear signal that you practice what you preach and you fit your market. We also share practical ways to “level up” fast, from picking the right mentors to running a SWOT analysis on your business and physique. If you're done with the quick-fix mindset and ready to build a sustainable personal training career, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a trainer friend, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world!Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show!Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com
Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode.In this episode, Coach Ken sits down with Ryan Bash for a powerful conversation about what it's really like growing up and navigating school with Type 1 diabetes.Ryan shares his experience being diagnosed at a young age and how diabetes has shaped the way he approaches problem-solving, engineering, school, sports, and self-advocacy. What starts as a conversation around math, measurement, and hands-on learning evolves into a much deeper discussion about the real-life challenges kids with diabetes face every single day in school systems that often don't fully understand the condition.Together, Ken and Ryan unpack:how diabetes develops problem-solving skillswhy “if this, then this” thinking becomes second naturethe impact of highs and lows during tests and classnavigating 504 plans and accommodationsdealing with substitute teachers and school policiesadvocating for yourself when adults don't understand diabetesand why blood sugar numbers should never define self-worthRyan also shares several frustrating experiences with teachers and school staff who ignored or misunderstood his diabetes accommodations, leading to a powerful conversation around communication, confidence, and self-advocacy.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Beyond Agriculture, we sit down with Bradon Burks, Director of Education for the Kentucky Cattlemen's Association, to explore how the next generation is shaping the future of the beef industry. Bradon shares an inside look at the Kentucky Junior Cattlemen's Association and the wide range of events they host—from leadership development and competitions to hands-on learning experiences that build confidence and skills in young producers.We dive into why youth involvement is so critical, not just for those growing up in agriculture, but for any young person looking to develop leadership, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of the industry that feeds our communities. Bradon also highlights the impact these programs have on participants and why creating opportunities for all youth to get involved has never been more important.Whether you're a producer, parent, educator, or simply passionate about agriculture, this conversation offers valuable insight into how investing in young leaders today is strengthening the future of agriculture.Learn more about KJCA at www.kycattle.org
What happens when a child leaves traditional school… and suddenly loses all motivation to learn?In this episode of Called to Homeschool, we talk about:• deschooling• perfectionism and fear-based motivation• helping kids rediscover curiosity• living books and hands-on learning• why homeschool should NOT look like school at home• habits, connection, and family cultureIf you have a resistant child, an anxious perfectionist, or a child who just wants to “get done,” this episode is for you.
What happens when a 17-year-old decides STEM should work for everyone—not just some students? In Episode 191, Dr. Diane talks with Amritha Praveen, founder of Amethyst Changemakers, about creating inclusive STEM kits using Universal Design for Learning, distributing over 250 kits to Title 1 schools, placing third at the International Science and Engineering Fair, and why resilience and empathy drive real change.Summary:In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Diane welcomes Amritha Praveen, a rising high school senior and founder of Amethyst Changemakers, an organization creating accessible STEM kits for learners of all abilities. Amritha explains how her volunteer work in special education revealed that many students interested in STEM couldn't fully participate because resources weren't designed for them. She shares how competition math in fifth grade sparked her STEM journey, leading to science fair projects on autism prediction, music therapy frameworks, and genetics research that earned her third place at ISEF and a scholarship to ASU. Amritha discusses the Universal Design for Learning framework that guides her STEM kits, embedding accessibility from the start rather than retrofitting later, and how her team of high school students, mentors, and volunteers has distributed over 250 kits to Chicago Public Schools and Peoria classrooms. She reflects on resilience as the foundation of good science, why STEM teaching needs more hands-on variety, and what brings her hope: watching young students discover their passion for STEM.Chapters & Timestamps:[00:00] Meet Teen Trailblazer Amritha Praveen – High school senior making STEM accessible for all[01:23] Amethyst Changemakers and Universal Design for Learning – STEM kits built with accessibility from the start[02:16] What's in the Kits? – Ice cream chemistry, catapults, magnets, math bingo, and more04:16] Why Inclusive STEM Matters – Seeing passionate students without equal access[05:29] Competition Math to Autism Research – Amritha's STEM journey from fifth grade to ISEF[06:38] Third Place at International Science Fair – Autism genetics, phenotypes, and an ASU scholarship[08:49] Building the Team – Student designers, mentors, and 30 volunteers assembling kits[11:46] Applied Math and Expanding the Mission – College plans and beyond[13:03] Advice for Young Scientists – Keep pushing through—resilience matters more than perfection[16:21] What Schools Get Wrong About STEM – Moving beyond lectures to differentiated, hands-on learning[17:22] What Brings You Hope? – Students discovering their passion for STEMLinks & Resources:Amethyst ChangemakersPIE (Peer Inclusion Empowerment) AppSociety for ScienceiBio ChampionIllinois Junior Academy of ScienceCall to Action:Inspired by Amritha's work? Listen to Episode 191 of Adventures in Learning with Dr. Diane, then visit amethystchangemakers.org to support inclusive STEM kits, donate to Title 1 schools, or bring these resources into your classroom. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or student, join the movement to make STEM accessible for everyone.Hashtags:Support the showShare this episodeIf this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friendStay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.
Send us Fan MailLIVE from the IAAI ITC in St. Louis, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens sit down with IAAI Immediate Past President David Bridges and IAAI Current President Devin Palmer for a powerful conversation about leadership, training, mentorship, and the future of the fire investigation profession. David shares how his career evolved from law enforcement and accelerant detection canine work into becoming a technically trained attorney focused on civil fire and explosion litigation. Devin walks listeners through his path from forensic science student to ATF Certified Fire Investigator, National Response Team supervisor, and now IAAI President. Together, they discuss the importance of community, professional development, chapter support, student engagement, international outreach, and expanding fire investigation training for public sector, private sector, insurance, legal, and forensic professionals. The episode also highlights new IAAI initiatives, member benefits, regional training opportunities, insurance-focused education, and the value of bringing the next generation into fire investigation through hands-on learning and mentorship.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed the episode, give us 5 stars, hit the follow button, and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you are listening in from. Follow us on social media!Instagram: @infocusfire_podcastLinkedIn: INFOCUS podcastFacebook: INFOCUS podcastTikTok: @infocus_podcast
What happens when Career and Technical Education stops fighting for respect and starts facing a much bigger problem: capacity?In this episode of the Disrupt Education Podcast, Peter Hostrawser and Alli Dahl welcome back Dr. Mark Covelle, Administrative Director of Middle Bucks Institute of Technology, for a bold conversation about the future of CTE, workforce development, and what schools are still missing about student readiness.Mark breaks down why CTE is no longer “dark, dangerous, and dingy,” but modern, relevant, and in high demand. The conversation explores why students are choosing hands-on learning, why traditional K–12 systems are struggling to keep up, and what happens when schools try to scale career pathways without the facilities, teachers, industry partnerships, or real-world experiences needed to make them work.This episode challenges educators, administrators, policymakers, and community leaders to rethink what high school should actually prepare students to do. From student voice and advisory boards to workforce alignment, internships, skilled trades, and the danger of “CTE light,” this conversation makes one thing clear: the future of education is not about proving CTE works. It is about building the capacity to deliver it well.If you care about career readiness, work-based learning, durable skills, student engagement, workforce development, or the future of high school, this episode is a must-listen.Powered by YouScience Brightpath.YouScience Brightpath, the next generation platform helping students make personalized decisions as they move from education to career. If you are serious about connecting students to real opportunities, head to youscience.com/disrupteducation-podcast. Request a demo and let them know you heard about YouScience right here.
Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!SUF STM is the BEST corrective exercise certification because it helps personal trainers build a better team, assess clients in pain and charge more per hour. The avg suf-stm charges between 100-150/ hr whereas a NASM CES charges on avg $61. With purchase of the SUF-STM, you also get 1 year access to the Prehab Guys Exercise Library which provides more value for clients.Textbook certifications are everywhere, but the moment a client mentions shoulder pain, low back pain, or a post-ACL history, a multiple-choice test does not tell you what to do next. We talk candidly about the best specializations for personal trainers who want more skill, more income, and fewer “I hope this works” moments. The thread that ties it all together is simple: hands-on learning beats passive learning, especially when the goal is coaching performance around pain and keeping clients training safely. We compare big-name corrective exercise certifications with a mentorship-first model that emphasizes soft tissue mobilization within scope, barbell rehab basics, and a real assessment process you can repeat. We also get into what trainers actually need to level up: live feedback, video submissions, and the ability to lean on a physical therapist team when a case gets complex. Along the way, we challenge outdated cross-syndrome thinking, explain why the biopsychosocial model changes how clients experience pain, and share how better communication can improve retention during slow seasons. Finally, we make the case that anatomy mastery is the career shortcut nobody wants to do, but everyone benefits from. Knowing the actions of key muscles, understanding shoulder function, and being able to explain what you see is how you earn trust and charge $100 to $150 per session without feeling “salesy.” If you want a personal training specialization that builds real competence, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share this with a trainer friend, and leave a review with the skill you want to master next.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world!Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show!Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com
Hello voices from the bench community, John Wilson here and I wanted to share some news about the evolution of the Programill lineup. Most importantly, Ivoclar's new PrograMill 7. What stands out right away is the reduced air consumption this mill requires, but what you'll notice first is that impressive new touchscreen. For us, the biggest advantage has been increased spindle power. My laboratory's known for these larger cases with complex geometries, and I can tell you that extra power really makes a difference. Next time you see your Ivoclar representative, be sure to ask about the PrograMill 7 and tell them John Wilson sent you. Thank you. At exocad Insights in beautiful Mallorca, we finally caught up with Felix from Imagine USA—and the timing couldn't have been better. As an exocad dealer on the front lines of digital dentistry, Felix shared his excitement about the strong turnout, the familiar faces, and most importantly, the innovation coming from exocad. What stood out most? The new exocad Hub and its cloud-based capabilities, along with powerful AI-driven tools inside DentalDB designed for efficient batch processing. For Felix and the Imagine team, it's not just about seeing what's new—it's about putting it to the test. By running new features through their own production facility first, they ensure real-world performance before bringing solutions to their customers. Beyond the technology, Felix emphasized the value of being there in person—connecting face-to-face with partners, having meaningful conversations, and stepping back to see where the industry is headed. And of course, doing it all in Mallorca doesn't hurt either. "LIVE" again at the 2026 DLAT meeting, two very different conversations came together around one common theme: the future of dental technology is still being shaped by passionate people willing to learn, teach, and adapt. First, the podcast catches up with returning guest Tiffany Prater from Destination Orthodontic Lab, who shares how her lab journey has evolved from running a large commercial space with employees to building a smaller, more personal business focused on private practices and hands-on craftsmanship. Alongside her is Sydney Ribera, a young technician discovering orthodontics through mentorship, creativity, and a fascination with bending wire and pouring colorful acrylic retainers. The conversation dives into the realities of learning ortho in today's digital world, the importance of organizations like the Orthodontic Resource Group, and why mentorship still matters more than ever in a profession where most of the training happens shoulder-to-shoulder. Then the crew sits down with Marlin Gohn from Argen to talk about everything from next-generation zirconia to massive dental labs in China and the surprisingly common mistakes labs make when choosing disc sizes for milling. Marlin breaks down Argen's new gradient translucency zirconia, explains why nesting strategy matters more than most labs realize, and shares real-world troubleshooting tips that can save labs time, money, and remakes. The conversation also wanders through SLM frameworks, milled gold crowns, PFMs, translating lectures in China, and why some old-school techniques still outperform the newest trends. Special Guests: Marlin Gohn CDT, Sydney Ribera, and Tiffany Prater CDT.
In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I am joined by Amanda Brady, Dean of Admissions at Nazareth University, for an honest and insightful conversation about the realities of today's college admissions process—and what students often misunderstand when applying to college.Amanda shares how applications are truly reviewed at Nazareth University, why context matters more than perfection, and what separates memorable essays from forgettable ones. She also discusses the growing role of AI in higher education, the importance of demonstrated interest, and why students should focus less on rankings and more on finding the right fit.The conversation also highlights the unique student experience at Nazareth, including hands-on learning opportunities, community engagement, study abroad experiences, and innovative academic programs designed to prepare students for the future.In this episode, you'll learn:What admissions officers notice immediately in an applicationThe biggest mistakes students make with college essaysHow to explain academic struggles or gaps effectivelyWhy demonstrated interest can matter more than students realizeHow Nazareth supports ambitious student goals and career explorationWhat families should know about test-optional admissions and Early DecisionWhether you are a student preparing your applications, a parent navigating the process, or a counselor supporting families, this episode offers practical advice and valuable insight directly from a dean of admissions.Nazareth University Admissions----------------------------
Independent films and film festivals are thriving in Louisiana, and on this episode of Discover Lafayette, we welcome three passionate advocates helping shape the future of filmmaking across the state: Southern Screen Festival Founder and Executive Director Julie Bordelon; filmmaker and Director of Public Relations for the Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival, Jenika Kolacz; and Lafayette native Kelly Swift, Film Programming Director for Manship Theatre and Events Director for the Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival. The conversation explores Louisiana's growing independent film ecosystem, the importance of film festivals in building creative communities, and the realities filmmakers face trying to sustain careers in the state. Julie Bordelon, founder of Southern Screen Festival, reflects on how she entered the industry without formal film school training, learning production hands-on while working in Lafayette during the height of Louisiana's film production boom. “I had no clue what I was doing,” she says of her early days in production. “By the middle of the first film, I was a department head.” Bordelon later served as an entertainment liaison for the City of Lafayette, helping support Louisiana's tax incentive initiatives for film, music, and digital media before launching Southern Screen Festival nearly sixteen years ago. Southern Screen Festival was born out of a desire to create opportunities for local artists and filmmakers in Acadiana. “I pulled them all on to the board and started the Southern Screen Festival without knowing at all what I was doing,” Bordelon recalls. “Just trying to make a scene for us and for other artists and creatives.” In its 16th year, the festival will be held November 19-22, 2026. Learn more at Southern Screen. Today, Southern Screen Festival has evolved into a year-round, multidisciplinary arts organization that extends far beyond its annual November festival. The organization now presents film screenings, workshops, networking mixers, writing programs, pop-up events, live podcasts, and music showcases designed to strengthen Louisiana's creative economy and connect local artists with national industry professionals. Southern Screen Festival has become one of Louisiana's most respected independent arts festivals, attracting filmmakers, musicians, producers, writers, editors, and storytellers from around the world to downtown Lafayette every November. The four-day festival features international screenings, panels, workshops, live performances, parties, and filmmaker networking events designed to create what Bordelon calls “a festival for filmmakers and for artists.” The festival remains intentionally non-competitive, allowing filmmakers at every level to feel equally supported and accessible to one another. Over the years, Southern Screen Festival has welcomed an impressive lineup of industry guests, including Tom Kenny, editor Javier Marcheselli of “Blade Runner 2049” and “Dune,” “Family Guy” writer and actor Alex Borstein, and producer Monty Ross of “Malcolm X.” Bordelon explains that Southern Screen Festival intentionally creates opportunities for festival attendees to interact directly with accomplished industry professionals in workshops and conversations without barriers or gatekeepers. One of the festival's newest expansions is particularly exciting for Acadiana's growing animation community. Southern Screen Festival recently announced plans to partner with UL-Lafayette on a brand-new animation festival launching in April 2027. The event will feature curated animation screenings, educational panels, artist talks, and hands-on learning opportunities aimed at students, emerging creators, and animation fans of all ages. During the interview, Bordelon explains that the idea grew directly out of audience demand for more animation programming at Southern Screen Festival. Southern Screen's commitment to education also includes its expanding student film initiatives. The organization hosts student workshops and showcases for Acadiana students in grades six through twelve, encouraging young creatives to experiment with filmmaking while gaining exposure to professional industry environments. Bordelon also discussed her work through Create Louisiana, which provides grants, mentorship, and creative support to Louisiana filmmakers and artists statewide. The episode also shines a spotlight on the rapid rise of the Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival, known as BRUFF. Launched in 2025 at Manship Theatre in downtown Baton Rouge, the festival sold out its inaugural year and immediately established itself as a major gathering point for Louisiana's independent film community. The festival celebrates indie and genre-focused filmmaking while creating opportunities for networking, collaboration, and hands-on education. Kelly Swift describes BRUFF as “a film festival for filmmakers by filmmakers,” with programming that intentionally supports student filmmakers, first-time directors, emerging artists, and seasoned professionals equally. Last year's inaugural festival featured more than 50 independent films, educational panels, networking opportunities, workshops, and afterparties throughout downtown Baton Rouge. Organizers say one of the most rewarding aspects was watching filmmakers from Louisiana connect organically with artists visiting from Florida, Texas, Georgia, New York, California, and beyond. This year, the Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival will be held from August 27 – 30, 2026. Festival passes start at $30, with full access available for $75. Visit BRUFF for more information. Jenika Kolacz notes that BRUFF's mission goes beyond screenings. “We really want to celebrate independent filmmaking as a whole,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces where filmmakers can collaborate, share resources, and build careers together. The festival's organizers also experimented this year with a free FilmFreeway submission day to eliminate financial barriers for filmmakers who might otherwise be unable to afford festival fees. The guests also discuss the broader challenges facing Louisiana's film industry, including fluctuating production levels, workforce sustainability, and the need to better support local filmmakers, not just outside productions utilizing Louisiana tax credits. “Those local filmmakers, those are the people we need to be supporting,” Bordelon says. Despite the challenges, the episode is ultimately an optimistic look at Louisiana's creative future. Whether through Southern Screen Festival's expansion into animation and year-round programming, or BRUFF's fast-growing grassroots momentum in Baton Rouge, all three guests emphasize the same goal: creating spaces where Louisiana filmmakers can collaborate, learn, experiment, and build sustainable creative careers right here at home. Learn more about Southern Screen, Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival, Manship Theatre, and Create Louisiana.
The Heartland Apicultural Society returns to Michigan State University May 30–31, 2026, bringing together beekeepers from across the region for two days of education, networking, and hands-on learning. In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Ana Heck of Michigan State University and Dr. Robyn Underwood of Penn State University to preview the upcoming conference and explain why this event offers something valuable for everyone from beginning beekeepers to experienced sideliners. This year's conference emphasizes practical learning. Ana explains that Michigan State University is setting up apiaries near the conference center so participants can attend in-hive workshops covering colony inspections, splits, varroa management, queen finding, and other management topics. Unlike many spring conferences held during colder months, the late-May timing allows attendees to work directly with live colonies. The conference will also include laboratory workshops focused on honey bee anatomy, dissections, and microscopic diagnosis of bacterial brood diseases including American foulbrood and European foulbrood. Participants will have opportunities to work with microscopes and diagnostic techniques under the guidance of university researchers and instructors. Featured keynote speakers include Dr. Jennifer Tsuruda, Dr. Jeff Harris, Dr. Reed Johnson, and Dr. Robyn Underwood. Robin discusses her presentations on drones and drone congregation areas, spotted lanternfly honeydew honey, and efficient apiary inspections. Ana also outlines conference registration details, early registration pricing, and the limited-capacity laboratory sessions available for attendees who register early. Whether you are a first-year beekeeper or a seasoned beekeeper looking to deepen your knowledge, the Heartland Apicultural Society Conference offers a strong mix of science, practical management, and community. Registration and conference information can be found at: Heartland Apicultural Society 2026 Registration ______________ Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping. Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening! Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC
Tonight on The Conway Show, the 8 PM hour starts with some good news out of Orange County, where six inspiring educators have been honored as Teachers of the Year. Among them is Brittany Walters, a longtime kindergarten teacher at Dr. Peter Marshall Elementary in the Magnolia School District, recognized for hands-on learning and her focus on the emotional needs of young students. Then Conway turns to the massive Ontario warehouse fire, where the burned-out Kimberly-Clark distribution center is set for demolition after a devastating six-alarm blaze allegedly started by a worker in April. Officials say the 1.2-million-square-foot site remains a major hazard even weeks after the fire. At 8:20, Los Angeles leaders announce a major crackdown on organized burglary crews, with more than 100 suspects arrested as LAPD says burglaries are down significantly from last year. Conway breaks down what it means for homeowners, businesses, and public safety across L.A. At 8:35, the show digs into the disturbing black market for Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash driver accounts, where accounts are being rented or sold online, allowing people to bypass background checks and identity verification. Then at 8:50, Conway looks ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup at SoFi Stadium, where many Los Angeles-area hotels say bookings are below expectations despite the city hosting multiple matches. Industry reports point to high ticket prices, visa delays, and expensive hotel rates as major factors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.