Podcasts about school radio

We examine a school bus shooting in Pennsylvania, how the federal BUILD 250 Act would cut Safe Streets and Roads for All funding, and transportation's role in student absenteeism. Speaker, author and branding expert Bruce Turkel shares why it's important for school bus operations to build a brand in an age of increasing multi-modality, discusses leveraging emotions over facts to reach the right audience, and previews his musical STN EXPO West training in July. Read more about operations. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School Radio. 

Summer break is upon us but student transporters are already ramping up for the new school year amid financial challenges. Plus, the June issue of School Transportation News magazine is out, and a camera caught a scary illegal passing incident that injured a student in Florida. Ryan Hahn, owner of Strategic School Consultants and a former transportation director, sheds light on current school district financial hardships, creative and collaborative operational strategies, and his upcoming sessions on the topic at STN EXPO West this July. Read more about operations. Episode isponsors: Transfinder, School Radio. 

“పిల్లలు మాట్లాడరు” అనేది సమస్య కాదు…“వారికి మాట్లాడే అవకాశం ఇవ్వడం లేదు” అనేదే అసలు సమస్య!అందుకే పిల్లల్లో దాగి ఉన్న సృజనాత్మకతకు, ఆత్మవిశ్వాసానికి ఒక వేదికగా మారుతోంది School Radio.10,000+ విద్యార్థులు, టీచర్లకు ట్రైనింగ్ ఇచ్చి…7,000+ unique voices‌ను ప్రపంచానికి వినిపిస్తూ…22 రాష్ట్రాల్లో పిల్లల ఆలోచనలకు ఒక వేదికగా మారింది ఈ రేడియో.రేడియోలో మాట్లాడడం నేర్పించే ప్రయత్నం మాత్రమే కాదు ఇది… భయంతో, సిగ్గుతో మౌనంగా ఉండిపోయే పిల్లల్లో ఆత్మవిశ్వాసాన్ని నింపే ఒక అద్భుతమైన ప్రయాణం.మైక్ ముందు ధైర్యంగా మాట్లాడటం నుంచి… తమ ఆలోచనలను స్వేచ్ఛగా వ్యక్తపరచడం వరకు… communication skills, creativity, leadership, teamwork వంటి ఎన్నో life skills‌ను పిల్లలు ఎలా నేర్చుకుంటున్నారో ఈ పాడ్కాస్ట్ లో వివరించారు… ఆ సంస్థ co - founder అరుణ గారు!స్కూల్ కు వెళ్లే ప్రతి విద్యార్ధి తల్లిదండ్రులు, టీచర్లు, విద్యార్థులు తప్పకుండా వినాల్సిన పాడ్కాస్ట్ ఇది! మిస్ అవ్వకండి!“Children don't speak” is not the real problem…“The real problem is that they are not given the opportunity to speak.”That's why School Radio has become a platform for creativity and confidence in children.By training more than 10,000+ students and teachers,and amplifying 7,000+ unique voices to the world,this initiative has reached 22 states, giving children's thoughts a powerful platform.This is not just about teaching kids to speak on radio…It is a journey that builds confidence in children who were once silent due to fear and shyness.From speaking confidently in front of a microphone… to freely expressing their thoughts…children are developing essential life skills like communication, creativity, leadership, and teamwork.In this podcast, the journey and vision behind this powerful initiative is beautifully explained by the co-founder, Aruna.A must-listen episode for every parent, teacher, and student!Don't miss it!Host: BharathGuest: Aruna Katragadda#SchoolRadio #ChildDevelopment #CommunicationSkills #CreativeLearning #StudentVoices #FutureSkills #PodcastTelugu 

Safety and training are forefront as the NTSB is investigating a Tennessee school bus crash that killed two teenage girls and an Oregon school bus driver was arrested for allegedly transporting students while intoxicated. Plus, new Clean School Bus program details are incoming, just in time for STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada this July. Jim Levine, founder of the School Transportation Active Threat Response Training, or S.T.A.R.T., joins us to discuss how school bus drivers can serve as the first line of defense against threats by interacting kindly with students and becoming trained on response tactics. His team brings its law enforcement, Secret Service, SWAT and School Resource Officer experience to an upcoming 4-hour training at STN EXPO West.   Read more about safety. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School Radio, RTA. 

We cover industry shoutouts, conference connections, a terrifying bus vs. train encounter and Diesel Emissions Reduction Act updates. "One thing about transportation [is] it's never boring."Transportation Supervisor Melody Best offers a behind-the-scenes look at how operations are handled in Kenai Peninsula Borough School District in Alaska amid adverse weather, multiple school closures, budget cuts, technology needs and even moose in the road. She also shares the benefits of participating in the STN EXPO East Mentorship Program in Charlotte, North Carolina last month. Read more about operations. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School Radio, RTA.

Conversations on a fatal Texas school bus crash that killed two girls last month, a new funding strategies playbook that includes transportation opportunities, and the National School Bus Inspection Training Program offered at STN EXPO East and STN EXPO West. Keith Corso identified operational challenges while riding his high school bus, then went on to co-found technology provider BusRight. Now as CEO, he discusses tools to support student transporters and recent success at Poughkeepsie City School District in New York. Read more about operations. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School Radio, RTA, BusRight.

Tony and Taylor review the most compelling takeaways from STN EXPO East in Charlotte, Noth Carolina this past week. From rock star leadership and workplace culture advice, to a bus mirror training that went viral, to the latest in cutting edge tech shown on the Trade Show floor, attendees and vendors connected in meaningful ways. Last year, bus window and glass provider Lippert acquired seating supplier Freedman Seating and HVAC manufacturer Trans/Air. Dan Cohen, vice president of sales for Lippert's transportation products group, and Austin Lehnert, regional sales manager for Trans/Air by Lippert, join us to share new safety technology innovations. Read more STN EXPO East coverage. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School Radio, RTA.

Christopher Faust, transportation director for Sangamon Valley CUSD #9 in Illinois and John Daniels, vice president of marketing for Transfinder, discuss utilizing multiple "finder" technologies to assist in operational and procurement challenges at the district. They also share how and why to participate in the Top Transportation Teams challenge, which is led by Transfinder and currently accepting signups. Marty Savino, national account manager for School-Radio, explains communications upgrades that districts can make for increased safety and security during incidents like school shootings. Michelle Summers, assistant director of transportation for Lamar Consolidated Independent School District in Texas, discusses the value of coming to conferences and participating in the inaugural STN Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Program, as well as superintendent relationships and technology upgrades. Read more STN EXPO East coverage. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School-Radio.

We consider what recent headlines mean to the school transportation industry: proposed updates to the Clean School Bus Program, Blue Bird fully acquiring Micro Bird, Trump tariffs being struck down and safety conversations at STN EXPO East this March. Mike Ippolito, chief operating officer of School Radio, discusses the future of bus communications – including multi-carrier SIM cards and satellites – and what school districts looking to the future should know to maximize safety and efficiency. Real-world emergency scenarios and radio as a service are also examined. Read more about operations. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, EverDriven, School Radio.

We discuss the potential impact of the national jobs report on school district budgets, the DOT's non-domiciled CDL final rule and cutting-edge technology takeaways from the Geotab Connect conference.  "It's all about service: I went from servicing my country to now servicing my community." Bernando Brown, director of student transportation for DeKalb County School District in Georgia, shares how his military experience shaped his work ethic, leadership style and focus on training and mentorship. He also discusses handling retention, budgeting and operational challenges. Read more about leadership. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, EverDriven, School Radio.

Insights on national school bus contractor First Student's purchase of Chicago area contractor Cook Illinois Corp., the Blue Bird 2026 Q1 earnings report, and a California study on lap/shoulder seatbelt efficacy. "Make sure the right people are on the right seats on the bus." Heather Perry, superintendent of Schools for Maine's Gorham Public Schools, was named as one of four finalists for the 2026 National Superintendent of the Year Award by AASA, The School Superintendents Association. She discusses her leadership journey, winter transportation operations, the value of collaboration and staff support, and a robust student career support program. Read more about leadership. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, EverDriven, School Radio.

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes first-time guest Marty Savino, National Accounts Manager at School Radio and a 2026 NSTA Midwinter Meeting MST Tech Panelist. The conversation begins with Marty sharing his background and how he became involved in the student transportation industry. Marty gives Curt and listeners a high-level look at School Radio and discusses his contributions to the MST Panel, Averting Disaster: Tech Goes Down, Be Prepared, during the 2026 NSTA Midwinter Meeting. Marty shares why operators should focus on communication reliability and how School Radio prepares for moments when technology goes down. The duo highlight some of the biggest communication challenges facing school transportation departments today, along with emerging technology trends that industry professionals should be watching in the years ahead. The conversation lightens with a friendly debate over Illinois deep-dish versus New Jersey pizza and other regional food favorites. The episode closes with Marty sharing where listeners can learn more about School Radio. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop- NSTA Vendor Partners can take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that will help you reach your target audience - private school bus operators!Support the show

The February edition of STN magazine is out, where we continue discussions on the oversight of autonomous vehicles and alternative student transportation. Plus, sign up for school bus inspection training and many more learning opportunities at STN EXPO East in Charlotte, North Carolina, this March. In the aftermath of a high-profile school bus rollover last August at Leander Independent School District in Central Texas, Director of Transportation Tracie Franco talks lessons learned in emergency response, lap-shoulder seatbelt enforcement, first responder collaboration and staff training. Read more about crashes. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, EverDriven, School Radio.

Analysis on the annual National School Bus Loading and Unloading Survey which found six students were killed by school buses over the 2024-2025 school year, a safety PSA in the works around the upcoming Super Bowl, and new plans to dismantle the Department of Education.  We are joined by the two youngest transportation directors in Washington state, Cassidy Miller (22) of Cashmere School District, also a Child Passenger Safety Technician and a 2024 STN Rising Star, and her boyfriend Bowen Mitchell (24) at Entiat School District. They discuss leadership strategies, operational insights, TSD Conference attendance and more. Read more about operations. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, RIDE, School Radio.

Tony, Ryan and Taylor recap the lessons, experiences and takeaways from the Transporting Students with Disabilities & Special Needs (TSD) Conference and Trade Show last week. It covered evacuation training in a smoke-filled school bus, legal issues like onboard sexual assaults or objectionable clothing, tips to promote good student behavior, an in-depth session on deafness and much more. Read more TSD Conference news. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, RIDE, School Radio.

EverDriven CEO Mitch Bowling reviews how the alternative transportation company prioritizes safety standards and promotes collaborative brainstorming to provide safe service to the ever-growing population of students with special needs. AlphaRoute CEO John Hanlon shares real-life stories about districts that have optimized daily operations by leveraging routing technology and discusses how the upcoming AI solution "Alphie" can help. Keba Baldwin is the director of transportation for Prince George's County Public Schools in Maryland and STN's newest Transportation Director of the Year. He joins us to discuss his career history and leadership style. Read more TSD Conference news. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, RIDE, School Radio.

Marty Savino, national account manager for School-Radio, shares how reliable bus radios support student safety and provide dependable communication services for school bus operations. For the three-year anniversary of the founding of FirstAlt by First Student, Vice President Gregg Prettyman addresses common misconceptions about alternative transportation safety standards, as well as a Samsara partnership incorporating live video for added oversight. Tim Logan, director of transportation for Garland Independent School District in Texas, and John Daniels, vice president of marketing for Transfinder, discuss how Transfinder technology helps the transportation department streamline operations and better serve students with special needs and their families. Read more TSD Conference news. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, RIDE, School Radio.

Discover the new STN Transportation Director of the Year featured on our November issue cover. Other headlines include a NHTSA investigation after a driverless Waymo car illegally passed a stopped school bus and NTSB recommendations on seatbelts following a Texas school bus crash. Frank Girardot, senior communications director for RIDE, discusses the electric school bus manufacturer's School Bus Safety Week efforts. Jennifer Gardella, director of transportation for Rockwall Independent School District in Texas and a 2025 STN Rising Star, discusses her childcare background, improving student relationships, training staff and receiving inspiration from fellow student transporters. Read more about operations. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, RIDE, School Radio. 

The struggle continues over E-Rate funding for school bus Wi-Fi, the NCST addresses the omission of alternative transportation in its national specs manual, and NASCAR star power boosts a school bus illegal passing PSA in Michigan. Just announced: the Zonar Bus Suite, an all-in-one routing ecosystem. During July's STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada, STN Publisher and President Tony Corpin caught up with Zonar CEO Charles Kriete and ez enRoute Founder Amit Anand to discuss their partnership that produced this solution. Brad Hayn, director of transportation for Hoover City Schools in Alabama and a 2025 Top Transportation Teams Award winner, discusses building relationships for a cohesive team and successful technology implementation. Read more about operations. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School-Radio.

Headlines on tragic violent incidents, electric endeavors, drug testing, a bus fire and more. Sean Hollas, interim transportation director for Goddard Public Schools in Kansas and a 2025 Top Transportation Teams Award winner, discusses fostering positive workplace culture and leveraging technology for efficiency. Take a look behind the operational curtain with Brenda Boyd, transportation director for Holland Public Schools in Michigan and the Technology Super User featured on the STN September issue cover. Read more about operations. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School-Radio.

Dive into school bus safety, technology and data security in the new STN September issue. We also analyze a Canadian study on electric bus equity and the school bus industry's lobbying efforts in the U.S. Lisa Navarra, certified child behavior specialist, author and upcoming TSD Conference keynote speaker, discusses bringing together education and transportation personnel to support good behavior in student bus riders with special needs. Read more about special needs. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School-Radio. 

Headlines on the 2025 National Association for Pupil Transportation award winners, a new study on the financial savings of electric school buses, and the clean fuel choices districts are making. “Our work is nowhere near done.” Mother and educator Michele Gay joins us for a heartfelt conversation about her daughter with special needs, losing her in the 2014 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, subsequently co-founding Safe and Sound Schools, the continued need for classroom and bus safety advocacy, and her upcoming TSD Conference keynote. Read more about special needs. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School-Radio.

Magic tricks, Wi-Fi updates, an OEM panel, data security, leadership advice, evacuation training in a smoking bus and more! Tony, Ryan and Taylor discuss highlights from STN EXPO West that wrapped up last week in Reno, Nevada. Read more STN EXPO West coverage. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School-Radio, RIDE.

David Weber, business development manager for School-Radio, analyzes new bus radio and communication technology solutions that can optimize district operations. Regional Sales Manager James Holtz gives us a glimpse of the innovative new electric school bus Blade Battery from RIDE. Amidst rapid developments in the clean fuel school bus market, Francisco “Paco” Lagunas, general manager of the North American bus market for Cummins, and Richard Garvin, director of strategy and commercial business development, present answers from the energy leader. Director of Transportation Teri Mapengo discusses operations, technology and fostering the kind of positive workplace culture that won Prosper Independent School District in Texas a Top Transportation Teams award at this week's STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada. Read more STN EXPO West coverage. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School-Radio, RIDE, Cummins. 

Learn more about STN's Innovator of Year in the new July issue and get excited for STN EXPO West this month. Additionally, Washington D.C. experiments with speed limiters. Christopher Faust, transportation director for Sangamon Valley CUSD #9 in Illinois and a 2024 STN Rising Star, discusses leading a new district, surviving tornadoes and a windstorm that blew away part of a facility, facilitating technology and teamwork improvements, and anticipation for STN EXPO West. Read more about operations and see the STN EXPO agenda. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, RIDE, School-Radio. 

Legislative and geopolitical updates that will affect school bus Wi-Fi, clean fuel decisions, nus manufacturing and more. Kerry Somerville, CEO of Transportation Planning Solutions, shares tips on routing technology, AI and data security. Join him for a deep dive in his “School Bus Routing 101” session at STN EXPO West on July 11, 2025. Read more about routing and see the STN EXPO agenda. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School-Radio. 

School districts attempt to navigate the clean fuel struggle between the California Air Resources Board and the Trump administration. Chicago uses multimodal systems to provide student service. Quanika Dukes-Spruill, executive director of transportation services for the Newark Board of Education's Office of Pupil Transportation in New Jersey, discusses working with contractors, securing Medicaid reimbursements, and implementing electric buses and alternative transportation. Read more about operations. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School-Radio. 

Congress debates green regulations as bus manufacturers and school districts adjust and wait. The Great Seatbelt Debate continues as Illinois moves closer to requiring lap/shoulder belts on school buses. Denise Donaldson is the editor and publisher of Safe Ride News Publications and an instructor for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's child passenger safety technician course offered at STN EXPO and the TSD Conference. She discusses training, guidelines, and legislation updates relating to the securement and transportation of young students or those with special needs. Read more about special needs. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School-Radio.

Get updates on the EPA Clean School Bus Program and dive into the State of Sustainable Fleets Report. Gaurav Sharda, chief technology officer at Beacon Mobility, discusses how an improved relationship between IT and student transportation improves efficiency, safety and service for families. Read more about technology. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School Radio.

The seatbelt debate is reignited after a fatal South Carolina school bus crash. Learn more about safety equipment and procedures being considered by the National Congress on School Transportation and stay tuned for onsite coverage from its 17th meeting as well as the upcoming Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo. Amazement Artist™, Hall of Fame speaker and professional magician Jon Petz discusses creating significance in simple moments for a more engaged workforce, which he will expand upon in his upcoming keynote at STN EXPO West and the Transportation Director Summit in Reno this July. Read more about operations. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School Radio.

Breakdowns of the federal Driving Forward Act's impact on school bus driver training, new student transportation topics being covered by the National Congress on School Transportation writing committee, and doing what's best for the children. Monique Jackson, area manager for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina, discusses her passion for education access, her children's book “Gus, the Talking Safety Bus,” and teaching students school bus safety. Read more about safety. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School Radio.

Tony, Taylor and Ryan cover recent news headlines, analyze federal tariff and funding updates, and recap the action and takeaways from STN EXPO East in Charlotte, North Carolina, last month. Hear thoughts from Joshua Hinerman, director of transportation for Robertson County Schools in Tennessee, as well as several attendees of STN EXPO East, on the starting ages and appropriate training for school bus drivers.   Read more about drivers. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School Radio.

During STN EXPO East in Charlotte, North Carolina, STN Publisher Tony Corpin caught up with several friends in the school bus supplier market and found out about their new and exciting products and developments. Francisco Lagunas, general manager of the North American bus market for Cummins, provides updates on the highly anticipated new B7.2 diesel and Octane engines. Mike Ippolito, chief operating officer for School Radio, covers the safety benefits of modernized two-way radio communications, including AI voice transcription of calls. Steve Randazzo, chief growth officer for BusPatrol America, talks illegal passing reduction efforts including stop-arm camera enforcement solutions at no upfront cost to school districts. Transportation Supervisor Todd Silverthorn and Assistant Transportation Supervisor Henry Mullen share about operations at Kettering City Schools, Ohio. They're joined by John Daniels, vice president of marketing for technology partner Transfinder. Plus, hear how attendees onsite are combating the school bus driver shortage.  Read more about the conversations at STN EXPO East. Episode & interview sponsors: Transfinder, RIDE, Buspatrol, Cummins, School Radio. 

Tony and Taylor are back, discussing news headlines and why it's valuable to attend conferences like the upcoming STN EXPO East in Charlotte, North Carolina. “I didn't know you could get an award for doing something you liked already,” Superintendent Dr. Walter B. Gonsoulin, Jr. said of a childhood reading award that draws parallels to his current nomination for Super of the Year from AASA, The School Superintendents Association. He and Transportation Director Kevin Snowden discuss the passion, care, technology and collaboration that serves the students at Jefferson County Schools in Alabama. Read more about leadership. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School Radio.

School districts and transportation departments seek clarity on tariff impacts, federal funding sources, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency raids on or around school buses. “You need the money there to attract people in – but when they come in and you have good people, you need that culture there to keep them.” Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, superintendent of Peoria Public Schools District 150 in Illinois, is a finalist for the AASA Superintendent of the Year award. Transportation Director Joshua Collins pulls back the curtain on how the district smoothly collaborates to retain school bus drivers and support student success goals. Read more about leadership. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School Radio. 

Ryan and Tony discuss potential school bus industry shifts in response to U.S. presidential moves on zero-emissions and tariffs, shed light on misleading headlines, and review OEM business updates. AASA: The School Superintendents Association is on the front lines fighting for education and student service in the U.S. Supreme Court. Noelle Ellerson Ng, AASA associate executive director of advocacy & governance, analyzes a pending case questioning the constitutionality of the Universal Services Fund, which in part funds E-Rate, school bus Wi-Fi and homework access for students in rural areas. Read more about government. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School Radio. 

Plushies

Keynote trainers and conversations at the TSD Conference and Trade Show last week focused on seeing students with special needs as people first and consistently supporting them in their distinctive requirements. “I always ask: ‘Is this in the best interest of the kid?'” Dana Rosen, TSD keynote speaker and assistant director of transportation services for student safety and support for Cypress-Fairbanks ISD in Texas, shares how she uses her special education background to support both transportation staff and students with special needs on the school bus ride. Read more about special needs. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School-Radio.

STN Publisher and President Tony Corpin sat down with a few special guests at this week's Transporting Students with Disabilities & Special Needs (TSD) Conference and Trade Show. Gregg Prettyman, vice president of FirstAlt by contractor First Student, shares the program's successes in serving students with special needs or disabilities and dispels myths about the alternative transportation industry. Mike Ippolito, general manager of School Radio by Diga-Talk, shares how product developments like a new Wi-Fi-enabled radio can increase school bus connectivity and student safety.    Transfinder's Vice President of Marketing John Daniels and client Annette “Kecia” Ling, transportation director of operations and planning for Savannah-Chatham County Public School System in Georgia, discuss leveraging technology to provide uniquely customized transportation service for students with special needs. Hear soundbites from some of our attendees as they share what they found useful amid the learning, training and networking at the TSD Conference and Trade Show.  Read more about special needs. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School Radio.

School bus seat belt legislation is back in Congress. STN's November issue includes features on industry leadership, EV battery technology, and more. “We find a way to make it happen.” Craig Beaver, administrator of transportation for Beaverton School District near Portland, Oregon, and the 2024 STN Transportation Director of the Year, discusses the paths that led him to his current storied leadership position, as well as the knowledge and technology that goes into school bus driver retention and clean bus trailblazing. Read more about leadership. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School-Radio.

A stunning tribute to the resilience of Native people and their way of life, SUGARCANE, the debut feature documentary from Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie, is an epic cinematic portrait of a community during a moment of international reckoning. In 2021, evidence of unmarked graves was discovered on the grounds of an Indian residential school run by the Catholic Church in Canada. After years of silence, the forced separation, assimilation and abuse many children experienced at these segregated boarding schools was brought to light, sparking a national outcry against a system designed to destroy Indigenous communities. Set amidst a groundbreaking investigation, SUGARCANE illuminates the beauty of a community breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma and finding the strength to persevere. Co-directors Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie join us for a conversation on how their focus on the subject changed during the filming of SUGARCANE, getting know the dedicated people like Whitney Spearing and Charlene Belleau who devoted themselves to uncovering the repugnant history of St. Joseph's Residential School, capturing the relationship between Julian and his father, Ed Archie NoiseCat and filming the disturbing meeting between the Rick Gilbert, Former First Nation Chief, and the Vatican's Superior General Louis Lougen. For more go to: nationalgeographic.com/sugarcane

HAPPY CAMPERS chronicles the final days of a working-class summer colony in a scrappy trailer park that just happens to hold the secret to a rich life. In a waterfront campground off the coast of Virginia, residents spend their summers living spitting distance apart in rust-bitten RVs. They chuckle about the modest rent they pay for a million-dollar location, but what makes them the luckiest people in the world is more than just stunning sunsets, it's the community they've created. Beneath cliched trailer park stereotypes lies an unlikely utopia where all are welcome. Neighbors help each other out, and share everything from power tools to simple pleasures. Loneliness and isolation are inconceivable. When their affordable paradise is sold to developers, the residents brace for eviction and the loss of friendships that span generations. They hold tight to their final days in the sun. The well-heeled crowd that takes their place will never be as wealthy. Director Amy Nicholson (Zipper: Coney Island's Last Wild Ride) stops by to talk about how she discovered this magical community, gaining the confidence of the denizens, her own history vacationing there and why the loss of places like Inlet Park is undermining our connection with one another. For more go to: happycampers.film

WATER BROTHER: THE SID ABBRUZZI STORY follows the life of surf and skate core legend and cultural icon Sid Abbruzzi, and his commitment to protecting the sports' history and culture. Through a mix of never-before-seen archival film, large format cinematic footage, and personal interviews from culture giants like Tony Hawk, Shepard Fairey, Selema Masekela and more; we are taken on a journey through surfing and skating history - from 1960s Newport to Santa Cruz, Cocoa Beach, South Africa's Jeffrey's Bay, and beyond. As Sid approaches the age of 72, the film captures the final days of his famous Water Brothers Surf & Skate shop as it is set to be demolished and the impact it had on the surf and skate community. WATER BROTHER emphasizes the importance of memory, personal history, and living in the moment, reminding us to cherish our past and preserve cultural heritage. The film is a poignant reflection on a life well-lived and a heartfelt tribute to the enduring spirit of surf culture. It celebrates the individuals and places that transcend surfing and skating from mere hobbies, showing how one man's dedication can inspire an entire community. Co-directors Charles Kinnane & Daniel Kinnane join us to talk about the impact that Sid, his family and Water Brothers Surf & Skate shop has had on them, what was it about the surf and skate lifestyle that inspired them to pick up a camera and tell this story, and the love for Sid that permeates Water Brother: The Sid Abruzzi Story. For more go to: waterbrotherfilm.com

Director John McDermott's Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision  chronicles the creation of the groundbreaking recording studio, Electric Lady Studios. Rising from the rubble of a bankrupt Manhattan nightclub to becoming a state-of-the-art recording facility inspired by Hendrix's desire for a permanent studio, Electric Lady Studios was the first ever artist-owned commercial recording studio. Hendrix had first envisioned creating an experiential nightclub, inspired by the short-lived Greenwich Village nightspot Cerebrum, whose patrons donned flowing robes and were inundated by flashing lights, spectral images, and swirling sound. Hendrix enjoyed the Cerebrum experience so much that he asked its architect, John Storyk, to work with him and his manager, Michael Jeffery, to transform what had once been the Generation Club into “an electric studio of participation.” Shortly after acquiring the Generation Club lease however, Hendrix was steered from building a nightclub to creating a commercial recording studio. Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision includes never-before-seen footage and photos as well as track breakdowns of Hendrix classics such as “Freedom,” “Angel” and “Dolly Dagger” by recording engineer Eddie Kramer. In addition to Kramer the film also includes appearances by John Storyk (Architect, Electric Lady Studios), Billy Cox (Band of Gypsy bassist), Mitch Mitchell (Experience drummer), Steve Winwood  (Spencer Davis, Blind Faith), and Blues legend Buddy Guy. Director John McDermott joins us to talk about Jimi Hendrix's burning desire to create music and provide a welcoming space for musicians to thrive. Electric Lady Studios has become the creative home to artists such as Stevie Wonder, The Rolling Stones, John Lennon, David Bowie, Beyoncé and some of the most celebrated music of all time. For more go to: ajimihendrixvision.com Or go to: abramorama.com/electric-lady-studios To watch, go to: ajimihendrixvision.com/showtimes

In their sophomore feature film co-directors Steven Kanter and Henry Loevner track the story of New York yuppies Amy and Max during their time in the wealthy resort town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming while on a summer vacation. Amy wants to enjoy a romantic getaway with her fiancé. But Max neglects Amy to spend the week working, leaving her to wander town alone. Amy finds a friend in Loren, a local wilderness guide who takes her fly fishing. She's immediately drawn to this magnetic, free spirited stranger. Both lonely and lost in their own lives, Amy and Loren share an instant connection. When Max is called away on business, Amy & Loren spend the week together exploring the Tetons. As her bond with Loren grows into something more than friendship, Amy questions whether she'll return to NYC with Max after all. Co-directors Steven Kanter and Henry Loevner (The End of Us) stop by to talk about their inspiration for making the film, working with superb cast that includes; Claudio Restrepo, Derrick Joseph DeBlasis, and Ben Coleman, and why they decided to set the film in a mountain resort town. For more go to: visitfilms.com/peak-season For more: peakseasonfilm.com

Our August issue showcases the 2024 Garage Stars and augmented reality coming to the bus garage. We dissect what the latest U.S. presidential race updates mean to the industry, as well as federal developments affecting E-Rate funding for bus Wi-Fi and the de-classification of marijuana as a Schedule I drug. Additionally, results are in from the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation 12th illegal passing survey. Michael Ippolito, general manager of School Radio, discusses improving communications, safety and operational efficiency with two-way school bus radios. Read more about technology.

Can old school radio work in today's world? From old bits, to countdowns, shout outs, freestyles, and more.

Nikki reminisced about being on her high school radio station. Her biggest listeners were inmates from the local prison. Whip's Hot Take wonders why we can't get the weather reports correct. Happy New Kids on the Block Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nikki reminisced about being on her high school radio station. Her biggest listeners were inmates from the local prison. Whip's Hot Take wonders why we can't get the weather reports correct. Happy New Kids on the Block Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices