In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, host Zach Kinzler talks with Mike Kentz, founder of Zentex Educational Advisors and former middle and high school teacher.Mike’s story is one that every educator should hear: he went from actively avoiding AI to building an entire company around helping teachers not just adopt AI—but thrive with it.This isn’t just a conversation about tools—it’s a deep, personal, and empowering discussion about mindset, transformation, and what it means to be an educator in an AI-powered world.In this episode, you'll hear:How Mike spent 8–10 months ignoring ChatGPT—and whyThe book that changed everything (hint: 🧀)Why standardized testing might be the biggest obstacle to real innovationWhat teachers can do today to start learning AI, without pressureHow AI can actually create jobs for teachers—not replace themWhat a future classroom looks like when AI and educators work togetherWhether you’re a teacher, administrator, or education leader, this episode offers a roadmap to AI literacy grounded in honesty, humility, and hope.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes Greg Kessler, Professor of Innovative Learning Design and Technology at Ohio University, to explore the evolving intersection of language education, technology, and cultural context. Drawing on more than two decades of international consulting—with the U.S. Department of State among many partners, alongside universities, ministries of education, and NGOs worldwide—Greg shares how teachers can integrate new tools without losing the human and cultural heart of learning.They trace the evolution of educational technology—from pre-internet classrooms and early chatbots like ELIZA to today’s AI-driven tools—revealing how innovation often cycles back with new accessibility and scale. The conversation centers on teacher and learner autonomy, authentic technology use, and how educators worldwide can adapt tools to fit their cultural contexts. Greg’s reflections highlight a timeless principle: technology should amplify learning, not replace it.Key Topics Discussed:The early roots of AI in language education and what’s truly new about today’s toolsHow to identify technology that adds authentic value versus “digital noise”Using social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram for meaningful language practiceTeacher and learner autonomy across different cultural settingsAvoiding “cognitive bypass” when using AI in EFL and language learningThe promise of virtual and augmented reality for global collaborationInnovation as a mindset: turning educational challenges into opportunitiesGuest Bio: Greg Kessler is Professor of Innovative Learning Design and Technology at Ohio University. He has worked with educators across more than 40 countries to promote meaningful technology integration in English language teaching. His research focuses on teacher autonomy, AI, and the evolution of computer-assisted language learning.Host Bio: Seth Fleischauer is the founder and president of Banyan Global Learning, an international education company delivering experiential learning that builds global competency. A former classroom teacher, Seth is passionate about exploring how global learning and mindful innovation can transform education.Episode Links:Greg Kessler on LinkedInGreg Kessler’s Google SiteOur Next Reality: How the AI-powered Metaverse Will Reshape the World by Alvin Wang Graylin and Louis Rosenberg

How much impact and influence do you have as a leader?Meet Dusty Holcomb!Dusty believes that Leadership isn’t about titles or power. It’s about impact—serving others, solving problems, and driving results.For more than 26 years, he has led at the highest levels as a President, CEO, and Senior Executive. Dusty's focus has always been the same: clear purpose, bold action, and empowering others to succeed. That’s what servant leadership looks like. Every day, he shares leadership insights that cut through the noise and get to the heart of what works.Listen as Dusty shares:- how to become the leader you were born to be- how to have impact on your team- communication being key to your leadership success- the impact of setting an example- having influence no matter your station- being able to separate the human and the title / responsibilities- leadership co-horts that are effective- what 'accountability' really means- self-leadership and identifying those blind spots...and so much more!After 20+ years as a Senior Executive, Dusty is sharing all his insights so you can become the leader you were born to be.Connect with Dusty:Website: https://dustyholcomb.com/Website: https://arcqusgroup.com/Podcast: Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadership-unlocked-how-to-be-an-effective-leader-w/id1614151066?i=1000735011269Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2089DVWf5zIvjpi4vY6Xqg?si=9uiXUCqKRXG7YJkJpzv7PQYouTube: https://youtu.be/OIfAwmay4Fw

In this episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones interviews Joel Lavin, an equity and inclusion administrator in Eugene, Oregon, with 25 years of experience in public education. Joel shares insights into his work supporting high school students with disabilities, focusing on transition services that help students move from school to adulthood. The conversation covers the importance of inclusive practices, unifying specialized programs, and providing real-life experiences through initiatives like CTE (Career Technical Education) and the Future Build program. Joel and Jethro discuss the challenges and successes of integrating students with disabilities into broader educational and extracurricular opportunities, including unified sports and robotics. The episode features personal stories that highlight the impact of these programs on student confidence, independence, and community involvement, emphasizing the value of collaboration among educators to create inclusive environments.

In this episode, originally from De Facto Leaders with Dr. Karen, hear about:✅Business advice that creates ethical dilemmas for companies selling products to school districts.✅Can companies stand for equity without sacrificing product quality and customer service? ✅Who is the true end-user when products are sold to schools?✅When a product isn’t resulting in increased student outcomes, is it really just about the quality of the product? ✅Who is making purchasing decisions for schools, and what matters to them? About the guest:Ross Romano has worked with over 100 companies and nonprofit organizations in the education space and collaborated with countless schools, districts, and educators. Ross is founder of September Strategies, an award-winning consulting firm helping leaders and organizations connect vision to decision through coaching, strategic advisement, and marketing consulting. Ross is also co-founder of the BE Podcast Network, a media company producing 40+ series reaching more than 50,000 educators and parents every month. He is also Strategic Advisor for the American Consortium for Equity in Education and the Founding Program Chair of the Consortium’s Excellence in Equity Awards.Prior to starting September Strategies, Ross was Managing Director of MindRocket Media Group, a K-12 marketing firm. Previously, he was head of communications for ASCD, working closely with the organization’s authors, product developers, administrator members, constituent leaders, and advocacy teams on a diverse array of initiatives. Ross has created and/or hosted dozens of podcast series, written a number of white papers and ebooks, is a contributing editor to Educate AI Magazine, and has been a contributor to Entrepreneur, The Learning Counsel, edCircuit, Access & Equity PreK-12, and more.Ross serves on the advisory boards for Shenandoah University’s Transformative Leadership program and Morning Brew Learning. In 2023, he was listed as a Top 10 leadership coach of the year and was profiled by CIO Views as one of the visionary leaders transforming education.Learn more about the BE Podcast Network here: https://bepodcast.network/Listen to Ross on The Authority Podcast here: https://authoritypodcast.net/Listen to Ross on The Sideline Sessions Podcast here: https://ss.bepodcast.network/people/ross-romanoIn this episode, I mention the School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers develop a strategic plan for putting executive functioning support in place in collaboration with their school teams. You can learn more about that program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership