In this episode of Artificial Intelligence Real Talk, host Jethro Jones sits down with IT and cybersecurity expert Sam Bourgeois to explore how AI is transforming education—and the important questions schools must ask before diving in.Key Topics:AI as an equalizer for students with disabilities – Both Jethro and Sam share personal stories of how AI tools have helped their neurodivergent children communicate and learn in ways previously impossible, introducing the concept of "cognitive equity."Rethinking learning objectives – The conversation challenges educators to ask: What are we really measuring? If AI helps a student achieve the true learning goal, does it matter how they got there?Personalized instruction at scale – From customizing math problems to match student interests to creating AI tutors based on a teacher's expertise, the hosts discuss AI's potential to individualize learning without burning out teachers.Data privacy and risk management – Sam brings his cybersecurity lens to the discussion, raising concerns about student data collection, profiling, the right to be forgotten, and what happens when ed-tech companies get breached or acquired.The irreplaceable human element – Despite AI's capabilities, both agree that authentic human connection in teaching cannot be replaced—and that's where educators should focus their energy.Takeaway: Schools should embrace AI's potential to enhance learning while remaining vigilant about data privacy, asking the right questions, and keeping the focus on what truly benefits students.

In this episode from the Be Podcast Network original series, The Learning Bridge with Richard Gerver, bestselling author, global speaker, futurist, researcher, and consultant Chloe Combi shares her expertise on Generation Z and Generation A.Combi has interviewed over 20,000 young people globally and utilizes that expertise to help schools, brands, companies, governments, and institutions understand and prepare for the present and future.Her expertise, research and data has her in huge demand with global companies, brands and governments and whether they want insight pieces, future-proofing, coaching, high level and entertaining talks, TV or radio work or transformational creative input. In light of the recent Netflix series, Adolescence, this is a timely conversation about supporting young people in incredibly complex times.Subscribe to The Learning Bridge wherever you get your podcasts: https://thelearningbridge.bepodcast.network/subscribe About the hostRichard Gerver is a sought-after speaker, world-renowned thinker, and bestselling author of books including Change and Simple Thinking. His career began in education, first as a teacher and then as a school principal, when he turned the fortunes of a failing school and its pupils around in just two years.Now regarded as one of the world's leading thinkers on human leadership and organizational transformation, Richard has worked with an extraordinary range of people, from elite athletes to former US President Barack Obama. Named UK Business Speaker of the Year three times, Richard has been invited to speak on the world’s most recognized stages, including TED, the RSA and the BBC.

In this episode, Barb talks with Kurtis Hewson about what makes collaborative teams truly effective and how principals can build a culture where teachers solve problems together. Kurtis shares simple meeting structures that increase psychological safety and shared ownership, like clear norms, roles, and a predictable agenda. He breaks down the “Collaborative Team Meeting” format that helps teams focus on key issues, swap strategies, and leave with one clear action to try. You’ll also learn how this approach connects PLCs and MTSS and reduces reactive meetings over time.Connect with Kurtis at Jigsaw LearningDownload the Free Toolkit for Collaborative TeamsCheck out Barb's resource for Navigating Challenging Team Dynamics

 Every time you try to launch a new habit, your brain defaults to the "easy road"—the comfort of the status quo. Why? We dive into the neuroscience of resistance, explaining how the PFC Tax and the high-energy cost of forming new habits forces your brain to retreat to old, cheap pathways. Learn how the fear of uncertainty triggers the Amygdala Alarm, creating a stress response that pushes you back into your comfort zone. This episode gives you the Three Hacks to win, focusing on the power of the Smallest Viable Step and the PQ Reps as the ultimate neural circuit breaker. 

In this episode of Reading Inspires, Dr. Erin Bailey speaks with Sabetha Wells, Quality Assurance lead at Stauffer's Biscuit Company, about the meaningful connection between snack time and story time as Stauffers celebrates 155 years and RIF marks 60 years. Sabetha shares how her grandmother's tradition of reading "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" alongside Stauffer's holiday cookies inspired her career path, and discusses the rigorous safety measures behind their new Simply Animals crackers—now peanut-free and made without high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors. The conversation explores how the 13 animal shapes in Simply Animals crackers create natural opportunities for imaginative play, vocabulary building, and early literacy development, culminating in the new partnership book "Bryson's Rocket Riddles" where 20% of proceeds support RIF's literacy programs.About Sabetha Wells:Sabetha Wells is a seasoned food safety and quality executive with more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning manufacturing, food processing, regulatory compliance, and cross‑functional quality systems management. As Vice President of Food Safety and Quality at Meiji America/Stauffer’s Biscuit Company, she provides strategic leadership and technical expertise across two major production facilities, ensuring all products meet or exceed customer expectations, GFSI standards, and regulatory requirements. In this role, she guides executive decision‑making, mentors plant and corporate teams, and drives forward‑looking initiatives that elevate food safety culture, operational excellence, and organizational capability. Sabetha and her daughter like to pick out all the different Simply Animals characters and play with them by making the noises or create a scene before we eat them!As Reading Is Fundamental celebrates 60 years of advancing children’s literacy, we’re proud to team up with Stauffer’s Simply Animals for National Reading Month. Together, we’re bringing snack time and story time together to spark imagination and encourage families to make reading part of their everyday routines. Based on one of the Simply Animals characters, Bryson, our two organizations collaborated on a new book, Bryson’s Rocket Riddles, created to inspire curiosity, playful learning and a love of reading. A portion of the book proceeds will go toward supporting RIF’s literacy programs which will help expand access to books and resources for children nationwide.  To order, visit www.simplyanimals.com.