In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth talks with Dr. Alfonso "Fonz" Mendoza Jr. — Teaching and Learning Coordinator at Kami and host of My EdTech Life, a 373-episode podcast that has reached more than 8,500 educators — about what AI actually does and doesn't do for teachers, and what it means to find meaning in work when automation keeps changing what work looks like. This is a crossover episode, appearing on both Make It Mindful and My EdTech Life. Together, Seth and Fonz explore the argument that teachers remain the ultimate technology in the classroom — not because AI isn't capable, but because the ability to read a room, improvise, and form genuine relationships with students isn't something that scales to a statistical prediction machine. They talk about the difference between cognitive offloading and cognitive stunting, the concern that students aren't just delegating skills they've developed, but missing the chance to develop them at all. Fonz pushes back on the language of "neural networks" and "learning," drawing on Dr. Emily Bender's stochastic parrots framework to argue that borrowing human vocabulary for these tools obscures what they actually are. They get into AI governance at the district level, including why Texas still has no state AI policy, what it looks like when a task force actually follows through versus when the conversation dies at back-to-school season, and why equal stakeholder representation (including parents) changes what a policy can do. The episode closes with Fonz's signature speed round, with finding meaning in the concept of NOW. Key topics:The teacher as the ultimate technology in an AI-saturated classroomCognitive stunting vs. cognitive offloading in student AI useStochastic parrots and the danger of anthropomorphizing LLMsAI governance failures at the district levelTrust between students, teachers, and parents in the AI eraFinding purpose and meaning when automation reshapes workGenerational differences in AI attitudes (Gen Z vs. Gen Alpha) LINKS & RESOURCESMy EdTech Life podcast — myedtech.lifeKami — kamiapp.com (Fonz's current employer)Dr. Emily Bender — Stochastic Parrots paper — Bender, E.M., Gebru, T., McMillan-Major, A., & Shmitchell, S. (2021). "On the Dangers of Stochastic Parrots: Can Language Models Be Too Big?" FAccT 2021. https://s10251.pcdn.co/pdf/2021-bender-parrots.pdfKatherine Heavers episode — Make It Mindful https://mim.bepodcast.network/episodes/85-katherine-heaversBanyan Global Learning / Global Cohorts — https://www.banyangloballearning.com/programs/global-cohorts GUEST BIO: Dr. Alfonso "Fonz" Mendoza Jr.Dr. Alfonso "Fonz" Mendoza Jr. is the Teaching and Learning Coordinator at Kami and host of My EdTech Life, a podcast now six years old and 373 episodes in. His work focuses on responsible AI adoption in K–12 education, cutting through the hype to examine what technology actually does for teachers and students, and what it can't replace. He is a Google Innovator, Adobe Education Innovator, and 2024 EdTech Digest Leadership Award winner for Best EdTech Author/Speaker or Podcaster. ABOUT THE HOSTAbout the Host: Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and host of Make It Mindful: Insights for Global Learning. Through Banyan, he designs live virtual programs that connect K-12 classrooms to global peers and expert facilitators — building the kind of structured, human-centered learning the podcast explores. See https://banyangloballearning.com/

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with John Strong, a full professor in the SUNY system, coordinator of the Personal Training Certificate program, and a nationally recognized expert in health, fitness, and physical education. John challenges the idea that younger generations are automatically better with technology simply because they grew up surrounded by it. Instead, he argues that curiosity, experimentation, and a willingness to fail are what allow people of any age to confidently learn new tools—including AI. The conversation explores why education should focus less on grades and final products and more on the processes that create meaningful growth: asking better questions, collaborating, reflecting, and developing a sense of purpose. John also discusses the relationship between grit and intrinsic motivation, why educators should help students recognize their existing power rather than “empower” them, and how intentional language can reshape the way we approach challenges. For educators and leaders navigating rapid technological change, this episode is a powerful reminder that growth begins when we embrace uncertainty, learn from failure, and reconnect our work to a deeper purpose.

Are you staying in your comfort zone because it feels safe, or is it secretly holding you back from your true potential? Meet Stan Lewis! Stan is a Leadership Expert who explores how to shatter self-imposed limitations, master 360-degree leadership, and break free from mental captivity. On this episode, he shares actionable insights—including his powerful "Vantage Point Shift" model and his "Doubt Detox" framework—to help you stop letting negative self-talk squat rent-free in your mind and step boldly into your full capability. Key Takeaways & Highlights - why staying "safe" often causes more pain - how early conditioning creates invisible chains - how changing your perspective exposes limiting beliefs - why you don't need a title to lead - how active listening transforms team performance - how to identify, confront, and eliminate imposter syndrome ...and so much more! Connect with Stan: Website: stanlewis.net/home Free Resource: Download Stan's Doubt Detox Worksheet on his website. Upcoming Book: Evict the Doubts That Have Been Squatting Rent-Free in Your Mind (Releasing Sept 15) Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Apple: Spotify: YouTube: https://youtu.be/7_RztrwaVtA

Pete Hall joins Jethro Jones live at ISTE 2026 to discuss his new book, Reaching and Teaching Kids Who Don't Fit in the Box. They dig into the five core reasons students disengage from school (not fitting in, academic gaps, boredom, lack of support, and emotional struggles), and share practical strategies teachers can use immediately — including setting self-concordant student goals, using AI to personalize entry tasks around student interests, and asking "cognitive interest cue" questions that spark curiosity instead of just testing recall. The conversation also explores shifting from "who knows the answer" questioning to more inclusive approaches that invite all students to participate, even with wrong answers. Pete closes with details on his book's pre-sale discount.

Most educators feel overwhelmed by the rapid pace of change—until they discover how AI can become a trusted co-pilot, turning classroom chaos into creative momentum. In this episode, Kevin Honeycutt (https://www.kevinhoneycutt.org) shares the old-school wisdom and modern tech hacks that help teachers stay engaged, efficient, and future-ready. You’ll hear how Kevin uses AI to streamline lesson planning, organize resources, and spark student innovation through projects in fashion, STEM, and hands-on learning. He also makes the case for teaching kids not just to use AI, but to understand it—so they become thoughtful co-creators rather than passive consumers.