BE Podcast Network: Podcasts that help you go Beyond Education. 

Latest Episodes

What Our Kids Are Telling Us About the Future (If Only We'd Listen) | Nicolai Sederberg Rottbøll

We spend a lot of time worrying about the future our children will inherit—but how often do we ask them what they actually want it to look like? Nicolai Sederberg Rottbøll, sustainability leader and founder of Our World 2050, has built a global movement to find out. By gathering the hopes, dreams, and visions of one million children aged 6 to 21 from every corner of the world, he's discovering something remarkable: kids think bigger, more boldly, and more creatively than most adults dare to. Today, Nicolai shares what children are telling us about the future they want to build—and why listening to them, and nurturing their hope and imagination, might be the most important thing we can do as parents.Why This Matters:→ We're asking adults to design a future for children without asking children what they want. Global sustainability conversations are dominated by experts, policymakers, and decision-makers—rarely by the young people who will actually live in the world being designed. Our World 2050 is changing that, and parents can too, simply by asking their kids better questions.→ Children are natural visionaries—but only if we protect that gift. Students think beyond the limitations that constrain adults. They dream big, free from preconceptions about what's "practically possible." But this natural visionary thinking is fragile. Without adults who nurture it, it fades—and the world loses the very creativity it needs most.→ Hope isn't naive—it's necessary. In an era of climate anxiety, economic uncertainty, and relentless bad news, teaching kids to hold onto hope while engaging actively with the world's challenges is one of the most powerful things a parent can do. Nicolai's work shows that when children are invited to envision a better future, they don't just feel better—they start building it.

Secret Stash Ep1: An Interview with Michelle Ring-Hanson and JoAnn Miller-UDL-Con 2025 Innovative Practice Awardees

In this bonus episode, Bryan sits down with Michelle Ring-Hanson and JoAnn Miller to explore their long‑standing UDL work in Wisconsin and the practical systems they’ve built to support inclusive teaching. The conversation highlights their UDL Mentor Toolkit, how it supports educators in translating UDL into daily practice, and what it means to be recognized with a UDL‑Con 2025 Innovative Practice Award. Together, they share lessons from the field, reflections on mentorship, and what’s next for scaling UDL‑aligned innovation. Transcript Resources:UDL Implementation Trials Mentor Toolkit (Open source, must sign up) UDL Awards

“Why Does Everything Fall on Me?” - How to Lead Without Carrying the Whole School

Have you ever caught yourself wondering, “Why does everything fall on me?” In this episode, we’re unpacking one of the biggest mindset traps principals slip into—the belief that they must carry the entire school on their shoulders. You’ll learn why highly capable, high-capacity leaders often become the default problem solver, how this pattern unintentionally trains your staff to rely on you, and what it takes to shift out of that role.We’ll explore the Problem-Solver Trap, the thoughts that keep you catching every task, and how delegation becomes a powerful form of capacity building rather than “giving things away.” By the end, you’ll walk away with practical reflection questions, identity shifts, and delegation strategies that help you stop firefighting and start leading with clarity, calm, and confidence. If you’re ready to stop carrying everything yourself—and start building a school full of empowered problem solvers—this episode is for you.Check out The 8 to 4 Principal Blueprint here.

ADHD in Healthcare Leadership: Jeopardy or Thrive?

Dive into an eye-opening discussion on whether ADHD poses a jeopardy or a thriving advantage for healthcare leaders. J. Alexander, founder of the Humility Advantage theory, expert voices Alex and Jordan unpack ADHD traits like hyperfocus and creativity alongside emotional intelligence essentials for leading teams through burnout, turnover, and crises.Episode HighlightsJeopardy vs. Thrive Debate: Impulsivity risks in high-stakes decisions vs. innovative problem-solving superpowers.EI in Action: Self-awareness, empathy, and humble delegation as keys to ADHD-led success.Healthcare Realities: Multidisciplinary team dynamics, patient innovation, and evidence-based strategies like coaching.Perfect for healthcare pros, ADHD leaders, and wellness advocates—30 minutes of balanced insights, anecdotes, and forward-thinking strategies to turn challenges into strengths. Subscribe to The Humility Advantage for more!

The View From Both Sides of the Classroom Door With Heather Cain

In this episode, Shannon sits down with Heather Cain, an educational collaborative specialist with 25 years of experience in education. Heather shares her journey from teaching grades K-8 to finding her true calling in kindergarten, where she spent 13 transformative years.The conversation explores the realities of modern kindergarten education—from the shift toward more rigorous academic standards to the importance of play-based learning. Heather discusses the critical role of building relationships with students, families, and fellow educators, and highlights the often-overlooked contributions of classroom assistants.Now in her second year as a collaborative teacher working with second-grade educators, Heather reflects on the differences between classroom teaching and mentorship, the impact of strong leadership, and the importance of embracing technology and AI as tools to enhance—not replace—the human connection at the heart of teaching.Key topics include:The emotional and academic growth of kindergartenersNavigating parent relationships with empathyThe unsung heroes in education (assistants, support staff)Adapting to new technology while maintaining the irreplaceable human touchThe challenges and rewards of modern public educationGet in touch with Shannon:Putman XR ConsultingLinkedIn: Dr. Shannon Putman

Hosts

Aaron Makelky

Aaron Makelky

Host of That’s Not Crazy, That’s History!
A Jethro Jones

A Jethro Jones

Host of Transformative Principal
Allyson Mitchell

Allyson Mitchell

Host of Why Distance Learning?
Barbara Flowers

Barbara Flowers

Host of Morning Motivation for Educators