Curiosity sits at the intersection of creativity, effective human interactions, problem-solving and purposeful change. Unfortunately, the pace of life — at home, work, and school — often sidetracks our natural curiosity. So, listen as we look at the familiar from a different angle or something new as a possibility to consider.
Jodi Scott shares Green Goo’s story—its plant-based mission, family foundation, near collapse, and rebirth—revealing how true resilience means slowing down, staying present, and leading with purpose and compassion.
Read More
Dennis and Ali Pitocco recount how walking the 500-mile Camino de Santiago became a transformative act of reflection, silence, and reconnection—revealing what truly matters: simplicity, authenticity, relationships, and wonder.
Read More
Christopher Schaberg PhD. discusses embracing confusion and mystery as elements of uncertainty, valuing the small and overlooked, and making academic work publicly meaningful—connecting fly fishing, airports, and writing as practices of attention and wonder.
Read More
In this episode, educational researcher and leadership development consultant Lyle Kirtman argues that educational leaders must first agree on and clearly define what results and student success look like (the "North Star"), moving beyond a narrow focus on standardized test scores to include the essential skills and competencies needed for life and the workforce. Without this clarity, efforts will remain fragmented and fail to address the current crisis in education.
Read More
Brew Moscarello, founder of Trico Unlimited, a Vermont-based fly fishing guiding and instruction service, shares how his fly fishing practice blends teaching, conservation, and presence—helping clients connect with nature, learn patience, and find meaning beyond simply catching fish.
Read More
Former high school principal Sam Sochet shares lessons from turning around a struggling school, emphasizing the importance of community, teacher empowerment, and preparing students for adaptable futures—while reflecting on the evolving purpose of education and his new role in public service.
Read More
Jeff and Rebecca Winthrop, a leading global authority on education, explore how schools’ outdated designs hinder student agency and engagement. They unpack the four “disengagement modes,” highlight practices that foster curiosity and autonomy, and stress the role of families, teachers, and systemic reform in helping students become lifelong, self-directed learners.
Read More
Reflecting on the film adaptation of Norman Maclean’s A River Runs Through It, I see my own challenge as a writer as one of pushing beyond surface details to dig deeper and uncover the true “aboutness”—the emotional core—of my stories.
Read More
In this episode, Sarah Elkins and I discuss takeaways from the recent No Longer Virtual Summit, focusing on target audience and content personality, and how we apply these concepts to our businesses.
Read More
Superintendent Constantino “Costa” Aguilar discusses his vision for educational reform, including social-emotional learning, AI integration, and community engagement, all while moving away from an antiquated national school system.
Read More
In this episode, podcast host Jeff Ikler discusses the three types of "No" responses from desired guests, acknowledging that while rejection stings, it's a fact of podcast life.
Read More
Nanci Morris Lyon, owner of the Bear Trail Lodge in King Salmon, Alaska, shares her journey from a diverse career path to operating a remote fishing lodge known for its exceptional customer service and environmental advocacy.
Read More
Dr. Debra Gustafson, former elementary school principal and assistant superintendent, prioritized hiring passionate teachers with a "heart for kids" over experienced ones, believing that a strong commitment to student well-being was the most crucial factor for educational success and turnaround. “I can teach them to teach, she said, but I can’t teach them to love kids.”
Read More
Hannah Bratterud, a Norwegian native, discusses her decision to pursue U.S. citizenship after living in the U.S. for 30 years. Hannah is drawn to the U.S. for its opportunities and individual freedom, yet acknowledges the need to address systemic inequities and support marginalized groups. Her desire for civic engagement and to actively contribute to a more inclusive society drives her decision.
Read More
My recent travel experience with three organizations demonstrated that a brand’s strength hangs precariously by a thread defined by numerous customer touch points. If any one of the touch points fails to deliver on the brand’s promise, customers may seek services elsewhere.
Read More
“Brave Leadership” founder Kimberly Davis argues that personal leadership, self-belief, and understanding one's impact are foundational to effective leadership. She uses theater techniques to help individuals lead authentically and intentionally.
Read More
Michelle Petties shares her journey to overcome her addiction to processed food by realizing that eating is driven by complex emotions, not hunger. Lasting change stemmed from deep mental work, understanding food's true purpose: nourishment.
Read More
Irene Stern Frielich retraces her father’s Holocaust journey, confronting inherited trauma and meeting descendants of both saviors and oppressors. Her story shows how memory, place, and courage can heal generational trauma. (Shown: Tikvat Yisrael brooch Irene’s father created while in hiding. Photo credit: Josh Aron Design)
Read More
Byron Edgington shares how switching to a plant-based diet reversed his heart disease, transformed his health, and deepened his commitment to sustainability and ethical food consumption.
Read More
A protest, a serendipitous bookstore find, and a graveside tradition in the Netherlands converge to remind me that the “freedom” military personnel lying in cemeteries have preserved for us deserves a more nuanced definition.
Read More