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Education Matters Podcast

by Jason Buccheri

"Education Matters" explores how education shapes society, democracy, and the future. Through insightful conversations with educators, administrators, technology leaders, scientists, and philosophers, this podcast explores the challenges, successes, and evolving landscape of learning. From inspiring people to fascinating ideas, we delve into how education shapes lives and communities. Whether you're an educator or simply curious about its impact, join us to uncover why education truly matters.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Oct 6, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Episode 66 - Andrew Holland, Joanne Pitman, Liz Hill: Human Flourishing and the Future of Education

    In this episode of Education Matters, Jason Buccheri reconnects with three system leaders from last year's Education Matters National Summit in Ottawa: Joanne Pitman, Chief Superintendent of the Calgary Board of Education; Liz Hill, Deputy Superintendent of West Vancouver Schools; and Andrew...

  2. Episode 65 - Karyn Bruneel, Scott Miller, David Noble, Vince Romeo: Literacy and System Change

    In this episode of the Education Matters Podcast, host Jason Buccheri brings together four Ontario education leaders to explore system-wide literacy improvement: Scott Miller of the Waterloo Region District School Board, Karyn Bruneel of the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board, David Noble…

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  3. Episode 64 - Peter Sovran: Professional Learning Reimagined

    In this episode of Education Matters, Jason Buccheri sits down with Peter Sovran, Director of Education and CEO of the Upper Grand District School Board, for the show’s first on-location recording inside a school district. Filmed in Upper Grand’s Innovation Lab, this conversation explores how one...

  4. Episode 63 - Reg Klassen, Leona Prince, Monique Gray Smith: Story Telling, Leadership and Education

    In this special episode recorded in partnership with the Canadian Association of School System Administrators, Jason Buccheri is joined by co-host Reg Klassen and guests Leona Prince and Monique Gray Smith for a powerful conversation about storytelling, identity, reconciliation, and the future of...

  5. Episode 62 - Jennifer Stevens, Aiman Flahat, Rachel Irwin: Sustainability in Schools

    In this inspiring episode of Education Matters, host Jason Buccheri sits down with an exceptional leadership team to explore how school systems can move sustainability from a seasonal checklist to an integrated organizational strategy. Joined by Jen Stevens (President and CEO of Learning for a...

  6. Episode 61 - Dean MacInnis & Dr. Alec Couros: The Principal and the Professor

    In this episode of Education Matters, host Jason Buccheri sits down with Dean MacInnis, President of the Canadian Association of Principals, and Dr. Alec Couros, Professor of Educational Technology and Media. Presented in partnership with the Canadian Association of Principals, the conversation...

  7. Episode 60 - Christian Long, Ashanti Branch, Domenic Scuglia: The Curriculum of Manhood

    In this episode of Education Matters, host Jason Buccheri leads a vital discussion on the evolving challenges facing boys and men in modern society and the education system. Inspired by the research of Richard Reeves, the conversation explores startling statistics regarding declining academic...

  8. Episode 59 - Dr. Jean Clinton: Love Builds Brains

    This special episode of the Education Matters podcast, hosted by Jason Buccheri and Dr. Gina Cherkowski, features an in-depth conversation with renowned child psychiatrist and educator Dr. Jean Clinton. Recorded in anticipation of the 2026 Mental Health and Schools Summit, the discussion centers…

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  9. Episode 58 - Edtech Series | Kelly Hines: From Classroom to Boardroom

    This episode of Education Matters features an in-depth conversation with Kelly Hines, Vice President and Chief of Staff at Discovery Education. With a unique career trajectory that began with 15 years as a classroom teacher before transitioning into various leadership roles in the EdTech sector,...

  10. Episode 57 - Big Ideas Series | Peter Worley: Can Children Do Philosophy?

    In this episode of Education Matters, host Jason Buccheri sits down with Peter Worley, co-founder of The Philosophy Foundation, to explore the vital role of philosophical inquiry in modern schooling. In an era dominated by instant information and fast thinking, Worley advocates for bringing "slow...

  11. Episode 56 - Edtech Series | Brad Fountain: Edtech Across 50 States

    In this episode of Education Matters, host Jason Buccheri continues the Edtech series featuring guest Brad Fountain, a former teacher and administrator with over twenty years of experience inside the Edtech industry. Fountain provides a unique dual perspective, bridging the gap between classroom...

  12. Episode 55 - Marc Kielburger: An Educational Legacy

    In this episode of the Education Matters Podcast, Jason Buccheri sits down with Marc Kielburger, co-founder of the WE movement and a visionary who has influenced millions of students across Canada and beyond. Marc shares deeply personal reflections on his journey—from winning a national science...

  13. Episode 54 - Big Ideas Series | Anthony Grayling: The Socratic Method and Critical Thinking in Schools

    In this episode of Education Matters, host Jason Buccheri explores the vital role of philosophy in the modern school system with guest Professor Anthony Grayling, a world-renowned public philosopher and principal of Northeastern University London. This conversation is another installment in our…

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  14. Episode 53 - Podcast Lounge Series | Reg Klassen: Voices From the CASSA Leadership Conference

    In this episode of Education Matters, host Jason Buccheri explores the vital role of educational identity in the modern school system with guest Reginald Klassen, the Executive Director of CASSA. As a special instalment in the "Podcast Lounge Series," this episode features a collection of voices...

  15. Episode 52 - Big Ideas Series | Jonny Thomson: Mini Philosophy, Big Questions

    In this episode of Education Matters, host Jason Buccheri explores the vital role of philosophy in the modern school system with guest Jonny Thomson, a former teacher and founder of Mini Philosophy. The conversation challenges the idea of philosophy as a niche academic subject, presenting it...

  16. Episode 51 - Big Ideas Series | B.W. Powe: In Medias Res

    In the debut of the Big Ideas sub-series, host Jason Buccheri sits down with renowned author, poet, and scholar B.W. Powe for a wide-ranging conversation on education, media ecology, and the cultivation of the "poetic being." B.W. Powe—a student of Marshall McLuhan and Northrop Frye—bridges the…

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  17. Episode 50 - Edtech Series | Julian A. Reed: Edtech Founder on Movement and Cognition

    In this episode of the special series on Edtech, host Jason Buccheri sits down with Dr. Julian Reed, a professor at Furman University and founder of ActiveEd, the company behind Walkabouts. Dr. Reed’s journey bridges deep academic research with the startup world, offering a blueprint for building...

  18. Episode 49 - Edtech Series | Matt Monjan: Building Edtech That Actually Works in Classrooms

    In this inaugural episode of our new sub-series on Education Technology, host Jason Buccheri is joined by seasoned EdTech veteran Matt Monjan, founder of Infuse Ed. With decades of experience on the front lines—including 14 years at Discovery Education—Matt offers a rare, unvarnished look at the...

  19. Episode 48 - Podcast Lounge Series | Dr. Gina Cherkowski: Voices From the Mental Heath Summit

    In this special episode of the Education Matters Podcast, host Jason Buccheri is joined by Mental Health Summit founder Dr. Gina Cherkowski to reflect on last year’s gathering and explore what’s ahead for the 2026 Mental Health Summit in Banff. Together, they share powerful insights from…

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  20. Episode 47 - Chris Fuzessy: AI for Community

    In this conversation, Chris Fuzessy shares his journey from growing up in Montreal to becoming a leader in education in Alberta. He discusses the importance of community, the impact of Indigenous education, and the role of mental health and well-being in schools. Chris emphasizes the need for…

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  21. Episode 46 - Gary Stager: The Art of Teaching

    In this episode of the Education Matters podcast, Gary Stager shares his insights on education, emphasizing the importance of making learning engaging and meaningful for students. He reflects on his own educational experiences, the influence of music and programming, and the need to reclaim the…

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  22. Episode 45 - Mark Pearmain & Michael Stevenson: Education for Human Flourishing

    In this conversation, Jason Buccheri hosts Michael Stevenson and Mark Pearmain to discuss the evolving landscape of education, focusing on the concept of human flourishing. They explore the importance of redefining educational purposes beyond mere employment, emphasizing the need for a holistic...

  23. Episode 44 - Neal Foard: Kindness as Narrative

    In this week’s episode of Education Matters, storyteller and advertising veteran Neal Foard explores story-first leadership—how small, consistent acts of care shape culture faster than any memo. Drawing on a Bay Area upbringing and a career helping brands explain ideas clearly, Neal shows how...

  24. Episode 43 - Chris Kennedy: AI in Service of Human Wisdom

    In this engaging conversation, Chris Kennedy, a seasoned educator and superintendent, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of education, the impact of AI, and the importance of community and leadership in schools. He reflects on his upbringing in a family of educators, the inspiring...

  25. Episode 42 - Dr. Pius Ryan: From Classroom to Community

    In this deeply reflective episode of The Education Matters Podcast, Dr. Pius Ryan—Superintendent of Schools in North Vancouver—offers a sweeping yet grounded vision of education. Tracing a path from his early days in Newfoundland to his current leadership in British Columbia, he brings both heart...

  26. Episode 41 - Dr. Brendan Browne: Navigating the Complexities of Education

    In this conversation, Brendan Browne, the Director of Education at the Toronto Catholic District School Board, shares insights from his extensive career in education. He discusses his upbringing, the impact of technology on childhood, and the importance of philosophy in education. Brendan...

  27. Episode 40 - Tracy Loffler: Oversight, Advocacy, and the Public Good

    In this weeks podcast, join us as we dive into the world of BC trustees with Tracy Loffler, the President of the BC School Trustees Association. Tracy shares her journey from a school trustee to leading an organization that advocates for public education across British Columbia. Discover her...

  28. Episode 39 - Camillo Cipriano: Humility in Leadership

    In this podcast episode, Camillo Cipriano, the Director of Education and Secretary-Treasurer for the Niagara Catholic District School Board, shares insights into his role and personal journey. He reflects on his upbringing in Milton, Ontario, and how his childhood experiences of imaginative play...

  29. Episode 38 - Sunil Singh: The Mathematics of the Good Life

    In this engaging conversation, Sunil discusses his journey from a traditional math teacher to an advocate for a more humanistic approach to mathematics education. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling, curiosity, and play in learning, and how these elements can transform the way…

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  30. Episode 37 - David DeSantis: From Immigrant to Education Leader

    In this episode, David DeSantis, the Director of Education for the Algonquin Lakeshore Catholic School Board, shares his journey from growing up in an Italian immigrant family in Hamilton, Ontario, to becoming a director of education in Ontario, Canada. He discusses the importance of music in...

  31. Episode 36 - Dean Shareski & Anna Villalta: AI & Education in Quebec and Canada

    In this episode of the Education Matters podcast, we explore the evolving role of education in Canada, particularly focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools. We discuss the importance of AI literacy, equity of access, and the challenges and opportunities AI presents…

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  32. Episode 35 - Reg Klassen: Canada’s Education Identity

    In this episode of the Education Matters podcast, Reg Klassen, the executive director of the Canadian Association of School System Administrators (CASA), shares his journey from a challenging childhood in Saskatchewan to a successful career in education. He discusses the importance of building...

  33. Episode 34 - Dr. Pino Buffone: Immigration, Equity & International Education

    In this conversation, Pino Buffone shares his journey from being a child of Italian immigrants to becoming the Director of Education at the Ottawa Carleton District School Board. He reflects on his upbringing in a bilingual household, the importance of education instilled by his parents, and his...

  34. Episode 33 - Doug Roberts: Public Education & Edtech

    In this episode of the Education Matters podcast, host Jason Buccheri speaks with Doug Roberts, founder and CEO of the Institute for Education Innovation. They discuss Doug's background, his work with school superintendents, and the importance of innovation in public education. Doug shares…

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  35. Episode 32 - Mark Daley: Thinking Machines & Education

    In this conversation, Mark Daly shares his journey from aspiring jazz musician to a prominent figure in AI at Western University. He discusses the importance of literature and diverse learning experiences in shaping his perspective. Mark reflects on philosophical insights from Dan Dennett,...

  36. Episode 31 - Dr. Mark Edwards: Spirit Work & System Change

    In this podcast episode, Mark Edwards shares his extensive journey in education, influenced by his upbringing in a family of educators. He discusses the importance of recognizing and addressing institutional racism within educational systems, recounting personal experiences and transformative...

  37. Episode 30 - Dr. Scott McLeod: The School for Superintendents

    In this episode, Dr. Scott McLeod discusses the transformative power of mindset in education, emphasizing that the biggest barrier to change is not resources but rather deeply embedded beliefs about schooling. He explores the concept of deeper learning, where students are empowered and engaged...

  38. Episode 29 - Ira David Socol: Designed to Fail

    In this conversation, Ira Socol shares his extensive experience in education, focusing on creating learner-centered environments. He reflects on his upbringing in Brooklyn, New York, and how his childhood experiences shaped his views on education, including his journey through education, law...

  39. Episode 28 - Antonio Vendramin: The Principal of the Possible

    Antonio Vendramin, a principal in the Surrey School District, shares his experience and insights in education. He discusses his journey from being a classroom teacher to a principal and his passion for opening a new school. Antonio emphasizes the importance of building relationships with…

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  40. Episode 27 - Dr. Shannon Behan: The VItal Role of Principals

    In this engaging conversation, Jason Buccheri interviews Shannon Behan, the president of the British Columbia Principals and Vice Principals Association. They discuss Shannon's background, her experiences growing up in a small community, and the importance of play in childhood education. The...

  41. Episode 26 - Dr. Marc Brackett: Emotional Intelligence as a Civic Imperative

    In this episode, the conversation delves into the life and work of Dr. Marc Brackett, who shares his journey from a challenging childhood marked by trauma to becoming a leading voice in emotional intelligence. The discussion highlights the importance of mentorship, particularly the influence of…

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  42. Episode 25 - Jessica Janzen: Joy, Resilience, and Learning

    In this special episode of the Education Matters podcast, brought to you by the Mental Health Summit, Jason Buccheri is joined by co-host Gina Cherkowski and they're guest, Jessica Janzen. In this conversation, Jessica discuses her multifaceted life as a motivational speaker, author, and charity...

  43. Episode 24 - Dr. Jody Carrington: The Loneliness Crises

    In this podcast episode, Dr. Jody Carrington and Dr. Gina Cherkowski discuss their work in mental health, particularly in schools, and the importance of emotional well-being for both children and adults. They explore the journey of becoming a psychologist, the role of sports in emotional...

  44. Episode 23 - Julia Fallon: Learning Has a Vibe

    In this conversation, Julia Fallon, the executive director of SETDA, shares her journey from growing up in Seattle to her experiences in New York City and her current role in educational technology. She discusses the importance of innovative learning environments, the role of SETDA in supporting...

  45. Episode 22 - Dr. John Malloy: It’s the End of Education As We Know It

    In this episode of the Education Matters podcast, Dr. John Malloy shares his extensive journey in education, reflecting on his experiences from being a teacher to a superintendent and now an Assistant Executive Director at AASA. He discusses the importance of curiosity, the impact of outdoor...

  46. Episode 21 - Dr. Rebecca Winthrop: The School System and The Disengaged Teen

    In this episode of the Education Matters podcast, Rebecca Winthrop discusses her journey from a rural upbringing in Oregon to her current role at the Brookings Institution, where she leads the Center for Universal Education. She shares insights on the importance of education as a fundamental…

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  47. Episode 20 - Vincent Andrisani: The Power of Listening – Rethinking How We Learn and Teach

    Vincent Andrisani, a faculty member at Carleton University, shares his background in sound studies and how it has shaped his teaching. He explores the importance of thinking with our ears—examining sound, listening, and sound cultures as essential tools for understanding the world. Vincent breaks...

  48. Episode 19 - Andrew McLuhan: A Canadian Intellectual Legacy

    Andrew McLuhan joins the podcast to discuss his journey into his family’s intellectual legacy and the founding of the McLuhan Institute. He reflects on his unconventional path—growing up in Toronto, later moving to the countryside, and receiving an informal education through his family’s artistic...

  49. Episode 18 - Avery Rueb: AI, Edtech and Human Learning

    Avery, an educator with 25 years of experience, shares his journey from competitive tennis to language learning and the deep connections that make education meaningful. He critiques rigid grading and time-based learning while exploring more flexible, student-centered approaches. The conversation...

  50. Episode 17 - Andy Schaefer: Lessons in Leadership, Edtech and Applied Learning

    In this episode of Education Matters, I sit down with Andy Schaefer to explore the lessons he’s learned from a career at the intersection of education and technology. We dive into his early experiences, the moments that shaped his passion for learning, and his journey into the world of edtech.…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

"Education Matters" explores how education shapes society, democracy, and the future. Through insightful conversations with educators, administrators, technology leaders, scientists, and philosophers, this podcast explores the challenges, successes, and evolving landscape of learning. From inspiring people to fascinating ideas, we delve into how education shapes lives and communities. Whether you're an educator or simply curious about its impact, join us to uncover why education truly matters.

HOSTED BY

Jason Buccheri

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Education Matters Podcast have?

Education Matters Podcast currently has 66 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Education Matters Podcast about?

"Education Matters" explores how education shapes society, democracy, and the future. Through insightful conversations with educators, administrators, technology leaders, scientists, and philosophers, this podcast explores the challenges, successes, and evolving landscape of learning. From...

How often does Education Matters Podcast release new episodes?

Education Matters Podcast has 66 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Education Matters Podcast?

You can listen to Education Matters Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Education Matters Podcast?

Education Matters Podcast is created and hosted by Jason Buccheri.
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