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PODCAST · education

The Make Learning Magical Podcast

by Tisha Richmond

On this show, Tisha Richmond, chats with educators and thought leaders from around the world to hear stories of how they are transforming teaching and creating unforgettable learning experiences.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Mar 31, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Pull Up a Chair: The Power of Making Space for Others

    Have you ever walked into a room and wondered where you belonged? This past month, while attending a conference where I didn’t know many people, a simple invitation reminded me of something powerful: belonging often begins with someone choosing to make space. A group of educators welcomed me into...

  2. Reflecting on the Good

    This time of year can feel loud. The grades, the messes, the exhaustion, the unfinished to-do lists. And somewhere in the middle of all of it, it becomes really easy to focus on everything we didn’t do this year. In this reflective episode, I want to encourage educators to pause long enough to…

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  3. Dancing with the Daffodils: A Story of Memory and Legacy

    A field of daffodils outside my window brought me back to a childhood memory of my grandfather reciting Daffodils by William Wordsworth. But the story doesn’t end there. In this deeply personal episode, I share how that same quote unexpectedly found its way back to me years later—on a family...

  4. It Can Wait

    A quick game of Uno before school almost didn’t happen. There was too much to do, too little time. But choosing presence over productivity changed everything. In this episode, I reflect on the power of small moments, the connection they build, and why sometimes the most important thing we can do…...

  5. When the Broom Hits the Stone: The Moments That Shape Who We Become

    Even though the Olympics have passed, one moment from a curling match has stayed with me. When a mistake changed the course of a play, both teams chose communication and integrity over competition. In this episode, I connect that moment to real classroom experiences where students are learning to...

  6. Celebrating Milestones with Special Guest, Dave Burgess

    Milestones are powerful moments for reflection and celebration. In this special 100th episode of the Make Learning Magical Podcast, I’m joined by author, educator, and publisher Dave Burgess. As the founder of Dave Burgess Consulting, Dave recently celebrated an incredible milestone of his own…

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  7. Showing Up As You Are

    There’s something unexpectedly freeing about walking into a 5 a.m. gym with no makeup, messy hair, and zero desire to impress anyone. In this reflective episode, I share what those quiet early mornings have been teaching me about authenticity, comparison, and the freedom that comes when we stop...

  8. Gold Buzzer Moments in the Classroom

    In this episode, inspired by powerful clips from America's Got Talent & Britain's Got Talent, I reflect on what really makes those glitter-filled moments unforgettable. It’s not just about talent. It’s about affirmation. It’s about someone being seen, heard, and told, “You belong here.” And it…

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  9. Sharing into the Quiet

    Have you ever shared something meaningful and felt like it disappeared into silence? In this episode, I reflect on what it means to keep sharing your ideas, stories, and creativity — even when there’s little visible feedback. Silence can feel loud. It can make us question whether our voice…

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  10. The Significance of What You Do

    This past weekend, I had the honor of watching my dad and his 1962 Mt. San Antonio state championship track and field team be inducted into the Hall of Fame more than sixty years after their victory. As I sat in that room listening to stories of gratitude, mentorship, and lifelong impact, two...

  11. How ADHD Became My Superpower

    People often ask me, “How do you do all the things that you do?” In this episode, I reflect on that question and share how understanding the way my ADHD brain works, rather than fighting it, has changed everything. I talk about the predictable morning routine that grounds me, why quiet and…

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  12. Two Callings, One Heart

    What happens when two things you love pull on your heart at the same time? In this episode, I’m going deeper into a reflection I introduced last time...what it means to be away from the classroom for meaningful work beyond it, and how to hold both without guilt. Two Callings, One Heart explores...

  13. A Long Walk To The Stage: Reflecting on Dreams, Distance, and Why This Work Matters

    In this episode, I’m reflecting on The Long Walk to the Stage—from recording in a sound booth at the Salt Lake City airport to standing on a stage in Michigan in front of approximately a thousand educators. I share the moment a poised high school student introduced me, the walk up a long ramp…

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  14. Kids Are Different...Or, Are They?

    “Kids are so different now.” I heard that everywhere when I was out of the classroom...and honestly, I believed it. So when I returned to teaching, I was nervous. Would students still connect? Would joy and play still work? Would the classroom feel familiar at all? In this episode, I share what I...

  15. I Wanted to Slow Down...My Students Wanted to Speed Up.

    I thought I needed to slow down...but my students wanted to speed up. In this episode, I share how student reflections reshaped my own thinking, how AI supported my reflection process, and how listening deeply led to more intentional refinement for next semester. A thoughtful listen for educators...

  16. A Pause with Purpose: Using Reflection and AI to Plan What’s Next

    Reflection doesn’t have to be overwhelming to be meaningful. In this episode, I share how using AI as a thought partner helped me reflect on the semester I just finished, uncover key insights, and refine my focus for what’s next...all without adding more to my plate. Reflection Template…

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  17. Rested and Still Struggling

    We’re often told that rest is the reset we need — that once we slow down, motivation and clarity will magically return. But what if that’s not how it actually works? In this honest and reflective episode of the Make Learning Magical podcast, Tisha Richmond shares what it looked like to truly…

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  18. Learning & Fun Go Better Together with guest, Dave Burgess

    The Make Learning Magical Podcast is back with a brand new episode AND incredible guest! Dave Burgess is the New York Times Best-Selling author of Teach Like a PIRATE, co-author of P is for PIRATE, and the president of Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc. which delivers powerful, inspirational, and...

  19. What story are you writing?

    In this episode, I share some recent thoughts on living out a meaningful life story. Referenced in the episode: Morning Pages The Dave Burgess Show, episode 57, Getting Dramatic with Sam Marsden The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron Instagram reel by @grahamcweaver Hero on a Mission by Donald Miller...

  20. Swift-ify Learning with Easter Eggs

    In this episode, I share 3 ways to bring Easter eggs into learning Taylor Swift-style. Come away with ideas you can bring into a variety of grade levels and subject areas to pique curiosity, boost engagement, and make learning fun! Swift-ify Learning with Easter eggs Swiftify Learning with Easter...

  21. Dragon Smart with Tommy Richmond

    In this episode, I chat with my son and illustrator of Dragon Smart, Tommy Richmond. Learn the story and inspiration behind Dragon Smart illustrations. You will love hearing his story and perspective. Connect with Tommy on Instagram @tommyjrichmond Find Dragon Smart ⁠HERE⁠ Book Tisha or Tommy for...

  22. 20 Day Streak

    In this episode, I share lessons learned during my recent 20 day fitness streak and challenge you to a 20 day streak of your own! Learn more about my crossfit gym, The Den! Follow me: Twitter: @tishrich Instagram @tishrichmond Website: tisharichmond.com Learn more about my book, Make Learning...

  23. Making Learning MAGICAL for the Teachers of Tomorrow with Dr. Lynn Andrees

    In this episode I chat with Dr. Lynn Andrees, and incredible high school Family and Consumer Science teacher from Naperville, Illinois. Lynn shares about her amazing education pathway and how she gamifies her classroom with the Make Learning Magical framework. You are going to come away with so...

  24. The Wonder of Science and Podcasts with Marshall Escamilla

    In this episode I chat with co-founder of the Tumble Science Podcast for Kids, Marshall Escamilla. You will love hearing Marshall share strategies for igniting wonder and curiosity for science and how you can bring podcasts into learning. After spending 17 years in classrooms, Marshall Escamilla...

  25. Keven Rinaman

    In this episode I chat with educator and author of 3DU: A Guide to 3D Printing in Every Classroom. Keven and I discuss a variety of topics including: book writing tips, getting started with 3D printing, 3D printing project ideas, upcoming FETC conference, using digital tools to engage, enhance…

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  26. Nikki Eddy

    In this episode, I chat with educator and co-founder of Wowza Learning, Nikki Eddy. In our conversation we discuss the importance of bringing humanity into tech, equity, game-based learning, Ai, and SO much more! You are going to love learning from Nikki and hearing her story! Connect with Nikki...

  27. No Risk, No Magic

    In this episode I share a phrase that I am going to be focusing on in 2023: No Risk, No Magic! I hope that my story challenges and inspires you to take risks in the new year! You never know what magic is waiting on the other side! No Risk, No Magic blog post Twitter: @tishrich Instagram:...

  28. Creating an Empowered Classroom with Jenallee

    In this episode, I chat with Jeni Long and Sallee Clark, known on the socials as Jenallee. We discuss how to use strength building to develop synergy among colleagues and in classrooms, building relationships, strategies to empower students, The Microsoft Teams Playbook, game-based learning…

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  29. Designing Extraordinary Learning Journeys with Dawn Harris

    In this episode, educator and author, Dawn Harris, shares about her journey into gamification, designing extraordinary learning journeys for every student, antiracism education, her newly released book Plan Like a Pirate, and so much more! You will be so inspired and empowered by all that Dawn…

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  30. Contemplation, Concentration, Communication, & Creativity with Jeffrey Pflaum

    In this episode I chat with accomplished educator and author, Jeffery Pflaum. As an inner-city educator with 34 years of experience in the New York City Department of Education, Jeffrey considers himself a “teacher-developer-researcher-experimentalist” in the classroom. He produced many original,...

  31. Powerful Learning through Tech with Lindy Hockenbary

    In this episode I chat with Lindy Hockenbary about all things edtech. You will love our conversation about how to effectively integrate technology into teaching and learning. Come away with lots of ideas and advice as you head into a new school year! Lindy is an educator whose strength is helping...

  32. A Magical Trolley Ride with Sean Gaillard

    In this episode I chat with the amazing, Sean Gaillard. Sean is a father, husband, and principal in North Carolina. He wrote the amazing book The Pepper Effect, published by Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc, is the founder of #CelebrateMonday, is the host of the Principal Liner Notes Podcast, and has…

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  33. Make Learning Sticky with Debbie Tannenbaum

    In this episode I chat with Debbie Tannenbaum. Debbie works as an Elementary School Technology Specialist in Fairfax County, VA. An educator with over twenty years of experience, Debbie Tannenbaum supports both staff and students to integrate technology tools into instruction through both co...

  34. Todd Nesloney Tells His Story

    In this episode I chat with Todd Nesloney. You will love hearing Todd share his story and his passion for amplifying the voices of others so they can share their story too! Listen and be encouraged and inspired by all he has to share and... learn why this episode was a full circle moment for me!!...

  35. Entrepreunership in EDU with Gregory Keele

    In this episode, I chat with Gregory Keele. Greg is an entrepreneurship teacher from Canyon Lake, California and the founder of Virtual Startup Academy. He has degrees from Claremont McKenna College, has launched multiple startups in the last decade and a half, and coaches high school football.…

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  36. Leveraging Tech to Empower Student Voice, Ease Anxiety, & Create Compassionate Classrooms with Stacey Roshan

    In this episode I chat with educator and author of Tech with Heart, Stacey Roshan. We discuss ways that she has flipped her classroom and used tech to empower student voice, ease anxiety, and create a compassionate classroom for students. Her passion and heart for students and education shines...

  37. Finding the Positive in a Tumultuous School Year with Russell Richmond

    In this episode, I chat with high school Ceramics teacher extraordinaire (aka my amazing hubby), Russell Richmond. Russ has been a dual language primary teacher, dean, assistant principal, and currently a high school ceramics teacher in Southern Oregon. We reflect on the positive takeaways from...

  38. The Power of Socratic Seminars with Kerry Graham

    In this episode, I chat with Kerry Graham. Kerry lives, teaches, writes, and kayaks in Baltimore, MD, USA. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University School of Education, Kerry prioritizes laughter, compassion, and self-expression in her English classroom. She's grateful for and humbled by her ten...

  39. Meaningful Tech Integration with Dr. Royce Kimmons

    In this episode, I chat with the creator of the PIC-RAT Technology Integration Matrix, Dr. Royce Kimmons. I loved our conversation about how to effectively integrate technology to create meaningful transformative learning experiences for our students. You will be so inspired by all that Royce has...

  40. Curiosity Voyages, Diamond Time, and Joy with Ann Kozma

    In this episode, I chat with the magical Ann Kozma. Ann is one of those people that brings the sunshine into any room she enters with her tangible joy, kindness, passion, and enthusiasm. Ann loves to explore, share, and contribute and has spent more than 19 years dedicated to transforming…

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  41. Exploring Stories of Science Discovery with Marshall Escamilla

    In this episode, I chat with Marshall Escamilla. After spending 17 years in classrooms, Marshall started podcasting full time in 2020. Starting as a math teacher and migrating to a music teacher, he has taught nearly every academic subject in between--except science! In 2015, he started…

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  42. Take All the Adventures with Ann Brucker

    In this episode I chat with one of my favorite people on the planet, the amazing Ann Brucker. Ann answered what she refers to as the “sharp jab to her heart” to return to teaching after nearly a decade of experience as a tech integration specialist, Google Certified Innovator, and Director of...

  43. Better Together with Barbara Scully

    In this episode I chat with Barbara Scully, an innovative Family and Consumer Science Educator from the state of Washington. She is passionate about boldly celebrating family and careers by providing inspiration, support, and resources for teachers, students, and families. She is the creator of…

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  44. Creating Classroom Magic with Christopher Younggren

    In this episode I chat with Christopher Younggren. Chris is a middle school ELA teacher in Tucson, Arizona who loves to find new and innovative ways to create classroom magic. He has a long background as a theater teacher and creator of the youtube channel: Classroom Confidential. You will be so...

  45. Making Learning Memorable with Isabella Liu

    In this episode I chat with Isabella Liu, an incredible high school chemistry and math teacher from Toronto, Canada. Isabella is passionate about emerging educational technologies to enhance student learning. She is also an Apple Distinguished educator, a Google for Education certified trainer…

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  46. All things Edtech with Jeff Bradbury!

    In this episode I chat with Jeff Bradbury. Jeff is a globally-recognized educator, educational broadcaster, public speaker, and entrepreneur whose powerful message has inspired thousands of educators through the TeacherCast Educational Network. I loved our discussion about everything from digital...

  47. Navigating the Leadership Learning Curve with Dr. Rachael George

    In this episode I chat with an incredible DBC, Inc sister and fellow Oregonian, Dr. Rachael George. Rachael is a member of the ASCD Emerging Leaders Class of 2015 and currently serves as the principal of Sandy Grade School in the Oregon Trail School District. Over the past seven years, Sandy…

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  48. "If you Can Dream it, You Can Do it" with guest Scott Nunes

    In this episode I chat with educator, tech coach, blogger, and podcaster extraordinaire, Scott Nunes! We discuss everything from turning challenges into opportunities, tips and strategies for making the most of your time, ideation, sandcastles, and bringing games into learning! Listen and be…

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  49. Unlocking Unlimited Potential with Dr. Brandon Beck

    In this episode I chat with Dr. Brandon Beck about his incredible educational experience teaching in a dual-language program, connecting to your why, goal setting, how he has adapted to teaching in a pandemic, and his new book: Unlocking Unlimited Potential. You will be so inspired by all that...

  50. Edcamps, Sketchnoting, and Gamified Learning with Monica Spillman

    In this episode I chat with an incredible educator and friend, Monica Spillman. Monica is a teacher and edtech enthusiast with experience teaching pre-k and middle and high school special education in Georgia and Tennessee. She is also a Google certified trainer and an incredible sketchnoter and...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

On this show, Tisha Richmond, chats with educators and thought leaders from around the world to hear stories of how they are transforming teaching and creating unforgettable learning experiences.

HOSTED BY

Tisha Richmond

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Make Learning Magical Podcast have?

The Make Learning Magical Podcast currently has 101 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Make Learning Magical Podcast about?

On this show, Tisha Richmond, chats with educators and thought leaders from around the world to hear stories of how they are transforming teaching and creating unforgettable learning experiences.

How often does The Make Learning Magical Podcast release new episodes?

The Make Learning Magical Podcast publishes regularly with 101 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to The Make Learning Magical Podcast?

You can listen to The Make Learning Magical 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 The Make Learning Magical Podcast?

The Make Learning Magical Podcast is created and hosted by Tisha Richmond.
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