Edumacation

What happens when the classroom simply isn't built for how your brain is wired, in more ways than one? In this episode, Savanna Goldstein introduces us to the complexity of the brain in multiple dimensions. Through her research at Gallaudet University, the world's only university built by and for Deaf people, Savanna shares the power of reframing perceived "deficits" into unique and valuable perspectives on the world. Armed with both vast knowledge and deep compassion, she aims to translate the often inaccessible world of academia into tangible benefits for her community.Want to learn more? Here are some resources Savanna mentioned to help you get started:Dr. H-Dirksen Bauman and Dr. Joseph J. Murray on “hearing loss” and Deaf Gain: https://gallaudet.edu/deaf-studies/deaf-gain-authors-reflect-on-why-deaf-gain-is-more-important-than-ever/The Neuroscience of You by Dr. Chantal PratDr. Gregory Farber at The Learning Center for the Deaf: https://www.tlcdeaf.org/contact-tlc-school-leadershipThanks to artist Mr Smith and the Free Music Archive for the use of our theme song, "Funk Five."

[But wait, where is ep. 21? We had a live episode on Facebook Live! Our goal is to stream on TikTok next time, so if you wanna see us there, be sure to follow @davidnash970 on TikTok!]Life is skittles and life is beer. In this episode, cosmopolitans David and L return from their travels with stories about textiles, invisible bookbags, mapping out the future, and California traffic. The lesson at the heart of it all: no matter how you choose to express yourself, your art has the power to teach the world to be a kinder place.Wanna be cooler than Indiana Jones? Provenance researcher Annie Shanley has a whole blog sharing her investigations of the stories behind artifacts! Read Den of Antiquity here: https://carlos.emory.edu/den-antiquity-blogCheck out GWU's Textile Museum: https://museum.gwu.edu/Learn from Carol James, a sprang expert: https://www.spranglady.com/about-the-artist.htmlSprang for yourself (I want to be Sally Pointer when I grow up): https://www.sallypointer.com/Find our cool cousin Jeff Robin @jefecarlosrobin on Instagram, or check out his website: https://www.jeffrobin.com/

Have you ever heard a stranger, friend, or family member say, "I'm sooo OCD" when what they mean is, "I like to keep things organized"? Have you seen characters on TV fret over the tiniest speck of dirt or a hair out of place? In this episode, David and L welcome back Lindsay Cohen to break down what Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder really looks like, how it impacts every aspect of daily life, and what people living with OCD (and, crucially, their support networks) can do to build resilience over time.Want to learn more? Here are some resources that Lindsay recommends (and uses in her own research):https://iocdf.org/https://childmind.org/This episode was directly inspired by a recent OCD episode on Ologies with Alie Ward and special guest Dr. Wayne Goodman.Thanks to artist Mr Smith and the Free Music Archive for the use of our theme song, "Funk Five."

Did you know that if your favorite hosts don’t show up for a month, they don’t actually have to let you out of class early? Common misconception. In this episode, David and L make a triumphant return to the education world with everybody’s favorite subject: testing. If you’ve ever stared at a question in total confusion and wondered just how we all ended up here (and if you’ve ever woken up in a cold sweat many years later), this is the episode for you. Armed with historical context and modern experience, we tackle the controversial question at the heart of the testing debate: what are tests actually useful for in 2026? There may be more to the answers than you realize.*Correction: The timeline we use in this episode is from the National Education Association, not the U.S. Department of Education, although their histories are intertwined. Behold the timeline, complete with mysterious gap. All hail the mysterious gap. What was that book David mentioned about the history and science of reading? Check out Proust and the Squid by Maryanne Wolf and tell us what you think!To learn more about how anxiety shapes our thinking, go back and listen to our episode with Lindsay Cohen, and stay tuned for a new episode with her on OCD!Thanks to artist Mr Smith and the Free Music Archive for the use of our theme song, "Funk Five."

The most effective teachers know that leadership skills are essential to educators, and character is essential to leadership. In this episode, adjunct professor and retired Lieutenant Commander Mark Jacobson helps David and L kick into high gear as the fall semester winds down and finals loom on the horizon. Mark compares his time at summer camp to his time at boot camp, navigates military and civilian hierarchies on Capitol Hill, and models to both his students and his son what it truly means to lead.Did you miss our bonus episode with Mark about the outsider experience at Kweebec? It's on the syllabus, so be sure to go back and check it out!Thanks to artist Mr Smith and the Free Music Archive for the use of our theme song, "Funk Five."

Our newest episode about leading with purpose is in the works! In the meantime, here's a sneak peek at our guest, Mark Jacobson. Among the many angles we wanted to discuss with him was his rare position at Kweebec: a beloved counselor and group leader, he was never himself a camper. On top of that, his Michigan upbringing meant that despite his family's Kweebec connections, he didn't share a geography with any of his fellow counselors, much like L, and (to our surprise) David. Enjoy, and stay tuned for the full episode where we dive into Mark's military life, the ups and downs of academia, and what it means to be a leader.

Did you know that David and L love The West Wing? If you didn't before, you certainly will now. In this episode, we dive into walk-and-talks, favorite episodes, and the values that make The West Wing so near and dear to our hearts. Note to the hesitant listener: this is required reading. Sorry, we don't make the rules, except we do.Josh, Stanley, and Yo-Yo Ma in "Noel"Toby Ziegler in "In Excelsis Deo"Lionel Tribbey and his cricket batJoey Lucas the pollsterOpening of The NewsroomJack Nicholson in A Few Good Men

Too often, conversations around cognitive differences in the classroom focus only on students, but neurodiversity presents in people of all age ranges, including teachers! In this episode, Jessica Bishop describes her experience with ADHD: first as an undiagnosed student and young teacher, and later as an advocate for students with all kinds of learning differences. We talk about the role of community in a child's support system, the importance of individualized learning, and, of course, basketball.Thanks to artist Mr Smith and the Free Music Archive for the use of our theme song, "Funk Five."

Have we got the scoop! In this episode, David and L go on the record with writer, editor, and Broadway enthusiast Keith Loria. From school papers to celebrity interviews, Keith honed his writing skills at the school of hard knocks as well as the UMiami School of Communication. He has decades of experience covering every topic you can imagine (and a few you probably didn't see coming!) for every level of media outlet. Keith discusses the influences that shaped his passion for journalism, the challenges of competing with clickbait, and advice for up-and-coming writers.Did we mention Keith has a podcast? About classic TV? And it's called Don't Touch That Dial? ...oh we did? Okay, never mind then.Thanks to artist Mr Smith and the Free Music Archive for the use of our theme song, "Funk Five."

Grab your color-coded binders, sharpen your pencils, and take your seats before the bell rings because Edumacation is back, just in time for the new school year! In this episode, David and L tackle the back-to-school transition from the perspectives of students, parents, and educators. We are so excited to kick off the new semester, and we can't wait to share what's in store!Here's that sleep article L was talking about: "School Start Times, Sleep, and Youth Outcomes: A Meta-analysis," in Pediatrics (2022) 149 (6), https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2021-054068.Thanks to artist Mr Smith and the Free Music Archive for the use of our theme song, "Funk Five."

Before Edumacation returns with a new episode this Saturday, we thought we'd end our summer vacation with a snippet of bonus material. If you found yourself missing our wisdom, humor, and heart, here's an anecdote to whet your appetite. Fiddling with combination locks can catch many students off-guard, but David shares how facing the small setbacks with a can-do attitude can build resilience for tougher challenges in the future. Stay tuned this weekend for our back-to-school episode!Thanks to artist Mr Smith and the Free Music Archive for the use of our theme song, "Funk Five."

Wait, what was the middle part again? This week, the summer fun continues with Part Two of our conversation with Dr. Jenna Noblit. David and L take a deep dive into the remaining four pillars of executive function: Working Memory, Emotional and Impulse Control, Metacognition, and Task Initiation. Dr. Noblit shares strategies, reflects on her own growth and development, and hands over the soul of her second-born child—uhh, I mean, takes our advice about baby names.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for David’s philosophy of ice cream! In this episode, Hodge Podge returns with a delicious twist: learn what your favorite ice cream flavor says about you. L and David also explore the amazing world of bats, writing compelling characters, the challenges of school counseling, and much more.Want to learn more about what we discussed? Here are some useful links: Ologies episode on bats with Merlin Tuttle: https://www.alieward.com/ologies/chiropterologyTrope Talk on Paragons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm_Pi6OpNKUWhy The Winter Soldier is the Strongest Movie in the MCU: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZN5MyDANIY4Thanks to artist Mr Smith and the Free Music Archive for the use of our theme song, "Funk Five."

With one host in Savannah and one in Schwenksville, it's time for Edumacation to think flexibly! This week, our very first guest returns to share her expertise (and some life updates) with the masses. In Part One, Dr. Noblit breaks down four out of eight aspects of executive function: Organizing, Planning and Prioritizing, Time Management, and Flexible Thinking. Stay tuned for Part Two to learn about Working Memory, Emotional and Impulse Control, Metacognition, and Task Initiation.Thanks to artist Mr Smith and the Free Music Archive for the use of our theme song, "Funk Five."

School's out for summer, and there's no better time to roll out our new curriculum, including Ice Cream Philosophy, Introduction to Souffle Baking, Etymology & Entomology, and Life Skills Practicum. More to come this summer, so stay tuned!Want to learn more about what we discussed? Here are some useful links: Caterpillars keep some memory as adults: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2248710/Ologies episode on moths and butterflies: https://www.alieward.com/ologies/lepidopterologySynesthesia in the Ologies episode on memory: https://www.alieward.com/ologies/mnemonologyKing Charles' bizarre portrait: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/His_Majesty_King_Charles_III_(portrait)How languages are related (illustration): https://sssscomic.com/comic.php?page=196Wiktionary: https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Wiktionary:Main_PageSix degrees of Kevin Bacon: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Degrees_of_Kevin_BaconThanks to artist Mr Smith and the Free Music Archive for the use of our theme song, "Funk Five."

To everyone’s surprise, it turns out we’re not the only podcasters on the planet. In this episode, David and L are joined by Josh Markowitz (Wrestling Republic) and Ben Raskas (Game Day Fuel) to get the inside scoop on the future of sports broadcasting. Ben and Josh share college tips, break down the qualities of effective sports analysis, and bond over the famous Miracle on Ice. Want to hear more from our guests? Check out Josh’s work with Wrestling Republic at https://wrestlingrepublic.com/ and on YouTube. Listen to Ben and Matthew Goldstein talk all things sports nutrition on Game Day Fuel on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2RiegkiCSLb2JakbnW3Ds2?si=e24433b6731b4e6f. Keep on the lookout for Josh, Ben, and Hayden’s camp collab as well as some Edumacation "On Location" episodes this summer!Thanks to artist Mr Smith and the Free Music Archive for the use of our theme song, "Funk Five."

How often do you meet a true Renaissance woman? In this episode, David and L pick the brain of a musician, parent, teacher, administrator, and true leader. Leah Hannon, head of the middle school at The Mount Vernon School, has experience in countless facets of education, and she's here to share her wisdom. A hint: be yourself, everyone else is taken.Thanks to artist Mr Smith and the Free Music Archive for the use of our theme song, "Funk Five."

Edumacation is taking a field trip! In this episode, David and L open the floor to attendees of the 2nd Annual Low Country School Counselor Conference at St. Andrew's. Professionals working in the classroom, in administration, and in private practices share insights about their careers as well as the value of diversified support systems.Also, there's ice cream involved.Thanks to artist Mr Smith and the Free Music Archive for the use of our theme song, "Funk Five."

Just when you thought you knew your hosts, they're turning the tables on each other. In this episode, the Shmulitzer-Prize-winning Nashes direct their scrutiny inwards to ask the hard-hitting questions: What does L want to do when they grow up?How many degrees can one man have before he gets too powerful? (And will any of them help him learn how to count?)What even is linguistics?Join David and L as they reflect on how far they've come, not-so-subtly invite Gordon Ramsey to the classroom, and dare to imagine a brighter future for the students and teachers of tomorrow.Thanks to artist Mr Smith and the Free Music Archive for the use of our theme song, "Funk Five."

Are we secretly sponsored by summer camp? No, we're just big fans. The summer is a surprisingly crucial time for education, and sleepaway camp provides a safe environment for kids and adults alike to experiment, make mistakes, and build resilience. In this episode, Jonathan Rapp, history teacher and Head of Boys' Camp at Camp Kweebec in Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, reminisces about his time as a camper, provides insight into the essence of leadership, and invites David and L to experience the magic.Thanks to artist Mr Smith and the Free Music Archive for the use of our theme song, "Funk Five."

Want to know why you (or your child) feel like you're staring down a lion when you're actually facing an upcoming test or presentation? Don't panic! In this episode, David and L invite Lindsay Cohen, a graduate student of psychology at Widener University and Junior Girls Supervisor at Camp Kweebec, to guide them through the weeds of anxiety. They discuss how the body and brain respond to threats, when fear is useful vs. when fear is maladaptive, and how students and their caretakers can learn to accept and process anxiety in healthy ways in order to build resilience.

In school and in life, the show must go on. For some, however, the show doesn't run as smoothly as for others, and they must learn how to adapt to social and emotional challenges. In this episode, the Nash duo becomes a triple act as Truman Nash, lifelong performer, shares his experiences as a high school senior with ADHD.Thanks to artist Mr Smith and the Free Music Archive for the use of our theme song, "Funk Five."

What happens when the standards that measure academic success leave students behind? In this episode, David and L invite special guest Dr. Jenna Noblit to discuss differences in cognition, teaching about teaching, and the vital role of learning support in student success.Dr. Noblit also runs Go for Growth, a service that aims to "teach your child how to learn, not what to learn" by identifying and strengthening processes of executive functioning in individual students. For more, visit www.goforgrowthlearning.com.Thanks to artist Mr Smith and the Free Music Archive for the use of our theme song, "Funk Five."

Welcome to Edumacation 101: getting to know your hosts! In this episode, David and L, a father-daughter team with decades of combined experience in the education world, introduce themselves and their (lesson) plans for the direction of the show. The song "Flowers Are Red" by Harry Chapin epitomizes the message David and L hope to communicate: education is most effective for kids and adults alike when their differences are celebrated, not dismissed. Thanks to artist Mr Smith and the Free Music Archive for the use of our theme song, "Funk Five".