Putman Podcast Pops

Shannon welcomes Tracy Scott, a second-grade instructional assistant with 23 years of experience in Jefferson County Public Schools, to discuss the often-overlooked role of classified school staff. Tracy shares what instructional assistants actually do—far beyond the common misconception of just "taking kids to the bathroom"—including leading intervention groups, providing emotional support, managing behavior, and building lasting relationships with students.Key topics include the persistent class divide between certified teachers and assistants, how assistants are frequently given the most challenging students and behavior situations without recognition, and the need for mutual respect within school communities. Tracy emphasizes that kids primarily need love, attention, and "their person" to confide in—something she's provided for two decades, maintaining relationships with former students well into their twenties.Links: Putman XR Consulting LinkedIn: Shannon Putman

Shannon welcomes Benjamin Albaum (CEO/Founder) and John Mina (CIO/Founder) of VIZQ to discuss their revolutionary speech therapy technology.Key Topics:The Generalization Problem: John explains how students master skills in therapy but struggle to transfer them to real-world settings—the core problem Viscu aims to solve.What is VIZQ?: A VR-based digital extension of speech therapy that collects real-time data and personalizes treatment, creating continuity of care between therapy, home, and school.Speech Therapy Scope: John clarifies that SLPs work on far more than lisps—including speech sounds, fluency, voice, and the critical area of language (expressive, receptive, and pragmatic/social skills).Why Toothbrushing?: The team chose this as their first activity because it incorporates receptive language, cognition, sequencing, and behavior—all foundational skills wrapped in one essential daily task.Research-Based Approach: VIZQ uses systematic prompting and evidence-based special education practices, making it adaptable for any learner, not just those with disabilities.Real Results: Deployed in 10+ Kentucky schools across 5 counties, students are requesting to use VIZQ, cheering each other on, and—most importantly—10 of 11 kids in a study showed independent toothbrushing at 1 and 3-month follow-ups.Future Vision: Expanding to life skills like laundry and coffee-making that double as job skills, with the ultimate goal of creating "a therapist in your pocket" for lifelong independence.

Returning guest Dmitry Goldfinch from GW Pro discusses their VR training platform's latest developments: 25 modules with multiplayer capability, new non-VR options for Chromebooks and basic laptops, and a teacher-focused educator guide aligned with national CTE standards. He spotlights their partnership with Kentucky Virtual Academy's 250-headset remote learning program and preview upcoming soft skills training that adds workplace communication scenarios to practical modules.Guest Links:LinkedIn:GW Pro Dmitry GoldfinchWebsite: gwpro.ioGet in touch with Shannon:Putman XR ConsultingLinkedIn: Dr. Shannon Putman

In this epsiode, Shannon welcomes Caroline Sanchez Crozier, a pioneering entrepreneur celebrating 38 years of leadership with CSC Consulting Group. Caroline shares her journey from corporate CPA to tech entrepreneur, including her groundbreaking work with Apple Computer bringing technology to Chicago Public Schools in the 1990s. She discusses the persistent challenges of equitable tech access—from infrastructure and teacher training to mindset shifts—issues that remain relevant today whether implementing VR, AI, or any emerging technology.Now leading the nonprofit Digital Leaders Now, Caroline introduces the concept of "ganas" (grit and resilience) and the Ganas Tech Expo, an annual event bringing together students, educators, and industry leaders to co-create solutions for real-world community challenges. The conversation explores mission-driven entrepreneurship, the power of diversity of thought, breaking down silos between education and industry, and staying resilient through challenging times. Join the movement at the Ganas Tech Expo on April 22, 2026 at Roosevelt University. Learn more at GanasTech.org.Get in touch with Caroline:LinkedInDigital Leaders NowGet in touch with Shannon:Putman XR ConsultingLinkedIn: Dr. Shannon Putman

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

Shannon Putman welcomes Stephanie Breedlove, District Early Childhood Principal for Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, Kentucky, to kick off 2026. Stephanie shares her extensive educational journey—from classroom teacher in North Carolina to principal in Nelson County, and now leading early childhood programs in JCPS.The conversation explores the unique challenges of early childhood education, including serving students with disabilities and those from low-income backgrounds. Stephanie emphasizes that relationship-building and creating a culture of care are foundational to effective leadership, arguing that emotionally healthy staff lead to better student outcomes.Key topics include:The shift in kindergarten expectations (now resembling "the new first grade")Support for universal pre-K initiativesThe critical role of technology in preparing students for the futureBalancing innovation with teacher buy-inThe importance of visibility and presence as a school leaderGet in touch with Shannon:Putman XR ConsultingLinkedIn: Dr. Shannon Putman

In this episode, host Shannon Putman welcomes technology entrepreneur Paul Epp to discuss his journey from music education to founding Foster Care Technologies and his current work with voiss.org, a platform designed to help children develop social skills through customizable, research-backed virtual scenarios. The conversation explores the importance of social skill training, the role of AI in education, and the challenges and opportunities in making such tools accessible to diverse learners. Paul also shares insights from his background in music and business, highlighting the collaborative and evolving nature of educational technology.Guest Links:LinkedIn - Paul EppProject VOISSLinkedIn - VOISSShannon's Links:Putman XR ConsultingLinkedIn: @DrShannonPutman

Shannon Putman interviews Carmine Provenzano, founder of Safe Kitchen VR, about using virtual reality and AI to revolutionize kitchen safety training. They discuss Carmine’s journey, the importance of immersive learning, and how Safe Kitchen is making safety accessible for everyone from students to professionals.Guest Links:LinkedInSafe Kitchen VRSafe Kitchen VR Promo VideoShannon's Links:Putman XR ConsultingLinkedIn: @DrShannonPutman

In this episode, host Shannon Putman sits down with Ryan Simio from ManageXR to discuss the evolution and real-world impact of XR (Extended Reality) technology, focusing on its transformative role in education and beyond. Ryan shares his personal journey into the XR industry, the mission and growth of ManageXR, and the challenges and opportunities of adopting XR in schools and enterprises. The conversation highlights the importance of networking, curiosity, and customer feedback in driving innovation, and explores how Manage XR empowers educators to manage and customize XR devices remotely. Real-world examples—from classroom learning and workforce development to senior care and public speaking—demonstrate XR’s potential to reshape traditional approaches. The episode also spotlights the Discover XR platform, which connects users and content creators, and celebrates the teamwork and passion that fuel progress in the XR community.Guest LinksLinkedIn: ManageXRShannon's Links:Putman XR ConsultingLinkedIn: @DrShannonPutman

In this episode, Shannon Putman interviews Chris Gunby, Head of Commercial at VirtualSpeech, a company specializing in VR and AI-powered professional skills training. Chris shares the origin story of VirtualSpeech, which was founded to help co-founder Sophie Thompson overcome her fear of public speaking using VR technology. The platform has since evolved into a comprehensive tool for developing communication and soft skills, serving both educational institutions and businesses.Shannon's Links:Putman XR ConsultingLinkedIn: @DrShannonPutman

In this episode, Shannon is joined by Jethro Jones, a national award-winning former school leader, podcaster, and author known for his transformative approaches to educational leadership. Jethro discusses the concept of being a transformative principal, which involves designing unique school experiences tailored to the specific needs of the students and staff each year. He outlines the different levels of school leadership, emphasizing the importance of proactive and value-driven decision-making. Jethro also touches on his personal experiences, including the challenges of moving between different educational roles and the importance of staying true to one's moral purpose in education. The conversation underscores the need for honesty, openness, and innovation in fostering effective educational environments.Guest Links:Website: jethrojones.comShannon's Links:Putman XR ConsultingLinkedIn: @DrShannonPutman

In this episode, Shannon Putman interviews Marco Janmaat, the head of VR Experts US. They discuss the role of VR Experts in integrating virtual reality into educational and enterprise settings, and the benefits of VR in the classroom. Topics covered include the importance of proper VR setup, hygiene considerations, support services, and emerging VR technologies. Marco also shares his excitement about the future of mixed reality and how it can continue to enhance both education and enterprise applications.Guest Links:LinkedIn: @MarcoJanmaatLinkedIn: VR ExpertShannon's Links:Putman XR ConsultingLinkedIn: @DrShannonPutman

In this episode, Shannon Putman interviews Chris Madsen from EngageXR. They delve into Chris's extensive experience in behavioral science and how he transitioned into the world of virtual reality. They discuss the transformative potential of VR and XR in education, the advancements in technology, and the impact of AI in virtual experiences. Chris shares insights into the journey of Engage and highlights the importance of making VR accessible. The episode also touches on the future of VR and the importance of experiential learning.

In this episode, Shannon Putman welcomes Dr. Laurent Da Dalto, CEO and founder of Mimbus. They discuss Dr. Laurent's journey in VR, the evolution of VR technology, its significant impact on vocational training, and the future trends in immersive learning. The conversation dives deep into the importance of ensuring VR is seen as a learning tool rather than a game, how Mimbus' Volcan platform operates, and how VR can aid in inclusivity and global education.Links:Shannon's web siteConnect with Shannon on LinkedIn.Mimbus Connect with Dr. Laurent Da Dalto on LinkedIn.

In this episode, Shannon Putman hosts Dave Dolan, an educator with over 35 years of experience and a passionate advocate for VR in education. The discussion dives deep into the nuances of VR technology, comparing 3DoF and 6DoF systems, their educational value, cost efficiency, and privacy concerns. Dolan shares insights from his extensive international teaching experience and provides a nuanced perspective on the practicalities and future of VR in classrooms, among other fascinating topics.Guest Links:Sensible VRXRepsShannon's Links:Putman XR ConsultingLinkedIn: @DrShannonPutman

In this episode, host Shannon Putman converses with Zack Davenport, the Director of Production at Lobaki, about the transformative impact of virtual reality in education and training. They discuss Zack's journey into the VR industry, the importance of spatial learning, addressing educational equity with VR, and the Immersive Institute's diverse content offerings including STEM, history, and career technical education. The conversation highlights the growing trends in VR for diesel and automotive training, overcoming misconceptions about VR in education, and how Lobaki collaborates with educators to create impactful learning experiences.Guest Links:LinkedIn: @ZackDavenportShannon's Links:Putman XR ConsultingLinkedIn: @DrShannonPutman

In this episode, Shannon Putman hosts Vijay Ravindran, CEO, and founder of Floreo. Vijay discusses his journey from software engineering at Amazon and being a technology executive at the Washington Post to creating Floreo, a virtual reality therapy system designed to assist neurodiverse individuals, particularly those with autism. The conversation covers the inspiration behind Floreo, its development, and its impact on education and healthcare. Vijay also highlights the importance of including the neurodiverse community in product design and incorporating advanced technology like AI and eye-tracking in therapeutic solutions.Guest Links:LinkedIn: @vijayravindranLinkedIn: @FloreoVRShannon's Links:Putman XR ConsultingLinkedIn: @DrShannonPutman

In this episode, Shannon talks with Lynne Henderson, CEO and co-founder of Certify-Ed. They discuss the innovative curriculum developed by Certify-Ed, which includes courses and simulations available on multiple platforms such as VR headsets, laptops, desktops, and tablets. Lynne shares insights into the increasing use of VR in education, the importance of credentialing, and the demand for various types of courses in fields like culinary arts, trades, and digital skills. Guest's Links:LinkedIn: @LynneHendersonLinkedIn: Certify-EdShannon's Links:Putman XR ConsultingLinkedIn: @DrShannonPutman

In this episode, Shannon Putman sits down with Tim Ventura, an industry insider with extensive experience in visualization and AR/VR technologies. Together, they explore Tim's journey through the technology landscape, his contributions to the industry, and the innovative platform IQ3Connect, which aims to revolutionize collaboration and education in 3D environments.Guest Links:LinkedIn: @TimVenturaShannon's Links:Putman XR ConsultingLinkedIn: @DrShannonPutman

In this episode, Shannon Putman interviews Amber Rowland, an associate research professor at the University of Kansas, about technology integration and professional development in education. They discuss the use of virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as the VOISS and iKNOW projects, to help students, especially those with disabilities, develop social skills. Amber shares insights on the challenges and opportunities of integrating new technology in education, the importance of professional development for teachers, and the role of family and community in supporting student learning.Guest Links:LinkedIn: @AmberRowlandShannon's Links:Putman XR ConsultingLinkedIn: @DrShannonPutman

In this episode, Shannon Putman interviews Amir Bozorgzadeh, co-founder and CEO of Virtuleap. They discuss his background, Virtuleap's purpose, the benefits and applications of VR in education and healthcare, and the challenges and innovations in the sector. The conversation also touches upon Amir's personal experiences and favorite fictional villains.Guest Links:LinkedIn: @AmirBozWebsite: XrepsShannon's Links:Putman XR ConsultingLinkedIn: @DrShannonPutman

In this episode, Shannon Putman interviews Laura Lynn Gonzalez, CEO of 10k Science, about immersive science education technology. They discuss the innovative educational experiences created by 10k Science, the value of VR in teaching complex scientific concepts, and the future of XR in education.Guest's Links:LinkedIn: @LauraLynnGonzalezShannon's Links:Putman XR ConsultingLinkedIn: @DrShannonPutman

In this episode of Shannon Putman's podcast, Shannon speaks with Amir Khorram, a business leader at ByteDance. They dive deep into the XR industry, discussing Amir's journey, the evolution of XR technology, and its applications in various fields including education and enterprise. They also explore project management tools like Meegle and the future potential of XR and AI technologiesEpisode Links:LinkedIn: @AmirKhorramMeegle

In this episode,, Shannon Putman welcomes Akash Sud, co-founder of Higher Prana. They discuss Higher Prana's innovative VR meditation app, the significance of sound frequencies in promoting mental wellness, and the application's potential benefits for both students and educators. The conversation also delves into the gamification of education and practical ways to integrate mindfulness into everyday routines.Guest Links: LinkedIn: @AkashSudLinkedIn: Higher PranaYoutube: PranaAndSkyShannon's Links:Putman XR ConsultingLinkedIn: @DrShannonPutman

In this episode, Shannon Putman welcomes Jonathan Teske, CEO of ReframeXR, to discuss the transformative potential of mixed reality in education. Teske shares insights on Reframe's immersive learning platform, the distinction between virtual and mixed reality, and how Reframe empowers teachers to innovate in their classrooms. The conversation covers Teske's background as a teacher, the challenges of integrating new technology in schools, and the future of mixed reality in K-12 education.Guest Links:LinkedIn: @JonathanTeskeLinkedIn: ReframeXRShannon's Links:Putman XR ConsultingLinkedIn: @DrShannonPutman

In this episode, Shannon Putman interviews George Bellwood, CEO and Co-founder of Virtus Tech, a UK-based VR company. George discusses the no-code platform they developed to make VR accessible and scalable across various devices, ranging from VR headsets to desktops and tablets. The conversation highlights the importance of customizing VR for educational purposes, making it user-friendly, and integrating support for educators. They also delve into the future of VR technology, the market landscape, and its applications in education and training.Guest Links:LinkedIn: @GeorgeBellwood12LinkedIn: Virtus TechShannon's Links:Putman XR ConsultingLinkedIn: @DrShannonPutman

In this episode, Shannon Putman interviews Marco Janmaat, the head of VR Experts US. They discuss the role of VR Experts in integrating virtual reality into educational and enterprise settings, and the benefits of VR in the classroom. Topics covered include the importance of proper VR setup, hygiene considerations, support services, and emerging VR technologies. Marco also shares his excitement about the future of mixed reality and how it can continue to enhance both education and enterprise applications.Guest Links:LinkedIn: @MarcoJanmaatLinkedIn: VR ExpertShannon's Links:Putman XR ConsultingLinkedIn: @DrShannonPutman

In this episode, Shannon Putman interviews Sabarinath C. Nair, the founder and CEO of Skillveri. They discuss the transformative impact of mixed reality (MR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies in skill training and education, particularly in the fields of welding, spray painting, and other trades. Shannon highlights how MR and VR can make training more effective and accessible, while Sabarinath elaborates on the detailed features and real-world applications of these technologies.Links:Putman XR ConsultingLinkedIn: @DrShannonPutmanLinkedIn: @SabarinathCLinkedIn: SkillveriWebsite: Skillveri

In this episode,Shannon Putman welcomes Dmitry Scheglov and Karl Bots from GW Pro. They discuss the innovative training solutions provided by GW Pro, the importance of safety training in high-risk professions, and how VR can bridge the gap between theoretical and practical training. The conversation also explores the unique challenges faced by educational and enterprise customers when implementing VR training solutions, and highlights the adaptability of GW Pro's software in various environments.Links:Putman XR ConsultingLinkedIn: @DrShannonPutmanLinkedIn: Karl Bots & Dmitry ScheglovWebsite: GW Pro

In this episode, host Shannon Putman interviews Craig Frehlich, an educator with decades of experience. They discuss Craig's journey into VR technology in education, the challenges and benefits of integrating VR in classrooms, and some amusing and insightful personal anecdotes. The conversation also covers practical advice on how to introduce new tech to educators, ensuring it's a tool rather than a replacement.Links:Putman XR ConsultingLinkedIn: @DrShannonPutmanLinkedIn: @CraigFrehlichCraig Frehlich Consulting

In this episode, Shannon Putman interviews Chris Madsen from EngageXR. They delve into Chris's extensive experience in behavioral science and how he transitioned into the world of virtual reality. They discuss the transformative potential of VR and XR in education, the advancements in technology, and the impact of AI in virtual experiences. Chris shares insights into the journey of Engage and highlights the importance of making VR accessible. The episode also touches on the future of VR and the importance of experiential learning.

In this episode, Shannon Putman interviews Lisa Metzger, the Account Subscription Manager at CareerViewXR. They discuss CareerViewXR's mission of helping students explore careers through virtual reality, how VR experiences differ from traditional career exploration methods, the benefits for both students and companies, and practical advice for schools looking to implement VR technology.Links: Get in touch with CareerViewXR and Lisa:LinkedIn: CareerViewXRWebsite: CareerViewXRLinkedIn: @LisaMetzgerGet in touch with Shannon:Putman XR Consulting LinkedIn: @DrShannonPutman

In this episode, Shannon Putman welcomes Dr. Laurent Da Dalto, CEO and founder of Mimbus. They discuss Dr. Laurent's journey in VR, the evolution of VR technology, its significant impact on vocational training, and the future trends in immersive learning. The conversation dives deep into the importance of ensuring VR is seen as a learning tool rather than a game, how Mimbus' Volcan platform operates, and how VR can aid in inclusivity and global education.Links:Shannon's web siteConnect with Shannon on LinkedIn.Mimbus Connect with Dr. Laurent Da Dalto on LinkedIn.

Join Dr. Shannon Putman as she introduces Putman's Podcast Pops, a series of quick and insightful episodes centered around virtual reality and educational technology. In this trailer, Dr. Putman shares her background, mission, and what listeners can expect from future episodes.

In this episode, host Shannon Putman chats with Jeff Roesner, Head of Education at Pico, about the company's advancements in VR technology, focusing on its applications in the education sector. They discuss the ease of use, security features, and potential of VR headsets like the Pico 4 Ultra. They also explore how VR can enhance student engagement, learning outcomes, and classroom dynamics, with anecdotes about real-world applications and benefits. Jeff shares insights into the future of VR in education and offers practical advice for educators looking to integrate this technology into their classrooms.Links:Shannon's web siteConnect with Shannon on LinkedIn.Connect with Jeff on LinkedInVisit Pico's web site