Reach. Teach. Talk. With Nat Damon

This one-hour episode dives deep into the elements of Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) by understanding what CRT is…and is not. Esteemed writer and teacher-researcher Zaretta Hammond (Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain) defines the obstacles that prevent classroom belongingness for non-white students, and why there are reasons for hope even during these deeply divided times.

How do we ensure that our children receive the relational attention they need while remote? Join renowned Early Childhood Expert Dr. Nancy Carlsson-Paige as she navigates the world of learning through play…even while remote. This podcast is directly aimed at parents and educators and anyone seeking hopeful wisdom regarding how best to raise our children during these unprecedented times.

How do we create a remote classroom experience where emotions are the shared currency? Join Dr. Mary Helen Immordino-Yang and Dr. Rebecca Gotlieb as we explore the connections between emotions and cognitions in learning…and create strategies on how to incorporate them in the remote classroom.

Over the past two decades, Finland has been regarded with praise and envy when it comes to PISA scores and student/teacher wellbeing. But why is this the case? In what ways is Finland a positive model for other countries to aspire to? Dr. Pasi Sahlberg explains the Finnish Miracle and shares his wisdom regarding the centrality of relationships in the classroom.

Learning is stifled when a student feels not listened to. How can we use listening in order to hold inclusive conversations about race, identity and equity so that our students can optimally learn in the relational classroom? Educator, filmmaker, and thought-leader André Lee shares what matters most when building group cohesion: Listening.

There's a lot of hearing in schools. Echoing hallways, lockers slamming, teachers talking, students playing. Yet there’s not enough listening going on. Erahm Christopher’s film, “LISTEN”, stimulates deeply proactive conversation thanks to the strength of its message about the need to be listened to, and what happens when we don't listen to our children.

During these times when voices need to be heard, listening skills are critical. In the first episode of our “Listen Up!” series, professor, consultant and listening expert Dr. Graham Bodie shares his wisdom and strategies that will help all listeners feel more comfortable and confident while engaging in the difficult yet essential conversations required to improve our society.

What is compassion? Can it be taught? What is the difference between being compassionate and being nice? Join compassion (and compassionate!) thought-leader Jimi Slattery as he educates us on the centrality of compassion in relationships. In today’s globalized world, we tend to work better when we view others with a compassionate lens. This episode explains why that is the case.

“The only constant is change”. Organizations undergo change in order to reinvent, adapt and grow. Human relationships are impacted each time change occurs. The way we respond to change is individual and relational. Change cycle expert Lorri Palko provides educators and workers from all fields with strategy and wisdom regarding how we can manage the inevitability of change in our workplace. Unlike a seminar, this podcast is unique because of the approach Lorri takes while helping the audience navigate their way. Her consultancy is called “Love, Money, Purpose”. As you’ll discover, there is a reason why “Love” is the first word.

When John Rassias died in 2015, he left behind a legacy of language instruction based on relationships. Through games, improvisation, and conversational banter, the Rassias Method views learning as cognitive and emotional…and social! Ann Diederich, a 25-year teacher and Rassias disciple, takes us on a lively journey connecting joyous language acquisition to cultural understanding.

What is loneliness? How does it manifest? What can we do to address loneliness? What are the modern contributors toward loneliness today? “Only Connect!”…but how do we achieve connection meaningfully and with intention? In this episode, Rev. Janet Broderick guides us through a thoughtful and open discussion on the impact of loneliness on the spirit, the self and in society.

Raising a child with special needs is a life-altering experience. This episode’s guest describes her experience with candor and love. Come join us on a uniquely authentic conversation that touches on the various themes regarding the gift that comes from the least likely of sources. You will leave feeling uplifted and hopeful…and wishing to meet a beautiful young adult named Arizona.

The word ‘tribe’ is often viewed through a political lens. We stick to our own, feeling less safe to cross boundaries with those who think differently. Yet there is another definition of ‘tribe’ that applies to deep learning, which forms in tribal classrooms that promote cultures of safety and stability. Dr. Louis Cozolino explains how the tribal classroom is the model classroom.

Fortune 500 consultant Drew Kugler has worked with some of the best in the field of leadership coaching and public speaking. As someone well-versed in the prickly world of difficult conversations and diplomacy, Drew provides meaningful techniques regarding how to best mean what we say…and say what we actually mean.

With all of the focus on remote teaching and its applications on learning and social/emotional development, it is essential to hear from the teachers themselves. By listening to their experiences, we gain a sense of what it feels like to swiftly pivot from the brick and mortar classroom to the remote classroom. As expert high school teacher Marc Rudajev explains, this transition goes far beyond firing up the laptop and mimicking the traditional classroom experience.

Join writer and education expert Brittany Collins as she shares her hope-filled wisdom about the opportunities that come with relational teaching in the remote classroom. During our conversation, we explore topics such as the need for trauma-informed teaching, the power of writing in teacher/student wellness, and the centrality of maintaining a strong SEL remote classroom during this unprecedented time.

Regarding the nationwide move to remote teaching, UCLA professor Dr. Tyrone Howard stated, “The (teachers) best able to take lessons online already had strong relationships with their students and their families.” In this episode, Dr. Howard speaks about the positive effect of remote learning on relational trust and the negative effect on equity regarding the many LAUSD students without access.

The Kindness School Foundation’s Executive Director Ben Berger takes us from London to Switzerland to Bhutan, where he shares stories highlighting kindness in schools and communities. Ben's story is relatable to all who crave kindness and community during these unprecedented times.

This episode highlights the importance of a growth mindset - for both teachers and students - when making the transition toward remote learning.

This episode articulates three primary components toward building a strong and stable distance learning environment while understanding that perfection is not the main goal.