Edvolution Podcast

Edvolution Services
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Courses

Education is evolving, and we’re here for it. Edvolution is a podcast for educators, school leaders, and changemakers passionate about service learning, sustainability, global citizenship, and edible education. Join hosts Sandra Carden, Laurence Myers, and Melisa Pubil as we share real stories, practical strategies, and expert insights to help you navigate challenges, and create meaningful, real-world learning experiences for students. Whether you're just getting started or looking to deepen your impact, we’re here to support, inspire, and empower you.

  1. 5 days ago

    Purpose Matters: Creating Space for Real World Action (featuring Mike Johnston)

    Welcome to another episode of the Edvolution Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Mike Johnston, CEO of St. Joseph's Institution International, to explore what it truly takes to spark lasting change in our classrooms, schools, and communities. Mike shares his incredible journey across international schools in Mexico, Russia, Qatar, Singapore, Guatemala, and Germany, reflecting on how a single spark of inspiration set his global mission in motion. We dive deep into how educators and school leaders can build robust programs from the ground up, moving past traditional limits to focus on what matters most for a better future: The Purpose of School: Why education must exist to make a better world, and how to align school missions with authentic service learning and community impact. Call It What You Want: Why the exact title of your program doesn't matter whether it's global citizenship, service learning, or changemaking, the key is making space for authentic student agency. Finding Your Leverage: Practical strategies for teachers, middle leaders, and administrators to find influence within the system, build supportive networks, and navigate competing priorities without burning out.  The Way of Being: Exploring SJI International's framework of key mindsets (adaptability, resilience, and compassion) alongside essential skill sets like communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. Embracing AI and Complexity: Why the rise of AI is the perfect excuse to lean into adaptability and human-centric values, teaching students how to navigate real, complex challenges. Resources & Topics Mentioned: St. Joseph's Institution International (SJII) "Way of Being" Compass Education & Systems Thinking Connect and learn about Mike's work:  LinkedIn Get in Touch Have feedback or want to collaborate? Email us at edvolution.services@gmail.com or connect through LinkedIn. Subscribe & Connect Stay tuned for upcoming Season 3 episodes covering service learning, sustainability, edible education, and global citizenship!

    Purpose Matters: Creating Space for Real World Action (featuring Mike Johnston)

  2. 12 Oct

    Authentic Relationships: Youth, Community & Positive Change (featuring Alice Whitehead)

    Welcome to another episode of the Edvolution Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Alice Whitehead, CEO and founder of Orenda Learning, an organization dedicated to guiding young people to build deeper relationships with themselves and their communities while taking action for positive change. Alice shares her unique journey as a third-culture kid raised in Singapore, her full-circle return to United World College (UWC) as an educator, and how that deep commitment to peace and sustainability inspired her to launch Orenda Learning and its globally recognized Be The Change program. We talk about how to move service learning away from performative, one-off events and toward deeply authentic, sustainable partnerships. Scaffolding Student Agency: Putting tools directly in students' hands so they can navigate community dynamics and drive real impact. The Educator as Facilitator: Using structured, "living workshops" to make leading global citizenship manageable and rewarding for teachers. Mindfulness and the Self: Starting community action with self-regulation to ease eco-anxiety and build genuine compassion. Long-Term Partnerships: Committing time, budget, and succession planning to sustain deep community relationships over time. Resources & Links Connect and learn about Alice's work:  LinkedIn Orenda Learning Get in Touch Have feedback or want to collaborate? Email us at edvolution.services@gmail.com or connect through LinkedIn. Subscribe & Connect Stay tuned for upcoming Season 3 episodes covering service learning, sustainability, edible education, and global citizenship!

    Authentic Relationships: Youth, Community & Positive Change (featuring Alice Whitehead)

  3. 27 Sept

    High Standards, High Support: Transforming Engagement in International Schools (featuring Dom Verwey)

    Welcome to another episode of the Edvolution Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Dom Verwey, Middle and High School Service Learning and Student Leadership Coordinator at the American International School of Budapest. In this conversation, Dom shares his unique journey from studying advanced human biology and exercise physiology in South Africa to shaping progressive service leadership and IB Core programs internationally. We dive into how educators can build robust student leadership and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) programs from the ground up, even when starting without a formal blueprint. Dom breaks down the shift from isolated leadership to genuine community contribution, the importance of pairing high expectations with high support, and how to move from transactional connections to deep, co-designed community partnerships. We also look at the neuroscience behind adolescence, exploring how authentic service learning helps students navigate their developing brains and step into active, heart-led agency. Resources & Links Connect and learn about Dom's work:  LinkedIn Get in Touch: Have feedback or want to collaborate? Email us at edvolution.services@gmail.com or connect through LinkedIn. Subscribe & Connect: Stay tuned for upcoming Season 3 episodes covering service learning, sustainability, edible education, and global citizenship!

    High Standards, High Support: Transforming Engagement in International Schools (featuring Dom Verwey)

  4. 14 Sept

    Reimagining Leadership: The UC Berkeley Changemaker Story (featuring Alex Budak)

    Our first guest of the season is Alex Budak, faculty member at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, social entrepreneur, and author of Becoming a Changemaker. Together, we dive into what it actually takes to spark lasting change in our classrooms, schools, and communities without relying on formal titles and focusing instead on bringing people along, building strong relationships, and creating genuine buy-in every step of the way. This episode is an inspiring reminder that real change rarely happens in one massive leap; it is built through small, everyday actions. We don't need a big stage to make a difference, just the willingness to take tiny steps forward right where we are. Resources & Links Connect and learn about Alex's work:  LinkedIn https://www.alexbudak.com/  Get in Touch: Have feedback or want to collaborate? Email us at edvolution.services@gmail.com or connect through LinkedIn. Subscribe & Connect: Stay tuned for upcoming Season 3 episodes covering service learning, sustainability, edible education, and global citizenship!

    Reimagining Leadership: The UC Berkeley Changemaker Story (featuring Alex Budak)

  5. 31 Aug

    Nurturing Communities of Trust: The Little Things that Make Schools Great

    Welcome to Season 3 of the Edvolution Podcast! In this episode we kick off the new season with an authentic, unscripted conversation around a visual concept Laurence recently created: Learning Communities of Trust. Stepping away from predefined curriculums, traditional grading, and one-way learning, we explore how schools can empower students to view themselves as genuine changemakers. Grounded in Laurence's experience with sports psychology, team cohesion, service learning, and intentional community-building, this episode dives into what happens when educators lead with trust to foster agency, self-efficacy, a sense of belonging, and meaningful community contribution. Resources & Links Featured Visual: Link to Laurence's "Learning Communities of Trust Framework"  Get in Touch: Have feedback or want to collaborate? Email us at edvolution.services@gmail.com or connect through LinkedIn. Subscribe & Connect: Stay tuned for upcoming Season 3 episodes covering service learning, sustainability, edible education, and global citizenship!

    Nurturing Communities of Trust: The Little Things that Make Schools Great

  6. 15 Jun

    Rethinking Education in a Changing World (featuring Simon Lightman)

    For our last episode of the season, we are reflecting on where education needs to go next. In this thought-provoking conversation, we sit down with educator, writer, and public philosopher of education Simon Lightman to explore some of the biggest questions facing schools today. Together, we examine the purpose of education in a time of uncertainty, what meaningful student agency really looks like, and how schools can move beyond compliance-driven approaches toward more ethical, future-focused learning. We discuss: What it means to think deeply about the purpose of education How schools can unintentionally prioritize compliance over genuine learning The difference between student voice and authentic youth agency Creating opportunities for responsibility and ethical leadership Why schools need to focus on educational futures, not just immediate outcomes As we approach the end of the school year, this episode is a timely invitation to zoom out, reflect on the bigger picture, and consider an important question: What are we really preparing young people for? Learn about Simon's work here: LinkedIn Website We'll be back in September with a whole new season, but until then, don't hesitate to connect with us at edvolution.services@gmail.com or follow us on LinkedIn!

    Rethinking Education in a Changing World (featuring Simon Lightman)

  7. 7 Jun

    Student Agency, Trust & Regenerative Learning (featuring Dr. Benjamin Freud)

    What happens when schools move beyond student voice and create genuine opportunities for students to shape decisions, policies, and learning? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Benjamin Freud, Head of Upper School and Strategic Lead for Regenerative Education at Green School Bali. Benjamin challenges traditional assumptions about education, leadership, and the role of young people in creating positive change. Together, we explore: What regenerative education looks like in practice Why student agency must go beyond symbolic participation The power of flattening hierarchies in schools Building trust between students, educators, and leaders Preparing young people for uncertainty rather than a predetermined future The opportunities and challenges of AI in education Engaging parents as partners in learning and change This conversation offers a thought-provoking look at how schools can become communities where advocacy, collaboration, and meaningful participation thrive. As we approach the end of another school year, this conversation also invites us to pause and reflect on the bigger picture. Beyond the day-to-day demands of school life, what kind of learners, leaders, and communities are we hoping to cultivate? And how can we create the conditions for young people to play a meaningful role in shaping the future? Follow Benjamin's work here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminfreud/  Connect with us at edvolution.services@gmail.com to share ideas, feedback, or topics you’d like explored in future episodes.

    Student Agency, Trust & Regenerative Learning (featuring Dr. Benjamin Freud)

  8. 25 May

    Positive Persistance: Purposeful Action with Young Learners (featuring Heather Semon and Daniel Shrewsbury)

    In this episode, we sit down with Heather Semon and Daniel Shrewsbury from the International School of Paris to explore how sustainability, service learning, and student voice can transform school culture. Heather and Daniel share their journeys into international education and describe how their shared passion for environmental stewardship led to the growth of the “Action Cubs,” a student-led initiative empowering young learners to take meaningful action around issues they care about most. From composting systems and urban gardening to food systems education and global sustainability conferences like ChangeNOW, this conversation is filled with practical ideas, inspiring stories, and thoughtful reflections for educators looking to create purposeful, student-centered learning experiences. Together, we discuss: Building student agency through sustainability and service learning Creating systems that support meaningful student action The power of collaboration and finding aligned partners Urban gardening and food systems education in schools Bringing real-world sustainability connections into the classroom How schools can start small and grow authentic sustainability initiatives over time Check out some of Heather and Daniel's favorite resources here: Compass Education Climate Fresk Eco-Schools ChangeNOW Connect with us at edvolution.services@gmail.com to share ideas, feedback, or topics you’d like explored in future episodes.

    Positive Persistance: Purposeful Action with Young Learners (featuring Heather Semon and Daniel Shrewsbury)
See All (33)

About

Education is evolving, and we’re here for it. Edvolution is a podcast for educators, school leaders, and changemakers passionate about service learning, sustainability, global citizenship, and edible education. Join hosts Sandra Carden, Laurence Myers, and Melisa Pubil as we share real stories, practical strategies, and expert insights to help you navigate challenges, and create meaningful, real-world learning experiences for students. Whether you're just getting started or looking to deepen your impact, we’re here to support, inspire, and empower you.

Information

  • Creator
    Edvolution Services
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Edvolution Podcast