Lifelong Learning Defined Podcast for Self Improvement

Dr. Jorge Valenzuela
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Education

Lifelong Learning Defined Podcast with Dr. Jorge Valenzuela is a show aimed at educators and school leaders who want to improve their personal and professional growth by incorporating innovative and evidence-based practices. Each episode features a guest who offers practical tips and inspiring advice to help you transform your classroom, school environment or personal life. Tune in today to start defining your unique success path!

  1. 3d ago

    S5 E1 | Create Your Own Luck with Dr. Jeremy Owoh

    Season 5 begins with Dr. Jeremy Owoh, Superintendent of Jacksonville North Pulaski School District, President of the ISTE+ASCD Board of Directors, and author of Create Your Own Luck: How Leaders Leverage the Intersection of Preparation and Opportunity. Jeremy joins Dr. Jorge Valenzuela to discuss his journey from the classroom to the superintendent’s office, the challenges facing today’s school leaders, and what it takes to create meaningful transformation across a school system. They explore the alignment of curriculum, instruction, and technology; the growing role of AI in schools; what leaders should look for when they enter classrooms; and why technology should support—not become the centerpiece of—teaching and learning. Jeremy also explains what it means to “create your own luck,” how preparation and opportunity intersect, and what educators can do to position themselves for the next stage of their careers. A conversation about leadership, preparation, opportunity, and keeping teaching and learning at the center of educational innovation.

    S5 E1 | Create Your Own Luck with Dr. Jeremy Owoh

  2. Jun 11

    S4 E14: From Compton to the Cosmos: How Project-Based Learning Is Preparing Students for the Future

    What happens when students are trusted with real-world challenges that matter?In this inspiring episode of the Lifelong Learning Defined Podcast, Dr. Jorge Valenzuela welcomes back educator Jose Gonzalez along with several of his remarkable students from Davis Middle School in Compton, California.Together, they discuss their internationally recognized project that challenged students to design a sustainable spacecraft capable of supporting life on Europa, one of Jupiter's moons. Collaborating with students from Colégio Militar de Manaus in Brazil, the team combined engineering, aquaponics, sustainability, robotics, and environmental science to develop innovative solutions for food production, sanitation, and space exploration.Their project earned recognition in the Ciena World Challenge, a global competition featuring submissions from 25 countries focused on sustainability and innovation.In this conversation, students reflect on:• What it was like to work on a real-world engineering challenge• How project-based learning changed their view of school• The power of international collaboration• The role of STEM education in solving future problems• Skills they developed through teamwork, communication, and innovation• How the experience shaped their confidence and future aspirationsThis episode serves as a powerful reminder of what is possible when educators create learning experiences that are authentic, meaningful, and connected to the world beyond the classroom.About the GuestJose Gonzalez is an award-winning educator, speaker, and global advocate for project-based learning, environmental sustainability, and STEM education. Through innovative partnerships and authentic learning experiences, he empowers students to tackle real-world challenges while developing the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly complex world.

  3. May 25

    S4 E15: Dr. Jorge Valenzuela on PBL+, AI Literacy, and the Future of Teaching

    In this episode of the Lifelong Learning Defined Podcast, Dr. Jorge Valenzuela joins David Berner and Jeremy Mikla from the Integrate This Podcast for a deep conversation about project-based learning, AI literacy, instructional innovation, and the power of relationships in education. Dr. Valenzuela shares his journey from computer science and IT into education leadership, instructional coaching, and national keynote speaking. Throughout the discussion, he unpacks the philosophy behind Project-Based Learning+ (PBL+), explains why strong core instruction must come before innovation, and offers practical frameworks for helping students and teachers navigate the rise of artificial intelligence in schools. The conversation also explores emotional intelligence, student engagement, lifelong learning, classroom relationships, professional development, and what educators must do to prepare students for a rapidly changing future. This episode is packed with actionable insight for teachers, school leaders, instructional coaches, and anyone passionate about meaningful learning and human-centered leadership. Topics include: Project-Based Learning+ (PBL+)AI literacy in educationInstructional innovation and core instructionEmotional intelligence and relationshipsProfessional learning that actually worksPreparing students for future careersLifelong learning and leadershipThis episode features an excerpt from my conversation on the Integrate This Podcast with David Berner and Jeremy Mikla. Follow Dr. Jorge Valenzuela:Instagram/X/Threads/LinkedIn: @jorgedoespbl Books: Instructional Innovation+Project-Based Learning+

  4. May 8

    S4 E13: From Intuition to Inner Peace: Dallisa Hocking on Self-Trust, Healing, and Human Connection

    In this episode of the Lifelong Learning Defined Podcast, Dr. Jorge Valenzuela sits down with Dallisa Hocking for a thoughtful conversation about intuition, self-trust, healing, purpose, and the human experience. Dallisa shares her journey from entrepreneur to fifth-generation psychic medium and explains how her work has evolved from giving answers to helping people ask better questions. Together, Jorge and Dallisa explore intuition as a human skill, the role of confidence and self-efficacy in manifestation, the dangers of outsourcing permission, and why so many people struggle to hear their own inner voice in a world full of noise. The conversation also dives into stoicism, emotional healing, social media culture, purpose, suffering, faith, and the ripple effect our mindset creates in the lives of others. This episode is less about prediction and more about clarity, discernment, emotional peace, and becoming the kind of person who brings light into difficult spaces. Topics include: Intuition vs. impulsivitySelf-trust and manifestationStoicism and emotional resilienceTrauma, healing, and online negativityThe Four Agreements and inner peacePurpose, frequency, and human connectionWhy silence and reflection matter more than constant noiseListen now and join the conversation.

  5. Apr 10

    S4 E12: Trust First—The Foundation Every Instructional Leader Needs with Dr. Delia Racines

    In this episode of the Lifelong Learning Defined Podcast, Dr. Jorge Valenzuela sits down with Dr. Delia Racines—educator, leadership expert, and author of Trust as the Core of Instructional Leadership—to unpack a truth many leaders overlook: without trust, nothing else works. Dr. Racines shares her journey from criminology to education and how that path shaped her leadership philosophy. This conversation breaks down what new leaders should actually do in their first 30 days, why trust matters more than positional authority, and how emotional intelligence strengthens every interaction in a school. They also get practical—covering strategies like listening before leading, creating space for all voices, and using simple protocols like “spend an ego buck” to build consensus and buy-in across teams. If you are leading instruction, supporting teachers, or working to strengthen school culture, this episode will give you clear direction rooted in real experience. Connect with Dr. Delia Racines:Instagram: @drdeliaracinesWebsite: https://linkin.bio/deliaracines/ Follow for practical frameworks in instructional leadership and PBL grounded in emotionally intelligent leadership.

  6. Feb 22

    S4 E11: From the Bronx to Robotics: Building STEM Confidence with Stephanie Lugo (Ms. Robotics)

    In this episode, Dr. Jorge Valenzuela sits down with Stephanie Lugo—also known as Ms. Robotics—to discuss how real STEM success begins with mindset, not machines. From the Bronx to leading high-impact robotics programs, Stephanie shares how she builds confidence before coding, teaches students to embrace failure, integrates AI responsibly, and develops the teamwork and leadership skills today’s workforce demands. If you’re looking to strengthen your STEM culture and empower students to see themselves as future-ready, this conversation delivers practical insight and inspiration.

  7. Feb 7

    S4 E10: Healing, Alignment, and Self-Trust (with Alexa Nejamie)

    In this episode, Dr. Jorge Valenzuela sits down with spiritual healer and transformative coach Alexa Nejamie. Alexa shares her personal healing journey and breaks down what alignment really looks like in daily life — from self-honesty and emotional awareness to building self-trust and regulating your thoughts and reactions. You’ll hear practical insight on recognizing patterns, setting boundaries, healthy vulnerability, moving beyond people-pleasing, and turning conflict into deeper understanding through better conversations. If you’re on a healing journey or working to grow in emotional intelligence and self-leadership, this conversation offers both perspective and practical direction. Connect with Alexa:Instagram/TikTok: @minutes.of.positivity

  8. Jan 24

    S4 E9: Teach Like It’s Your Kid in the Front Row (with Jonathan Alsheimer)

    In this episode, Dr. Jorge Valenzuela sits down with educator, coach, and consultant Jonathan Heimer—one of the most charismatic voices in education today. Jonathan breaks down what’s really holding teachers back from engaging students right now, and why engagement has to be both instructional and relational if we want kids to truly buy in. You’ll hear practical, next-day moves teachers can make to shift students from passive to active learning—starting with strong hooks, simple strategy, and the courage to make learning fun again. Jonathan also shares a powerful message on teacher legacy, burnout, and why authenticity is still one of the greatest leadership advantages in schools. If you’re a teacher, school leader, or anyone responsible for school culture, this conversation will give you both heart and strategy—the two things that consistently drive real engagement. Connect with Jonathan: https://www.jonathanalsheimer.com/Instagram/X: @mr_alsheimer

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Lifelong Learning Defined Podcast with Dr. Jorge Valenzuela is a show aimed at educators and school leaders who want to improve their personal and professional growth by incorporating innovative and evidence-based practices. Each episode features a guest who offers practical tips and inspiring advice to help you transform your classroom, school environment or personal life. Tune in today to start defining your unique success path!

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