Active Listener, a Lightspeed Podcast

🎥Lightspeed

Hosted by Dominique Johnson-Lindsay, The Active Listener Podcast by Lightspeed amplifies the voices shaping K-12 education. Each episode features conversations with district leaders, educators or K-12 stakeholders working to improve schools and classrooms alongside evolving technology and teaching methods. Whether you’re an educator seeking inspiration, an administrator navigating change, or simply passionate about the future of learning, The Active Listener podcast is for you.

  1. Jul 29

    Prepared, Not Afraid: A Conversation on School Safety with Pat Hamilton

    In this episode of Active Listener, Dominique Johnson-Lindsay sits down with Pat Hamilton, Alliance Director at the I Love U Guys Foundation, to explore what it truly means to create safe school communities. Together, they discuss why effective school safety extends far beyond emergency response, the importance of building a culture of preparedness without creating fear, and how clear communication, collaboration, and practiced protocols help schools respond confidently to everyday challenges and critical incidents alike. Pat also shares how the Foundation's mission to "protect the joy of youth" continues to shape its work, offering practical insights for educators and school leaders committed to creating environments where students can learn, grow, and thrive. Resources The I Love U Guys Foundation - Free school safety resources, training materials, and implementation guides for schools and districts. Standard Response Protocol (SRP) - A common language framework that helps schools respond effectively to a wide range of emergencies through five simple actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter. Standard Reunification Method (SRM) - Guidance and tools to help schools safely reunify students with their families following an emergency or unexpected event. Moose on the Loose (Coming Soon) - An elementary resource from the I Love U Guys Foundation designed to introduce school safety concepts to younger learners in an engaging, age-appropriate way.

  2. Jul 6

    Preparing Students for a World We Can't Predict: A Conversation With Dr. Annalies Corbin

    What does it mean to prepare students for a world we can't predict? In this episode of Active Listener, Dominique Johnson-Lindsay sits down with Dr. Annalies Corbin, Founder and CEO of the PAST Foundation, to explore why curiosity, confidence, communication, and real-world problem solving matter more than ever. Together, they discuss how educators can create meaningful learning experiences, embrace productive failure, and use technology as a tool, not a replacement for human connection, to help every learner thrive in an ever-changing world.   Resources: PAST Foundation  Hacking School: Five Strategies to Link Learning to Life by Dr. Annalies Corbin Learning Unboxed Podcast Learn More About Lightspeed

  3. Jun 3

    Purposeful Technology In Schools: A Conversation With Jesse Lubinsky

    As technology continues to evolve, how can schools ensure innovation serves learning rather than distracting from it? In this episode of Active Listener, Dominique Johnson-Lindsay sits down with Jesse Lubinsky, Principal Education Evangelist at Adobe, former educator, administrator, and author to explore the role of purposeful technology in today's classrooms.  Jesse shares practical insights on how educators can embrace emerging tools while keeping students at the center of the learning experience. Together, they discuss the opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities that come with innovation, and why the future of education depends on using technology with intention. Resources: Jesse Lubinsky's Website Connect on LinkedIn Adobe for Education Partial Credit Podcast Learn More About Lightspeed

  4. May 20

    Teaching With Heart, Leading With Backbone: A Conversation With Alex Schmitt and Nicole Schmitt

    In this episode of Active Listener, Dominique Johnson-Lindsay sits down with married educators Alex and Nicole Schmitt for a heartfelt conversation about what it takes to keep showing up for students with both heart and backbone. Together, they reflect on the realities of teaching, the importance of student voice, the power of meaningful connection, and the ways school systems can better listen to and support the educators closest to the work. From navigating COVID-era challenges to sustaining purpose in a demanding profession, this conversation is a reminder that great teaching is built on relationships, resilience, and the courage to keep advocating for what students need.

  5. Apr 17

    True Classroom Management Is Relationship Management: A Conversation With Dena McNeal

    In this episode of Active Listener, Dominique sits down with Dena McNeal, a middle school assistant principal with over 20 years of experience, to explore how relationships, routines, and consistency shape effective classroom management. Dena shares practical strategies for setting expectations, supporting teachers, and balancing accountability with care while emphasizing that respect is built through connection, not control. At its core, this conversation is a reminder that when students feel seen and supported, classrooms become spaces where both behavior and learning can thrive.

  6. Mar 25

    Music, Listening, and The Brain: A Conversation With Jessica Phillips-Silver

    What does listening actually require, and what can music teach us about how the brain learns? In this episode of Active Listener, Dominique sits down with Dr. Jessica Phillips-Silver, a music neuroscientist, speaker, and artistic creator whose work explores how rhythm shapes attention, regulation, and human connection. Together, they unpack Jessica’s ARC framework of listening - attention, regulation, and connection - and explore why sound environment, movement, and music education are essential to learning. Jessica also shares how her Finding Rhythm project brings neuroscience, culture, and music into K–12 classrooms, reframing music as a powerful tool for learning, healing, and community. Resources Learn more about Dr. Jessica Phillips-Silver Learn more about the Finding Rhythm Project Learn more about Lightspeed

  7. Mar 11

    The Impact of Career and Technical Education: A Conversation With Dr. Joe Jones and Dr. TJ Vari

    In this episode of Active Listener, Dominique sits down with Dr. TJ Vari and Joe Jones, co-founders of TheSchoolHouse302 and experienced education leaders, to discuss how schools can rethink student success through skills, career and technical education (CTE), and real-world learning. Together, they explore why durable skills like communication, critical thinking, and adaptability are essential for preparing students for the future of work.   Resources: TheSchoolHouse302 Maia Learning Books by Dr. Joe Jones & Dr. TJ Vari Lightspeed Classroom Audio

  8. Feb 27

    Inclusion In Action: A Conversation With Brittany Hebert and Amy Salera

    On this episode of Active Listener, Dominique sits down with Brittany Hebert, Director of Pupil Services at Provident Charter School, and Amy Salera, parent of a Provident student and Community Engagement Manager at Apraxia Kids. They explore how Provident supports students with dyslexia through UDL practices, targeted interventions, and strong family collaboration, plus how Lightspeed classroom audio helps reduce auditory barriers and improve access for all learners.   Resources Provident Charter School   Apraxia Kids International Dyslexia Association (IDA)   Orton-Gillingham Academy

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About

Hosted by Dominique Johnson-Lindsay, The Active Listener Podcast by Lightspeed amplifies the voices shaping K-12 education. Each episode features conversations with district leaders, educators or K-12 stakeholders working to improve schools and classrooms alongside evolving technology and teaching methods. Whether you’re an educator seeking inspiration, an administrator navigating change, or simply passionate about the future of learning, The Active Listener podcast is for you.

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