Unfiltered by EmpowerED: Educators’ Voices Uncut

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Welcome to ”Unfiltered by EmpowerED,” the podcast series where education meets conversation, unscripted and unrestrained. In every episode, we dive deep into the heart of teaching and learning, bringing you raw, honest discussions with educators, innovators, and thinkers from across the educational spectrum. Our mission? To illuminate the most effective strategies, the most innovative approaches, and the most inspiring stories in education today.

  1. Apr 20

    #18 Generative AI & the Future of Higher Education Work l Unfiltered by EmpowerED

    The rise of generative AI is not just a technological shift—it’s a fundamental transformation of how higher education operates, teaches, and evaluates learning. In this episode of Unfiltered by EmpowerED, we sit down with Panagiota (Penny) Tzanni, a PhD candidate and an Educational Developer, to explore how AI is reshaping employability, academic roles, and the future of English for Academic Purposes (EAP). From navigating global career challenges and professional identity shifts to confronting the realities of AI disruption, Penny shares a candid, thought-provoking perspective on what higher education professionals must do to stay relevant.   Podcast Chapters 00:44 – Introduction & Penny’s Global Career Journey 06:52 – Challenges in International Education & Professional Identity 10:29 – First Encounter with Generative AI & Its Impact 14:49 – Is EAP Becoming Obsolete? 19:38 – AI in Higher Education: Taboo, Policy & Reality 23:59 – Inside Penny’s PhD: AI Training for Educators 26:20 – Fear, Resistance & Digital Literacy Gaps 34:45 – Upskilling, Work Culture & Institutional Responsibility 38:57 – AI, Employability & Changing Job Roles 52:46 – The Future of Assessment & Final Reflections   Resources Mentioned Penny's Newsletter   Penny’s Contact Details Email: Englishtutor572@gmail.com   For more updates, follow EmpowerED:  Website: empoweredwebinars.com X (Twitter): @MpowerEDWebinar LinkedIn: EmpowerED Webinars Email: info@EmpowerEDwebinars.com

  2. Apr 13

    #17 Rethinking Academic Advising for Student Success l Unfiltered by EmpowerED

    Academic advising is often seen as a support function—but what if it’s actually central to student success, belonging, and institutional impact? In this episode of Unfiltered by EmpowerED, we speak with Wayne Ramwell, Senior Tutor and Academic Advisor at the University of Manchester, about the evolving role of advising in higher education. Wayne shares his journey into advising, insights into the professional advising model, and how institutions can better support the “whole student”—academically, personally, and professionally. We also explore challenges such as student engagement, trust-building, wellbeing, and the growing need for compassionate, student-centred approaches.   Podcast Chapters 01:03 – Introduction & Wayne’s Journey into Academic Advising 05:27 – What Academic Advising Really Means 11:43 – Asking the Right Questions vs Having the Right Answers 16:38 – Building Trust & Supporting Student Wellbeing 20:58 – Bridging Academic Success and Personal Development 26:00 – Misconceptions About Advising & Student Engagement 31:15 – The Professional Advising Model Explained 39:17 – Institutional Strategy, Resources & Impact of Advising 44:05 – Where Universities Should Start with Improving Advising 48:21 – The Future of Academic Advising   Resources Mentioned UK Advising and Tutoring Association (UKAT)   Wayne’s Contact Details Email: empoweredwebinars.com X (Twitter): @MpowerEDWebinar LinkedIn: EmpowerED Webinars Email: info@EmpowerEDwebinars.com

  3. Feb 16

    #16 From Stress to Strategy: Helping Students Navigate College Admissions Wisely | Unfiltered by EmpowerED

    The college journey is often sold as rankings, prestige, and eye-watering tuition fees. But what if it could be different? In this episode of Unfiltered by EmpowerED, we talk with Shellee Howard, Founder & CEO of College Ready, about how to help students pursue higher education without losing themselves or their financial future. Shellee shares: How to send your child to college without going into debt Why passion projects matter more than polished résumés The truth behind Ivy League myths and what it really takes to stand out How to think clearly about scholarships, aid and the real cost of college How educators can guide students towards colleges that fit both their dreams and their reality We also hear about Shellee’s experience in Uganda and how that shaped her non-profit, Empower Education, and her belief in education as a global force for change. Perfect for teachers, counsellors, school leaders and parents who want honest, unfiltered insight into the modern admissions landscape.   Podcast Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 04:30 – Why Families Feel Overwhelmed About College 11:00 – What Colleges Really Look For in Students 18:30 – Passion, Purpose & Student Identity 25:45 – Global Perspective on Education Access 32:45 – Handling Rejection & Finding the Right Fit 37:50 – Are Schools Preparing Students for the Future? 42:10 – Scholarships, Financial Strategy & Hidden Costs 46:10 – AI in College Admissions 50:05 – Final Reflections & Key Takeaways   Resources Mentioned College Ready Planning Website Empower Education (International Nonprofit) Podcast: Parents, is Your Teen College Ready?  Book: How to Send Your Child to College Without Losing Your Mind or Your Money Book: The College Admissions Plan Simplified     Shellee’s Contact Details: College Ready’s Instagram Shellee’s Linkedin   For more updates, follow EmpowerED:  Website: empoweredwebinars.com X (Twitter): @MpowerEDWebinar LinkedIn: EmpowerED Webinars Email: info@EmpowerEDwebinars.com

  4. 10/13/2025

    #15 Grief and Growth: Navigating Bereavement in Higher Education | Unfiltered by EmpowerED

    How personal loss shapes student life, identity, and support systems on campus. In this raw and powerful episode of Unfiltered by EmpowerED, we’re joined by an extraordinary guest who shares her personal journey of navigating grief as a student—and how those early experiences of loss, silence, and resilience sparked the creation of The Student Grief Network. We discuss what it means to grieve at university, the unique challenges faced by students, the gaps in institutional support, and how grief can become a quiet but powerful catalyst for growth, empathy, and change. Whether you’re a student, educator, or simply someone who’s experienced loss, this is an episode that will stay with you.   Podcast Chapters: 01:53 – Introduction & Anna’s Journey into Grief Work 02:29 – Losing Her Brother and the Hidden Impact of Childhood Grief 08:25 – Founding the Student Grief Network at University 10:50 – Coping with the Loss of Her Father and Finding Purpose 17:00 – Why Grief Is Still Invisible in Higher Education 31:08 – Creating a Framework for Compassionate Universities 43:00 – Supporting Staff Well-Being & Building a Culture of Care 53:50 – Lessons, Hope & Anna’s Final Message   Resources Mentioned:  SGN main website My creative page: Anna May   Anna's Contact Details: Linkedin Email: grief.programmes@kaplan.com   For more updates, follow EmpowerED:  Website: empoweredwebinars.com X (Twitter): @MpowerEDWebinar LinkedIn: EmpowerED Webinars Email: info@EmpowerEDwebinars.com

  5. 09/29/2025

    #14 Educators, Technologists and the AI Classroom: The Story Behind MA AITEL | Unfiltered by EmpowerED

    This episode takes you inside the design and philosophy of the MA in Artificial Intelligence and Technology-Enhanced Learning (AITEL) — a bold new programme helping teachers and technologists co-create the future of learning. We discuss how students develop their own “classrooms of the future,” use AI tools critically, and engage with themes like social justice and digital literacy. You’ll hear practical examples, reflections on pedagogical change, and how higher education can remain deeply human — even in a world shaped by automation.   Podcast Chapters: 02:15 – Zoe’s Journey into Education & Technology 06:52 – Why the MA in AI & Technology Enhanced Learning Was Created 09:13 – Closing the Gap Between Research & Classroom Practice 13:45 – Letting Students Use AI to Write Their Essays 19:00 – Designing Curriculum for the Classroom of the Future 25:56 – Peer Collaboration Between Educators & Technologists 33:22 – Ethics, AI Literacy & Data Protection 46:25 – Zoe’s Vision for Education in the Age of AI   Resources Mentioned:  Program Details Postgraduate Taught Programmes York's Department of Education Zoe's Personal Web page Zoe's Lab Page   Zoe's Contact Details: Linkedin   For more updates, follow EmpowerED:  Website: empoweredwebinars.com X (Twitter): @MpowerEDWebinar LinkedIn: EmpowerED Webinars Email: info@EmpowerEDwebinars.com

  6. 08/11/2025

    #13 Teaching Smarter: Rethinking Assessment with Automation | Unfiltered by EmpowerED

    Can automation support teaching without sacrificing quality or care? In this insightful conversation, we explore how Microsoft Power Automate and other tools are being used to tackle academic workload, improve feedback systems, and support earlier student interventions. We also touch on the creative use of technology in content design and how educators can navigate the digital shift while keeping pedagogy at the centre. A must-listen for anyone seeking scalable, humane, and effective solutions for assessment and feedback.   Podcast Chapters: 02:13 – Meet Rebekah & Her Teaching Journey 03:22 – Tech Curiosity & Problem Solving 10:26 – The Pain Point that Sparked Automation 15:01 – Using Power Automate to Reclaim Teaching Time 18:25 – Student Reactions to Automated Feedback 21:19 – Saving Time Without Compromising Quality 27:17 – Scaling the Approach Across Departments 32:12 – Reducing Mental Load for Educators 53:37 – The Future of Automation in Teaching & Assessment   Resources Mentioned:  Marking Approach Toolkit Scribe Genially Blooket Adobe Express Power Automate Toolkit (coming soon in description)   Rebekah's Contact Details: Email: r.marangon@aston.ac.uk   For more updates, follow EmpowerED:  Website: empoweredwebinars.com X (Twitter): @MpowerEDWebinar LinkedIn: EmpowerED Webinars Email: info@EmpowerEDwebinars.com

  7. 06/23/2025

    #12 Playfulness at Work? Yes, Seriously. | Unfiltered by EmpowerED

    In this episode of Unfiltered by EmpowerED, we explore how playfulness can be a powerful force in cultivating psychological safety and deeper collaboration in the workplace. Our guest, Mark Childs, brings a unique perspective from the world of academic development and learning design, reflecting on how playful approaches can help people feel more engaged, included, and creative at work. Tune in to hear real stories, practical strategies, and why play should be taken seriously.   Podcast Chapters: 01:36 – Meet Mark & His Playful Journey 05:45 – The Physics Class That Changed Everything 10:05 – What Makes a Space Truly Playful? 14:50 – Response to Skeptical Voice 17:43 – Psychological Safety & Fear of Failure 28:11 – Playfulness in Teaching 34:17 – Playfulness vs. Professionalism 39:44 – Designing Meaningful Play 54:58 – The Future of Play at Work   Resources Mentioned: Pedagodzilla Podcast Pedagodzilla The Book Playful Learning Association   Mark's Contact Details: Email: mark.childs@durham.ac.uk Bluesky   For more updates, follow EmpowerED:  Website: empoweredwebinars.com X (Twitter): @MpowerEDWebinar LinkedIn: EmpowerED Webinars Email: info@EmpowerEDwebinars.com

  8. 06/12/2025

    #11 Curiosity, Creativity, and Career Pathways in Digital Education | Unfiltered by EmpowerED

    What does it really mean to work in digital education? In this episode of Unfiltered by EmpowerED, we sit down with Adele and Pip from Birkbeck, University of London, to hear their stories of moving into and thriving in the evolving world of edtech. From career pivots and pedagogy to curiosity, humour, and HyFlex learning, we explore how digital education roles are shaped by people—not just platforms. Adele brings two decades of rich experience in learning technology, while Pip offers insights from her fresh transition into the field. Together, they reflect on the skills that matter, the myths that persist, and the joy of building connections across disciplines. Whether you're just starting out or deep into your digital learning career, this is a warm and candid conversation about what it takes to thrive—and why staying human in a tech-driven world might be our greatest asset. Podcast Chapters: 01:50 – Meet Adele and Pip: Career Journeys into Digital Education 07:17 – What’s in a Job Title? The Evolving Roles in EdTech 13:31 – Designing HyFlex Learning 20:32 – The Digital Skills We Need—Now and in the Future 22:35 – Study, Qualifications, and the Pedagogy Behind Tech 35:42 – Building Confidence and Connection with Reluctant Users 40:53 – Collaborating with Academics and Students on Real Projects 46:01 – Supporting Early Careers: Mentors, Courses, and Networks 55:14 – Busting Myths: No, We’re Not IT Support 59:53 – Final Advice: Mindsets That Matter in Digital Education   Contact Details: Adele's Linkedin   For more updates, follow EmpowerED:  Website: empoweredwebinars.com X (Twitter): @MpowerEDWebinar LinkedIn: EmpowerED Webinars Email: info@EmpowerEDwebinars.com

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Welcome to ”Unfiltered by EmpowerED,” the podcast series where education meets conversation, unscripted and unrestrained. In every episode, we dive deep into the heart of teaching and learning, bringing you raw, honest discussions with educators, innovators, and thinkers from across the educational spectrum. Our mission? To illuminate the most effective strategies, the most innovative approaches, and the most inspiring stories in education today.

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