unboxED

Emily & Yvette
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unboxED podcast with Emily & Yvette, explores educational innovation and challenges traditional norms to shape the future of learning. Through insightful discussions with a range of guests, including innovators and educators, we aim to inspire reflection and forward-thinking in education.Find us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unboxeducation/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unboxeducation_/

  1. Sep 20

    Mariah Voutilainen, HundrED: Journeys that Shape Us

    Send us Fan Mail Linkedin:  Mariah LinkedIn   Research Coordinator at HundrED Mariah Voutilainen is originally from the United States and has worked as an educator in Massachusetts, California, and Washington State. She is an alumna of Harvard College, and holds a Masters of Education in Social and Cultural Foundations of Education from the University of Washington, where her academic focus was the history of education in the US, particularly the experiences of marginalised groups. Since 2023, Mariah has worked as Research Coordinator at HundrED Oy, a Finland-based, mission-driven organisation that seeks out and shares impactful and scalable innovative educational solutions. Mariah lives in southern Finland with her family, and when not researching education innovation, she is either social dancing, reading novels, knitting socks, or lounging with her dog.  E: mariah.voutilainen@hundred.org HundrED | www.hundred.org Facebook | Instagram | Youtube We were curious to speak to Mariah about journeys and movement and how the two concepts are connected. Here are some questions we talked about, which you can also reflect on yourself: If you were a dance, what kind of dance would you be, and why? What has dance and movement brought into your life when it comes to human connection? Share how the work at HundrED creates movement when communication, collaboration, bravery, creativity and innovation, are in the room.   What you are hoping to change through the work you do?  Youth’s voices being heard. How do we talk about human flourishing when we often leave the most important people out of the conversation?  Insights from this summer's journeys: People, places, human exchange and your insights from traveling to Mongolia.

  2. Sep 3

    Luis Alberto Camargo: Connecting People to Earth for More Sustainable, Regenerative, and Peaceful Communities.

    Send us Fan Mail Luis Alberto Camargo  Luis’s Linkedin  Luis is the Founder and Director of OpEPA, an organization that brings nature-based education and regenerative action to life across Colombia and beyond. His work has reached over 160,000 young people and educators — not by talking about nature, but by putting them inside it. A weaver of movements as much as a builder of programs, Luis co-founded Catalyst NOW, The Weaving Lab, and the Regenerative Communities Network, connecting changemakers into living, collaborative systems. As Vice-Chair for Latin America at the IUCN Commission on Education and Communication, his thinking is shaping policy at a global scale. Recognized by Ashoka, the World Economic Forum, and the Richard Louv Prize, Luis brings a rare combination of grassroots depth and global reach to every conversation — and to this one. Join us as we explore concepts like nature's role for identity, belonging, well-being and transformation. What we sometimes forget, is that we ARE nature.  We were curious about these questions, questions that you could ask yourelf and work with in your communities:  If nature could describe you, what ecosystem would you  be? What part of yourself comes alive outdoors that disappears indoors?  When do you feel the most alive and why?Why is that, what’s the science behind?  Biomimicry: How can ecosystems inspire the way we design schools, communities, and organizations? If every student  spent one hour outside every day for the next twenty years, what kind of society would emerge? What's  the  science behind nature and well-being, neurotransmitters : oxytocin, serotonin, dopamine, endorphins … cortisol. Belonging, diversity. What do  forests and oceans know about belonging and diversity that some humans seem to  have forgotten? Indigenous people. What knowledge do indigenous people carry that others should know ? Loneliness. How is  loneliness partially a loss of connection with the living world? Climate. Why should humans see themselves as participants rather than observers? How can this have an impact on how we take care of nature? ”A child who spend time in nature will take care of it”.Join the conversation, and share your best practices! With love, Emily & Yvette

  3. Jul 20

    Projects, Passion and Purpose: A Conversation with Loni Bergqvist

    Send us Fan Mail What if we approached our lives the same way we approach great learning projects; with curiosity, reflection, and the courage to redesign? In this episode of unboxED, we welcome Loni Bergqvist, an educational innovator who has spent more than a decade helping schools transform learning through Project-Based Learning (PBL).  She spent a sabbatical year reflecting on her new direction and has recently launched her PBL-Drawer. Having worked with leading organisations including High Tech High (USA), Innovation Unit (UK), Kata Foundation (Denmark), and Imagine If (Denmark), Loni brings a unique international perspective on how meaningful learning can shape both schools and society. Rather than talking only about education, our conversation explores three interconnected themes: redesigning ourselves, redesigning education, and redesigning meaning. Redesigning Yourself We begin with a reflective question: If your life were a project exhibition, what would be hanging on the walls right now? Loni shares her own journey through unexpected career turns, moments of uncertainty, and the decisions that shaped her path. We explore what happens when life doesn't follow a carefully designed plan, why taking a different route can become our greatest teacher, and how embracing uncertainty can open doors to growth and purpose. This part of the conversation is an invitation for listeners to reflect on their own turning points, the projects that have shaped them, and the stories they are still writing. Redesigning Education Project-Based Learning is often described as a teaching method, but Loni argues that it is much more than that. It is a way of reimagining school itself. We discuss the principles behind PBL and the growing movement towards place-based learning in Denmark. Together we explore questions such as: What makes learning truly transformational?Why do authentic projects create deeper engagement?What aspects of education are impossible to measure, yet matter the most?How can schools become places where young people contribute to their communities rather than simply prepare for the future?The conversation highlights how meaningful learning emerges when students work on real challenges, collaborate with others, and see themselves as capable of creating positive change. Redesigning Meaning Our final theme moves beyond schools and into society. In a time marked by increasing polarisation, rapid change, and uncertainty, how do we create lives filled with meaning? What role do relationships, belonging, and community play in learning? And what can education contribute to a more compassionate and connected society? Together we reflect on humanity, purpose, and the importance of designing learning experiences that help people not only succeed, but also flourish. Why This Conversation Matters Loni reminds us that project-based learning is ultimately about much more than projects. It is about developing the agency to redesign our lives, our schools, and our communities. Whether you're an educator, leader, parent, or lifelong learner, this episode offers thoughtful reflections on how curiosity, collaboration, and meaningful work can become powerful forces for personal and societal transformation. Connect with Loni: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lonibergqvist/

  4. 08/03/2025

    AI QUEEN Ilse Svensson - de Jong: The Future of Learning Belongs to the Curious

    Send us Fan Mail AI, Innovation & Human Connection with Ilse De Jong, PhD in Innovation. In this  inspirational episode of unboxED, we explore the intersection of AI, innovation, and education with Dr. Ilse De Jong — educator, researcher, and AI advocate with a background in human behavior and organizational development. Ilse shares how AI can be a force for good, amplifying the capacity to teach, learn, and connect in ways previously unimaginable.  In education, AI’s real power lies in its potential to support—not replace—humans, and to create more personalized, responsive systems. Ilse  compares ChatGPT to a “stable friend,” always available, helping people navigate challenges, especially in times of stress or disconnection. A central theme in the episode is educational transformation. Ilse argues that AI learning and teaching should not be siloed in IT departments, but rather embraced across the whole school ecosystem. “AI isn’t IT,” she says — it’s a new language, especially for digital natives who grew up with iPhones and social media.  But the irony is clear: while Gen Z understands AI intuitively, they’re not in decision-making roles. Leadership still rests with Gen X and Boomers, who often lag in adoption and understanding. Ilse encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, where educators and AI experts co-create solutions. She envisions a near future where AI lightens the load for teachers, especially by supporting differentiated learning, reducing administrative tasks, and unlocking student potential through individualized learning profiles. The goal is not to replace human connection but to deepen it. The conversation touches on the ethics and risks of AI — from “hallucinations” and bias to the dangers of misuse in grading or decision-making. Yet Ilse remains optimistic. She stresses that innovation in education shouldn’t mean unlearning the past, but rather overriding outdated habits with better ones. Change may come slowly through large institutions, but it can start fast in micro-schools, pilot projects, and courageous conversations — like this one. In her final encouragement, Ilse speaks directly to hesitant educators: try it. Don’t fear AI, explore it. “You didn’t understand Google or Facebook either, and yet here you are,” she smiles.  The episode closes with a reminder that the future of learning belongs to the curious, the brave, and those willing to keep unboxing what’s next. Message from Ilse: I’m an AI strategist and PhD-level educator with over 14 years of experience designing training and learning programs—especially in highly regulated industries. My work focuses on building innovative, human-centered tools and curricula that enhance performance, support compliance, and accelerate digital transformation in education and beyond. I’m the founder of Ilspiration and co-founder of AICompliance Hub, where I help organizations adopt AI safely, ethically, and effectively. If you’re curious about how to unlock the full potential of tools like ChatGPT in your classrooms or teams, check out my ChatGPT Treasure Hunt—an interactive, hands-on approach to AI adoption. And for those navigating the risks and responsibilities of AI, I also offer a comprehensive AI Compliance Audit to make sure your implementation aligns with best practices and evolving standards. Let’s explore how AI can elevate learning—responsibly. Ilse Svensson - de Jong on LinkedIn:

  5. 05/27/2025

    Igniting the Joy of Learning, One Step at the Time - Georgi Panayotov

    Send us Fan Mail Bringing Back the Joy of Learning—At Every Stage of Life www.thejoyoflearning.com For over 15 years, Georgi Panayotov has been designing and facilitating learning experiences & programs that do more than transfer knowledge—they reawaken curiosity, connection, and purpose. Whether he is working with preschoolers or senior executives, in a classroom or a leadership retreat, one thing remains constant: the spark of joy that emerges when learning feels alive—when it clicks, when it matters, when it moves us. With experience across cultures and communities—and fluency in German, English, and Spanish—he adapts to each group’s unique rhythm. His role is to meet learners where they are and co-create the conditions for them to grow, thrive, and rediscover the excitement of learning again. Across all ages and settings, he has come to realise: the true impact of his work lies not just in methods, tools or strategies, but in reigniting the joy of learning—and keeping it glowing. LINKS:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/g-panayotov/ Website: www.thejoyoflearning.co

  6. 05/02/2025

    Kyle Wagner - Student Centered Learning

    Send us Fan Mail Kyle Wagner is the founder and  [Co] Learning Experience Designer for Transform Educational Consulting Limited, an organization that empowers forward thinking schools and educators to create globally, socially and emotionally aware citizens through project-based experiences and 12 shifts for student-centred environments.  Kyle fell in love with project-based learning as a teacher atHigh Tech High, where he witnessed students publish best-selling books, create their own social enterprises, and even influence policy change through real- world projects.  He has taken this passion global, founding innovative micro-schools, authoring 2 books – ‘Where is the Teacher’ to be released in August and ‘Power of Simple,’ and helping over 1,000 educators develop 1000 + transformative learning experiences and the student-centered environments to support them.  Kyle holds a M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership with a thesis that focuses on developing democratic classrooms and distributed leadership models.  When not writing or teaching, he is performing with his original band, participating in karaoke contests and traveling the world with his partner. He currently resides in Hong Kong where he spends time developing learner-centred schools of the future while helping other school leaders build theirs.  Since we spoke last year, he started setting up the International Montessori Middle School in Hong Kong.  Web: Book: Kyle Wagner: Where is the Teacher? LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwagssd3/

  7. 04/21/2025

    Tim Timmey: Art That Speaks, Plays and Connects

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of unboxED, we meet Tim Nedrup, also known as Tim Timmey — an artist from Höganäs whose work stretches across graffiti, ceramics, public murals, and design. His pieces are playful, bold, and often unexpected — and they invite people to stop, look, and feel something real. Tim talks about how he found his voice through street art, what it means to create in public spaces, and why staying curious and hands-on matters. While he's not a teacher, his work has a lot to say to those of us rethinking what learning looks like. Together, we explore: How creative expression can reframe what “school” looks like todayThe role of art in developing voice, agency, and belonging among young peopleTim’s collaborations with schools, cities, and global companies — and what educators can learn from themWhy play, risk, and color matter more than ever in the learning landscapeFor educators and leaders exploring new ways of doing school, Tim’s approach to creativity, risk-taking, and connection offers fresh inspiration. His projects show how art can help people engage, reflect, and build something together — inside or outside the classroom.— this conversation is a bold reminder that art is not extra. It’s essential. Web: Linkedin Instagram Tim Nedrup Websida

  8. 04/21/2025

    The Magic of Music - Per Kincaid, Composer, Arranger, Performer, Producer, Instructor

    Send us Fan Mail The Magic of Music - Per Kincaid, Composer / arranger, performer, producer, instuctor. We loved the conversation with our dear colleague Per. Here are two things he said that captures very much how he looks at learning and development, the human experience:  ✨We should allow young people to just be human beings and explore things! ✨Everything has got to be felt somehow. Per  is half-English, half-Danish and is from London, UK. He is a musician and music educator who has worked with spreading the joys of musical creativity and practice for more than 30 years at every level from Primary schools to Conservatoires.  Per benefits from his experience as professional performer, writer/composer and producer in helping to empower and encourage young creatives -often those for whom education just ”doesn’t work.  From an early age he studied different types of music , both in England and in Denmark, with people like concert pianists to bass legends.  He has an impressive CV including studies such as:  -Rytmisk Musikkonservatorium, Copenhagen, Denmark -Escuela Nacional de Arte, La Habana, Cuba -University of Bristol, BA ( Hons) in Music, England -Royal College of Music ( Piano, flute, orchestra, theory, history ) , London, England -Copenhagen Univeristy ( Language and Literature), Denmark As if that is not enough he arranged the Temptations’ song “My Girl” for the Danish Queen’s  75th on DR TV live from Århus, a collaboration with Julias Moon, (his son’s then band) -> https://youtu.be/tEgLfuuiFCQ?feature=shared Per on Tiktok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@per.kincaid Per on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/per-kincaid-6b031633/

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About

unboxED podcast with Emily & Yvette, explores educational innovation and challenges traditional norms to shape the future of learning. Through insightful discussions with a range of guests, including innovators and educators, we aim to inspire reflection and forward-thinking in education.Find us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unboxeducation/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unboxeducation_/

Information

  • Creator
    Emily & Yvette
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 unboxED
  • Show Website
    unboxED