Disrupt Education Podcast

Disrupt Education Podcast
  • 4.5 (16)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Disrupt Education began in 2015 when Peter Hostrawser, inspired by an EF Tour to Europe, saw students reimagine education and heard Sir Ken Robinson challenge the status quo. This sparked Peter’s mission to rethink the stagnant system. The podcast shares diverse stories from learners, educators, and EdTech innovators, offering fresh perspectives and pushing boundaries to create an education system that truly empowers students. Join Peter Hostrawser and co-host Alli Dahl today!

  1. 415 Student Voice, CTE, Aptitudes & Impact: Our Biggest Shifts in 2025

    5D AGO

    415 Student Voice, CTE, Aptitudes & Impact: Our Biggest Shifts in 2025

    What a year. 🎙 In this special New Year’s episode of the Disrupt Education Podcast, Peter Hostrawser and Alli Dahl look back on 2025 – the year disrupting education stopped being “spicy” and started becoming the norm. They unpack: How the podcast crossed 400+ episodes and over half a million downloads, and why it still feels like a movement more than a show Why 2025 felt like education finally catching fire – with more CTE leaders, WBL innovators, and classroom “doers” stepping up and sharing what actually works The impact of the student summer series (Liam, Isaac, Abby, Lindsay, and Derek) and how their honest stories exposed where the system drops learners The global-to-local arc: EduVitality with Kristy Volesky State-level transformation with Dr. Gary Skeen in Virginia District and academy models with Scott Carr and Jeff Stenroos Human-centered change with Dr. Karen Baptiste (Dr. K) and teacher efficacy How partnering with YouScience and running a 6-part series on aptitudes, exposure gaps, and economic development reframed everything from “pipelines” to pathways with on- and off-ramps Why language, mindset, and individual aptitudes matter more than ever for students and educators Stories from Peter’s own internship students and his kids that show how young people are already thinking differently about college, cost, and career Peter and Alli close the year with gratitude for the Disrupt Education community – teachers, parents, students, leaders – and a promise: 2026 is going to be bolder, messier, and even more real. If you care about where school is going next, this recap sets the stage.Check out www.disrupteducationpodcast.com for more!

    52 min
  2. 414 Teachers, AI, and the End of Business-as-Usual School

    12/24/2025

    414 Teachers, AI, and the End of Business-as-Usual School

    What if the real disruption in education isn’t a new program… but how we use time, teachers, and tech? In this Disrupt Education recap episode, Alli Dahl and Peter Hostrawser unpack the big ideas from their conversation with Kristy Volesky and Jeff Frost, authors of CTE Reimagined: The Blueprint for Education’s Future—and then push them even further. In this episode, Alli and Peter dive into: Why traditional school structures are brokenRethinking 18-week semesters, quarters, and “one pace for everyone” – and what happens when a student finishes meaningful work in 3 weeks instead of 18. AI vs. controlling classroomsHow AI will expose and replace lecture-heavy, compliance-driven teaching – and why the teachers who refuse to loosen control will struggle the most. CTE as the vehicle for reimagining ALL of educationFrom “pipelines” that produce workers to pathways with on- and off-ramps that let students pivot, explore, and design nonlinear careers. Teachers as the untapped superpowerWhy real change won’t just come from superintendents or state leaders—and how using tools like YouScience aptitudes for educators could help reassign roles, break silos, and build truly student-centered teams. Experiences are greater than lecturesPeter and Alli share stories from real classrooms, internships, and college projects that students actually remember—and how that connects directly to the CTE Reimagined vision. A challenge for 2026 and beyond Letting go of ego, fear, and tradition. Embracing messy, human, high-impact learning. And using this “off-season” (even winter break) to level up how we serve students. If you’re a CTE leader, classroom teacher, counselor, admin, or just someone who knows school has to evolve, this recap will give you fuel, language, and a healthy dose of “let’s go” energy. Head to www.disrupteducationpodcast.com for more!

    44 min
  3. 413 CTE Reimagined: From Workforce Pipelines to Future Leaders

    12/17/2025

    413 CTE Reimagined: From Workforce Pipelines to Future Leaders

    What if CTE stopped just filling jobs and started building future leaders and communities? In this episode of the Disrupt Education Podcast, hosts Alli Dahl and Peter Hostrawser sit down with Kristy Volesky and Jeff Frost to dig into their new book, CTE Reimagined: The Blueprint for Education’s Future. This isn’t another “how to run a program” manual—it’s a salty, honest challenge to the status quo of compliance, checkboxes, and shiny new buildings that don’t change student outcomes. Kristy and Jeff unpack why traditional “workforce development” thinking is not enough, and why CTE must shift toward economic development and leadership development. They talk about: -The danger of designing CTE only for today’s vacancies instead of tomorrow’s non-linear careers -Why “pipelines” trap students, and how on-ramps and off-ramps create agility and real options -How ego, fear, and tradition keep districts stuck in pretend “hands-on” learning instead of real-world impact -The 40 disruptors featured in the book who are already reimagining programs across the country -How schools can start rebuilding CTE with what they already have—without waiting for a new building or a new mandate If you’re in CTE, K–12, higher ed, workforce, economic development, or a community that cares about its future, this conversation will push you to rethink what “career-ready” really means. 🔗 Learn more about Kristy & Jeff’s work:www.voleskyconsulting.com📘 Get the book – CTE Reimagined: The Blueprint for Education’s Future:https://www.amazon.com/CTE-Reimagined-Blueprint-Educations-Future/dp/B0FTV9SCTM 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations that actually disrupt education.Share this episode with a CTE leader, superintendent, or policymaker who’s ready to move beyond box-checking.

    57 min
  4. 412 When Education Finally Matches Who Students Really Are - YouScience Series Ep 6

    12/10/2025

    412 When Education Finally Matches Who Students Really Are - YouScience Series Ep 6

    This is it — the wrap-up to a series that’s genuinely changed how we think about readiness, purpose, and the future of learning. In this powerful finale, Peter Hostrawser and Alli Dahl pull together everything uncovered across six episodes: the exposure gap, the purpose gap, the human connection behind career discovery, and how aptitudes—not guesswork—can reshape an entire education system. This episode is a dedication—to every student who felt lost, every teacher who wished for a better tool, and every district searching for a breakthrough. If you’ve ever wondered why students disengage, or how to actually build meaningful pathways that set them free, this is the conversation you’ll want to sit with. What You’ll Hear:- Why YouScience is modernizing career readiness—not just tweaking it - How aptitudes can level the playing field and create true equity - Why “pipelines” aren’t limiting—they’re liberating when built on strengths - The real reason 66% of students disengage (and how to fix it) - Why interests aren’t enough—and how misalignment leads to costly detours - The emotional reality of discovering what you’re actually built for - A full reflection on the impact of episodes with Jason, Shannon & Katie, Edson Barton, and Abby - How clarity, exposure, and connection can transform a community - What educators can do tomorrow to start this shift This finale reminds us that education shouldn’t be about guessing, drifting, or “hoping it works out.” When students understand who they are, what they’re wired for, and how that connects to real opportunities, everything changes. This series showed us one thing over and over:There’s so much talent out there that doesn’t even know it’s talented.Aptitudes unlock it. Explore more about YouScience and how it helps every learner become connected and ready:www.youscience.com/disrupteducation-podcast

    1h 5m
  5. 411 - Aptitude in Action – A Live Look Inside YouScience - YouScience Series Ep 5

    12/03/2025

    411 - Aptitude in Action – A Live Look Inside YouScience - YouScience Series Ep 5

    What happens when you see your future unfold — live, in real time? In this immersive episode of the Disrupt Education x YouScience series, hosts Peter Hostrawser and Alli Dahl pull back the curtain for the first-ever live aptitude and career discovery walkthrough with Jason Van Nus and returning guest Abby Caudill. Abby—whose first episode sparked this entire series—joins to explore her real YouScience results on camera. This isn’t theory. It’s YouScience in action. Watch as data meets self-discovery: how aptitudes reveal hidden potential, why interests alone can mislead, and how combining both can change the way students—and adults—see their next steps. What You’ll Hear: -Live breakdown of Abby’s aptitude assessment and career matches -The difference between interests and aptitudes (and why it matters) -How YouScience exposes unseen career options through real data -Coaching moments that uncover strengths, confidence, and clarity -The myth that career success depends only on passion—and what replaces it This episode shows why readiness starts with self-awareness, not guesswork. Watch this one if you’ve ever questioned your direction, your fit, or your next move. You’ll see how data, not luck, can change everything. Learn more about YouScience and how they’re helping every student become connected and ready: www.youscience.com/disrupteducation-podcast

    1h 10m
  6. 410 Beyond the Platform – The Future of Use with Edson Barton, - YouScience Series Ep 4

    11/26/2025

    410 Beyond the Platform – The Future of Use with Edson Barton, - YouScience Series Ep 4

    Innovation in education doesn’t stop with a platform — it evolves through integration, purpose, and human connection. In this forward-looking episode of the Disrupt Education x YouScience series, Peter Hostrawser and Alli Dahl sit down with Edson Barton, CEO and Founder of YouScience, to explore what’s next for education technology — from AI-driven career tools to human-centered workforce coaching. Edson’s journey from a disengaged student to a visionary founder is a story that mirrors millions of learners today — those asking, “Why am I learning this?” His answer: when students connect learning to their future selves, everything changes.What You’ll Hear:- How YouScience is redefining aptitude-based career discovery through innovation and integration - The responsible use of AI to personalize student pathways and spark deeper engagement - Why human connection will always be the new currency — even in a tech-driven world - Real stories of schools, colleges, and communities using YouScience to close the gap between learning and work - How industry partnerships and certifications create bridges between classrooms and careers This episode goes beyond technology. It’s about how innovation, empathy, and purpose come together to create the next generation of future-ready learners. Listen now to see how education can evolve beyond the platform — toward a world where every student is known, connected, and ready for what’s next. Learn more about YouScience and how they’re helping every student become connected and ready: www.youscience.com/disrupteducation-podcast.

    59 min
  7. 409 The Wins That Matter – When Aptitudes Turn Into Real Futures - YouScience Series Ep 3

    11/19/2025

    409 The Wins That Matter – When Aptitudes Turn Into Real Futures - YouScience Series Ep 3

    In part three of our Disrupt Education x YouScience series, we move from “here’s the problem” and “here’s the system” to “here’s the proof.” Peter Hostrawser and Alli Dahl sit down with leaders using YouScience at scale — including voices from the Montgomery County ESC in Ohio — to show what happens when aptitude data actually gets used in classrooms, counseling offices, and community workforce pipelines. This episode is about the human side of career-connected learning: students standing taller in the hallway, parents realizing “my kid can actually do this,” districts reshaping course offerings, and employers investing because the talent is finally visible. What you’ll hear: - How aptitude-driven guidance is changing student confidence — not just schedules - Real wins from Ohio’s Montgomery County ESC - Why employers in the Dayton region pushed for YouScience after seeing the workforce potentia l- How career navigators are closing the opportunity gap, not just the “talent gap” - Why data only matters when it leads to a better story for a student, a family, or a community This episode makes the case: aptitude-based discovery isn’t theory — it works when adults build the infrastructure around it. Listen + share with your superintendent, your counselor, and your chamber. This is legacy work.Learn more about YouScience and how they’re helping every student become connected and ready: https://youscience.com/disrupteducation-podcast

    58 min
  8. 408 Education with Purpose — Connecting Learning to Lifelong Success - YouScience Series Ep 2

    11/12/2025

    408 Education with Purpose — Connecting Learning to Lifelong Success - YouScience Series Ep 2

    Are we preparing students for life or just preparing them to pass? In this second episode of the Disrupt Education x YouScience series, Peter Hostrawser and Alli Dah team up again with Talent Pipeline Specialist Jason Van Nus to uncover how schools and industry can finally work together to build purpose-driven education that actually leads somewhere. What’s Inside: - Why 77% of students say they would’ve been more engaged if they understood their aptitudes earlier - How to bridge the massive trust gap between education and employer - Real stories of students turning aptitudes into purpose — including one high schooler who used his YouScience results to start his own business and hire another student - Why data—not guesswork—must guide how we prepare future talent - The new definition of “career ready”: when students know who they are, what they’re built for, and where they fit This episode challenges everything you thought you knew about career readiness and shows why every student deserves an “X on the map” — a clear, personalized path from classroom to career. Listen now to learn how educators and industries can align purpose, data, and opportunity to help students not just graduate—but launch.Learn more about YouScience and how they’re helping every student become connected and ready: www.youscience.com/disrupteducation-podcast

    1h 4m
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4.5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Disrupt Education began in 2015 when Peter Hostrawser, inspired by an EF Tour to Europe, saw students reimagine education and heard Sir Ken Robinson challenge the status quo. This sparked Peter’s mission to rethink the stagnant system. The podcast shares diverse stories from learners, educators, and EdTech innovators, offering fresh perspectives and pushing boundaries to create an education system that truly empowers students. Join Peter Hostrawser and co-host Alli Dahl today!

Information

  • Creator
    Disrupt Education Podcast
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    413
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Disrupt Education Podcast
  • Show Website
    Disrupt Education Podcast

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