Dr. Diane's Adventures in Learning

Dr Diane Jackson Schnoor

🎧 Adventures in Learning with Dr. Diane 🎧Inspire curiosity. Spark creativity. Fuel a lifelong love of learning. Are you an educator, librarian, parent, or STEM/STEAM enthusiast looking to make learning come alive for kids? Adventures in Learning with Dr. Diane is your go-to podcast for hands-on, joyful learning that connects STEM/STEAM education, multicultural children's literature, and real-world exploration. Join Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor, educator and explorer, as she travels the world (literally and virtually!) to bring you conversations with award-winning authors, illustrators, educators, scientists, and STEM leaders. Each episode delivers fresh ideas, engaging stories, and practical tips to inspire early childhood and elementary learners—in the classroom, the library, or at home. Wonder, curiosity, connection, and play -- we bring the world to you! 🌎 Featuring: Innovative STEM/STEAM experiencesDiverse children's book recommendationsStrategies for inquiry-based, joyful learning through playVoices from around the globe that inspire the WOW 🧠 Perfect for:Early childhood & elementary educators | School librarians | Homeschoolers | Caregivers | STEM/STEAM champions 🔗 Explore featured books: bookshop.org/shop/drdianeadventures📝 Read full show notes: drdianeadventures.com/blog 💌 Have an idea or guest suggestion? Email: diane@drdianeadventures.com👉 Subscribe, rate, and review to support more Adventures in Learning!

  1. Fighting for Books That Matter: 40 Years of the Shenandoah Children's Literature Conference with Dr. Karen Huff

    1D AGO

    Fighting for Books That Matter: 40 Years of the Shenandoah Children's Literature Conference with Dr. Karen Huff

    "Any book a child loves is a good book," but when a teacher says she has to "sneak in" Number the Stars, something is broken. Dr. Diane welcomes Dr. Karen Huff, chair of the Shenandoah University Children's Literature Conference, to celebrate 40 years of fighting for books that matter. We discuss the importance of honoring diverse voices and creating communities of readers -- spaces where teachers, librarians, and authors come together to champion books that build empathy, connection, wonder, and joy. Summary: The Shenandoah University Children's Literature Conferencecelebrates its 40th anniversary in June and Dr. Karen Huffhas been there from the start. From its roots with Nancy Larrick, Laura Robb, and 85 teachers, the annual conference has grown into a beloved community event, featuring award-winning authors like Katherine Applegate, Jacqueline Woodson, Jerry Pinkney, Walter Dean Myers, and John Scieszka. They discuss Nancy Larrick's groundbreaking 1965 article The All-White World of Children's Books, Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop's vision of books as Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors, and why teachers feeling they must "sneak in" read alouds like Number the Stars reveals a broken system.  Dr. Huff reflects on the power of author visits, why children's lit deserves respect, how quality children's literature builds vocabulary and background knowledge, and unforgettable conference moments—from Jerry Pinkney's humility to 500 families showing up for Lucky Diaz. This is a celebration of quality children's literature, reading communities, and the educators who fight for books that change lives. Chapters & Timestamps [00:00] Welcome to 40 Years of Children's Literature  [01:41] From 85 Teachers to 300: How the Conference Grew  [07:46] Finding the "Good For" Book That Unlocks Wonder and Builds Lifelong Readers [14:06] Creating School-Wide Communities of Readers  [18:13] Nancy Larrick and The All-White World of Children's Books [27:34] 40 Years of Unforgettable Moments  [33:56] Author Visits and STEM Connections  [39:48] Join the 40th Anniversary Conference – What to expect from in-person and virtual events in June 2026 [49:03] Books That Stay with You  [54:08] What Brings You Hope?  Links & Resources: Shenandoah University Children's Literature ConferenceFollow @childrenslit_su on InstagramNancy Larrick's The All-White World of Children's Books(Saturday Review, 1965)Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop's Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors (RIF, 1990)Mr. Schu's Blog with Dr. Karen HuffEveryLibrary and PEN AmericaSupport the show Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

    59 min
  2. From Boots to a Wildlife Corridor: The Wild Tomorrow Story with Co-Founders John Steward and Wendy Hapgood (Part 1)

    MAY 13

    From Boots to a Wildlife Corridor: The Wild Tomorrow Story with Co-Founders John Steward and Wendy Hapgood (Part 1)

    What happens when two people leave corporate life behind and start solving conservation problems one practical need at a time? In the first episode of an ongoing six-part series, Dr. Diane talks with Wild Tomorrow's co-founders John Steward and Wendy Hapgood about turning boots, socks, and urgency into a wildlife corridor in South Africa. This episode is about conservation, community, and the power of asking what is actually needed before trying to solve the problem. John shares how volunteering with painted wolves changed his life, while Wendy reflects on leaving finance after a personal and professional wake-up call that made her want to become “a salesperson for nature.” Learn how meeting a real need for rangers slowly grew into a major effort for acquiring and rewilding land, creating habitat corridors, supporting rangers, empowering local women, and partnering with community programs for young children.  Chapters: 01:15 From Corporate Careers to Wildlife Conservation – How John and Wendy left advertising and finance to protect endangered species08:13 The Ranger Tire Story That Started Wild Tomorrow – How one urgent need sparked a conservation organization16:50 Building a Wildlife Corridor in South Africa – Buying land, rewilding habitat, and connecting nature reserves29:19 Conservation and Community Partnership – The Green Mambas, local kindergartens, and sustainable employment40:18 Baby Giraffes, Hope, and Falling in Love with Nature 50:50 How to Support Wild Tomorrow Fund Links & Resources: Learn about Wild TomorrowSupport Wild TomorrowLearn about my trip with CBCC and Wild TomorrowListen to CBCC episodes with John and Hayley Rocco; Juana Martinez-Neal; Molly Idle; Leah Henderson; Kayla Harren; Meg Fleming; Brenda Scott Royce; and Ann Dye.Follow Wild Tomorrow on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Support the show Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

    1h 2m
  3. Fighting for the First Amendment: Comedy, Community, and Hope with Jesenia

    MAY 6

    Fighting for the First Amendment: Comedy, Community, and Hope with Jesenia

    What happens when artists refuse to stay silent? Puerto Rican actress and NBC Diversity Monologue Slam champion Jesenia joins Dr. Diane to discuss protecting First Amendment rights, creating comedy during difficult times, and why "productive delusion" might be the secret to hope. Dr. Diane and Jesenia—a seasoned actress, writer, and comedy performer who has appeared on Starz and Showtime -- discuss their shared involvement with the Committee for the First Amendment, relaunched by Jane Fonda in 2025 to protect artistic expression. Jesenia shares her journey in the entertainment industry, the importance of creating work for yourself, navigating rejection and burnout, and why finding your joy is an act of resistance. The episode explores diversity in entertainment, immigrant contributions to American culture, and maintaining hope through community action and individual courage. Chapters & Timestamps: [00:00] How the Committee for the First Amendment (and Jane Fonda) brought two activists together [07:48] Why the First Amendment matters for children's book authors, illustrators, and readers [11:17] Immigrants and American creativity – Celebrating how diversity drives innovation and cultural richness [18:22] The power of collective action and individual work in building beloved community [22:33] The short film renaissance – Oscar-qualified comedies, creating your own opportunities, and why short attention spans changed entertainment [28:36] Advice for young artists on building a sustainable career, avoiding burnout, taking breaks, and doing what you love [34:42] Creating when the industry says no – Why Jesenia learned to write, produce, and perform her own work [41:48] What brings you hope? (Maybe a little delusion) Links & Resources: Follow the Committee for the First Amendment on InstagramJesenia on Backstage, Instagram, YouTube, IMDb, and LinkedInCall to Action: Ready to protect creative freedom and find your joy generator? Listen to Episode 188 of Adventures in Learning with Dr. Diane, share it with artists, educators, and advocates who believe hope is a verb, and visit drdianadventures.com for full resources. Subscribe, rate, and review to keep the conversation going about creativity, courage, and community. Support the show Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

    45 min
  4. The Biggest, Highest Wave: Kerry McQuaide on Picture Books, Poetry, and Resilience

    APR 29

    The Biggest, Highest Wave: Kerry McQuaide on Picture Books, Poetry, and Resilience

    What if a picture book could help children feel brave in the face of something bigger than themselves? In this episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, Dr. Diane talks with Hudson Valley author/illustrator Kerry McQuaide about The Biggest, Highest Wave, the power of read-alouds, and why picture books can help young readers see themselves as resilient. Summary In Episode 187 of the Adventures in Learning podcast, Dr. Diane welcomes Kerry McQuaide, an author/illustrator based in New York’s Hudson Valley whose picture book The Biggest, Highest Wave, was inspired by surfing, powerful ocean imagery, and the way we recover after getting knocked down. Kerry shares how an early classroom book-making experience helped spark her love of books as objects, why picture books are like poetry, and how she uses a simple visual structure to help children tell their own stories. They also discuss the emotional power of read-alouds, the role of school visits and book festivals, and why print books still offer something digital media cannot. This conversation is full of practical ideas for teachers, librarians, parents, and anyone who wants to invite children into storytelling, creativity, and courage. Timestamps 00:00:Welcome and introduction to Kerry McQuaide.00:56:How she became an author-illustrator.02:17:Teaching lessons for writers and illustrators.03:50:The inspiration behind The Biggest, Highest Wave.06:04:Reading a passage from the book.07:43:Graphic style, color, and visual scale.09:23:Children’s reactions during readings.10:10:Book festivals, libraries, and reader connection.13:05:How to engage readers in a digital age.15:28:Read-alouds, relationships, and resilience.17:48:What currently brings hope.Call to Action If this episode speaks to you, share it with a teacher, librarian, parent, or young reader. Subscribe to the Adventures in Learning podcast, leave a review, and keep the conversation going about picture books, read-alouds, and the power of stories that help children feel brave. Please check out Kerry McQuaide's website and follow her on Instagram,  LinkedIn, and Facebook. Support the show Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

    20 min
  5. Ecotourism in the Galapagos and Ecuador: Protecting What We Love with Analu Huerta

    APR 22

    Ecotourism in the Galapagos and Ecuador: Protecting What We Love with Analu Huerta

    What happens when travel, conservation, and community come together? In this Earth Day episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, Dr. Diane talks with Analu Huerta about ecotourism in the Galapagos and Ecuador, and why protecting what we love starts with truly seeing it. Summary In Episode 186, Dr. Diane welcomes Analu Huerta, a sustainable tourism professional and tourist guide based in Ecuador, for a conversation about ecotourism, conservation, and the beauty of learning from place. Ana Lu shares how she found her path in nature and tourism, what makes a great guide, and why reading the needs of your audience matters in any setting. Together, they explore why the Galapagos is so extraordinary, how Ecuador’s mainland offers an incredible range of ecosystems, and why ecotourism can support both environmental protection and local communities. The conversation also touches on education, local travel, and how small experiences in nature can shape a lifelong love of the planet. Timestamps + Chapters 00:00 – Welcome and introduction to Analu Huerta.01:22 – How Analu found her path in ecotourism.02:41 – What makes a strong guide.04:05 – Teaching respect for protected places.04:44 – Why the Galapagos is so special.07:16 – Conservation lessons from the islands.09:21 – Ecuador beyond the Galapagos.12:17 – Ecotourism, conservation, and community.17:14 – Why education is the base of everything.19:46 – How nature became part of Analu’s story.22:15 – Bucket-list travel dreams.24:24 – Traveling locally and appreciating where you live.27:03 – What currently brings hope.Call to Action If this episode speaks to you, share it with a traveler, educator, or nature lover. Subscribe to the Adventures in Learning podcast, leave a review, and keep the conversation going about ecotourism, conservation, and the places we love most. Follow Analu Huerta on Instagram and Facebook. Support the show Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

    29 min
  6. Purpose Over Popularity with LeJuane "El'Ja" Bowens

    APR 15

    Purpose Over Popularity with LeJuane "El'Ja" Bowens

    When art is personal, playful, and purposeful, it can change the way people learn and connect. In Episode. 185, Dr. Diane talks with poet, teaching artist, and speaker LeJuane “El’Ja” Bowens about poetry, workshops, civic engagement, and why the next generation gives him hope. El'Ja shares how a 10th-grade poetry project sparked his love of writing, how an open mic after the military helped him realize poetry could become a career, and how his work as a teaching artist grew from one workshop into a mission. He also talks about making poetry accessible for kids of all ages, using creative writing to invite participation, and designing workshops that feel more personal than academic. Our conversation explores purpose over popularity, the role of art in civic engagement, and why poetry can be both fun and deeply meaningful. If you love poetry, teaching, creativity, and conversations about the arts as a force for connection, this episode is for you. Chapters 02:08 – How El'Ja became a poet.04:05 – Becoming a teaching artist.06:18 – What makes a workshop work for wide age ranges.09:01 – Making poetry fun and accessible for young learners.10:26 – Using themes, choices, and play in creative writing.14:55 –El'Ja shares the poem “Perfect.”17:20 – Purpose over popularity.18:58 – What El'Ja believes art is for.19:40 – Art, civic engagement, and the TEDx talk.23:14 – What currently brings hope.Links Follow LeJuane “El’Ja” BowensWatch El'Ja's TEDx talkBuy El'Ja's booksCall to Action If this episode speaks to you, share it with a teacher, poet, artist, or anyone who believes creativity matters. Subscribe, rate, and review Adventures in Learning, and keep the conversation going about poetry, purpose, and the power of art. Support the show Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

    25 min
  7. Little Monsters, Little Women, and Writing for Young Readers with Máire Roche

    APR 10

    Little Monsters, Little Women, and Writing for Young Readers with Máire Roche

    What makes a classic story feel new again? In this episode of Adventures in Learning, Dr. Diane talks with author Máire Roche about Little Monsters, Little Women, Bromantasy, and the power of stories that help young readers feel seen. Máire shares how Little Women shaped her as a reader and writer, why Meg has always been her favorite March sister, and how Little Monsters grew from her desire to write a spooky, recognizable story for kids. They explore literature as mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors, plus anxiety, representation, gender, class, Bromantasy, writing full time, and why hope means planting anyway. Perfect for Little Women fans, middle grade readers, teachers, librarians, and anyone who loves thoughtful book talk. Also, check out the book club interview with the cast of Riverside Center for the Performing Arts' Little Women! Timestamps + Chapters 00:00 – Welcome and why Little Monsters felt instantly special.02:27 – The origin of Little Monsters and writing Meg's story.05:19 – Reading from chapter one.07:15 – Reimagining Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy for a modern audience.09:55 – Choosing each sister's monstrous power.16:15 – Growing up with Little Women and becoming a writer.22:54 – Bromantasy, anxiety, representation, and hope.Links Pre-order Little Monstersand BromantasyFollow Máire RocheCheck out Episode 183 and get tickets to Little WomenSupport the show Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

    39 min
  8. Little Women, Little Monsters, and Beth Is Dead: A Book Talk with the March Sisters from Riverside Center for the Performing Arts

    APR 8

    Little Women, Little Monsters, and Beth Is Dead: A Book Talk with the March Sisters from Riverside Center for the Performing Arts

    What happens when the actors in Little Women read modern reinterpretations (Little Monsters, and Beth Is Dead) of the very characters they’re bringing to life onstage? Dr. Diane welcomes the March sisters from Riverside Center for the Performing Arts ’ Little Women for a lively conversation about sisterhood, performance, and reimagining classic characters. Sarah Mae Andersen (Meg), Ashlee Beary (Jo), Ella Schnoor (Beth), and Madison Cox (Amy) share how they found their way to theater, how they connect to their characters, and how reading modern versions of these familiar sisters deepens the story they’re telling onstage. We also discuss how Little Monsters and Beth is Deadoffer new ways to think about the March sisters while honoring the emotional core of Louisa May Alcott’s original story. Timestamps 01:05 – Meet Sarah, Ashlee, Ella, & Madison05:05 – Connecting to Meg, Jo, Beth, & Amy10:16 – Sisterhood, peacemaking, and character nuance18:48 – First reactions to Little Monsters24:39 – Beth Is Dead and the murder mystery twist28:22 – Why Little Women keeps getting reimagined36:13 – What’s currently bringing hopeLinks Get tickets for Little Women at Riverside Center for the Performing ArtsFollow Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, Sarah Mae Andersen, Ashlee Beary, Ella Schnoor, and Madison Cox on Instagram.Read Little Monsters by Máire Roche and Beth Is Dead by Katie Bernet.Support the show Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

    42 min
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5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

🎧 Adventures in Learning with Dr. Diane 🎧Inspire curiosity. Spark creativity. Fuel a lifelong love of learning. Are you an educator, librarian, parent, or STEM/STEAM enthusiast looking to make learning come alive for kids? Adventures in Learning with Dr. Diane is your go-to podcast for hands-on, joyful learning that connects STEM/STEAM education, multicultural children's literature, and real-world exploration. Join Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor, educator and explorer, as she travels the world (literally and virtually!) to bring you conversations with award-winning authors, illustrators, educators, scientists, and STEM leaders. Each episode delivers fresh ideas, engaging stories, and practical tips to inspire early childhood and elementary learners—in the classroom, the library, or at home. Wonder, curiosity, connection, and play -- we bring the world to you! 🌎 Featuring: Innovative STEM/STEAM experiencesDiverse children's book recommendationsStrategies for inquiry-based, joyful learning through playVoices from around the globe that inspire the WOW 🧠 Perfect for:Early childhood & elementary educators | School librarians | Homeschoolers | Caregivers | STEM/STEAM champions 🔗 Explore featured books: bookshop.org/shop/drdianeadventures📝 Read full show notes: drdianeadventures.com/blog 💌 Have an idea or guest suggestion? Email: diane@drdianeadventures.com👉 Subscribe, rate, and review to support more Adventures in Learning!

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Diane Jackson Schnoor
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    189
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dr Diane Jackson Schnoor LLC
  • Show Website
    Dr. Diane's Adventures in Learning