Fueling Creativity in Education

Dr. Matthew J. Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett

The Fueling Creativity in Education podcast provides listeners with unique insights into the field of creativity research, including best practices for applying this knowledge to a traditional school environment. Thanks to deep dive interviews with renowned creativity scholars, respected practitioners, and passionate educators, every teacher and administrator will walk away with new strategies that inspire and support student and teacher creativity in and out of the classroom.

  1. 10h ago

    Disconnect to Reconnect: Creativity Beyond the School Year

    What happens when we give ourselves permission to slow down? And how might moments of rest, reflection, and play help fuel our creativity for the year ahead? In this special summer episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett reflect on the end of another school year and share their plans for disconnecting, recharging, and reconnecting with the activities that bring them joy and inspiration. Listen in as they discuss the importance of creating space for mind wandering, creative hobbies, and meaningful experiences beyond work. They also offer a preview of the upcoming summer Listen and Learn series, inspired by their new book, The Future Creative: 10 Actions for Fueling Creativity in Education. In this thoughtful conversation, they explore: – Why creativity often needs periods of rest and recovery – How slowing down can help us think more clearly and creatively – The value of disconnecting from technology and productivity pressures – Why mind wandering can be a powerful creative practice – How hobbies and personal interests can help restore energy and focus – The importance of reconnecting with activities you loved as a child – Why creativity should be nurtured both inside and outside of work – How small daily habits can support wellbeing and creative thinking – The challenge of balancing professional goals with personal renewal – Ways educators can create space for reflection during school breaks – How AI might help reduce routine tasks while preserving meaningful creative work – What listeners can expect from the upcoming Listen and Learn summer series Dr. Matthew shares how golf has become a creative outlet that helps him disconnect from work and focus on learning, growth, and being present in the moment. Dr. Cyndi reflects on returning to dance after many years away and the joy of reconnecting with a lifelong passion that has always been part of her creative identity.   If you are an educator preparing for the months ahead, this episode offers encouragement to slow down, make space for yourself, and embrace the experiences that help creativity flourish. Be sure to subscribe to your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.

    25 min

  2. Jun 2

    From AI in the Classroom to Creativity in the Movies: A Conversation with James Kaufman

    How is artificial intelligence changing the way we think about creativity and learning? And what can movies teach us about the creative process, healing, and human expression? In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome back Dr. James Kaufman, one of the leading scholars in creativity research, for a wide-ranging conversation about AI, education, creativity, and his latest work exploring creativity through film. Listen in as the conversation reflects on the newly released book Generative Artificial Intelligence and Creativity: Precautions, Perspectives, and Possibilities, co-edited by James Kaufman and Matthew Worwood. Together, they discuss the promises and concerns surrounding AI in education, including its impact on learning, creative thinking, feedback, and assessment. The discussion then shifts to James's newest book, Creativity Through the Movies, where he explores how films can help us better understand creativity, motivation, grief, healing, and the human experience. In this thoughtful conversation, they explore: – The different perspectives creativity researchers hold about AI and its future impact – Why the creative process may matter more than the final product – How AI can support productivity while potentially limiting originality – The risks of relying on AI for thinking, learning, and creative work – Why educators may need to focus more on process rather than product in assessment – The role of AI in providing feedback and supporting creativity research – How AI could help assess creativity at a larger scale – Why meaning, purpose, and creative identity matter in an age of automation – The relationship between creativity, wellbeing, and personal growth – How creative activities can help people process grief and difficult life experiences – What movies reveal about creativity as a human journey rather than a final achievement – Why everyday creativity can be just as meaningful as professional creative accomplishments James also shares examples from films such as Ghostlight, Hamnet, and Sing Sing, highlighting how creative expression can help people navigate loss, build connection, and find meaning during challenging times. If you are an educator, researcher, creative professional, or simply curious about the future of creativity, this episode offers a thoughtful exploration of both the opportunities and challenges emerging in a rapidly changing world.   About the Guest Dr. James Kaufman is a Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Connecticut's Neag School of Education and one of the world's leading creativity researchers. He has written or edited more than 60 books and is widely known for co-developing the Four C Model of Creativity with Dr. Ronald Beghetto. His research spans creativity, meaning, motivation, intelligence, and education, and he has developed several widely used measures of creativity. His recent projects include Generative Artificial Intelligence and Creativity: Precautions, Perspectives, and Possibilities and Creativity Through the Movies.   Be sure to subscribe to your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.

    33 min

  3. May 26

    Mastery, Feedback, and Communication: A Season 12 Reflection with Jimmy Wilson

    What helps students build creative confidence over time? And how do mastery, feedback, and communication shape the way students learn, create, and see themselves in the classroom? In this final reflection episode of Season 12 of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome back resident scholar Jimmy Wilson to revisit key themes from the season through the lens of current creativity research. Listen in as the conversation connects ideas from episodes on handwriting, AI, sports, game-based learning, creativity, and neurodiversity. Together, they explore why some traditional learning practices still matter, how mastery-based approaches can support creative confidence, and why feedback continues to play such an important role in student growth. In this thoughtful conversation, they explore: – Why handwriting may support creativity, retention, and deeper thinking – How slowing down the learning process can improve understanding – The connection between mastery and creative self-efficacy – Why repeated practice and experimentation help students build confidence – The challenges and opportunities within mastery-based learning – How games and sports naturally support experimentation and iteration – The role of feedback in helping students refine and strengthen ideas – How AI tools may help teachers provide more frequent and meaningful feedback – Why creative learning should include multiple ways for students to demonstrate understanding – The importance of balancing structure with flexibility in assessment – How creativity research is beginning to focus more on strengths within neurodiversity – Why traits like hyperfocus, curiosity, and experimentation can be creative strengths – The growing research connection between creativity and meaning in life Jimmy also reflects on how creativity research is shifting toward more possibility-centered approaches that recognize different ways of learning, thinking, and engaging in the classroom. If you are an educator interested in creativity, assessment, neurodiversity, or student motivation, this episode offers research-based insights and practical reflections on how learning environments can better support both mastery and creative growth.   About the Guest Jimmy Wilson is the resident scholar for the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast and a doctoral researcher exploring creativity, neurodiversity, and education. His work focuses on topics including ADHD, dyslexia, autism, creative self-efficacy, and how different learners engage with creative processes in educational settings. Throughout Season 12, Jimmy followed the podcast conversations closely and connected emerging themes back to current creativity research.   Be sure to subscribe to your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.

    30 min

  4. May 19

    Engage, Connect, Create: Social Media, Games, and Music in Learning

    What if some of the most powerful tools for engagement are already part of students’ everyday lives? And what happens when educators use games, music, and social media with more intention in the learning process? In this final debrief episode of Season 12 of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett revisit three conversations that challenged the way they think about engagement, creativity, and learning. Drawing from recent episodes on tabletop role-playing games, creative styles, and music in education, they reflect on how educators can create more meaningful learning experiences by building on tools and interests students already connect with. In this thoughtful conversation, they explore: – The difference between gamification and true game-based learning – How tabletop games encourage dialogue, collaboration, and perspective-taking – Why play is often missing from middle and high school learning experiences – The connection between games, creativity, and student motivation – How creative styles can help educators better understand themselves and their students – Why creativity looks different from person to person – The role of creative confidence and self-awareness in learning – How music can help students better remember and connect with content – Why creative learning experiences often stay with students longer than lectures – The growing role of social media and teacher influencers in education – How educators can use social platforms more intentionally to extend learning – Why engagement may not require completely new ideas, but better use of tools already around us Matthew and Cyndi also reflect on the power of conversation, storytelling, and shared experiences in the classroom, and why meaningful learning often happens when students are invited to actively participate rather than simply receive information. If you are an educator looking for fresh ways to engage students, this episode offers practical reflections and ideas that connect creativity to the realities of today’s classrooms.   Be sure to subscribe to your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.

    22 min

  5. May 12

    From Teaching to Content Creation: Social Media in the Science Classroom with Dr. Raven Baxter

    What happens when teaching becomes storytelling, performance, and creative expression all at once? And how can educators use social media with purpose instead of simply chasing attention online? In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome Dr. Raven Baxter, also known as Dr. Raven the Science Maven, to explore the intersection of science, creativity, music, and social media in education. Listen in as the conversation explores how Raven uses music, humor, pop culture, and storytelling to make science more engaging and accessible. She also shares why joy, authenticity, and human connection are essential parts of meaningful learning experiences both online and in the classroom. In this thoughtful conversation, they explore: – How creativity and joy can transform science learning – Why music works as a powerful tool for teaching and remembering content – The role of humor, storytelling, and pop culture in science communication – How social media can help educators build trust and connection with learners – Why intention matters when teachers create content online – The difference between creating for engagement and creating for meaningful learning – How educators can use social media to extend conversations beyond the classroom – Why students benefit when learning feels playful, creative, and personal – The importance of creating spaces where students feel safe expressing themselves – How creative projects can reveal talents and understanding traditional assessments may miss – Why adults need more opportunities for whimsy, delight, and creative expression – How small creative shifts can completely change students’ relationship with learning Raven also shares inspiring classroom examples, including students creating songs, paintings, theater performances, and even mechanical models to demonstrate their understanding of science concepts. If you are an educator interested in creativity, science communication, or student engagement, this episode offers practical ideas for making learning more human, memorable, and joyful. About the Guest Dr. Raven Baxter, known as Dr. Raven the Science Maven, is a molecular biologist, science communicator, and learning scientist whose work focuses on the intersection of science, culture, and creative expression. Her research explores how hip hop pedagogy and creative communication can transform science learning and public understanding of science. She is also the founder of The Science Haven, a nonprofit focused on expanding access to science education, and has partnered with organizations including NASA, Netflix, Pfizer, and the White House on STEM initiatives.   Be sure to subscribe to your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.

    35 min

  6. May 5

    Creative Styles in Action: A New Way to Understand Creativity in the Classroom

    Who are the creative students in your classroom? And how might your definition of creativity be shaping who you notice and who you overlook? In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome Dr. Gerard Puccio and Cheri Sterman to explore a new way of understanding creativity through the Crayola Creative Styles Tool. Listen in as the conversation explores how creativity shows up differently in each learner and why recognizing those differences matters. Gerard and Cheri introduce a framework built around three key areas, how we think, how we perceive, and how we engage, and explain how this approach can help educators better understand themselves and their students. In this thoughtful conversation, they explore: – Why many educators struggle with creative confidence and how that impacts teaching – The importance of helping people see themselves as creative in their own way – How creativity goes beyond thinking and includes perception and engagement – The difference between seeing details and seeing connections in the creative process – Why some people prefer to act quickly while others need time to reflect – How understanding your own creative style can improve collaboration with others – The role of self-awareness in building creative confidence and agency – Why creativity should not be reduced to labels or fixed identities – How this tool can help teachers better support different types of learners – The connection between environment, experience, and creative preferences – Why students rarely get the chance to learn about themselves as creative thinkers – How a shared language around creativity can strengthen classroom culture Gerard and Cheri also discuss how this tool can open up important conversations in schools, helping both educators and students better understand how they approach problems, ideas, and learning. If you are an educator or school leader, this episode offers a new lens for recognizing creativity in your classroom and supporting it in more intentional ways.   About the Guests Dr. Gerard Puccio is a distinguished professor at Buffalo State University and a leading voice in creativity research. He serves as chair of the Center for Applied Imagination and has published extensively on creative thinking and innovation. His work has received multiple awards, including recognition for research excellence and contributions to the field of creativity. Cheri Sterman is the Director of Education at Crayola, where she works with educators, families, and communities to deepen their understanding of creativity. She leads professional learning programs and helps design global initiatives such as Crayola Creativity Week, which reaches millions of students and teachers worldwide. Be sure to subscribe to your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.

    31 min

  7. Apr 28

    The Power of Game-Based Learning: Why Tabletop Role-Playing Games Matter

    Is game-based learning just about making lessons more fun? Or can it actually deepen how students think, learn, and solve problems? And what happens when students are given space to fail, try again, and learn through play?   In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome Adam Watson, an educator and author who explores how tabletop role-playing games can transform learning in the classroom. Listen in as the conversation breaks down what game-based learning really means, how it differs from gamification, and why games can be powerful tools for creativity, collaboration, and deeper understanding across subjects. In this thoughtful conversation, they explore: – The difference between gamification and true game-based learning – Why games need to be used with clear purpose, not just for engagement – How tabletop role-playing games can support learning across subjects, including science and math – Why failure in games helps students learn without fear – How games encourage problem solving, collaboration, and communication – The role of imagination and storytelling in building understanding – Why simple changes can turn an existing lesson into a game-based experience – How constraints and rules can actually support creativity – The importance of helping students learn at their own pace – Why play is often misunderstood and undervalued in education – How teachers can start small by rethinking one lesson or unit – The connection between games, creativity, and meaningful learning Adam also shares practical examples of how teachers can bring game-based learning into the classroom, including a science lesson where students design animals and test how they survive in different environments. If you are an educator looking for new ways to engage students and deepen learning, this episode offers simple ideas you can start using right away.   About the Guest Adam Watson is an award-winning educator from Kentucky who began his career as a high school English teacher. He has served as a district digital learning coordinator and now works as a regional digital learning consultant supporting multiple school districts. He is also the author of Tabletop Role-Playing Games in the Classroom and works with educators to explore how game-based learning can support student growth across subjects.   Be sure to subscribe to your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.

    33 min

  8. Apr 21

    Five Years Celebrating Fueling Creativity in Education: Where have we been and where are we going

    🎉 Celebrating 5 Years of Fueling Creativity in Education Special Anniversary Episode | World Creativity and Innovation Day What happens when two educators set out to bridge research and practice in creativity… and simply keep going? In this special anniversary episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood reflect on five years of conversations, growth, and creative exploration. Released on World Creativity and Innovation Day, this milestone marks not just longevity, but impact: over 130 guests, countless ideas, and a global community committed to bringing creativity into classrooms. From early scripted interviews to authentic, unscripted conversations, this episode pulls back the curtain on how the podcast has evolved and what it has taught both hosts along the way.

    26 min
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About

The Fueling Creativity in Education podcast provides listeners with unique insights into the field of creativity research, including best practices for applying this knowledge to a traditional school environment. Thanks to deep dive interviews with renowned creativity scholars, respected practitioners, and passionate educators, every teacher and administrator will walk away with new strategies that inspire and support student and teacher creativity in and out of the classroom.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Matthew J. Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    250
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Fueling Creativity in Education

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