KindlED | The Prenda Podcast

Prenda
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The KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments through microschooling. Powered by Prenda, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle curiosity, motivation, and well-being in young learners. Do you have a question, topic, or story you'd like to share with us? Get in touch at podcast@prenda.com.

  1. Episode 89: Microschools are Everywhere. A Conversation with Meredith Olson.

    JAN 29

    Episode 89: Microschools are Everywhere. A Conversation with Meredith Olson.

    We name the real barrier in education as the status quo mindset and share how Vela backs nearly 5,000 founders building learner-centered options. Meredith traces her journey from engineering and finance to education, explains the data behind microschool growth, and offers practical steps for parents and educators to lead change. • Defining the enemy as mindset, not institutions • Meredith’s path from engineering and economics to education • Three decades of steady growth in low-cost alternatives • Pre‑COVID skepticism and the COVID demand shock • Vela’s microgrants, reinvestments and peer network • The four founder types and their motivations • Parent and learner agency as a new paradigm • Pioneers helping refugees become builders • Wild and wise as a founder operating principle About our guest Meredith is president and CEO of VELA, a network of self-determined people doing education their own way. VELA supports 4,800+ founders who enable low-cost private and home education for millions of families. Meredith brings more than two decades of philanthropy and community leadership to this work. She previously served as vice president of public affairs for Koch, Inc., where she led corporate philanthropy and community programs. Meredith is the board chair of yes. every kid., an organization advancing transformative education policy, and is a trustee of Wichita Collegiate School.  Connect with Meredith VELA Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message! About the podcast The KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments. Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being. Got a burning question? We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to podcast@prenda.com. Let's dive into the conversation together! Important links: • Connect with us on social • Get our free literacy curriculum Interested in starting a microschool? Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool

    40 min
  2. Episode 88: Money For Microschools. A Conversation with Allison Serafin.

    JAN 21

    Episode 88: Money For Microschools. A Conversation with Allison Serafin.

    We trace Allison Serafin’s path from restless learner to teacher, elected education leader, and capital guide who helps schools access facilities and finance. The heart of the talk is practical: how founders can become “underwritable” without losing their mission. • early sparks in entrepreneurship and a misfit K–12 experience • classroom wins and structural limits seen in Houston and Philadelphia • leading in Las Vegas across TFA, district change, and state board service • learning finance to build IDEA campuses and earn credibility • what Building Hope does and why facilities cost so much • pilot microloans for microschools with humane, unsecured terms • clean bookkeeping, days cash on hand, and debt coverage explained • how to use AI to learn finance fast and prepare for lenders • start scrappy, then professionalize when you choose to grow About our guest Allison Serafin brings experience, accomplishment and energy to her responsibilities at Building Hope. Allison has more than 20 years in the education field, including time as an elected member of the Nevada State Board of Education. She helped raise more than $40 million for IDEA Public Charter School in her hometown of Houston and was Domestic Portfolio Director at Dovetail Impact Foundation. Allison is a dedicated Peloton bicyclist. She earned a BS in Political Science at Texas Christian University and an MS in Social Work at the University of Texas-Arlington. Connect with Allison Building Hope Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message! About the podcast The KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments. Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being. Got a burning question? We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to podcast@prenda.com. Let's dive into the conversation together! Important links: • Connect with us on social • Get our free literacy curriculum Interested in starting a microschool? Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool

    54 min
  3. Episode 87: Innovating From Within: Public Microschools. A Conversation with Victoria Andrews.

    JAN 14

    Episode 87: Innovating From Within: Public Microschools. A Conversation with Victoria Andrews.

    We explore how joy, autonomy, and real-world experiences transform learning from third grade to high school, and how microschools inside and alongside public systems meet students where they are. Victoria Andrews shares the question that changed her career and the playbook that’s guiding leaders forward. • third grade classrooms built on autonomy, stations, and projects • high schoolers engaged through internships, externships, and community partners • logistics and impact of running a hundred field trips in a year • exposure as a driver of curiosity, confidence, and purpose • the catalytic pause after being asked do you love it • building and supporting microschools as responsive community tools • public district partnerships, declining enrollment, and agile design • student dignity, choice, and culturally relevant practices • historical roots of microschools in indigenous and freedom schools • practical ways educators can propose microschools within districts About our guest Victoria recently served as the Assistant Director for an International Baccalaureate School and guided students and staff through virtual and in person learning. Previously, she served as a Dean at Energy Institute High School, a magnet school with a project-based learning focus on energy. Here, Victoria paired students with summer programs based on their unique interests, developed an internship program for multiple grade levels, created experiential learning opportunities, coordinated field trips, and worked closely with the community and industry partners. Victoria is passionate about serving as a connector and collaborator for underrepresented communities while supporting unique learning environments.  Connect with Victoria Victoria Andrews Getting Smart Microschools Initiative Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message! About the podcast The KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments. Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being. Got a burning question? We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to podcast@prenda.com. Let's dive into the conversation together! Important links: • Connect with us on social • Get our free literacy curriculum Interested in starting a microschool? Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool

    46 min
  4. Episode 86: What Does it Take to Start a Microschool? A Conversation with Brittany Miller.

    JAN 6

    Episode 86: What Does it Take to Start a Microschool? A Conversation with Brittany Miller.

    We explore the front lines of the microschool movement with Brittany Munk-Miller, a Prenda microschool specialist, and unpack what it really takes to start small, teach with heart, and track meaningful growth beyond letter grades. We share stories, tools, and steps that make launching doable with zero upfront cost. • who typically starts microschools and why • definitions, sizes, and common locations for microschools • traits of effective guides and the student‑centered role • curriculum structure, mastery, and flexible customization • balancing technology, AI tutors, and hands‑on projects • how costs work, including no startup fees with Prenda • starting small to test demand and lower risk • accreditation concerns and the Empowered Learner Report • shifting from grades to portfolios and empowerment metrics • founder and student stories that show fires rekindled About our guest Brittany is a Microschool Specialist at Prenda. Every day, she talks to people thinking about starting microschools, hears their unique stories and passion for the work, and helps them overcome barriers. She is passionate about helping educators and parents create their dream learning environments. Prior to Prenda, Brittany was a successful sales leader and entrepreneur. She is also the mom of three wonderful kids. Connect with Brittany LinkedIn Start a Prenda Microschool Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message! About the podcast The KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments. Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being. Got a burning question? We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to podcast@prenda.com. Let's dive into the conversation together! Important links: • Connect with us on social • Get our free literacy curriculum Interested in starting a microschool? Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool

    46 min
  5. Episode 85: Removing Education Barriers in Arkansas. A Conversation with Laurie Lee and Emmy Henley.

    12/16/2025

    Episode 85: Removing Education Barriers in Arkansas. A Conversation with Laurie Lee and Emmy Henley.

    We explore how a mother and daughter helped turn Arkansas into a leading state for school choice, sharing hard-won lessons from family needs, policy battles, and the explosive growth of microschools. Stories, strategy, and straight talk show how parents and educators can build options that fit real kids. • personal journey from limited options to statewide advocacy • the mission and work of Reform Alliance supporting families • education freedom accounts and scholarship access • real family stories showing assistive tools and homeschool support • why one size never fit all and why options matter • launching 10 microschools in 30 days across Arkansas • practical advice on starting a microschool around local needs • overcoming fear, trusting parents, and iterating fast • legacy, mentorship, and passing the torch to new leaders About our guests Laurie Lee serves as Chairman and Executive Director of The Reform Alliance, a nonprofit committed to ensuring every K-12 student in Arkansas has access to a world-class education. For more than 20 years, Laurie has been involved in the School Choice movement through policy development, coalition building, and collaboration with national education reform leaders. The Reform Alliance has been instrumental in advancing Arkansas's three School Choice programs: the Succeed Scholarship (a voucher), recently absorbed into the Education Freedom Accounts (an Education Savings Account),  and the Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids Scholarship (a tax credit program). Emmy Henley’s journey in education reform began at 16, volunteering with after-school and mentoring programs. Her passion for championing Arkansas students led her to join The Reform Alliance. She has spent the past decade helping drive the success of the Succeed Scholarship, now part of the state’s Education Freedom Accounts (EFA). Today, she oversees the Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids tax credit scholarship, supports the EFA program, and manages The Reform Alliance staff. This team travels statewide, building parent coalitions and developing innovative models like microschools. Connect with Laurie and Emmy The Reform Alliance Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message! About the podcast The KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments. Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being. Got a burning question? We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to podcast@prenda.com. Let's dive into the conversation together! Important links: • Connect with us on social • Get our free literacy curriculum Interested in starting a microschool? Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool

    36 min
  6. Episode 84: The Power of On-Campus Microschools. A Conversation with Robby Meldau.

    12/02/2025

    Episode 84: The Power of On-Campus Microschools. A Conversation with Robby Meldau.

    We trace a principal’s journey from Teach For America to a nine-year commitment leading a high-need neighborhood school, then dive into how a microschool inside the campus turned behavior crises into growth and engagement. The result: fewer labels, more joy, and a practical path other schools can follow. • why labels from tests and adults damage motivation and identity • how a 10-student microschool structure lowers behavior issues • the surprising success of introverts in small, intentional groups • keeping ties to homeroom, electives, lunch, and campus culture • student voice and choice as drivers of academic acceleration • leadership longevity, trust, and ground-up innovation • advice for launching microschools within districts • focusing accountability on kids and families, not systems About our guest Robby Meldau is in his 14th year as a public school educator and 9th year as principal at Eisenhower Center For Innovation (ECFI), a PreK-6 neighborhood elementary school in Mesa, Arizona. Prior to arriving at Eisenhower, Robby was a 5th grade math and science teacher at Reyes Maria Ruiz Leadership Academy in South Phoenix. He entered teaching as a 2011 Teach For America Phoenix Corps Member and later worked in teacher training and support roles with Teach For America’s summer institute and Phoenix regional team. Robby has also served as a member of the Teach for America Arizona Alumni Board and as the President elect of the Mesa Association of School Administrators. Connect with Robby Eisenhower Center for Innovation Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message! About the podcast The KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments. Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being. Got a burning question? We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to podcast@prenda.com. Let's dive into the conversation together! Important links: • Connect with us on social • Get our free literacy curriculum Interested in starting a microschool? Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool

    41 min
  7. Episode 83: Partnering for Innovation. A Conversation with Amy McGrath.

    11/26/2025

    Episode 83: Partnering for Innovation. A Conversation with Amy McGrath.

    We challenge the assumption that boredom is a student problem and show how design, mentorship and partnerships can make school feel alive. Amy McGrath shares the path from Florida Virtual to ASU Prep’s Digital Plus microschools, mastery learning and the new Tempe Levitt Lab. • student-centered models that treat boredom as a design signal • lessons from Florida Virtual and one-to-one mentorship • hybrid learning that mixes digital core with in-person projects • ASU Prep Digital Plus hubs and personalized learning guides • partnerships with Khan Academy, Steve Levitt and John Williams • wonder sessions and Socratic seminars that deepen curiosity • mastery, alternative credentials and university collaboration • practical steps to start, fund and pilot new models • mentorship that tells the truth and removes drag About our guest Amy McGrath is the VP of Educational Outreach and Student Services at Arizona State University, Managing Director of ASU Preparatory Academy, and Chair of the Board for ASU Prep Global. She leads the design and national scaling of innovative learning models in partnership with over 350 school districts via ASU Prep Global. Amy co-designed Khan World School with Sal Khan and is passionate about using emerging technologies to boost engagement and learning. Her past roles include leading product development for 600,000+ learners at Florida Virtual School and advising international education leaders on blended learning. She writes extensively on the intersection of innovation and opportunity, serves on the boards of the World Series of Entrepreneurship, Class Technologies, and Trace Academy, and is committed to redesigning the student experience from the inside out. Amy holds a Bachelor's in Social Science Education and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida. Resources in this Episode Levitt Lab Dreamscape Learn Khan World School Florida Virtual School Julie Young Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message! About the podcast The KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments. Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being. Got a burning question? We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to podcast@prenda.com. Let's dive into the conversation together! Important links: • Connect with us on social • Get our free literacy curriculum Interested in starting a microschool? Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool

    37 min
  8. Episode 82: School Choice: The Great Debate. A Conversation with Mike McShane.

    11/18/2025

    Episode 82: School Choice: The Great Debate. A Conversation with Mike McShane.

    We trace the rise of school choice from early voucher experiments to modern ESAs, unpack how funding actually follows students, and use fresh data to separate myths from reality. Mike McShane shares trends on parent preferences, teacher morale, and why safety and fit now drive decisions. • defining vouchers, ESAs, tax credits and open enrollment • how school funding works and what follows students • common school history, Zelman ruling and universal expansion • charter schools and homeschool regulation contrasts • enrollment shares versus parent preferences by sector • arguments for and against school choice, addressed charitably • why families switch: bullying, stress and unmet needs • impacts on districts, hold-harmless provisions and supply growth • teacher morale trends and why microschools attract educators • ten-year outlook and how states can make access truly universal About our guest Dr. Michael McShane is Director of National Research at EdChoice. He is the author, editor, co-author, or co-editor of twelve books on education policy, including his most recent Getting Education Right (w/ Rick Hess). He is currently an opinion contributor to Forbes, and his analyses and commentary have been published widely in the media, including in USA Today, The Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal. A former high school teacher, he earned a Ph.D. in education policy from the University of Arkansas, He is also a senior fellow at the Show-Me Institute and an adjunct fellow in education policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute. Connect with Mike edchoice.com Getting Education Right Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message! About the podcast The KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments. Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being. Got a burning question? We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to podcast@prenda.com. Let's dive into the conversation together! Important links: • Connect with us on social • Get our free literacy curriculum Interested in starting a microschool? Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool

    1h 14m
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About

The KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments through microschooling. Powered by Prenda, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle curiosity, motivation, and well-being in young learners. Do you have a question, topic, or story you'd like to share with us? Get in touch at podcast@prenda.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Prenda
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 KindlED | The Prenda Podcast
  • Show Website
    KindlED | The Prenda Podcast