Lead. Learn. Change.

David W. Reynolds

Think about the greatest experiences you’ve ever had. What, or who, made them so memorable? What did you lead, learn, or change, and why did it matter? Significant moments in one’s life and career don’t have to be few and far between. Reflect. Observe. Influence. Viewing our accomplishments, our pivots, and our possibilities through a different lens can truly unleash your potential as a leader, a learner, or an agent of change. You have influence. You get to choose how much. If you want to make a real impact, and help others do likewise, then join us as we examine learning, leadership, and change from the perspective of those who truly make a difference, from those who have leveraged their journey in a way that matters. Lead. Learn. Change.

  1. Daniel Rivera - Artificial Intelligence: Rules, Connections, People

    11/02/2025

    Daniel Rivera - Artificial Intelligence: Rules, Connections, People

    4:45 – two (maybe three) rules for AI prompts 5:15 – Rule 0 – mindset  5:45 – Rule 1 - be clear and specific 8:05 – don’t be discouraged 8:25 – Rule 2 - have a conversation 10:00 – keep going, don’t settle 10:50 – the Magic School conundrum 14:00 – Khanmigo – one for teachers and one for students 15:15 – Khanmigo will not provide answers – it’s a tutor 16:15 – Microsoft Copilot 16:35 – Coach.microsoft (reading support) 17:45 – Perplexity (powered by Claude and by ChatGPT) 19:15 – to increase the quality of student work, give them an audience 20:35 – students have stories to tell and they just don’t know how 21:00 – music, curiosity, passion, engagement, poetry, content areas 22:00 – ChatGPT is the Coca-Cola of AI 22:30 – there are a lot of AI chatbot options available, and a number are free 23:45 – image, audio, video “categories” of AI 24:30 – exponential vs. additive potential of AI growth 27:05 – machine learning, language comprehension, image recognition 28:00 – Neuralink – a brain interface chip – drive a computer with your mind alone 28:45 – Blindsight – resolution improving and possibly humans with infared vision 30:30 – the connection between and mutual dependence across: \Power the energy sector, AI data and power consumption, national security, and climate concerns 32:25 – data sets (prior knowledge), compute power (processing time or general intelligence + effort), algorithms for training (teaching, formative assessment) 34:40 – how AI entered the most recent presidential election conversation 35:30 – military, environmental, academic, geopolitical, and economic growth concerns are inextricably connected with AI 39:45 – Donald Dowdy, high school band director 40:40 – Bruce Little, Art Education Practicum instructor, Georgia Southern University 42:30 – honor, discipline, respect, the craft of teaching 43:25 – You can’t replace relationships with AI   Blindsight ChatGPT Claude Coach (Microsoft - reading support) Khanmigo (main page) Khanmigo for parents Khanmigo for teachers Magic School Microsoft Copilot Neuralink Perplexity   Background image on cover is by Albert Stoynov, on Unsplash. This image replaces the standard cover art by Simon Berger (details in the footer). Music for Lead. Learn. Change. is Sweet Adrenaline by Delicate Beats Podcast cover art is a view from Brunnkogel (mountaintop) over the mountains of the Salzkammergut in Austria, courtesy of photographer Simon Berger, published on www.unsplash.com. Professional Association of Georgia Educators David’s LinkedIn page Lead. Learn. Change. the book Instagram - lead.learn.change

    44 min
  2. Daniel Rivera - You + AI = Magic

    05/02/2025

    Daniel Rivera - You + AI = Magic

    3:25 – AI has the potential to reshape every industry, job, and life 4:30 – the shift from narrow, programmatic control to individual user control 7:00 – a democratized internet with language comprehension 8:00 – the move from menus to genies 10:00 – you can ask AI virtually anything  10:40 – offsetting the unfortunate reality of the suppression of curiosity 12:00 – Hallucinations, mistakes, guessing, and precision 14:15 – AI iterations are getting better 15:20 – Bias in AI 16:10 – Data matters 16:20 – Notebook LM does not access the web 16:45 – User instructions, or a company’s training, can bias AI 18:15 – Engagement as evidence of curiosity 19:00 – The spectrum of apathy to curiosity 21:55 – Responsible use of AI for formative assessment support  22:45 – AI used with curiosity is a tremendous mentor, coach, and peer 22:55 – AI used with apathy is a threat to your brain . . . it might “make you dumb” 24:40 – You must be aware that using AI in a bad way is very detrimental – AI is not going to tell you this itself 26:45 – How much work do students do that generates pride and satisfaction that leads them to keep that work?  28:40 – All hope abandon, all ye who enter here 29:00 – Great teacher Ms. Smith, Statesboro High School 29:50 – We need artists in the classroom – creative, passionate, flexible 31:10 – a mistake to create a fully AI school 31:30 – Is AI a threat to teachers? 31:50 – AI will never replace good teachers 32:10 – Good teachers are curators of learning experiences 32:55 – Decisions about assessment, pacing guides, etc., are not always meant to benefit students 33:10 – What is the value of consistent instruction? 35:50 – Recruitment problem or retention problem? 36:30 – Low-hanging fruit - break down a lesson into manageable parts 37:00 – Low-hanging fruit - be specific with the target audience for what is to be learned 38:00 – Make this old lesson better, I need resources that cost less than one dollar per student 38:45 – Ask AI to use witty banter, match student interest 39:00 – AI will use analogies, metaphors, and more 39:15 – Teachers still do all of the final curation and make all of the decisions 39:20 – Create songs with Suno, an AI tool  40:20 – “Can AI…?” Assume that the answer is “Yes.” 42:55 – You have a genie. Dream big. 43:10 – Tell AI “how to act” 43:40 – Another AI episode with Daniel Rivera is forthcoming   Daniel Rivera Suno (music creation) ChatGPT   Background image on cover was provided by the guest, Daniel Rivera. This image replaces the standard cover art by Simon Berger (details in the footer). Music for Lead. Learn. Change. is Sweet Adrenaline by Delicate Beats Podcast cover art is a view from Brunnkogel (mountaintop) over the mountains of the Salzkammergut in Austria, courtesy of photographer Simon Berger, published on www.unsplash.com. Professional Association of Georgia Educators David’s LinkedIn page Lead. Learn. Change. the book Instagram - lead.learn.change

    44 min
  3. Great Teachers Matter Greatly

    04/30/2025

    Great Teachers Matter Greatly

    1:50 – Felicia Mayfield - the noble field of education  2:45 – George Wurtzel - blindness is not the loss of your knowledge and skill 5:20 – Cassidy Magill Evans - a great teacher... 6:45 – Anjelika Riano - support students and keep them focused on a vision 7:55 – Tylan Bailey - treat others well and make a difference 9:55 – Amy Gropper - challenge students to intrigue them 12:15 – David Reynolds - go against the grain every now and then 14:35 – Christy Todd - persistence, not perfection 15:55 – Vlada Galan - world leaders or educators?   In order of appearance, here are links to the full episode for each guest featured in Episode 57 - Great Teachers Matter Greatly. Episode 12 - Felicia Mayfield Episode 37 - George Wurtzel Episode 56 - Cassidy Magill Evans Episode 2 - Anjelika Riano Episode 48 - Tylan Bailey Episode 44 - Amy Gropper Episode 52 - Christy Todd Episode 6 - Vlada Galan Lead. Learn. Change. main podcast page (access to all episodes) Other Teacher Appreciation Episodes: 2024 – episode 55 – What Great Teachers Do – May 2, 2024 – 15 minutes Episode Summary We all have stories about our favorite teachers. Sometimes those memories are about how they led their classes, making everyone feel accepted and valued, and sometimes we recall a humorous moment, or maybe a hat or other accessory that became that teacher's "brand."  More often, however, we look back fondly on how that teacher made us feel, what he or she did to help us learn, or the way their concern and understanding was conveyed to us. If you are a great teacher now, you are also building a storehouse of memories. Thank you.  If you don't serve in a teaching role, you know someone who does, regardless of their job title. Take a moment to share a word of appreciation with that person. Great teachers make a difference. Let them know that you've noticed.   2023 – n/a   2022 – episode 38 – Great Teachers – Everyone Knows One – May 6, 2022 – 13 minutes Episode Summary Released for Teacher Appreciation Week, but pertinent at any time, this episode consists of a brief compilation of comments from Lead. Learn. Change. podcast guests who highlight the importance of teachers and remind us of the impact that great teachers can–and do–have on the lives of those they serve. If you are an educator, listen and be inspired to keep making a difference. Whatever your role, consider taking a few minutes today to contact a current or former teacher and say, “Thank you.”   2021 – episode 34 – Many Voices, One Message – Teachers Matter – April 30, 2021 – 15 minutes Episode Summary Released for Teacher Appreciation Week, but pertinent at any time, this episode consists of a brief compilation of comments from Lead. Learn. Change. podcast guests who highlight the importance of teachers and remind us of the impact that great teachers can–and do–have on the lives of those they serve. If you are an educator, listen and be inspired to keep making a difference. Whatever your role, consider taking a few minutes today to contact a current or former teacher and say, “Thank you.” Music for Lead. Learn. Change. is Sweet Adrenaline by Delicate Beats Podcast cover art is a view from Brunnkogel (mountaintop) over the mountains of the Salzkammergut in Austria, courtesy of photographer Simon Berger, published on www.unsplash.com. Professional Association of Georgia Educators David’s LinkedIn page Lead. Learn. Change. the book Instagram - lead.learn.change

    19 min
  4. Cassidy Magill Evans - New Heart, New Start

    01/23/2025

    Cassidy Magill Evans - New Heart, New Start

    SHOW NOTES   2:25 – heart transplant at age 29, no previous cardiac issues 3:00 – post-partum cardiomyopathy 3:30 – placed on a Life Vest and a low ejection fraction 4:30 – a 49-day stay in the hospital 5:15 – the fear of leaving one’s children behind, without a mom 6:15 – emergency room, to a two-week stay, to “we’ve done all we can for you” 7:00 – options and prognosis regarding Cassidy’s heart 8:30 – praying and deciding to move forward with a heart transplant 9:45 – ECMO 10:15 – shifting one’s perspective during and after a heart transplant 11:00 – Cassidy’s mom, cardiomyopathy, and her heart transplant months after Cassidy’s 12:00 – the wait for a heart, and testing for the best match, for improved outcomes 13:00 – antibodies after pregnancy can affect transplant success 14:20 – a ten-hour surgery 14:50 – the new heart needs to wake up 16:00 – the importance of family and a support system 17:30 –Dr. Allene Magill, an influential leader in education, and in Cassidy’s life 19:00 – Cassidy’s decision to change her career path change 21:00 – Shifting plans to find the “sweet spot” for one’s work 22:30 – teaching and learning, equal importance 23:00 – organ donors changes lives and save lives 25:00 – donor family and recipient interaction 25:30 – a donor’s organ can be classified as high-risk 26:00 – How does life change when you have someone else’s heart replace your own? 27:15 – Piedmont Cartersville, Piedmont Atlanta, Samsky Heart Failure Clinic 28:00 – great teachers… 29:15 – Matt Fox, Becky Reynolds 30:00 – Cassidy’s closing comments   LINKS Cardiomyopathy ECMO Ejection Fraction LifeVestTM - Cleveland Clinic page LifeVestTM - Zoll page LVAD Organ Donation - American Society of Transplantation Organ Donation - Donate Life Organ Donation - UNOS Piedmont Cartersville Piedmont Atlanta Samsky Heart Failure Center Fairmount Elementary School Red Bud Middle School Sonoraville High School     Music for Lead. Learn. Change. is Sweet Adrenaline by Delicate Beats Podcast cover art is a view from Brunnkogel (mountaintop) over the mountains of the Salzkammergut in Austria, courtesy of photographer Simon Berger, published on www.unsplash.com. Professional Association of Georgia Educators David’s LinkedIn page Lead. Learn. Change. the book Instagram - lead.learn.change

    31 min
  5. What Great Teachers Do

    05/02/2024

    What Great Teachers Do

    Show Notes: 00:15 - Teacher Appreciation Day 2024  00:25 - eight encore excerpts from seven guests 1:15 - Julia Roland  - college student, art student, artist (segment 1 of 2) 3:00 - Lana Camiel - pharmacist, herbalist, professor, podcaster 4:30 - Mike Shannon - retired U.S. Army officer, current university president 6:25 - Joy Robinson - former teacher, staff member with the Professional Association of Georgia Educators 7:25 - Megan Golden - world language teacher and author 9:00 - John Beede - mountain climber, author, public speaker 11:00 - Kristin Hatcher - writer, runner 12:25 - Julia Roland - segment 2 of 2 14:35 - "Thank you!" to great teachers   Links: Julia Roland episode - An Artist's Audio Self-Portrait (38 minutes) Lana Camiel episode - Rx for Health, Living, and Learning (45 minutes) Mike Shannon episode - Grit, Excellence, Leadership . . . Purpose (41 minutes) Joy Robinson episode - We need more Joy in teaching! (37 minutes) Megan Golden episode - Learning is THE World Language (38 minutes) John Beede episode - Keep on Climbing! (36 minutes) Kristin Hatcher episode - Tell Your Story (34 minutes)   Episode 7 - Host on Mic Episode - Teachers Matter (23 minutes) Episode 16 - In A Moment - Changing the World (4 minutes) Episode 24 - In A Moment - Thank You! (6 minutes) Episode 34 - Many Voices, One Message - Teachers Matter (15 minutes) Episode 38 - Great Teachers - Everyone Knows One! (13 minutes)       Music for Lead. Learn. Change. is Sweet Adrenaline by Delicate Beats Podcast cover art is a view from Brunnkogel (mountaintop) over the mountains of the Salzkammergut in Austria, courtesy of photographer Simon Berger, published on www.unsplash.com. Professional Association of Georgia Educators David’s LinkedIn page Lead. Learn. Change. the book Instagram - lead.learn.change

    15 min
  6. Mike Shannon - Grit, Excellence, Leadership . . . Purpose

    04/10/2024

    Mike Shannon - Grit, Excellence, Leadership . . . Purpose

    4:20 – workplace of the future 5:00 – rapid changes in technology and society 5:45 – leaders are made, not born 5:55 – the Leadership Foundry 7:00 – building resilience, self-awareness, agency, and personal interaction skills 8:20 – the complexities, and simplicity, of leadership 9:30 – pursuing the best version of yourself parallels the leadership journey 10:10 – you may never know the impact you have on others 11:40 – storytelling as a means of messaging 13:25 – to script or not to script 14:30 – strength grows out of displaying vulnerability 15:10 – why? how? what? Is there a more effective sequence 17:00 – technology cuts both ways, and can have positive or negative effects on relationships 18:00 – great leaders invest in others 18:35 – talking with others is the “secret sauce” that enhances relationships and effectiveness 20:15 – grit, grace, compassion, and empathy 23:10 – the human encounter in education is as vital now as it has ever been 24:00 – struggling through and towards discovery is magic 24:25 – starting a teaching career at West Point 26:25 – online learning has its place 28:00 – Mr. Keith Jones, high school history teacher 29:10 – the impact of great teachers is priceless 32:00 – the University of North Georgia, 150 and just getting started 32:25 – athletics raises all boats 33:45 – knowing the stories of one’s graduates 34:30 – providing lieutenants for the U.S. Army 35:10 – Fulbright Scholars 35:25 – an ecosystem of excellence 36:35 – fortunate journey, experiences of a lifetime, first generation college student and graduate, military spouse, incredible set of opportunities 37:40 – equipping students to walk toward their purpose 39:50 – five campuses, seven strategic big bets, all serving to change lives   UNG website Strategic Big Bets Mike Shannon’s CV+ YouTube monthly update The Adaptation Advantage     Music for Lead. Learn. Change. is Sweet Adrenaline by Delicate Beats Podcast cover art is a view from Brunnkogel (mountaintop) over the mountains of the Salzkammergut in Austria, courtesy of photographer Simon Berger, published on www.unsplash.com. Professional Association of Georgia Educators David’s LinkedIn page Lead. Learn. Change. the book Instagram - lead.learn.change

    40 min
  7. Kristin Hatcher - Tell Your Story

    02/13/2024

    Kristin Hatcher - Tell Your Story

    Show Notes 3:10 – the value of questions 3:20 – the portability of questions 3:40 – questions bring people together (questions can lead to community) 4:10 – ask yourself, “What’s one question I want to carry into the next twelve months?” 5:35 – does everyone have a story to tell? 6:35 – you have a story and there are many ways to convey it 7:30 – writing is a way of trying on ideas 8:35 – “Do I consider myself to be a teacher?” 9:30 – countless opportunities to learn 10:25 – some of the most profound learning occurs when teaching and learning (and those roles) are blurred 11:05 – from a small diary, to journaling, to blogs, to personal essays 12:25 – the definition of “published” 13:35 – “Am I a writer? Am I an author?” 14:10 – writing is a continual act of self-authorization 14:55 – Writing and its parallel to the question, “Are you a runner?”  16:40 – two options to get started on your writing journey 16:55 – another use for junk mail 17:55 – write with another person 18:40 – noticing the impulse to write 19:40 – ten minutes a day fits into real life 20:40 – accompaniment - someone walking alongside us, and vice-versa 21:35 – “None of us should be left alone with our bad writing.” 24:35 – reaching for goals in the great outdoors - pushing the limits 25:05 – Brainstorm Road – a structure to accomplish a Dream Project 26:40 – not necessarily (or only) becoming a writer, but becoming the kind of person who can write a book 27:45 – stories and questions, plus seeing the individual, are part of being a great teacher 28:20 – an art teacher who painted the cast on my arm 29:45 – my dad leading me through questions and stories 30:00 – Tommy and Teresa Turtle 31:20 – tremendous respect for teachers – thank you 32:00 – if you feel compelled to write, you can do it   https://www.instagram.com/kristin__hatcher/ https://kristin-hatcher.com/ Instagram - @kristin_hatcher     Music for Lead. Learn. Change. is Sweet Adrenaline by Delicate Beats Podcast cover art is a view from Brunnkogel (mountaintop) over the mountains of the Salzkammergut in Austria, courtesy of photographer Simon Berger, published on www.unsplash.com. Professional Association of Georgia Educators David’s LinkedIn page Lead. Learn. Change. the book Instagram - lead.learn.change

    34 min
  8. Christy Todd - You Want to Be an Influencer?

    11/10/2023

    Christy Todd - You Want to Be an Influencer?

    SHOW NOTES 2:30 – teachers are bridge builders 2:55 – a passion for building connections and helping others realize their potential 3:40 – overwhelming appreciation for men and women in the U.S. military 5:50 – being better tomorrow than you are today 6:10 – focus most on what you need to do well, show up the next day, and improve 7:00 – chorus director Janice Folsom was an inspiration 8:10 – the capacity to command a room, getting a team to work toward a common goal 8:35 – painting a picture of goals and transfers to the real world, and why that’s important 9:10 – building opportunities for students to engage in Georgia’s booming creative industry sector 9:50 – shift from a traditional choral background to focusing more on creation 10:25 – learning how to build relationships and partnerships, and using those skills in the classroom 11:20 – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent Georgia’s teachers 11:40 – great experiences to connect with a wide representation of various sectors 12:35 – Gen Z – philanthropic intentions and a desire to be social media influencers 13:35 – if you want to be an influencer, be a teacher! 14:15 – there are elements of being a teacher that are difficult and you can make a huge difference 15:15 – Top Ten Back to School Tips project – collaborating with other Teacher of the Year candidates 15:40 – I am an ambassador, not the best teacher in the state or even in my school – this is a chance to elevate the profession 16:20 – a diverse range of best practices is a great way to honor others’ voices 17:00 – from a focus on teaching academic standards to an application of learning 17:30 – learning what the pivotal knowledge and skill sets are in different careers 19:30 – Trilith Studios (Marvel films+) leading to an idea for students to create new and original content, help them become entrepreneurs, etc. 20:15 – students creating music and more – help from Tiffany I. M. Jones (then in an Atlanta Symphony Orchestra outreach role) 21:10 – forming an entertainment label – Hall Pass Entertainment and opening the door to students’ interests – students naming the label, creating art work, forming teams and committees 22:15 – middle school students releasing music albums, posting to a YouTube channel, and starting a podcast 23:00 – former middle school students now in high school are returning to Rising Starr Middle School to assist with the current work students are undertaking 23:45 – even once a semester, make sure that students are engaged in at least one project that is strongly connected to career roles 24:00 – share the stories of success and the great work students are doing 26:55 – AI (artificial intelligence) – stifling or enabling and accelerating creativity? 27:30 – first use of a floppy disk and an iPod – life-changing moments 28:15 – despite capabilities, there are things that AI doesn’t do very well 29:45 – the future of work may bend toward jobs centered around creativity 31:40 – which is more important, teaching or learning? 32:30 – retired teachers, your job isn’t yet done 32:55 – Teacher:Student impact ratio is huge 33:10 – Who did you inspire? 33:30 – it’s often the small moments that make the biggest impact 33:40 – teacher Teddye Martin knew I needed a place to belong and connect 34:30 – Ms. Martin instilled the love of education 34:55 – a teacher’s superpower is building connections, and we change the future when we help students see their potential 35:50 – first thoughts when announced as Teacher of the Year 36:20 – students, parents, colleagues, community partners can teach us as well, and help us look at things in a different way 36:55 – gratitude for so many people who helped me along the way and who have made possible this opportunity to serve as an ambassador   Email: Christy.Todd@doe.k12.ga.us Facebook:GATeacher X: @2024GaTOTY  Blue Angels F/A-18 Super Hornet flight story Georgia Teacher of the Year webpage Georgia Teacher of the Year events request Christy Todd 2024 Georgia Teacher of the Year press release Rising Starr Middle School, Fayette County Georgia Trilith Studios Georgia Lawyers for the Arts Hall Pass Entertainment     Music for Lead. Learn. Change. is Sweet Adrenaline by Delicate Beats Podcast cover art is a view from Brunnkogel (mountaintop) over the mountains of the Salzkammergut in Austria, courtesy of photographer Simon Berger, published on www.unsplash.com. Professional Association of Georgia Educators David’s LinkedIn page Lead. Learn. Change. the book Instagram - lead.learn.change

    38 min
5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Think about the greatest experiences you’ve ever had. What, or who, made them so memorable? What did you lead, learn, or change, and why did it matter? Significant moments in one’s life and career don’t have to be few and far between. Reflect. Observe. Influence. Viewing our accomplishments, our pivots, and our possibilities through a different lens can truly unleash your potential as a leader, a learner, or an agent of change. You have influence. You get to choose how much. If you want to make a real impact, and help others do likewise, then join us as we examine learning, leadership, and change from the perspective of those who truly make a difference, from those who have leveraged their journey in a way that matters. Lead. Learn. Change.