Learning Unboxed

Annalies Corbin & NOVA Media
  • 5.0 (31)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

We hear, frequently, that the global education system is broken, and as a result, we spend billions of dollar trying to fix it. But the K-12 system isn’t actually broken at all – it’s working exactly as it was designed, 100 years ago, and it’s obsolete. So in Learning Unboxed, we will have a conversation about teaching, learning, and the future of work; we will reimagine, rethink, and redesign our educational system.

  1. 1D AGO

    296. Building Citywide Learning Ecosystems with Belén Quellet

    In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Belén Quellet, Executive Director of The Learning Quest, to explore what it really looks like to turn an entire city into a learning environment.  Belén shares how Falls Church, Virginia is becoming an open-walled learning ecosystem where curiosity, repair, and real-world problem solving guide learning far beyond the classroom. Together, we dig into learner voice, community partnerships, and why experiences like repair clinics, education passports, and local internships matter just as much as traditional academic pathways. Belén also reflects on shifting definitions of success, the future of work, and the importance of helping parents reimagine what learning can look like for their children.  This conversation is a thoughtful look at how communities can stitch together existing resources to support agency, exploration, and lifelong learning. Join us to explore what’s possible when learning truly belongs to everyone. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org We unbox: What a citywide learning ecosystem looks like in practiceHow repair and sustainability spark curiosity and problem solvingElevating learner voice through real community rolesRethinking credit, credentials, and success beyond classroomsBuilding trust with parents around nontraditional learning paths Resources: The Learning QuestEducation Reimagined: Learn more about learner-centered education and ecosystem labs nationwideRepair Café: Discover how community repair events support sustainability and hands-on learningActon Academy: Learn more about learner-driven education models influencing Learning Quest’s work  Produced by NOVA

    32 min

  2. FEB 2

    295. Building Resilient Minds in Education with Ishan Shivanand

    In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Ishan Shivanand, founder of Yoga of Immortals and author of the international bestseller The Practice of Immortality. Together, we explore why resilience training and inner work are becoming essential supports for students and educators navigating rising levels of stress, burnout, and disconnection. Ishan shares how his research-backed, non-pharmaceutical approach blends breathwork, meditation, and cognitive awareness to improve mental health and overall well-being. Our conversation digs into what resilience training actually looks like in practice and why even small, consistent moments of awareness can make a measurable difference in learning environments. We also discuss how schools can integrate these tools in culturally respectful, non-theological ways that support both students and teachers. Join us to explore how building resilient minds can reshape the future of learning. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org We unbox: The growing mental health challenges facing students and educators  Research-backed resilience training and its impact on learning  Burnout, anxiety, and sleep issues in high-performing students  Practical ways to integrate mindfulness into classrooms  Why inner work is a lifelong skill, not an add-on   Resources: The Practice of Immortality by Ishan ShivanandYoga of Immortals – Learn more about the research-backed mental health program and its applications in education  Peer-reviewed research in Frontiers in Psychiatry Produced by NOVA

    24 min

  3. JAN 19

    294. Building an Industry-Driven Tech High School with Nathan Gorsch

    In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re reconnecting with returning guest and “serial school starter” Nathan Gorsch, executive director and principal of the Colorado Springs School of Technology. Nathan shares how his experience launching Village High School shaped the vision for this new, industry-driven high school designed around immersive, future-focused learning. We explore how a powerful coalition of district leaders, higher education, and local industry came together to create a tech-focused ecosystem serving both students and the regional workforce. We also dig into what school actually looks and feels like for students: flexible, workplace-inspired spaces, pathway-based coursework in aerospace, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and leadership, and short, high-impact industry sprints led by professionals. Nathan reflects on why ethical leadership matters just as much as technical skills—especially in fields like AI—and hints at what’s coming next in the broader innovation zone. Join us to explore how schools can truly partner with the community to prepare students for emerging careers. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org We unbox: Launching the Colorado Springs School of Technology as an industry-driven innovation high school  Lessons learned from Village High School and applying them in a new context  Designing flexible, workplace-inspired learning spaces and student-centered pathways  Monday “industry sprints” with professionals in branding, ethics, design thinking, and rocketry  Embedding ethical leadership and social responsibility into high-tech career preparation  Envisioning an innovation zone with future medical, public service, and middle school models Resources: Colorado Springs School of Technology – Explore the school’s pathways in aerospace, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and leadership to see how an innovation high school can partner with industry.  Village High School – Look into Nathan’s first school startup to understand the blended, learner-agency model that inspired this next chapter.  Colorado Springs School District 11 – Learn more about the district context and its commitment to a school of innovation and a broader innovation zone.  Challenger Learning Center – Check out their 3D printing, rocketry, and aerospace experiences that support hands-on learning for CSSOT students.  DECA– Discover how student participation in business and marketing competitions builds real-world skills and confidence.  Portfolio School (NYC) – Explore other innovative school models experimenting with short, intensive projects and student-centered design.Follow Nathan Gorsch on LinkedIn Produced by NOVA

    29 min

  4. JAN 5

    293. Rebuilding Teen Motivation and Daily Habits with Sean Geraghty

    In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Sean Geraghty, founder of Reset Coaching and co-founder of the Center for Teen Flourishing, to explore what today’s teens truly need to thrive. Sean walks us through the research behind how young people spend their time from 3 PM to 3 AM, highlighting the growing displacement of in-person connection, hobbies, work, and other meaningful activities by passive screen use. Together, we dig into why this shift matters and what opportunity costs families often overlook. We also unpack the misconceptions around motivation and executive function—especially for teens with ADHD or chronic overwhelm—and how small, personalized strategies can lead to big wins. Sean shares practical insights from coaching, research, and behavioral science that help teens re-engage with life in authentic, sustainable ways. Join us to learn more about building healthier habits, supporting agency, and helping young people flourish. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org We unbox: How teens’ after-school hours have shifted from real-life engagement to digital distraction  The opportunity costs of screen time and why time-use matters  What motivation and executive function actually look like for ADHD and overwhelmed teens  Why personalized systems outperform one-size-fits-all strategies   Resources: I’ll Do It Later: Surviving School and Renewing With Love With Your ADHD Son by Sean Geraghty & Mike Goldstein — A practical guide for parents supporting ADHD learners.The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt — Explore the research shaping national conversations around teens, mental health, and technology. Center for Teen Flourishing — Learn more about ongoing research into teens’ daily habits and wellbeing.Reset Coaching — Discover executive function strategies and coaching support for teens and young adults.American Time Use Survey (ATUS) — A national data source on how Americans spend their time, including trends among teens. Produced by NOVA

    30 min

  5. 12/15/2025

    292. Advancing Early College IT Pathways Through Microschool Innovation with Lisa Huffman

    In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Lisa Huffman, Dean of the University of Cincinnati’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology. Together, we explore the university’s long-standing Early IT program and the powerful new Microschool partnership designed to bring multiple districts, diverse learners, and shared resources into one collaborative ecosystem. Lisa unpacks why higher education is leaning in so deeply to rethink the K–12 pipeline and how this joint endeavor creates a win-win for students, universities, and future employers alike. We also discuss how early college credit, real-world problem-based learning, and multi-district collaboration offer students a transformative pathway into high-demand IT careers. Lisa highlights the economic benefits of accelerated degree completion, the value of divergent perspectives, and why microschools may hold the key to scalable, future-ready learning experiences across communities. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org We unbox: Why post-secondary institutions are rethinking partnerships with K–12The design and purpose of the Early IT Microschool modelMulti-district collaboration as an engine for divergent thinking and problem solvingHow early college credit accelerates economic mobility for studentsWhat it takes to scale microschool models across different contexts Resources: University of Cincinnati Early IT Program Produced by NOVA

    30 min

  6. 12/01/2025

    291. Building Learner-Centered Ecosystems Through Community Partnerships with Coi Marie Morefield

    What does it look like to build a truly learner-centered school from the ground up—and do it by activating the full power of the surrounding community? In this episode, we welcome Coi Marie Morefield, founder of the Lab School of Memphis, a PK–8 learner-centered environment blending Waldorf, Montessori, unschooling, and constructivist approaches. Coi shares how her journey began with her own children and grew into a thriving school grounded in exploration, agency, and real-world learning. We explore how the Lab School’s ecosystem model emerged out of necessity and evolved into a powerful framework for engaging local partners—from art museums and farms to restaurants, tennis programs, and even the Chamber of Commerce. Coi also reflects on growth, transitions, and what a flexible, a la carte future for high school could look like. This is an inspiring conversation about community-driven learning, bold leadership, and creating spaces where every learner is truly seen.   To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org We unbox: The origins of the Lab School of Memphis and its learner-centered philosophy  How community partnerships fuel real-world learning experiences  Building an ecosystem that supports both learners and educators  Navigating school growth, transitions, and evolving student needs  Rethinking high school through flexible, a la carte learning pathways Resources: Lab School of MemphisCoi Marie Morefield on LinkedInFollow Coi Marie Morefield on Instagram: @poimorefieldPAST FoundationEducation Reimagined Produced by NOVA

    31 min

  7. 11/10/2025

    290. Building Math Confidence Through Strategy and Sensemaking with Mike Kenny

    What if we taught math facts through understanding instead of memorization? In this episode, we welcome Mike Kenny—Vermont fifth-grade math teacher and creator of MathFactLab—who shares how strategy-based practice grounded in number sense transforms fluency and confidence. Inspired by the Vermont Mathematics Initiative, Mike reframed "flashcards" into visual, model-rich experiences that help students construct new facts from previously mastered ones. We dive into how MathFactLab shifts classroom culture—helping students rediscover joy, confidence, and agency in math through reasoning rather than rote recall. Mike also shares how teachers can use progress tracking and conceptual tools to build genuine understanding and long-term success. This is a conversation about turning math from memorization into meaning. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org We unbox: Strategy-based fluency vs. rote memorizationUsing visual models to reduce cognitive loadConstructing new fact knowledge from mastered factsProgress monitoring and impartial data collectionBuilding student agency, confidence, and joy in mathResources: MathFactLab"Fluency Without Fear" by Jo Boaler (YouCubed)

    28 min

  8. 10/27/2025

    289. Opening College Doors for Free with Jefferson Pestronk

    In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Jefferson Pestronk, Executive Director at Modern States, to discuss how their free online courses and College Board’s CLEP exams make college credit accessible to everyone. Learners can take self-paced courses, earn vouchers, and bring passing CLEP scores to nearly 3,000 colleges—no tuition required on the Modern States side. Jefferson shares how this model supports high schoolers, college students, and adult learners alike through flexible, scalable pathways. We also talk about AI tutoring, virtual cohorts, and statewide programs like Ohio’s new policy recognizing CLEP in diploma metrics. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org We unbox: How Modern States + CLEP unlocks free, transcripted college credit for learners anywhere.Who it serves—from teens to comebackers—and flexible ways schools embed it.Funding the path: philanthropic support, employer benefits, and state policies.New supports for self-paced success: AI tutoring and virtual cohorts.Ohio’s policy shift elevating CLEP in accountability and diploma seals. Resources: Modern States — Create a free account and browse the full course library; look for the green “Sign Up” buttons.College Board CLEP — Check which colleges accept which exams and the score needed to earn credit.Connect with Jefferson Pestronk on LinkedIn Produced by NOVA

    34 min
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About

We hear, frequently, that the global education system is broken, and as a result, we spend billions of dollar trying to fix it. But the K-12 system isn’t actually broken at all – it’s working exactly as it was designed, 100 years ago, and it’s obsolete. So in Learning Unboxed, we will have a conversation about teaching, learning, and the future of work; we will reimagine, rethink, and redesign our educational system.

Information

  • Creator
    Annalies Corbin & NOVA Media
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    319
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (c) PAST Foundation
  • Show Website
    Learning Unboxed