Legend Makers

Scott Buell
  • 5.0 (2)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Legend Makers! The podcast where education's true heroes take center stage. Hosted by Scott Buell, founder and CEO of Drone Legends, this interview-style podcast dives deep into the world of teaching, where the real magic happens. Each episode, Scott speaks with exceptional teachers, the true Legend Makers, who are shaping the minds and futures of the next generation. In every classroom, there's a legend in the making, and behind every legend is a passionate educator committed to unlocking their students' full potential. Legend Makers Podcast is dedicated to shining a spotlight on these educators, providing a platform for them to share their innovative methods, heartfelt stories, and the challenges they face in today's rapidly evolving educational landscape. Whether you're an experienced teacher, a new educator, or someone with a passion for the future of education, Legend Makers Podcast offers insights, inspiration, and practical advice straight from those on the front lines. Each episode is a candid conversation, filled with personal anecdotes, effective strategies, and the philosophies that drive these educators to go above and beyond in their mission to inspire the next generation of legends. Join us on this journey as we explore what it takes to be a Legend Maker. From integrating cutting-edge technology in the classroom to fostering emotional resilience and creativity in students, our guests share the tools and techniques that help them turn ordinary moments into extraordinary learning experiences.

  1. Nobody Wants to do This. Yenesis Alvarez on Getting Uncommon Results.

    20H AGO

    Nobody Wants to do This. Yenesis Alvarez on Getting Uncommon Results.

    What happens when students learn entrepreneurship by actually building a business? In this episode of the Legend Makers Podcast, Scott Buell speaks with Yenesis Alvarez, founder of the Business Food Lab, an innovative program where students gain real-world experience by developing and operating food-based businesses. Rather than focusing on theory alone, Yenesis challenges students to take ownership, solve real problems, and push beyond their comfort zones. The result is a learning environment where students discover what they are capable of when expectations are high and the work is real. Yenesis shares the philosophy that guides her work: if you want results that nobody else is getting, you must be willing to do what others will not. This episode explores experiential education, the power of responsibility, and how educators can help students develop resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial thinking. Topics Covered Experiential learning and student ownershipEntrepreneurship education in schoolsWhy real responsibility changes how students learnTeaching resilience through real-world challengesPreparing students for life beyond the classroomAbout the Guest Yenesis Alvarez is an entrepreneur and educator who founded the Business Food Lab, a program designed to teach students entrepreneurship through hands-on business creation. Her work focuses on experiential learning, empowering students to develop real skills by building, testing, and operating their own ventures. About the Legend Makers Podcast The Legend Makers Podcast features conversations with educators, innovators, and leaders who are transforming how young people learn, grow, and discover their potential. Inside every child lives a legend.

    53 min
  2. Why Smart Kids Struggle, with Jason Kantor, Executive Function Coach

    MAR 3

    Why Smart Kids Struggle, with Jason Kantor, Executive Function Coach

    Jason Kantor is the Director of Executive Functions at InPractice Psychology in New York, a state-certified high school teacher, and a reading specialist with nearly a decade of experience supporting students with learning differences. In this episode, Jason shares his personal journey from struggling student to executive function expert, and explains why many students labeled as underperforming are not lacking intelligence but foundational skills. We discuss: What executive function skills are and why they matterThe connection between procrastination and emotional dysregulationHow perfectionism can derail academic performancePractical organization systems that actually workThe role of routine in building time management and task completionThe boundaries between executive function coaching and therapyWhy increased education choice and accessible ed-tech tools are reshaping learningThis conversation is especially relevant for educators, parents, and school leaders looking to better understand the invisible skills that drive academic and life success. Jason also reflects on the deeper motivation behind teaching — helping students overcome the struggles he once faced himself. For more insights from Jason, follow him on X: @thejasonkantor Subscribe to the Legend Makers Podcast for more conversations on education, leadership, and building future-ready learners. Visit Drone Legends online at www.dronelegends.com

    39 min
  3. Building a Better World Starts in Preschool | Paul Buckley

    FEB 17

    Building a Better World Starts in Preschool | Paul Buckley

    In this episode of the Legend Makers Podcast, Scott Buell sits down with Paul Buckley, founder of Ratio Staffing, for a powerful conversation about purpose, integrity, and why the future of our society begins in preschool classrooms. Paul shares how his background in process improvement led him into the world of early childhood education. What started as helping a single preschool fix a broken hiring process quickly revealed a larger issue. Traditional staffing models were not built for preschool. They created unnecessary friction, complexity, and stress for both schools and teachers. Instead of accepting the status quo, Paul built Ratio Staffing to remove barriers and allow direct connection between preschools and educators. His mission is simple: provide flexibility, restore agency, and respect the people doing some of the most important work in our communities. At the heart of this conversation is a profound belief. What happens inside preschool classrooms reflects the very values we claim we want in the world. Calm. Connection. Collaboration. Empathy. It is already happening in small rooms with young children every day. Scott challenges Paul on what truly drives him as a founder. His answer goes beyond profit. He speaks about feeling fortunate in life and wanting to give back. He speaks about his three sons and the importance of being able to look them in the eye and feel aligned with the work he does each day. For Paul, building something meaningful is about integrity as much as impact. The episode closes on optimism. In a time when it is easy to believe the world is divided, Paul sees hope in the number of people who care deeply about children, education, and connection. If we pay attention to what is working in preschool classrooms, we may find a blueprint for building a better world. This is a conversation about education, but it is also about character, responsibility, and the courage to fix broken systems. If you care about children, schools, or building something that truly matters, this episode is for you. https://empathyfirm.com/paul_buckley/ https://www.dronelegends.com/

    40 min
  4. The Skills Kids Need That Schools Are Missing with Julia Gabor

    FEB 4

    The Skills Kids Need That Schools Are Missing with Julia Gabor

    In this episode of the Legend Makers Podcast, Scott Buell sits down with Julia Gabor, founder of KidGrit and a longtime leader in youth development and educator support. Julia brings more than two decades of experience working with students, teachers, and school systems across the country, with a focus on helping young people develop the skills they need to thrive beyond the classroom. This conversation explores what it really means to prepare students for an uncertain and rapidly changing future. Julia shares her personal story, including how early life experiences shaped her belief in resilience, creativity, and self-awareness. Together, Scott and Julia examine why skills like adaptability, critical thinking, self-regulation, and perseverance cannot be taught through scripted programs, but must be developed through real challenge, reflection, and connection. Julia also discusses the evolution of social-emotional learning, the limitations of purely digital solutions, and why authentic human connection remains at the center of meaningful education. The episode offers thoughtful insights for educators who feel burned out, parents who want more for their children, and leaders who are rethinking what success in education should look like. Key Topics Covered Why grit is developed through experience, not instructionThe difference between teaching content and building life skillsHow challenge and failure help students develop confidence and resilienceThe role of educators in modeling emotional regulation and purposeWhy timeless skills matter more than ever in an AI-driven worldReconnecting education to relevance, meaning, and real lifeAs schools face increasing pressure to do more with less, this episode offers a grounded and hopeful perspective on what truly helps students succeed. Julia reminds us that while technology and trends will continue to evolve, the foundational skills that shape capable, confident adults remain the same. For anyone committed to developing well-rounded, resilient learners, this conversation provides clarity, inspiration, and practical insight. About the Guest Julia Gabor is the founder of KidGrit, an organization dedicated to helping young people and educators build essential life skills through intentional programming and professional development. Her work spans youth development, educator wellness, and leadership training, with a focus on connection, self-awareness, and long-term growth. Listen and Subscribe The Legend Makers Podcast is available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms. New episodes feature educators, innovators, and leaders who are shaping the future of learning by helping students unlock their full potential. Follow Drone Legends

    55 min
  5. The Moment a Teacher Changes a Life | Legend Makers Podcast with Sunaina Talwar

    JAN 21

    The Moment a Teacher Changes a Life | Legend Makers Podcast with Sunaina Talwar

    In the first episode of 2026, Scott Buell sits down with Sunaina Talwar, former educator, instructional leader, and lifelong advocate for student confidence and purpose. Sunaina’s story is deeply personal. As a first generation student balancing two languages and two cultures, she struggled early in school. Everything changed in sixth grade when a small group of teachers took the time to truly see her. That moment shaped her belief in herself and ultimately led her into education. This conversation explores what it really means to be a legend maker. Not just teaching content, but building confidence, fostering belonging, and helping students discover who they are capable of becoming. In This Episode, You Will Learn: Why confidence often matters more than curriculumHow small moments from teachers can create lifelong impactWhat great educators do differently when building trust with studentsWhy purpose is essential for sustaining a career in educationHow hands on learning and student ownership transform classroomsThe role of self care and boundaries in avoiding educator burnoutWhy belief must come before learningKey Themes: Student confidence and identityPurpose driven teachingRelationship centered classroomsHands on and experiential learningSupporting the whole childEducator mindset and resilienceThis episode is a powerful reminder that educators change lives in ways they may never fully see. If you are a teacher, school leader, or someone who believes in the power of education to shape futures, this conversation will resonate deeply. 🎙️ Legend Makers Podcast Hosted by Scott Buell 📅 New episodes weekly 🎧 Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. 📱DroneLegends.com Inside every child lives a legend™

    40 min
  6. They Don't Need a Lane. They Need a Chance.

    JAN 21

    They Don't Need a Lane. They Need a Chance.

    In this episode of the Legend Makers Podcast, Scott Buell speaks with Jason Allen, Executive Director of the Franklin Center for Innovation in Frankfort, Kentucky, about education, community, and what happens when students are trusted with real responsibility. Jason’s path into nonprofit and education work is unconventional. His background spans military service as a psychiatric specialist, manufacturing and process optimization, and community based innovation. Across every chapter of his career, one theme remains constant: helping people simplify complexity and recognize their own capability. While drones are a visible tool in Jason’s work, this conversation makes it clear that technology is not the end goal. Instead, drones serve as a gateway to confidence, curiosity, and early experiences of success that reshape how students see themselves. Key themes from the episode include: Why early experiences of success matter more than credentials or outcomesHow hands on learning builds confidence across diverse student populationsThe importance of trusting young people earlier than traditional systems allowValuing skilled trades and alternative pathways alongside college routesCommunity based education as a source of belonging and opportunityJason also shares a remarkable experience teaching drone education in a remote village on the Bering Sea in Alaska. Working with students as young as six years old, he witnessed how quickly hesitation turns into excitement when learners are given the chance to try something new. That experience directly shaped how he now approaches structure, trust, and responsibility in his programs back home. Throughout the episode, Jason challenges conventional ideas about success and education. He shares stories of students who discovered confidence through hands on programs and went on to build meaningful futures in unexpected ways. At its core, this conversation is about belief. It is about creating environments where students feel safe to explore, fail, succeed, and grow. This episode will resonate with educators, nonprofit leaders, parents, and anyone committed to helping young people realize what they are capable of becoming.

    49 min
  7. Teaching Confidence Through Productive Struggle with Sarah Schemanske

    12/09/2025

    Teaching Confidence Through Productive Struggle with Sarah Schemanske

    In this episode of the Legend Makers Podcast, Scott sits down with Sarah Schemanske, a Project Lead the Way master teacher from Ann Arbor Public Schools. With twenty years of experience across multiple grade levels, Sarah shares practical insights on building confident, curious, and collaborative learners through hands-on STEM. Highlights include: • How early STEM exposure helps students make informed choices later in school • Why productive struggle builds confidence and independence • How collaboration, design reviews, and reflection turn quiet students into leaders • The benefits of PLTW’s real-world, activity-based approach • How open-ended projects unlock creativity in engineering and computer science • Why student joy can reignite teacher joy, especially during challenging seasons Sarah also offers guidance for new teachers, thoughts on AI’s role in education, and inspiring stories of former students pursuing engineering, art, and game design. Connect with Sarah: LinkedIn X (Twitter): @TeachSchemanske

    35 min
  8. From Rocket Scientist to Classroom Innovator: Tony Tegtmyer on Engineering, Grit, and the Future of Learning

    12/02/2025

    From Rocket Scientist to Classroom Innovator: Tony Tegtmyer on Engineering, Grit, and the Future of Learning

    This week on the Legend Makers Podcast, Scott sits down with Tony Tegtmyer, a high school engineering and technology teacher whose path to the classroom is as remarkable as the work he does inside it. With a career that began in aerospace engineering on projects for the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station, Tony later moved into global manufacturing leadership before an unexpected pivot led him to education. Today, he teaches engineering, physics, robotics, and aerospace while leading one of the largest high school competitive rocket clubs in the United States. He also founded a thriving Girls in STEM program and oversees a rapidly growing drone engineering club that now requires applications due to high demand. Tony shares how real-world engineering challenges shape his classroom culture. His senior capstone students build solutions to authentic problems, from prototype ocean-cleaning systems to full-scale autonomous lawnmowers. He explains how constraints, ambiguity, and iteration teach the habits of mind that engineers need to thrive. Students routinely write back years later to tell him how his courses gave them an advantage in college engineering programs. He also discusses the evolution of his drone program, the importance of hands-on failure, and how competitions in Texas helped elevate his teams. His current aerospace engineering initiative pairs student-built rovers with drones that map classroom obstacles, inspired by NASA’s Perseverance and Ingenuity missions. Scott and Tony spend time reflecting on the realities facing schools today, including the long-term impact of COVID on student habits, the changing expectations around rigor, and the rapid acceleration of artificial intelligence. Tony explains how he integrates AI thoughtfully in engineering contexts, helping students use it as a tool for debugging, ideation, and iteration without replacing original work. He also highlights the importance of teaching students to evaluate what is real in an age of synthetic media. The conversation closes with an honest discussion about grit, challenge, and preparing young people for a world that does not always provide perfect conditions. Tony’s students ask to be challenged, and he believes that structure, expectations, and meaningful struggle build confidence that lasts well beyond high school. Listeners will come away with insight into how engineering education can foster resilience, creativity, and purpose. Tony’s story is a reminder that great teachers change lives, often in ways that students recognize only years later.

    48 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Legend Makers! The podcast where education's true heroes take center stage. Hosted by Scott Buell, founder and CEO of Drone Legends, this interview-style podcast dives deep into the world of teaching, where the real magic happens. Each episode, Scott speaks with exceptional teachers, the true Legend Makers, who are shaping the minds and futures of the next generation. In every classroom, there's a legend in the making, and behind every legend is a passionate educator committed to unlocking their students' full potential. Legend Makers Podcast is dedicated to shining a spotlight on these educators, providing a platform for them to share their innovative methods, heartfelt stories, and the challenges they face in today's rapidly evolving educational landscape. Whether you're an experienced teacher, a new educator, or someone with a passion for the future of education, Legend Makers Podcast offers insights, inspiration, and practical advice straight from those on the front lines. Each episode is a candid conversation, filled with personal anecdotes, effective strategies, and the philosophies that drive these educators to go above and beyond in their mission to inspire the next generation of legends. Join us on this journey as we explore what it takes to be a Legend Maker. From integrating cutting-edge technology in the classroom to fostering emotional resilience and creativity in students, our guests share the tools and techniques that help them turn ordinary moments into extraordinary learning experiences.

Information

  • Creator
    Scott Buell
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dynamic Learning Experiences 2024
  • Show Website
    Legend Makers