Make It Mindful: Insights for Global Learning

Seth Fleischauer

Make It Mindful: Insights for Global Learning is the podcast for globally-minded educators seeking thoughtful conversations about how education can adapt to an ever-changing world. Your host is Seth Fleischauer, former classroom teacher turned founder of an international learning company specializing in the teaching of global learning. Each episode features educational changemakers whose insights lead to practical solutions as we explore the interconnectedness of people, cultures, and systems and how these relationships shape transformative ideas in education.

  1. (Rewind) #50 Executive Functioning with Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan

    HÁ 11 H

    (Rewind) #50 Executive Functioning with Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan

    In this rewind episode of Make It Mindful, we revisit one of our most popular episodes. Host Seth Fleischauer welcomes Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan, a speech pathologist and educational consultant, to delve into supporting executive functioning. Building on the previous conversation with Mitch Weathers in episode #49, this episode explores how executive functioning challenges impact social, academic, and functional life skills and discusses practical strategies for supporting students beyond the classroom. Dr. Karen will be returning to the show in a few episodes. If you'd like specific topics covered in that episode, please DM host Seth Fleischauer on LinkedIn. Key Topics Discussed: Understanding executive functioning as a set of cognitive processes like time perception, self-talk, and future pacing.How Tier 1 interventions can support students across all tiers by creating a collaborative, scaffolded environment.The importance of visual supports, episodic memory, and modeling self-talk for building executive functioning skills.Balancing standardized assessments with dynamic, portfolio-based approaches to better diagnose and support students.Strategies for addressing common challenges, like resistance to new tasks, and teaching students to develop self-motivation and planning skills.Guest Bio:Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan is a speech pathologist with over 14 years of experience in schools. She specializes in supporting related service providers, special education teams, and educators in fostering executive functioning, language, and literacy skills. She is the host of the De Facto Leaders podcast and the creator of resources at Dr. Karen Speech and Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan. Episode Links: Explore resources on executive functioning at Dr. Karen Speech.Listen to Dr. Karen’s podcast, De Facto Leaders, at drkarendudekbrannan.com/de-facto-leaders-podcast/Sign up for the Executive Functioning training at drkarendudekbrannan.com/efleadershipDownload Dr. Karen's Executive Functioning Implementation Guide for School Teams at drkarendudekbrannan.com/efguideHost Bio:Seth Fleischauer is the founder and president of Banyan Global Learning, an international education company delivering experiential learning that builds global competency. A former classroom teacher, Seth is passionate about exploring how global learning and mindful innovation can transform education. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or review and share it with a friend. As always, thank you to our editor, Lucas Salazar.

    45min
  2. #70 Teacher and Learner Autonomy in the Age of AI: Rethinking Language Education with Greg Kessler

    3 DE NOV.

    #70 Teacher and Learner Autonomy in the Age of AI: Rethinking Language Education with Greg Kessler

    In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes Greg Kessler, Professor of Innovative Learning Design and Technology at Ohio University, to explore the evolving intersection of language education, technology, and cultural context. Drawing on more than two decades of international consulting—with the U.S. Department of State among many partners, alongside universities, ministries of education, and NGOs worldwide—Greg shares how teachers can integrate new tools without losing the human and cultural heart of learning. They trace the evolution of educational technology—from pre-internet classrooms and early chatbots like ELIZA to today’s AI-driven tools—revealing how innovation often cycles back with new accessibility and scale. The conversation centers on teacher and learner autonomy, authentic technology use, and how educators worldwide can adapt tools to fit their cultural contexts. Greg’s reflections highlight a timeless principle: technology should amplify learning, not replace it. Key Topics Discussed: The early roots of AI in language education and what’s truly new about today’s toolsHow to identify technology that adds authentic value versus “digital noise”Using social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram for meaningful language practiceTeacher and learner autonomy across different cultural settingsAvoiding “cognitive bypass” when using AI in EFL and language learningThe promise of virtual and augmented reality for global collaborationInnovation as a mindset: turning educational challenges into opportunitiesGuest Bio: Greg Kessler is Professor of Innovative Learning Design and Technology at Ohio University. He has worked with educators across more than 40 countries to promote meaningful technology integration in English language teaching. His research focuses on teacher autonomy, AI, and the evolution of computer-assisted language learning. Host Bio: Seth Fleischauer is the founder and president of Banyan Global Learning, an international education company delivering experiential learning that builds global competency. A former classroom teacher, Seth is passionate about exploring how global learning and mindful innovation can transform education. Episode Links: Greg Kessler on LinkedIn Greg Kessler’s Google Site Our Next Reality: How the AI-powered Metaverse Will Reshape the World by Alvin Wang Graylin and Louis Rosenberg

    45min
  3. #69 How Portland Is Reimagining CTE with AI and Community Partners (with Chris Brida from Portland Public Schools)

    20 DE OUT.

    #69 How Portland Is Reimagining CTE with AI and Community Partners (with Chris Brida from Portland Public Schools)

    Guest: Chris Brida, District Administrator, Career & Technical Education (CTE), Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate at Portland (OR) Public Schools.  A returning guest, Chris is building systems-level, boundary-spanning partnerships that tie K–12 CTE to real pathways in higher ed, industry, and community—while bringing AI into both the classroom and the collaboration process. Episode Summary: CTE isn’t “shop class” anymore. Chris Brida returns to map how AI is reshaping CTE on two fronts: AI in CTE (a cross-cutting skill every pathway needs) and AI for CTE (a co-pilot for partnership design and management). He explains “boundary spanning leadership”—innovation that happens in the gray space between systems—and shows it in action through the Albina D-Lab, a seven-year pipeline linking Portland Public Schools and Portland State Engineering to community partners serving Black student excellence. We also dig into student aptitudes, why literacy looks different in CTE (think schematics and blueprints), and why deeper, interdisciplinary learning is the antidote to anxiety about a fast-changing world. Key Topics: AI in CTE vs. AI for CTE—and why both matter nowBoundary spanning leadership as a template for real partnershipsThe Albina D-Lab: a systems-level model for equity and engineering pathwaysStudent aptitudes, durable skills, and invention educationDeeper learning and the end of siloed “90 minutes of math”Resources Mentioned: Advance CTE (national career clusters; AI as cross-cutting)Oregon Clean Energy Workforce Coalition (statewide clean energy pathway)Albina Vision TrustPortland State University — College of EngineeringMESA (engineering, human-centered design)The Lemelson Foundation (invention education)PPS Center for Black Student ExcellenceConnect with Chris Brida: LinkedInConnect with Banyan Global Learning: banyangloballearning.com If this conversation sparked a new way of thinking, share it with a colleague or leave a review—more educators will find what’s possible when learning goes global.

    47min
  4. #68 AI Can Fix What’s Broken in Schools—If We Do It Right (with Aaron Baughman from Michigan Virtual)

    6 DE OUT.

    #68 AI Can Fix What’s Broken in Schools—If We Do It Right (with Aaron Baughman from Michigan Virtual)

    In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes back Aaron Baughman—AI Strategist at Michigan Virtual—to explore what’s changed in K–12 AI and what’s working in real classrooms. With clear, passionate urgency, Aaron makes the equity-centered case that AI can fix what’s broken in K-12 schools—if we do it right: use tools and policies that protect students, empower teachers, and unlock truly personalized, student-paced learning. Key Topics Discussed Equity First: Why AI can level the playing field for under-resourced schools if implemented thoughtfully.Personalized, Student-Paced Learning: Moving beyond static lesson plans to interest-aligned tasks and dynamic scaffolds.Cognitive Bypass, Prevented: Designing AI-supported tasks that keep students thinking, drafting, revising, and reflecting.Data Into Action: Turning chat logs and interactions into real-time grouping, targeted re-teaching, and MTSS support.New Classroom Capabilities: Safe simulations (e.g., CTE scenarios) that create high-feedback, low-risk practice.Policies That Enable Innovation: Keep board policy nimble; set local procedures; vet vendors; minimize data.PD That Sticks: Building teacher capacity from AI-curious to AI-confident with practical, classroom-first coaching.Digital Citizenship 2.0: Teaching skepticism and verification in the era of deepfakes and multimodal AI.Guest Bio Aaron Baughman is AI Strategist at Michigan Virtual. On loan from his position as Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services at Northville Public Schools, he now supports districts statewide in implementing safe, effective AI practices that center equity, privacy, and pedagogy. Host Bio Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and an advocate for global, digital, and cultural competencies in education. Through live virtual programs and thought leadership, he helps students and educators explore the interconnectedness of people, cultures, and systems. Episode Links Michigan Virtual AI Lab (educator, student/parent, and admin guides)Tools Mentioned: SchoolAI, Brisk Teaching, Curipod, SnorklPrevious Conversation with Aaron (earlier Make It Mindful episode)Conversation with Aaron's colleague on Seth's other podcast, Why Distance Learning?: #63 The Human Side of Systems Change with Dr. Tovah Sheldon Host Links Banyan Global Learning — meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

    43min
  5. #67 Building Sustainable Professional Development Across Cultures with Dr. Trevor Soponis

    22 DE SET.

    #67 Building Sustainable Professional Development Across Cultures with Dr. Trevor Soponis

    In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes back to the podcast Dr. Trevor Soponis—educator, researcher, and founder of the Sustainable Learning Projects—to explore how to make professional development more impactful for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers. Drawing on years of observation and coaching across continents, Trevor shares how he helps teachers in Taiwan increase student speaking opportunities while balancing progressive and traditional approaches. The conversation highlights what sustainable teacher support looks like in cross-cultural contexts and why teacher-driven strategies create lasting change. Key Topics Discussed: How Trevor’s classroom observations in Taiwan reshaped assumptions about classroom management and student readiness to learnWhy teachers often overestimate student talk time—and strategies to shift the balance toward more student speakingThe cultural contrasts between U.S. progressive pedagogy and traditional Asian classroom normsUsing structured professional development to surface teacher-driven strategies, including deeper explorations of “turn and talk”Practical tools like whiteboards, open-ended questions, and accountability systems that foster authentic language useThe power of the PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) cycle for teacher-led continuous improvementLessons learned about providing hybrid and remote coaching support across time zonesWhy sustainable teacher coaching is a “hill to die on” for Trevor, and how it combats burnout and turnoverGuest Bio: Dr. Trevor Soponis is an educator, researcher, and founder of the Sustainable Learning Projects. With a background spanning classroom teaching, university partnerships, and district-level leadership, Trevor now supports schools around the world with professional learning that is teacher-centered, sustainable, and transformative. He is a longtime collaborator with Banyan Global Learning, supporting teachers both in-person and remotely. Trevor is most active on LinkedIn.. Host Bio: Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and an advocate for global, digital, and cultural competencies in education. Through live virtual programs and thought leadership, he helps students and educators explore the interconnectedness of people, cultures, and systems. Episode Links: Sustainable Learning ProjectsPrevious episode with Dr. Trevor Soponis (Episode 13 of Make It Mindful)Host Links: Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

    41min
  6. #66 How a Scrappy Video Experiment Became a Model for Cultural Fluency (with Tsai Hsing Alumni)

    11 DE AGO.

    #66 How a Scrappy Video Experiment Became a Model for Cultural Fluency (with Tsai Hsing Alumni)

    In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer takes us on the origin story of Learning Live—his scrappy, video-conferencing English program that began in 2007 with one camera and 42 fifth-graders in Taipei. Through candid student testimonials (from reporting on Ukraine news to college-application interviews) and Seth’s own memories of adapting progressive pedagogy to a Taiwanese context, we explore how this live virtual learning program evolved from a novel experiment into a model of cultural fluency, confidence, and connection that’s now reached over 5,000 students on three continents. Key Themes From Drill to Dialogue: How shifting away from grammar drills toward real-world communication transformed English learning.Context and Courage: Student stories of stepping out of comfort zones—using English to cover international news, interview professors, and tackle college applications.Blended Beginnings: The humble roots of Learning Live—borrowing teleconferencing gear after teaching in New York and pitching a bridge-across-the-world model to Tsai Hsing School in Taipei.Cultural Adaptation: Lessons in moving slowly, celebrating mistakes, and balancing collectivist expectations with a global mindset.Authentic Connection: Why imperfect, “messy” live virtual field trips—from Starbucks lines in L.A. to Christmas traditions—became powerful windows into everyday life around the world.Enduring Impact: How graduates carry forward confidence, critical thinking, and cultural fluency long after their time with the program ends.Student Voices “Because of this program, I had the courage to jump out of my comfort zone.”“Learning Live felt like a break from regular class—it was unforgettable.”“I use English now to report on international events and interview people for college applications.”“Those field trips—when the video shook or the audio crackled—it felt real, and that authenticity taught me more than any textbook.”Host & Guest Bios - Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and the architect of Learning Live. After experimenting with contextualized English lessons in Taipei, he pioneered daily, live virtual classes that blend quality pedagogy with cross-cultural exchange. Over 17 years, his program has helped thousands of students build language skills, confidence, and global citizenship. - Featured Alumni include: Jasper, current Boston University finance studentAlicia, reporter at Taiwan’s news stationEmily, Ariel, and Ian - 12th graders at Tsai Hsing High SchoolEpisode Links Banyan Global Learning: https://www.banyangloballearning.comLearn more about Learning Live: https://banyangloballearning.com/learning-live-2/

    21min
  7. #65 Why We’re All Becoming Third Culture Kids with Chris O'Shaugnessy

    30 DE JUN.

    #65 Why We’re All Becoming Third Culture Kids with Chris O'Shaugnessy

    In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer welcomes Chris O’Shaughnessy, international speaker, author, and advocate for third culture kids (TCKs) - children who grow up in a culture different from their parents’ or passport country and who often attend international schools. The episode explores how the TCK experience is becoming increasingly relevant for students everywhere. Chris and Seth discuss how growing up with multiple cultural inputs and frequent transitions shapes identity, empathy, conflict resolution, and resilience—and why these same themes are essential in today’s rapidly changing world. The episode highlights how we can build the small “weights” of resilience into classrooms and homes, helping students better navigate discomfort, conflict, and complexity. Key Topics Discussed: What defines a third culture kid and why their experiences matter beyond international schoolsIdentity formation and the challenge of answering “Where are you from?” in a globalized worldHow relational resilience is undermined by both transience and technologyThe cost of avoidance and the rise of “relationship disposability”Why adaptability is a critical life skill and how to help students build itThe need for intentional inefficiencies to build resilience in the age of convenienceHow rethinking culture as a non-zero-sum game creates more compassionate global citizensGuest Bio: Chris O’Shaughnessy is a speaker, author, and passionate advocate for international and third culture kid communities. With a background in both performance and global education, Chris brings humor and insight to topics like identity, cross-cultural communication, and resilience. He has worked with international schools, diplomatic organizations, and corporate groups around the world. Host Bio: Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and an advocate for global, digital, and cultural competencies in education. Through live virtual programs and thought leadership, he helps students and educators explore the interconnectedness of people, cultures, and systems. Episode Links: Chris O’s website: www.chris-o.comChris’s podcast Diesel & Clooney Unpack the WorldBook: Arrivals, Departures, and the Adventures In-Between by Chris O’ShaughnessyHost Links: Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

    42min
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Sobre

Make It Mindful: Insights for Global Learning is the podcast for globally-minded educators seeking thoughtful conversations about how education can adapt to an ever-changing world. Your host is Seth Fleischauer, former classroom teacher turned founder of an international learning company specializing in the teaching of global learning. Each episode features educational changemakers whose insights lead to practical solutions as we explore the interconnectedness of people, cultures, and systems and how these relationships shape transformative ideas in education.

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