The Good Life EDU Podcast

Andrew Easton
  • 5.0 (19)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Good Life EDU Podcast is dedicated to discussing all things education in the state of Nebraska and across the US. This program is presented by the Nebraska Educational Service Unit's Coordinating Council.

  1. SEP 6

    How Do We Maintain Academic Integrity in the Age of AI?

    In this thought-provoking episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Dr. Tricia Bertram Gallant, author, academic integrity expert, and Director of the Academic Integrity Office at UC San Diego, joins us to reframe how schools approach academic integrity in the age of AI. Rather than relying on surveillance or reactive discipline, Tricia invites educators to view integrity as a practice that can be cultivated through intentional school culture, character education, and authentic assessments. Drawing from her experience in higher education and adapting those insights for K–12 contexts, Dr. Bertram Gallant explores how AI technologies like ChatGPT are reshaping conversations around cheating, learning, and trust. She discusses how schools can shift from punitive mindsets to proactive ones, drawing parallels to PBIS frameworks and the importance of building ethical communities. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or policymaker, this episode offers practical ideas and a powerful call to action: Let’s teach students how to live with integrity, not just how to avoid getting caught.

    48 min

  2. AUG 30

    The Power of Partnership: Advancing Student Literacy Through Nebraska’s CLSD Grant

    In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Jamie Cook, Literacy Officer at the Nebraska Department of Education, joins the pod to explore the future of literacy in Nebraska and the exciting opportunities ahead with the Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) grant. Jamie shares her journey as a teacher, coach, and principal, and how those experiences ground her leadership in this new role. Together, we unpack why third grade is such a pivotal moment for reading, the role of the science of reading in shaping high-quality instruction, and how Nebraska’s literacy journey builds on years of strong statewide work. Listeners will learn: Why the CLSD grant is a powerful accelerant for Nebraska’s literacy efforts. How high-quality instructional materials and curriculum-based professional learning empower teachers. The importance of coaching, family engagement, and alignment across districts and ESUs. Nebraska’s measurable goals for literacy and the collective responsibility it will take to achieve them. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, coach, administrator, or policymaker, this conversation highlights the thoughtful, research-based approach Nebraska is taking to ensure every child becomes a confident and capable reader. To learn more about this literacy effort in Nebraska, visit https://www.education.ne.gov/clsd-2/

    40 min

  3. AUG 21

    What We Learned This Summer: Recapping Growth, Grit, and Great Ideas with Otis Pierce

    In this reflective and wide-ranging conversation, longtime collaborator and Good Life EDU Podcast guest Otis Pierce of ESU 7 joins the pod to unpack some key takeaways from a summer of professional learning. From AI integration and academic integrity to distance learning innovations, digital citizenship initiatives, and math instruction practices, Otis and Andrew explore what’s new, what’s next, and what's front-of-mind as Nebraska educators head into a new school year. This episode highlights the spirit of statewide collaboration across Nebraska’s ESUs and the Department of Education, while also celebrating the continuous growth mindset educators embody year-round. Whether you're starting the year with fresh energy or looking for meaningful insights to elevate your practice, this episode offers inspiration and resources to support your journey.

    42 min

  4. AUG 2

    Formative Assessment, AI, and the Future of Teaching: A Conversation with Dr. Dylan Wiliam

    This week on The Good Life EDU Podcast, we close out the summer by welcoming internationally renowned education expert Dr. Dylan Wiliam to the show for a timely conversation at the intersection of formative assessment, teacher growth, and artificial intelligence in education. As AI tools become more accessible in schools, this discussion explores how educators can respond thoughtfully, leveraging technology to enhance instruction while staying grounded in proven practices that support deep learning. Dr. Wiliam shares insights from decades of research, addresses the limitations of AI in feedback and assessment, and offers practical ideas for how teachers and school leaders can begin to navigate this emerging era. Whether you’re curious about AI’s role in instructional coaching, redesigning assessment, or creating space for meaningful professional growth, this episode provides a powerful and thought-provoking perspective from one of education’s leading voices. Where to find the book Making Room for Impact: https://www.corwin.com/books/room-for-impact-284976?srsltid=AfmBOoqkoq2ZtYt0kKWhbVCcmHaS7C7-j5lyzoCjcQ0tHqfusVUhVKXB Connect with Dr. Dylan Wiliam at https://www.dylanwiliam.org/Dylan_Wiliams_website/Welcome.html

    45 min

  5. JUL 19

    Conducting a Culture of Care: How One Principal Leads with Heart at West Dodge Station

    What happens when a school leader brings a coach’s mindset, a heart for people, and a relentless commitment to culture into their role as principal? In this episode, West Dodge Station Principal Benji Hoegh joins The Good Life EDU to reflect on the systems, habits, and heart behind building a thriving school culture. From his “TRAIN” acronym that powers the school’s values to his commitment to daily visibility and over 200 personal phone calls home, Benji shares practical strategies that promote connection, consistency, and care. Whether you're an aspiring leader or a veteran administrator, this episode offers energizing insights for creating a school where students, staff, and families all feel seen, supported, and inspired.

    35 min

  6. JUL 9

    Reinventing Project-Based Learning with AI: The PBL Future Labs Vision for Authentic, AI-Enhanced Learning

    In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Phillip Alcock (CEO and Co-Founder) and Thom Markham (Creative Director) of PBL Future Labs join the show to share how they’re fusing the best of project-based learning (PBL) with the transformative possibilities of AI. With decades of experience in PBL design, coaching, and implementation, Phil and Tom reflect on PBL’s origins, the challenges that have limited its widespread adoption, and how AI can break down those barriers—saving teachers time, elevating student voice, and unlocking more authentic, community-connected learning. They share real examples of “learning missions” that help schools move beyond static standards and worksheets, using AI to co-create meaningful projects and connect students’ learning to real-world impact in the students' local community. This conversation is an inspiring look at how educators can tap AI as a partner to reignite student engagement and prepare learners to solve the complex problems of tomorrow. Learn more about PBL Future Labs, visit pblfuturelabs.com.

    36 min

  7. JUL 5

    Am I Cut Out for This? Navigating Self-Doubt in School Leadership

    In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we sit down with Elizabeth Dampf, a school administrator in the Chicagoland are and author of the new book from ASCD, Am I Cut Out for This? An Educational Leader’s Guide to Navigating Self-Doubt. Together, they explore the often unspoken realities of school leadership from early career challenges and feeling like an “instructional imposter” to facing difficult meetings and the isolation many leaders experience. Elizabeth shares candid insights from her own journey as an administrator, explains why self-doubt is so prevalent (yet taboo) in the field, and offers practical strategies that leaders can use in real moments of uncertainty. Whether you’re a veteran principal or a new admin, this conversation — and Elizabeth’s book — will remind you that you’re not alone and that leadership skills can be learned and strengthened over time.

    25 min

  8. JUN 25

    Navigating the Legal Landscape of AI in Education

    In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, host Andrew Easton reconnects with longtime friend (and podcast guest) Rachelle Dene Poth for a timely and insightful discussion about the legal implications of AI in education. Drawing from her experience as an educator, speaker, and attorney, Rachelle unpacks some of the critical and often overlooked considerations educators should keep in mind when integrating AI tools into schools and classrooms. Listeners will learn: Why AI literacy goes far beyond knowing how to use tools How AI is being misused in cases of cyberbullying—and what educators should know What legal considerations (like FERPA and COPPA) apply to AI tools in schools The dangers of uploading PII to generative AI models How to foster a district culture of responsible AI use for both staff and students Whether you're just starting to explore AI or you're leading its implementation in your district, this conversation offers valuable guidance on what to prioritize and how to stay compliant and ethical in the process. Connect with Rachelle and explore her work: Website/Blog: www.rdene915.com Socials: @Rdene915 (Instagram, X, Threads, LinkedIn) Recent Books Released: How to Teach AI and What the Tech

    29 min
See All (223)

5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

The Good Life EDU Podcast is dedicated to discussing all things education in the state of Nebraska and across the US. This program is presented by the Nebraska Educational Service Unit's Coordinating Council.

Information

  • Creator
    Andrew Easton
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    223
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 The Good Life EDU Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Good Life EDU Podcast

You Might Also Like