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What happens when the “direct service” model—pull-out support, isolated practice, and heroic effort—doesn’t translate into real independence for students in real classrooms? In this episode, Seth Fleischauer is joined again by Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan—speech-language pathologist, executive functioning specialist, and host of the De Facto Leaders podcast—to talk about what breaks down when clinicians become the bottleneck, why generalization fails (especially with EF and social “read the room” skills), and how to build systems that scale beyond one specialist’s calendar. Karen’s core argument is simple: even if schools had more money and more staff, direct sessions alone can’t carry the full weight of the cognitive + language demands students face. The answer isn’t “do more.” It’s design repeatable routines, simplify what works, and make it transferable—first to teachers, then to whole-building practices. We dig into: Why executive functioning doesn’t generalize well from isolated support sessions into classrooms—especially “soft skills” like social executive functioning and real-time feedback loops.The clinical decision-making bottleneck: how highly skilled clinicians unintentionally make themselves irreplaceable (and exhausted) by re-inventing everything.Why burnout often isn’t about being busy—it’s about not feeling effective (and why “self-care as escape” doesn’t fix the core problem).Karen’s idea of “clinical containers”: a way to organize EF and language work so you can iterate without chaos, and document without pretending your system is “finished.”Change management in schools: don’t go nuclear. Build a minimum viable version, pilot with willing partners, and scale through phased rollout.The practical reality: teachers don’t need “one more thing.” They need support that fits existing workflows and solves problems in their language, not yours.Lightning round Karen shares what she’s rethinking right now: micromanaging vs. scaffolding (when are you over-controlling, and when are you responsibly building capacity?).Her comfort-watch recommendation—surprisingly relevant to public-sector life: Parks and Recreation.We also surface a leadership tool Seth has been leaning on: The Coaching Habit (the “ask more, tell less” approach). (Leadership Foundations)One actionable starting point (Karen’s): If you want to shift from “I can’t possibly do building-wide influence” to actually moving the system: Create a non-negotiable block of weekly time to build the solution. The content of that block can change, but the container has to exist first. Links and resources mentioned Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan — main site + leadership resources (drkarendudekbrannan.com)De Facto Leaders podcast (De Facto Leaders)Dr. Karen Speech — language therapy + “containers” training (Dr. Karen Speech and Language)The Coaching Habit (Michael Bungay Stanier) – 7 questions framework (Leadership Foundations)Prior Make It Mindful context: Episode 50 with Karen (Executive Functioning Part 2) + Part 1 with Mitch Weathers (Organized Binder)Organized Binder (Mitch Weathers) (Organized Binder)Guest Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan is a speech-language pathologist and executive functioning specialist who helps clinicians and school teams build sustainable systems that improve transfer, reduce bottlenecks, and increase impact across the school day. (Dr. Karen Speech and Language) About the sponsor Support for Make It Mindful is brought to you by Banyan Global Learning, creating live, human-centered global learning experiences that help students use language in real contexts—through virtual field trips and international collaborations. If this episode moved you, share it with a colleague who’s stuck in the “we’re doing so much but nothing is sticking” problem—and leave a rating or review.

In this short bonus episode, Host Seth Fleischauer reflects on a question sparked by a recent conversation with Stephanie Frenel of SchoolOps AI: why do schools so often default to quantitative data and shy away from qualitative insight? Drawing on his own teaching experience and conversations with fellow educators, Seth explores how numbers feel safer, more objective, and easier to defend—while words require judgment, confidence, and accountability. He contrasts traditional grading systems with narrative assessments at The Earth School, where qualitative data demanded deeper observation and, ultimately, better teaching. The episode makes a simple case for mixed methods and for reclaiming qualitative data as a rigorous, human-centered tool—especially in a system that often asks teachers to hide behind numbers.

School leaders are drowning in data—test scores, surveys, observations, behavior reports—but starving for insight. In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer is joined by Stephanie Frenel, founder and CEO of SchoolOps AI, for a deep conversation about what it actually takes to make sense of complexity in schools—and how AI can support that work without stripping out the human judgment that matters most. Stephanie brings a rare combination of experience to this conversation: former principal, instructional coach, systems-level leader, and now founder working at the intersection of school leadership and artificial intelligence. Drawing on her work at Fair Schools, Rocketship Public Schools, and Shusterman Family Philanthropies, she shares why mixed-methods data—quantitative and qualitative—is essential for understanding what’s really happening inside a school. Together, Seth and Stephanie explore how principals can move beyond dashboards and compliance metrics toward tools that surface root causes, support collaborative decision-making, and reduce operational burden—freeing leaders to spend more time with students, families, and teachers. This conversation is not about AI replacing educators. It’s about AI working quietly in the background to help schools become more coherent, more humane, and more responsive. In This Episode, We Discuss Why school leaders are overwhelmed by data—but still lack actionable insightThe limits of purely quantitative metrics in understanding student learning and school cultureHow qualitative data (observations, interviews, rubrics) can be analyzed responsibly at scaleWhat “mixed-methods” analysis looks like in real school improvement workHow SchoolOps AI integrates academic, behavioral, and social-emotional data without compromising privacyFERPA compliance, data security, and why AI shouldn’t retain student-level memoryThe role of AI as a collaborative tool for principals, coaches, and teacher teamsWhy coaching remains essential—and how AI can support, not replace, human relationshipsWhat meaningful impact looks like beyond test scoresA case study where triangulated data revealed student agency—not academics—as the real lever for changeAbout the Guest Stephanie Frenel is the founder and CEO of SchoolOps AI, a platform designed to help school leaders make sense of complex data systems through research-backed, human-centered insights. She is a Pahara Institute Fellow and former Teach For America corps member, with degrees from Georgetown University and Stanford University. Her career spans teaching, instructional coaching, school leadership, and system-level philanthropy, including leadership roles at Fair Schools, Rocketship Public Schools, and Shusterman Family Philanthropies. Recommended Listening Stephanie recommends: The Knowledge ProjectThe Diary of a CEOLinks & Resources SchoolOps AI: https://schoolops.aiStephanie Frenel on LinkedInMake It Mindful #26 Navigating Change and Ambiguity with World SavvyWorld Savvy - Building future-ready schoolsPahara Institute - Developmental opportunities for educationHost Bio Seth Fleischauer is the founder and president of Banyan Global Learning, an international education organization delivering experiential and distance learning programs that build global competency. A former classroom teacher, Seth explores how mindful innovation—across psychology, technology, and global learning—can strengthen education systems and support the wellbeing of young people. Credits Hosted, written, and produced by Seth FleischauerEdited by Lucas Salazar

In this episode, Seth speaks with Valérie Besanceney, an international educator, author, former Executive Director of Safe Passage Across Networks (SPAN), and current International Advisor on Transitions, Care, and Mobility Services for the Council of International Schools (CIS). Her work focuses on helping globally mobile students—and the educators and institutions that support them—navigate transitions with clarity, care, and a grounded sense of belonging. The conversation traces Valérie’s journey as a third culture kid, her early ease with adapting to new environments, and the later reckoning with identity, rootlessness, and belonging that many cross-cultural students eventually face. She describes how those experiences shaped her writing, her consulting practice Roots with Boots, and her broader mission to ensure schools understand that belonging is not a destination but a lifelong practice. Together, Seth and Valérie explore: Identity formation as a prerequisite for genuine belongingThe distinction between belonging and fitting in, and why the latter often demands self-abandonmentHow cross-cultural mobility affects learning, confidence, and relationshipsWhy help-seeking is an essential skill for all students—not only those who move between countriesThe systems-level work required for schools to create coherent, sustainable transitions-care programsThe role of teachers, counselors, admissions teams, parents, and students in building cultures of careHow intentional schoolwide practices can transform mobility from an isolating experience into one that strengthens self-knowledge and global competenceValérie also discusses her children’s book B at Home: Emma Moves Again and the companion My Moving Booklet, both designed to help young people name emotions, anticipate challenges, and talk openly with adults during relocation. Her core message: even in difficult transitions, you are not alone, and conversation—grounded in honesty and curiosity—is a powerful tool for resilience. A brief lightning round touches on linguistics in the age of AI, books that challenge us to seek out differing perspectives, and the value of connection during personal hardship. Books Mentioned Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds by David Pollock, Michael Pollock, & Ruth Van RekenSeek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World by Scott ShigeokaBelonging by Owen EastwoodDemon Copperhead by Barbara KingsolverGuest Links Valérie’s work: https://rootswithboots.com

In this short follow-up episode, Seth revisits a moment from his recent conversation with Karle Delo about student use of AI. While recording that episode, Karle mentioned catching a student actively using AI to cheat on math homework during her workshop—an anecdote that raised a question Seth forgot to ask in the moment: When she paused the workshop and asked students why any of this matters, what did they actually say? So Seth reached out afterward. Karle shared her students’ answers, and Seth decided to run his own tiny, completely unscientific survey by asking kids in his own life—from Gen Alpha to teenagers—how they think about AI, what they use it for, and what worries them. The result is a  snapshot of how young people are forming their early beliefs, habits, and anxieties around AI long before adults have caught up. This episode explores what Karle's students said, what Seth’s informal sample revealed, and what this all means for parents and educators who want to help kids build a healthy relationship with AI rather than default to avoidance, fear, or unchecked dependence. What Karle's Students Said AI will shape future careers. Students are hearing this in school—even if they can’t yet articulate the implications.Misuse leads to trouble. Kids associate AI with academic integrity issues, even if some (like a student Seth heard from) think, “My work is handwritten, so it doesn’t matter.”AI is a tool they’ll need later. This was the strongest theme, echoed repeatedly by Seth’s sample of students.AI can help, but overuse can stunt learning. Only one student in Seth’s survey—his daughter—expressed this strongly, with a visceral “this feels wrong” reaction.It’s advancing fast, and kids know it. Students feel the need to “keep up,” even if that feeling comes more from cultural osmosis than formal instruction.What Seth Heard from Kids in His Life Kids are already using AI in highly practical ways: A 10-year-old using AI to analyze a story draft, choosing which feedback to accept or reject.A student generating quizzes to help study.Another using it for creative programming.A teen redesigning his bedroom with his mom using AI for visualization.They’re also experimenting: One student making joke assignments with a deepfaked LeBron James.Another generating an image of himself with exaggerated features “for fun.”But beneath the experimentation sits a surprising emotional and moral range: Environmental concerns. Kids who care about climate see AI’s energy use and question whether it’s worth it.Moral boundaries. A young musician is troubled by AI systems that can copy an artist’s voice or style without permission.Therapeutic utility. A student with AuDHD uses character.ai to safely practice social interactions—while simultaneously feeling uneasy about the technology’s footprint.The contrast between moral discomfort and personal utility appears again and again. The Most Consistent Theme: Parents Aren’t Talking About AI. The answer Seth heard most often: “We haven't talked about it at home.” This silence leaves kids without guidance and leaves adults unable to speak from experience when young people ask for support. Seth argues that adults don’t need to love AI—but they do need to engage with it enough to understand their own stance. Otherwise, conversations about learning, opportunity, ethics, creativity, and risk happen without them. What’s Coming Up on Make It Mindful Valerie Besonceney on cultural competency and the complexities of student transitions—especially in international school contexts.Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan returns for a new conversation about executive functioning, following one of the podcast’s most popular episodes.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer welcomes Karle Delo, AI Strategist at Michigan Virtual and one of EdTech Magazine’s Top 30 IT Influencers to Follow in 2023, for a deeply practical conversation about how students actually use AI. With 14 years of experience as a science teacher, tech integration specialist, and curriculum director, Karle brings a grounded, student-centered perspective to AI literacy—one shaped by direct conversations with learners, classroom observations, and her work helping publish Michigan Virtual’s Student Guide to AI. Together, Seth and Karle explore what real AI literacy looks like in classrooms: how students are experimenting, where they’re already sophisticated, and what teachers need to know to prevent cognitive bypass while building authentic agency. The episode highlights the role of intentionality, the power of desirable difficulty, and why students must be positioned as co-designers and leaders in shaping the future of AI in education. Key Topics Discussed How students actually experience AI Why the most insightful conversations about AI often come from learners—not adults.Intentionality and the habit of noticing Practical strategies for helping students recognize where AI shows up in daily life—especially in the places they least expect.Preventing cognitive bypass What students lose when AI removes the “desirable difficulty” essential for learning, and how AI can serve as a coach rather than a shortcut.The gym metaphor for AI use Why relying on AI to “lift the weights for you” undermines learning—and how to shift toward AI as a trainer, not a replacement.Sophisticated student use cases From quizzing themselves to vibe-coding entire debate-coaching tools, students are using AI in ways many adults have never considered.AI literacy, privacy, and data awareness Plain-language guidance for students: what’s safe to type, what’s never okay, and how platforms infer far more than we think.Maintaining human relationships at the center of learning Why AI feedback is powerful only when paired with teacher guidance, identity development, and student voice.Creativity, boundaries, and student agency How formulaic assignments—not AI—may be what stifles creativity, and why students must help shape the norms around healthy AI use.Guest Bio Karle Delo is an AI Strategist at Michigan Virtual with over 14 years of experience in public education. A former science teacher, technology integration specialist, and curriculum director, Karle was recognized by EdTech Magazine as a Top 30 IT Influencer to Follow in 2023. She recently helped publish Michigan Virtual’s Student Guide to AI and leads statewide work on AI literacy, student voice, and practical implementation strategies for schools. She shares resources and insights at @CoachKarle on social platforms. Host Bio Seth Fleischauer is the founder and president of Banyan Global Learning and a former classroom teacher with extensive experience in global education, digital literacy, and live virtual teaching. He hosts Make It Mindful and Why Distance Learning?, where he explores how emerging technologies and human connection shape modern learning. Episode Links Michigan Virtual AI Hub: https://michiganvirtual.org/ai Michigan Virtual Student Guide to AI: https://michiganvirtual.org/ai/students TheySeeYourPhotos.com - website where you can see what information AI can glean about you just from a photograph. Follow Karle: @CoachKarle on all platforms

In this special bonus episode, host Seth Fleischauer unpacks a surprising insight from his recent conversation with Dr. Chandler Chang of Therapy Lab: an AI “scribe” that listens to therapy sessions and supports teens between appointments. Yes, it raises privacy flags. Yes, it feels futuristic. But if we can suspend disbelief and concerns for a moment, the implications could be huge. Seth explores how this same model could transform coaching, advising, and teaching: - What if an advisor’s best insights were available to students 24/7? - What if overloaded professors or mentor teachers could extend their presence through a trained AI assistant? - What if PLCs, leadership groups, or even families could capture their collective wisdom and make it accessible on demand? He even shares a deeply personal experiment—training an AI on years of emails from his late father to approximate his voice when he needed advice. This episode wrestles with the big tension: Are AI tools expanding our humanity, or eroding it? Helping us connect, or helping us avoid connection? And it sets the stage for the next full conversation with Karle Delo, who brings a ground-level look at how students are actually using AI in classrooms today.

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer welcomes back to the podcast Dr. Chandler Chang—clinical psychologist, child and adolescent specialist, and founder of Therapy Lab—to explore how young people are navigating mental health, technology, and growing up in an always-on world. With a practice built around time-limited, evidence-based therapy plans (sometimes called “bite-sized therapy”), Chandler shares why shorter, structured interventions can open doors for people who might otherwise avoid or disengage from traditional therapy. The episode offers a grounded, human perspective on how therapy, technology, and education overlap—and how mindful design can keep young people at the center. Key Topics Discussed Why “bite-sized therapy” works for many people and how brief interventions are backed by researchWhat the rise of “cringe” reveals about self-reflection, social anxiety, and cognitive biasesHow discomfort and exposure can build adolescent resilienceThe emotional load teachers carry and the role of boundaries in creating safetyInside Therapy Lab’s new AI companion: scribing sessions, personalized reminders, and closed-loop privacyHallucinations, safety escalations, and keeping AI therapeutically groundedAnthropomorphizing AI: risks, developmental considerations, and responsible use with teensHow teens experience online vs. offline communication—and why emotional check-ins matterShort-form media, dopamine, and helping young people recognize their own internal statesGuest Bio Dr. Chandler Chang is a clinical psychologist specializing in child and adolescent mental health and the founder of Therapy Lab, a practice built around time-limited, evidence-based therapeutic plans. She leads a team integrating clinically-trained AI companions into therapy to expand access, enhance continuity of care, and support teens between sessions. Chandler holds advanced training in brief interventions and is committed to helping families navigate the intersection of mental health and modern technology. Host Bio Seth Fleischauer is the founder and president of Banyan Global Learning, an international education organization delivering experiential and distance learning programs that build global competency. A former classroom teacher, Seth explores how mindful innovation—across psychology, technology, and global learning—can strengthen education systems and support the wellbeing of young people. Episode Links Therapy Lab — therapylab.comEmail Chandler — [email protected] Therapy Lab — [email protected]

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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/

How can schools use AI thoughtfully to help educators reclaim time, reduce burnout, and stay focused on teaching? In this condensed episode of Make It Mindful, EdTech expert Lindy Hockenbary joins us to unpack what practical, human-first AI-powered professional development really looks like for teachers today. We dig into: Where AI makes the biggest difference (and where it doesn’t)How to help teachers start using AI without adding overwhelmWhy mindful, teacher-first PD matters now more than ever👉 Want to bring AI into your school with confidence and clarity? Download our free AI PD Starter Kit — a quick-start guide to help educators use AI as a tool to enhance learning. 📥 Download the Starter Kit