Author: Palmer Media

Dr. Robin Naughton is an Assistant Professor and Web and Digital Services Librarian at Queens College in New York. She joins Mike Palmer (who happens to be her husband) in a conversation about diversity, digital inclusion, and the design of library spaces. We also share our experiences raising a young son in these challenging times. Robin explains what it’s been like managing the library’s digital presence during the pandemic and how she’s thinking about the blending of digital and in-person experiences as library spaces evolve into something new. We’re joined briefly by Nancy, our Virtual Cohost, as Robin describes how…

Dr. Rebecca M. Taylor and Dr. Ashley Floyd Kuntz join host Mike Palmer to talk about Ethics in Higher Education: Promoting Equity and Inclusion Through Case-Based Inquiry, a new book that they edited from Harvard Education Press. We hear how Ashley and Rebecca got interested in studying ethics and ethics education as we dive into the unique approach they took to get the book together. Through the use of fictionalized cases that resonate with the news of today, the book provides commentary from a diverse cross-section of evaluators who respond in diverse and insightful ways. We explore cases about free…

Lorne Buchman is the President of ArtCenter College of Design and Host of the ChangeLab Podcast. He’s also the author of a new book called Make To Know: From Spaces of Uncertainty to Creative Discovery. Lorne returns to join host Mike Palmer in an exploration of the themes in his new book and its relevance to the world of education and beyond. Lorne begins by explaining how many of the notions of artistic genius and vision are myths that can be limiting to those learning to engage in creative endeavors. In many cases, rather than delivering on a preconceived vision,…

We kick off this special “Stepping Up” edition by welcoming back our virtual co-host Nancy to discuss the AI revolution happening in 2024. The episode explores what “stepping up” means in this new era of agentic intelligence and transformative learning technologies. Host Mike Palmer reflects on recent conversations with guests like Brian Rosenberg, Dwayne Matthews, and students from the Marcy Lab School – all highlighting the importance of doing hard things, embracing cognitive surplus, and developing durable “brain-to-brain” skills. We also bring in conversations with Bror Saxberg and Charles Fadel to really round out the perspectives. Nancy emphasizes that while…

Elliot Felix is an author, speaker, teacher, father, and consultant to more than a hundred colleges and universities. He joins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about making the most out of higher education and his new book, How to Get the Most Out of College: 127 Ways to Make Connections, Make it Work for You, and Make a Difference. We begin by hearing about his origins studying architecture and working in that capacity before founding his consultancy, brightspot strategy, now a Buro Happold Company. Elliot shares how he uses his background in design to make college work for all…

Karen Costa is a faculty learning facilitator specializing in online pedagogy and trauma-aware higher education. Karen loves leading faculty learners through fun, interactive, and supportive professional development experiences. She joins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about the recent backlash against Online Learning after the initial challenges during the response to the pandemic. From there we get into the work. Karen’s at 100Faculty.com working with faculty and helping organizations become “trauma-aware” in these challenging times. We explore how to be an advocate for learners and educators trying to make a difference these days while providing tips on avoiding burnout. We…

Michael Toth is the founder and CEO of Learning Sciences International. He’s on a mission to end poverty using education as the equalizer by increasing academic rigor and student agency to ensure classroom equity. He joins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about revamping current K12 instructional practices as detailed in his multi award-winning book, The Power of Student Teams. Listen in to learn how great teaching involves letting go and allowing students to lead. We also discuss how giving students agency, particularly in traditionally underserved schools, is so critical to driving successful turnarounds across the country. It’s a thought-provoking conversation you…

Paul Fain is a Freelance Journalist and Analyst who serves as the Editor of The Job Newsletter from Open Campus. Each week he provides a veteran journalist’s take on what to watch as postsecondary education and job training systems work to better serve lower-income learners and workers. Paul joins host Mike Palmer in a discussion about recent trends he’s been tracking through The Job and Work Shift, a related newsletter that tracks related topics through the reporting of local journalists. We explore emerging models that provide new pathways to traditionally underserved students using Riipen and Forage as examples. Then we dive…

Dawn Rodney is the Chief Innovation and Growth Officer at the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). She joins host Mike Palmer to celebrate the 10th birthday of Ranger Rick Jr. and to talk about the work she and team are doing to make wildlife education engaging for kids, families, and educators across the US. Dawn shares her origin story that spans multiple media brands focused on nature, education, and video. Then we dive into the mission of the NWF and how Ranger Rick Jr. fits into the equation. We explore the importance of getting outdoors and engaging with wildlife for children…

Dr. Terri Givens is a Political Scientist at McGill University and CEO/Founder of Brighter Professional Development. Terri returns to the show to join host Mike Palmer to discuss her new book, The Roots of Racism: The Politics of White Supremacy in the US and Europe. We explore a comparative approach to understanding the history of racism in the US and Europe spanning all the way back to the 15th Century up through George Floyd and the pandemic into the current geopolitical landscape in Europe and the US. We also discuss how Terri is using her platform to develop leaders with…