Best Knowledge Matters Campaign Podcasts (2025)

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The Power of Historical Knowledge | History Matters Podcast 16:55

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2d ago16:55

16:55

The more history young students know, the more they want to know. That’s one of the joyful discoveries that elementary teachers are making in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana. In this episode, guests Angela Barfoot and Lauren Cascio describe the rewards of using Bayou Bridges, a content-rich, knowledge-building social studies curriculum, in combination w…

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What Makes Great Elementary History Curriculum | History Matters Podcast 15:40

3d ago15:40

15:40

Teaching history involves balance: too many facts and it’s boring, too few and students don’t have enough information to make sense of what they’ve learned. In this episode, host Barbara Davidson speaks with Sean Dimond, a former middle-school teacher and Louisiana state social studies director who is now senior social studies editor at the Core Kn…

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The Power of Historical Knowledge | Louisiana Teachers 16:55

9d ago16:55

16:55

The more history young students know, the more they want to know. That’s one of the joyful discoveries that teachers are making in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, which uses a content-rich, knowledge-building elementary social studies curriculum. In this episode, host Barbara Davidson speaks with elementary school teachers Angela Barfoot and Lauren Cas…

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A Case for Teaching History in Elementary School | History Matters Podcast 15:44

16d ago15:44

15:44

Elementary schools spend almost no time teaching history. How did we get here, and how can we reprioritize this crucial foundation for literacy and knowledge? Host Barbara Davidson begins the eight-part “History Matters” podcast with a reflective and forward-looking conversation with guest Robert Pondiscio, an author and former fifth-grade teacher …

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What Makes Great Elementary History Curriculum | Sean Dimond 15:40

17d ago15:40

15:40

Teaching history involves balance: too many facts and it’s boring, too few and students don’t have enough information to make sense of what they’ve learned. And in elementary school, history is often “a random collection of holidays,” with topics presented out of sequence and scant connection from one to the next. That’s not what’s happening in Lou…

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The Uncomfortable Truth About Rhetoric to Violence 1:38:26

17d ago1:38:26

1:38:26

In the chaotic month that was September 2025, much has been said about the role of rhetoric and violence in the United States; namely how the former causes the latter, or at least how the former and the latter cannot be separated. This came up on the previous episode of History Impossible, in which I discussed this concept with my friends Daniele B…

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A Case for Teaching History in Elementary School | Robert Pondiscio 15:44

17d ago15:44

15:44

Elementary schools spend almost no time teaching history. How did we get here, and how can we reprioritize this crucial foundation for literacy and knowledge? Host Barbara Davidson begins the eight-part “History Matters” podcast with a reflective and forward-looking conversation with guest Robert Pondiscio, an author and former fifth-grade teacher …

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S6 E12: Influence in Latin America: The View from Brazil with Rogério Artoni of Race Communications 28:08

22d ago28:08

28:08

In our final episode on PRGN's 2025 Influence Insights research, Rogério Artoni discusses the significance of cultural and social values in public relations, especially in the Latin American context, with a sharp focus on Brazil. Download PRGN's whitepaper on insights from the 2025 global survey on Brand Influence. Rogério highlights that understan…

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Welcome to the History Matters Podcast 1:17

23d ago1:17

1:17

Welcome to the brand-new History Matters Podcast. I’m your host, Barbara Davidson, President of StandardsWork and Executive Director of the Knowledge Matters Campaign. This podcast was born out of a vision—one I believe all educators have—of inspiring our students to ask big questions, develop their love of learning through reading, and feel empowe…

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A Violent Yet Flammable World (w/ Kristaps Andrejsons & Daniele Bolelli) 1:39:32

28d ago1:39:32

1:39:32

In light of the recent killing of conservative pundit Charlie Kirk and the realization among many that the United States is facing a stark rise in the possibility of greater political violence than any other time in its recent history, it became clear that a deeper conversation on the nature and, more importantly, the reality of political violence …

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The Protestant World and Christ's Chinese Brother (w/ Daniele Bolelli) 1:24:55

1M ago1:24:55

1:24:55

Hey all, it’s great to be back with all of you. Especially for this special conversation that has been well overdue, especially on the History Impossible feed. I was thrilled to be able to host my friend and mentor Daniele Bolelli of the History on Fire and Drunken Taoist podcasts (not to mention teacher, author of many great books, and martial art…

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A New Great Awakening May Be Nigh 2:00:05

2M ago2:00:05

2:00:05

After a slight delay, History Impossible is back with the newest installment of audio adaptations of previous writing and historical scholarship that I’ve done in the past several years or so. In this case, we are looking at a massively overhauled and updated audio version of an essay I wrote that was originally published by Areo Magazine in Januar…

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S6 E11: Drivers of Brand Influence in the Asia-Pacific Region with Andy See 32:23

2M ago32:23

32:23

Andy See discusses PRGN's 2025 Influence Insights survey results from an APAC perspective, highlighting the distinct challenges and opportunities for brands in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Andy, Bill, and Adrian talk about how cultural, regulatory, and market dynamics impact brand strategy and communication approaches in APAC and beyond. Their d…

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S6 E10: Drivers of Brand Influence in the European Context with Joaquín Fernández 26:42

3M ago26:42

26:42

In this episode we continue to unpack the findings of the PRGN Influence Insights research study, which surveyed 550 business, marketing, and communications leaders in over 40 countries to uncover their priorities in public relations and communications. Bill Southard and Joaquín Fernández discuss on the survey results and their implications in the …

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Natalie Wexler on How Writing Promotes Clear Thinking | Literacy and the Science of Learning 29:20

3M ago29:20

29:20

“Teaching students to write clearly was actually teaching them to think clearly.” In the Season 3 finale, host Natalie Wexler brings listeners inside Monroe City Schools, a high-poverty Louisiana district where educators have paired a content-rich curriculum with explicit writing instruction. This combination has not only helped students become flu…

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Natalie Wexler on Memory and the Writing Effect | Literacy and the Science of Learning 23:39

3M ago23:39

23:39

Writing is hard—and teaching writing is even harder. But science tells us it’s well worth the effort, because writing flexes the mental muscles that nurture literacy and learning. Host Natalie Wexler connects cognitive science to specific writing practices that transfer information from working to long-term memory and require students to retrieve a…

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Doug Lemov on the Power of Whole Books | Literacy and the Science of Learning 26:23

3M ago26:23

26:23

“The book is in a death struggle with electronic and social media. And right now, it’s losing.” Host Doug Lemov makes a spirited case for reading whole books in the classroom—especially since today’s students read almost no books outside of school. He’s joined by guests Stephen Sawchuk of Education Week and cognitive psychologist Daniel Willingham …

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Doug Lemov on Fluency’s Impact on Comprehension | Literacy and the Science of Learning 19:42

3M ago19:42

19:42

When we read fluently, we recognize words without effort. We also maintain an engaged pace (automaticity) and perceive expression (prosody), all of which support attention and leave working memory free to make meaning from a text. This is a complex achievement, and many students have fractured attention spans. What can educators do to account for i…

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Civilization, Moral Masochism, and Wonders of the Visible World (w/ Brendan O'Neill) 2:33:26

3M ago2:33:26

2:33:26

Hello everybody. We have another amazing conversation for you fine people to enjoy, this time a little spicier as far as controversial subjects go. To further expand upon my thoughts on the imperialistic character of Islamism as well as discuss the development of the new (neo?) antisemitism we are currently seeing develop in the West, I realized th…

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Dylan Wiliam on Building Student Knowledge | Literacy and the Science of Learning 26:16

4M ago26:16

26:16

Our memories grow stronger when we work to retrieve them. That’s why flash cards and pop quizzes are effective: they prompt students to recall and access information from their memory bank. What other instructional tools and techniques help students remember what they’ve learned, and how can teachers put these to use? Host Dylan Wiliam takes a deep…

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The Unreality of Realism (w/ Zack Twamley of When Diplomacy Fails) 2:24:20

4M ago2:24:20

2:24:20

In this newest conversation on History Impossible, I was super-happy to be joined by fellow historical podcaster Zack Twamley, host of the excellent and long-running podcast, When Diplomacy Fails. Zack and I have mostly crossed paths via our mutual podcasting pal Kristaps Andrejsons of the Eastern Border podcast, on which we have both been guests. …

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Dylan Wiliam on How the Brain Learns | Literacy and the Science of Learning 29:51

4M ago29:51

29:51

How can schools and teachers maximize student learning? To answer this question, we need to understand how the human mind works. What needs to be explicitly taught, how many new things can we remember at a time, and what is the role of background knowledge in easing students’ cognitive loads? Host Dylan Wiliam begins the six-part “Literacy and the …

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Trailer | Introducing Season 3: Literacy and the Science of Learning 3:22

4M ago3:22

3:22

How is the Science of Reading connected to the Science of Learning? Join hosts Dylan Wiliam, Doug Lemov, and Natalie Wexler as they delve into the links between the two, both in theory and practice, in Season 3 of the Knowledge Matters Podcast. Across six 30-minute episodes, we’ll explore how long-term memory shapes reading comprehension, why readi…

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The Butler Boomerang: How American Empire Stopped American Fascism 1:33:18

4M ago1:33:18

1:33:18

Hello again everyone. We have a new, special episode of History Impossible for all of you in which we examine a less-known moment of American imperialism, as well as the downstream effects it seemed to have during the world’s authoritarian moment of the 1930s. This is adapted from an academic paper I wrote in graduate school that I previously put o…

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S6 E9: What Drives Brand Influence? Key Findings from the PRGN Influence Insights Global Survey 26:47

4M ago26:47

26:47

Bill Southard and Natalie Ghidotti join Abbie Fink to dissect the findings of PRGN's groundbreaking global survey on brand influence. This survey of marketing and business leaders across 40 countries was commissioned by the Public Relations Global Network and conducted by Researchscape International with the involvement of PRGN’s 50+ member agencie…

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A Velvet Jihad 1:33:36

5M ago1:33:36

1:33:36

Please note: This episode was made before I learned about the influence of Qatar in various parts of the United States (including, apparently, the Oval Office for the mere price of a plane), but honestly, it all just serves to help confirm my overall thesis all the more. World events have a funny way of rendering old analyses irrelevant, but I am s…

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S6 E8: Democracy, AI, and Public Affairs with Natacha Clarac 17:02

6M ago17:02

17:02

Natacha Clarac shares her insights about how artificial intelligence is reshaping the landscape of public affairs and lobbying, highlighting both its potential benefits and the ethical responsibilities that come with its use. She emphasizes that while AI can streamline processes and enhance data analysis, a human touch remains crucial for crafting …

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Trump 2.0: Making America Progressive Again 57:43

6M ago57:43

57:43

The question of who President Donald Trump resembled in history is one that has become almost a cliche, mostly thanks to its ideological Rorschach quality, especially during his first term and in the years leading up to his second. This has become far less of a debate, thanks largely to the man himself actually citing his influences. This was what …

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S6 E7: Crisis Communications: How To Maintain Brand Reputation in a Chaotic World with Aaron Blank 21:05

6M ago21:05

21:05

"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and one tweet to destroy it." Aaron Blank joins us to discuss the crucial importance of crisis communications and the proactive measures businesses should take to prepare for potential crises. Aaron explains how companies can effectively manage their reputations when unexpected situations arise, emphasizing …

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S6 E6: Accountability and Ownership in the PR Industry with Bradly Howland 24:31

7M ago24:31

24:31

Bradly Howland, CEO of Alkemi Collective, joins us to talk about accountability and transparency in the PR industry. He discusses the challenges of ownership within agencies and client relationships, emphasizing the impact of generational shifts on workplace culture. Bradly highlights efforts to professionalize PR in South Africa, addressing both a…

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Bonus Episode: Writing: An Unsung Hero of Reading Comprehension 1:01:52

7M ago1:01:52

1:01:52

This bonus episode is an audio recording of our most popular webinar ever, Writing: An Unsung Hero of Reading Comprehension. It features familiar voices to listeners of Season 1 of the Knowledge Matters Podcast, best-selling author and host Natalie Wexler, as well as StandardsWork’s Chief Program Officer Kristen McQuillan, Doug Lemov (Teach Like a …

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Diplomacy on the Eastern Border (w/ Kristaps Andrejsons, Jack Johannson, & Zack Twamley) 2:53:19

7M ago2:53:19

2:53:19

I was recently invited to join in a panel discussion with three podcasting greats and people I consider friends—that is, The Eastern Border’s Kristaps Andrejsons, the Secret Police podcast’s Jack Johannson, and When Diplomacy Fails podcast’s Zack Twamley. It originally went up on the Eastern Border feed, split into two parts, but Kristaps was kind …

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The Slave Who Would Be a Spy (w/ Isaac Willour) 1:00:49

7M ago1:00:49

1:00:49

Slavery is often known as the United States’ original sin, and for good reason. Much of our perceptions of it are informed both by the Civil War’s cause and outcome, and the contradictions—and even moral hypocrisy—that it created with our Founding Fathers’ professed beliefs. Contradiction is the theme not just of the United States’ values and histo…

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S6 E5: Building a Global Internal Communications Function from the Ground Up 21:07

7M ago21:07

21:07

Tammy Zollner, Senior Director of Corporate Communications at RPM International, shares her journey of transforming internal communications and fostering a culture of engagement and understanding among a diverse workforce, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. She outlines the process of centralizing RPM's communications, transitioning from a co…

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Home Builder Marketing Strategies: Expert Insights on Digital Marketing, Sales Training & Brand Messaging | Rob Krohn | #015 55:38

7M ago55:38

55:38

Is your home builder marketing delivering the ROI you need? Discover proven strategies to transform your approach with this value-packed episode featuring Rob Krohn, VP of Marketing at Epcon Communities and seasoned brand strategist with extensive experience in the home building industry. In this conversation, Rob shares actionable insights on: Cre…

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The Spirit of the American West (w/ David McGarry) 1:41:48

7M ago1:41:48

1:41:48

The American West (or the “Wild West” as it’s still sometimes known) is arguably one of the defining features of the United States’ history and culture, if not the most defining feature. After all, much of the world has the image of the American cowboy (or less often, the American settler) planted firmly in their heads when they think of “Americans…

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A Bug in the Software 56:05

8M ago56:05

56:05

Hey everyone, happy to present to all of you fine people with a brief bonus, this time adapting my recent historiographical essay that I had written my first semester in graduate school on the study of infectious disease’s effects throughout history and how it was written about from around the 1970s until the 2010s. This should serve as a nice pair…

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S6 E4: Writing for Impact in 2025 with Ann Smith 23:09

8M ago23:09

23:09

The Internet today is flooded with low-quality content, so it's critical to produce targeted, impactful writing that can cut through the noise. In this episode, Ann Smith talks about the evolution of thought leadership content and the importance of crafting genuine, strategic narratives. She explains that simply churning out words isn't enough. The…

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Bonus Episode: Knowledge: An Unsung Hero of Reading Comprehension 1:01:20

8M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

Today’s episode is a special bonus—an audio recording of our recent webinar, Knowledge: Why It Matters. We found the conversation so valuable that we wanted to make it accessible in as many ways as possible. In this episode, StandardsWork’s Chief Program Officer Kristen McQuillan and Baltimore City Public Schools teacher Kyair Butts join Dr. Susan …

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HubSpot Sales Workspace: Helping Builders Close More Home Sales & Boost Productivity | HubSpot For Homebuilders | #014 29:34

8M ago29:34

29:34

Are you struggling to keep your sales team organized and efficient in HubSpot? There's always been this tension in home builder sales teams - management needs visibility and reporting, but salespeople just want to sell homes without getting bogged down in admin tasks. In this tactical episode of HubSpot For Homebuilders, Jeff dives deep into the ga…

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Mother's Wrath, Mankind's Bargain (The Los Angeles Fires of 2025) 1:50:57

8M ago1:50:57

1:50:57

In this episode of History Impossible inaugurating 2025 and the sixth anniversary of the show, we will be looking at the Los Angeles Fires of 2025 but from an extended, historical, and probably overly philosophical lens. Because as it turns out, natural disasters are a constant of the human experience and create some of the greatest extremes, and r…

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S6 E3: Experiential Marketing with Bill Southard and Bryan Duffy 19:13

8M ago19:13

19:13

Experiential marketing has gained significant recognition over the past decade, becoming essential for brand engagement. Real-life experiences create emotional connections and community, which are often more impactful than traditional advertising methods. Bryan Duffy explores the evolution of experiential marketing from a "below-the-line" activity …

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Home Builder Blogging Strategy: 3 Types of Blog Articles I Publish Every Month | Marketing Minute | #013 22:54

8M ago22:54

22:54

Did you know that home buyers spend months researching before they ever talk to a sales rep? Yet most builders only focus their marketing on the 3% who are ready to buy today. In this strategic episode, Jeff reveals a proven blogging framework that helps you capture the other 97% by becoming their trusted guide through the home buying journey. This…

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S6 E2: Navigating the Business Landscape of the Middle East with Nick Leighton 21:20

9M ago21:20

21:20

Nick Leighton, CEO of NettResults Middle East, shares insights on the evolving landscape of public relations in the region, emphasizing the significance of long-term strategic planning driven by regional visions like UAE Vision 2021 and Saudi Vision 2030. He highlights how these frameworks focus on sustainability and technological advancement, part…

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S6 E1: How to Think Like a Futurist with Terrie Ard 17:07

9M ago17:07

17:07

Abbie Fink and Terrie Ard discuss the 2025 M.Cast™ Trends Report and the importance of forward-looking thinking and data-driven insights for business leaders and communications professionals alike. Terrie shares how the M.Cast™ Trends Report was initiated as a guide to help leaders think like futurists, equipping them with the insights to foresee a…

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Digital Transformation in Home Building: How To Keep Up With The Pace of Technological Change And Avoid Becoming Obsolete In The Digital Age | Brent Bommes | #012 1:36:10

9M ago1:36:10

1:36:10

Is your home building company struggling to keep pace with technological change? Are you worried about becoming obsolete in an increasingly digital industry? In this value-packed episode, digital transformation consultant Brent Bommes shares battle-tested insights from 13+ years helping builders modernize their operations. As the founder of RCT Bui…

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A Revulsion of Feeling: The Arab Revolt and Collective Identity 1:31:15

10M ago1:31:15

1:31:15

This is the first installment of something that doesn’t really have a name; the Grad School Files? That sounds a little like a bad Netflix show. I’ll take suggestions, but in the meantime, we can simply define this as it is: the first adaptation of one of my academic papers from graduate school into an honest-to-goodness episode of History Impossib…

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Lead Magnets: My Favourite Tactic For Generating Home Buyer Leads + Examples You Can Swipe & Deploy | Marketing Minute | #011 27:34

10M ago27:34

27:34

Is your home builder website converting less than 1% of visitors into leads? Transform your website into a lead-generating powerhouse with proven lead magnet strategies specifically designed for home builders. In this value-packed episode, Jeff reveals battle-tested lead magnet tactics that have helped generate over 110,000 home buyer leads for bui…

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S5 E12: PR Trends for 2025 with Gábor Jelinek 20:55

10M ago20:55

20:55

Members of the Public Relations Global Network have once again shared their predictions for the public relations industry as we look ahead to 2025. Gábor Jelinek reflects on the accuracy of last year's forecasts and discusses the evolving landscape of public relations, emphasizing the growing importance of integrated services, data-driven storytell…

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Online Sales Concierge Best Practices From One Of The Top Trainers In The Industry | Leah Fellows | #010 1:02:43

10M ago1:02:43

1:02:43

Is your sales team struggling to convert digital leads into appointments? Ready to unlock the true potential of your Online Sales Counselor program? In this value-packed episode, industry pioneer Leah Fellows shares battle-tested insights from 18 years of training top-performing OSCs. As the founder of Blue Gypsy Inc and one of the most respected v…