Best Steve Cummins Podcasts (2025)

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'Lean on Me' with Brian O'Keeffe and Kevin Stoller 55:08

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1d ago55:08

55:08

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we dive into the iconic 1989 film Lean on Me, starring Morgan Freeman as the unforgettable Principal Joe Clark—a tough, uncompromising, and deeply committed educator who is called in to rescue a failing inner-city school on the brink of state takeover. Set in Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jers…

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'Back to School' with Thea Wayburn, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller 47:58

8d ago47:58

47:58

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we’re breaking down the 1986 comedy Back to School, where Rodney Dangerfield plays a loud, lovable millionaire who enrolls in college to reconnect with his son and shakes up the entire campus in the process. Joined by guest Thea Wayburn from BRIC Architecture, host Kevin Stoller and co-host Carla Cumm…

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Why VCs Love Layer Cakes: Startup Growth with Tyler Sosin of Menlo Ventures 29:25

9d ago29:25

29:25

What do venture capital, layer cakes, and early-stage startups have in common? Tyler from Menlo Ventures breaks it all down. With 15 years in the VC game, Tyler’s focus on FinTech and vertical SaaS has led him to develop the “layer cake” approach—building businesses with stacked, sustainable revenue models. He dives into the importance of long-term…

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AI in Cybersecurity: A Threat That Learns Faster Than You 29:58

15d ago29:58

29:58

AI wasn’t always a welcome guest in cybersecurity—but that changed with Darktrace. 🎙️ In this episode, CISO Michael Beck shares how he left the UK government to tackle a new kind of threat landscape: one where traditional defenses were no longer enough, and AI had to prove its worth in the face of deep industry skepticism . 📌We break down: 🔍 The ea…

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'Finding Nemo' with Brenda Swirczynski, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller 54:28

16d ago54:28

54:28

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we dive deep (pun intended) into Finding Nemo - the animated adventure that’s equal parts heartwarming, hilarious, and insightful. As part of our series on school-related films, we explore what this Pixar classic can tell us about the student experience, the importance of trust and independence, and h…

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'Superbad' with Nick Duffy, Ken Hagen, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller 55:06

22d ago55:06

55:06

In this episode, we’re diving into the wildly popular teen comedy Superbad — one of the most iconic (and ridiculous) high school movies out there. As part of our series on school-related films, we’re looking at what Superbad got right about the student experience, what it totally blew out of proportion, and why it still hits home for so many people…

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'Napoleon Dynamite' with Brian Parker, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller 45:13

29d ago45:13

45:13

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller is joined by co-host Carla Cummins and guest speaker Brian Parker, AIA, ALEP—Vice President of K-12 at MHTN Architects—for a quirky and insightful conversation centered around the 2004 classic Napoleon Dynamite. As one of only two Accredited Learning Environment Planners in Utah, Br…

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'School of Rock' with Mason Pashia, Matt Rogers, and Kevin Stoller 59:28

1M ago59:28

59:28

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller is joined by co-host Matt Rogers and guest speaker Mason Pashia, Partner (Storytelling) at Getting Smart Collective, for an energetic and thought-provoking conversation centered around the 2003 cult classic School of Rock. Known for his work amplifying the voices of educators and ch…

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What Are Green Schools and Why They Matter 34:29

1M ago34:29

34:29

What is a Green School? When people hear “Green School,” they often picture solar panels, school gardens, or maybe a greenhouse out back. While those are pieces of the puzzle, the full picture is much more powerful. A Green School integrates sustainability into every aspect of the learning experience: from the design of its physical space to its cu…

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'Stand and Deliver' with Don Baus, Victoria Morlan, and Carla Cummins 35:26

2M ago35:26

35:26

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Carla Cummins is joined by co-host Victoria Morlan as well as architect and education advocate Don Baus for a powerful conversation around the 1988 film Stand and Deliver. With decades of combined experience in designing and supporting student-centered environments, the two explore how the true s…

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'High School Musical' with Candace Seda, Stephanie Seda, and Carla Cummins 51:26

2M ago51:26

51:26

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, Carla Cummins is joined by her daughter Jennifer Cummins and special guests Candace Seda and Stephanie Seda for a fun and thought-provoking dive into Disney’s 2006 cultural phenomenon High School Musical. With a multigenerational panel of educators, designers, and education advocates, the group explor…

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'Teachers' (1984) with Steve Miletto and Kevin Stoller 1:00:42

2M ago1:00:42

1:00:42

Kevin Stoller is joined by longtime educator and podcast host Steve Miletto to unpack the 1984 film Teachers, a gritty dramedy that offers an unflinching critique of the American public school system. Directed by Arthur Hiller and starring Nick Nolte, Teachers dives headfirst into the dysfunction, bureaucracy, and burnout often hidden behind school…

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'Mean Girls' with Steven Shapiro, Nancy Shapiro Rapport, and Kevin Stoller 55:04

2M ago55:04

55:04

Mean Girls, directed by Mark Waters and written by Tina Fey, is a cult classic teen comedy based on Rosalind Wiseman’s book Queen Bees and Wannabes. The film humorously yet accurately portrays the harsh realities of high school social dynamics, focusing on cliques, peer pressure, and the impact of popularity on self-identity. The story follows Cady…

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From Crime to Code: Duane’s Journey to Tech Entrepreneurship 42:51

3M ago42:51

42:51

What happens when a life shaped by East London streets, children’s homes, and prison pivots to building tech startups? Meet Duane—who found his way to becoming tech founder from a different angle. In this episode, Duane breaks down his wild transformation from running with the wrong crowd to running his own B2B tech ventures in accounting, HR, and …

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'Top Gun' with Stacey Waxtan and Kevin Stoller 59:48

3M ago59:48

59:48

Few movies capture the essence of leadership, teamwork, and adaptability quite like Top Gun. While it’s a high-octane film about elite fighter pilots pushing their limits, the lessons it offers extend far beyond the cockpit—straight into the world of education. Just like Maverick and his fellow aviators must embrace continuous learning, mentorship,…

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Revisiting the Origins of Our Movie Review Format and Future Films 36:36

3M ago36:36

36:36

In this special episode, we take a nostalgic look back at the early recordings that sparked our popular movie review format. This episode is a fun compilation of guests sharing their favorite school-related movies and TV shows, along with their thoughts on what’s realistic — and what’s not — about those stories. Our guests represent voices from acr…

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From GoCardless to Global: Steve Domin’s Blueprint for Travel’s Next Revolution 47:57

3M ago47:57

47:57

The hustle is born from finding solutions no one else has thought of. What’s the secret sauce behind startup success? Steve dives into the chaotic early days of GoCardless—think empty offices, language barriers, and an emerging Shoreditch tech scene. From gritty beginnings to creating Duffel, a travel tech innovator, this episode unpacks the lesson…

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'The Incredibles' with Mercedes Johnson, Katie Riley, and Kevin Stoller 55:47

3M ago55:47

55:47

What Do The Incredibles and Educators Have in Common? In our latest Better Learning Podcast episode, we dive into The Incredibles (2004) and uncover powerful insights for educators. Just like Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl face lawsuits that restrict their powers, teachers often feel held back by red tape and policies that limit their ability to inn…

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'Battle Royale' with BrandonToksMovies, Ben Treadway, and Kevin Stoller 57:55

3M ago57:55

57:55

What happens when competition goes way too far? In this episode, we dive into Battle Royale—the cult classic that makes The Hunger Games look like a friendly school fundraiser—to uncover any connections to education. Joined by TikTok movie reviewers BrandonToksMovies and Ben Treadway, we break down the film’s themes of competition, authority, and s…

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'Summer School' with Mark Greenberg, Eric Stoller, and Kevin Stoller 1:19:39

4M ago1:19:39

1:19:39

It’s 1987. The surf’s up, the sun’s out, and high school teacher Freddy Shoop is about to have the summer of his life… until he’s roped into teaching remedial English to a group of students who would rather be anywhere else. In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, Kevin, Eric, and Mark crack open Summer School, the cult classic that blends …

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'October Sky' with Michael Duncan, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller 47:23

4M ago47:23

47:23

Can one teacher change the course of a student’s life? Can curiosity survive in a system that prioritizes conformity? October Sky is more than just a heartwarming story about a boy and his rockets—it’s a powerful look at the impact of education, ambition, and the struggle between dreams and expectations. But how accurately does it reflect today’s s…

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'Radio' with Meredith Watassek, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller 59:28

4M ago59:28

59:28

Radio is a powerful example of why being different doesn’t mean being wrong—and how society often struggles with that distinction. Based on a true story, the film follows the relationship between high school football coach Harold Jones (played by Ed Harris) and a young man with an intellectual disability, James Robert “Radio” Kennedy (played by Cub…

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'Ted Lasso' with Heidie Ciesielski, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller 53:22

4M ago53:22

53:22

The hit series Ted Lasso isn’t just about soccer—it’s about leadership, culture, and the power of belief. On a special episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we sat down with Superintendent Heidie Ciesielski to break down the show’s biggest lessons and how they apply to education today. From Ted’s optimism to his ability to build a strong, student…

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Kissing Legacy Systems Goodbye: The Viral Rise of Intelligent AI Agents 39:22

4M ago39:22

39:22

"In the rush to engineer cutting-edge AI, don't forget the user; it's not just about creating technology for the sake of it, but about how it genuinely improves our work experience." Michael Machado, who led the development of Salesforce Anywhere, Salesforce AI research, and Einstein Voice at Salesforce, now leads DevRev with a modern approach to p…

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'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' with Trevor Muir, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller 43:53

4M ago43:53

43:53

Trevor Muir, an inspiring keynote speaker who celebrated the power of storytelling in education and an avid Harry Potter fan, sits down with host Kevin Stoller and co-host Carla Cummins to dive into the real-world connections between education and the beloved book series. They explore the different teaching styles depicted in Harry Potter and the S…

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'The Breakfast Club' with Dr. Michael Cardona, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller 57:09

5M ago57:09

57:09

In this episode, Kevin Stoller and Carla Cummins as co-host, welcome Dr. Michael Cardona, superintendent at San Marcos School District in Texas. Today's movie is 'The Breakfast Club,' a classic movie from the 80s that dives into the cliques in high school. As always, they give out various awards, including a new category, "Where Are They Now?", whi…

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The Hidden Challenges of Building New School Facilities 46:54

5M ago46:54

46:54

In this episode, Kevin Stoller chats with Dr. Aspasia Angelou, a superintendent in Arizona. She highlights her role as a superintendent and the various initiatives she is leading in her school district. Dr. Angelou shares her background, growing up with Greek immigrant parents, and discusses how her early experiences shaped her drive to pursue educ…

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'Freedom Writers' with Dr. Parul Minhas, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller 57:59

5M ago57:59

57:59

In this episode, Kevin is joined by Dr. Parul Minhas. They discuss the movie "Freedom Writers", and dive into many facets of the movie, and discuss some award categories such as "Modern Remake" and "Class Clown". They discuss the significance of teacher-student connection, classroom environment, and transformative educational practices. Drawing par…

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(2/2) Your Next Doctor’s Visit? Powered by AI (Guest: Dr Sven Jungmann] 36:30

5M ago36:30

36:30

Is the future of healthcare being shaped without doctors? Dr. Sven Jungmann dives into the growing role of AI in medicine, the ethical dilemmas, and why many physicians feel left behind in this tech revolution. We explore the reality of physician shortages, an aging population, and how AI could ease the pressure—but only if doctors get involved. Wi…

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How 2024 Redefined Better Learning with Carla Cummins 41:53

5M ago41:53

41:53

As we close out 2024, it’s time to reflect on an incredible year of growth, innovation, and connection for the Better Learning Podcast. This year, we’ve continued to explore new ideas, challenge conventional thinking, and amplify voices that are driving meaningful change in education. As we gear up for the new year, our commitment to pushing bounda…

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School Leadership Strategies for Uniting Communities 53:04

6M ago53:04

53:04

In today's polarized society, the role of education leaders has never been more critical. As the landscape of communities becomes increasingly divided, the challenge of fostering unity within schools and districts grows more complex. Education leaders are not just administrators; they are role models, guiding students, staff, and families toward a …

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'Friday Night Lights' with Dr. Scott Muri 33:28

6M ago33:28

33:28

What makes Friday Night Lights more than just a football movie? In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we explore how this iconic film captures the heart and soul of high school football in West Texas, delving into the emotional struggles, community pressures, and personal triumphs of the Permian Panthers. They discuss the reality of the h…

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What Hollywood Gets Right (and Wrong) About Schools 36:21

6M ago36:21

36:21

What is your favorite school related tv show or movie? In this episode, we feature our annual compilation of interviews conducted at the EDSpaces conference in Houston. This year, with a twist of breaking down the best tv show and movies related to education! Our guests were asked two key questions: What is your favorite school related tv show or m…

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'Dead Poets Society' with Dr. Michael McDowell & Aaron Eisberg 40:47

6M ago40:47

40:47

In this episode, host Kevin Stoller alongside guests Dr. Michael McDowell and Aaron Eisberg, discuss the movie 'Dead Poets Society'. They explore its themes of conformity, success, and educational transformation while drawing parallels to modern-day educational challenges and experiences. They also give various awards to the movie, such as Most Rea…

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The Challenges and Rewards of Educational Leadership 39:56

7M ago39:56

39:56

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller speaks with Dr. David Dumon, the superintendent of Altar Valley School District in Tucson, Arizona. Dr. Dumon shares his background, from his early school experiences and decision to go into education to his current role as a superintendent. They discuss the challenges and rewards o…

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Furniture Should Guide Design, Not Follow It 38:21

7M ago38:21

38:21

Is your furniture shaping the way students learn? In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller welcomes Amanda Hastings, NCIDQ, ALEP, IIDA, Senior Interior Designer at SLAM Collaborative. Together, they dive into the critical role of furniture in shaping educational environments and its impact on students, teachers, and commun…

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FF&E Procurement Revisionism Series: Furniture Procurement Doesn’t Have to Be Hard or Scary 59:38

7M ago59:38

59:38

Are you ready to revolutionize the way your school thinks about furniture? In our FF&E Procurement Revisionism Series, we’ll explore how integrating flexible, student-centered furniture into your classroom designs can enhance engagement and foster better learning outcomes. Plus, learn how to overcome the hurdles of traditional procurement processes…

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FF&E Procurement Revisionism Series: How to Select the Right Solution and Ensure Buy-In 51:19

7M ago51:19

51:19

Are you ready to revolutionize the way your school thinks about furniture? In our FF&E Procurement Revisionism Series, we’ll explore how integrating flexible, student-centered furniture into your classroom designs can enhance engagement and foster better learning outcomes. Plus, learn how to overcome the hurdles of traditional procurement processes…

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FF&E Procurement Revisionism Series: Seeing Furniture as an Active Participant in the Learning Environment 42:19

7M ago42:19

42:19

Are you ready to revolutionize the way your school thinks about furniture? In our FF&E Procurement Revisionism Series, we’ll explore how integrating flexible, student-centered furniture into your classroom designs can enhance engagement and foster better learning outcomes. Plus, learn how to overcome the hurdles of traditional procurement processes…

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Portland Perspectives: Radically Student Centered™ at LearningSCAPES 53:25

7M ago53:25

53:25

At this year’s LearningSCAPES conference in Portland, our team at the Better Learning Podcast had the incredible opportunity to sit down with a diverse group of educators, architects, designers, and thought leaders from across the nation. We wanted to get to the heart of what "Radically Student Centered™" means from different perspectives, so we as…

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Lessons for New School Leaders 40:14

8M ago40:14

40:14

Are you a new school leader wondering how to create learning spaces that truly engage students and foster success? In the latest episode of the Better Learning Podcast, Dr. David Cupolo, principal of St. James Intermediate School, shares valuable insights on the profound impact of school design on student engagement. In his conversation with Kevin …

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Addressing a Multi-Billion Dollar Challenge 46:53

8M ago46:53

46:53

In the latest episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller dives into a thought-provoking discussion with experts Bruce Levine, Sean O'Donnell, and Heather Jauregui on the profound connection between education and design. The episode unpacks how collaboration between architects and educators can reshape school environments, positively…

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The Sendoso Marketing Journey. A conversation with Kris Rudeegraap, co-founder and CEO 34:32

8M ago34:32

34:32

On this episode, I talk with Kris Rudeegraap, CEO of Sendoso, about his journey from software sales - where he spotted a gap in the market - to being a company founder, and then the first CMO. He details Sendoso's early marketing strategies, including building a robust CRM database, focusing on field and event marketing, and creating educational co…

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The Evolution and Benefits of Team Teaching 25:34

8M ago25:34

25:34

In the milestone 200th episode of the Better Learning Podcast, special host Kevin Foote sits down with Dr. Andi Fourlis, superintendent of Mesa Public Schools, to dive into a conversation about innovation in education. As the leader of Arizona's largest school district, Dr. Fourlis shares her unique journey from classroom teacher to educational lea…

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Building Tomorrow’s Schools with Creative Collaboration 51:56

8M ago51:56

51:56

In this insightful episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller welcomes Emmy Beeson and Jennifer Fuller to discuss the vital connection between school design and educational success. The conversation dives into the challenges schools face as they strive to innovate, as well as the pivotal role architects play in supporting educationa…

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Collaboration between Educators and Architects 33:30

8M ago33:30

33:30

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, Kevin Stoller sits down with renowned architect Raymond Bordwell to discuss their personal experiences, the art of architecture in school design, and the importance of collaboration in education. After a light-hearted chat about haircuts and podcast setups, they dive deep into Ray's career, his passio…

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Quarterbacking the Future of Education 42:19

9M ago42:19

42:19

In the latest episode of the Better Learning Podcast, Alex Demczak, a former SEC quarterback turned entrepreneur, speaker, and author, joins host Kevin Stoller for an engaging conversation about the profound influence educators have on students’ lives and the importance of leadership in shaping future generations. The episode dives deep into both p…

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Designing Schools for Neurodivergent Students 37:41

9M ago37:41

37:41

In this insightful episode, Kevin Stoller dives deep into the world of student-centered school design with architects Laura Smyles and Emily Wright. The conversation is centered around creating inclusive learning environments that support all students, with a focus on neurodivergent learners. Laura and Emily share their personal journeys into educa…

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Empowering Women in the Education Market 24:45

9M ago24:45

24:45

Empowering women in education is crucial for fostering innovation, diversity, and leadership in the field. Building up women in this sector not only enhances the quality of education but also creates a more inclusive and supportive environment for students and educators alike. By championing women’s advancement, we ensure that diverse perspectives …

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Is Google losing its grip on B2B marketing? 16:33

10M ago16:33

16:33

If you’re a founder or CEO of a growing business, you've probably been told that you have to focus your marketing around Google. Whether that’s ranking highly for a specific phrase or a set of keywords; or investing in ads to get more people to your website. Both of which can get expensive quickly! And there's a good chance that all this effort has…