Best The Kindling Project Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 77: The Power of Project Read. A Conversation with Vivek Ramakrishnan. 46:45

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6h ago46:45

46:45

We explore why reading scores have fallen, what the Science of Reading actually demands in classrooms, and how AI can scale productive practice without replacing human connection. Vivek Ramakrishnan shares data, bright spots from states like Mississippi, and a grounded look at tutoring tech that helps kids decode for real. • national reading trends…

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Episode 76: Excellence in Writing. A Conversation with Andrew Pudewa. 1:09:24

8d ago1:09:24

1:09:24

Andrew Pudewa, founder of the Institute for Excellence in Writing, joins us to unpack how skill-first teaching unlocks motivation, builds real confidence, and quite literally reshapes the brain for better thinking. We trace the invisible steps the mind takes to write a single sentence, then show how to lower the cognitive load with structure, small…

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Episode 75: School Choice For All Families. A Conversation with Matt Ladner. 45:28

10d ago45:28

45:28

We explore how Education Savings Accounts move accountability to families, why universal eligibility builds durable coalitions, and what it takes to grow small pilots into statewide “oaks” that actually meet demand. Matt Ladner shares lessons from Arizona, Texas, Florida, and West Virginia on funding design, flexibility, and political strategy. • E…

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Episode 74: Making Math Relevant. A Conversation with Jo Boaler. 44:35

22d ago44:35

44:35

Dr. Jo Boaler shares her groundbreaking work in mathematics education, exploring how beliefs shape learning and how we can transform math instruction to help every student succeed. • Starting her career in London schools where she discovered anyone can learn math with the right opportunities • Joining Stanford and later collaborating with Carol Dwe…

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Episode 73: Finding Your Family's Learning Path. A Conversation with Elle Rowley. 47:22

29d ago47:22

47:22

Elle Rowley shares her transformative journey from struggling high school student to successful entrepreneur and educational innovator creating alternative learning environments for children in her community. Through personal experience and experimentation, she's developed a thriving microschool model that prioritizes curiosity, community, and chil…

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Episode 72: Getting High School Right. A Conversation with Chad Carlson. 52:20

1M ago52:20

52:20

Chad Carlson shares how One Stone Lab School uses human-centered design to transform education by treating students as end users rather than products. He describes their unique approach that removes traditional grades, subjects, and bells in favor of personalized growth frameworks that prepare students for the real world. • One Stone's origin story…

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Episode 70: Beyond One Size Fits All Learning. A Conversation with Yong Zhao. 57:18

2M ago57:18

57:18

Dr. Yong Zhao challenges us to keep children at the center of education by acknowledging their uniqueness and building learning systems around that core idea. His approach aims to give kids the skills they need for meaningful future work instead of the synthetic tasks often imposed throughout traditional K-12 education. • Education should build on …

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Episode 69: What School Could Be. A Conversation with Ted Dintersmith and Garrett Smiley. 48:11

2M ago48:11

48:11

The rapidly accelerating capabilities of artificial intelligence are creating an urgent need to rethink how we prepare young people for a world where machines will soon outperform humans in many cognitive tasks. • Schools train students in what ChatGPT already does best • AI power doubles yearly, reshaping the workforce • The “school-to-career” esc…

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Episode 68: Centering Humanity in Teaching. A Conversation with Matt Eicheldinger. 54:28

2M ago54:28

54:28

Matt Eicheldinger, NYT bestselling author and educator, shares his journey of persistence and the power of meaningful connections with young people. He centers on building trust and creating space for kids to develop confidence, curiosity, and resilience. • Becoming a teacher because he enjoyed kids and had parents who modeled empathy • Writing his…

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Episode 67: The Microschool Movement. A Conversation with Kaity Broadbent and Kelly Smith. 50:54

2M ago50:54

50:54

Education is undergoing a seismic shift as families and educators seek alternatives to traditional schooling, with microschools emerging as a powerful option for personalized learning in supportive communities. • 48% of parents feel education is heading in the wrong direction • 17.5% of kids are now outside traditional schools (up from 11.8% in 201…

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Starting Up After Staying Home: Going from Mom to Entrepreneur with Alison Serbentas 1:10:12

3M ago1:10:12

1:10:12

In this episode of the Kindling Project podcast, Alison Rico-Serbentas shares her transformative journey from being a stay-at-home mom to becoming an entrepreneur and bodybuilder. She discusses the challenges of navigating relationships, building confidence, and the importance of self-discovery. Alison emphasizes the significance of spiritual growt…

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The Daily Spark: Choosing Joy Over Chaos with Jodi Lynn Turpin 37:53

3M ago37:53

37:53

In this episode of the Kindling Project podcast, Melissa Halpin speaks with Jodi Lynn Turpin about the transformative power of joy. Jodi shares her journey of choosing joy as a daily practice, the impact of life events on her perspective, and her work with the Akashic Records. They discuss the importance of community, self-reflection, and the role …

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She’s in Business! From Idea to Impact with Sommer Gay 53:16

4M ago53:16

53:16

In this episode of the Kindling Project podcast, host Melissa Halpin speaks with Sommer Gay, founder of Launch Marketing Co. They discuss Sommer's journey into entrepreneurship, the importance of niche marketing in hospitality, and the challenges of work-life balance for women entrepreneurs. Sommer shares insights on amplifying women's voices in br…

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Campfire Series: Being a Woman in Business, in Menopause, and in the Mess 1:23:13

4M ago1:23:13

1:23:13

Let's gather around the campfire! In this first iteration of the Kindling Project's "Campfire Series", a group of women entrepreneurs engage in a candid conversation about their experiences in business, the challenges of reinvention in midlife, and the importance of community support. They discuss navigating growth versus stability in their busines…

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The Classroom Reimagined: Lessons from Arts and Scraps with Ang Adamiak 46:28

4M ago46:28

46:28

In this episode of the Kindling Project podcast, Melissa Halpin speaks with Ang Adamiak, the executive director of Arts and Scraps, an organization dedicated to transforming everyday scraps into educational tools and creative opportunities for children. They discuss the dual mission of Arts and Scraps, which includes a community store for creative …

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Speak. Lead. Repeat. with Asandi Conner 42:55

5M ago42:55

42:55

In this episode of the Kindling Project podcast, host Melissa Halpin speaks with Asandi Conner, a writer, coach, and strategist, about the importance of finding one's voice and leading with authenticity. Asandi shares her journey from being silenced to becoming a voice bearer for women, emphasizing the need for courage in leadership. They discuss t…

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Legacy Matters: Smart Estate Planning for the Future with Karen Schultz-Tarnopol 36:56

5M ago36:56

36:56

In this episode of the Kindling Project Podcast, Melissa Halpin engages in a profound conversation with Karen Schultz-Tarnopol about the significance of legacy and estate planning, particularly for women in midlife. They explore the emotional aspects of legacy, the importance of preparing for the future, and how to navigate the complexities of esta…

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Bloom-i-fication: Transform Your Midlife with Andrea Clebb 47:01

5M ago47:01

47:01

In this episode of the Kindling Project podcast, Melissa Halpin speaks with Andrea Clegg, founder of Bloomified Life, about the transformative journey of midlife women. They discuss the concept of 'bloomification', the importance of community, and the need to challenge cultural narratives surrounding aging. Andrea shares insights on navigating midl…

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Leading a Business in a Male-Dominated Field with Deana Neely 38:54

5M ago38:54

38:54

In this episode of the Kindling Project podcast, host Melissa Halpin speaks with Deana Neely, founder and CEO of Detroit Voltage, a woman-led electrical contracting company. They discuss Deana's journey into the electrical field, the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry, and her commitment to promoting energy equity and clea…

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Helping Tackle Your Kid's Mental Health with Lisa McIntyre 37:12

5M ago37:12

37:12

In this episode of the Kindling Project Podcast, Melissa Halpin sits down with Lisa McIntyre, a therapist, school board member, and advocate for youth mental health. They discuss Lisa's journey from her upbringing in Indiana to her current role in Northville, Michigan, where she actively supports mental health initiatives in schools and the communi…

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What's a "Cleanse" and Why is Everyone Doing Them? with Rachelle Beazley 57:26

6M ago57:26

57:26

In this episode of the Kindling Project podcast, Melissa Halpin welcomes Rachelle Beazley, a wellness experience creator and founder of Aloe and Alchemy. They discuss Rachelle's journey into the wellness space, the importance of creating memorable experiences, and the connection between breath, detoxification, and emotional health. Rachelle shares …

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Episode 66: Raising Kids With Purpose. A Conversation with Adriane Thompson. 1:02:22

6M ago1:02:22

1:02:22

Adriane Thompson, founder of Raising Kids With Purpose, shares her transformative journey from controlling parenting to creating an environment that meets children's developmental needs through intentional family culture. • Shifting from viewing parenting as controlling children to understanding and meeting their developmental needs • Creating stro…

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Lessons from a Silent Retreat with Antonie Ziegler 41:35

6M ago41:35

41:35

In this conversation, Melissa Halpin and Antonia discuss the transformative power of mindfulness, personal growth, and the importance of community support. Antonia shares her experiences from a 10-day silent retreat, emphasizing the connection between emotions and physical health, and the significance of being present. They explore the role of a li…

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The First Step to Becoming a Business Woman...Dream BIG with Diamond Branner 34:29

6M ago34:29

34:29

In this episode of The Kindling Project podcast, host Melissa Halpin speaks with Diamond Branner, the founder and creative director of Bland Material. They discuss Diamond's journey from being a teacher to a fashion designer, the inspiration behind her brand, and the importance of confidence and comfort in fashion. Diamond shares her proudest momen…

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Episode 65: Know and Tell, The Power of Narration. A Conversation with Karen Glass. 54:45

6M ago54:45

54:45

Karen Glass discusses the power of narration in education, sharing her journey from homeschooling mom to Charlotte Mason education expert and author of "Know and Tell: The Art of Narration." • Narration is simply telling back what you've learned, a natural human activity we use to build relationships • Charlotte Mason's educational philosophy cente…

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The Art of Spiritual Connection with Elana Merzin 25:08

6M ago25:08

25:08

In this episode of the Kindling Project podcast, Melissa Halpin and Elana Merzin Weinstein discuss the importance of reclaiming creativity and spirituality, especially during challenging times. They explore personal transitions, the healing power of art, and the significance of building authentic communities. Elana shares her journey of reconnectin…

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Breathe, Bodywork and Beyond! with Jessica York 43:41

7M ago43:41

43:41

In this episode of the Kindling Project podcast, host Melissa Halpin speaks with Jessica York, founder of Coterie Detroit and owner of Breathe Bodywork and Beautification. They discuss the importance of community building, wellness, and self-care, particularly for women. Jessica shares her journey in the wellness industry, the holistic treatments o…

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Episode 64: Trauma-Informed Education. A Conversation with Alex Shevrin Venet. 1:05:09

7M ago1:05:09

1:05:09

Alex Shevrin Venet shares how educators can build unconditional positive regard that helps children feel valued regardless of behavior, improving their ability to regulate emotions and engage in learning. • Trauma affects behavior by triggering stress responses that appear as choices but aren't really choices • Co-regulation (calm adults helping dy…

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From Hobbyist to Business Owner: Empowering Women Through Creative Content with Dele Nguyen 1:03:32

7M ago1:03:32

1:03:32

In this episode of The Kindling Project podcast, Melissa Halpin interviews Dele Nguyen, a creative entrepreneur specializing in content creation and digital marketing. They discuss Dele's journey from being a college dropout to establishing her own agency, Nguyen Creative. The conversation delves into the challenges of client management, the import…

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Episode 63: Keeping Kids Safe Online. A Conversation with Brock Murphy. 52:02

7M ago52:02

52:02

Brock Murphy, co-founder of Parent ProTech, shares critical insights about helping families navigate the challenging digital landscape that's targeting our children. He draws on his unique background spanning government work and SpaceX to offer practical strategies for protecting kids while building healthy relationships with technology. In this ep…

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Networking vs Community vs Technology with April Clarke 48:38

7M ago48:38

48:38

In this conversation, Melissa Halpin and April Clarke explore the significance of community in personal and professional life. They discuss the importance of supportive networks, the challenges of motherhood, and the need for intentionality in building communities that foster belonging. The dialogue also touches on the impact of technology on commu…

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The Transformative Power of Travel: Taking Flight with Sanya Weston 43:01

8M ago43:01

43:01

In this engaging conversation, Melissa Halpin reconnects with Sanya Weston, founder of Young People Travel Global Edge, to discuss their journeys as entrepreneurs, the importance of mentorship, and the transformative power of travel. They explore the challenges and joys of entrepreneurship, the significance of community support, and the lessons lea…

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Episode 62: Building Thinking Classrooms. A Conversation with Peter Liljedahl. 1:04:25

8M ago1:04:25

1:04:25

Engaging students in meaningful thinking and learning is essential for effective education. We explore the principles of creating a thinking classroom with Dr. Peter Liljeddahl, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, purposeful tasks, and a supportive learning environment. What we'll cover... - Discussion of non-thinking behaviors observed in…

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Building Community Through Creativity and Inclusivity with Amanda Sweet 57:29

8M ago57:29

57:29

In this engaging conversation, Amanda Sweet, the creative fairy godmother, shares her community-building journey through her platform ReVamp, a clothing swap and creative experience. Amanda Sweet, affectionately known as the Creative Fairy Godmother, is an immersive and experiential global speaker, community leader, event curator, and fashion junki…

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Real Talk About Friendship PART 2: Boundaries and Building Better Connections 30:46

8M ago30:46

30:46

This conversation explores the emotional complexities of navigating friendships and breakups as adults. The participants share personal experiences and insights on how relationships evolve over time, the impact of social media, and the challenges of maintaining boundaries. They discuss the emotional weight of friendships, the difficulty of having t…

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Episode 61: Coaching Kids Through Anger. A Conversation with Samantha Snowden. 1:05:45

8M ago1:05:45

1:05:45

Ever feel lost when a child erupts in frustration? You’re not alone! In this episode, we dive deep into understanding childhood anger, why it happens, and—most importantly—how to guide kids toward healthy emotional regulation. Our guest, Samantha Snowden, an expert in emotional intelligence and child development, shares powerful tools for parents, …

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Real Talk About Friendship PART 1: Building Bonds and Breaking Up 30:27

8M ago30:27

30:27

This conversation explores the emotional complexities of navigating friendships and breakups as adults. The participants share personal experiences and insights on how relationships evolve over time, the impact of social media, and the challenges of maintaining boundaries. They discuss the emotional weight of friendships, the difficulty of having t…

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OG Firestarters Amy & Melissa Check-in: Amy's PhD, Being "Extra" and Looking ahead to 2025 25:51

9M ago25:51

25:51

In this episode, Amy and Melissa kick off Season 4 of the Kindling Project podcast. They discuss what they've been up to, including the growth of the Kindling Project community, their events, and Amy's pursuit of her PhD. They also talk about the importance of perseverance, setting boundaries, and embracing the extra in life and share plans for the…

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Episode 60: You Can Homeschool Your Way. A Conversation with Elan Page. 55:22

9M ago55:22

55:22

Discover how homeschooling can revolutionize your child’s education and fit seamlessly into your family’s lifestyle. This episode features Elan Page, the founder of Homeschool Our Way, who shares her inspiring journey from a lifelong learner to a trailblazer empowering families, especially families of color, to embrace homeschooling with confidence…

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OG Firestarters Amy & Melissa Check-in: TKP's Values, Feminism, Mentoring & Connection 26:07

9M ago26:07

26:07

In this conversation, Amy and Melissa discuss the importance of creating a space for women to connect and support each other. They talk about the roots of their project, TKP, and the role of mentorship and giving back. They reflect on their own experiences and the value of surrounding themselves with other women who understand and validate their jo…

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Episode 59: Executive Function Development and AI. A Conversation with Peter Fitzpatrick. 48:41

9M ago48:41

48:41

Join us as we sit down with Peter Fitzpatrick, co-founder of FawnFriends.com, to explore the creation of Willow, a robotic plushie designed to support neurodivergent children in their emotional growth. Peter shares his personal journey, from his experiences with ADHD and familial challenges to the innovative hackathon project that gave birth to Wil…

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Episode 58: The Science Behind Microschools. A Conversation with Kaity Broadbent. 1:00:22

10M ago1:00:22

1:00:22

How do we create learning environments that foster curiosity while helping kids develop real-world knowledge and skills? Since 2018, Prenda has helped open over 1,000 microschools across the US making small, effective learning environment accessible to thousands of families. Microschooling is a rapidly growing educational model, but how does it wor…

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Episode 57: AI Supported Personalized Learning. A Conversation with Dr. Kristen DiCerbo 55:53

11M ago55:53

55:53

How can technology reshape education to cater to every student’s unique learning journey? Join us as we explore this question with Dr. Kristen DiCerbo, the Chief Learning Officer at Khan Academy, who shares her transformative insights into personalized and mastery-based learning. Discover how Khan Academy's new AI tool, "Khanmigo" is revolutionizin…

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Episode 56: Strengthening Cognition Through Gaming. A Conversation with Anna Vagin 1:03:14

11M ago1:03:14

1:03:14

Discover how games can revolutionize the way we support children with social cognitive differences in our engaging conversation with Dr.Anna Vagin. Anna takes us on her journey into the world of social cognition, sharing her expertise in working with children on the autism spectrum, children with ADHD, and other communication challenges. Learn how …

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Episode 55: Building Connection at Bedtime. A Conversation with Andrew Newman 56:16

11M ago56:16

56:16

Unlock the secrets of bedtime storytelling with our special guest, Andrew Newman, an acclaimed author and founder of Conscious Stories. He sheds light on the remarkable influence of bedtime stories in nurturing the priceless bond between parents and children. Together, we explore how those precious last 20 minutes of the day can be transformed into…

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Episode 54: The Art of Problem Solving. A Conversation with Richard Rusczyk. 55:25

12M ago55:25

55:25

Ready to unlock the magic of math? 🎉 This episode features Richard Rusczyk, founder of Art of Problem Solving and Beast Academy. His journey—from an “aggressively average” high school in Alabama to Princeton—shows the magic of student empowerment through autonomy and intrinsic motivation. 🚀 We explore learning spaces where project-based learning an…

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Episode 53: Empowering Kids, Part 3. A Conversation with Prenda Guide, Tara Larsen. 40:32

1y ago40:32

40:32

Ready to dive into another amazing microschool this week? Tara Larsen from Flagstaff, Arizona, shares her journey from public school parent to Prenda guide. Tara's microschool is a shining light of joyful learning. Listeners will gain insights into how microschools maintain a learner-centered approach, allowing students to enter a flow state where …

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Episode 52: Empowering Kids, Part 2. A Conversation with Prenda Guide, Candi Lehenbauer. 40:32

1y ago40:32

40:32

Are you ready to reimagine education? Join us on this transformative episode of the Kindled podcast as we sit down with Candi Lehenbauer, Prenda guide and the driving force behind Tapestry Academy in Florida. Discover how Candi’s passion for microschooling led her to create a thriving educational environment that has evolved over the past five year…

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Episode 51: Empowering Kids, Part 1. A Conversation with Prenda Guide, Julia Rochon. 33:51

1y ago33:51

33:51

Our guest, Julia, made a bold leap from the public school system to create a transformative Prenda microschool right in her home. In this first installment of our three-part series, where we interview real microschool guides, Julia reveals the magic behind this unique educational approach. She shares her personal journey from burnout to reigniting …

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Season 1 Top 10 | #1 Embracing Individuality. A Conversation with Todd Rose. 1:15:19

1y ago1:15:19

1:15:19

It's the moment you've been waiting for all summer break... Introducing our #1 Top Season 1 episode: Embracing Individuality. A Conversation with Todd Rose. On this episode of The KindlED Podcast, Kaity and Adriane chat with Todd Rose, co-founder and CEO of Populace. They delve into the myth of the "average person" and the power of personalized lea…