

Trending In Ed with Mike Palmer
Palmer Media
At the intersection of learning, media, and the future of work, join us each week as we sense and discover where the future of education is heading. Join host Mike Palmer, the Founder of Palmer Media, as he engages with thought leaders, pioneers, and entrepreneurs exploring the cutting edge of learning in these tumultuous times.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 3, 2025 • 33min
Erin Mote, CEO of InnovateEDU, On AI and the Future of Education
Erin Mote, CEO of InnovateEDU, joins Mike Palmer to discuss the future of education and the role of AI in shaping learning. Erin shares her insights on the importance of AI literacy, the need for ethical AI development, and the challenges and opportunities facing education in the age of AI. She emphasizes the importance of preparing students for a rapidly changing world and highlights the need for collaboration between K-12, higher education, and the workforce. Key Takeaways:
AI is transforming the education landscape. Educators need to embrace AI and prepare students for an AI-powered world.
AI literacy is essential for all students. Schools need to incorporate AI education into their curricula to ensure students have the skills and knowledge to navigate an AI-driven society.
Ethical considerations are paramount in AI development. Educators, policymakers, and developers need to work together to ensure AI is used responsibly and ethically in education.
Collaboration is key to success. K-12, higher education, and the workforce need to collaborate to ensure students are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
The future of education is hopeful. Despite the challenges, there are many reasons to be optimistic about the future of education.
Call to Action:
Educators: Explore ways to integrate AI education into your classroom.
Parents: Talk to your children about AI and its impact on their lives.
Policymakers: Support policies that promote ethical AI development and use in education.
Everyone: Stay informed about the latest developments in AI and its implications for education.
Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts to support the show and keep up with amazing conversations like this one. Check out video versions of episodes on Youtube and Spotify.

Jan 27, 2025 • 35min
Who Needs College Anymore? with Author Kathleen deLaski
Kathleen deLaski, author of Who Needs College Anymore? Imagining a Future Where Degrees Won't Matter joins host Mike Palmer for a candid conversation about the future of higher education. With rising college costs and a shifting job market, many are questioning the value of a traditional college degree. We dig into it with Kathleen who brings her unique blend of experience at the Education Design Lab and beyond to bear on the conversation. Here's the link to her previous appearance on Trending in Ed. In this episode, we explore:
The factors driving the shift away from traditional higher education.
The rise of alternative pathways to success, such as apprenticeships and skills-based learning programs.
The growing role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of work and education.
Practical advice for parents and students navigating a changing educational landscape.
Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges the status quo and offers a glimpse into the future of learning and work. Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts. Video versions now available on Youtube and Spotify.

Dec 12, 2024 • 1min
Trending in Ed Podcast Trailer
Learn about Trending in Ed with Mike Palmer. The industry-leading education podcast that keeps up with the latest trends impacting the future of learning. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more.

Dec 12, 2024 • 35min
The Future of Making Things, Leadership, and Higher Ed with Sanjit Sethi
In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer interviews Sanjit Sethi, the President of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD). Sanjit shares insights from his journey from ceramics to college presidency, emphasizing the importance of creativity and community in leadership. The conversation covers challenges faced during the pandemic and social unrest, the significance of mentorship, diversity, and equity, as well as the impact of AI on creative practice. Sanjit highlights the need for fearless listening and collaborative leadership to navigate the complex educational landscape. He concludes making likening transformational leadership to the expeditionary behavior of NASA astronauts.Don't miss this deep dive with a leader in creative leadership in higher ed.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more. Video episodes now available on Youtube and Spotify.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:43 Sanjit Sethi's Journey to MCAD02:11 The Role of Creativity in Leadership05:32 Navigating Challenges in Higher Education14:05 Diversity and Leadership in the Wake of George Floyd24:17 The Impact of AI on Creative Education31:34 Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook

Dec 9, 2024 • 35min
The Future of AI, EdTech, and Philanthropy with Kumar Garg
In this episode of Trending in Education, Kumar Garg, President of Renaissance Philanthropy, rejoins host Mike Palmer for his second appearance after first appearing in the Spring of 2021. The conversation delves into Garg’s evolution from Schmidt Futures to launching Renaissance Philanthropy, and their work at the intersection of AI and learning science. We discuss the historical underfunding of education R&D compared to other sectors and explore the immense potential of AI in transforming learning experiences. The conversation covers the Learning Engineering Virtual Institute, the importance of interdisciplinary expertise, recent research with the Walton Family Foundation, and future ambitions for integrating cutting-edge technology into education. We also reference Renaissance's Pattern Language for High Impact Philanthropic Giving.Subscribe where you get your podcasts. Video versions now available on Youtube and Spotify.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:38 Kumar Garg's Journey and Renaissance Philanthropy02:39 The Intersection of AI and Learning Science05:45 Building "Bilingual" Teams for Educational Innovation06:55 Renaissance's Bold Goals and Partnerships08:44 Recent Initiatives and Future Directions13:09 Challenges and Opportunities in AI for Education27:34 The Importance of Trust and Equity in Educational Technology33:22 Conclusion and Call to Action

Dec 5, 2024 • 20min
The Smart University and Student Surveillance with Dr. Lindsay Weinberg
In this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer interviews Dr. Lindsay Weinberg, a professor at Purdue University and author of Smart University: Student Surveillance in the Digital Age. We discuss Lindsay's professional journey and the origins of her book, which critically examines the emergence of surveillance technologies in higher education. The conversation highlights issues of data privacy, discrimination, and the implications of these technologies on faculty and student rights. Dr. Weinberg advocates for democratized decision-making in adopting educational technologies and encourages collective resistance to harmful tech practices. The episode closes with insights into the future of higher education and the importance of preparing leaders who can navigate these challenges.Subscribe wherever you get your pods. Share and review us to spread the good word about work like Lindsay's. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:54 Lindsay Weinberg's Professional Journey02:55 The Smart University: Book Overview05:48 Critical Perspectives on EdTech09:24 Ethics and Resistance in Higher Education14:47 Future of Higher Education and Policy18:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Dec 2, 2024 • 36min
Reimagining Youth Mental Health with Celine Coggins
In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer welcomes back Celine Coggins, CEO of The Goodness Web. We discuss Celine's extensive background in public education and her transition to her current role focused on youth mental health. The conversation touches on the underfunding of youth mental health, the rise of mental health concerns post-pandemic, and the impact of social media on young people's mental health. Celine shares insights on the initiatives of The Goodness Web, which includes prevention and early intervention strategies, policy advocacy, and improving access to mental health care. We also explore the future of work and education, emphasizing the importance of building emotional resilience and productive struggle. Finally, Celine and Mike consider the complex interplay between technology, policy, and mental health, underscoring a collective responsibility to address these critical issues.Subscribe to make sure you never miss an episode. Video versions are available on Youtube and Spotify.TIME STAMPS:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back01:02 Celine Coggins' Background and The Goodness Web02:43 Youth Mental Health Crisis and Social Media Impact04:16 Generational Perspectives and Mental Health07:55 Challenges and Solutions in Youth Mental Health14:20 Educational Models and Mental Health Support21:50 Parental Guidance and Community Building31:30 Technology, AI, and Mental Health34:46 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Nov 25, 2024 • 35min
Transforming Professional Learning for Educators with Matthew Kennard
In this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer speaks with Matthew Kennard, CEO of BetterLesson, about the complexities and importance of professional development for teachers. With a career transition from investment banking to edtech, Kennard shares his insights on the evolving landscape of K-12 education. They discuss the traditional and future models of professional learning, emphasizing job-embedded support, continuous improvement, and career pathways for educators. Kennard underscores the crucial role of effective professional development in achieving optimal student outcomes, teacher retention, and overall systemic improvement in education.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:39 Matt Kennard's Professional Journey02:53 Challenges in K-12 Professional Learning06:15 The Importance of Continuous Improvement10:00 Rethinking Professional Development17:44 The Role of Technology in Education28:20 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Nov 21, 2024 • 41min
The New College President with Authors Dr. Eileen Wilson-Oyelaran and Dr. Terrence MacTaggart
In this episode of Trending in Education, we talk with Dr. Eileen Wilson-Oyelaran and Dr. Terrence J. MacTaggart, co-authors of 'The New College President: How a Generation of Diverse Leaders is Changing Higher Education.' We delve into their respective backgrounds, the challenges faced by college presidents today, and the importance of diversity and resilience in leadership. Eileen and Terry share insights from their extensive research, including seven compelling case studies of university leaders who have thrived amidst adversity. We also discuss the future of higher education, the importance of mission-driven leadership, and how to identify and support potential candidates from diverse backgrounds.Don't miss this surprising deep-dive into what it takes to thrive in higher ed leadership in challenging times.Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more.

Nov 18, 2024 • 43min
Thriving on Disruption with Roger Spitz
Roger Spitz is the Author of the new book Disrupt with Impact. He's also the President of Techistential and the Chairman of Disruptive Futures Institute. This is a bonus episode from when Mike first interviewed him about The Definitive Guide to Thriving on Disruption which he coauthored. We look forward to having Roger back on to talk about his new book, Disrupt with Impact, soon.We begin by hearing Roger's origins in investment banking and M&A before shifting to his focus to futures thinking and the Disruptive Futures Institute. In a wide-ranging conversation that explores concepts and frameworks from the Guide, we learn what it takes to excel in a world of continuous disruption. We explore what we can learn from antifragility, Zen Buddhism, and existential philosophy to equip ourselves with the tools and mindsets essential to thriving in the new state of play. We hear how agency is key to navigating emerging complexity. We touch on the importance of humor, dig into the case study of Israel, and conclude with Roger's takes on the role of education in the emerging zeitgeist. It's a provocative exploration of the transformative work coming out of the Disruptive Futures Institute. Don't miss it!Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of education.


