This week on Sweat the Technique, Doug sits down with Ashley Rogers Berner, author of Educational Pluralism and Democracy: How to Handle Indoctrination, Promote Exposure, and Rebuild America’s Schools.Berner, who has studied school systems around the world, describes how ‘pluralism’--multiple pathways within a system of publicly supported schools–is the norm among democracies. Pluralism allows families to choose schools that align to their values and beliefs but also ensure consistent outcomes necessary to sustaining democracy. She proposes a reimagining of both the structure and content of the US public school systems to educate the citizens of tomorrow.

Kinyette Henderson, a former student of Ryan Hill at KIPP Team Academy, is now an English teacher and co-director of diversity and inclusion at the Hotchkiss School. She reflects on her transformative school experiences, discussing how early lessons shaped her success. The conversation touches on the importance of maintaining discipline and evolving educational practices. Kinyette also emphasizes balancing structure with student autonomy, highlighting how these influences affect her teaching methods today.

Scott Young, an author known for his expertise in mastering skills and personal development, shares valuable insights on personal growth and learning. He discusses the balance between ambitions and realities, highlighting how to align personal goals with the demands of everyday life. Scott also tackles the myth of learning styles, emphasizing a more universal approach to education. The importance of variability in practice is explored, alongside strategies for overcoming fear through exposure, paving the way toward mastery and confidence.

This week on Sweat the Technique, Stacey sits down with Mike Erwin, CEO of the Character & Leadership Center, Director of Team Red White and Blue, and co- author of Leadership is a Relationship: How to Put People First in the Digital World.Mike and his book offer concrete strategies for combating the depersonalization of the Information Age and strengthening our connections with other people.

Blouke Carus, a seasoned leader and Chairman Emeritus of the Carus Corporation, shares invaluable lessons from his 96 years of life. He discusses the crucial need for educational reform and empowering teachers for transformative change. Blouke emphasizes the significance of meaningful life choices, particularly in marriage. His insights on embracing differences and promoting lifelong learning highlight the benefits of healthy lifestyle choices. He also reflects on how classic mythology can enhance cognitive growth in children, blending wisdom with personal anecdotes.

This week on Sweat the Technique, Ryan sits down with Jeff Wetzler, author of Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs In Leadership and Life.Jeff offers effective ways to find out what others really think, know, and feel - leading to smarter decisions, more creative solutions, and deeper relationships.

Passport Cutty, author of 'Mending Me', discusses self-improvement, Dr. Chan's impact, empathy, setting boundaries, and self-care. She emphasizes reflecting on feedback, facing discomfort, and making tough decisions for personal growth.

Greg Ashman, author of A Little Guide for Teachers, discusses Cognitive Load Theory, optimizing memory, and the importance of finding the right balance of challenge in learning to enhance memory encoding, minimize cognitive load, and tailor teaching methods to diverse learner levels.

Educators Amy Forrester and Adam Boxer discuss challenges in English education, comparing coastal regions to affluent areas like London. They talk about curriculum choices at age 14, examination structure, English literature in the UK vs. US, and solutions for optimizing learning outcomes. Importance of inclusive practices and teacher training stakeholders in evolving English education.

Author Robert Pondiscio discusses school choice and parent-school dynamics, highlighting Success Academy's success with low-income families. The podcast explores the evolution of parent choice in education and challenges in public schooling, emphasizing the role of motivated students and parental involvement.