This week on Sweat the Technique, Doug sits down with two innovators in the world of youth soccer to discuss what it takes to turn promising young athletes into world-class champions. Matt Lawrey is the director at Atlanta United Youth Academy, and Steve Covino is the school’s under seventeen head coach. 

Ravi interviews Edward Tian, a recent Princeton graduate and brilliant young creator of GPT Zero: one of the web’s foremost AI detection tools. They discuss the technology, ethics and implications of AI as it pertains not only to education - but to law, business, journalism, and beyond.

Melinda Wenner Moyer, author and contributing editor at Scientific American, shares her insights on raising empathetic kids. She discusses the importance of validating emotions to foster emotional intelligence and the balance between parental involvement and independence. Moyer emphasizes teaching children to navigate modern relationship challenges, including cyberbullying. Additionally, she addresses the need for conversations about race with kids, advocating for open discussions to combat stereotypes and enhance understanding.

The Branch Media brings you a special presentation of The Citizen Stewart Show - a podcast about education in America. This week, host Chris “Citizen” Stewart interviewed two of his favorite education luminaries.First up: President Obama’s Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan:Five Ways We Can Put Aside Partisan Politics And Think Big On Education (Washington Times, 10/18/21)Study Shows Parents Overestimate Their Student’s Academic Progress (PBS, 4/16/23)We Know How To Prevent Gun Violence. Now We Need To Scale It. (Stanford Social Innovation Review, 7/14/22)Next: Stacey Shells Harvey from The Branch’s Sweat the Technique podcast:New Bill Would Eliminate Retention Under Ohio’s Third Grade Reading Guarantee (Ohio Capital Journal, 3/22/23)Third Grade Retention - What Does The Research Say About Retaining Students In Third Grade For Not Being Able To Read At Grade Level? (Regional Education Laboratory Program, 10/1/19)

Ravi sits down with Jessica Lahey, author of The GIft of Failure for an illuminating conversation about parenting. From homework to report cards, social dynamics, and sports - Jessica’s advice will help parents step back and embrace their children’s setbacks along with their successes.

Ravi interviews co-host Ryan Hill about his experience as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of KIPP New Jersey and Miami. Ryan shares how the organization went from one school in New Jersey in 2002, where he was the founding principal, to 23 schools in New Jersey and Florida that now serve nearly 10,000 students. Ravi and Ryan discuss what they've learned from running schools, how leaders can build systems that support structure and creativity, and why a strong culture is critical to successful schools and organizations.

Doug sits down with two coaches who use video to elevate the performance of their athletes.  Luke Gromer is the host of The Cutting Edge Coaching Podcast as well as a teacher and coach, working primarily with young athletes. And Darren Lewis is the director of Codex Analysis, and has worked primarily with professional rugby players.

Scott Young, author of Ultralearning, discusses how to master hard skills quickly. Topics include learning computer science outside of school, finding time for learning while parenting, the importance of directness in learning, the strengths and weaknesses of apprenticeship, effective learning strategies like project-based learning and deliberate practice, and the importance of constant learning in the changing landscape.

Doug interviews Dr. Ilya V. Buynevich, Professor of Geology at Temple University. Ilya grew up in Soviet-era Ukraine and harbors an informed skepticism about his students’ enthusiasm for certain aspects of socialism.Take a listen for his thoughts on the benefits of meritocracy in education, and read more in his piece here.

Ryan sits down with Christine Choi, a founding member of Teach for America, former Head of Communications for Virgin Galactic, and current partner at M13.Christine is a life-long learner with vast experience across an array of startups and global brands. She offers lessons on how to build teams, manage crises and make big moves - all while staying humble, kind and community-focused.