The Learning Future Podcast with Louka Parry

If the goal of education is to prepare students for the future, why are we not teaching them explicitly about the future?In an age of rapid change and uncertainty, what might education look like if imagination was treated as essential as literacy or numeracy?🎙️ Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Learning Future Podcast, host Louka Parry speaks with Dr. Peter C. Bishop, executive director of Teach the Future and retired professor of strategic foresight from the University of Houston. Together, they explore why futures thinking is not only possible but essential in education. Dr. Bishop challenges conventional education models that overemphasize empirical certainty and neglect imagination, agency, and the capacity to navigate uncertainty. With stories from global classrooms and reflections on decades of foresight education, this episode is a compelling call to reimagine schooling as a place of skills-based learning, deep engagement, and preparation for an unpredictable future.👤 About Dr. Peter BishopDr. Peter C. Bishop is a leading futurist, educator, and executive director of Teach the Future, a global movement promoting futures thinking in education. He served as Associate Professor of Strategic Foresight and Director of the Graduate Program in Foresight at the University of Houston until his retirement in 2013. A passionate advocate for futures literacy, Dr. Bishop has authored key texts including Thinking About the Future and Teaching About the Future (with Andy Hines). His work focuses on helping educators and students develop the mindset and tools to navigate uncertainty, embrace imagination, and become agents of change in their own communities.

What if peaceful system transformation isn’t led from the top, but from within — through the everyday choices of those embedded in the system?In a world craving certainty, how might we learn to embrace dissonance and cracks as the starting points of meaningful change?Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Learning Future Podcast, Louka Parry speaks with renowned systems thinker and facilitator Adam Kahane, author of Everyday Habits for Transforming Systems. Drawing on more than 30 years of global experience—including his involvement in South Africa’s democratic transition—Adam explores how radical engagement and individual agency contribute to peaceful system transformation. Together, Louka and Adam unpack the hidden grammars of schooling, the pitfalls of top-down reform, and the power of everyday habits to drive sustainable change. From Leonard Cohen to the Bhagavad Gita, this conversation is a deep and practical exploration of how we might lead with love and power in a time of profound flux.About Adam KahaneAdam Kahane has more than 30 years of experience in more than 50 countries working with thousands of leaders to transform social systems at all scales (organization, city, country, globe). His work has addressed many of the most important challenges of our time, including racial oppression, violent conflict among warring groups in countries, insecurity and inequity, drug problems, social unrest, unsustainable food systems, and climate change. Kahane is a bestselling author whose five previous books each have sold between 20,000 and 100,000 copies: Solving Tough Problems, Power and Love, Transformative Scenario Planning, Collaborating with the Enemy, and Facilitating Breakthrough. He is the director of Reos Partners, an international social enterprise that helps people move forward together on their most important and intractable issues.

What are we at risk of losing in our pursuit of efficiency, innovation, and AI-driven transformation in education?Are we designing systems for resilience—or are we unintentionally reinforcing inequality through the paths of least resistance?In this insightful conversation, Louka Parry is joined by Tracey Burns—Chief of Global Strategy and Research at the National Center on Education and the Economy, former OECD leader, and international systems thinker. Speaking from Paris, Tracey draws on her global experience to explore how education systems are evolving—and what we risk losing in the process.Together they dive into the accelerating impact of AI, the legacy of the OECD’s Four Future Scenarios for Schooling, and the urgent need for wisdom, not just innovation, in navigating complexity. From learning models to system inefficiencies, Tracey unpacks why we must be more intentional in preserving what matters—especially the deeply human relationships at the heart of learning. This episode is a call to anticipate, adapt, and interrogate the uncomfortable truths shaping our futures.

What if the key to transformative leadership lies not in having answers, but in asking the right questions?How can embracing curiosity over certainty revolutionize our approach to education and organizational growth?In this episode, Jeff Wetzler delves into the transformative power of asking questions and how it can unlock hidden wisdom within organizations and educational systems. He introduces the “Ask Approach,” a five-step method designed to foster deeper understanding and innovation by tapping into the insights of those around us. Jeff shares personal anecdotes and professional experiences that highlight the importance of curiosity, psychological safety, and active listening in leadership and learning. Listeners will gain practical tools to enhance their decision-making processes, build stronger relationships, and drive meaningful change in their communities.Jeff Wetzler is an expert in learning and human potential, with over 25 years of experience spanning business and education. He is the co-founder and former co-CEO of Transcend, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming learning environments through human-centered design and innovation. Prior to Transcend, Jeff served as Chief Learning Officer at Teach For America and worked as a management consultant at Monitor Group, advising Fortune 500 companies. He holds a Doctorate in Adult Learning and Leadership from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Brown University. Jeff is also the author of Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs in Leadership and Life. Share your thoughts with us on social media or visit our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

Katrin Kaeufer, an author and educator at MIT, dives into the art of presencing—a blend of mindfulness and leadership aimed at shaping a regenerative future. She discusses the importance of reclaiming attention as a societal challenge and shares her journey embracing novicehood in teaching. The conversation shifts from ego-driven to ecosystem-focused thinking, highlighting how transformative practices can enhance education and well-being. Katrin also emphasizes cultivating curiosity, navigating the balance between technology and personal growth.

Sunanna Chand, Executive Director of the Reinvention Lab at Teach For America, dives into how AI can reshape education for the better. She discusses the importance of designing learning experiences that are human-centered and joy-filled, advocating for a shift from standardized education to personalized learning. Sunanna introduces the Future Shock program, equipping youth to strategize their own futures. She also emphasizes the need for innovative professional development for teachers, ensuring learning ecosystems remain equitable and connected.

What if we designed our education systems around relationships instead of outcomes—what would change in how we measure success?As AI rapidly integrates into learning environments, how do we safeguard and elevate the irreplaceable value of human connection in a child’s development?In this thought-provoking episode of The Learning Future Podcast, host Louka Parry is joined by Isabelle Hau, Executive Director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning and author of Love to Learn: The Transformative Power of Care and Connection in Early Education. Together, they explore why relationships must be placed at the center of learning systems—from the neuroscience of early childhood development to the role of love, play, and human connection in lifelong learning.Isabelle shares powerful insights from her research, including the impact of nurturing relationships on brain development, the hidden costs of technology-induced disconnection, and the decline of free play in childhood. They also discuss the promises and perils of AI in education—highlighting its potential to either enhance or erode our relational capacities depending on how it’s designed and used.Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or parent, this episode offers a compelling call to action: to reimagine learning as a relational, joyful, and deeply human experience.Resources mentioned:- Love to Learn by Isabelle Hau- Research on the Romanian orphanages and brain development- The Stanford study on AI companionship- Tool for Observing Play Outdoors (TOPO)Tune in to be inspired, challenged, and reminded why love truly is at the heart of learning.Share your thoughts with us on social media or visit our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

Marc Brackett, the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author of 'Permission to Feel,' discusses the vital role of emotional intelligence in education and beyond. He reveals how emotions are essential for navigating life, especially during crises like the pandemic. Marc introduces the RULER framework, advocating for systemic changes in schools to prioritize emotional skills. He also highlights the impact of technology on emotional health and the importance of compassionate relationships in fostering resilience.

How can educators and designers cultivate learning experiences that prepare us for a future that is constantly unfolding?In a world where the pace of technological change accelerates, what roles do emotion and creativity play in shaping our educational paradigms?Carissa Carter is a designer geoscientist and the Academic Director at the Stanford D School. Carissa guides the development of the D School’s pedagogy, leads instructors, and shapes its class offerings. She is known for her expertise in emerging tech, climate change, and data visualization and has played a pivotal role in the creation of educational resources that blend design with real-world applications.Scott Dawley is a writer, designer, and the Creative Director at the Stanford D School. Scott has been instrumental in overseeing projects ranging from books to digital products focused on the future of learning and design. He co-authored “Make Space: How to Set the Stage for Creative Collaboration” and has taught numerous courses in design communication.In this episode, we delve into the heart of speculative design and its implications for education and future thinking. Carissa and Scott, co-authors of the influential book “Assembling Tomorrow,” discuss their journey of writing and their experiences at the Stanford D School. They explore how speculative design can act as a powerful tool in educational settings, allowing both educators and students to experiment with future scenarios in safe and meaningful ways.Listeners will gain insights into the process of creating a book that not only discusses future possibilities but also actively engages with these ideas through a series of speculative fiction stories. The discussion also touches on the role of emotion and creativity in shaping learning experiences that are not only informative but transformative.This conversation is not just about the theories of future learning but a profound look at how these ideas are practically applied and continuously evolved to meet the ever-changing demands of society and technology.Get in touch at hello@thelearningfuture.com; and find the transcript at our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

How can educators balance the need for structure in the classroom with the importance of fostering student agency and creativity?In what ways can design thinking be leveraged to challenge and dismantle oppressive systems within our education systems?Dr. Lesley-Ann Noel is an esteemed educator and designer known for her work on equity, social justice, and the inclusion of underrepresented voices in design education. Currently transitioning to OCAD University in Toronto, she previously served as a professor at North Carolina State University and held leadership roles at Tulane University and Stanford's d.school. Dr. Noel's work is deeply influenced by Paulo Freire and bell hooks, focusing on how design can be a tool for liberation and social change.In this episode, Louka Parry and Dr. Lesley-Ann Noel dive deep into the transformative power of design education. Dr. Noel discusses her journey from Trinidad and Tobago to Brazil, the U.S., and now Canada, and how these experiences have shaped her views on education, equity, and design. They explore the importance of agency in both students and educators, the role of emotional intelligence in design, and the critical need for education systems to support diverse identities and perspectives.Listeners will gain insights into how to challenge the status quo in education, the significance of cultivating emotional and social awareness in design, and practical approaches to fostering more inclusive and equitable learning environments. Dr. Noel’s reflections on her own positionality and how it informs her work provide a powerful reminder of the importance of self-awareness in creating meaningful change.Get in touch at hello@thelearningfuture.com; and find the transcript at our website www.thelearningfuture.com.