The OpenEd Podcast

A public school principal turned unschool dad shows parents how to stop chasing perfect transcripts and start raising confident problem-solvers.Inside This Episode:- Why a principal walked away from the FBI to build schools families actually choose- The Hoffman family playbook for raising self-directed kids without rigid plans- How BYU Independent Study helps parents customize learning without losing structureResources Mentioned:- Dave Hoffman — BYU Independent Study: [https://is.byu.edu](https://is.byu.edu/)Chapters:(00:00) - From FBI Dreams to Classroom Mission(01:45) - Why Teaching Felt Like Getting Paid to Play(03:40) - Charter School Experiments That Sparked Educational Choice(05:45) - When Kindergarten Changed Their Daughter Overnight(08:20) - Running Schools While Unschooling at Home(10:50) - The Soap Opera of Being a School Administrator(16:30) - How School Choice Forces Every Campus to Improve(24:40) - Designing a Patchwork Education Across States(33:30) - Raising Fearless, Self-Directed Kids Without College(38:05) - Saying Yes: Bucking Policy to Help Families(41:10) - Final Advice for Parents Trusting Their GutWant even more? Sign up for the OpenEd Daily newsletter at https://opened.co for practical tips and insights about more open and innovative approaches to education.Subscribe:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-opened-podcast/id1760216903https://open.spotify.com/show/6Kf7SZ8XASA6tSqMEuHmVCFollow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/openedHQhttps://www.facebook.com/openedhqhttps://x.com/OpenEdHQhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/openedhq/

Your kid isn't "addicted" to screens by accident. Their devices were engineered using the same psychological tricks as Vegas slot machines—and it's doing real damage to their nervous system.Anjan Katta then spent 6 years solving what experts said was impossible: making a device—the Daylight Computer—that doesn't destroy your health. In this conversation, we break down exactly how modern screens dysregulate kids (hint: it's not just "blue light"), why the education technology we're giving our children might be making them worse at learning, and what the alternative actually looks like.Key Insights:The 5 mechanisms screens use to hijack your nervous system (the Vegas casino effect)Why "screen apnea" is making your kid anxious (and you probably have it too)How reading more on screens can actually mean learning lessThe "least computer possible" philosophy for familiesWhy naive outsiders solve impossible problems (and what that means for parents redesigning education)About Anjan Katta:Founder of Daylight Computer, creator of the first fast E-Ink screen that can replace traditional laptops and tablets. Resources:Daylight Computer: https://daylightcomputer.comDaylight Kids: https://kids.daylightcomputer.com/(00:35) - Why Anjan Got Into Education: The ADHD Medication Story(04:49) - The Fraud of Digital Learning: Reading More, Remembering Nothing(06:33) - Five Ways Screens Dysregulate Your Nervous System(09:42) - Screen Apnea: How Computers Literally Steal Your Breath(12:25) - The Six-Year Journey to Crack the "Impossible" Problem(16:24) - Why Being an Outsider Was Anjan's Superpower(20:32) - The Hero's Journey of Innovation: Faith Before Evidence(24:56) - Daylight Kids: The "Least Computer Possible" Philosophy(28:00) - The Future of Computing: Magical Surfaces That Disappear(30:15) - The Walkie-Talkie Button: Voice-Driven Lean-Back Computing(32:40) - The Guilt-Free iPad: Unlimited Screen Time That's Healthy

Middle school isn't just awkward years to survive—it's when your child's brain is most ready to discover their future. Jean Eddy, CEO of American Student Assistance (ASA), reveals why ages 11-14 are critical for career exploration and how parents are missing this golden window.Jean has spent over 30 years in education, transforming ASA from a college financing organization into a pioneering force for early career exploration. She believes that when kids explore their interests early—without pressure, with genuine fun—they develop the confidence and direction that leads to fulfilling careers. In this conversation, she shares why middle school brains are uniquely primed for learning, how to break free from the "college for all" trap, and what conversations actually matter at the dinner table.ASA Website & Free Career Tools: https://www.asa.org/Jean'sBook - Crisis-Proofing Today's Learners: https://www.asa.org/jean-eddys-book/Futurescape CareerAssessment for Kids: https://www.asa.org/Jean Eddy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-eddy-6584786/Chapters: (00:00) - The Mistake Every Parent Makes(02:38) - Why Girls Quit Math and Science(10:53) - Plumbers Know More Than You Think(12:44) - School Should Be Fun (Here's Why)(17:32) - The Middle School Brain Discovery(20:07) - From Boredom to NASA Dreams(28:36) - Breaking the College-For-All Myth(36:14) - Let Them Explore Without Pressure(42:28) - What Conversations Actually Matter(48:53) - Your Kid Is Worth The MessEvery child needs time to explore what fascinates them—without judgment, without pressure, just genuine curiosity. Sometimes the best education happens when we stop forcing and start following.Want even more? Sign up for the OpenEd Daily newsletter at https://opened.co for practical tips and insights about more open and innovative approaches to education.Subscribe:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-opened-podcast/id1760216903https://open.spotify.com/show/6Kf7SZ8XASA6tSqMEuHmVCFollow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/openedHQhttps://www.facebook.com/openedhqhttps://x.com/OpenEdHQhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/openedhq/

Janae Daniels, a former public school teacher who was once firmly against homeschooling, shares the incredible story of how a divine prompting and a disastrous first day led her to completely rethink education. She explains why the parent-child relationship must come before academics, how boredom can unlock a child's genius, and what it really takes to homeschool teenagers successfully.This episode is a must-listen for any parent who feels called to a different path but is terrified of messing it up. Janae’s story is a powerful reminder that the most profound learning often happens when our perfect plans fall apart.In This Episode, We Discuss:00:52 - From Public School Teacher to Homeschool Convert03:14 - The Divine Intervention to Homeschool08:10 - Discovering Attachment Psychology & Why It Matters13:20 - The Intentional Separation of Kids from Parents in Public School17:11 - The Line-Dancing Epiphany: What Parent-Oriented Teens Look Like21:18 - The First Day of Homeschool Was a Disaster27:57 - The Diary of Anne Frank: When Learning Becomes Real31:40 - Hacking High School: How Her Kids Thrived Without the Traditional Path43:44 - The Unspoken Gift of Boredom50:25 - How Homeschooling Transformed Their Family Culture01:01:11 - Rapid Fire: Best Resources & Advice for Homeschooling TeensResources Mentioned:Hold On to Your Kids by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Maté: https://www.amazon.com/Hold-Your-Kids-Parents-Matter/dp/0375760288Janae's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/SchoolToHomeschoolWant even more? Sign up for the OpenEd Daily newsletter at https://opened.co for practical tips and insights about more open and innovative approaches to education.Subscribe:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-opened-podcast/id1760216903https://open.spotify.com/show/6Kf7SZ8XASA6tSqMEuHmVCFollow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/openedHQhttps://www.facebook.com/openedhqhttps://x.com/OpenEdHQhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/openedhq/

Two Hollywood veterans with credits including Saving Private Ryan and The Sandlot built a virtual backlot where students audition for real productions. After 25 years, their students are on Broadway, working with Spielberg, and selling scripts for six figures—all without traditional film school.🎬 Sneak on the Lot: https://sneakonthelot.comTimestamps(00:00) Cold Open: The Goth Kid Who Became Hollywood Success(01:00) Meet the Hollywood Veterans Behind Sneak on the Lot(08:00) Why Film Sets Don’t Have to Be Stressful(11:00) The Philosophy: Lifting People Up(15:00) Building the Virtual Backlot(19:00) How Real Casting Happens Through a Game(22:00) Connecting Students with Industry Professionals(26:00) The Columbine Origin Story(29:00) Why Every Classroom Fits in Filmmaking(35:00) Film as Universal Opportunity(39:00) Success Stories: From Broadway to Spielberg(41:00) The Goth Kid’s Transformation Story(45:00) Future Plans: Hiring Students for Real ProductionsAbout Our Guests: • Darrin “Fletch” Fletcher — Storyboard artist (The Sandlot, multiple studio films) turned producer/director at Angel Studios • Chet Thomas — Former DreamWorks executive (Saving Private Ryan, Meet the Parents, Minority Report) and producer of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Discover how two innovative teachers transformed their approach by letting kids play for three hours daily. This radical shift fosters essential skills for future success while challenging the conventional education system. Learn about the four types of play that emerge in unstructured environments and the time it takes to 'unlearn' traditional schooling. Get practical tips for building play stamina and why less structured teaching might actually lead to better outcomes. Dive into this refreshing take on education and child development!

Are you trying to manage every detail of your child's education like a CEO? Or are you cultivating growth like a gardener? Isaac Morehouse, Matt Bowman, and Janae Daniels reveal why the difference matters—and why one approach actually works.What You'll Learn:- Why boredom is the missing ingredient in modern education- The sticky note exercise that reveals what your child actually needs- How a piano tuner accidentally taught the perfect homeschool lesson- Why structure changes completely between ages 10-14Resources:- Open Education Book: opened.co/book- Free Toolkit (13 pages): opened.co/book- School to Homeschool Podcast: schooltohomeschool.comChapters:(00:00) - CEO vs. Gardener: Which Parent Are You?(03:15) - Stop Comparing Yourself to Other Homeschool Families(08:42) - The Sticky Note Exercise for Finding Interests(14:30) - Should Siblings Have the Same Schedule?(18:45) - Why Ages 10-14 Need Different Structure(23:00) - The Piano Tuner Story That Changed Everything(28:15) - When Kids Need More Structure vs. More Freedom(34:40) - How to Know If You're Overscheduling(39:20) - Connecting Interests to Real Community Needs(44:55) - Working Full-Time While Homeschooling(49:30) - Getting Teens on Better Sleep Schedules(54:10) - Natural Consequences vs. House RulesWant even more? Sign up for the OpenEd Daily newsletter at https://opened.co for practical tips and insights about more open and innovative approaches to education.Subscribe:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-opened-podcast/id1760216903https://open.spotify.com/show/6Kf7SZ8XASA6tSqMEuHmVCFollow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/openedHQhttps://www.facebook.com/openedhqhttps://x.com/OpenEdHQhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/openedhq/

Education advocate Corey DeAngelis (@coreyadeAngelis) explains how this one simple change could transform American education and why the school choice movement is winning faster than ever before.- How the pandemic accidentally created an education revolution- Why 17 states now have universal school choice (up from just 1 five years ago)- The "unbundling" of education and what it means for your child's future- Why parents don't need "experts" to make good educational choicesCorey's Book: [The Parent Revolution](https://www.amazon.com/Parent-Revolution-Reclaiming-Education-Children/dp/1637586906/)Corey on Twitter: [@DeAngelisCorey](https://twitter.com/DeAngelisCorey)American Federation for Children: [federationforchildren.org](https://www.federationforchildren.org/)OpenEd: [opened.org](https://www.opened.org/)Key Chapters:00:00 Introduction02:15 What is the Parent Revolution?05:30 "One Size Fits None" - The Problem with Traditional Education08:45 How Florida Families Mix and Match Education11:30 The Future of Hybrid Learning14:20 How Kids Really Learn (Hint: Not in Classrooms)17:10 Teachers Finding Freedom Through Micro Schools20:45 Chicago's 0% Math Proficiency Crisis23:30 "Parents Know Best" - Who Should Decide?28:15 What Parents Can Do TODAY32:40 You're Already Your Child's Best Teacher35:20 The Path Forward for Educational Freedom#EducationalFreedom #ParentChoice #SchoolChoice #Homeschooling #MicroSchools #PersonalizedLearning #ParentRevolution #OpenEducation #EducationReform #FundFamiliesNotSystemsWant even more? Sign up for the OpenEd Daily newsletter at https://opened.co for practical tips and insights about more open and innovative approaches to education.Subscribe:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-opened-podcast/id1760216903https://open.spotify.com/show/6Kf7SZ8XASA6tSqMEuHmVCFollow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/openedHQhttps://www.facebook.com/openedhqhttps://x.com/OpenEdHQhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/openedhq/

Is the modern education system designed to miss true genius? According to Michael Gibson, co-founder of the 1517 Fund, the answer is a resounding yes. In this provocative episode, Michael dismantles the myth of standardized intelligence by revealing the story of a famous 20th-century "genius study" that famously excluded two future Nobel Prize winners because their IQ scores weren't high enough.Michael Gibson is the co-founder and General Partner at [1517 Fund](https://www.1517fund.com/), a venture capital firm that invests in teams led by young founders who have dropped out of college or are just starting their careers. He is the co-author of Paper Belt on Fire and a leading voice in the movement for educational freedom and alternative paths to success.He argues that our schools, obsessed with test scores and compliance, have become elaborate filtering mechanisms for good employees, not for the creative and rebellious minds who build the future. We explore why the "safe" path of an elite degree might be the riskiest choice for your child, how building things in the real world is the ultimate education, and why we must "rewild the American child" by giving them the freedom to fail, explore, and discover their own capabilities outside the classroom walls.Timestamped Outline00:11 - Why Creativity is Perishable, Like an Athletic Prime04:07 - Defining Creativity: Creating Original and Valuable New Things04:57 - The Biology of Creativity: Fluid vs. Crystallized Intelligence07:21 - The Genius Study that Excluded Two Nobel Prize Winners10:15 - How Silicon Valley Was Born from the "Traitorous Eight"12:33 - Peter Thiel's Framework: Intensive vs. Extensive Progress (Zero to One)20:22 - The Unsolvable Problem Solved by Mistake24:13 - How Elite College Admissions Homogenize Thinking37:14 - Startups as a Project of Self-Knowledge43:24 - Why We Need to Rewild the American ChildKey Takeaways- The System Filters for the Wrong People: Our modern "genius" filters (IQ, SATs, admissions) are designed to find good employees, not creators. They systematically reject the very people who build the future.- Creativity is Perishable: Like an athletic prime, our most creative years are finite. The current system of delaying real-world experience until after college may be extinguishing our most innovative sparks before they can catch fire.- Playing it Safe is the Most Dangerous Path: The "safe" path of elite institutions creates brittle, dependent adults. The truly safe path is learning to handle risk and ambiguity, which can only be done outside the classroom.- Building is the Ultimate Education: A startup isn't a career path; it's a compressed, high-stakes education in reality. It teaches more about yourself and the world in one year than a decade of schooling.- We Must Rewild the American Child: The modern obsession with safety and supervision is crippling our children. The solution is to let them go, let them fail, and let them discover their own capabilities without constant adult intervention.Want even more? Sign up for the OpenEd Daily newsletter at https://opened.co for practical tips and insights about more open and innovative approaches to education.Subscribe:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-opened-podcast/id1760216903https://open.spotify.com/show/6Kf7SZ8XASA6tSqMEuHmVCFollow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/openedHQhttps://www.facebook.com/openedhqhttps://x.com/OpenEdHQhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/openedhq/

No degree? No problem. In this episode, Isaac sits down with 18-year-old Kade Hinkle, who landed a full-time job in B2B SaaS sales before he even graduated high school. Kade breaks down the exact, replicable process he used to go from running a local landscaping business to getting hired in a competitive industry that most college grads are fighting to get into.This isn't a story about genius or prodigy—it's a masterclass in modern career-launching. You'll learn how to leverage platforms like LinkedIn, why learning industry lingo is a superpower, and how a simple, authentic post can land you an inbound job offer. If you're a parent worried about your teen's future or a young person trying to find your path, this episode is your blueprint.Timestamps(00:24) The Myth of the Child Prodigy: Why Kade's story is attainable for anyone.(02:36) The Spark: How a hot summer doing landscaping led to a career in tech.(03:00) The LinkedIn Strategy: How to find the right people and make connections that matter.(05:53) The Outreach Method: Kade's script for connecting with top industry voices (and getting them to reply).(08:19) The Right Questions: How to figure out what you don't know and get the answers you need.(09:13) Learning the Lingo: Why understanding industry abbreviations (like B2B and SaaS) is a critical first step.(11:18) The Power of a Pain Point: How knowing what you don't want to do can be your best career guide.(17:10) The Viral Post: Deconstructing the LinkedIn post that got Kade hired in two weeks.(19:51) The Interview Process: From mock calls to a final offer, how Kade proved his skills without a resume.(22:15) Kade's Advice for Teens: How to start working, find your path, and use your age as an advantage.(24:15) The Diploma Question: Why the best companies care more about ambition than your GPA.Connect with Kade Hinkle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kade-hinkle/Want even more? Sign up for the OpenEd Daily newsletter at https://opened.co for practical tips and insights about more open and innovative approaches to education.Subscribe:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-opened-podcast/id1760216903https://open.spotify.com/show/6Kf7SZ8XASA6tSqMEuHmVCFollow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/openedHQhttps://www.facebook.com/openedhqhttps://x.com/OpenEdHQhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/openedhq/