Podcast
Education Evolved
Hosted by Laura Leathers · EN
Education Evolved is a monthly podcast series exploring the future of education, what it should become, and how we make it happen.
Join hosts Laura Day and Dr. Laura Leathers as they dive into thoughtful, forward-looking conversations about how education must evolve to stay relevant in a rapidly changing, complex, and connected world.
Together, they explore key questions, including:
- Where is the world going?
- What should our children be learning at school?
- What does future-ready learning look like in practice?
Each episode provides insights into what students, schools, families, and leaders can, and should, do now to shape the future for the next generation. New episodes every month.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep 10: The Case for Optimism: What Schools, Parents, and Students Need Now
Apr 800:31:01Tap to summarizeIn a world filled with uncertainty, how do we cultivate genuine optimism when the future feels unclear? From political division and distrust of social media to groundbreaking research and a $4 million global initiative, we explore what hope actually looks like in schools, classrooms, and homes today.Join us for a conversation that highlights:Why optimism is not just a mindset but a skill worth building in young peopleHow educators and parents can actively build optimism into daily practiceWhat is being done globally to reimagine a hopeful future -- and what we can learn from itShare your questions, thoughts, or ideas with us at educationevolvedpodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →Ep 9: Systems Thinking & Pattern Recognition
Mar 600:33:56Tap to summarize"The hallmark of expertise is no longer how much you know — it's how well you synthesize. Information scarcity rewarded knowledge acquisition. Information abundance requires pattern recognition. It's not enough to collect facts. The future belongs to those who connect dots." - Adam GrantThis episode digs into what that actually means for the next generation.Can young people see the patterns? Can they connect ideas across disciplines and make sense of complex, messy problems? These aren't abstract questions; they are the ones that should shape what education should look like right now.Join us as we explore:Why systems thinking and pattern recognition are becoming the most essential skills we can teachHow to help students move from collecting information to truly understanding their worldWhat teachers and parents can do today to help young people see the bigger picture, both in the classroom and at homeShare your questions, thoughts, or ideas with us at educationevolvedpodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →Ep.8: Reflecting on Our Progress: The State of the School
Feb 400:42:47Tap to summarizeThis episode allows us to reflect on where we are as a school community, examine our progress, celebrate our successes, and identify areas for growth. We discuss how schools can thoughtfully assess their own health and direction, what indicators matter most, and how reflection drives meaningful improvement.Join us for a conversation that highlights:Why regular reflection is essential for school communitiesHow to measure progress beyond test scores and traditional metricsThe balance between celebrating wins and addressing challengesHow reflection informs strategic planning and daily practiceShare your questions, thoughts, or ideas with us at educationevolvedpodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →Ep. 7: What Story Does Your Data Tell?
Jan 2900:36:40Tap to summarizeToday, we explore the power of data, what it is, why it matters, and how both formal and informal data can help us make better decisions for students. We discuss what to measure, how to collect meaningful information, and how teachers and parents can use data to support learning without getting overwhelmed.Join us for a conversation that highlights:Why data matters in both everyday life and education What to measure and what to ignoreHow to use both formal metrics and informal observationsPractical ways to turn information into action that helps kids thriveShare your questions, thoughts, or ideas with us at educationevolvedpodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →Ep. 6: The Power of Struggle and the Making of Resilient Learners
Dec 900:31:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Education Evolved, we explore the power of struggle, why it matters, how it builds resilience, and what parents and educators can do to help students grow through it. We discuss how today’s students experience struggle differently, what resilience looks like over time, and how AI is reshaping when and how students lean into challenges.Join us for a conversation that highlights:Why struggle is essential for deep learningHow resilience and adaptability develop in studentsPractical ways families and schools can normalize healthy challengesHow AI can both hinder and enhance meaningful struggleShare your questions, thoughts, or ideas with us at educationevolvedpodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →Ep. 5: Designing for Tomorrow: Inspiration from XPRIZE and Beyond
Nov 1700:33:38Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Education Evolved, we explore why some of the most powerful ideas in education should come from outside the field. From cutting-edge innovation to bold problem-solving, looking beyond our own schools is essential if we want our students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.Join us for a conversation that highlights:How XPRIZE is fueling optimism and accelerating global breakthroughsWhat other industries are doing to solve the world’s biggest challenges and what schools can learn from them How these ideas translate directly into preparing students for the futureQuestions or ideas? Email us at educationevolvedpodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →Ep 4: Creating Problem Spotters
Oct 3000:33:11Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Education Evolved, we explore the power of noticing and why being a problem-spotter can be just as important as being a problem-solver.We ask: Does everything really need fixing? How can we teach ourselves and those around us to pause, observe, and understand before jumping into action?Join us as we discuss:The subtle but essential difference between spotting and solving problemsEveryday habits that sharpen our ability to notice what matters mostHow educators and parents can create environments where wonder, curiosity, and thoughtful questioning come firstSometimes the best leaders and learners aren’t the ones who rush to fix things, but are those who see opportunities clearly.Questions or ideas? Email us at educationevolvedpodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →Ep. 3: The Art of Repurposing
Oct 1300:31:55Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Education Evolved, we explore the art of repurposing—the mindset and method of turning what you already have into what you actually need. If we’re preparing students for 2040 and beyond, repurposing is essential.Join us to learn:Concrete examples from classrooms that transform everyday materials into powerful learning tools, to campus spaces and traditions reimagined for today's needs. Our simple, repeatable process to use throughout all areas of life.How parents can repurpose routines, resources, and even household tensions into opportunities for curiosity, independence, and joy.Please reach out with questions or comments to educationevolvedpodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →Ep 2: The Secret to Shifting Culture
Sep 2200:31:48Tap to summarizeWe are educating students who will enter the world in 2040 and beyond.Listen as we discuss:What is culture, and why is culture important to shift in a school?What are tangible things parents, teachers, and staff can do to shift culture in any setting?If we look 10 years ahead, what do we think the culture of schools will need to look like for students to thrive?And learn what excites us most about the future of schools!Please reach out with questions or comments to educationevolvedpodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →Ep 1: How Students Should Learn in the 21st Century
Sep 700:29:49Tap to summarizeWe are educating students who will enter into the world in 2040 and beyond.Listen as we discuss:Where is the world going?What is one trend in education people are not paying enough attention to?What should every school teach?And learn what excites us most about the future of schools!Please reach out with questions or comments to educationevolvedpodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →