Free Range Humans

Epizodes

• Belonging Is the Foundation of Great Schools 07.07.2026 44min

  What does true inclusion actually look like in today's classrooms? In this episode, Rod and Jal welcome Dr. Leyton Schnellert to the conversation. Drawing from decades as a classroom teacher and educational leader, Leyton challenges educators to move beyond deficit thinking and instead build classrooms around students' strengths, identities, and aspirations.
• Are Schools Preparing Kids for a World That No Longer Exists? 15.06.2026 1h 5min

  "We're making kids get good at what's increasingly irrelevant and crushing out of them the skills and mindsets they'll actually need." In this episode, Rod and Jal sit down with former venture capitalist turned education advocate, Ted Dintersmith, to explore the growing gap between what schools prioritize and what young people actually need to thrive.
• What Latvia Can Teach Us About Deeper Learning 08.06.2026 57min

  What happens when someone who grew up in the Soviet education system helps lead a modern competency-based curriculum transformation? In this episode, Rod and Jal are joined by Latvian educator and learning leader Zane Olina. A central theme of their conversation focuses on bringing the engagement, challenge, and meaningful learning, often found in extracurricular activities, into the formal school day.
• Lose the Bubble Wrap – Making a Case for Self-Directed Learning 29.05.2026 55min

  What if schools were designed to cultivate agency instead of compliance? In this episode, Rod and Jal welcome back Tyler Thigpen for a deep conversation about self-directed learning, human flourishing, and the hidden lessons traditional schooling teaches students about authority, motivation, and identity. It’s a thoughtful and hopeful conversation about what education could become when we stop asking kids to simply comply — and start helping them become fully human.
• Teaching Power: What Schools Communicate About Authority and Democracy 22.05.2026 53min

  This week, Rod and Jal are joined by former Kentucky Commissioner of Education and longtime education leader Jason Glass for a wide-ranging conversation about power, democracy, and what schools are really teaching students. Jason shares his journey from traditional accountability-focused reform work to a deeper belief that the real work of education happens at the human level: in relationships, student experiences, and meaningful learning.
• Why Context Matters More Than Ever - A Conversation with Amelia Peterson 13.05.2026 53min

  What does it actually mean to be intelligent? This week, Jal, Rod, and Gino sit down with returning guest Amelia Peterson for a fascinating conversation about education, knowledge, why context matters more than most systems acknowledge, and of course, a little AI. Amelia shares insights from her work at the London Interdisciplinary School, where students tackle complex real-world problems through interdisciplinary learning rather than traditional academic silos.
• Courage is Contagious: Leading for Equity in a Time of Backlash 06.05.2026 1h 3min

  "Listening is one of the bravest things you can do right now.” In this timely and deeply human conversation, Rod and Jal are joined by LaShawn Routé Chatmon and Tom Malarkey of the National Equity Project for a wide-ranging discussion about what it means to lead for equity in 2026. Together, they explore what equity leadership requires in a moment defined by backlash, polarization, and political noise—and why listening may be the key to bridging our divides.
• Real World Swirl: When the City is the Classroom 28.04.2026 54min

  What happens when school stops simulating the real world — and starts participating in it? This week, Rod and Jal are joined by Dov Stucker, to talk about Burlington City & Lake Semester (BCL), an immersive, place-based public school program in Burlington, Vermont that turns the entire city into a classroom. It’s a conversation about civic learning, public trust, and what becomes possible when students stop practicing for life and start participating in it.
• Transformation in the Age of AI: Education for Human Flourishing 21.04.2026 54min

  Our 80th episode kicks of the start of season five! Rod and Jal are joined by longtime collaborator and global education leader Anthony (Tony) Mackay for a wide-ranging conversation on transformation, artificial intelligence, and what it really means to design learning systems for human flourishing.
• The Potential Pitfalls of Progressive Education (And How to Avoid Them) 25.07.2025 1h 5min

  In this thoughtful and lively season finale, Rod and Jal are joined once again by veteran guest Alisa Berger to unpack the potential pitfalls of progressive education. With personal stories, sharp insights, and a dash of humor, the trio explore where progressive models can fall short, why structure still matters, and how to strike the right balance between agency and guidance.
• Rooted in Respect and Reciprocity: Exploring Land-Based Learning 17.07.2025 52min

  “Reciprocity isn’t just about what you take from the land—it’s about how you live with it.” In this episode of Free Range Humans, Rod and Jal sit down with two extraordinary educators, Lori Hryniuk and Kyle Peruniak, to explore the power of land-based learning. Drawing on careers that span wildfire fighting, school leadership, and deep community engagement, Lori and Kyle share how getting outside the classroom, and into relationships with the land and each other, transforms students and educators alike.
• Beyond the Report Card: Teaching with Heart and Kindness 11.07.2025 47min

  Dr. Paige Fisher joins Rod and Jal for a rich and reflective conversation on education, grading, equity, and the power of relationship-driven teaching. From her early disillusionment with traditional grading to her transformative work in teacher education, Paige shares personal stories and deep insights that challenge how we think about school systems and the humans within them.
• A School that Feels Like Family - Welcome to SMASH 03.07.2025 58min

  “Culture doesn’t just happen. You build it every day — with intention.” What would school feel like if it worked more like a family? In this episode, Rod and Jal are joined by Jessica Rishe and Malaika Boyer of Santa Monica Alternative School House (SMASH) for a deep dive into a truly human-centered model of public education.
• Human Schools - A Sneak Peak at Jal Mehta and Libby Woodfin's New Book 26.06.2025 57min

  In this special episode, Rod flips the script as a solo host, while Jal and his co-author Libby Woodfin give us a behind-the-scenes look at their upcoming book on “human schools.” This lively conversation explores what makes a school truly human — where both students and teachers can bring their whole selves, experience agency, and learn in ways that matter.
• Blue Sky Thinking - A Conversation with Ginger Spickler and Erin Johnson 12.06.2025 55min

  “You can’t learn to make better decisions if you’re never given the chance to make a decision.” After visiting Crosstown High School in Memphis, Tennessee, Jal couldn't wait to invite Erin Johnson and Ginger Spickler to the podcast! Listen as they talk through the founding of their XQ Super School, and what makes it stand out in today's education landscape.
• Weaving Compassionate Systems with Deeper Learning - A Conversation with Jill Jensen and Peter Senge 05.06.2025 52min

  “The person who sees the whole system most clearly is the student, and yet we rarely ask them about it.” In this thought-provoking episode Rod and Jal are joined by two transformative education leaders: Dr. Peter Senge and Dr. Jill Jensen. Together, they explore what it takes to create schools that support human flourishing, not just standardized academic achievement.
• Back from Break - A Short Promo to Resume Season Four 03.06.2025 7min

  In this special mini-episode, Rod, Jal, and Gino pop into your feed with a sneak peek at what's coming up in the second half of season four. Learn about the next wave of guests and receive an invitation to a very unique summer "Ed Camp" experience.
• Seeing People in Their Full Complexity - A Conversation with Jessica Nordell 24.04.2025 58min

  Rod and Jal welcome award-winning journalist, poet, and science writer Jessica Nordell, author of "The End of Bias: A Beginning–How We Eliminate Unconscious Bias and Create a More Just World." Together, they explore the origins and impact of unconscious bias, and how small, intentional shifts in thinking and behavior can bring about powerful social change—especially in education and public service.
• The Artisan Teaching Model - Is it the Key to Great Classrooms? 11.04.2025 58min

  “Being a teacher is not just about delivering content, it's about creating a space where students can imagine who they want to be.” In this episode, David Krulwich and T'Keyah Robinson promote the idea of treating teachers as artisans - encouraging intensive coaching and collaboration to better shape their craft and ultimately improve outcomes for students.
• Challenging Injustice - The Role of Education in Strengthening Democracy 27.03.2025 1h 1min

  In this episode, we explore how education shapes democratic and civic engagement with guests Julia Bott, Scott Seider, and Aaliyah El-Amin. They discuss the challenges of civic education today, the impact of inequality, and strategies for fostering informed and engaged citizens - all topics covered in their recent book, "Educating for Justice: Schoolwide Strategies to Prepare Students to Recognize, Analyze, and Challenge Inequity."