In this episode of Education Matters, host Jason Buccheri explores the vital role of philosophy in the modern school system with guest Jonny Thomson, a former teacher and founder of Mini Philosophy. The conversation challenges the idea of philosophy as a niche academic subject, presenting it instead as the "beating heart" of a child's education. Thomson highlights how philosophical inquiry provides essential tools for navigating an increasingly complex world by fostering reflection, mature dialogue, and intellectual humility.

The two discuss the practical implementation of these ideas, with Thomson suggesting that philosophy should not be another siloed subject but a critical lens integrated into existing curricula—from science to history. They also examine the rising popularity of Stoicism and how the emergence of AI may be forcing society to find deeper meaning through philosophical thought. Throughout the episode, Thomson emphasizes the art of "distillation"—condensing dense concepts into engaging, accessible insights that stick with students long after the lesson ends. This episode is a compelling look at how philosophy can help develop well-rounded citizens capable of nuanced thinking.

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About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.

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Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Why Philosophy Is The Best Place To Discuss Big Ideas [00:01:00] Making The Case For Philosophy At The Heart Of Education [00:01:30] How Mini Philosophy Makes Complex Topics Accessible [00:03:09] Jonny Thomson On Growing Up In Oxfordshire [00:04:05] Childhood Memories By The Seaside In Kent [00:04:53] Why The Sound Of Seagulls Brings A Spark Of Joy [00:05:44] Finding Beauty In The Pests Of Brighton Beach [00:06:15] The Importance Of Self Regulated Play In Early Childhood [00:07:50] How Bad Teachers Can Impact Your Love For Learning [00:08:33] Choosing Philosophy Over The Family Path Of Psychology [00:09:44] Navigating Life As A Second Child Seeking Attention [00:10:19] Exploring Philosophical Ideas Through Short Form Video [00:11:42] Building A Mature Space For Online Discourse And Debate [00:12:15] The Art Of Distillation For Effective Teaching [00:13:58] Broadening The Philosophical Lens Beyond Western Traditions [00:15:38] From The Classroom To Writing A Best Selling Book [00:18:09] Using Social Media As A Crowdsourcing Tool For Opinion [00:20:23] Balancing University Level Content With Viral Social Trends [00:21:46] Understanding The Psychological Triggers Behind Shareable Content [00:23:46] Why Controversial Or Taboo Topics Struggle With The Algorithm [00:25:12] Breaking Down The Modern Popularity Of Stoicism [00:31:07] How Our Beliefs Directly Affect Our Daily Behavior [00:41:08] Practical Ways To Integrate Philosophy Into Current Curriculums [00:52:43] Reimagining The School System For The Age Of AI [00:56:39] The Critical Role Of Parenting In A Child's Education

In the debut of the Big Ideas sub-series, host Jason Buccheri sits down with renowned author, poet, and scholar B.W. Powe for a wide-ranging conversation on education, media ecology, and the cultivation of the "poetic being."

B.W. Powe—a student of Marshall McLuhan and Northrop Frye—bridges the gap between deep academic tradition and the urgent challenges of our media-saturated present. A former high school dropout turned York University professor, Powe shares his unique journey and his philosophy of "awareness practice." He challenges the traditional, goal-oriented classroom, proposing instead that teaching should be an "alchemy" of mutual mentorship and "degrees in decoding."

In an era defined by what Powe calls "anti-information," this episode offers a blueprint for recovering depth, slowness, and attention. From the prophetic visions of McLuhan to the visionary tradition of Canadian culture, this conversation provides essential insights for educators, media ecologists, and anyone seeking to remain "live and aware" in the electronic cosmos.

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About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.

New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!

Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Navigating a Media Saturated Environment & Misinformation

[00:00:41] Introduction to the Big Ideas Series: Depth Over Hot Takes

[00:01:52] Rethinking Teaching: Education as a Revelation for the Now

[00:02:30] Awareness Practice: Transforming the Classroom Space

[00:03:06] Portrait of a Media Ecologist: Marshall McLuhan & Northrop Frye

[00:04:08] The Electronic Cosmos: Slowness vs. Digital Speed

[00:05:35] Starting In Medias Res: Why Beginnings are Difficult

[00:06:44] Navigating Non-Euclidean Space in the Electronic World

[00:08:09] Stream Elsewhere Press: New Directions in Independent Publishing

[00:09:33] The Via Negativa vs. Via Positiva in Creative Life

[00:10:12] Gatherings vs. Classes: Cultivating Poetic Aporia

[00:11:50] Mentorship in Education: Moving Beyond Hierarchy

[00:13:01] Defining Anti-Information: The Deluge of Virulent Data

[00:15:33] B.W. Powe’s Journey: From High School Dropout to Scholar

[00:18:34] Living Outside Institutions: The "Weed by the Wall" Philosophy

[00:19:43] The Influence of Music and Deep Listening on Thinking

[00:22:14] The Role of the Muse: How Great Teachers Open the Mind

[00:24:26] Entering the University as a Music Student

[00:28:11] Meeting the Giants: Marshall McLuhan & Northrop Frye

[00:29:40] The Prophetic Vision of McLuhan: The Medium is the Message

[00:33:52] Technology as an Environment: Altering Human Consciousness

[00:38:06] Encounters with Pierre Elliott Trudeau & Canadian Identity

[00:42:40] Toward a Canada of Light: A Visionary Cultural Tradition

[00:46:10] The Urgent Need for "Degrees in Decoding" Media

[00:52:18] Simplicity vs. Reductiveness in Modern Politics

[01:05:51] Literary Ecology: Restoring Alphabetic Awareness

[01:14:11] Transformation vs. Transportation: The Soul in the Electronic Age

[01:23:21] The Embodiment of Hope: Action Over Prescriptions

In this episode of the special series on Edtech, host Jason Buccheri sits down with Dr. Julian Reed, a professor at Furman University and founder of ActiveEd, the company behind Walkabouts. Dr. Reed’s journey bridges deep academic research with the startup world, offering a blueprint for building tools that truly serve the classroom.

A self-described hyperactive kid who struggled in school, Julian has dedicated his career to studying how physical activity improves cognition and academic performance. In this conversation, he shares the physiological science behind movement—including how it stimulates brain growth factors—and explains why traditional classrooms are often poorly designed for how children learn.

Julian discusses the founding of Walkabouts and offers critical advice for Edtech founders on team building and navigating the complex K-12 procurement market. This conversation provides essential insights into scaling a practice for maximum impact on student performance.

Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠educationmatters.media⁠⁠⁠⁠

About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.

New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!

Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] - Entrepreneurship Advice Risk-Taking and Learning From Failure

[00:00:54] - Episode Intro Bridging Classroom Research and Edtech Startups

[00:01:11] - Meet Dr Julian Reed ActiveEd and Walkabouts Founder

[00:02:12] - Edtech Blueprint How to Build Tools That Actually Help Teachers

[00:03:11] - Academic Background Health Sciences and Child Cognition Research

[00:04:33] - Early Education Struggles and the Impact of Boarding School

[00:06:10] - Academic Journey Transitioning From Physical Therapy to Sports Medicine

[00:07:50] - Researching Physical Activity Cognition and Child Kinesiology

[00:09:03] - Combating Childhood Obesity through Active School Days

[00:11:15] - Scaling Educational Impact Through Digital Business Models

[00:12:17] - Partnering With Experts Finding Complementary Skill Sets

[00:13:28] - Scientific Evidence The Empirical Link Between Movement and Learning

[00:14:51] - Case Study Improved Performance in Under-Resourced Schools

[00:16:43] - Leveraging Physical Activity for Better Classroom Management

[00:17:27] - Physiological Benefits Blood Flow Oxygen and Brain Development

[00:19:36] - Executive Function How Movement Stimulates Brain Control Centers

[00:21:27] - Professional Development Practical Movement Lessons for Teachers

[00:23:47] - Kinetic Pedagogy Reaching Different Types of Learners

[00:25:50] - Scaling Edtech Impact Using Cloud Based Platforms

[00:27:46] - Edtech Fundraising Friends Family and Angel Networks

[00:30:45] - The Challenges of Selling Into the Education Market

[00:33:19] - Founding Advice Skin In The Game and Team Building

[00:35:07] - Fixing Education Promoting Community Engagement and Parental Empowerment

[00:36:50] - Modern Literacy Rates and the Need for Entrepreneurial Education

[00:37:44] - Closing Remarks Final Lessons for Edtech Founders

In this inaugural episode of our new sub-series on Education Technology, host Jason Buccheri is joined by seasoned EdTech veteran Matt Monjan, founder of Infuse Ed. With decades of experience on the front lines—including 14 years at Discovery Education—Matt offers a rare, unvarnished look at the realities of the K-12 market.

This conversation is a must-listen for EdTech founders, startups, and investors who want to bridge the gap between building a great tool and achieving successful, long-term implementation in a school district. Matt emphasizes the importance of co-building with district leaders rather than trying to shoehorn finished products into existing systems. He shares critical insights on understanding the "family trees" of district leadership and the "lighthouse approach" for strategic, localized growth. Whether you are a newcomer or a veteran, Matt's practical advice provides a roadmap for navigating procurement and implementation effectively.

Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠educationmatters.media⁠⁠⁠

About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.

New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!

Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Advice For Co-Building With School Leaders

[00:00:38] Introduction To Education Matters New Tech Sub-Series

[00:01:21] Bridging The Gap Between Founders And Districts

[00:01:42] Introducing EdTech Seasoned Leader Matt Monjan

[00:02:44] Welcome To The Show From Maryland

[00:03:42] Matt Monjan’s Professional Background And EdTech Journey

[00:04:42] Starting At Discovery Education During The Streaming Media Shift

[00:06:16] Reflections On Educational Background And Early Learning

[00:08:43] Understanding Shifts In Learning And Digital Device Use

[00:10:04] Transitioning From Career Resistance To Education Calling

[00:11:48] Working With Administrators To Help Kids

[00:12:15] Inspiring Experiences From Miami-Dade Turnaround Schools

[00:14:15] The One Constant For Successful Educational Leaders

[00:15:45] Advice For Startups On Engaging With School Leaders

[00:16:53] Overview Of Infuse Ed And Scaling Outreach

[00:18:47] Common Traits Of The Best EdTech Companies

[00:20:23] Common Mistakes Founders Make With AI And Product Impact

[00:22:35] Why Building EdTech With Intent Is Key To Success

[00:24:19] Building Trust And Navigating District Procurement Realities

[00:25:23] The Lighthouse Approach For Early EdTech Growth

[00:27:52] Understanding The Family Trees Of District Leaders

[00:29:24] Challenges In School District Tech Adoption And Awareness

[00:30:50] Strategies For Successful Long-Term Product Implementation

[00:33:05] Future Trends In EdTech: Innovation In AI And Content

[00:39:51] Social Impact Lens: Focusing On What Is Good For Kids

[00:42:30] Podcast Credits

In this special episode of the Education Matters Podcast, host Jason Buccheri is joined by Mental Health Summit founder Dr. Gina Cherkowski to reflect on last year’s gathering and explore what’s ahead for the 2026 Mental Health Summit in Banff. Together, they share powerful insights from educators, leaders, and students on how schools can meaningfully support mental health, well-being, and belonging.

The conversation highlights the importance of caring for educators, fostering emotionally safe learning environments, and strengthening community connections. The episode also features an in-depth interview with keynote speaker Dr. Kimberly Schonert-Reichl, who unpacks the research behind social-emotional learning, stress contagion in classrooms, and why mental health must be a foundational part of education.

Register for the 2026 Mental Health summit here!

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About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.

New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!

Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Episode Introduction And Mental Health Summit Partnership

[00:01:19] Welcome Back With Dr. Gina Cherkowski

[00:02:24] 2026 Mental Health Summit Dates And Keynote Highlights

[00:03:35] Emotional Regulation And Supporting Educators

[00:04:04] Schools As Safe Spaces For Mental Health

[00:06:03] Supporting Student Mental Well-Being

[00:07:10] Living With Intention And Wellness

[00:08:05] Belonging As A Foundation For Learning

[00:09:49] Community, Connection, And Mental Health

[00:12:02] Mental Health As A Shared Community Responsibility

[00:13:38] Men’s Mental Health And Breaking Stigma

[00:15:50] Why Schools Must Lead Mental Health Support

[00:17:47] Early Intervention And Emotional Education

[00:19:54] Personal Mental Health Stories And Resilience

[00:22:05] Stories As Healing And Youth Voices

[00:24:06] Introducing Dr. Kimberly Schonert-Reichl

[00:25:45] Growing Up Curious And Learning Early

[00:28:19] Teachers Who Shape Our Lives

[00:30:30] Social Emotional Learning And Life Success

[00:32:27] Research Linking SEL To Academic Outcomes

[00:36:07] Supporting Teachers To Support Students

[00:38:15] Stress Contagion In Classrooms

[00:40:33] MindUP Program And Neuroscience

[00:44:57] Reimagining Schools With A Magic Wand

[00:47:05] Open-Access SEL Research Journal

[00:48:20] Reimagining Education Systems

[00:50:33] Gratitude, Mentorship, And Collaboration

[00:51:44] Global Research Forum Announcement

[00:53:53] 2026 Summit Reminder And Closing Reflections

[00:54:39] Land Acknowledgement And Final Credits

In this conversation, Chris Fuzessy shares his journey from growing up in Montreal to becoming a leader in education in Alberta. He discusses the importance of community, the impact of Indigenous education, and the role of mental health and well-being in schools. Chris emphasizes the need for trust and transparency in educational leadership and explores the potential of AI in enhancing teaching and learning. He also reflects on his book 'Emanate', which delves into leadership, mental health, and self-reflection, and shares his vision for the future of education, focusing on sustainability and community engagement.

Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠educationmatters.media⁠

About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.

New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!

Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Human Intelligence Vs. Artificial Intelligence Continuum[00:00:48] Episode Introduction And Guest Overview[00:02:58] Guest Introduction And Location[00:03:04] Land Acknowledgement From Treaty 7 Territory[00:03:39] Roots In Montreal And Moving West[00:06:06] Early Memories Of Learning And Curiosity[00:07:57] Reigniting Curiosity In Grade 11 English[00:09:24] Detours Before Education And Finding Purpose[00:11:28] Becoming A Parent And A New Lens On Teaching[00:15:16] Masters And PhD In Inuit And Indigenous Education[00:18:01] Time In Northern Communities[00:19:05] Community In Indigenous Contexts[00:22:37] Inspiration From Student Leadership Conferences[00:26:29] Characteristics Of Great Classrooms[00:30:10] Scaling Great Learning Through Trust And Transparency[00:31:14] Building Trust As Ongoing Work And Psychological Safety[00:34:34] Flourishing As A North Star For The Division[00:36:21] Workplace Wellness And Mental Health In The System[00:38:16] Wellness Is Personal And Systems Should Support Opt-In[00:40:48] Evidence And Indicators Of Impact[00:43:10] Turning To AI Work In The District[00:45:05] Starting Point For AI And Continuum Lens[00:46:06] Building Internal Tools In Microsoft 365[00:47:30] Curriculum Lesson Generation And Fine-Tuning[00:49:33] FSD Assistant For Policies And Procedures[00:51:15] Advice For District Leaders On Where To Start With AI[00:54:30] Introducing The Book Emanate[00:56:15] First Step For Leaders: Self-Reflection And Values[00:59:40] Future Of Education And The Social Contract[01:03:34] Magic Wand Change For Canada[01:06:40] Recommendations And Readings[01:08:44] Braiding Sweetgrass And Mutual Flourishing[01:10:25] Closing Thanks And Reflection[01:10:42] Podcast Credits And Outro

In this episode of the Education Matters podcast, Gary Stager shares his insights on education, emphasizing the importance of making learning engaging and meaningful for students. He reflects on his own educational experiences, the influence of music and programming, and the need to reclaim the art of teaching in a system often dominated by rigid pedagogical approaches. Stager discusses the potential impact of AI on education and envisions a future where schools foster creativity and personal expression. He draws parallels between jazz and education, highlighting the value of collaboration and improvisation in the learning process. Ultimately, Stager advocates for a transformative approach to education that prioritizes student agency and joy in learning.

Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ educationmatters.media

About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.

New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!

Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Opening Reflections On Learning
[00:00:34] Setting The Stage For Human Purpose
[00:02:58] Gary’s Current Work And Philosophy
[00:04:26] Growing Up In New Jersey
[00:06:36] Early Encounters With Math And Music
[00:08:53] The Fastest Way From The Top To The Bottom
[00:10:58] Teachers Who Opened Doors
[00:12:57] Independence And Childhood Freedom
[00:14:59] Discovering World-Class Teachers
[00:16:49] The Path Toward Education
[00:21:07] Accidentally Becoming A Teacher Of Teachers
[00:23:11] Early Vision Of Computing For Children
[00:27:28] The Most Inspiring Classrooms In The World
[00:31:20] Why Greatness In Learning Matters
[00:33:45] The Rise Of Pedagogical Authoritarianism
[00:38:37] The Project As The Unit Of Concern
[00:40:26] The Question That Transforms Teaching
[00:42:18] When Systems Undermine Good Teachers
[00:45:24] The Cost Of Assessment-Driven Schooling
[00:47:40] University Myths And The Culture Of Scarcity
[00:49:59] The Power Of Purpose And Passion
[00:54:21] AI Will Force A Reckoning
[00:56:08] Why Most AI Talk In Education Is Misguided
[01:00:28] The Learner’s Apprentice And New Possibilities
[01:02:50] The Real Threats Of AI Policy
[01:05:13] Why Schools Must Stop Building Walls
[01:07:30] A Dystopian Future Of Schooling
[01:09:57] A Hopeful Future Of Possibility
[01:12:25] Learning From The World’s Best Educators
[01:14:33] What Jazz Teaches About Learning
[01:19:15] The Wonder Of Mastery Across Generations
[01:20:52] What Gary Would Do With A Magic Wand
[01:22:47] Closing Thoughts And Gratitude

In this conversation, Jason Buccheri hosts Michael Stevenson and Mark Pearmain to discuss the evolving landscape of education, focusing on the concept of human flourishing. They explore the importance of redefining educational purposes beyond mere employment, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that includes emotional, ethical, and social competencies. The discussion also highlights the role of collective efforts in education, the integration of diverse worldviews, and the impact of AI on future learning environments. The speakers share insights on how education systems can adapt to better prepare students for a rapidly changing world, advocating for a collaborative and inclusive approach to learning.

Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.

New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!

Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Cold Open – What If Education Isn’t About Productivity?

[00:00:47] Host Intro – AI, Automation & The Meaning Of Education

[00:01:41] Theme Overview – Reimagining Purpose & Human Flourishing

[00:03:10] Summit Mention – Canadian Education Leadership Summit

[00:03:58] Guest Check-In – London And Surrey, BC

[00:04:36] Michael Stevenson – OECD Role And Vision

[00:05:28] Mark Pearmain – Surrey School District Overview

[00:07:20] Personal Path – Why Education?

[00:07:25] Michael Stevenson – From BBC To OECD And The Ancient-Future Lens

[00:09:49] Mark Pearmain – Formative Teachers And Family Influence

[00:12:35] Shifts In Education – Post-COVID Perspective & BC’s Competency Curriculum

[00:16:50] Global Context – Groundswell For Change And Learning As A Way Of Being

[00:19:35] Collaboration – OECD And BC Connection At Whistler

[00:23:35] Defining Human Flourishing – Happiness, Meaning, Relationships & Accomplishment

[00:25:39] Critique – Education For Employment Vs. Education For Flourishing

[00:28:39] Balancing Basics – Foundational Skills Before Flourishing

[00:30:40] Individual And Collective Flourishing – Educating Beyond The Self

[00:34:58] Schools As Communities – Everyone’s Role In Student Success

[00:37:23] Student Voice – Agency In Learning And AI Ethics

[00:39:35] Four Worldviews – Indigenous, Pre-Modern, Modern, Post-Modern

[00:43:08] Truth & Reconciliation – Embedding Indigenous Perspectives In BC Education [00:45:29] Healing & Acknowledgment – Intergenerational Trauma And Renewal

[00:48:46] Five Core Competencies – Ethical Competence And Acting In The World

[00:51:31] Adaptive Problem-Solving And Meaning-Making

[01:05:00] The Role Of AI – Harnessing Technology Without Losing Agency

[01:21:58] Practical Advice – Starting Small And Sustaining Change

[01:27:29] Reflections – The Humanistic Thread Of Education