Rebecca Holmes, President and CEO of the Colorado Education Initiative, joins The Bear Roars for a thoughtful conversation on how artificial intelligence is transforming K–12 education and what it will take to prepare the next generation for an AI-powered future.

Rebecca shares how Colorado is helping school districts responsibly integrate AI into classrooms, why she’s optimistic about teachers embracing new technology, and how AI can free educators to focus on the deeply human aspects of teaching. Together, her and Dan explore the growing AI divide, the importance of equitable access across urban and rural communities, and the role philanthropy, innovation, and leadership will play in shaping the future of public education.

They also discuss why today’s education system must evolve beyond traditional instruction, how robotics, project-based learning, and career-connected education can better prepare students for tomorrow’s workforce, and why balancing technological advancement with critical thinking, creativity, and human connection will be one of education’s greatest challenges in the years ahead.

Learn more about the Colorado Education Initiative: https://coloradoedinitiative.org/

Order Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom: https://dan-caruso.com/book

Listen to Dan’s song Stretch: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/dancaruso/stretch

Check out music by Jason Mendelson (Jace Allen): https://www.youtube.com/@jaceallen

To nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com

In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Rick Sapkin—Founder and CEO of Edgemark—for a conversation on real estate, leadership, innovation, and the future of Colorado.

Drawing on more than four decades of experience building and investing in commercial real estate, Rick shares how Edgemark has evolved from developing retail centers to investing in affordable housing, self-storage, and luxury senior living communities. Together, Rick and Dan explore why Colorado’s collaborative culture has fueled decades of growth, the challenges facing downtown Denver and housing affordability, and how business leaders can work alongside government to create stronger communities.

They also discuss the impact of AI on society and infrastructure, the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship, why empathy and civil discourse matter in today’s political climate, and what it will take to ensure Colorado remains a place where businesses—and people—can thrive.

Learn more about Edgemark: https://www.edgemark.com/

Order Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom: https://dan-caruso.com/book

Listen to Dan’s song Stretch: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/dancaruso/stretch

Check out music by Jason Mendelson (Jace Allen): https://www.youtube.com/@jaceallen

To nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com

In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan Caruso sits down with psychologist, leadership advisor, and HuWork co-founder Bijal Choksi for a thought-provoking conversation on the human side of the AI revolution.Drawing from her new book, Still Human: How to Build Organizations Where Leaders and Teams Thrive with AI, Bijal shares why the greatest challenges of AI may have less to do with technology and more to do with people. Together, Dan and Bijal explore the growing fear of becoming obsolete, the future of leadership, and the skills that will matter most in an AI-powered world.The conversation spans education, workplace culture, creativity, human connection, and the evolving relationship between AI and society. Bijal introduces the concept of “Human Edge Skills” and explains why relationship-building, influence, strategic thinking, and teamwork may become even more valuable as AI capabilities continue to accelerate.Dan and Bijal also dive into broader questions around biotechnology, longevity, and what it means to flourish as humans in a future shaped by AI. Learn more about HuWork: https://huworkteam.com/Order Still Human: How to Build Organizations Where Leaders and Teams Thrive with AI: https://huworkteam.com/bookOrder Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom: https://dan-caruso.com/bookListen to Dan’s song Stretch: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/dancaruso/stretchCheck out music by Jason Mendelson (Jace Allen): https://www.youtube.com/@jaceallenTo nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com