The Learner-Centered Collaborative Podcast

Episode 51: Authentic Learning in Action—Projects, Curiosity, and Classroom Joy (with Matt Martin)

In this episode, Dr. Katie Martin sits down with high school chemistry teacher and college instructor Matt Martin to explore what it really takes to create meaningful, authentic learning experiences in today’s classrooms. Drawing from his journey across traditional and project-based environments, Matt shares how hands-on projects, student curiosity, and supportive leadership can transform both teaching and learning. Together, they unpack the tension between covering content and creating real-world experiences, the challenge of designing truly authentic work, and why trust, creativity, and iteration are essential for helping both educators and learners thrive.

Episode 50: Rethinking High School—Career, Community, & Learner Agency (with Dr. Jason Van Heukelum)

In this episode, Dr. Katie Martin talks with Dr. Jason Van Heukelum about redesigning success in public education and creating learning environments that honor student agency, purpose, and real-world relevance. Jason shares stories from his own journey—from teaching math to leading district-wide innovation—and reflects on how schools can move beyond compliance-driven models toward experiences that truly prepare learners for life beyond graduation. Together, they explore career-connected learning, community-centered design, and what it takes to build systems that work for all learners, not just some.

Episode 49: Rethinking Accountability—Policy, Practice, and the Future of Learning (with David Cook)

In this episode, Dr. Katie Martin talks with David Cook, CEO of Learning Ecosystems Design, about what it truly takes to transform education systems so every learner experiences meaningful, human-centered learning. Drawing from decades of leadership in Kentucky and across the country, David shares how community-driven visioning, local accountability, and aligned policy can pave the way for learner-centered ecosystems. Together, Katie and David explore the mindsets, structures, and partnerships needed to shift from compliance to purpose—and why now is a powerful moment for states and districts to design systems that reflect what learners really need to thrive.

Episode 48: Reimagining Education—Agency, Innovation, and the Future of Learning (with Mike Yates)

In this episode, Dr. Katie Martin talks with Mike Yates about reimagining education and what it means to create learning experiences rooted in agency, creativity, and care. Drawing on his journey from classroom teacher and coach to education innovator, Mike shares how his early experiences shaped his belief in trust, risk-taking, and the power of real-world learning. Together, Katie and Mike discuss what it takes to honor the craft of teaching, shift power to learners, and use technology to create more space for meaningful human moments. Their conversation invites educators and leaders to let go of old systems, embrace innovation, and build schools that truly help every learner thrive.

Episode 47: Centering Humanity in the Age of AI—Connection, Curiosity, and Courage (with Michelle Culver)

In this episode, Dr. Katie Martin speaks with Michelle Culver, founder of The Rithm Project and longtime education leader, about what it means to stay human in an age shaped by artificial intelligence. Rooted in her experiences as a parent, educator, and leader, Michelle reflects on what it means to navigate the evolving relationship between human connection and technology—and how we might imagine and design the futures we want to create. Together, Katie and Michelle explore how educators, parents, and young people can engage in meaningful dialogue about AI, build trust across generations, and reclaim schools as spaces for authentic human connection and belonging.