Shows
The ConversationReflections from the Smithsonian National Education SummitOn this episode of The Conversation, hosts John and Rachel chat with Marnie Hallet Szymanski, a history teacher at Margaretta High School who attended the 2025 Smithsonian National Education Summit. She’ll share the insights she gained from the conference and how those strategies are transforming learning for her students.Welcome to Season 3 of The Conversation! This season we’re exploring how educators can rediscover joy, cultivate hope, and reconnect with the educational journey. Join us for a season filled with inspiring stories and meaningful insights that celebrate the power of education.Marnie Hallet Szym...
2026-03-1015 min
The ConversationMore Than a Dance: The Campus-Based Transition PromSpring is right around the corner which means prom season is about to commence! On this episode of The Conversation, John and Rachel sit down with ESC Intervention Specialists, Kathy Meterko and Rachel Junge to talk about the ESC’s Campus-Based Transition Program and their main event—prom! They'll dive into the planning and logistics behind the event, this year’s theme, and why their prom is such a meaningful and hope-filled experience for CBT students, families, and educators alike. Let’s dive in!This season we’re exploring how educators can rediscover joy, cultivate hope, and reconn...
2026-02-0920 min
The ConversationNo Grades, New MindsetOn this episode of The Conversation, hosts John and Rachel sit down with Olentangy Local Schools English teachers Andrea Vescelius and Hannah Rust to explore how their practice of not grading reshaped mindsets and renewed hope for both students and educators.Welcome to Season 3 of The Conversation! This season we’re exploring how educators can rediscover joy, cultivate hope, and reconnect with the educational journey. Join us for a season filled with inspiring stories and meaningful insights that celebrate the power of education.Contact the Guests:Andrea_Vescelius@olsd.us...
2025-12-0520 min
The ConversationReigniting the Spark: How a Science Externship Brought Joy Back to TeachingWelcome to Season 3 of The Conversation! This season we’re exploring how educators can rediscover joy, cultivate hope, and reconnect with the educational journey. Join us for a season filled with inspiring stories and meaningful insights that celebrate the power of education.On this episode of The Conversation, hosts John and Rachel sit down with Adam Philpott, a science teacher from Pickerington Local Schools. Adam shares how his externship aboard a research vessel reignited his passion for teaching.Adam Philpott is an Environmental Science Teacher at Pickerington High School North. He graduated with a...
2025-10-2315 min
The ConversationHuman Centered Design with Smart ColumbusOn this episode of “The Conversation”, John and Rachel sit down with Andreya Veintimilla, Design Research Lead at Smart Columbus, to explore the world of human-centered design. Together, they discuss how this approach shapes project development, the importance of designing with people in mind, and how it drives innovation within communities. This episode of “The Conversation” is a continuation of our series “Emerging Technologies”. This series aims to highlight new technologies that are transforming our everyday lives and local communities. Andreya Veintimilla is a designer and human-centered urban development leader. Her approach to design is g...
2025-06-2019 min
The ConversationUrban Air MobilityOn this episode of "The Conversation", John and Rachel chat with Ted Angel at the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE). Together they'll dive into the next transportation revolution: flying cars!Ted Angel is the Director of Aerospace Affairs for the Dayton Development Coalition. He is charged with executing Aerospace and Defense strategy in the Dayton Region. Prior to his role as the Director of Aerospace Affairs, he was the Senior Enlisted Leader for the Agile Combat Support Directorate, Air Force Life-cycle Management Center and Chief, Acquisitions and Sustainment for the Aircrew Flight Equipment career...
2025-05-2819 min
The ConversationBeyond the Buzzword: Practical Applications of AI in the ClassroomOn this episode of “The Conversation”, Rachel and Christina, sit down with Jake Miller, a Personalized Learning and EdTech Specialist at Summit ESC and the ESC of the Western Reserve. Together, they explore the real-world impact of AI in education, discussing how both students and teachers can leverage this technology for learning, creativity, and innovation. Tune in for insights, practical applications, and a look at the future of AI in the classroom! This episode of “The Conversation” is a continuation of our series “Emerging Technologies”. This series aims to highlight new technologies that are transforming our everyday...
2025-04-0321 min
The ConversationThe Future of Ohio - Trends & PredictionsOn this episode of “The Conversation”, John and Rachel chat with Dr. David Staley, a history professor at The Ohio State University and a futurist. Together, they’ll learn about rapid technology advancements and the impacts they’re having on our local industries, our economy and our daily lives. Let’s dive in! This episode of “The Conversation” is the start of a new series “Emerging Technologies”. In this series, we’re highlighting new technologies that are transforming our everyday lives and local communities. Dr. David J. Staley is a writer, designer, futurist, historiographer, educa...
2025-03-0733 min
The ConversationThe Evolution of the Columbus Metropolitan LibraryOn this episode of “The Conversation”, John and Rachel chat with the new CEO of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Lauren Hagan, and their Chief Community Engagement Officer, Donna Zuiderweg. Together, they discuss the library's upcoming goals, explore some of their current programming, and highlight the vital role partnerships play in its continued success. Let’s dive in! This episode of “The Conversation” is a continuation of our latest series: “Bridging Gaps: Partnerships and Educational Adjacent Organizations”. In this series, we’re highlighting community partnerships creating impactful change in our community.Lauren Hagan became CEO of Columbus M...
2025-02-0322 min
The ConversationPartnering with Metro ParksOn this episode of “The Conversation”, John and Rachel chat with Jill Snyder, the Visitor Engagement Manager and Public Information Officer at Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks. Together, they’ll explore the exciting array of current park activities, discuss upcoming events, and learn about a new facility designed with accessibility and inclusivity in mind. This episode of “The Conversation” is a continuation of our latest series: “Bridging Gaps: Partnerships and Educational Adjacent Organizations”. In this series, we’re highlighting community partnerships creating impactful change in our community.Jill Snyder is Metro Parks Visitor Enga...
2025-01-1018 min
The ConversationCCMEP: One of Ohio’s Best Kept SecretsOn this episode of The Conversation, John and Christina (filling in for Rachel) have an insightful conversation about the wide range of resources the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services offers. They chat with Gerrie Cotter, Manager of the Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program, and Dalen Hill, a former student whose career has been transformed by these impactful programs. This episode of “The Conversation” is part of a new series: “Bridging Gaps: Partnerships and Educational Adjacent Organizations”. In this series, we’ll highlight community partnerships that are creating impactful change in our community. Gerrie...
2024-12-1621 min
The ConversationFood, Friendship & Belonging: The Heart of Kitchen of LifeOn this episode of “The Conversation”, John and Rachel sit down with Shea Kaltmann, the Director of Kitchen of Life, to explore how the organization is transforming lives through the culinary arts. Discover how Kitchen of Life fosters resilience and strengthens interpersonal skills by bringing people together in the kitchen. Join us for an inspiring discussion about the power of food to create community, build confidence and spark personal growth. This episode of “The Conversation” is part of a new series: “Bridging Gaps: Partnerships and Educational Adjacent Organizations”. In this series, we’ll highlight community partnerships th...
2024-11-2215 min
The ConversationVoices in Conflict*Please note: the introduction of this podcast incorrectly refers to the high school as "Village Springs". The correct name of the school is "Village High School". On this episode of The Conversation, John and Rachel sit down with Village High School teachers Susan Nolan and Dan Takacs. Together, they dive into the teacher’s thought-provoking course, Voices in Conflict, which challenges students to explore diverse perspectives and embrace new ideas. This episode is part of our ongoing series, Democracy in the Classroom, designed to keep you engaged and informed this election season. Susan Nolan’s path to educa...
2024-10-1821 min
The ConversationAmerican Political Thought and Radicalism – Part 2Tune in to the exciting conclusion of Episode 1 of The Conversation! In this episode, John and Rachel dive deeper into David Strausbaugh’s thought-provoking American Political Thought and Radicalism course at Worthington Kilbourne High School. Hear firsthand how this unique class has shaped the values and civic engagement of a former student. This episode is a part of our Democracy Starts in the Classroom series, designed to keep you informed and engaged this voting season. David Strausbaugh has taught for over 30 years in Philadelphia and Columbus. At Worthington Kilbourne High School he has taught US Hist...
2024-09-1114 min
The ConversationAmerican Political Thought and Radicalism – Part 1Season 2 of The Conversation is here! This two-part episode is a part of our Democracy Starts in the Classroom series which will cover civic engagement topics to keep you informed and engaged this voting season. On this episode of The Conversation, John and Rachel chat with David Strausbaugh, a Social Studies teacher at Worthington Kilbourne High School. John and Rachel will learn about David’s American Political Thought & Radicalism class and hear from one of his former student’s, Bella Selph, to learn how the course opened her eyes to new ideas and perspectives. David...
2024-08-1622 min
The ConversationEmerging Talent & Workforce EngagementThe final episode of Season 1 of "The Conversation, is here! Tune in as John chats with Opal Brant from One Columbus about their groundbreaking efforts to support and engage businesses with our region’s K-12 pipeline. Learn how they’re shaping the future workforce and creating opportunities for our youth. Don’t miss this inspiring discussion! Make sure to keep an eye out for Season 2 of The Conversation, premiering this August. #TheConversation #COWRC Opal M. Brant is a talent strategist with over a decade of experience in workforce development, consulting, and training. As the Emerging Talent M...
2024-06-1219 min
The ConversationA District’s Focus on Service LearningService based learning experiences are crucial to connecting with and understanding the needs of your school community. On this episode of The Conversation, John and Rachel chat with Angela Ullum, Chief Academic Officer at Grandview Heights Schools. Angela shares how a services learning simulation impacted and created change in their school community. Angela Ullum is the Chief Academic Officer for Grandview Heights Schools. She has the honor and privilege of leading district-wide initiatives to elevate curriculum standards that are both growth-minded and strategically focused on personalized learning and well-being. angela.ullum@ghsc...
2024-05-1015 min
The ConversationWesterville City School’s Inclusive Approach to Well-BeingStudent and teacher well-being is crucial to the success of your district. On this episode of The Conversation, Rachel and John chat with Tami Cole-Santa, Executive Director of Student Services at Westerville City Schools. They’re also joined by Westerville City Schools’ Director of Student Well-Being, Jessie Martin, to explore the district’s inclusive approach to well-being. Tami Cole-Santa is in her 17th year with Westerville City Schools and currently serves as the Executive Director of Student Services. In this role, she helps lead and support K-12 school counselors, school social workers/clinicians, nursing services, educatio...
2024-04-0914 min
The ConversationOhio Teacher of the YearRecognizing Ohio teachers starts with you! Nominations for the 2025 Ohio Teacher of the Year are now open. On this episode of The Conversation, Rachel and John chat with Jonathan Juravich, 2018’s Ohio Teacher of the Year winner. They’re also joined by Angela Dicke, the State Coordinator for the Ohio Teacher of the Year Program, to learn more about this rewarding experience. Jonathan Juravich is the art teacher at Liberty Tree Elementary School with the Olentangy Local Schools outside of Columbus, Ohio. In his 19th year of teaching, he also serves as a leader of School...
2024-03-1114 min
The ConversationRacial Equity Discourse in the ClassroomEpisode 4 of The Conversation has dropped! Filling in for Rachel Daniels, Christina Grady-Watts and John Hambrick chat with Lisa Floyd Jefferson and Schyvonne Ross from Reynoldsburg City Schools. Tune in to learn about their efforts around equity and racial justice in the classroom. Lisa Floyd-Jefferson’s 31 years of experience as a Black Educator, include serving in a multitude of capacities that all helped to mold her Leadership style. She has served as Parent, Volunteer, Paraprofessional, Substitute Teacher, Classroom Teacher, Teacher Leader, National Board-Certified Teacher, Assistant Principal, Central Office Administrator, Curriculum Specialist, Instructional Coach and now Deep...
2024-02-0918 min
The ConversationSupporting Ukrainian Students in OhioAs the two-year anniversary of Russia invading Ukraine approaches, The Conversation spoke with US Together, a non-profit organization providing services for immigrants and refugees in Ohio. Filling in for Rachel Daniels, Christina Grady-Watts and John Hambrick learn about US Together’s efforts to provide education and workforce services to Ukrainian immigrants and refugees affected by the Russia-Ukraine war. Elizabeth Cusma is an immigration specialist and the current Site Director at US Together Cleveland, an immigrant and refugee serving organization. Lyudmyla Pinchuk is a senior case manager and lead on Ukrainian integration services. She...
2024-01-0429 min
The ConversationSproutFive's Innovative Approach to EducationJoin us on Episode 2 of The Conversation to learn about SproutFive’s efforts to revolutionize our country’s approach to early childhood education. Don't miss this motivational episode! Colin Page McGinnis, by his own admission, hasn’t had a conventional path through school or career. At 24, he assumed the role of CEO of SproutFive (formerly South Side Early Learning), a century-old early childhood nonprofit with a startup mindset working to reimagine early learning. Colin attended The Ohio State University for his Bachelor's in Human Development and Family Science with Research Distinction in Teachi...
2023-12-0822 min
The ConversationFarm to School to Community: The JourneyJoin us on Episode 1 of The Conversation to learn about his remarkable journey and impactful work in food, education and community advocacy. Don't miss this inspiring episode!Meet our guest, Trevor Horn. He's not your typical culinary expert. Trevor, currently the Farm Director at the Mid Ohio Food Collective, began his journey working in kitchens for 13 years and earning a degree from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Academy. In 2018, Trevor took on a new role at Reynoldsburg High School (in Central Ohio), where he created the first Slow Food High School Chapter in the nation...
2023-11-0721 min