Shows
The Optimalist PodcastWhy is Reflection So Hard? w/ Marcus LutherIn this episode of The Optimalist, we embarked on a reflective journey with High School English teacher, Marcus Luther. Marcus emphasizes the need to prioritize reflection not as an added task, but as a fundamental element of teaching, while shedding light on its challenges in the educational landscape. Marcus illuminates how students react to reflective practices and the profound cognitive and emotional benefits it brings. By delving into students' learning journeys, reflection deepens understanding and fosters a supportive environment conducive to growth - and it’s measurable. We explored strategies to prioritize reflection, recognizing its pivotal role in...2024-02-2859 minThe Optimalist PodcastNurturing Critical and Creative Thinking w/ Erik FrancisIn this week’s episode, Erik Francis joins us to explore the pivotal role of critical and creative thinking in modern education. Embracing technology, notably AI, is a key theme, urging educators to leverage tools like ChatGPT to foster inquiry-based learning. Despite systemic challenges within traditional schooling, Erik, a seasoned advocate for innovative education, emphasizes the importance of resilience and motivation in navigating career paths. Our discussion highlighted the transformative potential of AI in generating thought-provoking questions, alongside the need for customized instruction tailored to diverse student needs. We underscored the synergy between technological advancement and human in...2024-02-0841 minThe Optimalist PodcastThe Transformative Power of School Libraries w/ Steve TetreaultIn this episode of The Optimalist, Sara sits down with Steve Tetreault, a former teacher turned passionate school librarian. Steve shares his inspiring journey from teaching to pursuing a master's degree, only to discover that his true calling was in the library. He discusses advocating for library services and the pivotal moment he embraced his role as a school librarian. Throughout the conversation, Steve emphasizes the vital role school libraries play in authentic learning and his belief in librarians as champions of new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) in education. He highlights the socialization and community-building aspects...2024-01-3145 minThe Optimalist PodcastEven Amidst Change - Personalize, Localize, & Vocalize w/ Tim CaveyIn this episode of The Optimalist, Tim Cavey begins by reflecting on a transformative moment in his teaching journey, which occurred in 2017 when he entered a master's program in educational leadership. This pivotal experience reignited his passion for education and led him to explore concepts such as learning targets and the impact of mindset in education. It was this newfound knowledge and inspiration that motivated him to launch the Teachers on Fire podcast in 2018. As Tim reflects on the changes he’s witnessed in students' attitudes towards school, he highlights a significant shift in assessment. While in the...2024-01-1841 minThe Optimalist PodcastMaking Mistakes, Finding Ourselves, & Being Adaptable w/ Evan WhiteheadIn this episode of The Optimalist, Sara is joined by Evan Whitehead, a thought leader and advocate for alternative paths in education. Evan shares his journey, starting as a paraprofessional at a therapeutic day school, and eventually becoming the executive director of a new startup school. He emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and creating a safe space for both students and adults to take risks and make mistakes. We discuss the significance of physical safety in organizations and schools, as well as creating a sense of home for students and their families. The conversation then delves...2024-01-1031 minThe Optimalist PodcastOnline Education & Building Tenacious Classrooms w/ Bryon CarpenterWelcome to 2024! In this episode of the Optimalist, we talk with Bryon Carpenter, host of the Fresh Air at Five podcast. Brian shares how he transitioned from working in a pharmaceutical company to becoming a teacher after volunteering. He now teaches at an online school, working with students in media and robotics. Bryon discusses the challenges and benefits of online learning, emphasizing the importance of encouraging students and teaching them problem-solving skills. The conversation explores the transition from using Google tools to Microsoft tools and the importance of embracing the messiness of the learning process. B...2024-01-0347 minThe Optimalist PodcastWhat is the Potential of Reflection?In today's mini-episode of The Optimalist podcast, Sara reflects on the approaching year-end and the power of reflective practice. The focus isn't on traditional year-end recaps but on the potential inherent in reflective thinking. With a shift towards embracing reflective practice, the discussion delves into how this mindset can foster individual growth, aid educators, and benefit society as a whole. The episode emphasizes moving away from seeing the year's end as a closure, instead viewing it as a springboard to new opportunities, growth, and potential. Sara reads from a narrative that touches on the significance of structured...2023-12-2021 minThe Optimalist PodcastOptimizing Brain Health to Get Students (and us!) Back on Track w/ Dr. Rebecca JacksonIn this episode of The Optimalist podcast, host Sara Candela speaks with Dr. Rebecca Jackson, an expert in brain health and optimization, about the importance of brain health and the challenges faced by parents and educators. They discuss the need for preventative measures and early interventions to address children's challenges and the concept of "free range thinking time" for unstructured moments of processing emotions and experiences. They also discuss the interconnectedness of mental health, mindfulness, and intentional use of time, particularly in a world dominated by devices and distractions. Dr. Jackson shares strategies for developing self-awareness in ch...2023-12-0645 min
Through the Educational Looking GlassLooking at Reflection as an Intentional PracticeJoin us as we talk with Sara Candela, Community Manager for Swivl, about what reflective practice looks like in today’s climate of education. As always, we would love to hear your feedback on the questions we pose or on the podcast in general. One way to share your thoughts is by filling out this Google Form. Thanks for listening.
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2023-12-0127 minThe Optimalist PodcastFrom Perfectionism to 'Reflectionism': Learning Experiences in the Age of AI w/ Michelle AmentIn this episode, Dr. Michelle Ament, the Chief Academic Officer of ProSolve, joins Sara for a discussion on the importance of designing learning experiences that meet the needs of students. They explore the challenges that teachers face in adopting this approach and the importance of empathy and risk-taking. Additionally, they discuss the shift from knowledge-focused education to human-centered skills in preparation for the future workforce. They delve into the concept of college and career readiness and the need to embed the four Cs (communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity) into all aspects of learning. Michelle and Sara e...2023-11-291h 00The Optimalist PodcastSara's Appearance on Evolving with Gratitude w/ Lainie RowellHappy Thanksgiving! To deliberate, today we bring you a recent episode of Lainie Rowell’s Evolving with Gratitude podcast. Optimalist host, Sara Candela, was a guest on this episode where she speaks with Lainie about various subjects such as attention, mindfulness, and adapting to the age of artificial intelligence. They believe that it's crucial to bring mindfulness and technology together instead of having to choose one over the other. This is the complexity of using AI, which is why they stress the importance of thoughtful adaptation and intentionality. Of course, the conversation then shifts to the...2023-11-2641 minThe Optimalist PodcastTaking Care of Teachers, Adaptability, & Making a Lasting Impact w/ Meghan LawsonSpecial Announcement: Introducing Mirror by Swivl - a new tool made to recognize the potential of reflection in classrooms. We built Mirror to thrive with AI, reflect easier, and partner with teachers. I think Mirror is where you and your students are going to meet your potential self. Click here to find everything you need to start exploring - and trying - Mirror today. * The special guest on today's episode is Meghan Lawson, a former ELA teacher and author of the new book "Legacy of Learning: Teaching for Lasting Impact." Throughout this conversation...2023-11-1540 minThe Optimalist PodcastWhat is higher order curiosity and how might we foster it?In this 3rd solo episode, or mini-episode, of the Optimalist Podcast, Sara introduces us to higher order curiosity and its significance in shaping an optimal future with AI. This is likely a term you’re not thinking about or have ever heard, but in the Optimalist community we are thinking about it - and other higher order capabilities - all of the time. We examine the challenges of fostering curiosity and highlight the impact of biological changes, safety impulses, and technology. We raise concerns about the downsides of technology while emphasizing the importance of resilience. So today le...2023-11-0920 minThe Optimalist PodcastDiscomfort, Student Resilience, & Rewiring our Brains w/ Charle PeckIn this episode of The Optimalist, we discuss teaching kids resilience and embracing discomfort with Charle Peck, co-creator of Thriving School Community. Charle highlights the need for adaptability and the struggles adults face in modeling it for children. Her work focuses on improving mental health in schools and equipping the entire community. As part of that, Sara and Charle explore the flaws in the education system and the power individuals have to make a difference. And how important are breaks, routines, and addressing the crisis in student behavior? Charle offers advice for school leaders and teachers and encourages you...2023-11-0140 min
Evolving with GratitudeEpisode 76 - Human Flourishing in a Digital World with Guest Sara CandelaIn this episode, I get to chat with a guest whose last name literally means "intense focused light" - how brilliant is that? Sara Candela and I delve into the realms of attention, mindfulness, and the ways humans need to adapt and learn to flourish in the age of AI. We also explore how cultivating gratitude can be our guiding light, just like a burst of radiant sunshine brightens up a room. From daily joys to facing the challenges of an evolving world, this episode will inspire you to wield gratitude as a powerful tool for navigating the complexities...2023-10-1737 min
Kickin' It With KSCA17: Sara Candela: FocusableSara Candela taught high school English for 14 years before leaving the classroom to pursue audio production, podcasting, and writing. The thought she would find a new way to work with students and teachers in that medium.
She worked in podcast production in Los Angeles, and then found her way to Swivl, where she started working with the founder on a new podcasting app for classrooms.
Fast forward four more years, and she is excited to be the community manager for Focusable, a new Swivl product that helps you work towards better attention, focus, and self-regulation...2023-04-2841 min
Hurley In The Morning Highlight ReelSleepless is LA ft. Sara CandelaSara Candela was awake pretty early this morning and gives us a call from her home in L.A. We talk about Swivl-ling during the Pandemic, The Dock and how people can participate in this week's episode.2020-12-0416 min