Shows
Rebel Educator®146: AI, Equity, and the Next Generation with Mike Yates and Delali EkpehCan AI be a tool for inclusion—or is it reinforcing the digital divide? Join us as we explore how young people are stepping into the future of tech and what it means to build equitable, human-centered innovation.RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Connect with Mike and Delali on LinkedInWant to open your dream school with the freedom you deserve and the support you need?Visit https://openmyschool.my.canva.site/rebelkaipod to learn more about our partnership with KaiPod Learning and get help opening your dream school!Learn more about the Rebel Project Li...2025-05-2723 min
Scratchwerk ^EDUWerk Week News Update - PwC AI Agents, ChatGPT Memories & the Future of Wharton BusinessWe explore three major AI developments reshaping business and technology: PWC's new Agent OS platform, ChatGPT's memory feature, and Wharton School of Business's new AI major.• PWC launches AgentOS, a $1 billion platform helping businesses deploy enterprise-level AI agents• ChatGPT's new memory feature allows it to recall user preferences and past interactions• Wharton School of Business announces a new major in artificial intelligence and business starting fall 2024Please don't forget to follow and like us on Spotify, Apple or wherever you listen to your podcasts.Send us a text2025-04-0910 minScratchwerk ^EDUWerk Week News Update - Smart Health, Smart Meetings, Smart GlassesTech giants are pushing boundaries with AI in healthcare, meeting participation, and augmented reality wearables. These advancements signal a fundamental shift in how we interact with technology in our daily lives.• Apple developing Project Mulberry, an AI health companion aimed at replicating primary care physician functions through iPhones and Apple Watches• Otter.ai has launched a voice assistant that actively participates in meetings by speaking and responding to questions in real-time• Meta revealed details about upcoming $1,000 smart glasses featuring voice control, real-time translation, and AR overlaysPlease follow and like us on Spotify, Apple...2025-04-0209 min
Scratchwerk ^EDUConversation with Marsha Oliver - The Power of Presence, Purpose & Public RelationsWhat does true representation look like in spaces where you're not expected? Marsha Oliver, Senior Vice President of Community and Public Engagement at the PGA Tour, takes us on a journey that challenges conventional thinking about career paths, community impact, and authentic leadership.Tia Leathers and Ronnie King join Marsha in a conversation as Oliver recounts her life-changing experience in South Africa just two years after apartheid ended, the philosophy that guided her controversial decision to serve as spokesperson for Republican Mayor Lenny Curry and how she's helping direct a $100 million commitment from the PGA Tour to...2025-04-011h 08Scratchwerk ^EDUCollectively Uncomfortable : How Communities Turn Risk Into RewardGetting comfortable with being uncomfortable has become something of a personal development mantra, but what happens when we apply this principle to our communities? Many of us believe our communities are "so close" to breakthrough – but can this perspective be keeping us in comfortable patterns that limit real progress. The truth? We might not be as close as we think, and the path forward may require more significant disruption than we're currently willing to embrace.What might collective discomfort look like? What does it mean to risk it all for progress? The goal isn't just pers...2025-03-2816 minScratchwerk ^EDUWerk Week News Update - Bill Gates Warns, Otter Speaks, GPT DrawsArtificial intelligence continues to reshape our workplaces with Bill Gates predicting AI will replace most human jobs within the next decade. His statements highlight how AI will fundamentally change not just our careers but basic human activities, raising important questions about purpose and the future of employment.• Bill Gates predicts AI will replace most human jobs within the next decade• Otter AI has introduced an agent that can actively participate in meetings with a human voice• OpenAI has integrated image generation capabilities into ChatGPTDon't forget to like and follow us on Spotify, Apple...2025-03-2612 min
Scratchwerk ^EDUConversation with Dr. Johnnetta Cole - Using Generational Wisdom to Move ForwardAn intimate conversation with Dr. Johnnetta Cole reveals the extraordinary journey of a woman who has repeatedly made history throughout the years. From entering Fisk University at just 15 years old to becoming the first African-American woman president of Spelman College, Dr. Cole's life exemplifies resilience, vision, and purposeful action.Dr. Cole shares the remarkable story of her journey to presidency at Spelman—a position she initially resisted. This fascinating tale of destiny and determination offers a glimpse into how pivotal moments can shape our life's direction when we remain open to possibilities beyond our own imagination.2025-03-241h 02Scratchwerk ^EDUEveryday Stress Conversation : How Silly Talk Sparks InnovationWhat if we brought the same playful energy, the same permission to imagine without judgment, to discussions about AI replacing jobs or the changing nature of education? What if these conversations didn't have to feel like doom and gloom?When we remove the pressure of solving global problems and instead approach them with genuine curiosity, something remarkable happens – creativity flourishes.The most innovative solutions often emerge not from stressed thinking, but from allowing our minds to wander through possibilities without immediate demands for feasibility. That business idea or community program you've been seeking might be waiting at th...2025-03-2114 minScratchwerk ^EDUWerk Week News Update - Quantum Speed, Green Billions, and Gene EditsTech advancements are reshaping our future with unprecedented breakthroughs in quantum computing, renewable energy, and biotechnology. We explore revolutionary developments that promise to transform industries while raising important questions about encryption security, sustainability progress, and ethical gene editing implications.• Quantum computing breakthrough achieves processing speeds that solve in seconds what would take traditional supercomputers 47 years• Amazon announces $1 billion commitment to renewable energy projects globally, becoming world's largest corporate buyer of clean energy• Scientists unveil compact gene editing tool with extreme precision for in-body disease treatmentsPlease follow us and leave a review on Spotif...2025-03-1910 min
Scratchwerk ^EDUConversation with Mia Jones - Walking with Purpose from City Council to HealthcareMia Jones is a force of nature whose mission to serve Jacksonville's underserved communities has shaped her remarkable career from city council to the Florida legislature and now healthcare leadership. Her approach to creating change reveals a masterclass in relationship politics – not the partisan kind, but the human connections that transcend political divisions when addressing community needs.Jones shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories of how she strategically built alliances to pass meaningful legislation. Now as CEO of Agape Community Health Center, Jones faces the challenge of providing care regardless of ability to pay while navigating complex funding structures. Her...2025-03-171h 00Scratchwerk ^EDUBig Brother for Equity's Sake : The Advantage of AI MonitoringEver considered the radical notion that surveillance and AI could be our most powerful allies in the fight for equity? This exploration challenges everything we think we know about technology's relationship with social justice and opens a provocative question: for communities consistently receiving unfair treatment from human decision-makers, could technology offer a more equitable solution? Modern AI can process incredibly complex scenarios with countless variables—potentially more fairly than humans with implicit biases. The key is ensuring these systems are created with diverse community involvement.This isn't about choosing to participate in an AI-driven future—that...2025-03-1417 minScratchwerk ^EDUWerk Week News Update - Big Brother in Schools, Culinary Innovation and Global GovernanceWe explore three major AI developments transforming our world: AI surveillance in schools, food technology innovations showcased at South by Southwest 2025, and the global politics of AI regulation. • AI surveillance in schools expected to become a $3.2 billion market by 2028• South by Southwest 2025 highlighted AI-driven food innovations• Lab-grown meat industry projected to reach $2 billion by 2035• AI Action Summit 2025 resulted in 58 countries signing declaration on responsible AIPlease follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.Send us a text2025-03-1310 min
Scratchwerk ^EDUConversation with Attorney Octavius Holliday - Criminal Justice and a Prosecutor’s JourneyWhat happens when the power to determine someone's fate rests in your hands? Attorney Octavius Holliday Jr., Director of the Human Rights Division at the State Attorney's Office, pulls back the curtain on prosecutorial discretion and the human element of justice in this thought-provoking conversation.Holiday's remarkable journey from Duke University to respected prosecutor took an unexpected turn when he became a father of two sets of twins during college. These personal challenges shaped his understanding of life's complexities and informed his compassionate approach to prosecution.After ten years as a prosecutor, Holliday established his o...2025-03-101h 08Scratchwerk ^EDUBeyond Traditional Nonprofits : Building Villages For StudentsRonnie King and Tia Leathers reflect on the evolution of the MyVillage Project from a modest $10,000 fund into a community-designed and tech-driven initiative across Florida. What began as an effort to support Black-led nonprofits has blossomed into an innovative ecosystem reaching 10,000 students annually through partnerships with 350 organizations in five communities.At the heart of the MyVillage Project mission lies a profound understanding of our rapidly changing technological landscape. "Work is going to look completely different. Life is going to be completely different," King explains, highlighting why the project focuses intensively on mathematics, culture, and artificial intelligence. Their...2025-03-0722 minScratchwerk ^EDUWerk Week News Update - Brain-to-Text, AI Agents & Crypto EducationWe cover some groundbreaking developments in technology and their effects on society. We discuss Ripple's new nonprofit aimed at educating the public about cryptocurrency, Meta's new brain-to-text technology, and Salesforce's AI-driven AgentForce 2DX update.• Ripple launches the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA) to promote cryptocurrency education sends a $50 million grant to support its initiatives • Meta develops a non-invasive brain-to-text system that decodes thoughts into text • Salesforce unveils AgentForce 2DX, enhancing AI automation in business workflows Don't forget to follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Send us a text2025-03-0615 min
Scratchwerk ^EDUConversation with Senator Tony Hill - Public Service and Connecting the DotsStep into a compelling conversation with former Florida State Senator Tony Hill, as he unpacks his journey from longshoreman to public servant. In this warm and engaging episode, we discuss the importance of community connections and how these relationships can empower individuals and families alike. Senator Hill shares insights into civic engagement, advocating for youth participation, and the critical need for historical awareness in shaping our future leaders.Listen as Hill emphasizes the power of education in fostering a vibrant community. We dive into meaningful discussions about financial literacy and the barriers many communities face in accessing...2025-03-031h 02
Scratchwerk ^EDUConversation with Dr. Barbara Darby - From Educational Leadership to AdvocacyJoin us for a captivating episode featuring Dr. Barbara Ann Darby, a distinguished educator and community advocate who has dedicated her life to empowering others. From her significant tenure as Campus President at Florida State College at Jacksonville to the founding of impactful community initiatives such as the Young Black Male Academy and the Urban Education Symposium, Dr. Darby reflects on her lifelong journey in education, leadership, and community service.Throughout our discussion, Dr. Darby shares the challenges faced as a Black woman in leadership and highlights how vital mentorship has been in shaping her path. She...2025-02-2455 minScratchwerk ^EDUThe Superposition Mind : Holding Every Possibility at OnceUnlock the secrets of the quantum realm as we help change your understanding of technology's future. Imagine a world where time travel, disease cures, and supercharged human brains are not just figments of science fiction, but tangible realities. In this episode, we break down the mysteries of quantum mechanics, focusing on the strange behaviors of subatomic particles that defy classical logic. These particles, such as electrons and photons, hold the key to quantum computing—a revolutionary leap beyond traditional binary systems. Discover how qubits, existing in multiple states at once, are setting the stage for transformative technological advancements.2025-02-2118 minScratchwerk ^EDUWerk Week News Update - Humanoids, Higher Ed DEI Shakeups & Microsoft’s Quantum LeapA significant societal shift is underway as executive orders challenge the stability of DEI programs in education, the race for humanoid robotics accelerates, and Microsoft achieves a breakthrough in quantum computing. We explore how these developments intersect and impact marginalized communities, job markets, and the future landscape of technology and education.• Discussion on executive orders affecting DEI programs• Impact on historically Black colleges and universities and community organizations• The rise of humanoid robots and their implications on jobs• Major tech investments in robotics and automation• Microsoft’s breakthrough in quantum computingPlease do no...2025-02-1915 min
Scratchwerk ^EDUConversation with Dr. Baron Kelly - Celebrating Black Theater's Legacy Through StorytellingDr. Baron Kelly is not just an acclaimed actor; he's a storyteller who brings the magic of theater to life. His journey from the Metropolitan Opera's children's chorus to Broadway's grand stages is a testament to the power of early artistic exposure. We explore how his childhood in New York, filled with a fascination for old movies, laid the foundation for a career that spans international acclaim. Dr. Kelly's insights into how technology is shaping the theater world offer a fresh perspective on balancing innovation with tradition, all while stressing the importance of authentic representation in media....2025-02-1751 minScratchwerk ^EDUMy Best Friend is an LLM : The Future of FriendshipCould AI chatbots become our closest companions, rivaling human friendships by 2026? Explore this intriguing possibility as we discuss the ever-evolving landscape of AI companionship. As chatbots become increasingly conversational and lifelike, they might soon offer the emotional connections and privacy we often seek in our human relationships. Tune in to understand how these digital friends could mirror the enduring qualities of human bonds, while also providing a unique, personalized conversational experience that fits into our fast-paced, technology-driven lives.While human connections remain irreplaceable, there's no denying the benefits that chatbots and language learning models bring to the...2025-02-1415 minScratchwerk ^EDUWerk Week News Update - Meta Layoffs for AI, Government Education Reform, Musk's OpenAI GrabThis episode dives into the evolving landscape of skill development, education, and employment as we explore the recent wave of tech layoffs, the implications of executive orders on education funding, and Elon Musk’s billion-dollar bid for OpenAI. The conversation emphasizes the need to adapt workforce skillsets and evaluate the impact of these shifts on marginalized communities while grappling with the ethical considerations of nonprofit and for-profit transitions. • Exploring the paradox of tech layoffs amid AI hiring • The implications of executive orders reshaping education funding • Examining the impact of school choice policies on marginalized communities • Elon Musk's bi...2025-02-1214 min
Scratchwerk ^EDUConversation with Judge Brian Davis - Uplifting Communities with Judicial RealityJoin us as we sit down with the Honorable Judge Brian Jordan Davis as he shares his remarkable journey from aspiring dentist to federal judge, highlighting the pivotal role of community support and mentorship in his career. His candid stories reveal the perseverance required to overcome obstacles and the significance of engaging in community service and leadership. Together, we dive into the generational differences in approaches to activism and the critical power of voting. Judge Davis's insights shine a light on the ongoing struggle for social change and the importance of collective political action, particularly in the education system.2025-02-101h 00Scratchwerk ^EDUSocial Engineering 101: The Science for Change or Control?Unlock the transformative power of social engineering as we challenge conventional perspectives. Ever wondered how technology and policy silently shape our daily lives and societal norms? This episode promises to reveal the dual nature of social engineering, from its sometimes negative reputation to its potential for driving positive social change. We trace social engineering's fingerprints across modern society, observing the shift from traditional habits to new norms driven by ride-sharing apps and streaming services. Policy and tech have reshaped our behaviors, and we, in turn, influence their evolution. Our discussion extends to developing tools aimed at nurturing c...2025-02-0718 minScratchwerk ^EDUWerk Week News Update - Google’s AI War Weapons, Amazon’s Robot Empire, and Trump’s Crypto FundThis episode analyzes Google's significant policy change regarding AI military applications, Amazon's increasing automation in its fulfillment centers, and the implications of Trump's proposed sovereign wealth fund that may incorporate cryptocurrency. We delve into the ethical, economic, and social ramifications of these pivotal developments, sparking essential discussions for our listeners. • Google's revised AI principles and military implications • Internal backlash against Google's shift in policy • Amazon's expansion of robotic systems in fulfillment centers • Introduction of a US sovereign wealth fund • Controversies around incorporating Bitcoin in public finance • Speculation on cryptocurrency's influence on the economy and public...2025-02-0513 min
Scratchwerk ^EDUConversation with Dr. Maira Martelo - Bridging Cultures With Stories of ResilienceJoin us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Maira Martelo, who shares her inspiring journey from Cartagena, Colombia, to the United States, where she's making a significant impact. Her dedication to marginalized communities and educational leadership, especially her transformative work in Duval County Public Schools, paints a vivid picture of resilience and commitment. As we explore Dr. Martelo's experiences, we unravel the misconceptions about undocumented immigrants, emphasizing their undeniable contributions to society despite facing systemic challenges.Our discussion takes a deep dive into the healthcare systems of the U.S. and Colombia, highlighting the high costs and...2025-02-031h 02