Education

Unlocking Education’s Future with R&D with Auditi Chakravarty

In this episode of Trending in Education, we welcome Auditi Chakravarty, CEO of the Advanced Education Research and Development Fund (AERDF), to explore the cutting edge of education R&D. We begin by tracing Auditi’s journey from a high school English teacher to a leader in curriculum and assessment development, with stops at Kaplan and the College Board, where she helped shape major programs like AP and the redesigned SAT.  

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Higher Education

Bridging the Experience Gap: Dana Stephenson on Work-Based Learning and Higher Ed

In this dynamic episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer connects with Dana Stephenson, co-founder and CEO of Riipen, live from SXSW EDU in Austin. We dive into how Riipen is revolutionizing higher education and the workforce by tackling the critical experience gap head-on. Discover how their innovative platform seamlessly connects students and companies through impactful, skill-specific projects.

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Learning and Education

Trending in Ed Live: March Madness at SXSW EDU 2025

Join us for a dynamic live recording from the Podcast Stage at SXSW EDU 2025! We’re diving into the hottest trends shaping the future of education with a panel of experts. Mike Palmer, host of Trending in Ed and Founder of Palmer Media, leads a lively discussion with Mike Yates from Teach for America’s Reinvention Lab, who shares his insights on AI and social media. Jenn Stredler, Managing Director of Common Group, brings her expertise on the intersection of education, workforce, and talent. Julia Shatilo, Programming Director for SXSW EDU, offers a unique perspective on the trends driving innovation in education based on what’s submitted and chosen for the conference.  

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Education

Innovations and Insights: Reflections from SXSW EDU 2025

Join us for a recap of SXSW EDU 2025! Host Mike Palmer shares his takeaways from the conference, including highlights from the panel discussion he hosted on the podcast stage. Catch highlights from interviews with Dr. Jenny Nash from LEGO Education, Dana Stephenson from Riipen, and Lindsay Whorton from The Holdsworth Center, as Mike shares his experiences attending the conference with his wife and 6-year-old son. Palmer discusses the importance of hands-on learning with Nash and Stephenson and gets into the role of AI in education and transformations in the workforce with Stephenson and Whorton.

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Education

Pathways to Impact: Jarian Kerekes on Education and Social Mobility

Jarian Kerekes, President of the Equitable Foundation, joins Mike Palmer on Trending in Education to share his personal and professional journey, highlighting the transformative power of education and the importance of finding one’s passion. From his challenging upbringing in rural Virginia to his impactful work at the Equitable Foundation, Kerekes’ story is one of resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to opening up higher education pathways for underserved students. Here’s the link to NCAN also discussed in the episode.  

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Higher Education

Engaging Minds: Public Scholarship and Engagement with Dr. Kenneth Carter

Dr. Kenneth Carter, a clinical psychologist and professor, returns to Trending in Education to discuss his work as the founder of Emory University’s Center for Public Scholarship and Engagement. Carter and host Mike Palmer explore the challenges and opportunities of translating academic knowledge into accessible and engaging content for the public.  

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AI

Pursuing Equity and Responsible AI with Dr. Allison Scott

Dr. Allison Scott, CEO of the Kapor Foundation, joins Mike Palmer on Trending in Education to discuss the crucial intersection of technology, education, and equity. The conversation explores the persistent lack of diversity in the tech industry and the urgent need to prepare students for the AI-driven future. Dr. Scott emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, ethical considerations, and creating a more inclusive tech ecosystem that benefits everyone. This episode offers valuable insights for educators, parents, and anyone interested in the transformative power of technology and its impact on society.

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