About the Getting Smart Podcast
The Getting Smart Podcast covers trends, innovations and insights in K-12, higher ed, lifelong learning, leadership, investing and more. You can listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts. Every other Friday we publish an episode called “Catching Up” where Nate McClennen and Mason Pashia try to make sense of what’s going on in education, learning and human flourishing. Check it out.Â
If you’re on Spotify, we have built some great playlists to help you jump into some conversations we’ve been having over the last few years. You can go long on the following topics:Â
- Student Voice
- Pathways to Postsecondary
- Green Skills & Schools
- Microschools
- What’s Next in Learning
- AI in Education
- Next Generation Leadership
Interested in placing an advertisement in the podcast or sponsoring a series of conversations? Check out our sponsored content page to learn more.Â
Know of someone who would make a great guest on the podcast? Email Mason to pitch your suggestion or learn more about being on the podcast.
Subscribe to Our Podcast
This podcast highlights developing trends in K-12 education, postsecondary and lifelong learning. Each week, Getting Smart team members interview students, leading authors, experts and practitioners in research, tech, entrepreneurship and leadership to bring listeners innovative and actionable strategies in education leadership.
Find us on:
New Pathways
Justin Terry on The Opportunity Center and Lifelong Learning
Dr. Justin Terry shares how Forney ISD's Opportunity Center blends career, college, and community to redefine education and community spaces.
Leadership
Clay Banks and EIC on Empowering Future Entrepreneurs Through Mentorship and Innovation
Exploring entrepreneurship in education: mentorship, student-led innovation, and the future of learning at Williamson County’s EIC program.
David Cook, Sarah Snipes and Karen Perry on Building Sustainable Education Systems
This podcast explores Kentucky’s innovative "United We Learn" initiative, highlighting community-driven education transformation and network building.
Leadership
David Dimmett on AI Literacy & Career Readiness in STEM Education
David Dimmett discusses AI literacy, STEM pathways, and career readiness, emphasizing applied humanities, ethical reasoning, and durable skills.
Future of Learning
Town Hall Recap: What’s Next in Learning 2026
As we enter 2026, the Getting Smart team is diving deep into the convergence of human potential and technological opportunity. Our annual Town Hall isn’t just a forecast—it’s a roadmap for the year ahead. We will explore how human-centered AI is reshaping pedagogy, the power of participation, and the new…