Do you feel the education system is sucking the life out of you and the pupils you serve? I think many of us wish we could click our fingers and make it fit for purpose. A place of growth with shared learning that empowers pupils to be their best selves, so they can create a world they want to inhabit now and in the future.
While a magic wand or a visionary politician might sound like the answer I believe change is already happening. Educators are changing futures one conversation at a time. New technology and the environments where we learn are beginning to look different both in and out of the classroom. I hope you are seeing this first hand and are excited about what you can share with your pupils. We are having conversations, sharing organisations and communities that are supporting education in a way that you may have not experienced.
Educational change will come from us all working in way that supports the best interests of each of our pupils, personalised learning. Governments and policy makers will follow when they see fully how it can be different. So let us teach, coach, mentor and create an environment that fuels every child with feedback, inspiration, resilience and empowerment. The Education on Fire community is shining the torch, so no matter where you are in the world or how you are supporting children this podcast is here for you.
‘Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.’
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Ethical Persuasion in Education with Patrick van der Burght (Cialdini Institute)
Episode 501
Monday, July 13, 2026 • Duration 01:03:16
Mark Taylor talks with Patrick van der Burght — business partner of Dr. Robert Cialdini and founder member of the Cialdini Institute — about the science of ethical persuasion and what it means for teachers, parents, and school leaders.
Patrick explains why 90-95% of our decisions are made by the brain's fast, automatic "System 1" rather than deliberate reasoning, why human attention spans have now dropped below that of a goldfish, and how Cialdini's seven universal principles of persuasion (reciprocity, liking, unity, social proof, authority, consistency, and scarcity) can help educators build trust, motivate students, and lead more effectively — without ever resorting to manipulation.
Along the way: a study that took student success rates from 14% to 86%, why asking for "advice" beats asking for "feedback," and why public commitment is a far stronger motivator than private commitment.
Guest: Patrick van der Burght, co-author of How to Hear Yes More Often (2024) and host of Ethical Persuasion Unlocked.
Chapters:
00:03 - Introduction to Patrick Van der Burght
05:08 - The Science of Decision Making
11:24 - Understanding Decision-Making: System One vs System Two
16:40 - The Impact of Attention Span on Decision Making
26:52 - The Importance of Early Persuasion Skills
31:19 - The Power of Compliments and Relationships
41:14 - Principles of Influence and Authority
48:59 - The Impact of Appearance on Perception
56:12 - The Importance of Feedback, Inspiration, Resilience, and Empowerment
From Career Days to Career Systems: Dr. Sophia Morgan on Fixing Career Education
Episode 500
Monday, July 6, 2026 • Duration 41:04
Dr. Sophia Nicole Morgan is an educator, author, and entrepreneur whose work focuses on career literacy, academic advising, and helping students make intentional decisions about their futures. Her career spans Jamaica, the United States, and China.
She is the founder of Explore Career Academy, a platform dedicated to helping schools integrate career exploration and college planning into everyday learning.
Dr. Morgan is the author of several career development resources, including The High Schooler's Guide to College and Career Planning and Reflections: A College and Career Journal for Middle Schoolers. Her work equips students with the tools to reflect on their strengths, explore career possibilities, and plan meaningful academic pathways.
Originally from Williamsfield, Westmoreland, Jamaica, Dr. Morgan is passionate about helping schools ensure that every student graduates with clarity, purpose, and direction.
Takeaways:
Dr. Sophia Morgan emphasizes the importance of career literacy in education, equipping students for their future.
Explore Career Academy aims to provide tailored resources to ensure every student has a post-secondary plan.
The podcast discusses the need for continuous career support for students beyond one-off career days.
Dr. Morgan shares her journey from Jamaica to China, highlighting cultural differences and commonalities.
The importance of involving parents, teachers, and administrators in supporting students' career paths is underscored.
Career literacy should start early, integrating career awareness into learning from kindergarten through grade 12.
Chapters:
00:02 - Introducing Dr. Sophia Morgan
00:31 - Navigating Cultural Transitions and Career Guidance
20:25 - The Importance of Career Literacy in Early Education
22:19 - Exploring Career Awareness in Education
31:39 - Exploring Career Literacy and Global Opportunities
Wyzly Founder Adam Adler: Turning Screen Time Battles Into Learning Wins
Episode 499
Monday, June 29, 2026 • Duration 32:18
Adam Adler is a Charleston-based founder and investor focused on building technology that creates healthier, more sustainable systems — for families, communities, and the next generation.
The idea for Wyzly didn't come from a pitch deck or a boardroom. It came from Adam's daughter, Isla. At seven years old, Isla proposed a simple idea that every parent instantly understands: what if kids could earn screen time by learning first?
That moment sparked the creation of Wyzly — a learn-to-earn screen time platform designed to eliminate daily screen battles without punishment or restriction.
Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in private equity, data-driven businesses, and systems design, Adam built Wyzly from the ground up. The platform uses AI to generate curriculum-aligned learning challenges tailored to each child's age, grade, and school district.
Key Takeaways
It's the only app with this level of iOS integration. Two years working with Apple let Wyzly act as a true gatekeeper for all apps — unlocking them only after kids answer curriculum-aligned questions.
The AI adapts to each child. Questions adjust in difficulty based on performance and are tailored to age, grade, and school district.
It interrupts "doom scrolling," not just screen time. Built-in breaks prompt learning moments during long stretches of passive use — his daughter's idea.
Built with real experts, not guesswork. The team includes 14 in-house staff, teachers, a school principal, and a licensed child mental health counselor.
His daughter helped design it firsthand. She tested features, flagged confusing questions, and shaped the UX from a kid's point of view.
Currently U.S./iOS only, K–6. Android and more grades/countries are planned for next year.
Chapters:
00:13 - The Inspiration Behind Wyzly
02:50 - The Birth of Wisely: A New Approach to Screen Time
09:27 - Introducing the App and Its Unique Approach to Screen Time Management
17:33 - The Importance of Sports in Education and Life
Transforming Dyslexia: Practical Strategies for Educators and Parents
Episode 498
Monday, June 22, 2026 • Duration 55:59
Dyslexia, which affects an estimated 15 to 20% of learners, often leads to the frustrating advice of waiting and seeing from educational professionals. Russell Van Brocklen, a dyslexia researcher and advocate, challenges this complacency by presenting actionable solutions for parents and educators. His innovative approach, grounded in structured literacy methods, aims to transform the educational experience for dyslexic students, evidenced by his program that has successfully elevated students from middle school writing levels to college readiness in a remarkably short time. Multi-sensory routines surpass conventional worksheets, enabling observable progress before the next report card arrives.
Takeaways:
Dyslexia affects a significant portion of learners, often leading to delayed intervention and support.
Russell Van Brocklen utilizes structured literacy methods to effectively assist dyslexic students.
His innovative program has demonstrated remarkable improvements in writing skills for dyslexic teens in a short time.
Understanding the neurological differences in dyslexia is crucial for effective teaching and learning strategies.
A focus on multisensory routines can yield better results than traditional methods like worksheets.
Engaging students in topics they are passionate about greatly enhances their learning outcomes.
Chapters:
00:07 - Introduction to Dyslexia and Its Challenges
07:57 - The Journey of Overcoming Dyslexia
23:31 - The Case of Casey: A Unique Learning Journey
28:01 - Understanding Dyslexia and Effective Learning Strategies
From Underprivileged to Acclaimed: The Chess Journey of Modesto Students
Episode 497
Monday, June 15, 2026 • Duration 45:46
Kevin Cripe was a teacher in Modesto City Schools for 27 years and during that time created an award winning after school chess program for students who came from socio-economically challenged backgrounds. He took students to 200+ tournaments and 14 national chess championships and watched as students used chess to become first generation college graduates. After retiring he moved to Central America, continued to teach chess and wrote a "Child Moral Development Trilogy" .
Takeaways:
Kevin Cripe dedicated 27 years to teaching and created an award-winning chess program for underprivileged students, demonstrating a profound commitment to educational equity.
Through chess, Kevin facilitated the participation of his students in over 200 tournaments, resulting in numerous students becoming first-generation college graduates.
After retiring, Kevin continued his passion for teaching chess in Central America and authored a trilogy focused on moral development for children.
Kevin emphasizes the importance of celebrating every student's progress, not just those who achieve the highest scores, fostering a culture of encouragement and resilience.
Kevin's approach to education revolves around providing emotional support and understanding that effort is as important as the results, helping students to feel valued beyond academic performance.
We highlight the transformative power of exposure and opportunities, illustrating how students can aspire to greater futures when given the right support and encouragement.
Chapters:
00:03 - Kevin Cripe: Transforming Lives Through Chess
01:30 - The Journey Begins: Inspiring Change Through Education
21:04 - The Impact of Parental Support on Student Success
29:20 - The Journey of Learning and Growth
36:23 - The Impact of Caring in Education
https://kevincripemotivationalspeaker.com/
🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources and be part of our season finale with Ger.
From Compliance to Curiosity: How Inner Spark Learning Lab is Changing Education
Episode 496
Monday, June 8, 2026 • Duration 45:20
Jacob Adams is an education leader committed to transforming schools into places of joy, belonging, and critical thinking for Black and Brown youth. He coined the term “disconnection crisis” to describe how traditional education separates young people from their purpose, community, and creativity. In 2017, he founded STEM to the Future, now Inner Spark Learning Lab, which has reached over 40,000 young people and generated insights shaping the broader education field.
Jacob began his career as a Teach For America corps member, teaching 1st and 2nd grade before serving as an instructional coach for three years. He holds a B.A. from Birmingham-Southern College and a master’s from Relay Graduate School of Education. He is also an alum of fellowships including the Simons Foundation’s inaugural Science Sandbox Fellowship, 4.0 Schools, LA Leads, and the Black Equity Collective Build Fellowship.
Takeaways:
The disconnection crisis in education highlights how traditional schooling alienates students from their true potential and creativity.
Inner Spark Learning Lab aims to transform educational environments into nurturing spaces that foster joy and a sense of belonging.
By engaging students in participatory action research, they learn to address community needs and develop critical thinking skills.
The importance of feedback loops is emphasized, ensuring that the voices of students and families shape the educational experience.
Empowerment in education is achieved when students feel their contributions are valued and their identities are recognized.
The initiative aims to create a network of schools that adapt to the needs of their communities, fostering relevant and engaging learning experiences.
Chapters:
00:21 - The Disconnection Crisis in Education
00:29 - The Birth of Inner Spark Learning Lab
10:52 - Transitioning Educational Paradigms
19:27 - Transforming Education: The Role of Dreamweavers
35:15 - Navigating the Map of Life: Teaching Self-Awareness and Skills
37:23 - The Importance of Feedback in Education
https://www.innersparklab.org/
GGGG Ep 10 - The Future of Higher Education
Episode 495
Monday, June 1, 2026 • Duration 51:18
In this final episode of the Ger Graus Gets Gritty series, Professor Dr Ger Graus OBE and I wrap up our 10-episode journey through education from early years to higher education and beyond. We explore the difference between schooling and education, the role of universities in an AI-driven world, and whether lifelong learning could — or should — move beyond traditional institutions.
Learning doesn't stop at 18, 45, or even 99. The future of education isn't about replacing what we have, but expanding the menu — so that every curious learner, at every stage of life, can find their own path. And no matter how education evolves, the people around us remain at the very heart of it.
'Everyone can only aspire to what they know exists'
Takeaways:
The importance of continuous education beyond traditional schooling cannot be overstated, as it is essential for personal development throughout one's life.
Our discussions highlighted the critical distinction between education and schooling, emphasizing that true education can occur at any age and in various contexts.
The relationship between higher education institutions and students must be fundamentally redefined to prioritize student needs and outcomes over financial motivations.
Lifelong learning is not limited to formal education; it encompasses all forms of personal growth, driven by individual curiosity and life experiences.
The necessity for a nuanced understanding of educational pathways is paramount, as different individuals require different approaches to learning and development.
In our exploration of higher education, we must recognize the evolving needs of society and the role of institutions in adapting to these changes.
Chapters:
00:04 - Introduction to Episode 10
02:15 - Overview of Further Education and Lifelong Learning
24:02 - The Complexity of Accountability in Education
36:18 - The Role of Degrees in Professional Success
GGGG Ep 9 - The Future of Schooling: Rethinking What, How, and Why We Teach
Episode 494
Monday, May 25, 2026 • Duration 01:01:52
Joining Mark Taylor as part of this series with Prof Dr Ger Graus OBE is Rebecca Durose-Croft a Managing Director with over 20 years’ experience in educational publishing and the evolving world of edtech.
Rebecca has built a reputation for bringing together editorial expertise, strategic thinking and a deep understanding of how learners engage with content - leading teams to create high-quality publications and programmes that truly make a difference.
With a strong commitment to inclusion and accessibility, and a track record of working closely with educators, policymakers and partners across the sector, Rebecca is a thoughtful and influential voice in how education continues to adapt and innovate.
Takeaways:
We discusses the evolving nature of educational content and its impact on schooling.
Rebecca Durose-Croft emphasizes the importance of tailoring educational material to individual learners' needs.
National curriculum reforms prompt a reevaluation of educational practices and content delivery methods.
The conversation highlights the necessity of incorporating real-world applications into learning experiences.
Technology plays a crucial role in modern education, but it must be integrated thoughtfully to enhance learning.
Collaboration between educators and content creators is essential for producing effective educational resources.
Chapters:
00:15 - Introducing Rebecca Durose-Croft
01:58 - Exploring New Educational Curriculums
16:16 - The Importance of Context in Language Learning
23:27 - The Role of Technology in Modern Education
31:20 - The Evolution of Educational Technology
45:06 - The Role of Educators in Curriculum Development
51:49 - The Importance of Trusting Teachers in Education
GGGG Ep 8 - The Reggio Emilia Approach with Cristian Fabbi
Episode 493
Monday, May 18, 2026 • Duration 01:02:07
Today we bring together Prof Dr Ger Graus OBE and Cristian Fabbi, Director of the Fondazione Reggio Children, for a deeply human and intellectually rich conversation about the future of early years education.
Ger and Cristian share personal stories and the work of their friend and colleague Carla Rinaldi — one of the world's most influential educational thinkers. They explore what it truly means to place children at the heart of learning. From the rubble of post-war Italy to classrooms in Soweto, Nairobi, and Napoli, the Reggio Emilia approach has quietly transformed how educators around the world understand childhood, creativity, community, and the very purpose of school.
This is a conversation full of warmth, courage, and genuine hope — a reminder that when we believe in children's potential, extraordinary things happen.
Key Takeaways
1. Start at the very beginning — literally
The Reggio Emilia approach insists that quality education must begin from birth, not age 3, 5, or 7. Neuroscience has since confirmed what Carla Rinaldi and Loris Malaguzzi argued decades ago: the 0–3 years are the most critical window for brain development and should be treated as education, not just childcare.
2. Children have 100 languages
Every child is born with the capacity to express themselves through music, movement, clay, drawing, storytelling, and more. The role of early education is to keep all of these "languages" alive, rather than narrowing children down to reading, writing, and arithmetic alone.
3. The environment is the third teacher
Alongside the child and the educator, the physical environment plays a crucial pedagogical role. Spaces should be intentionally designed to provoke curiosity, creativity, and collaboration — a principle as relevant to theme parks and museums as it is to nurseries.
4. Document processes, not just products
One of Reggio Emilia's most powerful innovations is pedagogical documentation — capturing the of children's learning through observation, photographs, and reflection. This shifts the focus from testing what children remember to understanding how they think, discover, and grow.
Summer Camps USA: What Kids Learn at Camp That Schools Can't Teach
Episode 492
Monday, May 11, 2026 • Duration 40:18
Today I'm delighted to chat with Matthew Kaufman from I Love Camp. He has spent more than three decades creating environments where children and staff thrive and he has done this as a camper, counselor, and now summer camp director.
People learn, grow, and connect best in community settings where problem-solving, creativity, and play come first.
Most workplaces, schools, and families stumble into community by accident, but camp builds it on purpose. It's a practice that can be learned and applied anywhere.
Using these insights Matt has written a book called The Campfire Effect which explores the neuroscience behind what makes camp work. It examines five neurochemicals that drive human connection and shows how camp naturally creates the conditions for each one to flourish. Then it offers practical frameworks for applying these lessons to workplaces, classrooms, and homes.
This isn't a book about summer camp. It's a book about belonging, using camp as the lens.
5 Key Takeaways:
Camp is school for relationships — The activities matter less than who you're doing them with. The real curriculum is learning how to be a good friend, teammate, and citizen.
Stress + Support = Growth — Matt's core framework. Remove all struggle and kids become fragile; struggle without support leads to bullying. The sweet spot is challenge within a safe, supported environment.
Camp levels the playing field — Unlike school, which has few "paths to dignity," camp offers dozens of ways to shine — chess, drama, sportsmanship, leadership — helping the invisible or left-out child find their place.
The skills camp teaches are exactly what AI can't replace — Problem solving, interpersonal communication, genuine relationship-building — camp has been teaching these for decades, and they're now the most valuable skills in an AI world.
Oxytocin is the secret ingredient — The Campfire Effect (Matt's book) explains the neuroscience: when kids feel emotionally and physically safe, oxytocin flows, trust builds, and real growth becomes possible. This isn't magic — it's science.
www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sophia-morgan-1a784671
🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources.
Carla Rinaldi's conviction was clear: children are not future citizens — they are citizens now, with rights and responsibilities from the moment they are born.
6. Quality education is an antidote to social harm
The Fondazione Reggio Children works in communities facing criminality, poverty, and conflict — from Naples to Palermo to Soweto.
7. We must shift from "I" to "We"
A powerful reflection from Cristian: modern education has rightly championed individual development, but we've lost something vital at the community level. The next step is helping children develop their life projects together with others — rebuilding the communal bonds that hold society together.
8. Invest in foundations, not just outcomes
Ger offers a striking metaphor: we build houses by investing heavily in their foundations. Yet in education, the earliest years — the true foundation — receive the least funding and attention.
9. Research should be participatory and generous
The Fondazione's PhD programme is deliberately multidisciplinary — bringing together architects, biologists, poets, and musicians — with the goal of generating processes other educators can actually use, not just papers that gather dust on library shelves.
10. The Reggio Emilia approach is a philosophy, not a formula
It cannot simply be copied. A school inspired by Reggio Emilia in Indonesia will look entirely different from one in Nairobi — and that's by design. The approach adapts to local context, culture, and community, making it genuinely universal without being prescriptive.
Chapters:
00:06 - Exploring New Themes in Education
01:09 - Introduction to the Reggio Emilia Approach
16:18 - The Legacy of Carla: A Reflection on Education and Humanity
19:02 - Introduction to the Reggio Emilia Approach
30:03 - The Importance of Community in Education
34:58 - The Importance of Documentation in Education
44:17 - Exploring the Role of Play in Education
55:28 - Investing in Quality Education
57:41 - Community Perspectives on Education and Citizenship
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