ClassCast Podcast Ep.085 features Sonny Thadani, CEO & Co-Founder of Robin, discussing social-emotional learning, mindfulness, the value of personal/life coaching, and how we can serve students' and teachers' emotional needs as we strive to improve education.  Sonny initially found success as a realtor and business consultant, but a series of important personal experiences compelled him to shift paths and seek opportunities to support students (and teachers).  Initially, after forging relationships with families from Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, Sonny became interested in social-emotional learning and supporting mental health; he then became a father and had a transformational experience with a personal life coach and saw the potential for coaching in schools. Now, in his role as CEO of Robin, a cutting-edge social-emotional learning and coaching program, Sonny is doing everything he can to promote mindfulness, peace, and productivity in schools across the country. If you are interested in making SEL work for students, teachers, and communities around you, don't miss Sonny's coaching-based approach.

You can learn more about Robin at my-robin.com, on Twitter @robin_stories, on Instagram @robin_stories, or by contacting Sonny directly.

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-7:12 -- Intro to Sonny Thadani, Robin, & Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
2. 7:12-11:57 -- Making SEL Work for Students: Relationships & Voices *
3. 11:57-19:23 -- Making SEL Work for Teachers: Buy-In & Support ** 
4. 19:23-26:50 -- Flexible Curricula & Phasing-In Change
5. 26:50-35:50 -- Student & Faculty Input in SEL Implementation **
6. 35:50-41:31 -- Sonny as a Student & SEL as a Core Skill *
7. 41:31-54:07 -- The Purpose of School According to Sonny & Sonny's Ideal School
8. 54:07-58:19 -- Upcoming Goals for Robin
9. 58:19-1:03:44 -- SEL for Teachers **
10. 1:03:44-1:10:48 -- Final Wrap-Up & Sonny's Book Recs

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​​The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more.  You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com.  Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen.  Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

Support the show (http://paypal.me/TibbensEST)! 
​Donations -- large and small -- help keep this podcast independent!

Classcast Podcast Ep.075 features Cary Vipond and Kevin Cook, members of "The Cookout," a discussion group focusing on race relations and making positive change in the Loudoun County, Virginia community. Along with host Ryan Tibbens, they discuss the recent debates (and hysteria?) over critical race theory, equity training for school staff, anti-racism, and politics in public schools. Given Fox News' new obsession with Loudoun County Public Schools as well as the parent and political groups seeking to influence them, Cary, Kevin, and Ryan agreed it was time for reasonable people with first-hand experience in these schools and communities to have a reasonable discussion.

Cary Vipond, a long-time history and social science teacher, football coach, and father, launched "The Cookout" in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder.  He assembled a group of Black and white men, including community leaders, entrepreneurs, clergy, teachers, and students, to share perspectives and ideas, first to help one another understand the racial dynamics at play in the country, and then to take actions to improve local government, business, and schools for Black people. ClassCast Podcast host Ryan Tibbens was invited by Cary to join the group when it was formed. Kevin Cook, a certified project manager, author, coach, and father, joined the group soon afterward and has been a thoughtful, vocal participant in the group's efforts. Camryn Thompson (Ep.031) has also participated in The Cookout.

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-7:57 -- The Cookout & Local Efforts Against Racism
2. 7:57-9:55 -- Educate Ignorance; Punish Malice *
3. 9:55-26:36 -- Shifting Mindsets & Community Reactions to Anti-Racist Teaching **
4. 26:36-34:00 --Kevin's Experiences as a Black Father
5. 34:00-48:04 -- Race, Anti-racism, & "CRT" in the Classroom **
6. 48:04-54:21 -- Why We Must Have Tough Conversations
7. 54:21-59:18 -- Race Education: Completing the Thought *
8. 59:18-1:06:40 -- Seeking (& Silencing) Black Perspectives
9. 1:06:40-1:12:17 -- The Intersection of Mental Health, Racism, & Politics *
10. 1:12:17-1:20:25 -- What Can Schools Do to End Racsim?
11. 1:20:25-1:31:09 -- Final Wrap Up & Book Recommendations

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​​The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more.  You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com.  Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen.  Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

Support the show (http://paypal.me/TibbensEST)! Donations -- large and small -- help keep this podcast independent! ​

ClassCast Podcast Ep.069 features host Ryan Tibbens reflecting on the 2020-2021 school year, pandemic-related changes in schools, 4-day work weeks, and a HUGE career shift -- to 100% virtual instruction. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone differently, but one thing is certain -- it is has affected everyone.  Tibbens has experienced loss in his family, a massive shift at work, and a sea-change in education beliefs. This quick solo talk starts with a brief promo of #Edupodlooza (check it out June 27) and quickly gets into teachers' experiences in 2020-2021. A deep reflection on a pandemic mantra -- "If not now, why ever? If now, why not always?" -- follows and is accompanied by a quick justification of a 4-day school week.  This episode ends with perhaps the most important part (bury the lead much?) -- Ryan Tibbens' shift to 100% synchronous virtual instruction in the 2021-2022 school year, the 16th year of his career.  If you're interested in innovation, education trends, school choice, or a "return to normal" in schools, then spend a few minutes on this episode and the very real experiences it presents.  

Table of Contents (*highlights)

1. 0:00-0:52 -- #Edupodlooza Promo
2. 0:52-10:49 -- 2020-2021 Recap
3. 10:49-15:21 -- If not now, why ever? If now, why not always?*
4. 15:21-19:04 -- 4 Day Weeks or Bust
5. 19:04-32:49 -- Big Changes: Tibbens Goes Virtual***

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The ClassCast Podcast streams on all major platforms, including iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Stitcher, and more.  You can also find us on YouTube and at www.ClassCastPodcast.com.  Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and comment wherever you listen.  Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of the discussion and if you have any questions!

Support the show (http://paypal.me/TibbensEST)! If every listener made a one-time donation of $2-3, the podcast would be funded for the year!