Better Learning Podcast cover art

Better Learning Podcast

Better Learning Podcast

By: Kay-Twelve
Listen for free

About this listen

 The Better Learning Podcast is about improving education at all levels - Schools (public, charter, private, independent), Higher Education, & Corporate/Adult Learning. The major theme is to break down the silos and learn from others doing innovative things in education. We highlight innovative programs & initiatives, lessons learned, improvements to educational space, and real-world tactics while getting a deeper understanding of the people behind the innovation. Our guests include Heads of Schools, Superintendents, Principals, Entrepreneurs, Non-profit leaders and other innovators. Kevin Stoller, CEO of Kay-Twelve & author of Creating Better Learning Environments, is the host.©Copyright 2022
Episodes
  • 'Matilda' with Charlotte Nienhaus, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller

    'Matilda' with Charlotte Nienhaus, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller
    Jul 2 2025
    If you grew up in the '90s, there’s a good chance Matilda made you believe two things: libraries are magical, and adults DEFINITELY don’t always know best... The 1996 movie, adapted from Roald Dahl’s classic book, gave us a hero who wasn’t loud or flashy - but smart, kind, and quietly powerful. Oh, and she had telekinesis. So yeah, iconic. In this episode, we dive into why Matilda still hits all these years later. From the hilariously awful Wormwoods to the nightmare-fuel that is Miss Trunchbull, it’s a story that balances dark humor with real heart. But beyond the fantasy, there’s something incredibly real about a kid discovering her voice and the courage to use it. Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or just someone who remembers rewinding the chocolate cake scene way too many times, this one’s worth revisiting. Join us as we unpack what Matilda can still teach us about agency, learning, and the power of finding just one person who believes in you. Takeaways: Miss Trunchbull’s classroom is fear-based, while Miss Honey’s is nurturing, and that contrast highlights just how much learning environments shape students’ confidence and curiosity.Miss Honey shows the life-changing impact a caring, attentive educator can have. A single person believing in a student’s potential can rewrite their story.Bruce Bogtrotter vs. the giant chocolate cake is one of the most memorable scenes in Matilda—and not just because it’s grossly hilarious. It’s a perfect metaphor for standing up to power. What starts as a cruel punishment turns into a full-on moment of triumph, as the entire student body silently shifts from fear to cheering him on. About Charlotte Nienhaus, AIA: Charlotte Nienhaus is an architect at ISG based in southern MN with 10 years of experience in the industry. She specializes in education design and enjoys helping school districts maximize student environments through architecture. Through the years, Charlotte has completed projects from small interior renovations all the way up to complete K-12 new builds and has found a niche in working with smaller rural school districts to help bring the same opportunities to those students as larger districts are able to offer. Learn More About Charlotte Nienhaus, AIA: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-nienhaus-aia-848ba8104/ Learn More About ISG: Website: https://www.isginc.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISGInc1973 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isginc1973/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/isginc/ X: https://x.com/isginc1973 Connect with host, Kevin Stoller: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/ Connect with co-host, Carla Cummins: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-cummins-01449659/ Learn More About Kay-Twelve: Website: https://kay-twelve.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kay-twelve-com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kay_twelve/ Episode 239 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • 'High School Musical 2' with Erin Jennings and Carla Cummins

    'High School Musical 2' with Erin Jennings and Carla Cummins
    Jun 25 2025
    When High School Musical 2 premiered on Disney Channel in August 2007, it shattered records with over 17 million viewers tuning in on its first night — making it the most-watched cable movie at the time. Trading school hallways for summer jobs at a posh country club, the film dives deeper into the personal growth of its characters, especially Troy Bolton. As he’s tempted by opportunities that could shape his future, he starts to drift from his friends and Gabriella, leading to heartfelt moments like “Gotta Go My Own Way” and the now-iconic (and meme-worthy) “Bet On It.” With a vibrant setting, high-energy choreography, and a soundtrack that defined a generation, the movie balances summer fun with themes of loyalty, ambition, and staying true to yourself. What sets High School Musical 2 apart from the original is its emotional depth and visual glow-up. From Sharpay’s hilariously over-the-top “Fabulous” to the sun-soaked golf course showdowns, the movie feels bigger and bolder while still holding onto the sincerity that made the first film a hit. For many fans, it remains the best in the trilogy - not just for the catchy songs, but for how it captures the confusing transition between teenage fun and adult choices. At its core, it's a feel-good reminder that success means little if you lose yourself along the way. Takeaways: Unlike the first movie, High School Musical 2 explores personal ambition and integrity. Troy’s internal conflict between chasing opportunity and staying loyal to his friends adds emotional depth that resonates with viewers growing up alongside the characters.The entire movie takes place in a wealthy country club, with Troy and his friends working as staff while Sharpay enjoys every luxury. This creates a visible tension between socioeconomic classes - particularly when Troy is offered elite opportunities at the expense of his peer group.The summer setting shows that learning and personal growth don’t pause when school is out. How we support students in extended learning environments (internships, summer programs, real-world exposure) can have lasting impact.Gabriella choosing to walk away from what doesn’t align with her values is a powerful example of student agency. When schools give students meaningful choices in their learning and extracurriculars, they’re more likely to take ownership of their growth. About Erin Jennings, IIDA, AIA, NCIDQ, NCARB: Erin Jennings, IIDA, AIA, NCIDQ, NCARB is an Architect, Registered Interior Designer, and Principal for Luminaut, believing that design is just as much about the way something looks as it is about how it functions. Her commitment to that philosophy has yielded the award-winning designs of numerous university, library, and k-12 projects. Her design efforts are motivated by a desire to create conscious impact on the end-user experience. Community environments are the spaces in which Erin’s leadership skills and her interdisciplinary approach have had the most positive influence on the greatest number of people. She’s highly involved in industry and community organizations both regionally and nationally, and through regular attendance and speaking engagements at thought-leadership conferences. She currently serves on advisory boards, closely monitors building trends, space planning techniques, and continually studies and tests innovative products, all while keeping the protection of the public at the forefront of mind. As the Immediate Past President of the International Board of Directors for CIDQ, she closely collaborates with industry regulatory partners from NCARB, CLARB, and NCEES. She has demonstrated industry advocacy experience as a Past President for the IIDA Indiana Chapter and Past Chair for the AIA National Interior Architecture Knowledge Community. She’s knowledgeable, meticulous, and advocates relentlessly on behalf of her clients and their end-users. Erin’s continued deep-rooted passion subsists in mentoring young professionals, and most recently, teaching students in the collegiate setting. As an Adjunct Instructor of Interior Design at the College of Architecture & Planning at Ball State University, she strives to bridge the disciplines of architecture and interior design, not to advocate that one can do another, but to advocate the value-add when the two work in harmony with one another. Erin has committed her life and career to advancing the design industry. From her dual degreed experience at Ball State, to the licensing and certification process for both interior design and architecture, she strives to engage at the highest level. Her main focus: Fostering passion and compassion through elevating the human experience within the built learning environment. Learn More About Erin Jennings, IIDA, AIA, NCIDQ, NCARB: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-jennings-iida-aia-ncidq-ncarb-3a23b111/ Learn More About Luminaut: Website: https://...
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • 'Wonder' with Brian Proctor, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller

    'Wonder' with Brian Proctor, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller
    Jun 18 2025
    What if your first day of school wasn’t just nerve-wracking, but something you’d spent your entire life preparing for? That’s the reality for Auggie Pullman, the main character in Wonder (2017), a film that tells the story of a young boy with facial differences entering a mainstream school for the first time. In this episode, host Kevin Stoller, co-host Carla Cummins, and guest speaker Brian Proctor took a deep dive into the film - not just as a touching family drama, but as a case study in education. From peer relationships to teacher support to the role of school culture, Wonder gives us a lens through which we can evaluate how schools succeed - or fail - in creating inclusive, student-centered environments. The panel explores the film’s central themes of belonging, identity, and the dynamics of family and friendship. They dive into character development, examining how each person - Auggie, his sister Via, classmates like Jack Will, and school leaders - represents a different experience with acceptance and adversity. The conversation also touches on kindness, leadership, bullying, and the growing influence of social media in school dynamics. Guest Brian Proctor, who transitioned from education leadership to a role in school architecture, shares his perspective on how physical space contributes to emotional safety and inclusion. Takeaways: Family dynamics play a crucial role in shaping children’s emotional and social growth.The principal’s leadership style showcases how kindness and character education can take priority over rigid rule enforcement.Quotes from the film, like “When given the choice between being right and being kind, choose kind,” leave a lasting emotional impact.Social media is a double-edged sword—it can amplify support, but also bullying, shaping students’ daily realities. About Brian Proctor: With 25 years of experience in public education, Brian Proctor joined Ratio as an Associate Principal and Education Planner, bringing new perspectives and thought processes to projects as he serves as a bridge between K12 clients and design teams. Brian offers unique and relevant insights based on his first-hand experience within education organizations, including years of leadership as an elementary school principal and as a key contributor to the design and development teams of multiple school renovation and construction projects. Drawn to Ratio’s values-driven culture and community-focused team, Brian shares a passion for personal growth and positive impact. He connects people through fun and energetic communication that comforts and engages and encourages active participation. His work focuses not only on the social and emotional wellbeing of students and staff, but also on purposeful design that supports all learners. By simplifying situations and spaces – reducing barriers and minimizing anxiety – schools become fun and nurturing spaces where kids feel a sense of autonomy and support, and love to learn. Brian is a caring and energetic connector who gains his own personal fulfillment by sharing with others and spreading joy – often supported by a closet full of entertaining costumes. Devoting as much time as he can to gathering with family and friends, Brian is dedicated to cultivating partnerships, nurturing relationships, and building better communities – and to taking life one day at a time, making sure to stop along the way to have fun. “If we’re asking teachers and kids to be innovative in their learning and problem solving, then we need to be innovative too.” Learn More About Brian Proctor: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianproctor2022/ Connect with host, Kevin Stoller: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/ Connect with co-host, Carla Cummins: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-cummins-01449659/ Learn More About Kay-Twelve: Website: https://kay-twelve.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kay-twelve-com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kay_twelve/ Episode 237 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins

What listeners say about Better Learning Podcast

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com.au reviews

Amazon Reviews
No Reviews are Available
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.