In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Mike Caldwell, founder and CEO of LinkedLeaders, a platform designed to help K-12 school leaders find meaningful support when they feel isolated, overwhelmed, or stretched thin. Mike shares how a simple Facebook post offering support to struggling principals quickly revealed a much bigger need for accessible, personalized mentorship.

Together, we explore how school leaders can move beyond one-size-fits-all support and tap into a “human library” of mentors, coaches, and experts who understand different contexts and challenges. Mike also shares how LinkedLeaders is helping organizations build stronger communities of support through mentorship, fireside chats, and challenge-based journeys.

Tune in to learn how connection, choice, and community can help keep great leaders leading.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Why so many school leaders feel isolated, overwhelmed, and stretched thin
• How LinkedLeaders grew from one Facebook post into a national support platform
• The value of a “human library” approach to mentorship and coaching
• Why school leaders need support beyond their immediate peer circles
• How organizations can build stronger communities for their members
• Using challenge-based journeys to help leaders find the right support

Resources:

• LinkedLeaders

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Dr. Manfred Stapff, physician, researcher, author of Real-World Evidence Unveiled, and host of The Real-World Evidence Perspective. Together, we explore how educators can help students navigate a world overflowing with information, misinformation, statistics, and AI-generated answers.

Dr. Stapff shares practical ways to teach learners how to evaluate data, trace information back to its source, and ask better questions before accepting something as true. From clinical trials and real-world evidence to ChatGPT, journalism, and old-school library research, this conversation is a thoughtful reminder that information literacy is now an essential life skill.

Join us to explore how we can help students become more discerning, curious, and responsible users of information.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Why reliable information matters for decision-making in education, medicine, politics, and everyday life
• How students can learn to question data, statistics, and sources before accepting them as true
• The difference between controlled scientific studies and messy real-world evidence
• How AI can help gather information while still requiring human judgment and critical thinking
• Why educators should teach learners to trace information back to original sources
• The growing responsibility of the receiver in evaluating misinformation and bias

Resources:

• Real-World Evidence Unveiled: Navigating the Maze of Modern Misinformation by Dr. Manfred Stapff
• The Real-World Evidence Perspective on Spotify
• Dr. Manfred Stapff’s LinkedIn
• Candid Advisory

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Laura Tavares, Executive Director of the WPS Institute, to explore how learning ecosystems can help schools become more connected, relevant, and student-centered. Laura shares how WPS works alongside public schools, districts, and community partners to create real-world learning experiences that build agency, belonging, and purpose.

We look at the work happening in Salem, Massachusetts, where a small middle school pilot grew into a broader model centered on student voice, learning immersions, design studios, and community partnerships. Laura also shares what it takes to scale this kind of work, from flexible scheduling and local partners to family advocacy and a clear shared vision. Join us to hear how communities can reimagine where, how, and with whom learning happens.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Why schools need learning ecosystems rooted in connection, relevance, and student agency
• How Salem, Massachusetts scaled a middle school pilot into a broader community-connected model
• The role of learning immersions, design studios, and local partnerships in student engagement
• Why engagement is a foundation for achievement, especially in the middle grades
• How families, educators, and civic partners can help protect and grow innovative learning models

Resources:

• Learn more about WPS Institute
• Explore NuVu’s project-based design studio model
• Visit MIT Morningside Academy for Design

Produced by NOVA