Why Purpose Matters

In this episode of The Good Insights Podcast, we explore the fascinating world of youth purpose through the lens of cutting-edge research and practical application. Claremont Graduate University’s Dr. Kendall Cotton Bronk shares her insights on how purpose is defined and why it matters for young people navigating questions of identity, career, and contribution. We delve into findings from a cross-cultural research study examining how purpose connects to career aspirations across diverse contexts, revealing both common threads and meaningful differences. The conversation also introduces a brand-new Purpose Toolkit, a rich collection of resources and strategies designed to help educators guide students in discovering and nurturing their sense of purpose. Listen in on the conversation to discover why schools must intentionally make space for this work and what educators can do to nurture purpose in their classrooms. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegoodproject.substack.com

In this episode of the Good Insights podcast, Danny Mucinskas interviews Nick Haisman-Smith, the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Institute for Social and Emotional Learning. Nick discusses his journey from teaching to co-founding the Institute and highlights the importance of proactive and systemic approaches to social and emotional learning (SEL) in schools. The conversation covers SEL competencies, the importance of cultural sensitivity in conducting this type of work, and how to create supportive environments for both students and educators. Connecting with The Good Project’s framework of “good work,” Nick emphasizes that SEL is integral to achieving excellence, fostering ethical decision-making, and maintaining engagement. The pair conclude by thinking about their hopes for the wider effects of SEL on the world. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegoodproject.substack.com

In this episode of The Good Insights Podcast, researcher Kirsten McHugh speaks with Dr. Jeanne Nakamura, a professor in the Division of Behavioral & Organizational Sciences at Claremont Graduate University and Director of the Quality of Life Research Center. Kirsten and Dr. Nakamura discuss the early years of The Good Project including Dr. Nakamura’s development of the popular Value Sort tool. They also talk about Dr. Nakamura’s current work into positive aging–what the term refers to, how it connects to Good Work and what young people can do now to help foster positive aging later in life. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegoodproject.substack.com

In this episode of the Good Insights podcast, Danny Mucinskas speaks with Sam Jeong, Quang Le, and Chau Doan about their work with the Education for Good organization in Vietnam. They discuss their efforts inspired by the United World College (UWC) movement and incorporating ideas from The Good Project about excellence, ethics, engagement, and reflection. Education for Good aims to nurture purpose-driven leadership among youth in signature experiential learning programs. The conversation covers the inspirations, successes, and puzzles involved in running their educational programs, the importance of deep interpersonal learning, and values like trust, belonging, and self-reflection. Sam, Quang, and Chao also share impactful stories from their program and future aspirations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegoodproject.substack.com

In this episode, Alison speaks with Amy Neugebauer, Founder and Executive Director of The Giving Square. Amy discusses The Giving Square’s innovative approach to transforming children's civic roles through inclusive philanthropy, partnering with over 75 schools. The Giving Square focuses on building empathy and community engagement to empower children to develop a philanthropic disposition through experiential learning. Drawing from her own childhood and career in community building, Amy emphasizes the importance of validating children's voices and tackling tough societal issues. You can learn more about the Giving Square at https://www.thegivingsquare.org/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegoodproject.substack.com

In this episode, Alison speaks with Dr. Sabena Jameel, a clinical academic dedicated to teaching and using practical wisdom (phronesis) in medical education and practice. The conversation delves into the implications of practical wisdom (phronesis) in clinical settings, how to prepare medical students to handle difficult ethical dilemmas, and reflections on the Laughter and Medicine Conference, which Dr. Jameel co-convened. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegoodproject.substack.com

In this episode Alison speaks with Meenakshi Iyer, an accomplished administrator at the Podar Education Network Schools and a dedicated participant in The Good Project's study. Meenakshi shares her inspiring journey from software programming to education, emphasizing her passion for making systems better. She discusses her diverse roles within the Podar network, from being a primary teacher to joining the Central Curriculum Team and eventually leading projects aimed at enhancing 21st-century skills in students. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegoodproject.substack.com

In this episode Alison interviews Kailah McGee Adefolalu, a PhD student at Harvard's Graduate School of Education. Kailah shares her research on how privileged white students reason about justice and explains the challenges of teaching about race, power, and inequality in racially mixed classrooms. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegoodproject.substack.com

In this episode Alison speaks with guest Thijs Jansen, director of the Professional Honor Foundation. They discuss his extensive work in establishing and promoting professional ethics among civil servants in the Netherlands. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegoodproject.substack.com

In this episode, host Alison sits down with Danny Mucinskas, the Senior Project Manager of The Good Project, to delve into the essential concept of values and their role in our personal and professional lives. Danny also introduces the popular “Value Sort” activity and its application as a tool for educators and individuals to explore their values. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegoodproject.substack.com