The Pixel Classroom Podcast

Ryan explains why there was no episode recently and why he's taking a couple of weeks off: a busy community theater run, personal commitments and scheduling conflicts with guests. He shares what's coming next: the November History of Music episode, a short Epilepsy Awareness Month episode, guests returning in December, and the end-of-year review. He also pays tribute to Patrick Stewart and Walter Koenig and thanks listeners for their support.

I keep asking the same question: where do you find balance when life keeps moving the goalposts? If you’ve felt stretched thin lately, balance” — I want to know I’m not the only one. Between school, bills, family changes, work, and trying to make space for the things I love, I’ve had to relearn this more than once. Some seasons look fine on paper and still feel heavy in real life. A setback can hit hard and still not be the end of your story. Small wins matter more than we give them credit for. Sometimes balance is just one quiet hour, one good coffee, or one thing that reminds you who you are. I'm still figuring it out, but I do know this: you don’t need a perfect life to have a meaningful one. Maybe balance is built, not found.

I am joined by CEO / Co-founder - Teach Better Team, Chad Ostrowski. Chad works with schools, districts and organizations to improve instructional outcomes. His expertise in Mastery Learning and instructional design allows him and his team to help schools and districts thrive. He is an author, speaker, consultant and PD provider helping the world “Teach Better”.

In this episode of The Pixel Classroom Podcast, we dive into the fascinating history behind Dolly Parton’s iconic workplace anthem, "9 to 5"! 🎸✨From its origins tied to the 1980 hit comedy film and the real-life women’s labor movement to how Dolly famously used her own acrylic nails as a percussion instrument, we break down the story, impact, and legacy of a song that defined a generation of workers.

Tish Richmond returns to the Pixel Classroom Podcast. In this episode we talk about framework discussions center on bridging academic learning with hands-on, practical skills—preparing students for post-secondary pathways, trade careers, and emerging tech fields. Integrating gamification, interactive lesson structures, and project-based learning within technical subjects to keep students actively involved.

I review The EduProtocol Field Guide: AI Literacy Edition (featuring 15 lesson frames for teaching AI literacy across content areas). Covering: AI: Tool or Replacement? (0:47)AI in Education: A Teacher's Perspective (0:56)AI Ethics: Asking the Right Questions (0:53)AI in Education: Ethical Use & Bias (0:56)

I am joined by friend and former classmate, Jim Windelborn as we discuss the importance of adaptability, the role of AI in education, and strategies for student success in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

In this episode 231 of The Pixel Classroom Podcast, we welcome educator Annick Rauch for an inspiring conversation about navigation, resilience, and storytelling. Annick shares her personal journey writing through her cancer diagnosis and treatment, highlighting how writing serves as a powerful outlet for processing, reflection, and connection within education and beyond.

In episode 229, I look back at the previous school year. From challenges, to growth to looking forward to what comes next.

Hello everybody and welcome to the Pixel Classroom History of Music. Today’s song is one of the most comforting songs ever written. It’s simple, it’s honest, and for a lot of people… it means more than just music.We’re talking about “You’ve Got a Friend,” made famous by James Taylor and written by Carole King.