Edvolution Podcast
Edvolution is a podcast for educators, school leaders, and changemakers passionate about service learning, sustainability, global citizenship, and edible education. Hosts Sandra Carden, Laurence Myers, and Melisa Pubil share real stories, practical strategies, and expert insights to help navigate challenges and create meaningful, real-world learning experiences for students. Whether you're just getting started or looking to deepen your impact, the podcast aims to support, inspire, and empower you.
Episodes
Authentic Relationships: Youth, Community & Positive Change (featuring Alice Whitehead)
Welcome to another episode of the Edvolution Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Alice Whitehead, CEO and founder of Orenda Learning, an organization dedicated to guiding young people to build deeper relationships with themselves and their communities while taking action for positive change.
Alice shares her unique journey as a third-culture kid raised in Singapore, her full-circle
High Standards, High Support: Transforming Engagement in International Schools (featuring Dom Verwey)
Welcome to another episode of the Edvolution Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Dom Verwey, Middle and High School Service Learning and Student Leadership Coordinator at the American International School of Budapest. In this conversation, Dom shares his unique journey from studying advanced human biology and exercise physiology in South Africa to shaping progressive service leader
Reimagining Leadership: The UC Berkeley Changemaker Story (featuring Alex Budak)
Our first guest of the season is Alex Budak, faculty member at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, social entrepreneur, and author of Becoming a Changemaker. Together, we dive into what it actually takes to spark lasting change in our classrooms, schools, and communities without relying on formal titles and focusing instead on bringing people along, building strong relationships, and c
Nurturing Communities of Trust: The Little Things that Make Schools Great
Welcome to Season 3 of the Edvolution Podcast! In this episode we kick off the new season with an authentic, unscripted conversation around a visual concept Laurence recently created: Learning Communities of Trust.
Stepping away from predefined curriculums, traditional grading, and one-way learning, we explore how schools can empower students to view themselves as genuine change
Rethinking Education in a Changing World (featuring Simon Lightman)
For our last episode of the season, we are reflecting on where education needs to go next.
In this thought-provoking conversation, we sit down with educator, writer, and public philosopher of education Simon Lightman to explore some of the biggest questions facing schools today. Together, we examine the purpose of education in a time of uncertainty, what meaningful student agency rea
Student Agency, Trust & Regenerative Learning (featuring Dr. Benjamin Freud)
What happens when schools move beyond student voice and create genuine opportunities for students to shape decisions, policies, and learning?
In this episode, we speak with Dr. Benjamin Freud, Head of Upper School and Strategic Lead for Regenerative Education at Green School Bali. Benjamin challenges traditional assumptions about education, leadership, and the role of young people in crea
Positive Persistance: Purposeful Action with Young Learners (featuring Heather Semon and Daniel Shrewsbury)
In this episode, we sit down with Heather Semon and Daniel Shrewsbury from the International School of Paris to explore how sustainability, service learning, and student voice can transform school culture.
Heather and Daniel share their journeys into international education and describe how their shared passion for environmental stewardship led to the growth of the “Action Cubs,” a studen
Purposeful Practice: Leadership & Learning in International Schools (featuring Teresa Tung)
In this episode, we sit down with Teresa Tung, Director of Curricular Programs at Hong Kong International School, for a thoughtful conversation about purpose, systems thinking, sustainability, and what it truly means to create flourishing school communities.
Teresa shares her journey from growing up in Taiwan and immigrating to the United States, to becoming an international educator and
Global Service with Integrity: Accountability in Travel Experiences (featuring Mike Lee)
In this episode, we sit down with Michael Lee, founder and director of the Centre for Global Citizenship Studies (CGCS), to explore how service learning can move beyond good intentions toward meaningful, measurable impact.
Mike's work focuses on making education more accessible while embedding real-world experiences into accredited learning pathways. We dive into what’s often missing in t
Learning Through Tension: Why Struggle Matters in Education (featuring Dr. Jay Goodman)
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jay Goodman, consultant with Goodman Learning Partners, to explore what it really takes to implement problem-based learning (PBL) in schools.
From his early days teaching in Honduras with Mel, to launching innovative programs in Shanghai and Santiago, Jay shares a powerful journey that challenges how we think about learning, leadership, and school tra
Learning That Transfers: Bridging Classrooms and the "Real World" (featuring Julie Stern)
This episode explores a big question: how do we prepare young people for a future we can’t predict?
We’re joined by bestselling author and education consultant Julie Stern, whose work focuses on helping educators and families empower young people to navigate complexity, think critically, and apply their learning in meaningful ways. Julie shares her journey from school leadership to global
Teaching for Humanity in Uncertain Times (featuring Cathryn Berger Kaye)
Today’s episode is a little different.
As we sat down to record, our team here in the UAE had been navigating difficult days in the region. Like many people around the world, we found ourselves feeling reflective, grateful for our communities, and reminded of why the work we do in education matters so much. So it felt especially meaningful to welcome international education consultant, au
Making Field Trips Meaningful: Curriculum, Connection and Student Voice
This episode was supposed to be short… but once we started talking about field trips, we couldn’t stop.
After Mel returned from a field trip, we decided to pivot and unpack a big question: What makes a field trip truly meaningful?
We explore the spectrum of real-world learning experiences from schools that rarely leave campus to fully student-directed trips.
Along the way, we talk honestl
From Passion to Practice: Building Systems for Sustainability in Schools (Featuring Clare Garey)
In this episode, we’re joined by Claire Gary, founder of Sustainability at School, for a timely and grounded conversation about what it truly means for schools to “get serious” about sustainability.
Claire shares her non-traditional journey from the nonprofit sector into education and explains why sustainability can’t live in one-off eco days or isolated initiatives. Instead, it needs to
Teaching Global Citizenship: What does it mean to be a good person? (featuring D'Arcy Lunn)
In this episode, we’re joined by D'Arcy Lunn, founder of Teaspoons of Change and Group Head of Sustainability and Global Citizenship at Education in Motion.
D'Arcy shares his journey from teaching in remote Aboriginal communities in Australia to leading global citizenship work across an international network of schools. Together, we explore what global citizenship really means (beyond tra
More Than Winning: How PE & Athletics Can Shape Changemakers (featuring Dr. Gesa Beecken)
In this episode of the Edvolution Podcast, we explore a powerful and often overlooked connection: how athletics and physical education can be a catalyst for service learning, sustainability, global citizenship, and edible education.
We’re joined by Dr. Gesa Beecken, Athletic Director and PE Lead at the International School of Ulm in Germany. Gesa brings a fresh and thoughtful perspective
Systems not Superheroes: Making Service Learning Sustainable (featuring Crystal Pottebaum)
We’re kicking off the new year with inspiration and practical ideas for building sustainable service learning systems in schools!
In this episode, we’re joined by Crystal Pottebaum, Service Learning and Sustainability Coordinator at the International School of Debrecen, Hungary. Crystal shares her journey from classroom teacher to K–12 coordinator and reflects on what it really takes to d
How Growing & Cooking Cultivate Real World Skills Across Curriculum
In this episode, Laurence interviews Sandy and Mel about how edible education can transform learning. We unpack why it’s more powerful than food tech, how to build meaningful programs in real schools, and how food-based learning enhances rigor, even in AP and high school courses!
Perfect for educators, school leaders, and anyone curious about sustainability, real-world learning, and recon
The Ethics of Global Service (featuring Kimberly Haley Coleman)
In this episode of the Edvolution Podcast, we dive into the world of ethical global service learning with Kimberly Haley Coleman, Founder and Executive Director of Globe Aware. With more than 25 years in the field, Kimberly shares how community-driven partnerships, ethical frameworks, and deep cultural engagement create meaningful experiences for both volunteers and host communities.
We u
Project Based Learning Meets Global Citizenship (featuring Tristan Reynolds)
This week we’re chatting with Tristan Reynolds, educator, writer, and Dean of Academics at VIS@betterworld lab in Taipei. We dive into what it means to build a school as a prototype, connect global citizenship to authentic community learning, and create student-centered systems for both project-based learning and AI use.
Take a look at the fantastic resources Tristan has to share:
Projec
Beyond PD Days: How We Help Educators and Schools Deepen Learning
In this episode, we dive into the many ways educators continue to grow both inside and outside the classroom. From Sandy’s unique journey to Italy for a Honey Sommelier certification to Mel’s deep dive into coaching and professional learning, and Laurence’s work with schools around the world, this conversation is all about how authentic learning experiences keep us curious, connected, and
Beyond the Photo Op: Rethinking Service Learning Trips
Service learning experiences can be deeply meaningful for both students and teachers, but when they’re not thoughtfully planned, they can also lead to unintended consequences.
In this episode, we dive into the behind-the-scenes of those big “Week Without Walls” trips and other school-led service projects. Together, we reflect on how schools can design service learning programs that foster
What Schools Miss About Sustainability...and How to Do Better
In this episode, we dig into why so many schools struggle to truly embrace sustainability and what it takes to move beyond surface-level efforts.
We explore:
Why schools often see themselves as separate from “real life,” avoiding their ethical responsibility to lead by example.
How traditional school structures, teacher practices, and admin mindsets can unintentionally block curiosity an
The Stories We Tell: Starting the Year with Purpose and Partnerships (featuring LeeAnne Lavender)
In this conversation, we sit down with the fabulous LeeAnne Lavender, a global citizenship and community engagement consultant who brings a passion for storytelling to every project. Together, we unpack some of the common challenges schools face when building service learning programs and explore strategies for creating strong, lasting community partnerships. We also discuss how stor
3 Easy-to-do starting points for the year ahead!
We’re kicking off Season 2 by sharing how we approach the start of a new school year with purpose and energy. From finding the right thought partners to spark collaboration, to identifying “low-hanging fruit” that builds early wins, we dive into practical ways to set yourself up for success with connection and purpose.
Connect with us!
LinkedIn
Edvolving Education Newsletter
Ep. 6 - Rest, Reflect, Rethink: Why Educators Need a Real Break
In our final episode of Season 1, we take a step back to talk about something essential: the need to disconnect, reflect, and recharge. As the pace and pressure of the school year ease up, we explore why rest isn’t just important—it’s a genuine act of sustainability in education.
We’re joined by Noan Fesnoux, an innovative educational leader with a fresh perspective on what schools and ed
Ep. 5 - Partnering for Purpose: Schools, Communities, and Meaningful Learning
In this episode, we explore how community partnerships can transform the way schools and students connect with the real world. We share our favorite examples of strong partnerships, discuss why they matter, and unpack strategies for organizing partnerships that are both meaningful and sustainable.
From collaborating with local businesses and NGOs to working with parent groups, we dive int
Ep. 4 - Beyond the Classroom: Learning Through Adventure with Matt Farr
What happens when learning moves beyond the walls of a classroom? In this episode, we dive into the world of experiential education with special guest Matt Farr, director of Mountain Quests—an organization that takes students on meaningful, community-connected adventures across the globe.
Together, we explore:
✅ How experiential learning fosters transformative student growth
✅ The power o
Ep. 3 - Sustainability in Action: How Schools Can Lead the Change
In this episode, we explore what sustainability in schools really looks like and how it continues evolving. We share real examples—from campus-wide initiatives and sustainable facilities planning to edible education through gardens, kitchens, and student-run food projects. We also discuss how data can drive impactful decisions, bridging classroom learning with school operations. Tune in t
Ep. 2 - Empowering Students to Take Action
What does it really look like when students lead the way?
In this episode, we’re exploring powerful examples of student action across grade levels—from elementary changemakers to high school advocates—showing how young people can create real impact both in and beyond the classroom. We’ll share stories of students tackling issues they care about and how schools can create the conditions fo
Ep. 1 - Why Service Learning & Sustainability Education Matter Now More Than Ever
The world is changing fast, and education needs to keep up. In this episode, we’re diving into why service learning, sustainability, global citizenship, and edible education are more critical than ever—for students, schools, and communities. Check out the sustainability compass we discuss and learn more about Compass Education here: https://compasseducation.org/the-compass-education-toolk
Ep. 0 - Get to know the Edvolution team!
Ever wondered how educators find their way into service learning, sustainability, and edible education? In this special bonus episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on our own career paths—sharing the twists, turns, and lessons that led us here. If you're curious about careers in this field or just want to get to know us better, this episode is for you! Tune in for personal stories, insi
Recommended
紐約鳥｜New York Aperture
The Swerve Podcast: Obscure Topics | Conspiracy Theories
The Bread and Banter Podcast
The Church of What's Happening Now: The New Testament
Busted Open
Deadline: White House
Crickets Corner
History of the Earthquake and Fire in San Francisco
Fox news
K-Drama Obsessed Mamas | Beyond “Just One More Episode!”
True Crime Classics
The Healer Revolution
