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Join us on a thrilling spooky adventure as we sit down with J.A. Dauber, the creative force behind the new middle grade novel Press One for Invasion. Discover the intriguing world where a mysterious cell phone unlocks unexpected alien encounters and a mad adventure to save the world from destruction!

In this spooky season episode, we dive into Jeremy Dauber's Press One for Invasion, a middle-grade novel that brings spooky (and relatable) adventures roaring to life. We discuss the pairing of Matt, a young boy who discovers a cell phone revealing aliens in disguise, with dynamic female characters, such as Marcella and Mrs. McGillicuddy. Jeremy shares insights on relatable heroes, diversity, and the joy of reading, drawing inspiration from timeless series like Ramona. Jeremy is also the author of American Scary: A History of Horror from Salem to Stephen King and Beyond -- and we dive into a little haunting history as well.

Timestamps:

(0:00:03) - Meet J.A. Dauber (Jeremy) and his latest book, Press One for Invasion

(0:07:41) - Creating relatable protagonists without superpowers

(0:10:00) - What do Ramona Quimby and Stephen King have in common?

(0:19:01) - Finding Hope in Children's Enthusiasm

Links:

Purchase Press One for Invasion, Mayhem and Madness: Chronicles of a Teenaged Supervillain, and American Scary: A History of Horror from Salem to Stephen King and Beyond

Follow J.A. Dauber on Bluesky

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*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to go from being a nature-loving Midwesterner to a pivotal figure in wildlife law enforcement? Discover how Tim Santel's unique career path led him to fight against big cat trafficking and rhino and elephant poaching as he become a champion for wildlife conservation.

Episode Summary:

This episode is personal for me. I recently returned from a conservation trip with CBCC and Wild Tomorrow where the enormity of poaching, as well as the inspiring stories of the many, many people working to make the planet a better place had a huge impact on me. On Episode 157, we sit down with Tim Santel from Focused Conservation. Tim shares his remarkable journey from his Midwestern roots to becoming an undercover agent dedicated to combating wildlife trafficking. Through captivating stories like the adrenaline-pumping Operation Snowplow and Operation Crash, Tim offers insights into the challenges and triumphs of dismantling animal trafficking networks.

We also discuss diverse career paths in wildlife conservation available to today's students, focusing on the power of education, storytelling, and persistence. This episode is packed with guidance for aspiring conservationists and inspires hope for the future, encouraging the next generation to follow in the footsteps of icons like Diane Fossey and Jane Goodall.

Timestamps & Chapter Titles:

00:02:39: Tim Santel's Wildlife Conservation Origin Story

00:12:23:What does a wildlife inspector/special agent do?

00:23:34:Undercover Helping Wildlife

00:35:55:Wildlife Trafficking Fueling Impactful Conservation

00:49:45:Using Your Voice to Build Awareness, Impact, and Influence to Protect Wildlife

00:51:26:Exploring Wildlife Conservation Career Paths

01:02:54:Inspiring Hope through Conservation with the Next Wildlife Heroes

Links:

Focused Conservation

Wild Tomorrow

CBCC

Zululand Conservation Trust

Support the show

Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

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How do we shape tomorrow's social justice champions today! Join us as Dr. Shelby Kretz, founder of Little Justice Leaders, reveals how empathy, storytelling, and education can ignite the transformative power of young voices in a divided world. Don't miss this chance to be inspired by the leaders of tomorrow, today.

Summary:

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Shelby Kretz, founder of Little Justice Leaders. We delve into the crucial role of social justice education in creating a just and equitable society. Dr. Kretz shares her journey from studying psychology at Ohio State to earning a PhD in urban education from UCLA. Her passion led to the creation of an collaborative initiative that equips educators and parents to engage young minds in discussions about diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Through empathy, storytelling, and playfulness, Dr. Kretz reveals how young people are driving social change today, standing as beacons of hope for a brighter future. We also explore the challenges of creating accessible social justice content in a complex political climate, emphasizing the importance of true collaboration with diverse content creators, self-care for overwhelmed citizens and advocates, and the inspiring role of youth in leadership.

Chapters with Timestamps:

00:44 - Shelby Katz's Origin Story and Little Justice Leaders' Mission

03:17 - It Takes a Diverse Team To Put Out Compelling Content

06:04 - Connecting to Children's Books to Deepen Diverse Understanding

08:58 - Calling In and Calling Out: Creating Communities of Openness and Learning

11:57 - Harnessing Empathy and Play in Social Justice Learning

14:26 - Breaking News: Responding to Current Events vs Planned Content

0:18:09 - Being Intentional When Overwhelmed and Facing Challenges

0:21:19 - Finding Hope in Youth Leading Social Change

Links:

Little Justice Leaders Website

Little Justice Leaders Instagram

For more information and resources, don't forget to check out the links in our show notes. Stay inspired and keep empowering the next generation of little justice leaders!

Support the show

Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

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Imagine...

Imagine stepping into a space where learning is a magical journey, igniting curiosity and wonder. Picture students engaging with the material in a way that lights a spark. And this engagement isn't limited to the classroom -- it's available to people from all walks of life. This is the world Steve Spangler envisions in his groundbreaking book, The Engagement Effect. Join us as we explore how the right mix of curiosity, trust, and unforgettable experiences can spark a chain reaction of engagement that transforms how we lead, teach, and connect.

Podcast Summary:

We welcome back Steve Spangler, affectionately known as America's science teacher, as he shares insights from his new book, The Engagement Effect. Through anecdotes that include barfing pumpkins and fiery gummy bears, Steve illustrates the profound impact of engagement and connection in learning. We explore how these principles extend beyond classrooms into boardrooms, emphasizing the importance of authentic engagement in any setting.

Chapters:

• 01:31: What IS The Engagement Effect?
• 10:46: Turning a "Best Day Ever" Experience into Something More
• 17:57: Using Engagement To Help Cultivate Experiences That Learners Own
• 22:02: Exploring the Engagement Effect as a Tool for Next-Level Connection
• 28:48: Tools and Techniques for Building Genuine Connection
• 34:24: Pulling Back the Curtain on Engagement in Business and Social Media
• 37:51:The Magic of Engagement

Links:

• Pre-order The Engagement Effect
• Join the Online Book Club in November: [email diane@drdianeadventures.com for details]
• Follow Steve Spangler on Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
• Learn more about Science in the Rockies
• Listen to Steve Spangler on Episode 19 of the Adventures in Learning podcast.

Join us on this journey of discovery and learn how to transform your approach to education and leadership with The Engagement Effect. Whether you're an educator, a leader, or simply curious about the power of connection, this episode is sure to inspire new ways of thinking.

Support the show

Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

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Join us on a transformative journey with Dr. Cara Furman as we delve into the heart of early childhood education, exploring how empathy and ethics shape young minds.

In this episode, Dr. Diane discusses the profound impact of connecting the dots between empathy and engaged learning with Dr. Cara Furman, a leading figure in early education and teaching from an ethical center. We explore how educators can maintain their core values in dynamic classroom environments through practical wisdom and empathy. With thematic curriculum integration and the power of diverse children's literature, we highlight innovative approaches to crafting meaningful learning experiences. Dr. Furman's insights promise to inspire educators to nurture environments where empathy, understanding, and learners thrive.

(0:00:03) - Teaching Ethically in Early Childhood

Discover how Dr. Cara Furman advocates for teaching from an ethical center, emphasizing adaptability and practical wisdom in navigating classroom challenges.

(0:12:51) - Integrating Curriculum Through Literature and Movement

Explore the innovative integration of thematic curriculum with literature and movement, featuring engaging projects like puppet shows and folktales.

(0:20:17) - Using Books as Windows and Mirror for Personal Connection

Uncover the transformative power of children's literature as tools for empathy, with insights into selecting books that serve as mirrors and windows for students.

(0:26:54) - Navigating Diverse Themes in Children's Literature

Examine the challenges of finding diverse children's literature and the importance of avoiding stereotypes while enriching understanding.

(0:42:25) - Building Spaces for Hope

Reflect on the theme of hope and the small moments of connection that bring value to our world.

Links:

• Learn more about Dr. Cara Furman
• Listen to Dr. Furman's Podcasts: Thinking in the Midst and Teaching from an Ethical Center
• Books by Dr. Furman: Descriptive Inquiry in Teacher Practice: Cultivating Practical Wisdom to Create Democratic Schools and Teaching from an Ethical Center

Join us as we celebrate the transformative power of teaching and literature in creating compassionate and ethically grounded learning environments.

Support the show

Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

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Imagine diving into a world where vibrant illustrations bring joy, diversity, and wildlife conservation to life. In this episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, Dr. Diane chats with the talented illustrator Kayla Harren, who has turned her passion for art into a meaningful journey that connects children with stories of inclusion and the wonders of wildlife.

Podcast Summary

In this episode, Kayla Harren shares her journey from aspiring artist to inspired children's book illustrator, with a special focus on her books This Is How We Play and This Is How We Talk, which center characters with disabilities and special needs. Kayla discusses the importance of authentic representation and joy in illustrating diverse characters. She also shares her unexpected path into wildlife conservation, leading to exciting collaborations with the Wild Nature Institute and our shared adventure in South Africa with CBCC (Children's Book Creators for Conservation) and Wild Tomorrow. Throughout the conversation, Kayla highlights the power of storytelling, creativity, and finding beauty in everyday moments.

Chapters and Timestamps

01:03: Illustrating Joy and Diversity in Books

10:27: Connecting Illustration to African Wildlife Conservation

23:11: Finding Hope in Small Things

Order Kayla's Books:

• This Is How We Play
• This Is How We Talk
• A Voice Like Yours
• A Planet Like Ours
• Preorder A Puppy Like Yours
• Juma the Giraffe
• Helping Brother Rhinoceros
• Our Elephant Neighbors
• The Boy Who Grew a Forest
• Calvin
• Oskar's Voyage

Follow @kaylaharren on instagram.

Join us for an episode that celebrates the profound impact of art, storytelling, and conservation. Be inspired to see the world through a lens of joy and creativity!

Support the show

Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

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Imagine a world where walking out the door inspires adventure and a love of nature, from tiny bugs on the sidewalk to giant redwoods standing sentinel. Could it be that these adventures can inspire systemic change? On Episode 152 of the Adventures in Learning podcast, author Meg Fleming chats with Dr. Diane about the power of sparking wonder, curiosity, and connection to the natural world.

Known for weaving musicality with storytelling, Meg is the author of such books as I Heart You, Sometimes Rain, Sounds Like School Spirit, Rock That Vote, Wondering Around, and I Live in a Tree Trunk. Her latest book, The Everything Trail is a lyrical nature inspired narrative that captures the ability of kids to transform simple hikes and outings into major adventures of discovery (and the illustrations by Chuck Groenink elevate the reader into the redwood forest).

This week, Meg and I are traveling with CBCC (Children's Book Creators for Conservation). Meg shares some of her transformative experiences from her first trip to South Africa with Wild Tomorrow, highlighting the profound connection between humanity, habitats, and wildlife.

We invite you to join us on our adventure! If you have any questions about the wildlife, conservation efforts, or community connections, please leave them in the comments. We’ll do our best to answer them or find answers while we’re there.

Timestamps

01:09 - Writing Lyrical Children's Books, The Adventures in Learning of Author Meg Fleming

04:49 - Nature's Wonder: The Inspiration Behind The Everything Trail

09:59 - Connecting to nature in big and small ways for engaged learning

14:10 - Using school visits to spark curiosity, wonder, and connection to the planet

16:21 - Conservation, Connection, and Returning to South Africa with CBCC and Wild Tomorrow

0:34:15 - Inspiring Hope Through Nature and Children

Links

Meg Fleming's Official Website

Follow Meg, Dr. Diane, and CBCC on Instagram

Purchase The Everything Trail

Support the show

Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

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Step into a world where humor and horror dance together in perfect harmony. Join the award-winning author/illustrator duo of Aaron Reynolds and Peter Brown as we dive into the eerie yet delightful tale behind their new book for older readers -- Troubling Tonsils. Maturing fans of the Creepy Carrots, Creepy Pair of Underwear, and Creepy Crayon picture books will love this new chapter book series that evokes the nostalgic chills of "The Twilight Zone" while offering elementary readers a safe and thrilling haven to face their fears. (This reader dreamt of globs and glands after staying up late to finish the book!)

Chapters:

1:03: A Delightfully Creepy Collaboration

5:10: Safe Darkness: Mixing Creepy Themes and Nostalgic Call Backs for a Fun Reading Experience

10:09: Picking the Distinctive Color Palattes for the Creepy Books

14:05: Expanding and Growing the Creepy Picture Books Into a Chapter Book Series for Older Readers

20:14: Sneak Peek at Unsettling Salad and Yarn Is Everything, plus the recently published Wild Robot On The Island picture book and why Aaron is currently in full creepy mode

27:56: Hope in writing for kids and unlocking the human imagination

Links:

Explore more about Aaron Reynolds and Peter Brown

Order Troubling Tonsils and preorder Unsettling Salad

Order Creepy Carrots, Creepy Pair of Underwear, and Creepy Crayon

Subscribe for more enchanting discussions and creative insights. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with fellow book lovers. And let us know what you think about this creepy read!

Support the show

Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.