All Episodes
Episodes
How to Be a Top 10% School | E252
What separates a top 10% school from the other 90%? In this episode, Ryan lays out the habits, systems, and mindsets that high-performing, innovative schools share—and the traps they refuse to touch. You’ll hear why...
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5 Reasons People Don't Do PBL | E251
In this episode, Ryan shares the honest, often-overlooked reasons school leaders struggle to launch Project Based Learning—even when everyone knows it works. Whether you’re wrestling with teacher buy-in, traditional...
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Innovations Within Education With Simon Holzapfel | E250
Simon Holzapfel, the CFO and Co-founder of Leaf Lab, joins the podcast to share his experience in education, leadership, and business, describing himself as a "PBL fanboy". Simon asserts that PBL was the heart of...
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CTE and PBL: Real-World Learning at Its Best | E249
In this episode, Ryan shares his firsthand experience visiting Calvert County’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, where Project-Based Learning (PBL) and hands-on technical education intersect to create...
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Finding Joy in Leadership with Amy Balsbaugh | E248
In this inspiring leadership episode, Ryan Steuer talks with Amy Balsbaugh, principal and researcher on joy and well-being in school leadership. Together, they unpack practical ways school leaders can protect their...
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Why 21st Century Skills Matter More Than Ever | E247
In this episode, Ryan Steuer breaks down why employability skills—communication, collaboration, problem solving, and agency—are what truly prepare students for life beyond school. Drawing from his business background...
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Building Changemaker Micro Schools with David Richards | E246
In this leadership episode of the PBL Simplified Podcast for Administrators, host Ryan Steuer sits down with David Richards — founder of Growth Public Schools, Changemaker Micro Schools, and host of the Changemaker...
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Is PBL Too Hard? | E245
In this episode, Ryan tackles a question that’s been floating around education circles: “Is Project Based Learning too hard?” Spoiler: No—it’s not too hard when done the right way.
Drawing from over a decade of work...
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Building a School That Changes Lives with Matt DeHart | E244
In this powerful leadership episode, host Ryan Steuer sits down with Matt DeHart, founder of Teach from DeHart Academy and Teach from DeHart Foundation, to explore what it looks like to build a school model that...
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Prevent Random Acts of STEM With Project Based Learning | E243
In this episode, Ryan Steuer unpacks the concept of “random acts of STEM” and explains how Project Based Learning (PBL) provides the structure, authenticity, and engagement needed to make STEM meaningful. Instead of...
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3 Solutions PBL Brings to CTE | E242
Today's podcast discusses three solutions that Project-Based Learning (PBL) brings to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
Key Resources & Connections
PBL Networks: Administrators and staff members...
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Fostering Independent Thinkers in Higher Education With Marsha Enright | E241
In this conversation, Marsha Enright discusses her journey from Montessori education to founding Reliance College, emphasizing the importance of independent learning and the development of autonomous, self-directed...
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