We're living in the golden age of podcasts. Some of the best storytelling and investigative journalism right now is being done via podcasts. And while big corporations, algorithms, and advertising will likely ruin the format in the future, right now is the time to check out as many podcasts as you can.
To help, let me suggest a number of podcasts related to our public schools. These aren't boring lectures! But that doesn't mean you won't learn a thing or two -- as I have -- while you listen.
Here are a few suggestions podcast series that tell an engaging, true, story in great depth:
Sold a Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong- Provides a behind-the-scenes look at how bad decisions can be made in education, even when all the science and information to do better is available. This is one of the best podcasts I've listened to in years. And it is directly relevant to those of us in East Penn, because our district is one that bought into the "Fountas and Pinnell" system just a couple years ago. If you'd prefer the whole story condensed into a single 50-minute episode, check out: Reveal: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong
Nice White Parents - Investigates how middle-class parents, often well-meaning, end up making it harder for achieve racial equity and integration in our schools. The five-part series focuses on New York City, but the implications are obvious for any community-- like East Penn-- where parents can choose between different public schools, charter schools, and private schools. The series is done in collaboration with the folks that created one of the first true 'hit' podcasts, Serial.
Have You Heard - This is a regular podcast series that tackles a different issue in education each episode. Recent topics have included how to improve grading in schools, the problems that rich donors can bring to schools, school funding, and the impact of artificial intelligence on schools. This is the one podcast I've recommended before. But let me admit from the start: unlike my other recommendations, this one will appeal only to listensers who-- like me-- have an interest in public education policy.
Not ready to commit to an entire podcast series? Well here are a handful of individual episodes that I've found particularly interesting:
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Quorum- Tells the story of an attempt in Croydon, NH to simply shut down the public schools entirely, and how the community reacted. This is a 35-minute segment on a larger podcast of the long-running show This American Life.
A Not-So-Simple Majority - Here, the attempts by ultra-Orthodox Jews in East Ramapo NY to cut off funding to the public schools are explored in two 25-minute segments of the same show, This American Life.
Critical Race Theory, Comic Books and the Power of Public Schools - Offers a conversation with sociologist Eve Ewing about the important role public schools play in communities today. (And spoiler alert, critical race theory is not actually being taught in our schools.) This is an episode of the the podcast The Ezra Klein Show, which covers a wide variety of topics.
I hope these suggestions make your work, commute, exercise, housework, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts a little more enjoyable and a little more informative. And if you don't yet listen to podcasts, try one out! They're completely free, and you can listen to them easily on your phone with a free podcast app (I like Pocket Casts).
Let me know what you think of the picks I've shared. And if you have a podcast episode or series that you would recommend to me, I'd love to hear your suggestions!