Welcome to "Just Thinking...", a podcast where education is not just a profession, but a passion. Hosted by Kevin Dougherty, a seasoned educator with 40 years of experience, this show dives into the heart of educational discussions. Each episode of "Just Thinking..." invites educators, administrators, and thought leaders to share their insights, experiences, and ideas about the evolving landscape of education.
Listen to episodes
60 recent
February 19, 2025Episode 126 min
Just Thinkingā¦ About Developing the Next Generation of Skilled Trade Professionals with Josh Nieves
The skilled trades industry is at a crossroads. With a growing labor shortage and an aging workforce, industries like construction and electrical work face urgent challenges in attracting and developing new talent. While the demand for skilled trade professionals is expected to continue rising, many young people remain unaware of the career opportunities available through apprenticeships and vocational training. How can we bridge this gap and make the trades a first-choice career path rather than a backup option? Welcome to Just Thinking. In this episode, host Kevin Dougherty sits down with Josh Nieves, the Principal and CEO of Ascender Consulting, Founder of This Hudson Farm, and Regional Workforce Development Lead at Miller Electric. They discuss how education, industry partnerships, and company culture can transform workforce readiness and help create a strong pipeline of skilled trade professionals. The main topics of conversationā¦ Attracting Talent: Why early exposure to trade careers is critical and how schools can help shift perceptions about vocational education. Training and Development: The role of mentorship, hands-on learning, and leadership training in shaping a resilient workforce. Retention Strategies: How companies can build loyalty through culture, career growth opportunities, and competitive benefits. Josh Nieves is a seasoned workforce development leader, master electrician, and business strategist with extensive experience in the construction and electrical industries. He specializes in talent development, leadership training, and strategic workforce planning for the skilled trades. With a background in managing large-scale projectsāincluding the Brooklyn bridge restoration, LaGuardia airport redevelopment, and Google headquartersāJosh is dedicated to elevating construction professionals through education, mentorship, and career transformation.
February 25, 2025Episode 135 min
The Future of Education Technology Relies on Responsible Technology Use
Dr. Karla Burkholder, talks about education technology facing concerns of removal in schools, or revamping for responsible student use.
As federal funding hangs in the balance, Californiaās rural school districts face a stark challenge: how to maintain essential services amid the uncertain future of the Secure Rural Schools Act. Originally established to offset declines in timber revenue from federal lands, the Act has become a lifeline for hundreds of districts. But after failing to gain reauthorization in 2024, many schools now confront steep budget cutsāsome losing up to 20% of their funding. What happens to rural education when vital federal dollars suddenly vanishāand what can educators do to make their voices heard? In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty, Chief Strategy Officer at 806 Technologies, welcomes back Yuri Calderon, Executive Director of the Small School Districts Association (SSDA). Together, they unpack the historical importance and current jeopardy of the Secure Rural Schools Act, explore how legislative advocacy plays a critical role in sustaining small school systems, and share practical strategies for engaging lawmakers. Key discussion points from the episode: The Secure Rural Schools Actās impact: How the loss of this critical fundingāup to $700,000 for some districtsāthreatens staffing, services, and student outcomes. Why legislative engagement matters: Calderon shares his recent efforts lobbying all 51 California congressional offices and explains how educators can effectively advocate for their communities. SSDAās on-the-ground support: From the E3 Forums (Engage, Empower, Elevate) to statewide initiatives focused on school culture and attendance, SSDA is bringing resources and relationships to the most remote parts of California. Yuri Calderon is the Executive Director of the Small School Districts Association, representing over 600 school districts across California, many of which serve rural and isolated communities. With a background in education leadership and a reputation for passionate, hands-on advocacy, Calderon works tirelessly to secure funding, support leadership development, and elevate the voices of small district educators statewide.
March 29, 2025Episode 130 min
Just Thinkingā¦ About Why Self-Work Is the Foundation of Great Leadership
As conversations around workplace wellness, mental health, and burnout intensify across industries, many professionals are waking up to the reality that productivity and personal growth must go hand-in-hand. The rise of holistic health coaching, combined with a renewed focus on emotional intelligence in leadership, reflects a larger cultural shift: As conversations around workplace wellness, mental health, and burnout intensify across industries, many professionals are waking up to the reality that productivity and personal growth must go hand-in-hand. The rise of holistic health coaching, combined with a renewed focus on emotional intelligence in leadership, reflects a larger cultural shift: weāre not just working anymoreāweāre doing the self-work it takes to grow, lead, and live with purpose.. According to a report, 44% of workers globally experience daily stress, and leaders who emphasize well-being report higher engagement across their teams. So how do we bridge personal healing with professional developmentāand what happens when we actually start to look inward to lead outward? In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty welcomes Michael David, a Holistic Health Coach and Sales Leader, to unpack how his unique journey through physical fitness, emotional self-awareness, and professional leadership led to a more holistic lifeāand how he now helps others do the same. Together, they explore the evolving meaning of leadership, why movement and mindfulness matter in every context from classrooms to boardrooms, and how radical self-work and reflection are the keys to sustainable success. The key topics of discussion... From gym rat to grounded guide: How early motivations rooted in recognition evolved into a more grounded and others-focused approach to leadership. Leading by looking inward: Michael discusses how healing his own inner narrative transformed the way he mentors others in sales and life. The new markers of health and success: Why the gym mirror can lie, and how redefining movement and self-care is key to long-term performance. Michael David is a seasoned sales leader and holistic health coach with over five years of experience managing and mentoring SDR teams, directly leading 25+ reps and influencing over 100 across his career. As Senior Manager of Business Development at Axiom, he has twice been named BDR Manager of the Year for his contributions to North American revenue growth. Passionate about people development, Michael also hosts the Men in the Arena podcast, where he explores mental health, wellness, and leadership through thoughtful conversation.weāre not just working anymoreāweāre working on ourselves. According to a report, 44% of workers globally experience daily stress, and leaders who emphasize well-being report higher engagement across their teams. So how do we bridge personal healing with professional developmentāand what happens when we actually start to look inward to lead outward? In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty welcomes Michael David, a Holistic Health Coach and Sales Leader, to unpack how his unique journey through physical fitness, emotional self-awareness, and professional leadership led to a more holistic lifeāand how he now helps others do the same. Together, they explore the evolving meaning of leadership, why movement and mindfulness matter in every context from classrooms to boardrooms, and how radical self-reflection is the key to sustainable success. The key topics of discussionā¦ From gym rat to grounded guide: How early motivations rooted in recognition evolved into a more grounded and others-focused approach to leadership. Leading by looking inward: Michael discusses how healing his own inner narrative transformed the way he mentors others in sales and life. The new markers of health and success: Why the gym mirror can lie, and how redefining movement and self-care is key to long-term performance. Michael David is a seasoned sales leader and holistic health coach with over five years of experience managing and mentoring SDR teams, directly leading 25+ reps and influencing over 100 across his career. As Senior Manager of Business Development at Axiom, he has twice been named BDR Manager of the Year for his contributions to North American revenue growth. Passionate about people development, Michael also hosts the Men in the Arena podcast, where he explores mental health, wellness, and leadership through thoughtful conversation.
April 16, 2025Episode 128 min
Just Thinkingā¦ About the Role of Marketing, Advocacy & Storytelling in Holistic Education
As schools increasingly prioritize holistic education, the conversation around whole-child development is gaining momentum. A national survey by the American Institutes for Research reveals that while a large majority of teachers support whole-child approaches, many still need additional guidance and resources to implement them effectively. This gap between belief and practice raises important questions about how best to support educators in nurturing every aspect of student growth. So, what happens when someone outside of the classroomāyet deeply embedded in educationāstarts asking questions from a completely different angle? What fresh insights can marketing, advocacy, and storytelling bring to the conversation about holistic learning? In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty, the Chief Strategy Officer, sits down with Kennedy Kilpatrick, Marketing Director at 806 Technologies. What begins as a look at her unconventional education journey turns into a thoughtful exploration of student advocacy, educator adaptability, and the role of empathy in holistic education and learning design. Key takeaways from the conversation... Missing the Basics: Kennedy reflects on how being fast-tracked into gifted programs led her to master advanced concepts while never fully grasping foundational skillsāa common yet often overlooked gap in specialized education. The Power of Listening: Whether in classrooms or marketing meetings, Kennedy champions the value of asking questions over giving answersāand how honest conversations unlock meaningful engagement. Plan, Pivot, Progress: Drawing on her marketing background, Kennedy emphasizes the importance of reverse engineering goals and staying flexible when plans donāt pan outāa lesson with huge implications for educators developing student learning strategies. Kennedy Kilpatrick is a results-driven Marketing Director at 806 Technologies with expertise in strategy development, team leadership, and digital marketing. She has led successful multi-channel campaigns, increasing summit attendance by 29% and LinkedIn engagement by 23%, while producing over 40 high-impact collateral pieces. With a strong background in SEO, video production, event planning, and performance analysis, Kennedy excels at crafting data-driven campaigns that enhance brand visibility and drive organizational growth.
April 24, 2025Episode 130 min
Just Thinkingā¦ about Reimagining Education for the AI Era with the Human Intelligence Movement
As artificial intelligence reshapes education, work, and daily life, educators are grappling with how to prepare students for a future where human skillsānot just knowledgeāwill be paramount. In fact, a growing number of reports highlight that employers increasingly value collaboration, communication, and emotional intelligence over memorized content. Amid this transformation, the Human Intelligence Movement is gaining traction as a grassroots call for reimagining how we teach and learn. So, what does it really mean to equip students with āhuman intelligenceā in an AI-driven worldāand how can our schools rise to meet the moment? In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty speaks with Dr. Michelle Ament, Co-President of the Human Intelligence Movement. Together, they explore why now is the time for bold change in educationāand how we move from theory to action. Main topics of conversationā¦ Outdated education models: Dr. Ament argues that schools are still stuck in a āknowledge eraā mindset, preparing students for a world that no longer exists. Instead, she advocates for realigning education around application, critical thinking, and adaptability. Redefining assessment and success: Traditional assessments focus on knowledge acquisition, but the Human Intelligence Movement calls for measuring skills like emotional intelligence, adaptability, and collaborationākey competencies for future-ready learners. Learning through doing: Dr. Ament champions experiential, student-driven learning. Whether itās student-run banks or real-world problem-solving, she shares how hands-on, relevant learning inspires deeper engagement and skill-building. Dr. Michelle Ament, EdD, is an education leader with deep expertise in experiential learning, human-centered curriculum design, and systems-level transformation. As Chief Academic Officer at ProSolve, she pioneered a Kā8 human skills curriculum and developed the Learning, Experienced (LXP) model to embed real-world problem solving and social-emotional learning into schools. In her role as Co-President of the Human Intelligence Movement, she is leading a national effort to shift education away from standardized assessments toward a future that prioritizes adaptability, critical thinking, and collaboration in an AI-driven world.
May 12, 2025Episode 124 min
JUST THINKINGā¦ about Artificial Intelligence vs. Human Intelligence with Dr. Michael Harvey
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve at lightning speed, the conversation is shifting from what AI can do to what it should doāand how it compares with, or complements, the uniquely human traits we bring to learning, work, and society. While schools grapple with AIās integration into classrooms, some educators are asking a deeper question: what does it mean to be truly intelligent in this new eraāand how do we protect and elevate human intelligence in the process? McKinseyās analysis on generative AI forecasts that by 2030, up to 30% of work hours in the U.S. could be handled by machines, highlighting a growing urgency for the workforce to strengthen skills in areas like critical thinking and emotional intelligence. So, in a world rapidly reshaped by AI, how do we safeguard and elevate the distinct power of human intelligence (HI)? Can technology serve as a tool for connection, rather than a replacement? In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty speaks with Dr. Michael Harvey, Teacher in Charge of Electronics and Director of E-learning at Marlborough Boys College in Blenheim, New Zealand. Drawing from MÄori knowledge systems and his work in the Human Intelligence Movement, Dr. Harvey explores how AI can enhanceānot replaceāhuman intelligence (HI), especially when grounded in indigenous principles of collective learning, relational teaching, and community connection. Key moments from the conversation: Dr. Harvey explains how indigenous frameworks and relational learning models in New Zealand emphasize the collective over the individualāoffering an alternative to traditional Western metrics of intelligence. He shares how AI tools, when used thoughtfully, can enhance social-emotional learning by providing data-driven insights into student well-being and engagement. Harvey makes the case for radically reimagining educationāfrom abolishing age-based grade levels to fostering student-teacher role reversalsāas part of a broader transition to human-centric learning. Dr. Michael Harvey is a future-focused educator and digital learning leader with expertise in integrating AI, culturally responsive pedagogy, and learner agency into secondary education. As Director of E-learning and Electronics at Marlborough Boys College, he leverages tools like ChatGPT, NotebookLM, and AR/VR to design inclusive, metacognitive learning experiences grounded in both cutting-edge tech and MÄori educational values. Harveyās international teaching experience, content development roles, and leadership in communities like the AI Forum of New Zealand reflect his commitment to reimagining education for equity, innovation, and human connection.
June 3, 2025Episode 130 min
Just Thinking... From Classrooms to Communities, Active Engagement Drives Real Results
Across the country, school districts are searching for sustainable ways to foster equity, achievement, and connection in diverse communities. Amid rapid change in technology and teaching methods, one practice remains consistently vital: active engagement. Research indicates that parental involvementāa crucial component of meaningful engagementāis a significant predictor of student success. According to the National Education Association, students with engaged families are more likely to earn higher grades and graduate. So, what does it take to build trust, belonging, and future-ready thinking in todayās classrooms and campuses? In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty welcomes longtime friend and veteran educator Frank Ramirez. Together, they explore the enduring power of servant leadership in schools, how active engagement drives achievement, and why being a āfuture-forward thinkerā is essential for the next generation of learners. Key highlights from the episode include: Active engagement starts with listening. Ramirez shares how he built student-centered classrooms and campuses by first understanding what students needed to thrive. Building trust with families takes time and intention. Personal calls, open-door policies, and cultural awareness helped create authentic partnerships with parents. Leadership must look ahead. As a principal, Ramirez embraced future-focused education through project-based learning and technology integration. Frank Ramirez recently retired after over 25 years in education, having served as a teacher, instructional specialist, assistant principal, and principal across multiple Texas districts. Known for his deep empathy and relationship-first approach, Ramirez shaped schools through empowerment, cultural awareness, and innovation. He remains a passionate advocate for student success and future-focused leadership.
June 10, 2025Episode 117 min
Just Thinking: How Visual Tools and AI Can Unlock Critical Thinking in Education
Education is at a crossroads. Artificial intelligence is transforming classrooms, but educators still lack tools to assess and nurture how students think. A 2023 UNESCO report warned that without careful implementation, AI could reinforce existing inequalities in education unless paired with strategies that build critical thinking and support equity-centered instruction. The stakes are high for both the future of learning and the workforce. So, how can schools move beyond fear and utilize AI to promote, rather than replace, human thought? In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty sits down with Jared McClure, business developer and AI systems strategist, and Dr. David Hyerle, cognitive scientist and co-creator of NeuraPoints. Together, they explore how NeuraPointsāa visual ālanguage of thinkingā can help educators measure cognition, level the playing field for equity, and integrate AI in more human-centered ways that support critical thinking in education. Key highlights from the conversation include: Assessment reimagined: NeuraPoints shifts evaluation from final output to the thinking process, allowing teachers to see students' cognitive pathways in real time. AI integration with purpose: Rather than fearing AI, educators can use NeuraPoints to infuse human cognition into digital tools, improving learning outcomes and minimizing shortcuts like AI-generated cheating. Equity and access: For multilingual learners and students who struggle with writing or speaking, NeuraPoints provides a nonverbal way to show understanding, supporting true inclusion. Jared McClure is a seasoned business developer and executive with over 20 years of experience leading startups and consulting across AI, data science, and education technology. He is the founder and CEO of NeuraPoints, where he integrates neurocognitive research with AI to enhance learning and thinking in educational environments. McClure has a proven track record in scaling businesses, building high-performing teams, and delivering strategic solutions across multiple industries. Dr. David Hyerle is the founder of Thinking Foundation and CEO of Thinking Schools International, where he leads global efforts to implement visual thinking tools for educational transformation. He co-developed the widely used Thinking MapsĀ® model and has authored numerous professional development resources to support cognitive skill-building in classrooms. His work spans over two decades and includes partnerships across more than a dozen countries to promote equity and critical thinking in schools.
July 14, 2025Episode 116 min
Just Thinkingā¦ About the Role of Critical Thinking in Cardiac Care With Dr. Minh Tran
As cardiovascular disease continues to rank as the leading cause of death globally, the importance of expert cardiac care has never been more evident. The American Heart Association reports that over 800,000 Americans experience a heart attack each year, and many rely on the fast, critical thinking of cardiac specialists to survive. In an era of growing reliance on medical technology and AI, the need for well-trained, compassionate, human decision-makers in cardiac care remains irreplaceable. What kind of person chooses to shoulder the pressure of life-or-death cardiac decisions? And how does one develop the presence of mind to lead in the most critical of medical moments? In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty welcomes Dr. Minh Tran, a cardiothoracic surgeon whose expertise in cardiac care quite literally saved Kevinās life. Together, they explore Dr. Tranās unexpected journey from engineering to medicine, the critical role of education and mentorship in developing surgical excellence, and how high-stakes decision-making is core to both medicine and character. In This Episode: From Chemical Engineering to Cardiac Surgery: Dr. Tran recounts his pivot from a career in engineering to one defined by hands-on, heart-centered medical care. The People Behind the Practice: He reflects on the mentors, teachers, and family members who shaped his passion and persistence in the field of cardiac care. Making Life-Saving Calls: Dr. Tran discusses the intense pressure of cardiac surgery and the critical thinking it demands in every moment. Dr. Minh Tran is a highly respected cardiothoracic surgeon based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He practices at Denton Heart Hospital and the Heart Hospital in Plano. Originally trained as a chemical engineer, Dr. Tran returned to school to pursue medicine and spent over a decade training in surgical disciplines. Today, he is recognized for his calm in emergencies, technical precision, and deep commitment to the field of cardiac care.
Is this your show?
Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.
