The Next Class 2.0

Episode 8 - Jeff Thielman

In this episode of Next Class 2.0, hosts Rob Birdsell and Kent Hickey welcomes Jeff Thielman, President and CEO of the International Institute of New England. Jeff shares his unique journey from his Jesuit volunteer experience in Peru to leading one of the nation’s oldest immigration and refugee service organizations. The conversation dives deep into how faith, mission-driven leadership, and education shape our approach to serving immigrants and refugees. Jeff reflects on his time with Cristo Rey and how Catholic schools can play a powerful role in helping students understand immigration, social justice, and their own family histories. With real stories and policy insights, Jeff offers a thoughtful perspective on the current challenges and opportunities facing immigrant communities in the U.S.

Episode 7 - Ed Jennings

In this episode, hosts Rob Birdsell, and Kent Hickey sit down with Ed Jennings, CEO of Quick Base, for an insightful conversation about leadership, adaptability, and lifelong learning.

The discussion covers the mindset and habits that fuel long-term success, leadership lessons from Ed’s personal and professional journey, how to balance high performance with team collaboration, time management strategies for busy professionals, and the impact of lifelong learning in business and education.

Ed shares personal stories, including leadership wisdom from his father, insights on building a thriving company, and reflections on what he wishes he knew 20 years ago. If you’re an aspiring leader, educator, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways you won’t want to miss.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with fellow leaders and learners.

Episode 6 - Lannie Davis

In this enlightening episode of The Next Class, hosts Rob Birdsell and Erin Barisano sit down with Lannie Davis, a trailblazer in inclusive education, to discuss her transformative work at the Julie Billiart Schools. From their humble beginnings as a single campus to their current multi-campus model in Ohio, Lannie reflects on her decade-long journey of serving students with special needs and her visionary approach to leadership. She delves into the "JB Way," the challenges of recruiting and retaining educators, and her dreams of expanding outside Ohio to states like Florida, which offer robust special needs scholarship programs.

Join Rob and Erin for an inspiring discussion that celebrates education, faith, and the transformative power of community.

Episode 5 - Lori Stanley

Join Rob Birdsell, Erin Barisano, and Lori Stanley in a thought-provoking discussion on faith and leadership in today’s world. From exploring Ignatian spirituality to leveraging technology for deeper connections, they share personal stories and insights that inspire and empower Catholic school leaders. Lori’s moving reflections on inclusion and belonging highlight the ongoing work for unity within faith communities. A conversation packed with wisdom, innovation, and heartfelt lessons you won’t want to miss!

Episode 4 - Kelby Woodard

In this episode of The Next Class, hosts Rob Birdsell and Kent Hickey chat with Kelby Woodard, CEO of The Cristo Rey Network. From his start in corporate security to his unexpected pivot into politics and education, Kelby shares how his diverse background fuels his vision for Cristo Rey’s mission. Learn about his first year as CEO, the network's expansion, and the incredible impact on students across the U.S.

Episode 3 - Fr. Belmonte & Dr. Rigg

In this insightful episode, host Rob Birdsell and co-host Dr. Erin Barisano engage with Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. John Belmonte, superintendents from Miami and Sarasota. They explore Florida’s universal school choice and its benefits for Catholic education amid Miami’s cultural diversity. Fr. Belmonte shares the archdiocese’s rich history of supporting immigrant families and highlights scholarships that enhance access to quality private education for all families. Tune in for this insightful episode!

Episode 2 - Dan Porterfield

In this episode, Rob Birdsell, Kent Hickey, and Dan Porterfield explore the transformative power of education, diving into how mentorship and growth mindsets shape student success. They discuss Dan's new book, "Mindset Matters", and how Catholic schools and higher ed can foster lifelong growth. A powerful conversation for educators everywhere!

Season 5 - Pilot

Kicking off season 5 of "The Next Class 2.0," host Robert Birdsell is joined by Dr. Erin Barisano and Kent Hickey to discuss the latest trends and innovations in education. The conversation dives into the importance of relationships in Catholic schools, the impact of school choice on enrollment, and how educators can maintain hope and foster growth in their communities. The episode also teases upcoming discussions with leading voices in education, offering listeners insights into the future of learning and leadership. They also delve into our first guest's book, "Mindset Matters: The Power of College to Activate Lifelong Growth" by Daniel R. Porterfield. 

Episode 9 - Casey Carter and Dan O'Keefe

Rob Birdsell hosts Casey Carter and Dan O'Keefe to discuss the transformative potential of generative AI in education. They explore how AI can shift focus from memorization to critical thinking and address concerns about AI biases and risks. The episode highlights the importance of educators embracing AI to enhance learning experiences.

Check out some reading recommendations from our guests below.

• Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control by Stuart J. Russell
• Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies by Nick Bostrom
• Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Max Tegmark

Episode 8 - Rick Hess and Mike McShane

In this podcast episode, host Rob Birdsell talks with Mike McShane and Rick Hess about their new book, "Getting Education Right." They discuss conservative perspectives on education reform, the importance of personal responsibility, and thoughtful policy changes. They focus on early childhood education, the need for diverse learning choices, and the impact of influential teachers.