STEMtastic Stories with Stanberry

Missy Widmann: Spark the Brain: Movement, SEL, and Meaningful Scaffolds

Welcome to STEMtastic Stories with Stanberry SEASON 2—where we spotlight the voices that shape better teaching. In this episode, Missy Widmann shares her journey into neuroscience and why understanding the brain isn’t just for researchers—it’s for every classroom. We dig into the science behind movement and learning (inspired by John Ratey’s Spark), practical entry points for teachers who are new to brain science, and how to make SEL feel less “touchy-feely” and more like durable skill-building. We also explore how disequilibrium, funds of knowledge, and culturally relevant hooks (from K-Pop to gaming) can keep learning rigorous and relational. Missy closes with resources from her nonprofit and a roadmap for bringing open, brain-based strategies to your students—because illuminating others never detracts from your own light. * How Missy’s path into neuroscience informs day-to-day teaching moves * Why fitness and movement prime cognition, memory, and mood in class * First steps for teachers: simple brain-aligned routines you can start tomorrow * Making SEL measurable: from vibes to viable, transferable skills * Using student interests + scaffolds to create productive disequilibrium and deeper learning * Where to find Missy’s nonprofit resources and OER you can adopt immediately What you’ll learn

The Work Behind the Spotlight: Accountability, Team-First Grit, and the Road to D-1, Ryan Arredondo WHS/CWU

What does it really take to climb from small-town Friday-night lights to the roar of a Division One stadium? In this episode of STEMtastic Stories with Stanberry, I sit down with former player—and now fellow coach—Ryan Arredondo to unpack the work ethic and mindset that carried him to college baseball’s biggest stage. Together we tackle today’s “me-first” culture in youth sports, sharing candid locker-room stories and coaching insights on rebuilding a team mentality, demanding accountability, and translating athletic discipline into life success. Whether you’re a coach trying to rally a roster or an athlete chasing elite performance, Ryan’s hard-won lessons on grit, being a team guy, and relentless preparation will fire up your next practice/classroom—and maybe your next chapter. Tune in and get ready to work!

Math Goes Viral: Turning TikTok Scrolls into STEM Skills Tyler Wallace BBCC

Swipe‑through dances? Sure. Lip‑sync comedy? Absolutely. But calculus proofs at a hundreds of thousands of views? That’s the specialty of our guest—an energetic college professor who’s transforming social media into the world’s biggest math classroom. Join host Mitchell Stanberry as we trace this educator’s journey from chalk‑dust lectures to flipped‑classroom livestreams, explore how just‑in‑time remediation turns “math as a gatekeeper” into “math as an open door,” and peek at why data‑science careers are exploding for today’s students. We dig into perseverance, college‑level grit, and the truth that illuminating others never dims your own light. If you’ve ever wondered whether TikTok can teach derivatives—or why your students can’t stop talking about “the math guy on Insta”—hit play and find out!

Creating Authentic Student Relationships: Jeff and Sharee Mullin and Myrella Gasca

Step into the world of STEMtastic Stories with Stanberry, a show dedicated to the power of genuine teacher–student connections in shaping lives and inspiring new generations of educators. In this episode, Jeff and Sharee Mullin join their former student Myrella Gasca —now a fellow educator—to explore how early impressions, inclusive classrooms, and unwavering support can spark a lifelong passion for teaching. Discover how uplifting others never dims your own light, hear firsthand accounts of overcoming challenges to pursue higher education, and learn valuable strategies for staying motivated in the face of burnout. Whether you’re an aspiring teacher or a seasoned veteran in the field, this conversation offers insights and inspiration for cultivating empowering, student-centered environments that make a lasting impact.

A Journey of Challange, Growth, and Inspiration with Robert Arredondo Jr. WHS Graduate

Join me as I share stories of overcoming obstacles, shifting mindsets, and the pivotal moments that challenged and expanded my perspective about the community I teach in. In this episode, I’ll dive deep into the diverse experiences I had with a student and player at my school. From a rural school district to a community college Robert discusses the discoveries, challanges, and invaluable lessons from coaches and extracurricular activities he has learned throughout his education, this podcast highlights the power of education, personal growth, and supporting others to reach their fullest potential. Tune in for a journey that discusses hardships, community challanges, but helps empower, and celebrates the transformative impact of education!