The SDG Warriors Podcast

E45 - EDUheroes - One Heart, Two Screens: Tech, SEL & The Soul of Learning with Amy Storer & Dyann Wilson, #techCAREtwins

In this episode of the SDG Warriors Podcast, we’re joined by Amy Storer and Dyann Wilson, a.k.a. the #techCAREtwins - twin sisters, educators, and champions of human-centered learning. Ms. Amy (The Tech) is an Innovative Learning Specialist in Montgomery ISD, specializing in purposeful technology integration. As a certified trainer for Google, Microsoft, and Adobe Express, she partners with school leaders to design instructional strategies where digital tools enhance meaningful student connections. Ms. Dyann (The Care) is a Professional School Counselor at WILLIS ISD, focused on building systems for Social Emotional Learning (SEL). As an advocate for student wellness, she blends technology with counseling practices to foster emotional resilience, always keeping the “human” at the center of learning. Together, they have created widely adopted Tech + Care initiatives that help schools embrace innovation without losing humanity. From keynote stages to district strategy sessions, their work reflects a simple but urgent belief: technology should amplify connection, not replace it. Join us to hear their journey from classroom and coaching roots to pioneering Tech + Care initiatives, and gain insights on how educators can create environments where innovation and empathy thrive side by side! 🔗 Link to explore #techCAREtwins' world: https://linktr.ee/techCAREtwins [https://linktr.ee/techCAREtwins] 🔗 Link to connect with Ms. Amy: https://x.com/techamys [https://x.com/techamys] 🔗 Link to connect with Ms. Dyann: https://x.com/techCAREWilson [https://x.com/techCAREWilson]

E44 - STEM X EDUhero - Sunfish, Science & the Threads That Bind with Dr. Tierney Thys, Around the World in 80 Fabrics

In this episode of the SDG Warriors Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Tierney Thys - marine biologist, National Geographic Explorer, award-winning filmmaker, and Research Associate at the California Academy of Sciences. A scientist whose career bridges ocean depths and human imagination, Dr. Thys has spent decades studying the giant Mola mola (ocean sunfish), leading global research and conservation through her Adopt a Sunfish Project and OceanSunfish.org. Beyond the waves, she’s the cofounder of Around the World in 80 Fabrics, a creative nonprofit celebrating nature-friendly textiles and the cultural stories woven into them. Her innovative collaborations include The Blue Room, created with Dr. Nalini Nadkarni, which uses nature imagery to promote well-being in prisons - recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the Top Inventions of 2014. An award-winning TED speaker, former Daily Explorer for Animal Jam (reaching over 100 million young players worldwide), and National Geographic Expert on expeditions from Antarctica to the Galápagos, Dr. Thys blends science, storytelling, and compassion to inspire a more connected planet. Join us as we explore how curiosity became her compass - from decoding the sunfish’s secrets to reimagining the fabric of our wardrobes - and how each discovery points toward a more sustainable, wonder-filled world! 🔗 Link to explore Dr. Thy's World!: https://oceansunfish.org/ [https://oceansunfish.org/] 🔗 Link to Around the World in 80 Fabrics: https://www.atw80fabrics.com/ [https://www.atw80fabrics.com/]

E43 - STEM - The Big Cat Safari: Tracking Lions, Conflict & Coexistence with Dr. Andrew Stein, CLAWS Conservancy

In this episode of the SDG Warriors Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Andrew Stein - Conservation Biologist & Founder/President of the CLAWS Conservancy, whose scientific expertise has shaped the world of human-carnivore coexistence in East and Southern Africa. From Pride in Our Prides and Wisdom of the Wild to his coordinated research on lions, leopards & wild dogs in the Okavango Delta, Dr. Stein's projects blend leadership, communication & community engagement in every initiative! His conservation journey began in 2001 with a study of leopards on farmlands in South Africa, leading to acclaimed work with National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative & the IUCN Cat Specialist Group. Dr. Stein's work has earned recognition as a National Geographic Explorer & features in The New York Times, the BBC & Africa Geographic for crafting inspirational roadmaps that celebrate collaboration, compassion & the shared survival of humans and predators. Join us as we explore how Dr. Stein transforms lions from nameless livestock killers into individuals worth conserving, addresses critical threats like retaliatory predator poisoning in Botswana & continues his legacy of fostering human-wildlife harmony that inspires generations to protect the world's most iconic carnivores! 🔗 Link to CLAWS Conservancy - https://clawsbotswana.org/ [https://clawsbotswana.org/⁠]

E42 - EDUhero - Mickey, Magic & Meaning: Directing Stories That Spark Imagination with Jeff Gordon, Disney Television Animation

In this episode of the SDG Warriors Podcast, we’re joined by Jeff Gordon - Emmy-winning Animation Director at Disney Television Animation, whose creative magic has shaped the world of Mickey Mouse and friends. From The 7D and Jake and the Never Land Pirates to Mickey Mouse Mixed-Up Adventures and Minnie’s Bow-Toons, Jeff’s stories blend laughter, learning, and heart in every frame! Jeff’s animation journey began at Warner Bros. on Animaniacs and Pinky & The Brain, leading to acclaimed projects at Universal Studios (Woody Woodpecker), and Mike Young Productions (Clifford, ToddWorld, Jakers, Care Bears, Chloe’s Closet). His work has earned Emmy and Humanitas Awards for directing stories that celebrate creativity, collaboration, and compassion. Join us as we explore how Jeff revives beloved characters with fresh imagination, crafts humor and empathy through animation, and continues Disney’s legacy of storytelling magic that inspires generations to dream BIG! 🔗 Link to Jeff's Magical World: https://www.cartoondirector.com [https://www.cartoondirector.com] 🔗 Link to Walt Disney Animation Studios: https://disneyanimation.com [https://disneyanimation.com]

E41 (Part 2) - STEM X EDUhero - Sondheim, Seltzertopia & the Power of Play in Civic Engagement with Barry Joseph, Games for Change

In this episode of the SDG Warriors Podcast, we are joined by Barry Joseph - Co-Founder of Games for Change, a pioneering organization that leverages the power of games for social impact. With over 25 years of experience, Mr. Joseph has developed innovative youth programs at Global Kids, led digital learning initiatives at the American Museum of Natural History, and designed STEM and social-impact apps for the Girl Scouts of the USA. He is the founder of Barry Joseph Consulting, advising museums and cultural institutions on interactive learning and game-based experiences. Mr. Joseph also co-founded the Brooklyn Seltzer Museum, located in New York City’s oldest seltzer factory, celebrating the history of seltzer through immersive exhibits and playful storytelling! An accomplished author, his books include Seltzertopia: The Extraordinary Story of an Ordinary Drink, Making Dinosaurs Dance: A Toolkit for Digital Design in Museums, Friday is Tomorrow: The Dayenu Year, and the forthcoming Matching Minds with Sondheim, which explores the games and puzzles of the Broadway master. He has designed award-winning educational games such as Ayiti: The Cost of Life, Hurricane Katrina: Tempest in Crescent City, and museum-based experiences like Killer Snails and MicroRangers. Join us as we explore Mr. Joseph's remarkable journey and his insights on the transformative power of play in learning and social impact! 🔗 Link to Games for Change: ⁠https://www.gamesforchange.org⁠ [https://www.gamesforchange.org] 🔗 Link to Seltzertopia: ⁠https://www.seltzertopia.com/⁠ [https://www.seltzertopia.com/] 🔗 Link to Matching Minds with Sondheim: ⁠https://matchingmindswithsondheim.com/⁠ [https://matchingmindswithsondheim.com/]