Debt-Free and Designed for Impact: The Future of Higher Ed with Dan Futrell

Books That Look Like Us: Storytime AI and the Future of Literacy

In this episode of Old Soul, Matthew Millstein chats with Brian Carlson, co-founder and CEO of Storytime AI, about reimagining early literacy in the age of artificial intelligence. What began as a personalized storybook app with 85,000+ downloads is now evolving into a classroom-ready tool built to meet the needs of real teachers—and the real kids they serve. Brian explains how Storytime AI leverages personalization, multimodal design, and AI-powered storytelling to make reading more engaging, culturally relevant, and effective for students across reading levels. He also shares how his journey from physics major to Peace Corps educator to edtech entrepreneur shaped his belief that stories—especially stories students see themselves in—can change lives. This episode dives into the literacy crisis, the promise and peril of AI in classrooms, and what it takes to build education tools that actually work for teachers and kids alike. What We Cover in This Episode: * What is Storytime AI?  A platform that empowers students to create personalized, leveled books and videos—designed to match their interests, identity, and academic needs. * From App Store to Classroom:  How Storytime AI is now building pedagogically aligned classroom tools for special education and differentiated instruction. * Why Personalization Matters:  The connection between identity-based learning materials and reading engagement. * Teaching Prompt Engineering to Kids:  How Storytime is helping K–6 students understand the logic behind AI by creating stories through structured inputs. * Brian’s Journey from Teacher to Founder:  A personal story that spans South Pacific classrooms, open-source learning systems, a successful edtech exit, and an unexpected new chapter in AI. * The Literacy Crisis—and a Scalable Solution:  Brian’s vision to inspire reading through technology and bring student-centered storytelling into every classroom. Timestamps 00:22 "Personalized Books That Reflect Every Child" 01:39 Addressing the Special Ed Content Gap 03:13 "Why Personalization Fuels Reading Engagement" 03:57 Teaching Prompt Engineering Through Storytelling 04:54 From Vanuatu Classrooms to EdTech Startup 08:16 "Inspiring a Love of Reading at Scale" Connect with Brian Carlson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briancarlson2020 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/briancarlson2020] Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storytime-ai [https://www.linkedin.com/company/storytime-ai] If you care about literacy, personalized learning, or the responsible use of AI in education, this episode offers a fresh, hopeful take on what's possible when storytelling meets technology.

Let Kids Write the Future: Rowana Miller on Creative Writing, Literacy & the Power of Story

In this episode of Old Soul, Matthew Millstein sits down with Rowana Miller, founder and executive director of Cosmic Writers, to explore how creative writing can transform literacy, learning, and young lives. Born during the early days of the pandemic and propelled by a wildly successful virtual camp, Cosmic Writers has grown into a nationwide movement giving kids the agency to tell their own stories—and build critical skills along the way. Rowana shares how storytelling became her personal anchor, how Dungeons & Dragons campaigns can unlock a student’s voice, and why AI makes human creativity more valuable than ever. With humor, depth, and conviction, she makes the case for writing that’s not just about standards—but about self-expression, community, and joy. What We Cover in This Episode: * What is Cosmic Writers?  A nonprofit that brings creative writing workshops and mentorship to students (grades 3–8) both online and in person, while also training educators to make writing joyful and purposeful. * AI in the Classroom—Friend or Foe?  Why ChatGPT makes creative writing more important, not less—and how it sharpens the skills machines can’t replicate: originality, empathy, and voice. * Writing as Empowerment:  How creative writing offers one of the only spaces where kids have full agency—and why that matters. * Rowana’s Origin Story:  From drafting novels in middle school to publishing her debut in 2024, Rowana opens up about the generational storytelling influences that led her to found Cosmic Writers. * The Dungeons & Dragons Effect:  What happens when kids realize their role-playing campaigns count as writing—and how that unlocks creativity and confidence. * From Pandemic Project to Movement:  How a $3,000 grant and one viral virtual camp signaled a huge, unmet need—and launched a national platform for young writers. * Why Writing Should Be as Fun as Robotics:  Rowana’s bold vision to rebrand writing education as something joyful, not just functional. Key Moments 05:46 Empowering Kids Through Storytelling 09:34 Creative Writing Access Lacking 11:08 "WordCamp: Transformative Creative Writing Education" 13:48 Chat About Writing Education Connect with Rowana Miiller LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowana-miller-7506bb179 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowana-miller-7506bb179] Website: https://www.cosmicwriters.org/ [https://www.cosmicwriters.org/] If you’re an educator, parent, librarian, or just someone who believes in the power of young voices, this episode is for you. It’s not just about writing—it’s about reimagining what it means to communicate, connect, and create.

Debt-Free and Designed for Impact: The Future of Higher Ed with Dan Futrell

Higher education is due for a reckoning and Dan Futrell is answering the call. In this energizing episode, Matthew Millstein sits down with the founder of Polymath University to unpack a bold new model of college: one that’s apprenticeship-based, interdisciplinary, and 100% debt-free. From growing up in foster care to leading platoons in Baghdad, Dan’s story is rooted in service, grit, and a relentless commitment to expanding opportunity. He shares why the current higher ed system built on a 1950s business model and 1880s educational standards is failing modern students, and how Polymath aims to be the matchmaker between high-potential talent and future-forward employers. What We Cover in This Episode: * What is Polymath University?  A new kind of college that trades lecture halls for real-world apprenticeships without the crushing debt. * A New Role for Universities in 2025 and Beyond:  How the traditional ROI model misses the mark and why human skills, not just job skills, matter more than ever. * Borrowing from the Military, Without the Military:  Polymath’s debt-free tuition model takes inspiration from ROTC, but trades military service for employer-sponsored pathways in high-demand sectors. * From Foster Care to Founder:  Dan’s personal story, his “men for others” philosophy, and the moment he realized the higher ed system needed a full rebuild. * Breadth, Depth, and Integration:  What it really means to be a modern polymath and why it’s the key to thriving in a tech-driven world. * Starting from Zero (Literally):  The leap from nonprofit CEO to social entrepreneur with no salary, no product—just an idea that top education leaders believed in. * Why Fine Arts Still Matter:  Dan makes the case for a broader definition of ROI in education, one that includes meaning, creativity, and impact, not just salary projections. * Generational Impact, One Student at a Time:  How Polymath can thrive even at a small scale and still change lives across generations. Key Moments 05:51 Betting on Myself, Embracing Stress 08:50 Value of Art Beyond Economics 10:54 Cross-Disciplinary Innovation Benefits 13:32 "Building a New University Vision" 17:06 "Commitment to Giving Back" Connect with Dan Futrell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danfutrell [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danfutrell] Website: https://www.polymathu.org/team [https://www.polymathu.org/team] Book Mentioned: Moral Ambition by Rutger Bregman Recommended Read: Alternative Universities by Dr. David Staley This is a must-listen for anyone rethinking what college should be in a post-AI, post-debt-crisis world. Whether you’re an educator, student, policymaker, or just a concerned citizen, this conversation will expand your thinking.

From Uncertainty to Action: How College Contact is Reigniting Futures

In this insightful episode, host Matthew Millstein sits down with Leah Guzman, co-founder of College Contact, to explore how near-peer mentorship is changing the way students envision and pursue their postsecondary goals. Leah shares how College Contact is filling a critical gap in the educational journey—bridging the space between high school and what comes next, with support that’s personal, empathetic, and radically effective. From her own family’s generational journey to college to the emotional breakthroughs she’s witnessed in the field, Leah explains why this work matters and how it’s evolving to meet the changing definitions of success. What We Cover in This Episode: * What is "Near-Peer Mentorship"?  Leah explains how College Contact differs from traditional peer-to-peer programs—and why that nuance makes all the difference. * The Human Connection as the Magic Ingredient:  Why mentorship isn't just about essay edits or college apps—it's about reigniting belief in one's future. * Leah’s Personal Why:  A moving family story that inspires her mission to ensure every student has someone to “sit at the table” with them. * Creating Space for Real Conversations:  How College Contact isn’t just offering mentors—it’s creating the modern-day kitchen table where dreams get discussed. * Tangible Impact for Students & Mentors:  How the program helps students craft concrete postsecondary plans—and gives mentors meaningful, paid, and resume-building work experience. * Real Moments, Real Progress:  From filing taxes as a “side hustle” to full district rollouts, Leah reflects on the pinch-me milestones that made her realize the company was onto something real. * Imposter Syndrome and the Founder’s Journey:  A candid look at what it’s like to build something important before you feel “ready”—and why self-doubt can be a superpower when paired with vision. * Advice to Young People:  A beautifully simple starting point for students unsure of their path: two lists—what you’re good at and what you love. Timestamps 03:23 "Empowering Students Through Near-Peer Connections" 08:59 Evolving Views on Post-Secondary Education 11:45 "Earn, Learn, Mentor Program Benefits" 14:03 Emotional Mentor-Student Connections 18:08 Identifying Your Ideal Career Path 20:10 "Reach Us Online Anytime" Connect with Leah Guzman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-guzman-2462b67 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-guzman-2462b67] Website: https://www.yourcollegecontact.com/ [https://www.yourcollegecontact.com/] This episode is a must-listen for educators, students, parents, and anyone passionate about equity, mentorship, and reimagining postsecondary success.

Introducing: Old Soul

Old Soul is a restorative and relatable podcast that dives into the heart of entrepreneurship through the eyes of its youngest champions. Hosted by three passionate business owners in their early to mid-twenties, this podcast peels back the layers of what it means to be a young entrepreneur in today's world. Each episode is a journey into the personal narratives of guests who have ventured into business at an early age, often labeled as Old Souls for their precocious achievements. The show explores a variety of compelling topics, from the unique challenges and innovative strategies employed by young business owners to the delicate balance of personal and professional growth.  Listeners are treated to honest discussions about the impact of age and experience in traditionally older-dominated sectors, offering a blend of personal anecdotes and professional insights. The podcast also delves into the transformative role of mentorship and networking, highlighting how guidance from seasoned professionals can shape a young entrepreneur's journey. Moreover, Old Soul is forward-looking, engaging in thought-provoking conversations about the future of entrepreneurship, the importance of social responsibility, and ethical business practices.  This isn't just a podcast; it's a platform where the vibrancy of youth meets the wisdom of experience, creating a rich tapestry of stories that inspire, educate, and resonate with anyone interested in the art of business and personal development. Powered by Old Soul [https://aoldsoul.com/] & Air Fried Media [https://airfriedmedia.com/]