Is Showing Up Authentically the Most Powerful Teaching Tool? with Keke Powell

Is Showing Up Authentically the Most Powerful Teaching Tool? with Keke Powell

What does it take to truly show up for your students? Rick and Tisha sit down with Keke Powell — award-winning educator, costume enthusiast, and former collegiate soccer player — for a conversation that's equal parts hilarious and deeply inspiring. From rocking over 100 classroom costumes to building a travel community called the Ina Fam, Keke brings the same energy she had on the soccer field into everything she does. She talks about building real community in the classroom, navigating technology and digital citizenship with young learners, and what it actually means to trust yourself as a teacher — especially when you're just starting out. Plus: rapid fire questions, classroom jobs, and a dream of becoming Texas Teacher of the Year. If you've ever wondered whether being your full self in the classroom is too much — this episode is your answer. 00:00 Introduction and Disney Theme02:02 Introducing Keke Powell04:49 Keke's Soccer Journey08:59 Dressing Up in the Classroom15:00 The Importance of Fun in Learning19:55 Bridging Soccer and Education22:50 Building Community in the Classroom25:47 Navigating Technology in Education26:13 Digital Citizenship and Media Literacy29:41 The Importance of Community and Travel34:22 Traveling with Friends: The Ina Fam38:03 The Journey of an Influencer43:34 Future Aspirations in Education44:22 Finding Your Path in Education46:34 Advice for New Teachers49:39 Fun and Chaos in the Classroom51:22 Rapid Fire Questions and Insights01:00:30 Teacher Habits and Student Leadership About Keke PowellWith a decade of experience, Keke Powell is an award-winning educator who has taught students in Hawaii and Texas across grades 2 through 5. Currently, she teaches second grade at Sunfield Elementary School in Buda, Texas, where she fosters creativity, curiosity, and kindness in her classroom. Keke was honoured with the Alliant Group Spark Award for Outstanding Elementary Science Teacher, recognised as an H-E-B Excellence in Education Rising Star Finalist, and received the Leaders of Tomorrow Award from TSTA. She loves to bring the energy and fun into her classroom. Follow Keke Powell on:TikTok: www.tiktok.com/mspowellteaches [http://www.tiktok.com/mspowellteaches]_Instagram: www.instagram.com/mspowellteaches [http://www.instagram.com/mspowellteaches]Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspowellteaches [https://www.facebook.com/mspowellteaches]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mspowellteaches/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mspowellteaches/]X: www.x.com/mspowellteaches [http://www.x.com/mspowellteaches] 📢 Listen and subscribe on your favorite platform:Spotify | Apple Podcast | Amazon Music | YouTube 📱Follow Play Ed3 Podcast on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/played3podcast [https://www.instagram.com/played3podcast]TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/played3podcast [https://www.tiktok.com/played3podcast]YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlayEd3Podcast?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/@PlayEd3Podcast?sub_confirmation=1] 🙋‍♀️Follow Tisha on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tishaponcio [https://www.instagram.com/tishaponcio]X (Twitter): https://x.com/tishaponcio [https://x.com/tishaponcio]TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tishaponcio [https://www.tiktok.com/@tishaponcio] 🙋‍♂️Follow Rick on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickbutterworth [https://www.instagram.com/rickbutterworth]X (Twitter): https://x.com/r1ck11 [https://x.com/r1ck11]TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rickbutterworth [https://www.tiktok.com/@rickbutterworth] Want to be a guest?: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCaEyQrrPcYsKdQHaSlFbVXVVC_eNyXMMfy5NTj0aRNcR6Vw/viewform?usp=header [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCaEyQrrPcYsKdQHaSlFbVXVVC_eNyXMMfy5NTj0aRNcR6Vw/viewform?usp=header] 🧠 Let's learn, grow and play together

Are Teachers Already Entrepreneurs Without Knowing It? with Will Deyamport III

Before Rick and Tisha get serious, they flip the script — starting with Juice Box Confessionals, where Dr. Will Deyamport III takes a trip back to Colecovision, Donkey Kong, and the slow-internet betrayal that had him calling his provider in desperation. Then things get real. Dr. Will — author of The Edupreneur and host of The Dr. Will Show — makes the case that teachers are already entrepreneurs. They just don't know it yet. From building a personal brand that works for you even when your district doesn't, to teaching students to uncover their gifts instead of just chasing test scores, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and a few mic drops along the way. Including one piece of advice every educator needs to hear before summer: go buy your own device. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Juice Box Confessionals03:02 Exploring Childhood Technology and Gaming Experiences05:59 The Impact of Technology on Social Status09:04 Technology Betrayals and Their Lessons15:01 The Journey into Entrepreneurship21:05 Building a Personal Brand as an Educator28:03 Digital Footprint and Online Presence34:08 Uncovering Entrepreneurial Skills in Education42:20 The Importance of Whole Child Education46:15 Advice for Educators Entering Summer51:14 Final Thoughts and Resources for Educators About Dr. Will Deyamport III Dr. Will Deyamport is an instructional technologist, author, and consultant who helps educators elevate their practice through digital learning, creative instructional design, and entrepreneurial thinking. He is the author of The Edupreneur and host of The Dr. Will Show Podcast, a business podcast for educators ready to turn what they know into what they're known for. With a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management, Dr. Will is known for making the complex simple, practical, and actionable. Follow Dr. Will Deyamport III on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamdrwill/ [https://www.instagram.com/iamdrwill/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrWillDeyamportIII [https://www.youtube.com/@DrWillDeyamportIII] LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/iamdrwill [http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamdrwill] Website: www.iamdrwill.com [http://www.iamdrwill.com] 📢 Listen and subscribe on your favorite platform:Spotify | Apple Podcast | Amazon Music | YouTube 📱Follow Play Ed3 Podcast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/played3podcast [https://www.instagram.com/played3podcast] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/played3podcast [https://www.tiktok.com/played3podcast] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlayEd3Podcast?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/@PlayEd3Podcast?sub_confirmation=1] 🙋‍♀️Follow Tisha on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tishaponcio [https://www.instagram.com/tishaponcio] X (Twitter): https://x.com/tishaponcio [https://x.com/tishaponcio] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tishaponcio [https://www.tiktok.com/@tishaponcio] 🙋‍♂️Follow Rick on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickbutterworth [https://www.instagram.com/rickbutterworth] X (Twitter): https://x.com/r1ck11 [https://x.com/r1ck11] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rickbutterworth [https://www.tiktok.com/@rickbutterworth] Want to be a guest?: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCaEyQrrPcYsKdQHaSlFbVXVVC_eNyXMMfy5NTj0aRNcR6Vw/viewform?usp=header [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCaEyQrrPcYsKdQHaSlFbVXVVC_eNyXMMfy5NTj0aRNcR6Vw/viewform?usp=header] 🧠 Let's learn, grow and play together

Why Do Brits and Americans Keep Misunderstanding Each Other?

What do you actually mean when you say "quite good"? Or "I hear what you say"? Or "bless your cotton socks"? If you're British, you know. If you're American — you have absolutely no idea. Rick and Tisha dive into the hidden language that sits between British and American English — the phrases that sound polite but mean the opposite, the words that look the same but aren't, and the social norms that leave both sides quietly baffled. They also explore how neurodivergence adds another layer to all of it. When your brain already takes things literally, a culture that speaks in code can feel like an entirely different planet. Funny, relatable, and genuinely eye-opening. This one's for anyone who's ever nodded along in a conversation and had absolutely no idea what just happened. 00:00 Introduction and Weather Talk03:00 Cultural Communication Differences06:01 Understanding Language Nuances09:06 Phrases and Their Hidden Meanings11:58 Neurodivergence and Communication15:05 Politeness and Its Implications18:02 Miscommunication in Everyday Language20:59 American vs British Phrases24:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts24:40 Cultural Communication Styles29:01 Navigating Social Norms in Conversations34:13 Understanding Humor Across Cultures40:25 The Nuances of Humor and Emotion45:48 Curiosity vs. Assumption in Communication 📢 Listen and subscribe on your favorite platform: Spotify | Apple Podcast | Amazon Music | YouTube 📱Follow Play Ed3 Podcast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/played3podcast [https://www.instagram.com/played3podcast] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/played3podcast [https://www.tiktok.com/played3podcast] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlayEd3Podcast?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/@PlayEd3Podcast?sub_confirmation=1] 🙋‍♀️Follow Tisha on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tishaponcio [https://www.instagram.com/tishaponcio]X (Twitter): https://x.com/tishaponcio [https://x.com/tishaponcio]TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tishaponcio [https://www.tiktok.com/@tishaponcio] 🙋‍♂️Follow Rick on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickbutterworth [https://www.instagram.com/rickbutterworth] X (Twitter): https://x.com/r1ck11 [https://x.com/r1ck11] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rickbutterworth [https://www.tiktok.com/@rickbutterworth] Want to be a guest?: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCaEyQrrPcYsKdQHaSlFbVXVVC_eNyXMMfy5NTj0aRNcR6Vw/viewform?usp=header [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCaEyQrrPcYsKdQHaSlFbVXVVC_eNyXMMfy5NTj0aRNcR6Vw/viewform?usp=header] 🧠 Let's learn, grow and play together

What School Never Taught You A Gen Z Take on RealWorld Readiness with Avery Davenport

In this episode of the Play Ed3 Podcast, Rick and Tisha kick things off with the historic Artemis II moon mission before welcoming a very special guest — Avery Davenport. A recent high school graduate and first-time manager, Avery shares candid insights on what it really felt like to step into the real world, and what she wishes school had taught her first. From learning to trust yourself and think critically, to understanding that asking permission to throw something away isn't normal — this conversation is honest, relatable, and hits close to home for anyone who's ever sat in a classroom wondering what any of it was actually for. The discussion digs into the role of AI in education, the importance of human connection in a tech-driven world, and what young people genuinely need to thrive in the workforce. Plus, Avery takes on the Juice Box Confessionals — with some very real talk on adulthood, financial literacy, and the never-ending pile of laundry. 00:00 The Historic Artemis II Launch 05:01 Reflections on Education and Autonomy 12:40 The Importance of Critical Thinking in Education 19:24 Building Connections and Trust in Learning 25:46 Navigating the Workforce and Overcoming Fear of Failure 30:14 The Art of Conversation and Connection 31:14 The Role of AI in Education 33:50 Teaching Technology to Students 37:36 Juice Box Confessionals: Fun and Games 39:05 Adulthood Expectations vs. Reality 42:30 Defining Success in Adulthood 43:27 Understanding Financial Literacy 45:28 Romanticizing Adult Responsibilities 49:49 Finding Meaning in Everyday Life About Avery Davenport Avery manages a local coffee shop, where she enjoys creating a welcoming space for her community. Outside of work, she loves reading, writing, and watching films, and is a proud cat parent to her favorite boy, Jack. 📢 Listen and subscribe on your favorite platform: Spotify | Apple Podcast | Amazon Music | YouTube 📱Follow Play Ed3 Podcast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/played3podcast [https://www.instagram.com/played3podcast] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/played3podcast [https://www.tiktok.com/played3podcast] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlayEd3Podcast?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/@PlayEd3Podcast?sub_confirmation=1] 🙋‍♀️Follow Tisha on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tishaponcio [https://www.instagram.com/tishaponcio] X (Twitter): https://x.com/tishaponcio [https://x.com/tishaponcio] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tishaponcio [https://www.tiktok.com/@tishaponcio] 🙋‍♂️Follow Rick on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickbutterworth [https://www.instagram.com/rickbutterworth] X (Twitter): https://x.com/r1ck11 [https://x.com/r1ck11] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rickbutterworth [https://www.tiktok.com/@rickbutterworth] Want to be a guest?: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCaEyQrrPcYsKdQHaSlFbVXVVC_eNyXMMfy5NTj0aRNcR6Vw/viewform?usp=header [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCaEyQrrPcYsKdQHaSlFbVXVVC_eNyXMMfy5NTj0aRNcR6Vw/viewform?usp=header] 🧠 Let's learn, grow and play together

What Should Students Actually Learn in the Age of AI? with Matt Miller

In this episode of the Play Ed3 podcast, hosts Rick and Tisha welcome Matt Miller, an influential figure in education and author of 'Ditch That Textbook.' The conversation explores Matt's journey from journalism to teaching, his writing process, and the impact of technology on education. They discuss the importance of critical thinking in the age of AI and the need for educators to adapt to new tools while fostering responsible use among students. In this conversation, Matt Miller discusses the importance of integrating AI literacy into education, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and analysis skills. He advocates for a gradual approach to teaching AI, suggesting that educators should not overhaul their entire curriculum but instead incorporate AI discussions into existing lessons. The conversation also touches on the urgency of adapting to AI advancements, the varying policies surrounding AI in schools, and the necessity of fostering a culture of understanding among students and teachers alike. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 03:44 Matt Miller's Journey to Influencer Status 06:39 The Process of Writing and Creating Content 10:35 Living in the Country vs. City Life 12:21 Matt's Background and Early Life 14:55 The Role of Technology in Education 17:11 Blame Game: Technology vs. Education 22:09 Critical Thinking in the Age of AI 27:14 Building AI Literacy Through Critique 29:15 Integrating AI Literacy Across the Curriculum 30:36 Practical Steps for Veteran Teachers 33:40 Creating a Culture of AI Understanding 35:20 The Urgency of Embracing AI in Education 40:53 Navigating AI Policies in Schools 43:24 Juice Box Confessionals: Fun and Games About Matt Miller Matt Miller has taught in public schools for more than 10 years, teaching all levels of high school Spanish. In his career, he planned nearly 12,000 class lessons. He taught more than half a million instructional minutes. And he graded work for nearly 2,000 days of class. He’s an award-winning author of six books. Matt is a Google Certified Innovator and was named a ‘23-’24 Top 100 Influencer in EdTech by EdTech Digest. His Ditch That Textbook blog encourages tens of thousands of educators in more than 100 countries to use technology and creative ideas in teaching. Matt is an award-winning author who has published seven books, including his most recent -- AI Literacy in Any Class. Follow Matt Miller on: TikTok: tiktok.com/@ditchthattextbook Instagram: @ditchthattextbook Facebook: facebook.com/ditchthattextbook YouTube: youtube.com/ditchthattextbook LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ditchthattextbook X: @jmattmiller / @DitchThatTxtbk BlueSky: @ditchthattextbook.com Other: DitchThatTextbook.com 📢 Listen and subscribe on your favorite platform: Spotify | Apple Podcast | Amazon Music | YouTube 📱Follow Play Ed3 Podcast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/played3podcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/played3podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlayEd3Podcast?sub_confirmation=1 🙋‍♀️Follow Tisha on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tishaponcio X (Twitter): https://x.com/tishaponcio TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tishaponcio 🙋‍♂️Follow Rick on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickbutterworth X (Twitter): https://x.com/r1ck11 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rickbutterworth Want to be a guest?: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCaEyQrrPcYsKdQHaSlFbVXVVC_eNyXMMfy5NTj0aRNcR6Vw/viewform?usp=header 🧠 Let’s learn, grow and play together