twiceoverpodcast

It's Okay to Look Like a Potato on Zoom Re-Release

In response to the recent presidential election and the significant changes it signals, we’ve decided to re-release our very first episode, “It’s Okay to Look Like a Potato on Zoom.” This inaugural episode, originally recorded during the early days of the pandemic, explores themes of adapting to change, fostering connection, and embracing imperfection—ideas that feel just as relevant today as they did then. When we first released this episode, we were navigating the abrupt transition to online teaching, striving to balance academic rigor with care and compassion for our students and ourselves. Now, as we face another moment of transition, this conversation offers an opportunity to revisit those lessons and reflect on how we can carry them forward. This episode is more than a reflection on teaching; it’s a reminder of the strength we find in community. It highlights the importance of staying connected to our values and identities, even when circumstances challenge us to rethink familiar practices. It speaks to the ways we can provide structure and stability—not just for our students, but for ourselves—in times of uncertainty. Releasing this episode again feels like coming full circle. The core ideas—offering reassurance, finding moments of levity, and leaning into our humanity—resonate not only in classrooms but in life. Whether you're a long-time listener revisiting these ideas or someone discovering this episode for the first time, we hope it provides encouragement, perspective, and maybe even a sense of comfort. We’re honored to share this moment with you again. Thank you for being part of our community. Let's continue to learn and grow together.

Humility and Confidence

In this episode, Humility and Confidence, Anne and Steve are joined by the distinguished theater director and writer, Karin Coonrod. A professor at the Yale School of Drama, Karin is renowned for her innovative adaptations of classic plays, particularly those of William Shakespeare. She has founded two theater companies: Arden Party (1987–1997) and Compagnia de' Colombari (2004–present), through which she has brought to life numerous productions in notable venues such as the Joseph Papp Public Theater and the New York Theatre Workshop. Karin shares insights from her extensive career, discussing her unique approach to theater that often involves modern interpretations of classic works and staging plays in unconventional settings. She delves into her creative process, the challenges and rewards of directing, and her experiences teaching the next generation of theater artists. Whether you're a theater enthusiast or new to the world of drama, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the artistry and vision of one of contemporary theater's most innovative leaders.

Operating with Empathy

How do we bring curiosity, creativity, and empathy into our teaching and learning practices? In this episode of the Twice Over Podcast, we are joined by Kim Arin—artist, personal coach, and instructor at Montclair State University—to explore these transformative ideas. The Joy of Lifelong Learning Kim shares her journey from a self-proclaimed “theater kid” to an unexpected half-marathon runner, illustrating how curiosity can lead to profound personal growth. Her reflections challenge us to embrace the mindset of a learner, both in and out of the classroom. Kim reminds educators that the most powerful teaching moments come not from having all the answers but from asking the right questions. Creativity as a Process This episode explores Kim’s course on creativity, where she uses a spiraled curriculum to inspire students to build on their ideas in meaningful ways. From archetypes to dreamscapes to ekphrastic art, Kim’s assignments are designed to spark curiosity and encourage experimentation. Her message is clear: creativity is not about perfection; it’s about showing up and creating. The Power of Empathy in the Classroom A highlight of the discussion is the focus on creating classroom environments rooted in empathy. Kim and the hosts discuss how fostering trust and encouraging risk-taking can unlock new levels of student engagement. Drawing on Brene Brown’s distinction between compassion and empathy, Kim explains how educators can “stand with” their students, helping them navigate challenges with support and understanding. As Kim noted, “It’s not magic. Creativity is a choice you can make every day.”

The Stories We Tell Ourselves

In this episode of Twice Over, The Stories We Tell Ourselves, Anne and Steven have a thought-provoking conversation with Monique Vogelsang, founder of Humanizing History. They explore how the narratives we create shape identities and communities, as Monique shares her journey from a multiracial upbringing to her impactful work in anti-racist education and curriculum design. The conversation examines teaching complex histories, fostering critical thinking, and building connections through humanizing stories. Filled with powerful anecdotes and actionable insights, this episode invites listeners to rethink how the stories we tell can transform education.

Consent Regimes

In the latest episode of the Consent Regimes, Anne and Steve are joined by Dr. Florence Chee, an Associate Professor at Loyola University Chicago, where she leads the Center for Digital Ethics and the Social and Interactive Media Lab (SimLab). Dr. Chee shares her background as an ethnographer researching digital game culture and explores the powerful ways people connect through technology. She challenges the stereotype of gaming as anti-social by highlighting how it serves as a crucial social outlet for many, fostering communities and potentially supporting mental health. Dr. Chee also discusses AI's ethical challenges, stressing the need for a sustained approach to digital literacy that goes beyond one-off interventions. She advocates for critical tech education from K-12 onward to empower individuals in an age of pervasive digital surveillance. As a strong proponent for ethical practices in tech, she emphasizes the potential of education, policy, and thoughtful innovation to ensure AI and technology serve humanity rather than harm it. This episode highlights "pasteurizing play," Dr. Chee's vision of creating safe, consent-driven, and ethical digital spaces, especially for young people navigating online environments. Her emphasis on consent is especially timely, calling for a broader, ongoing conversation about data control and how we engage with technology. By advocating for ethical frameworks that prioritize consent, she encourages listeners to rethink how we interact with digital tools—and how these tools shape our lives in ways we might not immediately realize. Whether you're an educator, policymaker, or simply tech-curious, this conversation will inspire a more intentional, reflective approach to technology.