On The Subject with Michael Vilardo

In this episode of On the Subject, we sit down with Ava Gilani Jacobs, Director of Curriculum and Instruction at UCLA Lab School, to explore how students as young as third grade are learning to break down bias, question what they read, and craft arguments rooted in ethos, pathos, and logos. From simulations on EV cars to real-world kindness curriculum, we dig into what it means to raise not just good students—but thoughtful, critically-minded citizens. Plus, we reflect on the teachers who made us feel seen and the future of learning in 2035.

What does it take to raise emotionally intelligent students in a digital-first world? In this episode of On the Subject, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Chatmon, Director of Curriculum, SEL & JEDI at UCLA Lab School—alongside her incredible team of educators—to explore the power of intentional social-emotional learning. From building conflict resolution skills in 4-year-olds to helping students process digital overstimulation, the UCLA Lab School is proving that SEL isn’t a trend—it’s a foundation. Dr. Chatmon shares her journey from New Jersey public schools to leading one of the most progressive education environments in the country.

What’s changed in classrooms between 2005 and 2025? A lot—and educators like Dr. Renata Gusmão-Garcia Williams are the first to notice. In this episode, Subject CEO Michael Vilardo sits down with the inspiring Principal of the UCLA Lab School to talk about how today’s students are navigating anxiety, tech, and emotional growth in a post-pandemic world. From her own journey—working full-time while earning her doctorate and raising a family—to the small classroom moments that changed her forever, Dr. Renata shares what it really takes to lead with heart in education today.

In this episode of On the Subject, host Michael Vilardo sits down with Nathan Bowen—former pro hockey player, co-founder of Total Package Hockey, and Executive Chairman of TPH Academy. From gritty roots on the ice to leading one of the most impactful multi-sport academic academies in North America, Nathan shares how TPH is giving student-athletes back their time, their purpose, and their confidence. They dive into scaling culture, designing education around passion instead of the bell schedule, and what it takes to develop not just champions on the field, but leaders in life. Plus, the moment his mom told him to stop whining about ice time might be the best parenting advice ever recorded.

In this episode of On the Subject, host Michael Vilardo welcomes Kelly Cooper, Chief Secondary Academic Officer at Iredell-Statesville Schools in North Carolina. With roots in both business and education, Kelly brings a unique perspective to curriculum design, rigor, and instructional leadership. She reflects on the shift from recall-based learning to higher-order thinking, the importance of blended learning done right, and how digital tools should serve—not replace—engaged teaching. Kelly also discusses the social-emotional toll of growing up in a hyperconnected world, and how educators can help students navigate that reality. Tune in to hear how her team is building a one-to-one culture with depth, intentionality, and care—and don’t miss her powerful tribute to the mentor who first introduced her to technology and shaped her journey in education.