MindShift Podcast

MindShift comes from KQED, the public media powerhouse in San Francisco, and it brings public radio production values to education journalism in a way that most teacher podcasts simply do not. The show explores the future of learning across multiple dimensions -- how technology is reshaping classrooms, what brain science tells us about how students actually retain information, how poverty and inequity affect learning outcomes, and what role social-emotional skills play in academic success. Now in its eighth season, the podcast features co-hosts Nimah Gobir and Kara Newhouse guiding listeners through topics like belonging in schools, the value of learning from mistakes, and how to move past outdated teaching techniques that no longer serve students. Each episode is built like a mini-documentary, weaving together expert interviews, teacher voices, and student perspectives into a narrative that is both informative and genuinely engaging to listen to. The production quality reflects KQED's journalism standards -- sound design, pacing, and editing are all polished without feeling overproduced. Episodes typically run 20 to 35 minutes. What sets MindShift apart from other education podcasts is its scope. It does not just talk to teachers about teaching. It pulls in researchers, policymakers, parents, and students to paint a fuller picture of what learning looks like in practice. Topics range from game-based learning and mindfulness programs to assessment reform and the impact of AI on education. For educators who want to understand the bigger forces shaping their profession, MindShift delivers serious reporting without being dry or inaccessible.