In this thought-provoking episode of Voices of Indianapolis, our student host Luke (fueled by what Sam calls "four cups of coffee energy") leads a deep conversation with esteemed writer, educator, and businessman, Sam Chaltain. Sam takes us back to his early days teaching in China, sharing vivid experiences of living in a foreign country at a young age.
Sam, the national director of the Forum for Education and Democracy and founding director of the Five Freedoms Project, unpacks his powerful philosophy: that education should empower children to understand what it means to be truly free—to explore their passions while remaining connected to our shared humanity. He recounts the serendipitous timing that led him to the First Amendment Schools program, a moment that completely changed his life and underscored the importance of seeking out opportunities.
The discussion takes a personal turn as Sam shares a captivating story about his grandmother, featured in his mother's memoir about her, illustrating how a single decision can ripple across time and impact countless lives. Sam also dives into how people learn best: by actively engaging with their hands and focusing on what truly matters to them. With extensive experience visiting schools worldwide, Sam offers a hopeful perspective on the future of education, leaving us with big questions and inspiring insights.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!