Living On The Edge of Chaos

Living On The Edge of Chaos

“Living On The Edge of Chaos,” hosted by Aaron Maurer, is a podcast that takes listeners on an intellectual journey through various facets of education and technology. The show features conversations with experts and innovators like Kevin Eastman, former assistant coach for the Boston Celtics to Lori Mazor, who enlightens on the fusion of Artificial Intelligence and creativity, Brittany Blackwell, who discusses educator burnout and mental health, and Laura McBain, exploring the intersections of design and learning. Through these dialogues, listeners are provoked to ponder on the unfolding narrative of education, making it a unique platform for those curious about the evolving educational landscape. Grab your cup of coffee and join the convo!

Episodes

October 2, 2025 49 mins

What We Talk About

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Camp’s path to NEIA and why he still teaches while leading (modeling the work)

Courage as the catalyst for change in any system, at any scale

Competency-based assessment as a school-wide skill map (transfer across humanities, science, math, Innovation Studio)

“Linear school” in a nonlinear world and how AI can help us blow up the old schedule logic

Walking the fine line: college-prep and “what-comes...

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What We Talk About

Rebecca’s journey from communications into AI and ethics research.

The moment in 2022 when ChatGPT changed the conversation about AI.

Misconceptions: why AI is not a fad, and why it matters for everyone.

Quick wins with generative AI from reading terms & conditions to learning through NotebookLM.

Her mantra: “Never trust a large language model.” What that means and why human oversight is non-negotiable.

The ri...

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Access the Show

All platforms & past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/
Direct Link to This Episode:

Listen & Subscribe:
[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify] | [YouTube] | [Simplecast]

Top Takeaways

  1. Start where you are, start small. Reverse engineering and cross‑curricular alignment build admin buy‑in and teacher confidence.
  2. Make it hands‑on. Robotics, geospatial data, drones, and art integrations hook curiosi...

In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

Tara’s journey from classroom teacher to instructional coach, district leader, and now Director of Publishing at Dave Burgess Consulting.

Why mentors who see potential in us can change the entire trajectory of our lives.

The Be REAL framework (Relatable, Expose vulnerability, Approachable, Learning through life) and why it matters in every relationship.

Lessons from Cannonball In about fear, confiden...

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ACCESS THE SHOW

All platforms & past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/
Direct Link to This Episode: https://coffeechug.simplecast.com/episodes/2134

Resources Referenced in Podcast

Learn More & Connect:

Learn more about Steven: www.TheSukha.co/media

Community: Join over 34K members at The Sukha

Instagram: @the_su...

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What We Talk About:

Why “technology” means more than just tools

The role of totems in identity (think: cars, smartphones, fashion tech)

How totalities define entire systems in education and society

The enchantment of technology—and how it competes with human connection

AI as artificial “ignorance” and the narrowing of imagination

The lost art of boredom and its role in creativity

What convivial design looks like in daily life (yes, the fa...

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ACCESS THE SHOW

All platforms & past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/
Direct Link to This Episode: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/212/

YouTube

Takeaways

Authentic learning is about process, not polish. Messy work is real work.

We don’t need to reinvent the wheel—we need to reconnect with what matters in learning.

Students need to see themselves in their work and communities.

Teachers are not meant...

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ACCESS THE SHOW

All platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/
Direct Link to This Episode
YouTube Version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l_Kht8WObY&feature=youtu.be

Takeaways

Focus is not about more effort—it’s about better strategy and self-awareness.

ADHD is not a deficit in intelligence but a challenge in managing attention and regulation.

Productivity must include mental healt...

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All platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/
Direct Link to This Episode: www.coffeeforthebrain.com/210
YouTube Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM0arJOqDbE

 Takeaways

Linear goal-setting can trap us in burnout and a deficit mindset.

Learning and growth are nonlinear—curiosity and experimentation create deeper impact.

Traditional definitions of success often limit creativity and autonomy.

Tiny ...

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Takeaways

  • Learning is a vulnerable experience that requires admitting what you don't know.
  • Creating engaging learning experiences is essential for both students and teachers.
  • Trust and faith in the learning process are crucial for transformative education.
  • Experience is the best teacher, and learning should be experiential.
  • The education system needs to be remade to support teachers effectively.
  • AI can enhance learning but d...
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Takeaways

  • Mindfulness and emotional intelligence are essential in education to support the well-being of both students and educators.
  • Establishing a noble goal and understanding one's why can help educators stay connected to their purpose and navigate challenges.
  • Taking the time to pause, reflect on emotions, and choose self-care strategies can help educators manage stress and prevent burnout.
  • Providing space for vulnerabi...
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Takeaways

  • AI can be used as a tool for augmentation in education, supporting academic writing and research.
  • Curiosity is a powerful driver of learning and exploration in the AI space.
  • Simulations can help students test their research ideas and understand the implications of their decisions.
  • Good writing in academia involves the ability to synthesize research, support claims, and communicate effectively. Prioritize the audi...
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All platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/

Slidedeck of her ideas to explore as we did not get to them all

https://1drv.ms/p/s!AqtnAB8NPT2-8kpLZWCCEThXQepG

YouTube Video

Takeaways

  • Vicki Davis believes that students should be at least 17 or 18 years old before getting cell phones.
    She emphasizes the negative impact of unrestricted cell phone access on students' mental health, sleep patterns, and ...
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Youtube Version

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cphiov_RFc&feature=youtu.be

Resources

  • Inspiration of show format from Tim Ferriss Podcast
  • Slides of all topics shared and not shared due to time
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Access The Show

All platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/

Direct Link:

YouTube:

Takeaways

  • Gratitude can be a powerful foundation for AI, guiding its use and ensuring a positive impact.
  • Play and experimentation are key when getting started with AI, allowing for creative exploration and learning.
  • AI tools like ChatGPT can be used as thought partners and co-host...
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Access The Show

All platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/

Takeaways

  • The current system of recognizing learning and competence is narrow and leaves many people behind.
  • Credentials should include the expertise and affiliations of the content creators to provide more transparent and meaningful signaling.
  • Considering different perspectives and ideas is crucial for a healthy democracy and ...
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Takeaways

  • Combining AI with sound educational practices can enhance the learning experience.
  • The problem is not AI itself, but how we use class time and design learning experiences.
  • AI can be leveraged to support students in the writing process and develop their skills as learners.
  • Effective instructional practices, such as blended learning and student agency, are essential for empowering students and creating meaningful l...
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Takeaways

  • Play is not just for young children, but a natural and necessary part of learning for people of all ages.
  • Playful learning experiences engage the brain and help information stick, making learning more effective and enjoyable.
  • Play can be rigorous and challenging, but it should not be rigid or boring. It can foster creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
  • Integrating play into education requires a sh...
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Takeaways

  • How to shift perspective on how we examine the world around us
  • How we sometimes take visual art for granted
  • AI is being advertised as a solution for artists, but it is also seen as a threat to the creative industry.
  • Seeking out and appreciating discarded, low-budget, and niche art can provide a unique and fascinating experience.
  • Life and experience life

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
03:33 C...

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Takeaways

  • Storytelling is a powerful tool in education and can help create connections and understanding.
  • Understanding the neuroscience behind communication and relationships can lead to more effective teaching and learning.
  • Trust and play are essential in creating safe and engaging learning environments.
  • The intersection of technology and humanity offers both opportunities and challenges.
  • Reading the classics and embracin...
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