On The Subject with Michael Vilardo
Welcome to "On The Subject" with host Michael Vilardo, CEO and Co-founder of Subject. Here, we dive deep into the world of education, exploring the journeys that shape us, the systems that educate us, and the visions that guide our future learning. At Subject, we’re redefining online learning, crafting digital learning experiences that resonate with the curiosity and pace of today’s high school students. Imagine classes as engaging as your favorite Netflix series, where learning isn’t just a task—it’s an adventure. Each episode, we invite thinkers, educators, and innovators to share their stories and insights. Together, we’ll uncover the challenges, celebrate the triumphs, and dream up the future of education. So, whether you’re a student navigating your academic path, a teacher or admin passionate about shaping minds, or simply curious about the evolving landscape of learning, you’re in the right place.
Episodes
In this episode of On the Subject, host Michael Vilardo sits down with Esmeralda Garcia, Director of Expanded Learning at Calexico Unified—possibly the southernmost district in California—to explore how she’s reimagining education outside the traditional school day. From ballet to credit recovery, Esmeralda’s after-school programs are driven by a vision to close opportunity gaps and bring resources to kids who need th...
On this episode of On the Subject, host Michael Vilardo sits down with Tim Woody, Executive Director of High Schools and CTE from Iredell-Statesville Schools, to explore how CTE programs are redefining student success by building tangible, monetizable skills — and why early career guidance is key to unlocking real-world opportunities after graduation.
In this episode of On the Subject, host Michael Vilardo, CEO of Subject.com, interviews Dr. Ramiro Rubalcaba, Superintendent of Los Nietos School District, live from the ACSA Superintendents’ Symposium in Monterey, California. They discuss actionable strategies for K-12 district leadership—from building strong family-school relationships and implementing culturally relevant meals to empowering student voice and launch...
In this episode of On the Subject, Michael Vilardo sits down with Crystal Castaneda, Superintendent of Byron Union School District, in California. From teaching ABCs to her sisters in a closet to leading one of the most forward-thinking K–8 districts in the Bay Area, Crystal shares her journey through every level of education—and the innovation she's championing today. They dive into MTSS success, teacher collaboratio...
On The Subject, host Michael Vilardo, co-founder and CEO of Subject.com, sits down with Jaime De La Torre, Director of Instructional Technology at Las Cruces Public Schools, New Mexico’s second-largest district. From growing up just 30 miles south in Anthony, NM, to impacting students across Texas and New Mexico, Jaime shares his journey into education, how his wife inspired his career path, and what it means to lead with ...
In this episode of On The Subject, host Michael Vilardo heads to sunny San Diego for the third stop on our nationwide tour highlighting trailblazing educators. This week, we sit down with Dr. Maurissa Koide, Director of Secondary Education at Milpitas Unified School District, to explore her unconventional journey from aspiring ballerina to public school champion. Maurissa shares how her experiences in medicine, politi...
On this episode of On The Subject, host Michael Vilardo takes the podcast on tour to San Diego, California, where he sits down with Leo Perez, Associate Superintendent at Shasta Union High School District. They dive into Leo’s unexpected journey into education, the power of community colleges, and how schools must evolve to meet the needs of Gen Alpha. They also discuss critical thinking, innovation in learning, and w...
In this episode of On The Subject, host Michael Vilardo sits down with Erika Tejeda, Principal at Perris Union High School District, to explore her inspiring journey from being a first-generation student who once hated school to becoming a transformative leader in education. Erika shares her candid experiences with systemic barriers, the importance of representation, and how she’s pioneering new approaches to high sch...
In this episode of On The Subject, Michael Vilardo sits down with Kathleen Porter, a lifelong educator with 38 years of experience, currently leading innovation at Poway Unified in San Diego. From growing up in Phoenix with an inspiring mother who defied expectations to pioneering engineering programs and embracing failure as a stepping stone to success, Kathleen shares her journey and insights on the future of person...
In this episode of On The Subject, host Michael Vilardo sits down with Patty Hurtt of Poway Unified, a dedicated educator with over 33 years of experience, to discuss the power of alternative education and how personalized learning can help students who don’t fit the traditional model. Patty shares stories of student transformation, the importance of internships and career pathways, and how en...
In this episode of On The Subject, where we explore the future of education through the voices of trailblazing educators. In this episode, host Michael Vilardo travels to New Mexico, the land of enchantment, to sit down with ValerieBrea, Executive Director of the Southwest Regional Education Cooperative (SWREC). Val shares her unconventional journey into education, the power of cooperatives in supporting schools, and the c...
In this episode of On The Subject, host Michael Vilardo sits down with Michael Chavez, Superintendent of Hatch Valley Public Schools and a true innovator in education. From growing up as a quarterback to leading a district in the chili capital of the world, Chavez shares his journey into education, the impact of technology on today’s students, and why relationships are the foundation of learning. They discuss the chan...
In this special episode of On the Subject, host Michael Vilardo travels to Las Cruces, New Mexico, to sit down with one of the state’s most innovative education leaders, Kim O’Byrne. Kim shares how she’s transforming agricultural education through hands-on learning, career and technical programs, and groundbreaking initiatives like hydroponic freight farms and student-run veterinary clinics. From teaching bilingual fi...
In this episode of On The Subject, host Michael Vilardo, co-founder and CEO of Subject, travels to Las Cruces, New Mexico, to meet with Todd Lindsay, Superintendent of Tularosa Schools. Todd shares his incredible journey from rodeoing and flunking out of college to finding his passion for education later in life. With authenticity and humor, Todd discusses the challenges of teaching, the importance of making education...
In this episode of On the Subject, host Michael Vilardo, co-founder and CEO of Subject.com, travels to the beautiful state of Michigan to sit down with Jarrad Grandy, an extraordinary leader shaping education in Oakland County. Together, they delve into the transformative power of relevance in the classroom, the evolving role of technology in modern learning, and the lasting impact a single teacher can have on generat...
In this episode of On the Subject, host Michael Vilardo sits down with Tim Baldwin, a passionate educator with over 20 years of experience, to explore the transformative power of connection and love in education. From his roots in Flint, Michigan, to his leadership role at Enterprise High (Warren Public Schools), Tim shares personal stories, insights on fostering resilience, and his vision for innovation in teaching. ...
In this special episode of On The Subject, host Michael Vilardo, Co-Founder and CEO of Subject, sits down with Lynne Nowicki, an innovative leader in education who has dedicated her career to empowering students aged 14 to 21. Lynne has worked with esteemed institutions like Eastern Michigan, Grand Valley State, and Michigan State before joining Success Virtual Learning Centers, where she’s championing the mission of ...
In this episode of On The Subject, host Michael Vilardo sits down with Morgan Karolyi, elite trainer at the renowned Dogpound gym. They explore Morgan's journey from small-town Durham to San Diego and Los Angeles, diving into fitness, self-confidence, and the challenges of standing out in the digital age. From navigating hate comments to embracing financial stability and personal growth, this candid conversation offer...
In this episode of On the Subject, Michael Vilardo sits down with the one and only Robby "Heat Daddy" Gucci—entrepreneur, comedian, social media sensation, former hockey player, and the voice behind Hockey Night in Scottsdale and the Wet Jeans Podcast. From roller hockey roots to a cult following in Canada, Rob shares his journey of risking it all, embracing failure, and navigating the content creation world...
Join host Michael Vilardo as he welcomes the multifaceted actress Kristy Dawn Dinsmore, best known for her roles in Vikings, Loudermilk, and Half Sisters. In this heartfelt and humorous conversation, Kristy shares her journey from small-town Canada to Hollywood, her passion for acting and spirituality, and the life lessons she's gained along the way. From Burning Man adventures to overcoming childhood bullyi...
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