EdTech Bites Podcast

This episode is sponsored by Brisk Teaching. To learn more and get started, visit www.briskteaching.com.

What does it take to go from passionate educator to sought-after speaker? At TCEA 2025, I sat down with three incredible presenters to talk about their journey to success, the hustle behind the scenes, and how passion fuels everything we do. Along the way, our paths crossed, and now, we’re officially “The Tech Thrillas”—a powerhouse team with more to come! Tune in for an inspiring conversation about growth, grit, and making an impact in the world of edtech. Buen Provecho!

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
• EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social
• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites
• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

About Jorge Valenzuela

Jorge Valenzuela is a respected performance and education coach, author, and speaker at Lifelong Learning Defined. His mission is to empower educators to lead confidently and teach with greater effectiveness. Specializing in instructional innovation and action research, Jorge provides expert training in team building, core instruction, project-based learning (PBL), STEM pathways, entrepreneurship, and life skills integration. Partnering with Corwin, he helps schools systematically enhance instructional practices and adopt innovative teaching strategies, including PBL. He is a published researcher and author who also hosts the Lifelong Learning Defined podcast, sharing insights and strategies to inspire and support educators.

Connect With Jorge Valenzuela

• Life Long Learning Defined Website: https://www.lifelonglearningdefined.com/
• Jorge On X: https://x.com/JorgeDoesPBL?lang=en
• Jorge On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jorgedoespbl/
• Jorge On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifelongLearningDefined/
• Life Long Learning Defined On Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifelong-learning-defined-podcast-for-self-improvement/id1647222488

About Jean Darnell

Jean is the Library Director for the School District of Philadelphia, an AI expert, phenomenal storyteller, the best awakened librarian the world has to offer and the curator of the instructional website: https://awakenlibrarian.com. She's a born and raised Texan educator with almost 25 years experience. Giving voice to the voiceless, Jean is a natural born advocate. Her heroes are Barbara Jordan, Nina Simone, Eartha Kitt, authors Tomi Adeyemi and Angie Thomas. One of her first love is music, as she's a classically trained cellist.

Connect With Jean Darnell

• Jean’s Website: https://awakenlibrarian.com
• Jean On X: https://x.com/awakenlibrarian
• Jean On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awaken.librarian/
• Jean On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eboni.darnell/
• Jean On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/awakenlibrarian.bsky.social

About Andre Daughty

Andre Daughty is a highly acclaimed keynote speaker known for his expertise in transforming education and inspiring positive change. With over two decades of experience, he has made a significant impact on tens of thousands of educators and students and well over 400 schools as an educator, facilitator, speaker, and workshop presenter. He is recognized for his ability to captivate audiences with his dynamic speaking style and thought-provoking insights.

Connect With Andre Daughty

• Andre’s Website: https://www.andredaughty.org/
• Andre On X: https://twitter.com/andredaughty
• Andre On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andredaughty/
• Andre On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andre-daughty-8878b297
• Andre On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndreDaughty/featured
• Andre On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andre.daughty

This episode is sponsored by Brisk Teaching. To learn more and get started, visit www.briskteaching.com.

Is creativity vanishing from our classrooms? With the pressure to cover content, many teachers feel like there's no time for creative exploration. But what if creativity and content didn’t have to compete? In this episode, I sit down with Monica Roach, an expert in innovative teaching, to debunk the myth that creativity is fading. She shares practical, easy-to-implement strategies that infuse creativity into daily lessons—without sacrificing content. Tune in and bring creativity back where it belongs! Buen provecho!

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
• EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social
• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites
• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

About Monica Roach

Monica Roach is an Instructional Technology Specialist in Virginia, recognized for her innovative approach to integrating technology in education. She is dedicated to empowering teachers and students with meaningful, intentional tech use. Monica loves leading professional development workshops at local, state, and national levels, fostering digital citizenship and culturally responsive teaching. Passionate about collaboration, she co-teaches lessons, models best practices, and designs engaging learning experiences that enhance student success. In her free time she loves to read, travel, and crochet!

Connect With Monica Roach

• Monica On X: https://x.com/MonicaRoach15
• Monica On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/monicaroach15.bsky.social

This episode is sponsored by Brisk Teaching. To learn more and get started, visit www.briskteaching.com.

Live from TCEA 2025, we’re bringing you an electrifying discussion on "The Price We Pay for AI" with special guests Brianna Hodges and Carl Hooker. This is TCEA’s first EVER live podcast as a concurrent session so we had a live audience in front of us. We tackle AI literacy, the dangers of over-reliance, and whether AI is making us less creative. And because we like to keep things spicy—literally—we threw in a hot sauce challenge and some food trivia! Tune in for a mix of deep insights, audience engagement, and a little bit of heat. Because of the live audience, the energy in the room was unmatched and Brianna and Carl made this episode much more special and spicy. You’ll hear the energy while listening to this episode. Buen provecho!

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
• EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social
• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites
• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

About Brianna Hodges

Learner. Listener. Leader. Storyteller. Texas EdTech of the Year (2017). K12 Administrator to Watch (2018). National Advisor and Spokesperson for Future Ready Instructional Coaches. An experienced school and district leader with a superpower for storytelling (Bri spent 10+ years as a PR exec) and developing capacity, Brianna works with school districts across the country to transform learning for all ages and stages. Let's rewrite the story of what school has been and provide purpose to practice, and institute innovative change together.

Connect With Brianna Hodges

• Brianna’s Website: https://www.briannahodges.com
• Brianna On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bhodgesedu.bsky.social
• Brianna On X: https://www.x.com/bhodgesEDU
• Brianna On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bhodgesedu/

About Carl Hooker

Carl Hooker is a 25-year educator from Austin, TX. He's an 8-time author, 5-time podcast host, 2-time bar owner, 3-time father, and 1-time husband. His latest book, Learning Evolution tackles the challenges of AI-enhanced learning and empowers teachers to leverage this new technology in creative ways for learning. He identifies as a pizza-lover, with a regular household debate between Detroit-style and New York-style.

Connect With Carl Hooker

• Carl’s Website: https://CarlHooker.com
• Carl’s Blog: https://hookedoninnovation.com/
• Carl On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hookertech.bsky.social
• Carl On X: https://twitter.com/mrhooker
• Carl On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hookertech/

This episode is sponsored by Brisk Teaching. To learn more and get started, visit www.briskteaching.com

In this episode, we’re joined by Brenda Gutierrez, Student Services Coordinator at Ysleta de Sur Pueblo Department Of Tribal Empowerment in El Paso, Texas. She shares her first experience attending TCEA 2025. We dive into her mission to bring engaging STEM ideas back to her organization and discuss her newfound excitement for integrating podcasting into professional development. From key conference takeaways to actionable steps for starting a podcasting initiative, this conversation will inspire you to innovate and experiment in your own teaching or leadership role.

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
- EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com/
- EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social
- EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
- EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
- EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
- EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites
- EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

This episode is sponsored by Brisk Teaching. To learn more and get started, visit www.briskteaching.com.

Ever feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to plan lessons, grade assignments, and still have time to breathe? In today’s episode, I chat with Suvi Gluskin, Head of Marketing and Community for Brisk Teaching. We dive into Brisk Teaching—the AI-powered Chrome extension that’s here to change the game for educators. Suvi shares how Brisk streamlines your teaching tasks, make differentiation a breeze, and frees up your time for what truly matters: connecting with students. Buen Provecho!

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
• EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social
• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites
• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

About Suvi Gluskin

Suvi Gluskin is the Head of Marketing at Brisk Teaching, the most popular AI-powered Chrome Extension for educators, helping over 1 million teachers save 10-20 hours per week. Brisk seamlessly integrates with educators' existing tools to support differentiation, content creation, feedback, and writing authentication. Prior to Brisk, Suvi spent seven years leading Community at Seesaw Learning and previously worked at PBS KIDS. She holds degrees in Music and Child Development from Carnegie Mellon University.

Connect With Suvi and Brisk Teaching

• Suvi On X: https://x.com/suviatbrisk
• Brisk Teaching Website: https://www.briskteaching.com
• Brisk Teaching Chrome Webstore: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/brisk-teaching-–-ai-assis/pcblbflgdkdfdjpjifeppkljdnaekohj?hl=en&pli=1
• Brisk Teaching On X: https://www.x.com/briskteaching
• Brisk Teaching On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briskteaching
• Brisk Teaching On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/briskteaching.bsky.social
• Brisk Teaching On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brisk-teaching/
• Brisk Teaching On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briskteaching/
• Brisk Teaching Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/briskeducators/

*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here!

What happens when a group of passionate educators comes together to spark change? In this episode, I sit down with Larisa Black, Heather Brown, Farmer Faubs, and Christie Cloud, the four of the founding members of the EduGuardians. We discuss how their movement started, why they’re so dedicated to supporting educators, and the driving force behind their mission. From inspiration to action, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered and ready to make an impact in your own educational community.

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
• EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social
• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites
• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

About The EduGuardians

EduGuardians strive to lead in educational technology, empowering educators to connect, share ideas, and build community. Our mission is to utilize edtech for impactful and engaging student learning experiences. We foster a dynamic, collaborative network for educators to innovate, grow, and inspire, enhancing education for all students.

Connect With The EduGuardians

• EduGuardian Website: https://www.eduguardian5.com
• EduGuardians On X: https://x.com/EduGuardian5
• EduGuardians On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/eduguardian5.bsky.social
• EduGuardians On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eduguardian5/

*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here!

How do we blend tried-and-true teaching strategies with cutting-edge AI? In this episode, I chat with the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Kristin and Joe Merrill AKA Kroe, about their latest book The InterACTIVE Class: Creation in a World of AI: Empowering Educators to Inspire Creativity and Innovation in an AI-Driven Classroom. They share timeless teaching strategies while incorporating AI—all through their signature interACTIVE approach. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a teaching purist, this episode will show you how to strike the perfect balance between innovation and effective instruction.

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
• EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social
• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites
• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

About The Merrill’s

Kristin and Joe are teachers and authors of the InterACTIVE Class series. Together, they put a spin on traditional strategies by infusing EdTech with learning that meets the needs of all students.

Connect With The Merrill’s

• The Merrill’s Website: www.themerrillsedu.com
• The Merrill’s On X: www.x.com/TheMerrillsEDU
• The Merrill’s On Instagram: www.instagram.com/TheMerrillsEDU
• The Merrill’s On Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheMerrillsEDU
• “The InterACTIVE Class: Creation in a World of AI: Empowering Educators to Inspire Creativity and Innovation in an AI-Driven Classroom” On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/InterACTIVE-Class-Empowering-Creativity-Innovation/dp/B0DR9J6VKZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=28FB0YCSWBPM1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Mr4ZmPa2ddIveLZ91XKcdNedXJqACQE9asdmrv7nDIPt3ogXUH4wfHkcILkGOC8gR2rgiQiVniSzj-kAQ9bRRlZ3XMqygwcrxuGgP4Lk4dozTMohBwgBZMu_3FL7WrH_77NtfZJG29DRmS5K3Aq0broXPrDLLYshBUcHKHNXz-Lz75WxDtyQ8_35dCmZdwpNpPCpGhavqosWgQXPQ3-vaPwphWd2FwWQYNAFgSQkkQQ.J0cPLu-_z-cAz5gpwO8ka6E43zND4RLhuspDjKSloIM&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+interactive+classroom&qid=1737436934&sprefix=the+interactive%2Caps%2C130&sr=8-1

*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here!

Are Legos just toys, or are they powerful tools for learning? In this inspiring episode, I chat with Dan Thomas, a middle school STEM teacher known for using Legos to spark creativity and enhance student learning. We explore how these colorful bricks encourage Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, and Communication—all while making learning fun! Whether you're a Lego enthusiast or a skeptic, you’ll discover how they can transform your classroom into a hands-on, engaging learning environment. Buen provecho!

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
• EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social
• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites
• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

About Dan Thomas

Dan is a STEM teacher from Jamestown NY which is south of Buffalo. He has been teaching for 32 years at the same school that he graduated from. He is passionate about STEM Topics, PBL and play in the classroom. His goal is for students to understand and learn how to apply their knowledge and skills because that is where the true learning happens.

Connect With Dan Thomas

• Dan’s Website: www.coachthomastech.com
• Dan On X: https://x.com/coachthomastech
• Dan On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachthomastech/
• Dan On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558624504932
• Dan On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/coachthomastech.bsky.social
• Dan On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachthomastech/