Holistic Teaching & Learning Podcasts

Episode 5: Community Schools ft. Jonathan Oyaga

September 2022

Today’s guests include co-host Dr. Robin Martin and Jonathan Oyaga. Jonathan Oyaga is an aspiring educator studying at the University of California Los Angeles. He is currently the Student California Teacher Association (SCTA) president and takes a leadership role in the National Education Association (NEA).

With the spread of holistic approaches and social-emotional learning (SEL) awareness, we are witnessing a trend of empowering communities to take action in public education infrastructure. The Board of Education recently approved $4,000,000,000 to pilot Community Schools in California.

In today’s episode, Jonathan chats with us about his experience working with Community Schools in his undergraduate studies. When discussing public school and Community School funding, he reminds us of the long road ahead to an equitable education. Above all, Jonathan brings hope to the future of education.

Please send your “Dream School Idea” to us at htlconference@sou.edu

Episode 4: HTLP ft. Debra Weistar

May 2022

Today’s guests include co-hosts Emilie McGeary and Robin Martin who meet with DebraWeistar. Debra is the Program Director, facilitator, and curriculum developer at Synergia Learning Ventures, on the topic of connecting with students using environmental and outdoor education.

In this episode, we discuss the complexities and methods of connecting with and educating young learners using nature as a classroom. authored numerous articles on parenting and education. Debra brings to Synergia a diverse background in outdoor education, media literacy, and parenting/education.

Episode 3: Student Panelists

October 2021

Today’s guests include Haley Moore, Haylee Bordahl, Mindy Welsh, Emily Belcastro, Emilie McGeary, and myself who are all students and aspiring educators.

In this episode, these six students participate on a panel at the 3rd International Holistic Teaching & Learning Conference addressing the theme “Wholeness and Hope”. With their timeless wisdom, they close the conference on an inspirational and hopeful note.

Episode 2: Home for Holism ft. Dr. John King

July 2021

Today’s guests, Dr. Amanda Casto, Dr. Renee Owen, Kim Harpham, Mindy Welsh, Dr. John King, and myself meet in hopes of creating and sustaining a safe place for rich conversation.

In this episode, we birth a new series and name it “A Home for Holism” with the dream that more people, communities, and institutions adopt the holistic approaches displayed in this conversation. Together, we tackle the question of “how do we give ourselves permission to empower ourselves and others to teach, learn, and lead in holistic ways?” We find ourselves in a state of flow, a place where our most inspired and intentional selves come out.

Episode 1: HTLP ft. Maureen Honeycutt

May 2021

Today’s guest, Maureen Honeycutt, is an educator and pioneer of holistic education. She is the founder of the Preschool at Southern Oregon University.

In this episode, she meets with the Holistic & Learning Club! An eager group of students who are excited to take their findings in Holistic Education and apply them to their future classroom. She shares a few successes and struggles, but most importantly she gives this young group of educators hopes for the future.