Best NextGen Classrooms Podcasts (2026)

1
View From The Top: Orlando Bravo on His Journey to Building Thoma Bravo 49:17

2d ago49:17

49:17

In this bonus episode, Thoma Bravo founder and managing partner, Orlando Bravo joins View From The Top from Stanford GSB for a candid conversation on his nonlinear journey—from leaving a small town in Puerto Rico to building one of the world’s leading software investment firms. Orlando opens up about early career setbacks—including rejection, faile…

1
Women and Ministry with Rev. Dr. Marsha Brown-Woodard 37:37

26d ago37:37

37:37

Send us a text In this inspiring episode, Dr. Marsha Brown-Woodard shares her remarkable journey as a pastor, educator, and leader in the Church. As President of the Baptist Pastors and Ministers’ Conference of Philadelphia and Vicinity, Director of Christian Education, and assistant pastor, Dr. Woodard brings decades of wisdom shaped by both schol…

1
Beyond the Buzz: Responsible AI Integration in Schools with Sam Whitaker” 42:12

2M ago42:12

42:12

Curiosity should be a feature of school, not a casualty of shortcuts. We sit down with Sam Whitaker, Senior Director of Impact at StudyFetch, to unpack how AI can deepen learning without doing the work for students—and why the difference matters for equity, creativity, and the future workforce. Sam pulls from data on a million student chats, showin…

1
George Liele: Pioneer Missionary from the Margins - Rodney Ragwan 18:34

2M ago18:34

18:34

Send us a text In this World Class episode, Rodney Ragwan highlights the remarkable life and legacy of George Liele (1750–1828) — a man born into slavery who became the first Baptist missionary and a pioneer of global mission long before William Carey sailed for India. Through this 25-minute reflection, Rodney explores Liele’s theology of freedom, …

1
Building STEM Identity: How Hands-On Learning Transforms Classrooms 48:35

2M ago48:35

48:35

What if every learner walked into school already believing they belong, can take on tough challenges, and that their ideas matter? That’s the spark we chase as Juan sits down with Dr. Jennifer Barry, CEO of Smart Lab, to unpack a practical, human-centered approach to STEM and STEAM that turns technology from a shiny object into a catalyst for real …

1
Gen Z and Digital Discipleship with Rev. Sali Emmanuel Vemarathnam 47:06

3M ago47:06

47:06

Send us a text In this episode of World Class, I sit down with Rev. Sali Emmanuel Vemarathnam for an engaging conversation on Gen Z and Digital Discipleship. Together, we explore how today’s generation is navigating faith in a digital age—where screens, social media, and instant connectivity shape identity and community. Rev. Sali brings deep insig…

1
From Players to Creators: Matt Dalio on Game Design, Equity, and the Future of Learning 56:44

3M ago56:44

56:44

In this episode of EdTech Empowerment, host Juan Rodriguez speaks with Matt Dalio, founder and CEO of Endless, about the transformative power of technology in education. They discuss the importance of empowering students to become creators rather than consumers, the role of games in learning, and the challenges of integrating technology in classroo…

1
NextGen Voices: Faith in Action Across the Globe 1:10:42

4M ago1:10:42

1:10:42

Send us a text In this special episode of World Class, I sit down with Gen Z leaders from South Africa, India, Australia, the USA, and the UK to hear their stories of faith, ministry, and making an impact in their communities. These young voices share how they navigate challenges and live out their calling in diverse cultural contexts. I also had t…

1
Reimagining Education with Amir Nathoo 34:59

4M ago34:59

34:59

Personalized learning has been a buzzword for years, but rarely a reality. In this episode, Amir Nathoo, founder & CEO of OutSchool, reveals how technology and human connection are finally making it possible. From breaking out of the industrial-era classroom model to embracing AI as a tool—not a threat—Amir shares bold insights on what real persona…

1
Nicene Faith – Towards a Contemporary Reformed Reading - Dr. J. Jayakiran Sebastian 1:10:01

4M ago1:10:01

1:10:01

Send us a text In this episode of World Class, Dr. J. Jayakiran Sebastian joins us to reflect on his article “Nicene Faith – Towards a Contemporary Reformed Reading.” Together, we revisit the Council of Nicaea—1700 years ago—and explore why it still matters for the church today. From empire and power shaping theology in the 4th century to the ongoi…

1
From Refugee to Missionary: A Journey of Grace and Gritt - Yuree Lembke 1:00:30

5M ago1:00:30

1:00:30

Send us a text Yuree Lembke’s From Refugee to Missionary: A Journey of Grace and Grit traces her remarkable path from childhood in Burma, through the hardships of life as a refugee in Thailand, to becoming a missionary. She shares vivid memories of growing up amid political unrest, facing hunger, limited education, and uncertainty as a refugee. Thr…

1
Season 2: Legacy, Law, and Living Faith - Ashalia Rangiah 31:25

5M ago31:25

31:25

Send us a text In this Season 2 premiere of World Class: Listening. Learning. Living., I sit down with Ashalia Rangiah, a dynamic South African attorney, advocate for justice, and great-great-granddaughter of the pioneering Indian Christian leader, Rev. John Rangiah. In this wide-ranging conversation, Ashalia reflects on the legacy of her forebear,…

1
Beyond Constraints: From Starting Lean to Scaling Up 21:04

6M ago21:04

21:04

Inspired by the book Getting Real, HubSync Founder and CEO John McGowan explains to Thoma Bravo Partner Ross Devor how operating under tight timelines and budgets with a lean team forced HubSync to focus on an engineer-first approach, providing a foundation for a company that was able to scale.By Thoma Bravo

1
How HubSync Became the Tax Automation Platform for Top 25 CPA Firms 34:38

6M ago34:38

34:38

HubSync started as a bootstrapped idea from John McGowan, a former Big Four tax professional who saw the tech gap in mid-sized CPA firms. In this episode of ‘Behind the Deal,’ Thoma Bravo Partner Ross Devor talks with John about how he turned early consulting work into a profitable SaaS business, the strategy behind landing over 40% of the top 25 a…

1
War, Nonviolence, and Working for Peace - Dr. Peter Sensenig 52:28

6M ago52:28

52:28

Send us a text In this timely and powerful episode, Dr. Peter Sensenig shares a compelling vision of Christian peacemaking grounded in Scripture, theology, and real-world experience. He unpacks the rich biblical concept of shalom and calls the church to embody the peace of Christ in a world marked by violence and division. Through stories of reconc…

1
Beyond Building NextGen Healthcare’s Successful Remote-First Company and Culture with David Sides 19:55

6M ago19:55

19:55

In the Beyond the Deal mini-sode with Thoma Bravo’s A.J. Rohde and Peter Hernandez, hear NextGen Healthcare CEO David Sides explain his approach to leadership, inspired by his family’s medical roots, and how NextGen Healthcare grew into one of the most trustworthy companies in America. For more information on Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal, visit ht…

1
How NextGen Healthcare Aims to Achieve Better Healthcare Outcomes for All 55:55

6M ago55:55

55:55

In this episode, Thoma Bravo Senior Partner A.J. Rohde sits down with Peter Hernandez, a Senior Vice President on our Discover team, to detail the strategic take-private of NextGen Healthcare, a leading provider of innovative, cloud-based healthcare technology solutions. They are joined in the studio by NextGen Healthcare CEO David Sides and discus…

1
From Northeast India to Silicon Valley – Revs. Drs. Margareth L. and Wungreiso Valui 1:00:11

6M ago1:00:11

1:00:11

Send us a text In this engaging and insightful episode, Pastors Margaret and Wung Valui share their remarkable journey from the hill regions of Northeast India to pastoral leadership in Silicon Valley. Rooted in a deep call to ministry, they reflect on their theological formation, cross-cultural experiences, and life as a clergy couple serving in o…

1
Beyond the Classroom: Shaping the Future of Learning with Steve Daly 14:34

7M ago14:34

14:34

In this Beyond the Deal minisode, hear Instructure CEO Steve Daly share how his past experiences informed his mission to create a results-oriented, customer-centric company and a culture where people genuinely enjoy coming to work. Thoma Bravo Managing Partner, Holden Spaht, and Partner, Brian Jaffee, speak with Steve Daly about his leadership phil…

1
Theology in Color, Sound, and Form - Rev. Perry Brisbon 1:01:19

7M ago1:01:19

1:01:19

Send us a text In this engaging episode, artist-theologian Perry Brisbon explores how sound—especially through music and vocal performance—can be a sacred medium for doing theology. Brisbon shares how melody, tone, and timing often reveal deep theological truths beyond what words alone can convey. Drawing from his experience as a worship leader, he…

1
How Instructure Grew into a Leading EdTech for K-12, Higher Ed, and Professionals 52:20

7M ago52:20

52:20

Instructure’s Canvas, the learning management system used by over 4,000 school districts and 2,500 higher education institutions, became a lifeline during the pandemic. On this episode of Behind the Deal, Thoma Bravo Managing Partner Holden Spaht and Partner Brian Jaffee sit down with Instructure CEO Steve Daly to discuss how they worked together t…

1
Beyond Performance: Building a “10-10” Company Culture with Andre Durand 14:16

7M ago14:16

14:16

Ping Identity Founder & CEO, Andre Durand, explains that in a 10-10 culture, “the how matters as much as the what.” Over time, through his experience as a multi-time founder, he has come to resonate with one simple cultural north star that he refers to as “10-10” to strike a balance between performance and attitude. In this Beyond the Deal minisode…

1
How Ping Identity Mastered Identity Security for Global Enterprises 57:12

7M ago57:12

57:12

Ping Identity helps some of the largest enterprises in the world secure the logins of their employees and customers, helping to keep systems secure, prevent fraud, and decrease friction as companies undergo their digital transformation. In this episode of Behind the Deal, Thoma Bravo Founder and Managing Partner, Orlando Bravo, and Partner, Chip Vi…

1
The Power of Storytelling - Rev. Terrance Jacob 1:03:10

7M ago1:03:10

1:03:10

Send us a text In this powerful episode of The Power of Storytelling, Rev. Terrance Jacob—a South African-born Lutheran pastor serving in the USA—shares transformative stories from his life and ministry. He recalls a childhood experience with his father at a cultural gathering that sparked early awareness of identity and belonging. He also reflects…

1
How Applitools is Using AI to Improve Speed, Scalability, and Accuracy with Adam Carmi and Alex Berry 20:32

8M ago20:32

20:32

In this Beyond the Deal mini-sode, Applitools Co-Founder and CTO, Adam Carmi, and CEO, Alex Berry, speak with Thoma Bravo Partner, Carl Press, about the evolution of Applitools from its early days to a leader in AI-enabled test automation. Adam discusses the initial problem he and co-founder Moshe Milman sought to solve and Alex shares his perspect…

1
How Applitools Uses AI to Revolutionize Test Automation 41:30

8M ago41:30

41:30

Hear the story behind Thoma Bravo’s investment in Applitools with Partner Carl Press in conversation with Alex Berry, CEO of Applitools, and Adam Carmi, Co-Founder and CTO of Applitools. The company’s all-in-one, AI-powered testing platform revolutionizes the way businesses approach quality assurance and test automation. Carl, Alex and Adam discuss…

1
Spiritual Disciplines for a Changing World" with Dr. Francesca Nuzzolese 52:17

8M ago52:17

52:17

Send us a text In this profound and timely conversation, Dr. Francesca Nuzzolese, spiritual director, theologian, and trauma-informed educator, explores the vital role of spiritual disciplines in an age of constant change, uncertainty, and distraction. Drawing from her personal journey and decades of formation work, she redefines spiritual discipli…

1
Beyond the Friend Zone: Building Mailgun into a Leading Technology Company with Will Conway and Josh Odom 22:42

8M ago22:42

22:42

In this Beyond the Deal mini-sode, former Mailgun CEO and CTO, Will Conway and Josh Odom, join Thoma Bravo Partner Hudson Smith to share their experiences of leading a growing technology company starting as college friends turned business partners. They highlight the critical role of a strong, supportive team culture, how their friendship strategic…

1
How Mailgun Quickly Evolved into a Leading Email API Provider 53:26

8M ago53:26

53:26

Mailgun enables over 150,000 companies to send, track, test, and optimize more than 250 billion emails per year effortlessly for marketing and business communication to their customers. Thoma Bravo Partner Hudson Smith sits down on Behind the Deal with former Mailgun CEO Will Conway and CTO Josh Odom as they dive into Mailgun’s journey from a spin …

1
John Rangiah - A Missiological Perspective on His Legacy - Rodney Ragwan 28:12

8M ago28:12

28:12

Send us a text World Class tells the inspiring story of John Rangiah, an often-overlooked Indian missionary who journeyed from Nellore, India, to Natal, South Africa, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This episode explores Rangiah's pivotal role in establishing the Indian Baptist Church amidst the racial segregation of the time, his cultur…

1
How Innovation is Driving the Future of Cybersecurity 38:25

8M ago38:25

38:25

In a special episode of Behind the Deal live from Miami at Thoma Bravo’s Annual Meeting in March 2025, Thoma Bravo Managing Partner Seth Boro welcomes two prominent leaders in the cybersecurity industry: Jill Popelka, CEO of Darktrace, and Joe Levy, CEO of Sophos. Cybersecurity has been a focus of Thoma Bravo's investment strategy since 2008, drive…

1
Beyond Leadership: Career Lessons from Chess with Todd Dauchy and Adam Solomon 14:13

9M ago14:13

14:13

In this Beyond the Deal mini-sode, Todd Dauchy, CEO of SMA Technologies, speaks with Thoma Bravo Partner, Adam Solomon, about how he’s navigated his career with the lessons he learned from chess. He also details his focus on strategic thinking, anticipating future trends in the market, and building strong interpersonal relationships within the comp…

1
Missional Renewal in the Age of Globalization – Rev. Dr. D. Elmo Familiaran 52:54

9M ago52:54

52:54

Send us a text In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Elmo, Adjunct Faculty in the Doctor of Ministry in Contextual Leadership program at Palmer Theological Seminary, for a powerful conversation on mission in a globalized world. Together, we explore how globalization is transforming the way we think about mission, evangelism, culture, r…

1
How SMA Technologies Uses Automation to Accelerate Digital Transformation at Financial Institutions 30:01

9M ago30:01

30:01

Hear the story behind Thoma Bravo’s acquisition of SMA Technologies with Thoma Bravo Partner Adam Solomon and CEO of SMA Technologies, Todd Dauchy. SMA Technologies provides workload automation and orchestration software solutions for banks, credit unions, and other financial services businesses. Adam and Todd discuss how they transformed a “sleepy…

1
How Bluesight and Thoma Bravo Turned Vision Into Value - Featured from Best But Never Final 51:00

9M ago51:00

51:00

In this featured episode, we’re excited to share a conversation from Best But Never Final, featuring Thoma Bravo Partner Carl Press and Kevin MacDonald, CEO of Thoma Bravo portfolio company Bluesight. Listen to them share a behind-the-scenes look at scaling a software company from a bootstrap startup to a private equity-backed category leader. They…

1
The Intersection of Faith, Business, and Leadership – Dr. David Bronkema 37:42

9M ago37:42

37:42

Send us a text In this episode, I’m joined by the distinguished Professor and Templeton Chair for Christian Service through Entrepreneurship at Eastern University. Together, we explore how faith and business converge in meaningful ways. We dive into the ways spiritual values shape ethical decision-making, leadership styles, and workplace culture. Y…

1
Beyond Trust: Building the Cultural Fabric at EQS Group with Achim Weick and Irina Hemmers 20:37

9M ago20:37

20:37

In this Beyond the Deal mini-sode, Thoma Bravo Partner Irina Hemmers and EQS Group Founder and CEO Achim Weick discuss the crucial role of culture in EQS Group's journey. Achim shares his experience founding a company culture centered on trust. Hear how his focus has driven EQS Group's success as a leading European software company and some lessons…

1
How EQS Group’s Digital Solutions Create Trusted Companies in Europe and Beyond 40:01

10M ago40:01

40:01

Hear Thoma Bravo Partner Irina Hemmers and Achim Weick, Founder and CEO of EQS Group, dive into the details behind the acquisition of EQS Group. In this episode, they discuss EQS Group's journey of becoming a leading GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) software provider. Achim Weick shares his story of founding the company, why EQS Group chose p…

1
Missiology in Action: The Heart of International Ministries – Rev. Dr. Sharon Koh 36:15

10M ago36:15

36:15

Send us a text Sharon Koh, CEO/Executive Director of International Ministries, explores the core missiological approach of International Ministries (IM) and its integration of proclamation, discipleship, and social justice in mission work. She highlights the biblical and theological foundations shaping IM’s global engagement and its commitment to c…

1
From Classroom to Innovation: Bridging Data and Technology in Education with Chris Hull 40:30

10M ago40:30

40:30

In this episode of EdTech Empowerment, host Juan Rodriguez speaks with Chris Hull, a former social studies teacher and co-founder of Otus, an all-in-one platform for education technology. They discuss the journey from teaching to edtech innovation, the challenges of integrating technology in classrooms, and the importance of data-driven decision-ma…

1
Beyond Hurdles: Navigating Career Challenges and Driving Growth with Fran Rosch and Scott Crabill 11:37

10M ago11:37

11:37

Fran Rosch, CEO of Imprivata, joins Managing Partner Scott Crabill on this Beyond the Deal mini-sode to discuss his career journey and leadership philosophy. Rosch shares his belief in open communication, setting ambitious goals, and the importance of continuous learning. He also provides advice on navigating career challenges and emphasizes the si…

1
How Imprivata is Redefining Healthcare Security 40:10

10M ago40:10

40:10

In this episode of Behind the Deal, Imprivata CEO Fran Rosch shares how the company is revolutionizing access to critical healthcare systems with its cutting-edge security solutions. As a leader in cybersecurity for hospitals and health systems, Imprivata specializes in Access Management for shared device ecosystems, as well as streamlining and sec…

1
Contextual Theology and Intercultural Ministry: Bridging Gospel and Culture - Rev. Dr. Marie Onubuariri 34:44

10M ago34:44

34:44

Send us a text My guest in this episode is the Rev. Dr. Marie Onubuariri, Director of Intercultural Ministries at the American Baptist Home Mission Societies. In this episode, Marie explores the intersection of contextual theology and intercultural ministry. She shares how understanding the relationship between the Gospel and culture shapes ministr…

1
How CEO Leagh Turner Fostered Trust and Teamwork to Drive Coupa’s Growth 16:28

10M ago16:28

16:28

In this Beyond the Deal mini-sode, Thoma Bravo Managing Partner Holden Spaht sits down with Coupa CEO Leagh Turner to discuss her career journey and the significance of mentorship. They also delve into the future of AI and its implications for businesses. Learn about Coupa’s approach to AI governance, aiming to ensure it is utilized safely and resp…

1
AI & EdTech: Transforming Classrooms with Smarter Tools 1:23:17

10M ago1:23:17

1:23:17

In this episode of EdTech Empowerment, host Juan Rodriguez speaks with Lindy Hockenbary, an experienced K-12 EdTech advisor, about the integration of technology and AI in education. They discuss Lindy's journey in EdTech, the key elements for successful technology integration, common mistakes educators make, and the importance of digital citizenshi…

1
How Coupa is Utilizing AI to Revolutionize Business Spend Management 34:57

11M ago34:57

34:57

Coupa has helped businesses better manage direct and indirect spend through its community-generated AI and industry-leading total spend management platform for almost 20 years. Coupa AI is informed by over $7 trillion of spend data across a global network of 10 million+ suppliers and buyers. Coupa aims to empower its customers with the ability to p…

1
44. How a DACA Organizer Became a Leading Activist For Immigration Rights in El Paso – Claudia Yoli Ferla, Executive Director at MOVE Texas 40:49

11M ago40:49

40:49

On the 44th episode of Immigration Today!, Angeline Chen welcomes Claudia Yoli Ferla. Claudia is the Executive Director at MOVE Texas, a nonprofit organization working to build the social, cultural, and political power of young people in Texas. She is a dedicated community organizer born in Venezuela and raised in El Paso, Texas. A proud DACA recip…

1
Beyond Transformation: Growth, Leadership and Innovation at HCSS with A.J. Rohde, George Jaber, and Steve McGough 19:28

11M ago19:28

19:28

In this Beyond the Deal mini-sode, Thoma Bravo Senior Partner A.J. Rohde and Principal George Jaber discuss with HCSS President and CEO Steve McGough the company’s strong employee relationships, the true essence of leadership, the core values he took with him from his time at Texas A&M, and how the impact of treating every customer with care and re…

1
AI in Higher Ed: Upskilling Faculty & Empowering Students 39:47

11M ago39:47

39:47

In this episode of EdTech Empowerment, Juan Rodriguez sits down with Anna Haney-Winthrow, Director of the Institute of Innovative & Emerging Technologies at Florida Southwestern State College. They explore how AI is transforming higher education, from faculty upskilling to algorithm literacy for students. Anna shares insights on how educators can e…

1
How HCSS is a Leader in the Construction Industry's Digital Transformation 41:03

11M ago41:03

41:03

For nearly 40 years, HCSS has been a driving force in construction software, helping companies streamline operations and achieve success. In this episode of Behind the Deal, Thoma Bravo’s A.J. Rohde and George Jaber sit down with HCSS President and CEO Steve McGough to explore the company’s journey—from its beginnings in the late ‘80s to creating H…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

NextGen Classrooms Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide