Best Tim Woodson Podcasts (2024)

1
How to design a school for the future | Punya Mishra 8:41

1y ago8:41

8:41

In all the conversations about improving education for children, the voices of students, teachers and community members are often left out. Educational designer Punya Mishra offers a method to shift that paradigm, taking us through new thinking on the root of success (and failure) at school -- and how a totally new, different kind of educational sy…

1
The rise of the "trauma essay" in college applications | Tina Yong 12:43

1y ago12:43

12:43

As if college applications aren't stressful enough, disadvantaged youth are often encouraged to write about their darkest traumas in their admissions essays, creating a marketable story of resilience that turns "pain into progress," says politics student Tina Yong. She brings this harrowing norm to light, exploring its harms and offering a more equ…

1
How video games can level up the way you learn | Kris Alexander 12:24

1+ y ago12:24

12:24

Video games naturally tap into the way we learn: they focus our attention and track our progress as we head toward a clear goal. Kris Alexander, a professor of video game design and passionate gamer himself, thinks the same elements should be used in traditional education to cater to different learning styles and engage students across the world, b…

1
Reviving the legacy of the Black teaching tradition | Sharif El-Mekki 13:14

1+ y ago13:14

13:14

Educator Sharif El-Mekki advocates for the revival of the Black teaching tradition — a set of educational practices grounded in philosophies, values and actions that stretch from pre-colonial Africa to historical African American leaders. He posits that this tradition can help teachers better serve Black students and create a more equitable learnin…

1
How Black queer culture shaped history | Channing Gerard Joseph 8:05

1+ y ago8:05

8:05

Names like Bayard Rustin, Frances Thompson and William Dorsey Swann have been largely erased from US history, but they and other Black queer leaders played central roles in monumental movements like emancipation, civil rights and LGBTQ+ pride, among others. In this tribute to forgotten icons, queer culture historian and TED Fellow Channing Gerard J…

1
The board game getting kids excited about school | Joel Baraka 11:12

1+ y ago11:12

11:12

Going to school in a refugee camp can be complicated: students encounter crowded classrooms, rigid curricula and limited access to teachers. Joel Baraka, who grew up in the Kyangwali refugee camp in Uganda, is determined to change that for the better. He shows how educational board games can be a fun and effective way to improve access to learning …

1
How play helps a kid's brain grow | Jesse Ilhardt 11:56

1+ y ago11:56

11:56

A little bit of playtime can have big benefits for a child's developing brain, like a superfood -- but adult participation is a crucial ingredient for best results. Early-education leader Jesse Ilhardt makes the case for you to put down the phone, pick up the make-believe tea cup (or that blanket-superhero cape) and take the time to experiment with…

1
The most powerful yet overlooked resource in schools | Heejae Lim 5:08

2y ago5:08

5:08

"When teachers and families work together, everyone wins," says education technology entrepreneur and TED Fellow Heejae Lim. She shines a light on an underutilized resource in US public education -- a family's love for their children -- and shows that, with the right tools and tech, schools can remove language barriers, foster meaningful connection…

1
How schools can nurture every student's genius | Trish Millines Dziko 15:37

2y ago15:37

15:37

Forget home economics and standardized tests, education visionary Trish Millines Dziko has a much more engaging and fulfilling way for students to develop real-world skills. Get schooled by Dziko as she shares how project-based learning can transform public education and unlock genius for the next generation of critical thinkers, problem solvers, i…

1
The mission to safeguard Black history in the US | Julieanna L. Richardson 15:10

2y ago15:10

15:10

Black history in the US is rich, profound -- and at risk of being lost forever, if not for the monumental efforts of Julieanna L. Richardson. As the founder of The HistoryMakers -- the largest national archive of African American video-oral history -- Richardson shares some of the unknown and incredible legacies of Black America, highlighting the i…

1
What Wikipedia teaches us about balancing truth and beliefs | Katherine Maher 14:58

2y ago14:58

14:58

Even with public trust at an all-time low, Wikipedia continues to maintain people's confidence. How do they do it? Former CEO of Wikimedia Foundation Katherine Maher delves into the transparent, adaptable and community-building ways the online encyclopedia brings free and reliable information to the public -- while also accounting for bias and diff…

1
My long walk across India for women's freedom | Srishti Bakshi 9:52

2y ago9:52

9:52

There are 600 million women in India -- yet they are rarely seen outdoors after sunset because of safety concerns like harassment and catcalls. On a mission to create safer public spaces, women's rights advocate Srishti Bakshi talks about how she embarked on a 2,300-mile walk across the length of India (a distance equivalent to traveling from New Y…

1
Ukraine's fight to keep educating its children | Zoya Lytvyn 6:57

2y ago6:57

6:57

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has destroyed so much -- including hundreds of schools, where the country's children were forging their futures -- but it has not stopped Ukrainians from pursuing knowledge and curiosity. In a deeply moving talk, education leader Zoya Lytvyn shares her first-hand experience evacuating Kyiv and takes us inside the ong…

1
The creativity and community behind fanfiction | Cecilia Aragon 14:52

2+ y ago14:52

14:52

The wildly diverse, thoughtful and hilarious world of fanfiction -- where writers reimagine favorite stories like "Harry Potter," "Pokémon," "My Little Pony" and more -- is ever-growing and becoming a vital social and learning tool. Author, professor and fanfiction writer Cecilia Aragon has observed how this incredible outlet for creativity encoura…

1
Education is a fundamental right for every child | Makhtoum Abdalla 9:30

2+ y ago9:30

9:30

For children growing up in refugee camps, education is a powerful tool of liberation. In this inspiring talk, Makhtoum Abdalla, displaced as a child in Sudan and now living with his family in the Otash camp in Darfur, shares his biggest dream: to ensure all children are educated and taught the skills needed to become "captains of their destiny."…

1
3 ways to lower the barriers to higher education | Adrian K. Haugabrook 13:36

2+ y ago13:36

13:36

Less than seven percent of people worldwide have a bachelor's degree -- and for many, this is simply because the cost of university is too high, says higher education executive Adrian K. Haugabrook. In this barrier-breaking talk, he introduces an innovative approach to expanding access to higher education by driving down costs and rethinking three …

1
The dream of educating Afghan girls lives on | Shabana Basij-Rasikh 16:49

2+ y ago16:49

16:49

In this deeply moving talk, educator Shabana Basij-Rasikh shares the harrowing story of evacuating more than 250 students, staff and family members from the School of Leadership, Afghanistan (SOLA) -- the country's first and only all-girls boarding school -- to Rwanda after the Taliban took power in 2021. An exceptional story of hope, resilience an…

1
A program to empower Black teachers in the US | Larry Irvin 6:11

2+ y ago6:11

6:11

TED Fellow and education innovator Larry Irvin envisions a world where every child can see themselves reflected in their teachers. With his team at Brothers Empowered to Teach, Irvin is providing pathways to careers in education for Black men, who currently make up less than three percent of all teachers in the US -- offering training, personal and…

1
A close-to-home solution for accessible childcare | Chris Bennett 9:02

2+ y ago9:02

9:02

Childcare needs a transformation -- but rather than investing billions in new buildings and schools, what if we could unlock the potential of people already nearby? Entrepreneur Chris Bennett offers an innovative way to tackle the shortage of childcare worldwide and connect families to safe, affordable and high-quality options in their own communit…

1
The small business hustle | The Hartford 2:58

2+ y ago2:58

2:58

Karim Abouelnaga is a TED Fellow and founder and CEO of Practice Makes Perfect, a summer school opportunity that helps narrow the education gap for low-income children. Through his work, Karim shows how small business owners can have a big impact.By The Hartford

1
Lyke Wake Dirge // Martin Green - pt 2 1:16:06

3y ago1:16:06

1:16:06

We’re back with Martin Green to chat through your fantastic takes of Lyke Wake Dirge, an ancient funeral poem detailing a soul's journey through purgatory into the beyond. If you haven’t already, definitely go and check out part one of this episode where we introduce the song. Listen: Part 1 of Lyke Wake Dirge Also, check out Martin on tour with La…

1
Lyke Wake Dirge // Martin Green - pt 1 55:45

3y ago55:45

55:45

This episode we're joined by Martin Green who is challenging you to reimagine Lyke Wake Dirge, an ancient funeral chant about the soul’s journey through purgatory. Martin is a multi-award winning musician and composer who has collaborated with many artists and musicians including the likes of Eliza Carthy, Joan Baez, Anais Mitchell and Aidan Moffat…

1
Iwe Kiko // Olugbenga Adelekan - pt 2 57:58

3y ago57:58

57:58

We’re joined once again by Olugbenga Adelekan to listen through your incredible takes of Iwe Kiko, a traditional Yoruba children’s song about remembering tradition in a modernised world. If you haven't already, we really recommend you go and listen to part one where Olugbenga introduces the tune to us. Listen: Part 1 of Iwe Kiko Also, check out Olu…

1
Iwe Kiko // Olugbenga Adelekan - pt 1 53:48

3y ago53:48

53:48

This episode we're joined by Olugbenga Adelekan who is asking you to reimagine Iwe Kiko, a traditional Yoruba song about agriculture and remembering tradition in an increasingly urbanised world. Olugbenga is a Brighton based DJ, producer and musician, perhaps best known as the bassist in Metronomy and a one half of 'sleek, sci-fi influenced pop' du…

1
Child Owlet // Debbie Armour - pt 2 1:19:54

3y ago1:19:54

1:19:54

Debbie is back again as we listen through your brilliant takes of Child Owlet, a harrowing tale of a hapless lad’s grisly execution at the hands of the jaded Lady Erskine and Lord Ronald. If you haven't already, we recommend you go and listen to part one where Debbie introduces the tune to us. Listen: Part 1 of Child Owlet /// YOUR TAKES /// Listen…

1
3 myths about racism that keep the US from progress | Candis Watts Smith 10:21

3y ago10:21

10:21

Racism morphs, spreading and hiding behind numerous half-truths and full-blown falsities about where it lives and who embodies it. In this actionable talk, political scientist Candis Watts Smith debunks three widely accepted myths about racism in the US and calls for a nuanced, more expansive definition to support this new era of anti-racist action…

1
Child Owlet // Debbie Armour - pt 1 49:59

3y ago49:59

49:59

This episode we're joined by Debbie Armour who is asking you to reimagine the dark tale of Child Owlet, with themes of incest, cuckoldry and grisly execution. Debbie is a Glasgow based musician, working primarily with traditional song. Broadly, her work is motivated by ideas of persistence, resonance and deep cultural roots. In her primary project,…

1
How dirt bikes and STEM ignite ingenuity in Baltimore | Brittany Young 5:56

3y ago5:56

5:56

Dirt biking is more than just a pastime -- it's an opportunity to disrupt the cycle of poverty and provide enriching STEM education, says TED Fellow Brittany Young. In this perspective-shifting talk, she shares how her team is working with students and street riders to create safe spaces, transferable skills and community.…

1
Willie O' Winsbury // Stewart Lee - pt 2 1:19:30

3y ago1:19:30

1:19:30

Stewart Lee joins us again to listen through your takes of Willie O' Winsbury. This story sees a king return from prison to find his daughter pregnant and after throwing a bit of a wobble, unexpectedly takes something of a shine to her dashing suitor. If you haven't already, we recommend you go and listen to part one where Stewart introduces the tu…

1
Women and girls, you are part of the climate solution | Rumaitha Al Busaidi 5:15

3y ago5:15

5:15

What does gender equality have to do with climate change? A lot more than you might think. Empowering women and girls around the world is one of the most important ways to combat carbon pollution and is projected to reduce CO2-equivalent gases by a total of 80 billion tons. Entrepreneur, scientist and TED Fellow Rumaitha Al Busaidi looks at why wom…

1
Willie O' Winsbury // Stewart Lee - pt 1 53:53

3y ago53:53

53:53

This episode we're joined by the comedian Stewart Lee who is asking you to reimagine Willie of Winsbury, an odd tale of illicit love, a pansexual ghost, and denunciation of property rights. Stewart unpicks some of the rich symbolism at the heart of this beguiling popular folk song and we explore how one man’s accident in the mid-20th century may (o…

1
The Wife of Usher's Well // Anna RG - pt 2 1:05:04

3y ago1:05:04

1:05:04

We’re back with Anna Roberts-Gevalt to listen through your takes. Anna set us the challenge of interpreting The Wife of Usher’s Well, a ghostly story of a mother’s grief as she’s visited by her three departed sons. If you haven’t already, we recommend you listen to part 1 where she introduces the tune and the major themes. Listen: Part 1 of The Wif…

1
The exploitation of US college athletes | Tim Nevius 10:11

3y ago10:11

10:11

Colleges and universities in the US make billions of dollars each year from sports, compromising the health and education of athletes -- who are disproportionately Black -- in the name of money, power and pride. Sports lawyer and former NCAA investigator Tim Nevius exposes how the system exploits young talent and identifies fundamental reforms need…

1
Online learning could change academia -- for good | Tyler Dewitt 13:56

3+ y ago13:56

13:56

Higher education remains rooted in rigid, traditional structures and tracks -- and it's at risk of getting left behind in favor of expanded access, greater flexibility and tailored learning. Educator Tyler DeWitt explains how innovations in digital content and virtual reality are ushering in the future of learning, emphasizing why academia must ada…

1
The Wife of Usher's Well // Anna RG - pt 1 42:05

3+ y ago42:05

42:05

We’re kicking off the second series with the brilliant Anna RG who’s introducing us to The Wife of Usher’s Well, a ghostly story of a grieving mother visited by her 3 deceased children. Conversation touches on unexpectedly diverse topics such as the life of the British immigrant in America and the often overlooked patchwork of traditions which make…

1
Technology can't fix inequality -- but training and opportunities could | 'Gbenga Sesan 10:42

3+ y ago10:42

10:42

Centuries of inequality can't be solved with access to technology alone -- we need to connect people with training and support too, says tech inclusionist 'Gbenga Sesan. Sharing the work behind the Paradigm Initiative, a social enterprise in Nigeria that's empowering young people with digital resources and skills, Sesan details a vision for creatin…

1
What COVID-19 revealed about US schools -- and 4 ways to rethink education | Nora Flanagan 10:35

3+ y ago10:35

10:35

The abrupt shift to online learning due to COVID-19 rocked the US education system, unearthing many of the inequities at its foundation. Educator Nora Flanagan says we can reframe this moment as an opportunity to fix what's long been broken for teachers, students and families -- and shares four ways schools can reinvent themselves for a post-pandem…

1
Why should you read Toni Morrison's "Beloved"? | Yen Pham 4:47

3+ y ago4:47

4:47

Two tiny handprints stamped into a cake. A mirror that shatters without warning. A trail of cracker crumbs strewn along the floor. Everyone at 124 Bluestone Road knows their home is haunted— but there's no mystery about the spirit tormenting them. So begins "Beloved," Toni Morrison's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama. Yen Pham digs into the novel's expl…

1
Lessons on leaving the world better than you found it | Sophie Howe 5:20

3+ y ago5:20

5:20

Sophie Howe is the world's only future generations commissioner, a new kind of government official tasked with advocating for the interests of generations to come and holding public institutions accountable for delivering long-term change. She describes some of the people-focused policies she's helped implement in Wales, aimed at cutting carbon emi…

1
Why we must confront the painful parts of US history | Hasan Kwame Jeffries 13:18

4y ago13:18

13:18

To move forward in the United States, we must look back and confront the difficult history that has shaped widespread injustice. Revisiting a significant yet overlooked piece of the past, Hasan Kwame Jeffries emphasizes the need to weave historical context, no matter how painful, into our understanding of modern society -- so we can disrupt the con…

1
Young William 57:05

4y ago57:05

57:05

In our final episode of the first series, we look at Young William otherwise known as 'Kiss me in the Dark'. Perhaps the most challenging song of the series, listeners be warned that this episode has some uncomfortable subject matter concerning sexual assault and humiliation. Still, our contributors have taken the dive and come up with some amazing…

1
Jon Wilks on 'Geordie' 40:07

4y ago40:07

40:07

/// BONUS EPISODE /// We had such a great chat with Jon we had to share the full version with you! Jon goes in depth on tales of eccentric song collectors, the intercontinental history of 'Geordie', and why books of folk songs may have more in common with Youtube playlists than you think... Make sure to check out Jon's show The Old Songs Podcast he…

1
Geordie 1:05:31

4y ago1:05:31

1:05:31

We pick up the conversation about Geordie with writer, musician and self-confessed traditional music geek Jon Wilks. Then we discuss our takes on this desperate tale of one woman's quest to save her husband from the gallows. We then discuss the brilliant submissions from listeners (check out the playlist of all versions below!) and introduce next m…

1
The Brisk Lad 49:58

4y ago49:58

49:58

We discuss our takes on The Brisk Lad, a bleak character portrait of a man driven to sheep-stealing in order to feed his family. We then discuss the brilliant submissions from listeners (check out the playlist of all versions below!) and introduce next month's tune, Geordie, a ballad about a woman's fight for her husband's freedom. Hosted by Tim Wo…

1
Activism, changemakers and hope for the future | Malala Yousafzai 49:23

4y ago49:23

49:23

Education activist (and recent Oxford graduate) Malala Yousafzai reflects on the defining moments of her life, how she balances passion with personhood and where the world finds itself during the COVID-19 crisis. With humor and humility, she shares her dreams of seeing social progress in her lifetime, explains why girls education advocacy must not …

1
A path to higher education and employment for refugees | Chrystina Russell 5:31

4y ago5:31

5:31

Out of the more than 70 million displaced people worldwide, only three percent have access to higher education. The Global Education Movement (GEM) is on a mission to change that with the first large-scale initiative of its kind to help refugee learners get bachelor's degrees and create pathways toward employment. Hear from students and the program…

1
Edward 53:54

4y ago53:54

53:54

We discuss our takes on Edward, a chilling account of a son confessing murder to his mother before fleeing on a bottomless boat. We then discuss the brilliant submissions from listeners (check out the playlist of all versions below!) and introduce next month's tune, The Brisk Lad, a gnarly tale of stealing sheep under moonlight. // TIMESTAMPS // In…

1
The Bitter Withy 1:01:50

4y ago1:01:50

1:01:50

We discuss our takes on The Bitter Withy, a mysterious 14th century tune from Hereford where young Jesus gets lashed by his mother for murdering a couple of posh lads. We then discuss the brilliant submissions from the community and introduce next month's tune, Edward, a beautifully simple tale of fratricide and a study in the economy of storytelli…

1
Why students should have mental health days | Hailey Hardcastle 7:24

4y ago7:24

7:24

School can be rife with stress, anxiety, panic attacks and even burnout -- but there's often no formal policy for students who need to prioritize their well-being. Hailey Hardcastle explains why schools should offer mental health days and allow students time to practice emotional hygiene without stigma. Follow along to learn how she and a team of f…

1
The Cruel Mother 43:54

4y ago43:54

43:54

We discuss our approaches to interpreting the Cruel Mother, a dark and somewhat problematic song with themes of infanticide and ghostly apparitions, as well as incredible submissions from the Old Tunes Fresh Takes community: listen to the full playlist of submissions here. We also introduce the next episode's tune, the Bitter Withy - a 14th Century…

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