Listen to our Latest Better Learning Podcast EPISODE 236: ‘Lean on Me’ with Brian O’Keeffe

EPISODE 232: ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ with Brian Parker

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May 14, 2025

Napoleon Dynamite follows the offbeat story of an awkward high schooler navigating friendship, identity, and self-expression. Through the lens of this oddball comedy, Kevin, Carla, and Brian explore deeper themes of inclusion, overlooked potential, and the importance of designing learning spaces that honor the individuality of each student.

Overview:

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller is joined by co-host Carla Cummins and guest speaker Brian Parker, AIA, ALEP—Vice President of K-12 at MHTN Architects—for a quirky and insightful conversation centered around the 2004 classic Napoleon Dynamite. As one of only two Accredited Learning Environment Planners in Utah, Brian brings a unique design perspective rooted in empathy, student agency, and unlocking the potential within every learner.

Napoleon Dynamite follows the offbeat story of an awkward high schooler navigating friendship, identity, and self-expression in rural Idaho. Through the lens of this oddball comedy, Kevin, Carla, and Brian explore deeper themes of inclusion, overlooked potential, and the importance of designing learning spaces that honor the individuality of each student. They reflect on how schools can be more than institutions—they can be launchpads for confidence, creativity, and quiet greatness, especially for those who don’t always fit the traditional mold.

Meet Our Guest:

About Brian Parker, AIA, ALEP

Brian has dedicated his career to designing spaces that support the engagement of students and teachers in the learning process. He is one of roughly 100 Accredited Learning Environment Planners in the United States – and one of two in the State of Utah. His design talent, expertise, and leadership style inspires innovative solutions as he leads the MHTN K-12 team in developing educational facilities.

Learn More About Brian Parker, AIA, ALEP:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianparkerarchitect/

 

 

 

Learn More About Co-Host, Carla Cummins

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-cummins-01449659/

Watch on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/SffcDN6aMiE

Takeaways:

  • Just like the characters in Napoleon Dynamite, students don’t all fit into a standard mold—and that’s something to celebrate. School environments should support individuality and provide room for students to be unapologetically themselves.
  • When students feel seen, heard, and valued—whether in the classroom or the cafeteria—they’re more likely to engage and thrive. Designing for belonging is just as important as designing for function.
  • Like Napoleon, many students have gifts that aren’t always loud or obvious. Educators and designers should look for ways to highlight and support those quiet strengths.
  • A little levity and creativity go a long way in helping students (and educators) feel connected and human. Schools don’t have to be stiff to be successful.

The Host:

Connect with host, Kevin Stoller:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/

 

 

Episode 232 of the Better Learning Podcast

Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.

Our Partners:

For more information on our partners:
Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) – https://www.a4le.org/
Education Leaders’ Organization – https://www.ed-leaders.org/
Second Class Foundation – https://secondclassfoundation.org/
EDmarket – https://www.edmarket.org/
Catapult @ Penn GSE – https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/

Be a Guest on the Better Learning Podcast!

Do you have a favorite school-related movie that left a lasting impact? Join us as a guest on the Better Learning Podcast, where we dive into iconic films, break down memorable moments, and hand out fun awards—all while connecting them to real-world education.

From standout teachers to unforgettable one-liners, we’ll explore how these movies reflect (or totally exaggerate!) school life. Plus, you’ll get to share your own insights and experiences in education.

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About the podcast

The Better Learning Podcast combines education and entertainment in a fresh, engaging format where guests share their favorite school-related movies. Host Kevin Stoller leads dynamic conversations, exploring memorable scenes, iconic characters, and timeless lessons through award-style categories like “The John Keating Award” for standout teachers and “Realistic or Ridiculous?” to dissect school life portrayals.

With humor, analysis, and reflection, each episode celebrates the fun, flaws, and impact of these films while sparking nostalgia and insights. Whether you’re an educator, student, or movie buff, join us to relive the movies that shaped how we see school life, and share your favorites.