The Top 6 Podcasts For Educators
Must-Listen Better Learning Podcast Episodes Featuring School Leaders and Educational Films
If you’re an educator or school leader, you know how hard it can be to carve out time for professional growth while juggling everything happening in a school day. That’s where podcasts come in—bite-sized, accessible, and packed with inspiration you can listen to on your commute, while grading papers, or even during a quick coffee break.
The Better Learning Podcast is a show that explores the intersection of education, school design, and leadership in ways that are both practical and fun. Since its launch in 2016, the podcast has teamed up with organizations like the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE), EDmarket, and the Education Leaders’ Organization, bringing thought-provoking conversations with school leaders right to your earbuds.
And here’s why you should care: podcasts aren’t just popular – they’re exploding in influence. According to The Infinite Dial 2025 by Edison Research, 70% of Americans aged 12 and older have listened to a podcast, with 55% tuning in monthly and 40% listening weekly. That’s huge! And for educators, it’s the perfect way to absorb ideas while doing the work you love.
As of 2025, podcast consumption in the United States has reached unprecedented levels, reflecting a significant shift in media habits. According to Edison Research’s The Infinite Dial 2025, 70% of Americans aged 12 and older have listened to a podcast, and 73% have consumed a podcast in either audio or video format. Monthly podcast listening stands at 55%, with 40% of U.S. adults tuning in weekly.
One of the most exciting things about the Better Learning Podcast in 2025? Its movie review theme.
Yep, you heard that right.
Each episode pairs a school leader guest host with a school-related film, breaking down leadership lessons, creative inspiration, and real-life classroom challenges, all through the lens of storytelling. From movies that tug at your heart to films packed with strategy and problem-solving, these episodes are both relatable and actionable. They make learning feel natural, like chatting with a colleague over lunch, while also sparking fresh ideas you can take back to your classroom or school.
Whether you’re a principal looking for leadership tips or a teacher searching for ways to engage students, these episodes hit the sweet spot between education and entertainment. They’re insightful, memorable, and entertaining!
So, without further ado, we’re excited to share our Top 6 Podcasts for Educators of 2025. These episodes stood out for their creativity, relevance, and the way they bring together movies, leadership, and innovative thinking in one engaging experience. Grab your headphones, settle in, and get ready to learn, laugh, and leave inspired.
1.) ‘Rich Hill’ with Dr. Julie Williams, School Superintendent at Fayetteville Public Schools, AR
What happens when the challenges students face outside the classroom overshadow everything happening within it?
In this episode of our school-focused movie review series, we dive into Rich Hill—the 2014 Sundance Grand Jury Prize-winning documentary that offers an unfiltered look into the lives of three teenage boys growing up in rural Missouri. The film captures the challenges they face in poverty-stricken homes, unstable environments, and a school system struggling to support them.
Joining us to break down the themes and realities of Rich Hill is a special guest – Dr. Julie Williams, a school superintendent at Fayetteville Public Schools who brings invaluable insight into how schools are navigating similar struggles across the country. Together, we explore what the film gets right, what educators can learn from it, and how it pushes us to think differently about the role schools play in students’ lives beyond academics.
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2.) ‘Hoosiers’ with Deborah Kerr, School Superintendent at St. Francis Public School District, WI
If you’ve ever rooted for the underdog, Hoosiers probably lives rent-free in your head.
The 1986 classic isn’t just about basketball—it’s about second chances, small-town pride, and what happens when people start believing in themselves and each other. Set in 1950s Indiana, the film follows a high school basketball team no one expects to win… until they do.
In this episode, we explore why Hoosiers continues to resonate in classrooms and communities alike. From Coach Norman Dale’s controversial methods to the redemptive arc of Shooter, the town drunk turned assistant coach, there’s no shortage of teachable moments. At its core, Hoosiers is a story about grit, growth, and the undeniable impact of mentorship.
Whether you’re an educator, a coach, or just someone who still gets chills watching the final game, this episode breaks down what Hoosiers has to say about leadership, trust, and building belief in unlikely places.
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3.) ‘Lean on Me’ with Brian O’Keeffe, School Assistant Superintendent at Community Unit School District 200, IL
If you’ve ever rooted for the underdog, Hoosiers probably lives rent-free in your head.
The 1986 classic isn’t just about basketball—it’s about second chances, small-town pride, and what happens when people start believing in themselves and each other. Set in 1950s Indiana, the film follows a high school basketball team no one expects to win… until they do.
In this episode, we explore why Hoosiers continues to resonate in classrooms and communities alike. From Coach Norman Dale’s controversial methods to the redemptive arc of Shooter, the town drunk turned assistant coach, there’s no shortage of teachable moments. At its core, Hoosiers is a story about grit, growth, and the undeniable impact of mentorship.
Whether you’re an educator, a coach, or just someone who still gets chills watching the final game, this episode breaks down what Hoosiers has to say about leadership, trust, and building belief in unlikely places.
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4.) ‘Teachers’ with Steve Miletto, School Executive Director at North Georgia RESA, GA
If you’ve ever rooted for the underdog, Hoosiers probably lives rent-free in your head.
The 1986 classic isn’t just about basketball—it’s about second chances, small-town pride, and what happens when people start believing in themselves and each other. Set in 1950s Indiana, the film follows a high school basketball team no one expects to win… until they do.
In this episode, we explore why Hoosiers continues to resonate in classrooms and communities alike. From Coach Norman Dale’s controversial methods to the redemptive arc of Shooter, the town drunk turned assistant coach, there’s no shortage of teachable moments. At its core, Hoosiers is a story about grit, growth, and the undeniable impact of mentorship.
Whether you’re an educator, a coach, or just someone who still gets chills watching the final game, this episode breaks down what Hoosiers has to say about leadership, trust, and building belief in unlikely places.
Listen Here
5.) ‘Ted Lasso’ with Heidie Ciesielski, School Executive Director at North Georgia RESA, GA
From Ted’s infectious optimism to his knack for building a student-centered culture, we dive into how school leaders can create environments where both students and educators truly thrive. The series emphasizes trust, resilience, and mentorship—the hallmarks of exceptional leadership in any school setting.
Joining us to break down the full series is the Superintendent of Fenton Area Public Schools, who brings over 26 years of experience in education. A former Middle School MASSP Principal of the Year, she shares her expertise on organizational leadership and the value of honoring the people who make a district successful. Her perspective adds a rich, practical layer to the discussion, showing how leadership theory translates into everyday practice.
Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or just a fan of the show, this episode offers a fresh, inspiring take on the “Ted Lasso mindset”—and how optimism, support, and vision can transform the future of learning.
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6.) ‘The Breakfast Club’ with Dr. Michael Cardona, School Superintendent at San Marcos CISD, TX
What do classic movies and modern school leadership have in common? More than you might think! In this episode, Kevin Stoller and co-host Carla Cummins sit down with Dr. Michael Cardona, superintendent of San Marcos CISD in Texas, to revisit The Breakfast Club and explore the lessons it still holds for educators today.
The episode is full of nostalgia and laughs, from fun award categories—like the all-new “Where Are They Now?”—to personal stories from their own school experiences. But beyond the humor, the conversation digs into real challenges facing schools today, including building connections across differences, fostering inclusion, and encouraging innovation in education.
Whether you grew up watching the movie or are hearing about it for the first time, this episode offers a unique mix of entertainment and insight, showing how schools can break down walls and help students—and educators—thrive.
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Watch the Entire Playlist on YouTube!