Uncovering stories from influential figures in the field of learning and instruction. This podcast is an initiative of EARLI, the European Association for Research on Learning and Instruction. Find out more about EARLI at EARLI.org.
In this episode, Chris and Leonie sit down with Dr. Antonia Zachariou, Dr. Valeska Grau Cárdenas and Dr. Pablo Torres, the coordinating team of SIG 28 (Play, Learning and Development), for a conversation spanning three continents and one shared academic home. about their academic journeys and the ideas that drive their work. They reflect on the paths that led them into research, the mentors and unexpected encouragement that shaped their career choices, and how a shared academic background has influenced their development as scholars.
They also dive into their current research interests and discuss what it means to step into a mentoring role themselves as coordinators of one of EARLI's youngest Special Interest Groups. Along the way, they reflect on educational inequality and the value of being seen and encouraged early in an academic career.
Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on research, mentorship, and the communities that shape us as scholars.
18 May 2026
The Enthusiastic Bross & Bloem
In this episode, Cris and Leonie welcome SIG 8 JURE Coordinators Tanja Bross and Jonne Bloem for a candid conversation about their desire to give back to a community that supported them, navigating academia as non-native English speakers, and challenging cultural stereotypes where building community is concerned.
The conversation allows both guests to reflect on the power of mentorship and early exposure to research opportunities, highlighting how these experiences shaped their career trajectories. Here they share insights on networking beyond personal advancement and creating more authentic connections in academic spaces.
They also discuss the differences of work-life balance between being a student and a post-doc, offering valuable perspectives for researchers at various stages. Tanja and Jonne round off the conversation by diving into the research focuses of SIG 8, touching on test anxiety, student welling, immersion experiences, and achievement goal theory.
Tune in to discover how small acts of community building can create lasting impact in educational research.
16 Mar 2026
The Multifaceted Tino Endres
In this episode, Cris and Leonie sit down with Dr. Tino Endres for an engaging conversation about his academic journey and the ideas that drive his work. He reflects on the path that led him into research, the motivations behind his career choices, and how the EARLI community has shaped his development as a scholar.
They also dive into his current research, including projects on translingual work, and discuss emerging trends in the field, such as the growing attention to conditional effects in educational research. Along the way, Dr. Endres reflects on maintaining a healthy work–life balance.
Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on research, community, and the evolving landscape of educational science.
14 Nov 2025
The Past Presidents - Sanna Järvelä & Hans Gruber
Welcome to the final episode of this season of the EARLI Research Stories podcast! As in our previous episode, we continue to celebrate EARLI’s 40th anniversary. In this episode, Cris talks with past presidents Sanna Järvelä and Hans Gruber about their careers, how EARLI has shaped their work, and their experiences leading the association. They reflect on the challenges and opportunities they encountered, share their future perspectives on the EARLI community and educational research trends, and offer thoughtful advice on maintaining a healthy work–life balance.
30 Sept 2025
The Founder of EARLI - Erik de Corte
In this special episode, we celebrate EARLI’s 40th anniversary with a conversation with its founder, Erik de Corte. Join us as we revisit the association’s origins and explore how it carved out its own path. Tune in for an inside look at how it all began.
13 Jun 2025
The EARLI 2025 Conference Presidents - Roland Grabner & Stephan Vogel
Roland Grabner and Stephan Vogel share their academic journeys, discuss trends in educational research, and preview the EARLI 2025 conference in an interview with Cris, Leonie, and Rachel.
15 Apr 2025
The Approachable Robert Klassen
Prof. Robert Klassen (University of Oxford, UK) talks about his academic career development, research projects and work-life balance.
13 Feb 2025
The Insightful Kari Smith
Prof. Emerita Kari Smith (Norwegian University of Science and Technology | NTNU) talks about her extraordinary career, starting out as an EFL teacher in Israel up until her involvement in the founding of The Norwegian National Research School in Teacher Education (NAFOL).
14 Dec 2024
The Collaborative Vincent Hoogerheide
If anyone has had an interesting academic journey, it's Vincent Hoogerheide. A high school drop out at 15, he first worked as a postal worker while planning for a career as a bus driver. He slowly made his way back to a degree, and thanks to the support of his supervisors Sofie Loyens and Tamara Van Gog, he became one of the most productive educational researchers. Our hosts Cris and Rachel talk with Vincent about his extraordinary career, the importance of having a "research family" and how to maintain a good work-life balance along the way.
17 Oct 2024
Meet the hosts
The EARLI Research Stories are back, with new hosts and new episodes! Meet Cris Castro, Leonie Johann and Rachel Shanks as they talk to Leen Catrysse (EARLI Board Member) to introduce themselves and their ideas for the second season.
1 Aug 2024
Introducing...the EARLI Research Stories Podcast
Welcome to the EARLI Research Stories, your podcast to uncover stories from influential figures in the field of learning and instruction. Our season one host, Dr. Stefan T. Siegel sets the stage for the exciting journey ahead. Whether you're here to explore educational research, gain insights from leading members of the European Association for Research on Learning and Instruction, or simply enjoy thought-provoking conversations, you're in the right place.
31 Jul 2024
Behind the Scenes
In this special and final episode of the first season of the EARLI Research Stories, our host pulls back the curtains to take you behind the scenes of this very podcast. Join Stefan as he explains the core idea and motivations for bringing it to life, and learn how an episode is produced – from concept to post-production.
31 Jul 2024
Edith Braun
Join our host, Dr. Stefan T. Siegel, as he talks to Prof. Edith Braun (Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany) about her career and guidance for junior researchers in education.
31 Jul 2024
Taiga Brahm
Join our host, Dr. Stefan T. Siegel, as he talks to Prof. Taiga Brahm (University of Tübingen, Germany) about her career and guidance for junior researchers in education.
31 Jul 2024
Robert Kordts
Join our host, Dr. Stefan T. Siegel as he talks to Associate Prof. Robert Kordts (University of Bergen, Norway) about his career and guidance for junior researchers in education.
31 Jul 2024
Crina Damsa
Join our host, Dr. Stefan T. Siegel, as he talks to Associate Prof. Crina Damsa (University of Oslo, Norway) about her career and guidance for junior researchers in education.
31 Jul 2024
David Gijbels
Join our host, Dr. Stefan T. Siegel, as he talks to Prof. David Gijbels (University of Antwerp, Belgium) about his career and guidance for junior researchers in education.
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