Education hasn't kept up and doesn't work for everyone. Change has been too slow. If you're looking for a fresh perspective on what's needed to make education work for all, you've come to the right place.
We are Amir Nathoo and Justin Dent, and we are your hosts for the Outspoken Podcast. We're going to dive into issues in ed and ed-tech that affect American families' ability to learn. We aim to spread love of learning and disrupt barriers that keep kids from learning on their own terms. Let's set learning free.
Find further resources at www.outspokenpod.com
On Children’s Natural Ability to Educate Themselves
In this episode, Peter Gray, Research Professor of Psychology at Boston College, discusses why play is the engine of self-directed learning and how our modern school model descends from systems built for obedience and indoctrination rather than genuine education. He contrasts Montessori with fully self-directed environments where children own their own learning. Peter outlines the conditions for true self-directed education: abundant free time, access to the tools of the culture (especially computers), multi-age peer groups, caring adult models, and a respectful community. He also advises parents to create rich environments at home and connect with communities via the Alliance for Self-Directed Education and Let Grow.
26 May 2026
On Insisting on an Education Honors Your Child's Identity
In this episode, Amber O'Neal Johnston, leader of Heritage Homeschoolers of Cobb County in Georgia, shared how her homeschooling journey began when her daughter struggled with identity due to a lack of representation in the traditional curriculum. She emphasizes building confidence, starting simple, and preserving joy in learning while ensuring children have both “mirrors and windows” in their education—seeing themselves reflected and learning from others’ stories. Johnston critiques the rigidity of the U.S. education system, noting economic, structural, and cultural barriers, while also pointing to microschools and choice programs as promising alternatives, though she remains cautious about oversight. Her core message is that education should spark curiosity and delight, and parents can create lasting change through small, consistent, and community-based efforts that nurture freedom, identity, and a love of learning.
26 May 2026
Julie Bogart on How Parents Can Spark Their Children’s Creativity through Writing
What if the real magic of learning isn’t found in a curriculum, but in the relationship between a child, a parent, and an idea?
In this episode of the Outspoken podcast, Julie Bogart, CEO and Founder of Brave Writer, talks about why protecting a child’s authentic writing voice matters more than teaching to evaluation. She provides suggestions for how parents can act as coaches who nurture insight rather than enforce correctness. Julie also discusses AI and its impact on kids’ ability to think and struggle productively. She also explores how homeschooling has evolved and why relational learning outperforms traditional schooling.
Tune in to hear how Julie is reshaping the future of writing and home education!
26 May 2026
Michelle Rhee on Focusing on What's Best for Kids and Economic Mobility
In this episode, Michelle Rhee, Venture Partner of Equal Opportunity Ventures, discusses leaving the polarized K–12 debate, how talking to education and workforce entrepreneurs has renewed her optimism, and why educational choice must include accountability. She reflects on post-COVID shifts driven by ESAs, charters, and microschools, and stresses measuring outcomes beyond test scores such as social and economic mobility.
26 May 2026
Blake Boles on the True Purpose of Education & Unschooling
In this episode of the Outspoken podcast, Blake Boles, founder and director of Unschool Adventures, explains that while families from many backgrounds pursue this path, it often attracts those with educational or entrepreneurial roots. Some parents commit to alternative education from the start, while others turn to it when traditional schools fail their children, each facing unique challenges. He emphasizes that education should not follow a single model but instead aim to develop self-directed learners with autonomy, mastery, and purpose. The rise of homeschooling and alternative paths has been fueled by the internet, and may be further transformed by AI as a personalized learning tool, even as cultural pressures and parental anxieties shape the movement. Looking ahead, Boles is exploring lifelong self-directed learning through a lifestyle he calls “Dirtbag Rich,” which values passion and freedom over conventional careers and financial security.
30 Jan 2025
Jamaal Bowman on Dismantling Inequity through Schools, Congress, and Community
In this episode of the Outspoken podcast, Congressman Jamaal Bowman shares insights from his journey as an educator and legislator, highlighting his commitment to addressing systemic inequities in education and advocating for transformative policy reform. As principal, he collaborated with local organizations to tackle broader challenges facing his students. In Congress, he introduced initiatives like the Green New Deal for Public Schools, which set a new vision for rebuilding infrastructure, expanding STEM education, and creating opportunities in marginalized communities. Now transitioning into work as a private citizen, he plans to continue advancing transformational outcomes in education, healthcare, and community empowerment through collaboration and innovation.
24 Jan 2025
Rina Madhani on Addressing Illiteracy While Enabling Students to Feel a Sense of Belonging
In this episode of the Outspoken podcast, Rina Madhani, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Start Lighthouse, emphasizes the importance of culturally relevant education, ensuring students see their identities, cultures, and experiences reflected in classrooms, which fosters a sense of belonging and personal growth. Her organization addresses literacy gaps by collaborating with public schools through permanent literacy hubs that provide diverse books, immersive programs, and safe spaces for students and families.
15 Jan 2025
Janelle Wood on Advocacy, Education Reform and Innovation to Transform Communities
Reverend Janelle Wood, founder of Black Mothers Forum, Inc., reveals how her innovative approach to education reform and advocacy empowers Black children to thrive in safe, inclusive learning environments.
22 Nov 2024
John Danner on Rethinking the Role of the Teacher in the Age of AI
John Danner, co-founder of Project Read AI, explores redefining the teacher's role in K-12 education with AI, freeing educators to focus on student development.
8 Nov 2024
Lakisha Young on Driving Community-Driven Change
Lakisha Young, founder & CEO at The Oakland REACH, delves into supporting individuals when education systems falter and the role of leadership in catalyzing this change. She shines a light on the importance of community support, technology paired with human guidance and actionable strategies for empowering vulnerable populations. Lakisha advocates for a multi-generational, goal-oriented approach to literacy and math, introducing her innovative Liberator Model that empowers families by training parents as tutors to enhance community education.
1 Nov 2024
Michael Horn on How to Disrupt Education for the Knowledge Economy
Michael Horn, a recognized public speaker and author, delves into the shortcomings of traditional education systems and the potential for reinvention. He discusses personalized learning and the rise of micro-schools and education savings accounts (ESAs) to improve learning environments, while addressing challenges like the public school system's resistance to change and societal expectations and the need for sustainable alternatives in education.
25 Oct 2024
Kaya Henderson on Sharing Power to Lead to Real Change in Education
Kaya Henderson, the CEO of Reconstruction, talks about how community partnership and co-creation can drive educational change, empowering young people and giving them leadership opportunities and the limits of meritocracy. She explores the challenges and impact of anti-diversity initiatives on educational efforts and discusses the company's success in making education inclusive and engaging through K-12 supplemental classes centering Black people, their contributions, and history.
6 Sept 2024
Welcome to Outspoken, by Outschool
Get ready to challenge the status quo and ignite your passion for learning!
Welcome to Outspoken, powered by Outschool! The hosts of the podcast, Amir Nathoo, CEO of Outschool, and Justin Dent, Executive Director of Outschool.org - Outschool’s independent nonprofit partner, introduce the show, which aims to address educational challenges and promote innovative solutions. Drawing from personal experiences and reflections, they emphasize the importance of fostering a love of learning and providing equitable educational opportunities. Amir and Justin intend to use the podcast to amplify diverse voices and highlight grassroots initiatives driving change in education. Scheduled for bi-weekly releases, each episode promises to offer practical insights and thought-provoking discussions to inspire positive transformation in the education sector.
Tune in and embark on a journey of educational discovery with Outspoken, where Amir and Justin delve into the heart of education's most pressing challenges and transformative solutions!
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Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 31 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
50
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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