The CFL Podcast is where possibility is at work. Each episode features conversations with young people, educators, and community leaders who are shaping the future of learning in Nevada and beyond.
Hosted by the Center for the Future of Learning team, the series dives into real stories, bold ideas, and collaborative conversations about how we can empower learners, connect communities, create impact, and help every person thrive.
From innovation and future-ready skills to community impact and personal transformation, the CFL Podcast brings hopeful, actionable insights about what’s possible.
Beyond the Right Answer: Real-World Experiences, Risk-Taking and Learner Agency
In this episode, our co-founder and CEO, Jeanine Collins, is joined by entrepreneur, innovator and founder of Republic Goods, Noel Hurst, for a discussion about what learning looks like when real-world experiences and learning intersect.
Drawing from her experience building businesses and creating community-centered ventures, Noel shares why experimentation, learner agency and taking risks are essential skills for navigating today’s complex world.
Together, Noel and Jeanine explore how schools can better connect learning to student interests, why problem-solving matters and what young people can teach us about innovation.
18 Jun 2026
The Art of Learning: Creativity, Expression and Connection
In this episode of the CFL Podcast, our Co-Founder and CEO, Sean Parker, is joined by Daz Weller, award-winning director, producer and Co-Founder and CEO of THIRD Street, for a discussion exploring the intersection of community, mentorship, creativity and learning.
For decades, Daz has helped shape the creative and performing arts landscape in Las Vegas and in this episode, he reflects on what creativity and collaboration can teach us about the future of learning.
We’ll explore building learner confidence, why youth voice matters in shaping education, how creative environments unlock engagement and what it looks like when education and community truly overlap.
29 Apr 2026
Learning Beyond the Classroom & Through the Lens
In this episode of The CFL Podcast, Akilah Bello, Youth Innovation Associate at CFL, sits down with fellow learner and classmate, Gavin, to discuss what it really means to learn both in and beyond the classroom.
Together, they examine how creativity, curiosity and real-world experiences—through the lens of Gavin’s passion for photography—can shape new learning environments. Gavin shares how pursuing personal interests can unlock new skills, perspectives and growth opportunities.
Their conversation highlights the power of learner-centered education experiences and the importance of creating spaces for experiences both in and outside of the classroom.
23 Apr 2026
Learning by Design: Spaces That Empower Today’s Learners
In this episode of The CFL Podcast, Joe Kennedy sits down with Maggie Farrell and Ingrid Ruffin from UNLV Libraries to discuss why the future of learning isn't just about what students know, but where and how they put that knowledge to work outside of the classroom.
The library of the future isn’t just a space for quiet self-study among the bookstacks, it is a diverse ecosystem of physical and digital environments that connect learners through collaborative exploration. We examine how emerging learning environments like makerspaces and digital labs are being intentionally designed for access and flexibility with a focus on empowering learners to shift from passive consumers to active creators that can lead the conversation around their learning.
In the latest episode of The CFL Podcast, host Jeanine Collins sits down with JimDre Westbrook, Education Liaison Manager at Silver State Schools Credit Union, to explore how financial literacy, community partnerships and learner-centered education can work together to better prepare young people for life beyond the classroom.
The pair share insights from their work supporting learners and educators across Nevada, highlighting how practical, future-ready skills can empower young people to make informed decisions, build confidence and take great ownership of their futures.
This conversation also connects this work to the vision of the Portrait of a Nevada Learner, showing how agency and future readiness can be intentionally embedded into education systems through strong partnerships between schools and the greater community.
20 Feb 2026
Learning Reimagined: Young People Designing the Future of Education
In this episode of the CFL Podcast, Youth Innovators Akilah Bello, Marc Hosana, and Sebastian Rios share what truly drives an innovative learning experience and how young people themselves are helping shape the future of learning.
Drawing from their own journeys, they reflect on learner agency, the importance of real-world opportunities, and moments that transformed how they see the future of learning.
From immersive courtroom experiences to learner-driven projects that sparked purpose and confidence, this conversation explores what happens when students are empowered to take ownership of their learning and their future.
28 Jan 2026
Building Coherent, Purpose-Driven Learning Experiences
In this episode of The CFL Podcast, David Sabey, educator, innovator and Propel Fellow at Opportunity 180, joins Co-Founder & CEO Sean Parker and Co-Founder and Chief Impact Office Jeanine Collins, for a thoughtful discussion on competency-based learning and what the future of learning could look like for young people across Nevada.
Together, they explore how learning can move beyond checklists and seat team toward coherent, purpose-driven experiences that build real-world skills and learner agency.
The conversation invites listeners to rethink how schools define success and prepare students for life beyond the classroom.
6 Jan 2026
Preparing Educators for a Future-Ready Nevada
In the latest episode of The CFL Podcast, Co-Founder and Chief Impact Officer, Jeanine Collins, sits down with Dr. Bernnell Peltier-Glaze, Dean of the School of Education at Nevada State University, to discuss the critical role of teacher preparation.
The pair dive into how higher education can shape a learner-centered, future-ready education system and discuss Dr. Peltier-Glaze’s work with the Network Strategic Planning Committee and the Commission on Innovation & Excellence in Education.
Their conversation highlights the important role educators play in bridging the gaps between teaching and learning, creating environments where students can grow and strengthen Nevada’s entire education ecosystem.
1 Dec 2025
Bridging the Gap: Schools, Communities & the Future We Build
In this episode of the Center for the Future of Learning Podcast, host Andy Lott sits down with Ramona Esparza-Stoffregan, Clark County School District Trustee and President/Co-Founder of the Nevada Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (NVALAS), to explore how collaboration, trust and shared responsibility strengthen Nevada’s learning ecosystem.
Drawing on her experience as an educator, administrator and advocate, Ramona shares why authentic community partnerships are essential to student success. Together, Andy and Ramona unpack the power of aligned systems, the importance of community voices in education and what it means to truly prepare the next generation with real-world skills and meaningful opportunities.
Their conversation reinforces the idea that when schools and communities move forward together, students can thrive and Nevada’s future grows stronger.
14 Nov 2025
Career Readiness: Aligning Learning with Workforce Needs
In this episode of the Center for the Future of Learning Podcast, host Sean Parker is joined by Lauri Perdue, University of Phoenix leader and chair of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, for a conversation about connecting higher learning and workforce ecosystems to prepare learners for the future.
Lauri shares her journey through higher education and community leadership, offering insights into how collaboration between employers, educators, and policymakers can strengthen Nevada’s economy and expand opportunities for learners. Together, Sean and Lauri discuss how aligning education with real-world skills not only builds a stronger workforce but also fuels community impact and pride in Nevada’s learning ecosystem.
This conversation reminds us that when learning and work connect, communities thrive.
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