Episodes

  • The Godfather Coda, Conspiracy Theories, and More with Dr. Mark Huston
    35 mins
  • The Community College Humanities Association Annual Conference 2023
    Oct 30 2023

    In this exciting episode, Tony and Stew dive deep into a fascinating array of topics that will surely pique your intellectual curiosity. Join them as they unravel the intricate relationship between education and science and how these two disciplines intertwine to shape our understanding of the world.

    The conversation takes a thought-provoking turn as the hosts delve into the realm of cultural perspectives in physics and ethics. Get ready to expand your horizons and challenge your worldview as they explore how different cultures influence our perception of scientific concepts and ethical dilemmas.

    But that's not all! Tony and Stew venture into the complex terrain of war, reason, and human nature, delving into the profound questions surrounding conflict, rationality, and the core of human behavior. You'll be left pondering the intricacies of the human psyche and its relationship with the world's most pressing issues. 

    As the discussion continues, our hosts shift their focus to the ever-relevant themes of human nature, trust, and protection. You'll gain fresh insights into the mechanisms that govern our social interactions and the importance of trust in shaping our societies.

    So, if you're eager to explore the nexus of education, science, culture, ethics, human nature, and trust, this episode of "Shape Shorts" is a must-listen. Tune in and join the conversation as Tony Pitucco and Stewart Barr take you on an enlightening journey through these captivating topics!

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    27 mins
  • The Tom Lea Mobile Tours from TomLea.com with Adair Margo
    Oct 23 2023

    Adair Margo returns to the show to take you on a captivating journey through the life and art trail of Tom Lea in the heart of Texas. Adair is a passionate advocate for preserving the legacy of this remarkable artist. We delve into Tom Lea's fascinating life story and explore how his art has left an indelible mark on the Lone Star State's cultural landscape. From his early days in El Paso to his iconic mural at the U.S. Capitol, we uncover the hidden gems of Tom Lea's artistic journey that have shaped Texas history and culture.

     

    But that's not all! Adair also shares insights into a unique art project featuring Tom Lea's work that is making waves in the art world. Discover the historical significance of Tom Lea's creations and their enduring impact on Texas, as we discuss how art and history intertwine to create a captivating narrative!

     

    * Learn more about Tom Lea here: https://www.tomlea.com/tom-lea

     

    * Now offering workshops! Learn more at https://www.shapeshiftedu.com

     

    * Don't forget to leave a 5-star rating and written review!

     

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    34 mins
  • Stew and Tony Discuss The Axial Period in History
    Oct 16 2023

    We're taking a journey through history and culture today. We'll be delving into the fascinating concept of the Axial Age, a pivotal period in human history from 900 BCE to 200 BCE, where major civilizations like China, India, the Near East, and Greece were bursting with intellectual activity. They were asking profound questions about the nature of reality and the meaning of life, and we'll be uncovering some of their remarkable answers.

     

    As we traverse the landscapes of ancient Greek and Indian philosophies, we'll see how these thinkers shifted their focus from appeasing gods through rituals to exploring internal moral values and rational ethics. This evolution has had a profound and lasting impact on humanity's understanding of ethics, morality, psychology, and consciousness studies.

     

    And if that's not enough to pique your interest, Stew will unravel the power of writing and rhyme in oral traditions, and Tony will emphasize the importance of recognizing the blurred lines between historical periods and the continued relevance of ancient questions in our contemporary world. We'll trace the shift from oral traditions to written records, where personal moral principles took center stage.

     

    Lastly, we'll tie it all together as we discuss how the Axial Age relates to modern education and explore the limitations of historical records. You won't want to miss this one, folks!

     

    * Now offering workshops! Learn more at https://www.shapeshiftedu.com

     

    * Don't forget to leave a 5-star rating and written review!

     

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    30 mins
  • Dr. Carla Boyd: SHAPE Shifting Educational Technology to Close the Academic Gap, Part 2
    Oct 9 2023

    Tony and Stew, alongside special guest Dr. Carla Boyd, explore the dynamic intersection of education and technology. Dr. Boyd's extensive educational background, including a PhD in leadership and innovation, sets the stage for a thought-provoking discussion.

     

    The conversation highlights the pressing need to align curriculum with state and national standards to address learning gaps, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic. Digital learning solutions, including personalized instruction and assessment tools, emerge as powerful tools for student success. The hosts emphasize the importance of integrating digital and traditional learning to maximize efficiency while maintaining teacher well-being.

     

    The episode also delves into the challenges of bridging the gap between science-focused students and philosophy or humanities, with educational technology playing a pivotal role in fostering a more holistic education experience. Throughout the discussion, the importance of curiosity in education, student engagement, and continuous, efficient assessment processes shines through. Tune in to "Shape Shorts" for an enlightening exploration of education's digital future and its potential to reshape the learning landscape.

     

    * Now offering workshops! Learn more at https://www.shapeshiftedu.com

     

    * Don't forget to leave a 5-star rating and written review!

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    30 mins
  • Dr. Carla Boyd: SHAPE Shifting Educational Technology to Close the Academic Gaps
    Oct 2 2023

    In this engaging episode of Shape Shorts, hosts Tony Pitucco and Stewart Barr welcome Dr. Carla Boyd, a seasoned leader in both higher ed and elementary education with two decades of experience. Dr. Boyd's expertise spans areas such as data-informed assessment, process improvement, leadership consulting, and navigating change in the educational realm.

     

    The conversation delves into the pandemic's profound impact on K-12 education, particularly its adverse effects on math and reading skills. Dr. Boyd emphasizes the crucial role of technology in addressing these skill gaps, advocating for hybrid learning models that combine in-person instruction with digital tools. The discussion also sheds light on the pandemic's exacerbation of existing inequities in education, notably in access to online resources.

     

    As the dialogue evolves, the trio explores changes in college curricula and the rise of personalized learning driven by data. Ethical considerations in AI adoption for education are tackled, emphasizing transparency and the development of critical thinking skills. They also touch on AI's role in assessing creativity in students and the potential for future growth in AI technology. This episode promises enlightening insights into the evolving landscape of education, making it a must-listen for educators, students, and anyone interested in shaping the future of learning.

     

    * Now offering workshops! Learn more at https://www.shapeshiftedu.com

     

    * Don't forget to leave a 5-star rating and written review!

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    24 mins
  • Versatility, Resilience, and Holistic Education: Insights from Allen Rogers
    Sep 25 2023

    Born and raised in Utah, Allen Rogers shares his inspiring journey of how he followed in his mother's footsteps to become an educator, driven by a deep-rooted passion for teaching. He sheds light on the unique challenges faced by educators in rural communities, where nurturing a sense of community and personalized education are paramount.

     

    One fascinating aspect Allen discusses is the intricate dynamics of school funding in a small district. He emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between the school and its community, highlighting the advantage of a close-knit environment where everyone knows each other.

     

    From delving into the intricacies of school administration to distinguishing the roles of a superintendent and a principal, Allen offers a comprehensive view of a holistic education that integrates sciences and humanities, which he believes is uniquely achievable in smaller school districts. He reflects on the skills he's honed in a rural setting, attributing his versatility as an educator to the diverse challenges he's faced.

     

    With engaging anecdotes, insightful observations, and a passion for education, Allen's journey is sure to resonate with educators and learners alike!

     

    * Now offering workshops! Learn more at https://www.shapeshiftedu.com

     

    * Don't forget to leave a 5-star rating and written review!

     

     

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    31 mins
  • One Atom Says to Another, "Does this proton make my mass too big?"
    Sep 18 2023

    Today we're diving deep into the heart of matter itself as we explore the captivating world of atoms. You might think you know atoms from your school days, but trust me, there's so much more to discover. The concept of the atom has been a cornerstone of scientific understanding. But do you know who really rocked the atomic world? None other than the legendary physicist Richard Feynman. In this episode, we're shining a spotlight on Feynman's groundbreaking work and his take on the atomic hypothesis.

     

    Imagine this: a cataclysm wipes out all scientific knowledge, and only one sentence survives to guide the next generation. What would that sentence be? We'll ponder on that mind-boggling question and explore the various aspects of Democritus' profound thoughts on the atom, the first concept in human thought that introduced the unseeable and immeasurable. Intrigued? You should be! Tune in for all the juicy details.

     

    * Now offering workshops! Learn more at https://www.shapeshiftedu.com

     

    * Don't forget to leave a 5-star rating and written review!

     

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    18 mins