Better Learning Podcast

The Better Learning Podcast is about improving education at all levels - Schools (public, charter, private, independent), Higher Education, & Corporate/Adult Learning. The major theme is to break down the silos and learn from others doing innovative things in education. We highlight innovative programs & initiatives, lessons learned, improvements to educational space, and real-world tactics while getting a deeper understanding of the people behind the innovation. Our guests include Heads of Schools, Superintendents, Principals, Entrepreneurs, Non-profit leaders and other innovators. Kevin Stoller, CEO of Kay-Twelve.com & author of Creating Better Learning Environments, is the host.

One Community's Fight to Save Their School with Dr. Tim Matlack, Phil Leinbach & Ken Bonkoski

Jun 10, 2026

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Mark Barga sits down with Dr. Tim Matlack (superintendent), Ken Bonkoski (director of facilities), and Phil Leinbach (architect, EM Architects) to tell the story of Antietam School District's response to a catastrophic flash flood on July 9, 2023 — and how a small,...

Designing Spaces That Last Starts With Knowing Your Why with Candice Leinneweber

Jun 3, 2026

In this episode, Matt Rogers sits down with Candice Leinneweber, Director of Design at MA+ Architecture and 2025 EdMarket NextGen Award winner, for a wide-ranging conversation about what it takes to design schools that truly serve students. Candice shares her winding path — from a family bakery in San Diego, to an...

The Invisible Work That Changes Everything with Katie Hylton

May 27, 2026

Jeff Kubiak sits down with Katie Hylton, Director of Business Support Services for San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and newly elected CASBO president. Katie shares her unexpected journey from animal science major to school business leader — starting as a part-time attendance clerk and warehouse worker...

Building a School with Input From Everyone with Regan Shields Ives and Amy Vachon

May 20, 2026

In this episode, host Jessica Westerduin sits down with Regan Shields Ives, principal and studio leader at Finegold Alexander Architects, and Amy Vachon, principal at Gladstone Elementary School in Cranston, Rhode Island. Together, they explore how deep collaboration between educators, students, and architects...

Putting Students at the Center of Every Dollar with Yuri Calderon - CASBO 2026

May 13, 2026

In this episode, Yuri Calderon, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services at Orange Unified School District, discusses what it truly means to lead with students at the center — even from the business office. Yuri shares his philosophy of removing the "business hat" and instead focusing on aligning every dollar...