Lydia shares how she made the leap from investment banking to the business classroom, while Kristin talks about leaving journalism to teach. Both discovered the power of bringing real-world, hands-on experiences into their classrooms and giving students opportunities to learn in ways that felt meaningful.

From a full-day Project Based Learning pilot to advising publications, Lydia and Kristin share some of the experiences that planted the seeds for what they believe today: education works best when it recognizes that kids learn differently.

If you’ve ever wondered why these two Learning Lab staff members are so passionate about personalized learning, this episode offers a glimpse into where that belief began.

And he’s had to evolve along with them.

On this week’s episode, Mike — who also happens to be our co-host Kristin’s husband — joins us for a conversation about what it’s like to teach teenagers today. He shares his perspective on Kansas’ new cell phone restrictions, the importance of building relationships with students both in the classroom and as a golf coach, and how teachers are navigating AI, book bans and a changing culture.

See if you agree with Mike about what has changed about teaching in 25 years and what still matters just as much as it always has.

Gilliland decided to homeschool her two children, but she also knew she didn’t want to do it alone.

She found community, resources and support at Learning Lab Wichita, giving her family a place to connect as they begin their homeschool journey.

On this week’s episode, we talk with Gilliland about why she chose homeschooling, the importance of finding a community and what she hopes homeschooling will offer her children.

That experience helped inspire her to create Mindset Gear, an organization that provides mental and emotional training for youth bowlers and their parents. Drawing on her degree in social work and experience working for a large nonprofit, Petrin and her husband, Roger, have grown Mindset Gear to serve bowlers across the United States.

This week on Let’s Get Personal, we talk with Tamara about the role mindset plays in youth sports and whether we’re giving the mental and emotional side of competition enough attention. Learn more about Mindset Gear at mymindsetgear.com.

When the duo founded READ Redefined in 2022, one of their goals was to reach people in rural communities who did not have access to services grounded in the science of reading. Their work has since grown, including a partnership with Newman University to help properly train educators and other adults to provide dyslexia therapy.

Their work is especially timely as Kansas passed legislation in spring 2026 strengthening literacy screening, educator training and reading intervention requirements in public schools.

In today’s episode, Jane and Amy share their experiences raising children with dyslexia, their journeys in the literacy field and why they’re passionate about helping those who struggle to learn to read.

When Sarah Collins’ delightful 5-year-old son unexpectedly struggled to adjust to kindergarten, she was flabbergasted. At home, she knew him as intelligent, curious and happy. So why was school so difficult?

After weeks of searching for answers, the Collins family visited Fundamental Learning Center (now Phillips Fundamental Learning Center), where her son was identified as dyslexic. Attending Rolph Literacy Academy helped both of Collins’ sons flourish and gave their family a new perspective on just how much the right learning environment matters.

Today, her sons attend two different private schools, each chosen because it’s the best fit for that particular child.

In this week’s episode, Sarah shares her family's journey navigating academic life and how finding the right school fit transformed her sons’ confidence and success.

Swartz completed her student teaching alongside Olivia Sumner at Creative Minds, Wichita Public Schools' microschool located inside Learning Lab. She joins Lydia and Kristin to discuss her unconventional student teaching placement at Creative Minds, Wichita Public Schools' microschool inside Learning Lab. She reflects on balancing college athletics with teacher preparation, growing up with two educator parents and how her own non-traditional learning experiences shaped her philosophy of education.

In this episode of Let's Get Personal, Swartz looks back on her educational journey, from kindergarten through graduate school, and shares why she's excited to become an educator.

From the arrival of the Internet and the rise of social media to today's focus on AI, Dickson has managed to remain focused on one thing: using innovation to improve learning. During the course of his career, Dickson helped launch two online public schools and played a key role in creating Creative Minds, the Wichita Public Schools microschool that opened inside Learning Lab in fall 2024.

In this episode, Rob joins Lydia and Kristin to discuss what role technology plays in K-12 education, why innovating matters and how educators can embrace change while keeping the focus where it belongs, on students.

Today, the education landscape is changing. Microschools, hybrid programs and other innovative learning models are giving families more choices than ever before, but with these choices comes uncertainty.

On this week's episode of Let's Get Personal, Lydia and Kristin share the top five myths they hear about new alternative school models, and in the process they separate fact from fiction. 

As part of our Creators and Changemakers Week, Aleeya, Piper, Gunnar, Reagan and Rhys share their favorite creators, debate the pros and cons of today's digital world and offer thoughtful perspectives on what kids should know about navigating life online. On our first student-created and hosted podcast episode, these kids shared examples and perspectives.

Listen to this week's episode of Let's Get Personal, and hear real talk about social media right from the subject matter experts' mouths.

Roy Moye III achieved his dream of becoming an aerospace engineer, but once he got there, he realized his true passion was music. Instead of ignoring his calling, he took a leap of faith and built a career that combines singing, education, and entrepreneurship.

Today, through STEMusic LLC, Roy inspires young people to explore STEAM through music. His unique path has earned him a Grammy and taken him to audiences across the country, but his greatest passion is helping kids discover their own potential.

In this episode of Let's Get Personal, Roy shares how following an unexpected path led him to meaningful work. He also plugs his new album, STEMusic Takes Flight, available on streaming platforms now.

In this episode of Let’s Get Personal, Audra reflects on the teacher who first recognized her leadership potential, the joys and challenges of motherhood, and her family's experience with neurodivergence.

She also shares how she found the work she was meant to do and what she's learned about building confidence and community.

Listen to Audra's podcast, A LOT with Audra, here.

Four years ago, Wichita Public Schools partnered with WSU Tech to launch its first FutureReady Center, giving students hands-on experience in manufacturing. Today, the FutureReady program has expanded from one center to three, with additional opportunities in the works.

In this episode, Eric Shipman, principal of FutureReady Centers, discusses why schools should focus on training kids for in-demand jobs, and he shares about the values that have guided his own journey in education.

Driven by a passion for helping others, Ball connects people with resources, opportunities and stories that help them grow. Her own educational journey gives her perspective on the importance of supporting people in finding their own right path.

In this episode, Lydia, Kristin and Savannah talk about the role of libraries in a community, swap favorite book recommendations and share practical tips for helping kids become confident readers.

But at NTegrity Athletics in Goddard, Peine uses those talents in a different way. She uses her critical-thinking skills to help kids who have disabilities or other differences take tumbling lessons, and she uses her welcoming personality to make all kids feel like they belong.

In this episode of Let's Get Personal, hear how this STUNT and ninja warrior coach is making her corner of the world a little brighter for kids.

Behind the scenes, Lauren plays a vital role in keeping Learning Lab moving forward, combining relationship-building and project management to support our community of students, families and educators.

But, like many people, Lauren did not always know what path she wanted her career to take. An internship at Learning Lab provided a twist she never saw coming.

In this episode of Let's Get Personal, Lauren shares how working in the right environment helped her find fulfillment.

Ellis is the founder of the Society of Child Entrepreneurs, which provides hands-on learning, business experiences and community spaces for kids ages 6–17. Her work encouraging kids to start businesses builds confidence, independence and real-world skills.

An entrepreneur herself, Ellis is a published author and runs a wedding officiant business. Her never-take-no attitude results in innovation wherever she goes. 

In this episode of Let's Get Personal, Leah shares why kids are capable of more than we think and what results are possible when we let them lead.

Learn more about the Society of Child Entrepreneurs at https://societyofchildentrepreneurs.org/.

While leading the Lincoln Community Center in Troy, Ohio, Shane started and grew a successful and effective after-school program. Now, he’s bringing that same energy and vision to TKAAAM’s educational programming and outreach efforts.

On this episode of Let’s Get Personal, Shane shares about his background as an athlete, coach and nonprofit executive — and why he believes community-centered education can change lives. He also shares how TKAAM is enriching culture and connection. 

Learn more about The Kansas African American Museum at https://www.tkaamuseum.org/.

That idea is at the heart of Lead Now, a new curriculum from Kansas Leadership Center designed to empower high school students to lead in their own lives and communities. In this episode, Jason Bosch, KLC’s Director of Curriculum Innovation, shares how the program came to life and how students themselves helped shape it.

Jason also reflects on his journey from higher education into this work, and why he’s passionate about helping the next generation grow as leaders.

At its core, Learning Lab Wichita is designed to support educators and founders starting new K-12 education models, providing families with more options for their children's education. 

Learning Lab Wichita hosts seven K-12 education models. In this episode, Lydia and Kristin chat about what it takes Learning Lab does to support these models and why the Lab is an ideal location to start a school. 

Although Learning Lab Wichita has no additional space for new resident models during the 2026-2027 academic year, there are still ways to get involved at Learning Lab. Listen to the episode to learn more.

On this episode of Let's Get Personal, Conner delves into what school was like for him as an active, social kid and how it informed their decision when he and Lydia chose a better school option for their 7-year-old son. 

Bonus: He also shares how he met Lydia and what he admires most about her, giving a glimpse into the partnership behind this Wichita power couple.

In this episode of Let’s Get Personal, Joe shares his own educational journey and evolving career path. He also offers insight into how Stand Together supports innovation through strategic partnerships  and community-driven solutions.

To learn more about Stand Together's work in Wichita, visit ANFWichita.org and  StandTogether.org/Wichita .

On this episode, Molly shares stories about her upbringing in rural Wisconsin and reflects on what brings her joy in her work at Learning Lab. (Hint: It always comes back to the kids.)

This is not your typical kindergarten classroom.

In fact, it’s a learning environment unlike almost anything you’ve seen — and it started with one woman’s vision.

For nearly two decades, Carrie Tiemeyer, better known as The Bug Lady, has been building something different: an early childcare center and kindergarten facility that brings science to life.

Today, The Bug Lady’s Science Academy serves dozens of children in Wichita, Kansas, blending structure with scientific magic in a way that’s both intentional and inspiring.

In this episode, Carrie shares how she turned an unconventional idea into a meticulously run early learning center. Her story shows what it really takes to build a new education model focused on personalized learning.

So Melissa made the bold decision to homeschool her children. 

In this episode of Let's Get Personal, Melissa shares how she navigated the early uncertainty of homeschooling, how she chose the right curriculum, and how she found a community that supported her family’s path.

Spoiler alert: Today her son is thriving.

Blending her classroom experience with a natural gift for mentorship, Ashley helps students better understand themselves so they can achieve meaningful, sustainable success.

In this episode, she addresses teacher burnout, the insights of the Human Design framework, and how self-awareness can transform student behavior. 

Whether you're an educator, parent or student, this conversation offers fresh perspective on what it really takes to thrive in today’s learning environment.

Sunflower Learning Community is one of Learning Lab Wichita’s resident models for the 2025–2026 school year, and we’ve loved watching Darby’s approach spark joy in the learners she serves.

In this episode, Darby shares the story behind her model, the philosophy guiding her work and what it really looks like to build something new in the education space. Whether you’re an educator, parent or aspiring founder, this conversation offers inspiration for reimagining what learning can be.

Lindsay's passion for empowering others helped her lead Empowered expansion to a nationwide network of more than 80,000 educators. 

On this episode, Lindsay shares leadership lessons learned about how to motivate and inspire.

In this episode, Learning Lab Wichita Executive Director Lydia Hampton shares insights from a recent training she attended with Dr. Susan David as she begins her journey toward certification in emotional agility. David defines emotional agility as "the ability to navigate complexity, drive change, and build thriving, human-centered workplaces."

Tune in to hear key takeaways Lydia gleaned and how you can apply them in your daily life or your learning environment.

Because Noel has experienced a great deal of success himself, he has some golden nuggets of wisdom to share – both with his student wrestlers and on this podcast.