Amsive

Educating the Human Potential

The American Montessori Society Podcast

Journey into the future of learning with two pioneering educators as they unlock the secrets of human potential through captivating conversations on education’s biggest challenges.

Explore “Educating the Human Potential,” where Educational Psychologist Nicole Coman and renowned Montessori Educator William “Biff” Maier guide you through transformative discussions that are reshaping how we think about education. This podcast from the American Montessori Society sparks insightful conversations about the future of learning, featuring thought-provoking discussions with educational and cultural trailblazers.

Educating the Human Potential challenges the status quo in education—because how we learn shapes society itself. Each episode dives into the critical issues shaping education today, blending research, lived experience, and bold ideas. Whether it’s rethinking classroom models, exploring the psychology of learning, nurturing curiosity and resilience in children, or unpacking social and cultural forces at play in education, Educating the Human Potential delivers engaging, accessible conversations for parents, educators, policymakers, and lifelong learners alike.

All Episodes:

Rethinking School: Dr. Ulcca Joshi Hansen on Equity, Technology, and the Future of Learning

Season 1 | Episode 14

July 18, 2025

Let Kids Be Kids: Olympian Dominique Dawes on Intrinsic Motivation, Healing, and Rethinking Youth Sports

Season 1 | Episode 13

July 3, 2025

The Future Is Human: Eric Rodriguez on Technology, Montessori, and the Power of Purpose

Season 1 | Episode 12

June 23, 2025

Montessori Deep Dive: One Teacher’s Journey to Montessori

Season 1 | Episode 11

June 9, 2025

A Boy Erased: Garrard Conley on Surviving Conversion Therapy and Growing Up Gay in the Bible Belt

Season 1 | Episode 10

June 2, 2025

Leading with Purpose: Anita Hanks and the Future of Montessori Education

Season 1 | Episode 9

May 19, 2025

From Burnout to Balance: Suneel Gupta on Small Adjustments with Big Impact

Season 1 | Episode 8

May 5, 2025

Life After Montessori: High School Seniors Reflect on the Impact of Their Early Education

Season 1 | Episode 7

April 28, 2025

The Joy of Foraging: Alexis Nikole Nelson on Food, Nature, and Her Montessori Roots

Season 1 | Episode 6

April 7, 2025

The Power of Social Identity with Dr. Jay Van Bavel: How Groups Shape Learning, Bias, and Belonging

Season 1 | Episode 5

March 24, 2025

Why Rules Fail: The Montessori Approach to Raising Disciplined Children

Season 1 | Episode 4

March 11, 2025

Raising Kids in a Hypersexualized Digital World with Dr. Sharon Maxwell & Chelsea Maxwell

Season 1 | Episode 3

March 3, 2025

Lisa Ling on Journalism, Curiosity, and the Power of Storytelling

Season 1 | Episode 2

February 19, 2025

Introducing Educating The Human Potential

Season 1 | Episode 1

February 6, 2025

Most Recent Episode

What if our education system isn’t broken—but just built for a different era? In this episode, Dr. Ulcca Joshi Hansen—author of The Future of Smart, Founding Partner of Educating Potential, and host of the Future Smart podcast—shares why true educational equity requires more than better technology or expanded curriculum. It requires a fundamental shift in how we define learning and human potential.

Hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman talk with Ulcca about:

  • Why “bolting on” solutions to a factory-model school system isn’t enough
  • The promise of holistic, relationship-driven educational models—including Montessori
  • The role of philanthropy in transforming education for the long term
  • The cognitive risks and opportunities posed by technology and AI in schools
  • Lessons from her candidacy for Denver School Board and her work with funders nationwide

With clarity, warmth, and a systems-level view, Ulcca invites us to imagine an education future that’s truly built around how children grow, learn, and thrive.

For more from Dr. Ulcca Joshi Hansen:

The Future of Smart Podcast
Her book: “The Future of Smart: How Our Education System Needs to Change to Help All Young People Thrive

Dr. Ulcca Joshi Hansen

LISTEN ON:

Nicole Coman
Nicole Coman (she/her) is one of the co-hosts of the Educating the Human Potential podcast, produced by AMS. As a licensed educational psychologist, Nicole brings a wealth of expertise in school psychology and child development. Her experience with educational practices, Montessori education, and child development allows for an ever-captivating and insightful dialogue.
William “Biff” Maier
Biff Maier (he/him) is one of the co-hosts of the Educating the Human Potential podcast, produced by AMS. Biff is an AMS Living Legacy, a former Montessori head of school, and a former teacher education program director. These deep-rooted connections with Montessori education, his passion for Montessori principles, and his legacy within AMS make him the perfect addition to our podcast team.