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How is artificial intelligence changing the way we think about creativity and learning? And what can movies teach us about the creative process, healing, and human expression?
In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome back Dr. James Kaufman, one of the leading scholars in creativity research, for a wide-ranging conversation about AI, education, creativity, and his latest work exploring creativity through film.
Listen in as the conversation reflects on the newly released book Generative Artificial Intelligence and Creativity: Precautions, Perspectives, and Possibilities, co-edited by James Kaufman and Matthew Worwood. Together, they discuss the promises and concerns surrounding AI in education, including its impact on learning, creative thinking, feedback, and assessment.
The discussion then shifts to James's newest book, Creativity Through the Movies, where he explores how films can help us better understand creativity, motivation, grief, healing, and the human experience.
In this thoughtful conversation, they explore:
– The different perspectives creativity researchers hold about AI and its future impact– Why the creative process may matter more than the final product– How AI can support productivity while potentially limiting originality– The risks of relying on AI for thinking, learning, and creative work– Why educators may need to focus more on process rather than product in assessment– The role of AI in providing feedback and supporting creativity research– How AI could help assess creativity at a larger scale– Why meaning, purpose, and creative identity matter in an age of automation– The relationship between creativity, wellbeing, and personal growth– How creative activities can help people process grief and difficult life experiences– What movies reveal about creativity as a human journey rather than a final achievement– Why everyday creativity can be just as meaningful as professional creative accomplishments
James also shares examples from films such as Ghostlight, Hamnet, and Sing Sing, highlighting how creative expression can help people navigate loss, build connection, and find meaning during challenging times.
If you are an educator, researcher, creative professional, or simply curious about the future of creativity, this episode offers a thoughtful exploration of both the opportunities and challenges emerging in a rapidly changing world.
About the GuestDr. James Kaufman is a Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Connecticut's Neag School of Education and one of the world's leading creativity researchers. He has written or edited more than 60 books and is widely known for co-developing the Four C Model of Creativity with Dr. Ronald Beghetto. His research spans creativity, meaning, motivation, intelligence, and education, and he has developed several widely used measures of creativity. His recent projects include Generative Artificial Intelligence and Creativity: Precautions, Perspectives, and Possibilities and Creativity Through the Movies.
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What helps students build creative confidence over time? And how do mastery, feedback, and communication shape the way students learn, create, and see themselves in the classroom?
In this final reflection episode of Season 12 of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome back resident scholar Jimmy Wilson to revisit key themes from the season through the lens of current creativity research.
Listen in as the conversation connects ideas from episodes on handwriting, AI, sports, game-based learning, creativity, and neurodiversity. Together, they explore why some traditional learning practices still matter, how mastery-based approaches can support creative confidence, and why feedback continues to play such an important role in student growth.
In this thoughtful conversation, they explore:
– Why handwriting may support creativity, retention, and deeper thinking– How slowing down the learning process can improve understanding– The connection between mastery and creative self-efficacy– Why repeated practice and experimentation help students build confidence– The challenges and opportunities within mastery-based learning– How games and sports naturally support experimentation and iteration– The role of feedback in helping students refine and strengthen ideas– How AI tools may help teachers provide more frequent and meaningful feedback– Why creative learning should include multiple ways for students to demonstrate understanding– The importance of balancing structure with flexibility in assessment– How creativity research is beginning to focus more on strengths within neurodiversity– Why traits like hyperfocus, curiosity, and experimentation can be creative strengths– The growing research connection between creativity and meaning in life
Jimmy also reflects on how creativity research is shifting toward more possibility-centered approaches that recognize different ways of learning, thinking, and engaging in the classroom.
If you are an educator interested in creativity, assessment, neurodiversity, or student motivation, this episode offers research-based insights and practical reflections on how learning environments can better support both mastery and creative growth.
About the GuestJimmy Wilson is the resident scholar for the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast and a doctoral researcher exploring creativity, neurodiversity, and education. His work focuses on topics including ADHD, dyslexia, autism, creative self-efficacy, and how different learners engage with creative processes in educational settings. Throughout Season 12, Jimmy followed the podcast conversations closely and connected emerging themes back to current creativity research.
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What if some of the most powerful tools for engagement are already part of students’ everyday lives? And what happens when educators use games, music, and social media with more intention in the learning process?
In this final debrief episode of Season 12 of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett revisit three conversations that challenged the way they think about engagement, creativity, and learning.
Drawing from recent episodes on tabletop role-playing games, creative styles, and music in education, they reflect on how educators can create more meaningful learning experiences by building on tools and interests students already connect with.
In this thoughtful conversation, they explore:
– The difference between gamification and true game-based learning– How tabletop games encourage dialogue, collaboration, and perspective-taking– Why play is often missing from middle and high school learning experiences– The connection between games, creativity, and student motivation– How creative styles can help educators better understand themselves and their students– Why creativity looks different from person to person– The role of creative confidence and self-awareness in learning– How music can help students better remember and connect with content– Why creative learning experiences often stay with students longer than lectures– The growing role of social media and teacher influencers in education– How educators can use social platforms more intentionally to extend learning– Why engagement may not require completely new ideas, but better use of tools already around us
Matthew and Cyndi also reflect on the power of conversation, storytelling, and shared experiences in the classroom, and why meaningful learning often happens when students are invited to actively participate rather than simply receive information.
If you are an educator looking for fresh ways to engage students, this episode offers practical reflections and ideas that connect creativity to the realities of today’s classrooms.
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What happens when teaching becomes storytelling, performance, and creative expression all at once? And how can educators use social media with purpose instead of simply chasing attention online?
In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome Dr. Raven Baxter, also known as Dr. Raven the Science Maven, to explore the intersection of science, creativity, music, and social media in education.
Listen in as the conversation explores how Raven uses music, humor, pop culture, and storytelling to make science more engaging and accessible. She also shares why joy, authenticity, and human connection are essential parts of meaningful learning experiences both online and in the classroom.
In this thoughtful conversation, they explore:
– How creativity and joy can transform science learning– Why music works as a powerful tool for teaching and remembering content– The role of humor, storytelling, and pop culture in science communication– How social media can help educators build trust and connection with learners– Why intention matters when teachers create content online– The difference between creating for engagement and creating for meaningful learning– How educators can use social media to extend conversations beyond the classroom– Why students benefit when learning feels playful, creative, and personal– The importance of creating spaces where students feel safe expressing themselves– How creative projects can reveal talents and understanding traditional assessments may miss– Why adults need more opportunities for whimsy, delight, and creative expression– How small creative shifts can completely change students’ relationship with learning
Raven also shares inspiring classroom examples, including students creating songs, paintings, theater performances, and even mechanical models to demonstrate their understanding of science concepts.
If you are an educator interested in creativity, science communication, or student engagement, this episode offers practical ideas for making learning more human, memorable, and joyful.
About the GuestDr. Raven Baxter, known as Dr. Raven the Science Maven, is a molecular biologist, science communicator, and learning scientist whose work focuses on the intersection of science, culture, and creative expression. Her research explores how hip hop pedagogy and creative communication can transform science learning and public understanding of science. She is also the founder of The Science Haven, a nonprofit focused on expanding access to science education, and has partnered with organizations including NASA, Netflix, Pfizer, and the White House on STEM initiatives.
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Who are the creative students in your classroom? And how might your definition of creativity be shaping who you notice and who you overlook?
In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome Dr. Gerard Puccio and Cheri Sterman to explore a new way of understanding creativity through the Crayola Creative Styles Tool.
Listen in as the conversation explores how creativity shows up differently in each learner and why recognizing those differences matters. Gerard and Cheri introduce a framework built around three key areas, how we think, how we perceive, and how we engage, and explain how this approach can help educators better understand themselves and their students.
In this thoughtful conversation, they explore:
– Why many educators struggle with creative confidence and how that impacts teaching– The importance of helping people see themselves as creative in their own way– How creativity goes beyond thinking and includes perception and engagement– The difference between seeing details and seeing connections in the creative process– Why some people prefer to act quickly while others need time to reflect– How understanding your own creative style can improve collaboration with others– The role of self-awareness in building creative confidence and agency– Why creativity should not be reduced to labels or fixed identities– How this tool can help teachers better support different types of learners– The connection between environment, experience, and creative preferences– Why students rarely get the chance to learn about themselves as creative thinkers– How a shared language around creativity can strengthen classroom culture
Gerard and Cheri also discuss how this tool can open up important conversations in schools, helping both educators and students better understand how they approach problems, ideas, and learning.
If you are an educator or school leader, this episode offers a new lens for recognizing creativity in your classroom and supporting it in more intentional ways.
About the GuestsDr. Gerard Puccio is a distinguished professor at Buffalo State University and a leading voice in creativity research. He serves as chair of the Center for Applied Imagination and has published extensively on creative thinking and innovation. His work has received multiple awards, including recognition for research excellence and contributions to the field of creativity.
Cheri Sterman is the Director of Education at Crayola, where she works with educators, families, and communities to deepen their understanding of creativity. She leads professional learning programs and helps design global initiatives such as Crayola Creativity Week, which reaches millions of students and teachers worldwide.
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Is game-based learning just about making lessons more fun? Or can it actually deepen how students think, learn, and solve problems? And what happens when students are given space to fail, try again, and learn through play?
In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome Adam Watson, an educator and author who explores how tabletop role-playing games can transform learning in the classroom.
Listen in as the conversation breaks down what game-based learning really means, how it differs from gamification, and why games can be powerful tools for creativity, collaboration, and deeper understanding across subjects.
In this thoughtful conversation, they explore:
– The difference between gamification and true game-based learning– Why games need to be used with clear purpose, not just for engagement– How tabletop role-playing games can support learning across subjects, including science and math– Why failure in games helps students learn without fear– How games encourage problem solving, collaboration, and communication– The role of imagination and storytelling in building understanding– Why simple changes can turn an existing lesson into a game-based experience– How constraints and rules can actually support creativity– The importance of helping students learn at their own pace– Why play is often misunderstood and undervalued in education– How teachers can start small by rethinking one lesson or unit– The connection between games, creativity, and meaningful learning
Adam also shares practical examples of how teachers can bring game-based learning into the classroom, including a science lesson where students design animals and test how they survive in different environments.
If you are an educator looking for new ways to engage students and deepen learning, this episode offers simple ideas you can start using right away.
About the GuestAdam Watson is an award-winning educator from Kentucky who began his career as a high school English teacher. He has served as a district digital learning coordinator and now works as a regional digital learning consultant supporting multiple school districts. He is also the author of Tabletop Role-Playing Games in the Classroom and works with educators to explore how game-based learning can support student growth across subjects.
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🎉 Celebrating 5 Years of Fueling Creativity in Education
Special Anniversary Episode | World Creativity and Innovation Day
What happens when two educators set out to bridge research and practice in creativity… and simply keep going?
In this special anniversary episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood reflect on five years of conversations, growth, and creative exploration. Released on World Creativity and Innovation Day, this milestone marks not just longevity, but impact: over 130 guests, countless ideas, and a global community committed to bringing creativity into classrooms.
From early scripted interviews to authentic, unscripted conversations, this episode pulls back the curtain on how the podcast has evolved and what it has taught both hosts along the way.
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What if the challenge in education is not a lack of creativity, but how we choose to prioritize it?
In this reflective debrief episode, Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood revisit three conversations from Season 12, featuring Susan Riley, Dana Henrickson, and Emma Watson. Together, these discussions raise a deeper question. Is creativity truly missing in schools, or is it already there, just not fully recognized or supported?
Rather than pointing to a single barrier, this episode explores a more layered reality. Funding matters, but it is not the full story. Time, priorities, and expectations often shape what actually happens in the classroom. Creativity may exist in small, everyday moments, but without space and intention, it can easily be overlooked.
The conversation also dives into the relationship between engagement and creativity. Do students need to be engaged before they can think creatively, or does creativity spark engagement in the first place? The answer is not simple, and that is exactly the point. Teaching is not about choosing one over the other, but understanding how they work together in real classroom conditions.
Another key theme is the idea that teachers are already designing creative learning experiences, even if they do not always label them that way. With the right language and awareness, educators can begin to see their own practices differently and build from what is already working.
The episode also highlights the concept of Wonder Museums, inspired by Emma Watson’s work. These experiences invite students to explore what they care about, create something meaningful, and share it with others. It is a reminder that creativity does not always require something new. Sometimes it starts by reimagining what is already possible.
Finally, this debrief offers a shift in perspective. Instead of calling for a complete overhaul of the education system, it suggests something more realistic. Progress may come from small, intentional changes, a clearer understanding of creativity, and a willingness to rethink what we value in learning.
If you have ever questioned whether creativity needs more resources or simply more attention, this episode offers a thoughtful and grounded perspective.
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What happens when learning feels more like exploring a museum than sitting in a classroom? And how can we create spaces where students are driven by curiosity instead of routine?
In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome Emma Widmer, an educator who brought the idea of a “Wonder Museum” into her school to create hands-on, curiosity-driven learning experiences for all students.
Listen in as the conversation explores how Emma transforms familiar school spaces into immersive environments where students can move freely, follow their interests, and engage with learning in a more meaningful way.
In this thoughtful conversation, they explore:
– What it looks like to bring a museum-style experience into a school– How the Wonder Museum shifted from structured stations to open exploration– Why giving students choice helps increase curiosity and engagement– The role of collaboration in making big ideas possible– How small changes, like themed learning days, can work in any classroom– Why time and flexibility matter when trying new approaches– How to connect learning to student interests and local culture– The importance of knowing students and building strong relationships– How afterschool clubs can extend learning in a natural way– The opportunities and challenges within gifted education– Why creativity often grows when teachers balance structure and freedom– How immersive experiences can make learning feel natural and enjoyable
Emma also shares how her own experience as a student shaped her teaching, including a memorable Titanic simulation that showed her how powerful immersive learning can be.
If you are an educator, school leader, or someone thinking about how to make learning more engaging, this episode offers practical ideas you can try in your own setting.
About the GuestEmma Widmer is an educator based in Western New York with over a decade of teaching experience. She currently serves as a gifted programming specialist at Dodge Elementary School, where she collaborates with teachers to design school-wide creative learning experiences, including the Wonder Museum. In addition to her work in K–12 education, she also teaches college-level courses and is passionate about fostering curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning in students.
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Does creativity make learning more engaging? Or does engagement create the conditions for creativity? What might we be overlooking when we assume we can easily tell when students are engaged?
In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome Dr. Danah Henriksen to explore what research reveals about the connection between creativity and engagement in the classroom.
Listen in as the conversation unpacks how creative learning environments can increase student motivation, curiosity, and participation. Danah shares why engagement is not always visible, and how what looks like attention or compliance may not reflect what students are actually thinking or learning.
In this thoughtful conversation, they explore:
Why creativity and engagement work in both directions, not just oneHow psychological safety helps students take risks and try new ideasThe difference between true engagement and simple complianceWhy students may appear focused but still hold misconceptionsHow creative teachers model thinking and influence student behaviorWhy small shifts in teaching can make a big difference in engagementHow questioning, discussion, and exploration make learning more visibleThe tension between engaging students and meeting learning goalsHow technology can both support and interrupt engagementWhy teaching is really a process of design, not just deliveryDanah also shares insights from her research with award-winning teachers, highlighting how creativity shows up in everyday classroom practice and how it can be developed over time.
If you are an educator, instructional designer, or school leader, this episode offers practical and research-based insights on how to think differently about engagement and create learning experiences that invite deeper participation.
About the GuestDr. Danah Henriksen is an Associate Professor at Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation. Her research focuses on creativity, design thinking, and technology in education. She has published widely in the field, serves as Associate Editor for Thinking Skills and Creativity, and is co-author of Explaining Creativity (3rd edition).
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What helps educators move creativity from the margins to the center of teaching and learning? And what systems might be quietly shaping what’s possible in our classrooms?
In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett speak with Susan Riley, founder of the Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM and author of Creativity’s Edge: Unleashing Humanity’s Greatest Advantage in the Age of AI.
Together, they explore why creativity, despite being widely valued, often remains underprioritized in schools—and how factors like funding, time, teacher preparation, and leadership all play a role in shaping what actually happens in classrooms.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why creativity in education is fundamentally an equity issue tied to funding and access
How “money buys time” and why time is one of the biggest barriers to creative teaching
The tension between stated values (creativity matters) and actual priorities (testing, curriculum pacing, college admissions)
Why even well-funded schools may overlook creativity due to competing goals and systemic pressures
How teacher preparation programs often miss foundational skills like lesson design and creative integration
The role of leadership and school culture in fostering or constraining creativity
Simple, practical ways to embed creativity into everyday classroom routines without overhauling curriculum
The importance of habits and small shifts, such as questioning routines and curiosity-driven practices
The connection between creativity and curiosity as mutually reinforcing forces in learning
The “212-degree” metaphor for creativity as a transformational force that is often invisible but deeply impactful
The challenges and possibilities of assessing creativity across skills, thinking, application, and expression
Why creativity is both a communal experience and an individual act that extends beyond the classroom
About Our Guest
Susan Riley is an internationally recognized educator, author, and founder of the Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM, the largest online professional development provider focused on arts-integrated approaches. She has presented at the U.S. Department of Education, National Public Radio, and Americans for the Arts, and her work has been featured in publications worldwide. Her latest book, Creativity’s Edge, explores how creativity can serve as a critical advantage in the age of AI.
This episode invites educators and leaders to take a deeper look at the systems, priorities, and daily practices that shape creativity in schools—and to consider how small, intentional shifts can lead to meaningful change over time.
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What if the problem in education is not a lack of creativity, but how we prioritize it?
In this reflective debrief episode, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett revisit three powerful conversations from Season 12, exploring creativity through the lenses of AI, constructive dialogue, and educational research. Rather than calling for a complete overhaul of the system, they challenge a common narrative and suggest something more nuanced: creativity is already present in our classrooms, but it may not always be given the space or attention it deserves.
The discussion dives into the difference between productivity and creativity in the age of AI, and how educators can use emerging tools to reclaim time without sacrificing deep thinking. The hosts also unpack the role of constructive dialogue as a foundation for creative problem solving, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, relationships, and shared understanding in the classroom.
Finally, they reflect on research around whether schools truly hinder creativity, offering a more balanced perspective. Instead of revolution, they propose evolution, supported by mindset shifts, better use of tools, and a renewed commitment to student creative agency.
If you have ever wondered how to navigate creativity, AI, and meaningful learning without burning everything down, this episode offers a thoughtful and practical perspective.
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What helps students believe they can shape the world with their ideas? And what might quietly discourage them from trying?
In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett speak with creativity researcher Dr. Maciej Karwowski, Professor of Psychology at the University of Warsaw and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Creative Behavior.
Together, they explore creative agency and why students need more than creative ability to turn ideas into action.
In this episode, we discuss:What a creative agency is and why it matters for student creativity
The four key elements of creative agency: confidence, creative identity, risk-taking, and self-regulation
Why many teachers and students underestimate their own creativity
How beliefs about creativity influence whether students act on their ideas
Whether schools actually suppress creativity or help it develop
The role of knowledge in supporting creative thinking and learning
How students’ creative confidence can shift as they gain expertise
The opportunities and concerns surrounding AI and creativity in education
How AI might support creativity through feedback rather than idea generation
About Our GuestDr. Maciej Karwowski is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Warsaw and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Creative Behavior. His research focuses on the educational psychology of creativity, particularly creative agency and how classroom environments influence students’ creative development.
This episode invites educators to reconsider how creativity develops in schools and how teachers can nurture the confidence, identity, and motivation students need to act on their ideas.
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In a time marked by strong emotion and deep polarization, how do we help students stay in conversation rather than shut down or attack?
In this episode, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome Caroline Mehl, co founder and executive director of the Constructive Dialogue Institute.
Caroline explains that constructive dialogue is not about changing minds or abandoning beliefs. It is about fostering mutual understanding across differences. She shares how mindset and skillset work together, highlighting the importance of curiosity, open mindedness, and intellectual humility.
Together, they discuss:
– The difference between debate and dialogue– How emotions influence polarized conversations– Why classroom trust and shared norms must come first– Practical strategies such as storytelling, role play, and structured turn taking– How the “illusion of explanatory depth” reveals gaps in our own understanding
This episode offers practical guidance for educators who want to create classrooms where difficult conversations are handled with care, clarity, and courage.
About the GuestCaroline Mehl is the co founder and executive director of the Constructive Dialogue Institute, a nonpartisan nonprofit that partners with colleges and universities to build cultures of inquiry and dialogue. Since 2017, CDI has worked with more than 150 campuses across the United States.
Caroline’s writing has appeared in The Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed, Time, and Harvard Business Review. She serves on advisory boards focused on strengthening civic culture and helping communities disagree better.
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How is AI changing creative work right now? And what does that mean for the way we teach and assess students?
In this episode, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett talk with James Taylor about what he is seeing on the front lines of business and innovation.
James shares his idea of “super creativity,” which is simply the idea that humans and machines can work together to create better ideas than either could alone. He offers real examples from industry and then helps us think through what those changes mean for schools.
Together, they discuss:
– The difference between using AI to automate work and using it to support thinking– Whether students should use AI in the early stages of idea development– What original work means when AI tools are widely available– Why critical thinking may matter more than ever– The role of persuasion and communication in bringing ideas to life– The ethical questions educators cannot ignore
The conversation also explores an important tension. In business, the focus is often on the final product. In education, the focus must remain on the learning process. As AI becomes more common, teachers may need to rethink what they assess and how they assess it.
If you are trying to make sense of AI without swinging to either extreme, this episode offers a thoughtful and balanced perspective.
About the GuestJames Taylor is an award-winning keynote speaker and internationally recognized expert on creativity, innovation, and artificial intelligence. He has interviewed more than 750 leading creative thinkers on his Super Creativity Podcast and works with global organizations to help them unlock innovation through human and machine collaboration.
His latest book, Super Creativity: Accelerating Innovation in the Age of AI, explores how individuals and organizations can thrive in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
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What happens when we lose handwriting as a form of creative expression? What do we miss when we limit creativity to the sports field? And what would change if schools clearly identified their non-negotiables and truly lived by them?
In this first debrief of Season 12, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett reflect on insights from recent conversations with Carlos Moreno of Big Picture Learning, handwriting specialist Holly Britton, and sports researcher Dr. Daniel Memmert.
Together, they explore:
– Why schools should be designed around students, not systems– The importance of identifying a few clear non-negotiables that reflect core values– What may be lost as handwriting disappears from classrooms– How tactical creativity, defined as unexpected and appropriate action, applies beyond sports– Why language matters, especially when we replace “you must” with more open phrasing
This reflective episode invites educators to consider what might be unintentionally fading from practice and how we can better protect the conditions that support creativity.
Dr. Matthew and Dr. Cyndi also invite listeners to share ideas as the podcast approaches its five-year anniversary and begins planning future professional learning opportunities.
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Is creativity only about coming up with lots of ideas? Or does it also involve choosing the right idea in the right moment? What can sport teach us about thinking under pressure?
In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome sports psychologist Dr. Daniel Memmert to explore how creativity shows up on the field.
Listen in as the conversation explores tactical creativity, which combines generating many possible plays with selecting the most effective one. Daniel explains why creativity in sport is not about being flashy, but about making decisions that are both unexpected and appropriate.
In this thoughtful conversation, they explore:
– The difference between generating options and choosing the best one– Why young athletes need freedom to experiment– How fear of mistakes can shut down creativity– Why coaches should be mindful of when and how they give feedback– How early training should focus more on exploration than rigid systems
Daniel also shares research showing that at elite levels, physical skills often level out. What makes the difference is how players think, notice patterns, and respond in the moment.
If you are a coach, educator, or parent involved in youth sports, this episode offers practical insights on nurturing creative thinking while still supporting strong performance.
About the Guest
Dr. Daniel Memmert is a professor at the German Sport University Cologne. He has published more than 300 research articles and over 40 books on creativity, attention, and performance in sport. He also holds coaching licenses in several sports, bringing both research and real world experience to his work.
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Is handwriting still relevant in a world of screens, tablets, and AI? What role does writing by hand play in creativity, learning, and thinking?
In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cindy Burnett welcome handwriting instruction specialist Holly Britton, M.Ed to explore why handwriting still matters — especially for developing minds.
Holly brings over 26 years of experience in education, from classroom teacher to curriculum director, kindergarten coach, and founder of Squiggle Squad Handwriting. Her work focuses on helping children, teachers, and parents understand handwriting not as “pretty penmanship,” but as a meaningful tool for learning and self-expression.
Listen in as the conversation explores how handwriting supports thinking, language development, and creativity — particularly in young learners. Holly shares why writing by hand helps children make sense of letters, sounds, and ideas, and what can happen when students are expected to write without ever being properly taught how.
Together, the trio discusses:
How handwriting has slowly faded from classrooms
Why writing by hand supports learning in ways typing cannot fully replace
The connection between movement, memory, and understanding
Why handwriting should be seen as a tool, not just a finished product
How teachers can support handwriting without adding pressure or stress
Holly also offers practical insights for educators who feel overwhelmed by packed curriculums but still want to honor handwriting as part of meaningful learning.
If you’ve ever wondered whether handwriting still has a place in today’s digital classrooms — or worried about what students might be losing as screens take over — this episode will give you plenty to think about.
About the GuestHolly Britton, M.Ed is a handwriting instruction specialist with more than 26 years of experience in education. She has worked as a classroom teacher, curriculum director, and kindergarten coach, and is the founder of Squiggle Squad Handwriting, a unique approach to teaching letter and number formation for early writers.
Holly works with diverse learners who experience a wide range of learning challenges and speaks nationally about handwriting as a kinesthetic connection to language — one that supports creativity, learning, and self-expression.
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As we kick off Season 12 of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, we explore a question that sits at the heart of education reform. What does it actually look like to design a school around preparing young people for the real world?
In this episode, we welcome Carlos Moreno, educator, author, and Executive Director of Big Picture Learning. Carlos brings a systems-level perspective shaped by his work as a teacher, principal, district leader, and national education executive.
Together, we examine why creativity often gets squeezed out of traditional school models, how fear and compliance shape decision-making, and where untapped creative potential lives in public education. Carlos shares the core design principles behind Big Picture schools, including advisory systems, real-world learning, student exhibitions, and the powerful idea of educating one student at a time.
We also discuss leadership, relationships, and the role of love, care, and vulnerability in building creative school cultures, drawing from Carlos’s book Finding Your Leadership Soul. This conversation challenges us to rethink control, trust educators and students, and design schools that help young people discover purpose, agency, and voice.
Guest BioCarlos Moreno is an educator, author, and national education leader who currently serves as Executive Director of Big Picture Learning. He has worked as a teacher, principal, and district leader, and co-founded the Deeper Learning Equity Fellowship. Carlos is the author of Finding Your Leadership Soul and is widely recognized for his work supporting equity-centered, relationship-driven school design.
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Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at [email protected].
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Welcome to Season 12 of the Fueling Creativity in Education podcast! In this special preview episode, co-hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett reflect on major milestones—five years of podcasting and 250 published episodes—and offer a glimpse into the conversations ahead.
This season dives deep into Teaching Creativity, where it is most challenged: within systems, under pressure, and through the everyday decisions educators and learners make. With a strong foundation now in place, Season 12 focuses on building from within the system—exploring how creativity can be nurtured, sustained, and expanded in real-world educational contexts.
What to Expect This SeasonDrs. Matt and Cyndi preview several early episodes that highlight new and timely dimensions of Creativity in Education, including:
Creativity in SportHow do athletes make creative decisions under pressure? A conversation with pioneering researcher Daniel Memmert explores creativity, play, constraints, and risk-taking in high-stakes environments.
Pushing the Boundaries of Public EducationKicking off the season is Carlos Moreno, Co-Executive Director of Big Picture Learning, who shares an unconventional yet scalable model of public education rooted in student agency, real-world learning, and creative self-direction.
Creative Self-Belief and IdentityAn upcoming episode with Michał Kowalski examines creative self-efficacy, identity, and motivation—especially for today’s learners—raising important questions about passion, agency, and growth.
Constructive Dialogue in the ClassroomWith Caroline Mehl from the Constructive Dialogue Institute, the hosts explore why meaningful dialogue is essential for creativity, empathy, and learning—and how educators can intentionally cultivate it.
Be sure to subscribe on your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration.
Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at [email protected].
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