Second Rail Education Podcast

Gerard Michols is a public philosopher from Upstate New York who had discussed and written prolifically about reflecting on life from nothingness through reason and ethics.

Distance learning is an even more radical shift for international students. Moving abroad and holing up means a new generation of university students begin their higher education with zero campus life. Stale debates about online learning’s efficacy have been replaced by practical discussions about implementing and improving the online experience. Higher education remains a main attraction in the US for international students. The pandemic will almost certainly change that forever. This is an interview with international student from China, Edward Xue. Edward came from Shanghai to Atlanta and experienced a full dose of campus learning and distance learning in less than a year. What does distance learning mean for students with little or no campus experience? Host John Heintz talks with Edward about a full range of issues: the experience of moving abroad for a remote college experience, not only learning online but socializing and building friendships online, how universities are seeking to replicate the campus experience online, the relative importance of campus life in the total value offered through university education, the role of gumption in success online, the unique study space needs of online college students, the challenges of being separated not only from families abroad but peers on campus, time management challenges, living abroad in unknown cities and neighborhoods, long term planning and short term expectations, the impact of international relations on learning and the pandemic’s effect on the vision, hopes and dreams of new university learners.

Genetic counseling is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States. Janice Berliner recounts her long, storied career from working with patients to analyzing ethical dilemmas in genetic counseling and writing fictionalized accounts of the crises that erupt when life confronts science.

Ava is sheltering-in-place in Vermont where she’s attending seventh grade. This is an on-the-ground view of her life.

Genetics Counselor and businesswoman Shelly Cummings joins John from her home in Indy to discuss career, science, learning and the future.

Elizabeth Rogers discusses stay-at-home life in Coronavirus times and the explosive increased use of educational technologies that will redefine how we think and learn.

Returning Parsons School of Design Professor Tom Handley joins John with a retrospective. Tom covers his favorite students. Tom’s taught some of the most notable future leaders in the fashion and design industries. He gives Budding professionals will benefit from the value of the contact. This is a pre-pandemic recording, so please excuse us for focusing on traditional careers, connections and thinking that will unquestionably change as the world transitions.

Gerard Michols, Chicago area transplant to upstate New York, reflects on insights about philosophy that apply to our daily lives. Tracking his journey from early firebrand to pensive parent, Gerard discusses the daily role of philosophy and ethics at home and work, with family and friends and in pursuit of creating a better world.

Improving culture is like improving gravity. Will Smith tackles the big questions in his new book, Culture Czars, in bringing competence, confidence and, candidly, joy to the workplace. Will offers advice for world-class executives in board rooms and living rooms. After returning to the US, John Heintz interviews Will Scott, author of The Culture Czar, about his life, philosophy and coaching.

Mike Hicks moved to Shanghai almost a decade and a half ago to pursue life as a musician in one of the most up-and-coming newly open cities in the world. Mike joins John Heintz this fortnight to discuss how his Shanghai has changed over approaching two decades. They discuss music, finance, technology, education, politics, travel, housing and of course food.