The SDG Warriors Podcast
The SDG Warriors Podcast
Simar Mohanty
The SDG Warriors are a team of passionate Student Changemakers and STEMinists dedicated to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, leveraging the power of STEM education and 21st-century skills. Brought to you by the SDG Warriors, this podcast features inspiring stories from EDUheroes and STEM experts. Ideal for students, teachers, parents, and anyone interested in STEM, education, and social impact, this podcast aims to provide enriching learning experiences and drive positive change in local, global, and digital communities.
E42 - EDUhero - Mickey, Magic & Meaning: Directing Stories That Spark Imagination with Jeff Gordon, Disney Television Animation
In this episode of the SDG Warriors Podcast, we’re joined by Jeff Gordon - Emmy-winning Animation Director at Disney Television Animation, whose creative magic has shaped the world of Mickey Mouse and friends. From The 7D and Jake and the Never Land Pirates to Mickey Mouse Mixed-Up Adventures and Minnie’s Bow-Toons, Jeff’s stories blend laughter, learning, and heart in every frame! Jeff’s animation journey began at Warner Bros. on Animaniacs and Pinky & The Brain, leading to acclaimed projects at Universal Studios (Woody Woodpecker), and Mike Young Productions (Clifford, ToddWorld, Jakers, Care Bears, Chloe’s Closet). His work has earned Emmy and Humanitas Awards for directing stories that celebrate creativity, collaboration, and compassion. Join us as we explore how Jeff revives beloved characters with fresh imagination, crafts humor and empathy through animation, and continues Disney’s legacy of storytelling magic that inspires generations to dream BIG!🔗 Link to Jeff's Magical World: https://www.cartoondirector.com🔗 Link to Walt Disney Animation Studios: https://disneyanimation.com
Oct 11, 2025
1 hr 13 min
E41 (Part 2) - STEM X EDUhero - Sondheim, Seltzertopia & the Power of Play in Civic Engagement with Barry Joseph, Games for Change
In this episode of the SDG Warriors Podcast, we are joined by Barry Joseph - Co-Founder of Games for Change, a pioneering organization that leverages the power of games for social impact. With over 25 years of experience, Mr. Joseph has developed innovative youth programs at Global Kids, led digital learning initiatives at the American Museum of Natural History, and designed STEM and social-impact apps for the Girl Scouts of the USA. He is the founder of Barry Joseph Consulting, advising museums and cultural institutions on interactive learning and game-based experiences. Mr. Joseph also co-founded the Brooklyn Seltzer Museum, located in New York City’s oldest seltzer factory, celebrating the history of seltzer through immersive exhibits and playful storytelling! An accomplished author, his books include Seltzertopia: The Extraordinary Story of an Ordinary Drink, Making Dinosaurs Dance: A Toolkit for Digital Design in Museums, Friday is Tomorrow: The Dayenu Year, and the forthcoming Matching Minds with Sondheim, which explores the games and puzzles of the Broadway master. He has designed award-winning educational games such as Ayiti: The Cost of Life, Hurricane Katrina: Tempest in Crescent City, and museum-based experiences like Killer Snails and MicroRangers. Join us as we explore Mr. Joseph's remarkable journey and his insights on the transformative power of play in learning and social impact!🔗 Link to Games for Change: ⁠https://www.gamesforchange.org⁠🔗 Link to Seltzertopia: ⁠https://www.seltzertopia.com/⁠🔗 Link to Matching Minds with Sondheim: ⁠https://matchingmindswithsondheim.com/⁠
Oct 9, 2025
45 min
E41 (Part 1) - STEM X EDUhero - Sondheim, Seltzertopia & the Power of Play in Civic Engagement with Barry Joseph, Games for Change
In this episode of the SDG Warriors Podcast, we are joined by Barry Joseph - Co-Founder of Games for Change, a pioneering organization that leverages the power of games for social impact. With over 25 years of experience, Mr. Joseph has developed innovative youth programs at Global Kids, led digital learning initiatives at the American Museum of Natural History, and designed STEM and social-impact apps for the Girl Scouts of the USA. He is the founder of Barry Joseph Consulting, advising museums and cultural institutions on interactive learning and game-based experiences. Mr. Joseph also co-founded the Brooklyn Seltzer Museum, located in New York City’s oldest seltzer factory, celebrating the history of seltzer through immersive exhibits and playful storytelling! An accomplished author, his books include Seltzertopia: The Extraordinary Story of an Ordinary Drink, Making Dinosaurs Dance: A Toolkit for Digital Design in Museums, Friday is Tomorrow: The Dayenu Year, and the forthcoming Matching Minds with Sondheim, which explores the games and puzzles of the Broadway master. He has designed award-winning educational games such as Ayiti: The Cost of Life, Hurricane Katrina: Tempest in Crescent City, and museum-based experiences like Killer Snails and MicroRangers. Join us as we explore Mr. Joseph's remarkable journey and his insights on the transformative power of play in learning and social impact!🔗 Link to Games for Change: https://www.gamesforchange.org🔗 Link to Seltzertopia: https://www.seltzertopia.com/🔗 Link to Matching Minds with Sondheim: https://matchingmindswithsondheim.com/
Oct 2, 2025
1 hr 2 min
E40 - STEM - Science X Sports: Ultra-Endurance, Migratory Birds & Adventure with Dr. Timm Döbert, Wings of Survival
In this episode of the SDG Warriors Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Timm Döbert - a conservation scientist, explorer, endurance athlete, and storyteller whose work bridges science, sport and global environmental advocacy. From conducting groundbreaking research on forest fragmentation in Southeast Asia and grassland ecosystems in Canada, to embarking on ultra-endurance expeditions that trace the migratory paths of birds, Dr. Döbert combines rigorous science with bold exploration to inspire action for biodiversity and climate solutions. He is the co-founder of Wings of Survival, a visionary initiative using self-powered expeditions, citizen science and visual storytelling to "rewild minds" and promote the protection of 30% of the planet by 2030. As an active contributor to the IUCN’s Commission on Education and Communication, WCPA and WCPA TBC SG, Dr. Döbert continues to merge research, adventure and advocacy. Join us as we explore Dr. Döbert's extraordinary adventures - pushing human limits, uncovering the hidden lives of ecosystems and redefining the way we connect people with the natural world.🔗 Link to Wings of Survival: https://www.wingsofsurvival.com
Sep 4, 2025
1 hr 36 min
E39 - EDUhero - Behind the Scenes of AAA Game Creation & Building Superheroes with Eric Monacelli, Marvel Games
In this episode of the SDG Warriors Podcast, we are joined by Eric Monacelli - Executive Producer at Marvel Games and a seasoned veteran of the video game industry with over 18 years of experience. Eric currently oversees production and franchise development for Marvel’s biggest console titles, including Marvel’s Spider-Man, Marvel’s Avengers, Marvel’s Iron Man VR, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, and the upcoming Marvel’s Wolverine, Iron Man, and Black Panther. As Project Lead, he drives creative strategy, brand authenticity, cross-functional development, and global promotional planning across multiple high profile franchises. Before joining Marvel, Eric held senior roles at Naughty Dog, Capcom, Atari, Infinity Ward, and 2K Games, contributing to landmark titles like The Last of Us, Uncharted, Monster Hunter, and BioShock. With a foundation in literature from NYU and a passion for storytelling, Eric brings a rare blend of creative insight and production expertise to the gaming world. Join us as we explore Mr. Eric's Super Hero adventures - from helping to shape iconic Marvel universes to redefining the future of interactive storytelling.🔗 Link to Marvel Games: https://www.marvel.com/games
May 3, 2025
1 hr 24 min
E38 - STEM - Youth-Led Conservation & Policy Change with Callie Broaddus, Reserva: The Youth Land Trust
In this episode of the SDG Warriors Podcast, we are joined by Callie Broaddus - an award-winning conservationist, filmmaker, and photographer based in Washington, DC. As the founder and executive director of Reserva: The Youth Land Trust, Ms. Callie leads initiatives that empower young people to protect threatened species and habitats through conservation, education, and storytelling. Prior to launching Reserva, she spent seven years as a Senior Designer at National Geographic Kids, where she combined her passions for wildlife photography and youth education. From photographing rhinos in Botswana to documenting sea-level rise in the Marshall Islands - Ms. Callie has been recognized in the inaugural class of the Explorers Club 50: Fifty People Changing the World, the World Needs to Know About. Join us as we explore Ms. Callie's adventures, her innovative approach to youth-led conservation, and her dedication to making a measurable difference for our planet. 🔗 Link to Reserva: https://reservaylt.org/🔗 Link to Reserva's 1 Million Letters Campaign: https://reservaylt.org/1-million-letters/🔗 Link to Ms. Callie's Website: https://www.calliebroaddus.com/
Mar 8, 2025
1 hr 38 min
E37 - EDUhero - Vocational Skills, Canva on the Fly & Magic of AI with Sean McLaughlin, Digital Learning Professional
In this episode of the SDG Warriors Podcast, we are joined by Sean McLaughlin - a Microsoft Certified Coach, Canvassador and Digital Learning Professional. Mr. McLaughlin has been a former lecturer at Plumpton College where he instructed and assessed students in the Forestry and Arboriculture Division, and had received the "Outstanding Teacher Award" from the college in recognition of his excellence in teaching and learning. He is passionate about integrating AI and digital tools to enhance vocational education. As an advocate for creativity and innovation, he uses platforms like Canva and ThingLink to transform how educators teach and students learn. Outside of work, he enjoys visiting galleries and museums, always on the lookout for fresh design trends and techniques that inspire his creativity and keep his passion alive. In this conversation, Mr. McLaughlin shares his journey to becoming an AI advocate, offering insights on how AI is reshaping vocational skills training and the future of education. 🔗 Link to Mr. McLaughlin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-mclaughlin-/ 🔗 Link to Mr. McLaughlin's ThingLink Featured Project: https://www.thinglink.com/scene/1395394412091015171 🔗 Link to AI Prompts: https://wakelet.com/wake/X70n8uGlniGOQJJ0SwpUN 🔗 Link to explore Canva's DreamLab: https://www.canva.com/dream-lab
Dec 16, 2024
1 hr 21 min
E36 - EDUhero - Redefining EdTech, Inclusion & Teacher Empowerment with Stephanie Howell at Gold EDU, Kami & Global GEG
In this episode of the SDG Warriors Podcast, we're joined by Stephanie Howell - a dynamic EdTech leader named among ISTE’s prestigious "20 to Watch." As the CEO of Gold EDU, Teacher Success Champion at Kami, and Co-Founder of Global GEG, Ms. Howell is on a mission to transform education by fostering inclusion, teacher empowerment, and innovative technology use. Discover how she champions digital equity, leverages her expertise as a Google Innovator, and builds impactful global networks to support educators worldwide. Tune in for a deep dive into her journey from an Instructional Technology Coach to a driving force in the EdTech landscape, making learning more inclusive and empowering for all. 🔗 Link to Ms. Howell's Twitter: https://x.com/mrshowell24/ 🔗 Link to Gold EDU: https://www.goldedu.org/ 🔗 Link to Kami App: https://www.kamiapp.com/
Nov 12, 2024
1 hr 7 min
E35 - EDUhero - Breaking Barriers: Tech, PBL & Student-Centered Classrooms with Greta Sandler, ESL Innovator
In this episode of the SDG Warriors Podcast, we are joined by Greta Sandler - A trailblazing ESL educator and learning innovation leader from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Recognized as one of ISTE's "20 to Watch," Ms. Sandler is revolutionizing language education through her integration of technology, project-based learning (PBL), and a commitment to student-centered classrooms. In this episode, she shares her journey of breaking down barriers in education, advocating for inclusivity, and empowering students by prioritizing their voices and creativity. With a focus on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Ms. Sandler discusses how she connects global challenges to the classroom, fostering an environment where learners can thrive. Discover how Ms. Sandler's innovative teaching methods not only enhance language acquisition but also nurture the social-emotional well-being of her students. 🔗 Link to follow Ms. Sandler: https://x.com/gret
Oct 11, 2024
1 hr 29 min
E34 - STEM - Shakespeare + STEM: A Seismic Journey in Acting, Geology & Science Communication with Dr. Wendy Bohon
In this episode of the SDG Warriors Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Wendy Bohon - A dynamic scientist who transitioned from a career in acting to become a leading voice in earthquake geology and science communication. After feeling the impact of the Hector Mine earthquake, she pivoted from Hollywood to the USGS, where she worked for seven years, blending her geology background with outreach and education efforts. Her career has spanned significant roles, including her position as Strategic Communication Specialist at NASA's Earth Science Division, where she helped bridge the gap between scientists and the public. She also worked with the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS), managing global seismic data communications. In addition to her research in paleoseismology and active fault systems, Dr. Bohon is an advocate for Women in STEM, serving as an AAAS If/Then Ambassador and a founding member of 500 Women Scientists. Her journey highlights the importance of effective science communication in making complex geoscience accessible and engaging to diverse audiences. Tune in to learn how she’s shaking up both the ground and the status quo in STEM! 🔗 Link to Dr. Bohon's Website: https://wendybohon.com/
Oct 9, 2024
48 min
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