In this episode, Dana Jonson interviews Dr. Steve Gullans, a trailblazer in biotechnology and cognitive enhancement. Dr. Gullans discusses his journey from academia to pioneering brainwave technology and video game-based cognitive training. He elaborates on Think Better's innovative approaches, exemplified by the EEG headset and the video game "Skylar's Run," designed to improve mental focus and cognitive skills in both children and adults. This episode is particularly insightful for parents and educators in the special education community.

• Introduction to Dr. Steve Gullans: Background, including roles at Harvard Medical School, Excel Venture Management, and authoring "Evolving Ourselves."
• Think Better's Mission: Utilizing brainwave technology and video games to enhance cognitive skills.
• EEG Headset Technology: Explanation of how the headset works by measuring brain signals to improve focus and attention.
• "Skylar's Run" Game: A video game designed to train 13 cognitive skills through engaging gameplay.
• Clinical Trials and Real-World Impact: Discussion on the promising results from clinical trials and real-world applications.
• Accessibility and Ethical Considerations: Ensuring access to technology for all socioeconomic groups and maintaining data privacy and safety.
• Future Directions: Expansion into different cognitive skills training and broader applications in education and professional training.

• Think Better Website: thynk.com
• Book by Dr. Steve Gullans: "Evolving Ourselves"

Key Takeaways

• Personal Connection: Dr. Gullans shares his motivation, driven by personal experiences with neurodegenerative diseases and a passion for science and technology.
• Technology Application: The EEG headset provides a non-invasive method to measure and improve brain function, focusing on real-world skills like attention and impulse control.
• Education and Training: Think Better's technology complements existing educational tools and has potential applications in various fields, including sports and professional training.
• Real-World Results: Parents, teachers, and clinicians have observed significant improvements in children's behavior and academic performance through the use of this technology.
• Ethical Implementation: Efforts are being made to ensure the technology is accessible to all communities, maintaining high standards of privacy and safety.

• Join the Mailing List: Visit thynk.com to sign up for updates and be among the first to know when the technology becomes available to the general public.
• Contact Think Better: For those interested in implementing the technology in tutoring programs or other settings, reach out through the Think Better website.

• Dr. Steve Gullans: For direct inquiries, use the contact form on the Think Better website.

Feedback and Reviews:

Please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share your thoughts on this episode!

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Guest: Mark Ostrom, Founder of Joy Collaborative

Introduction:
In this episode of "Special Ed on Special Ed," host Dana Jonson welcomes Mark Ostrom, the founder of Joy Collaborative, to discuss how his organization uses compassionate design to create life-changing spaces for youth with life-limiting conditions. Discover the power of design in transforming the daily experiences of these young individuals and their families.

Memorable Quotes:

1. "You showed us how to live in our space." - Feedback from a family helped by Joy Collaborative.
2. "We fill the gap between a make a wish and a Habitat for Humanity, creating lasting environments." - Mark Ostrom.
3. "We gotta stay high... we're only here for a short period of time, we're going to leave you something that you're going to be living with for a long time." - Mark Ostrom, discussing the commitment to high-quality solutions.

Discussion Highlights:

• Mark's Background and the Founding of Joy Collaborative:

  • From organizing neighborhood kids to leveraging a career in architecture for social good, Mark shares his journey to founding Joy Collaborative.
  • The impact of his experiences at the University of Minnesota's cleft palate clinic and his architectural projects on his approach to helping families.

• The Impact of Joy Rooms:

  • Detailed discussion on how Joy Rooms are designed with the needs of children and families in mind, focusing on functional, joyous spaces.
  • Real-life project examples, including the transformation of Hans’s living space into a multifunctional area conducive to medical care, family activities, and personal comfort.

• Community and Support:

  • The role of partnerships with architects, builders, interior designers, and contractors.
  • How these collaborations facilitate the creation of specialized environments tailored to the unique needs of their beneficiaries.

• Broader Applications and Future Projects:

  • Introduction of the "Joy Mobile," a traveling multi-sensory environment designed to reach schools, clinics, and community events, offering adaptable and therapeutic spaces.
  • Discussion on future research collaboration with the University of Minnesota Nursing School to evaluate the benefits of Joy Collaborative’s work.

Resources Mentioned:

• Joy Collaborative Website - Explore more about the organization, their projects, and ways to get involved.
• Crescent Cove - Palliative care provider for young children, collaborator with Joy Collaborative.
• Firefighters for Healing - Partner organization providing transitional housing connected to health services.
• University of Minnesota School of Nursing - Upcoming research partners focusing on the impact of designed spaces on health outcomes.

Call to Action:
Engage with Joy Collaborative by visiting their website to learn more about their mission, view project galleries, and find out how to contribute through donations or volunteering. Your support can help extend the reach of their transformative projects to more children and families in need.

Note to Listeners:
This episode provides a deep dive into how thoughtful design can significantly improve the quality of life for children with severe health challenges. Join us in spreading the word about Joy Collaborative's mission to transform spaces into sources of comfort and joy.

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on SpecialEd.fm

Host: Dana Jonson
Guest: Michaell Magrutsche

Introduction:

A fascinating exploration of creativity and systemic thinking in education, featuring insights from Michaell Magrutsche, an advocate for integrating human-centric approaches within educational systems.

Discussion Highlights:

• The importance of recognizing and nurturing individual uniqueness within educational and systemic frameworks was emphasized, with Michaell sharing insights from his personal experiences as a neurodiverse individual.

• Michaell advocated for a human-centric approach to education, critiquing traditional systems that prioritize rote learning over creativity and individual strengths.

• The conversation covered societal constructs like gender and age, advocating for an educational approach that sees beyond these labels to the individual underneath.

• Michaell's journey highlighted the limitations of traditional education systems in accommodating diverse learning needs and the need for systemic change.

Resources:

• My Hub: https://MICHAELLM.com

• The Smart of Art Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michaellart

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellart

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesmartofart/

• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thesmartofart

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/michaellart

• YouTube Videos: https://goo.gl/gPM7cq

• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Michaellcoach

• My Music: www.soundcloud.com/michaellart

• My Books: https://goo.gl/tpDQk3

Call to Action: Spread the Word of the Podcast

• Share the Episode on Social Media: Utilize your platforms to share the episode or key takeaways. Whether it's Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram, your share can spark interest and bring this valuable content to a wider audience. Use hashtags like #EducationInnovation, #CreativityInLearning, and #HumanCentricEducation to increase visibility.

• Discuss the Episode in Online Forums and Communities: Join discussions in relevant online communities, such as educational forums, creativity workshops, and social media groups focused on education reform or personal development. Sharing your insights or how the episode influenced your thoughts can inspire others to listen and engage.

• Recommend the Podcast to Friends and Colleagues: Word-of-mouth remains a powerful tool for spreading ideas. If you found the content impactful, discuss it with friends, family, and colleagues who have an interest in education, creativity, or personal development. Personal recommendations can encourage others to explore the episode and potentially introduce them to new concepts and perspectives.

Note:

This episode serves as a call to embrace creativity and individual uniqueness in education, challenging conventional norms and advocating for a more inclusive, adaptive learning environment.