Dream Big, Start Small: A Conversation with Peter H. Reynolds

Dream Big, Start Small: A Conversation with Peter H. Reynolds

Author: Jeff Utecht & Tricia Friedman March 3, 2026 Duration: 10:23

In this episode, we sit down with beloved children's book author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds to explore how educators can ignite creativity and self-discovery in young learners. Peter shares why a single question can transform how we teach, and why imagination and dreaming big aren't luxuries but essentials.

What We Cover:

  • How teachers activate creativity through authentic, feeling-driven questions
  • Encouraging kids to explore many interests instead of choosing just one path
  • The vital role of imagination and dreaming big in personal growth

Chapters

00:00 The Impact of Educators on Creativity
05:33 Dreaming Big: Navigating Identity and Aspirations

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Ever feel like the conversation around education moves faster than a school day? Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators is here to slow things down just enough for a meaningful dialogue. Hosted by practicing educators Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman, this podcast creates a necessary space for teachers and administrators to dig into the real work of modern teaching. Instead of just theory, you’ll hear from fellow practitioners and thought leaders who are navigating the same challenges you face daily. The discussions move beyond surface-level trends to unpack practical strategies and tools that can be adapted for your own classroom or school. Whether it’s rethinking assessment, integrating technology with purpose, or fostering a more inclusive learning environment, each episode is grounded in the shared goal of improving outcomes for every student. Tuning in feels less like another professional development requirement and more like a candid staff room conversation with colleagues who get it. This is where the abstract ideas about educational change meet the concrete reality of the K-12 world, offering actionable insights for anyone committed to the craft of teaching. Find Shifting Schools wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts for a regular dose of perspective and practical ideas.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
Podcast Episodes
AI in Schools Is Changing: What Leaders Need Now [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:39
In this episode of Shifting Schools, Jeff and Tricia reflect on the 2025–2026 school year and what they are seeing as schools move into a more mature phase of AI work. The conversation moves beyond tools and prompt tips…
Will this be the summer of vibe coding? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:32
In this episode of Shifting Schools, Jeff and Tricia talk about vibe coding: the emerging practice of using AI tools to help turn prompts, sketches, hunches, and half-formed ideas into working prototypes. They look at wh…
Meredith Walker on Why "Be Yourself" Isn't Enough [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:36
What do we really mean when we tell young people to "be yourself"? In this episode, Tricia Friedman speaks with Meredith Walker, co-founder of Smart Girls with Amy Poehler and author of Be Yourself and Other Bad Advice.…
How to build a story one ingredient at a time with Keala Kendall [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:49
Join us as Keala Kendall, author of the compelling gothic novel That Which Feeds Us, takes us through her creative process, the importance of representation in storytelling, and how horror can serve as a mirror to societ…
Dr. Brittney Cooper on Picture Books, Collaboration, and Love [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:49
This week, Tricia Friedman welcomes Dr. Brittney Cooper to the podcast to talk about her new picture book, Mama Says I'm Fine, illustrated by Tamisha Anthony. The conversation explores the story behind the book, the emot…
Why Patricia Cornwell Still Believes in Stories [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:03
Patricia Cornwell joins Tricia Friedman for a conversation about memory, writing, curiosity, forensic science, and the memoir she never expected to write. In this episode, Cornwell reflects on the childhood experiences t…
Great gifts for Teacher Appreciation Week [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:42
This week Jeff and Tricia share their five top gifts to celebrate the special educator in your life. They take you through why these five gifts celebrate creativity, learning, wellness, and show personal recognition duri…