Books over Bars

by BreakFree Education

Season 3

Learning Lab Episode #12: Design, Dignity, and Real-World Feedback with Ben Wiebesiek

In this episode of Learning Lab, Christina and Kaylah sit down with Ben Wiebesiek, a graphic design teacher at Lookout Academy in Colorado. Together, they explore how Ben's classroom turns student designs into real-world business assets, fostering professional skills and dignity. Ben shares how he uses the critique process, working with authentic clients, to teach students the essential life skill of receiving and applying feedback. The conversation goes beyond design mechanics, diving into how Ben guides students to challenge misconceptions about artistic symbolism, particularly regarding colors and shapes often misidentified as gang signifiers. Ben reminds us that by validating students’ creative choices and allowing them to explore deeper meaning, we foster resilience, professional communication, and the powerful self-expression necessary for students to feel their unique vision is seen and understood.

S3 · E12

Dec 8, 2025

32:52

Learning Lab Episode #11: Cultivating Student Recognition through Celebration and Connection with Melissa Jeanty

In this episode of Learning Lab, Christina and Kaylah sit down with Melissa Jeanty, assistant principal at Maya Angelou Academy at New Beginnings, Washington D.C.’s long-term youth facility. Together, they explore how Melissa and her team have built a powerful culture of celebration and acknowledgment — one that helps students see themselves as capable, valued, and part of a caring community. From monthly award ceremonies and birthday shoutouts to everyday classroom wins, this conversation reveals how simple acts of recognition can transform school culture, sustain educators, and remind everyone why this work matters. It's a conversation that highlights not only the transformative power of recognition on students but also how these moments of joy and acknowledgment refuel and sustain the adults doing this critical work. Melissa reminds us why showing up to celebrate every win is the cornerstone of effective JJ education.

S3 · E11

Nov 13, 2025

33:04

Learning Lab Episode #10: The Best-Kept Secret: Activating Unseen Potential in Science with Melissa Duncan

In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Duncan, a passionate science teacher at Cammack Children's Center in West Virginia. Melissa shares why she was drawn to Juvenile Justice education and why she believes JJ education is the best kept secret. We explore how she implemented the BreakFree initiative, Unseen. We discuss how engaging in hands-on work that is reviewed and celebrated by an authentic audience (including winning a national contest!) allows students to feel profoundly seen, challenging the negative narratives often placed upon them. It’s a conversation about breaking misconceptions, building confidence, and activating the hidden potential of students.

S3 · E10

Nov 5, 2025

38:08

Learning Lab Episode #9: Cultivating Community Connections Through Art with Heidi Loening

In this episode, we sit down with Heidi Loening, a passionate art teacher at Travis Hill School in New Orleans. Heidi shares how she uses her classroom as a space to build a strong community and a sense of safety for her students. We’ll also hear about Travis Hill’s annual Youth Justice Action Month (YJAM) showcase, where students share their work and stories with the wider community. Together, these practices highlight Heidi’s commitment to creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and valued—not just through self-expression, but through authentic opportunities to belong and be recognized. Here's an example mood meter such as the one Heidi discusses Travis Hill School YJAM Event Info Book Link: Troublemakers: Lessons in Freedom from Young Children at School

S3 · E9

Oct 20, 2025

35:59

Learning Lab Episode #8: Ask for Forgiveness Later, a conversation with Jessie Storrs

In this episode, we sit down with Jessie Storrs, a teacher librarian at a youth detention facility. Jessie shares her "ask for forgiveness later" approach to innovation, including how she used board games in the library to build crucial social-emotional skills and foster student connection. We discuss the importance of introducing students to new opportunities and how genuine teacher passion is the key to unlocking student engagement. Join us as Jessie reminds us what it takes to make a real difference in the classroom.

S3 · E8

Oct 2, 2025

27:11

Learning Lab Episode #7: Cultivating a Positive Classroom Culture with Amanda Johnson

In this episode, we're honored to sit down with Amanda Johnson, a dedicated educator from Passages Academy in New York. Amanda shares how she creates a classroom that welcomes students in and empowers them to make it their own. We'll explore her "Real World Fridays" initiative, which turns classroom discussions into platforms for authentic, student-led conversations on big issues. Join us as we learn from Amanda about leading with a focus on connection and creativity to create a learning environment where students feel seen, heard, and empowered.

S3 · E7

Sep 17, 2025

49:05

Season 2

Tech Check #7: Building Tech Success: A Systems-Level View

What makes a technology program truly successful, especially in challenging, restricted spaces? In this episode of Tech Check, we're taking a '1000-foot view' to analyze the key elements that contribute to a program’s success. We'll break down the importance of devices, software, network infrastructure, and policies, but most importantly, the people who make it all happen. Join us to understand how these elements work together to create a cohesive and effective program. Shownotes: Nothing this week.

S2 · E13

Jul 10, 2025

35:20

Tech Check #6: Level Up Your Tech Integration: Asking the Right Questions Part 2

This episode is PART TWO of diving deep into the critical questions you need to ask before introducing new tech into your secure school environment. Hosts Kaylah Holland and Anthony Martini discuss the importance of technology access for students, who needs to be involved, and the best path for getting started when implementing a new technology program.

S2 · E12

Jun 11, 2025

34:04

Learning Lab Episode #6: Celebrating student winners of our Unspoiled initiative

In this special episode, we showcase the winning podcast segments from BreakFree Education's "Unspoiled" initiative, where students explored America's National Parks through creative storytelling. Listen as young learners from Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Arizona share their research and passion for places like Shenandoah, Yosemite, and Biscayne through engaging original podcasts. These segments highlight how meaningful, project-based learning can spark curiosity and give students an authentic platform to share their knowledge with the world. Shownotes: BreakFree Initiatives

S2 · E11

May 29, 2025

22:32

Tech Check #5: Tech without Fear with Chassidy Williams

In this episode, we're chatting with Chassidy Williams, an Educational Technology Specialist at Harris County Juvenile Probation in Houston, Texas. In this conversation, Chassidy sheds light on the often complex dynamic between school tech coaches, like herself, and facility tech directors. We'll explore the ins and outs of their relationship – is it a mentorship, a partnership, or something else entirely? Chassidy will share insights on the common challenges faced by tech directors in secure settings, and how she helps them navigate those obstacles. We'll discuss the importance of building trust, fostering collaboration, and creating a culture of innovation, even within the constraints of JJ spaces. Join us for 'Tech Without Fear,' a conversation that's sure to provide valuable perspectives for anyone working at the intersection of technology and education in challenging environments.

S2 · E10

May 16, 2025

38:43

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