

ChatEDU – The AI & Education Podcast
Matt Mervis and Dr. Elizabeth Radday
Welcome to ChatEDU – The AI & Education Podcast , your go-to podcast for insightful discussions on the intersection of AI and education! Hosted by Matt Mervis, Director of Skills21 and AI Strategy at EdAdvance, and Dr. Elizabeth Radday, Director of Research & Innovation, this podcast explores the dynamic landscape of education technology.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 17, 2025 • 54min
Rundown, Not Slowdown | Ep. 80
Dive into a whirlwind of intriguing topics, from AI-generated pranks causing real-world chaos to discussions about Mark Cuban's clever use of deepfake technology. Explore the AI Mirror Project that examines systemic educational issues and the rise of apps exploiting AI for quick profits. Discover the impact of reinforcement learning on skills development and the manipulative tactics of AI companions. Unpack hidden resume tricks and learn about exciting advancements in AI-driven drug delivery techniques. It's a fast-paced journey through the ever-evolving landscape of AI and education!

Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 8min
Machines, Minds, and Making – Dr. Karen Birch on AI & Workforce Development | Ep. 79
Dr. Karen Birch, Executive Director of the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing, shares insights on workforce development in advanced manufacturing. She discusses the urgency of adapting education to meet industry needs, particularly with Industry 5.0 emphasizing human roles alongside automation. Karen highlights AI's applications in manufacturing and education, the importance of stackable credentials, and how virtual reality can transform training. She also invites listeners to get involved with NSF mentorship opportunities and community practices.

Oct 3, 2025 • 50min
Is This Still Art? Debating AI’s Role in Storytelling and Sound | Ep. 78
Dive into the chaos of AI in the workplace and how it's impacting creativity across sectors. The discussion spans the debut of a synthetic actor, a backlash from performers, and groundbreaking AI-driven films. Parents are increasingly using AI to draft legal complaints regarding schools, while students utilize chatbots for everything from cooking tips to sports commentary. Plus, fascinating insights on how AI is reshaping music, with one artist signing a major record deal. Engage with the discussion on the fine balance between authentic expression and AI's burgeoning role.

Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 1min
The Wizard Problem, Trust, Transparency and Teaching in the Age of AI | Ep. 77
Join a playful discussion on deepfake risks and Google's innovative Gemini features. Discover how AI detectors are evolving, even as concerns about creativity and job displacement persist. Unpack insights from a Gallup survey on AI awareness and usage trends among younger audiences. Dive into Google's 'Learn Your Way' tool that enhances personalized learning. Finally, explore the fascinating concept of 'wizard' agents and the need for human oversight in AI, plus the latest headlines on AI's impact in education.

Sep 19, 2025 • 59min
Counting What Counts: The Push to Measure AI Literacy | Ep. 76
Hosts delve into the intriguing world of AI literacy and its growing importance in education. They explore a massive $1.5B settlement over copyright issues and alarming reports of harmful AI interactions with kids. Concerns about AI companionship models and their influence on students emerge, alongside discussions on Google’s innovative NotebookLM features. A thought-provoking study reveals AI is replacing peer interactions in learning, sparking debates on creativity and mentorship. Strategies to rebuild social learning amid AI's rise are proposed, alongside new initiatives for educator training.

Sep 12, 2025 • 1h 5min
Beyond the Bot and the US AI Presidential Challenge | Ep. 75
Dr. Casey Sachs, a senior policy advisor at the U.S. Department of Education, discusses the innovative AI Presidential Challenge aimed at engaging students in real-world problem-solving using AI. He reveals details about mentorship opportunities and the challenge's structure across states and regions. Additionally, Dr. Sachs emphasizes the importance of interagency coordination for effective AI education and expanding apprenticeships in key sectors like IT and manufacturing. This conversation uncovers how education and workforce needs intertwine in today's AI landscape.

12 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 60min
Kids, Bots, and Badly Broken Guardrails - Some AI Labs are Failing | Ep. 74
Matt and Liz dive into the humorous pitfalls of AI, including Google's quirky image generator. They discuss serious issues like job displacement and AI grading shortcuts affecting students and educators. The podcast highlights a troubling study revealing teens use AI for learning, not cheating, yet warns of troubling AI chatbot interactions. They stress the importance of safety and regulation in AI tools, especially regarding mental health. Plus, a nod to Dame Stephanie Shirley, a pioneer in tech advocacy. A blend of humor, concern, and inspiration!

4 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 55min
She's Back! What Charli Hughes Thinks About AI, College, and More | Ep. 73
In this lively discussion, Charli Hughes, a UConn student majoring in computer science and molecular biology, shares her unique academic journey. She discusses her startup focused on a low-cost patch for detecting skin conditions and dives deep into how AI is reshaping research methodologies. Charli also highlights the balance between AI's benefits and the essential role of human ingenuity in education. With insights on ethical implications and the importance of interpersonal skills, this chat reveals how AI is influencing both healthcare and college life.

Aug 22, 2025 • 54min
Have the EDU Agents Arrived? | Ep. 72
The hosts dive into a hilarious mix-up regarding GPT-5's geography knowledge and the complexities of AI in personal support. They spotlight Utah's innovative approach to integrating AI into K-12 education, showcasing a statewide specialist and enhanced teacher training. Discussions also cover generative AI's role in revolutionizing high school learning and improving administrative tasks. With insights on equity in AI and the future of curricula, the episode highlights the evolving dynamics between education and technology.

Aug 15, 2025 • 1h
Google Claps Back: Guided Learning in Gemini | Ep. 71
Dive into the latest AI antics as hosts discuss the quirky quirks of GPT-5 and challenges of its rollout. Gemini's self-deprecating bug gets a spotlight, while the absurdity of edible lamps brings laughs. A New York high school's ban on summer essays stirs debate over AI cheating. Illinois opts out of AI-led mental health therapy, raising eyebrows. Plus, learn how language models can predict life outcomes from childhood essays and get a glimpse of Google's ambitious $1 billion investment in education.


