The Learning Future Podcast with Louka Parry

In this episode, Louka Parry speaks with architect, urban designer and author Danish Kurani about the powerful but often overlooked role of physical space in shaping how we think, feel and learn. From classrooms and homes to supermarkets and cities, Danish argues that design is never neutral. It influences behaviour, wellbeing, creativity and connection in ways we rarely notice until we learn to see it. Together, they explore what great learning environments require, why flexible furniture alone is not enough, and how educators, leaders and parents can become more intentional designers of the spaces that shape human flourishing.

In this episode of The Learning Future Podcast, Louka Parry speaks with Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills at the OECD, about the changing purpose of education in an age of AI, uncertainty and rapid technological change. Together, they explore how technology is shifting from being merely a tool to something that challenges what it means to be human. Andreas reflects on both the promise and risk of AI in education: its capacity to free teachers from routine tasks and personalise learning, but also its tendency to encourage cognitive offloading, weaken social connection and erode essential human capabilities if used poorly. Louka and Andreas also discuss the changing role of teachers, not as content deliverers, but as mentors, designers of learning environments and builders of human connection. Drawing on examples from high-performing systems such as Estonia, Andreas highlights the importance of teacher professionalism, collaborative culture, student belonging and a more intentional design of schools as social spaces.

In this episode, Louka Parry is joined by Justin Reich, Associate Professor of Digital Media at MIT and Director of the MIT Teaching Systems Lab, for a thoughtful conversation about AI, schooling and the future of learning. Together, they explore how generative AI is disrupting familiar classroom practices, why friction and productive struggle still matter deeply for learning, and how schools can respond when there is no clear “best practice” to follow. Justin argues that educators should be cautious of easy answers and instead listen closely to students and teachers, run local experiments, and assess what is actually improving learning rather than just performance. The conversation also dives into assessment, agency, cognition, technology’s mixed record in education, and the importance of humility in a time of rapid change. It’s a rich and grounded discussion about uncertainty, experimentation, and what schools should hold onto as they navigate an AI-shaped future.

In this episode of The Learning Future Podcast, Louka Parry speaks with David Rogier, CEO and co-founder of MasterClass, about how technology, AI, and changing workforce demands are reshaping the future of learning. David shares the origin of MasterClass, why great education should also be engaging, and how personalized, AI-supported learning could dramatically accelerate skill development. Together, they explore the rise of agency, the growing value of generalists and lifelong learners, and why schools and universities must shift from static knowledge delivery to helping people learn how to learn. The conversation also touches on identity, adaptability, meaningful work, and what it will take to build more human-centered learning experiences in a rapidly changing world.

In this episode of The Learning Future Podcast, Louka Parry speaks with Professor Pascale Quester, Vice-Chancellor and President of Swinburne University of Technology, about what higher education must become in an age of AI, rapid change and growing complexity. Pascale challenges the deep conservatism that still shapes education, arguing that universities must move beyond inherited models like lectures and exams and instead rethink assessment, learning and capability from the ground up. Together, they explore the role of productive struggle in learning, the difference between friction that supports growth and friction that blocks access, and why authentic assessment matters more than ever. The conversation also examines Swinburne’s bold strategic direction, including its focus on personalised learning, technological infusion, entrepreneurial thinking and global relevance without simply replicating itself everywhere. Pascale makes a compelling case for a more human-centred, adaptive and differentiated university model—one that builds resilience, welcomes discomfort, and prepares learners not just with knowledge or skills, but with the capacity to keep learning for life. At its core, this episode is a powerful reflection on unlearning, transformation and the future of universities in a world that urgently needs stronger, wiser and more capable humans.

In this episode of the Learning Future podcast, Louka Parry interviews Dr. Anne Knock, a leading figure in educational strategy and design. They discuss the importance of strategic design in education, the role of complexity theory, and the need for schools to adapt to a rapidly changing world. Dr. Knock shares insights from her book, 'School by Design,' emphasizing the shift from traditional classroom models to more dynamic learning ecosystems. The conversation also explores the significance of leadership, values, and practical tools in transforming educational environments for the benefit of students.

In this episode of the Learning Future Podcast, host Louka Parry engages with two Year 11 students, Flynn Thomas and Chelsea Cox, from Hunter Valley Grammar School. They discuss their experiences in education, focusing on themes such as adaptability, time management, the importance of wellbeing, and the role of relational connections in teaching. The conversation also explores student agency, the value of skills over academic scores, and the impact of technology and social media on young people's lives. Flynn and Chelsea share their insights on navigating career pathways and the evolving landscape of education, emphasizing the need for a learning mindset in an unpredictable future.

In this episode, Louka Parry sits down with Dr Annalies Corbin, founder and CEO of the PAST Foundation, for a powerful conversation about reimagining the purpose and practice of education. Together they explore how schools can evolve from isolated, subject-bound institutions into dynamic learning ecosystems that connect curiosity, community and real-world problem-solving. Dr Corbin shares insights from 25 years of innovation — from honouring student passions and recognising learning beyond the classroom, to supporting teachers in showing up authentically and reigniting their own love of learning. She discusses the importance of micro-credentialing, the future of STEM, and what it takes to design learning experiences that truly link learning to life. A compelling conversation for anyone passionate about transforming education, empowering young people, and imagining what’s possible when we start with curiosity and say “yes” to new ways of learning.

In this episode of the Learning Future podcast, host Louka Parry engages with futurists Jamais Cascio and Bob Johansen to explore the complexities of navigating the current chaotic landscape, framed by the BANI model. They discuss their personal learning experiences, the implications of technology on human development, and the importance of mentorship across generations. The conversation emphasizes the need for clarity in uncertain times and the role of education in fostering resilience and adaptability in students.

In this engaging conversation, Louka Parry, Tessa Forshaw, and Rich Braden explore the intersection of education, innovation, and cognitive science. They discuss the importance of mindsets in fostering creativity, the role of AI in learning, and the necessity of navigating ambiguity in educational environments. The speakers emphasize that innovation is not merely a process but a mindset that can be cultivated through intentional practice. They also reflect on the changing landscape of education, the impact of technology, and the need for learners to develop metacognitive skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

In this episode of the Learning Future Podcast, Louka Parry speaks with Kevin Stoller, co-founder and CEO of K12, about the evolving landscape of education. They discuss the need for a shift from traditional educational models to more student-centered approaches that prioritize authentic learning experiences. Kevin shares insights on the importance of creating engaging learning environments, the role of agency in education, and the necessity of innovation in teaching practices. The conversation also touches on global perspectives on education, the significance of data in driving educational success, and the vision for a future where students are empowered to take ownership of their learning.

In this conversation, Louka Parry and Dr Amie Fabry explore the critical themes of hope, agency, and the holistic development of children in education. They discuss the importance of play, emotional intelligence, and the need for collaboration among educators, families, and communities to create a nurturing environment for children. The conversation emphasizes the need to focus on the whole child and the profound impact of early childhood education on lifelong learning and development.

In this enlightening conversation, Louka Parry and Peter Hayward explore the realms of foresight and future studies, emphasizing the importance of personal transformation, the role of Stoicism, and the evolving landscape of education. They discuss how engaging with the future involves understanding our fears and hopes, the significance of endings, and the need for new institutions that prioritize human connection and critical thinking. The dialogue encourages listeners to embrace the future with courage and creativity, recognizing the potential for growth and change.

In this episode of the Learning Future podcast, Louka Parry speaks with Michelle Culver, founder of the Rhythm Project, about the intersection of education, AI, and human connection. They discuss the importance of learning from young people, the role of relationships in education, and how AI can both enhance and challenge human connections. Michelle shares insights on creating conditions for aliveness in learning environments and emphasizes the need for collective imagination in shaping the future of education.

In this deeply moving and expansive episode, Louka Parry is joined by Luis Alberto Camargo, founder of OpEPA and leading voice in nature-based education, to explore what it means to learn as nature, not just about it. Together, they delve into how education systems can move from knowledge transmission to relational, regenerative learning that reawakens our connection to self, others, and the living Earth. Luis shares a vision of education rooted in wonder, silence, and interbeing—where schools become ecosystems, teachers become guides, and learning is life itself. He also challenges the dominant economic narrative, offering instead a pluriversal, multi-capital framework that values vitality, culture, and the health of bioregions. If we realign purpose across education, economics, and community, what might be possible in 10 years? Luis offers a hopeful—and urgent—invitation to remember who we are, reweave our relations, and act in service of life.

In this powerful and timely conversation, Louka Parry is joined by Sarah Davies, CEO of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation and Dolly’s Dream, to explore how technology, power, and purpose intersect in the lives of young people. Together, they confront the hidden harms of data extraction, dark patterns, and wellbeing bots, while also spotlighting the enduring resilience of childhood. From the dangers of cognitive offloading to the urgent need for data privacy reform, this episode challenges listeners to reclaim agency—as parents, educators, and citizens—and protect the relational heart of childhood in a rapidly digitising world.

In this rich and expansive conversation, Professor Martin Westwell, Chief Executive of the South Australian Department for Education, joins Louka Parry to explore the deep shifts required in education to truly prepare young people for the complexity of today’s world. From the role of dispositions and student agency to the transformational potential of generative AI in classrooms, the dialogue challenges dichotomous thinking and calls for a purpose-driven, flexible, and learning-focused education system. Together, they unpack what it means to shift from achiever to explorer and build a system where students thrive—not just perform.

If the goal of education is to prepare students for the future, why are we not teaching them explicitly about the future? In an age of rapid change and uncertainty, what might education look like if imagination was treated as essential as literacy or numeracy? 🎙️ Episode Summary In this episode of The Learning Future Podcast , host Louka Parry speaks with Dr. Peter C. Bishop, executive director of Teach the Future and retired professor of strategic foresight from the University of Houston. Together, they explore why futures thinking is not only possible but essential in education. Dr. Bishop challenges conventional education models that overemphasize empirical certainty and neglect imagination, agency, and the capacity to navigate uncertainty. With stories from global classrooms and reflections on decades of foresight education, this episode is a compelling call to reimagine schooling as a place of skills-based learning, deep engagement, and preparation for an unpredictable future. 👤 About Dr. Peter Bishop Dr. Peter C. Bishop is a leading futurist, educator, and executive director of Teach the Future , a global movement promoting futures thinking in education. He served as Associate Professor of Strategic Foresight and Director of the Graduate Program in Foresight at the University of Houston until his retirement in 2013. A passionate advocate for futures literacy, Dr. Bishop has authored key texts including Thinking About the Future and Teaching About the Future (with Andy Hines). His work focuses on helping educators and students develop the mindset and tools to navigate uncertainty, embrace imagination, and become agents of change in their own communities.

What if peaceful system transformation isn’t led from the top, but from within — through the everyday choices of those embedded in the system? In a world craving certainty, how might we learn to embrace dissonance and cracks as the starting points of meaningful change? Episode Summary In this episode of The Learning Future Podcast , Louka Parry speaks with renowned systems thinker and facilitator Adam Kahane , author of Everyday Habits for Transforming Systems . Drawing on more than 30 years of global experience—including his involvement in South Africa’s democratic transition—Adam explores how radical engagement and individual agency contribute to peaceful system transformation. Together, Louka and Adam unpack the hidden grammars of schooling, the pitfalls of top-down reform, and the power of everyday habits to drive sustainable change. From Leonard Cohen to the Bhagavad Gita, this conversation is a deep and practical exploration of how we might lead with love and power in a time of profound flux. About Adam Kahane Adam Kahane has more than 30 years of experience in more than 50 countries working with thousands of leaders to transform social systems at all scales (organization, city, country, globe). His work has addressed many of the most important challenges of our time, including racial oppression, violent conflict among warring groups in countries, insecurity and inequity, drug problems, social unrest, unsustainable food systems, and climate change. Kahane is a bestselling author whose five previous books each have sold between 20,000 and 100,000 copies: Solving Tough Problems, Power and Love, Transformative Scenario Planning, Collaborating with the Enemy, and Facilitating Breakthrough. He is the director of Reos Partners, an international social enterprise that helps people move forward together on their most important and intractable issues.

What are we at risk of losing in our pursuit of efficiency, innovation, and AI-driven transformation in education? Are we designing systems for resilience—or are we unintentionally reinforcing inequality through the paths of least resistance? In this insightful conversation, Louka Parry is joined by Tracey Burns—Chief of Global Strategy and Research at the National Center on Education and the Economy, former OECD leader, and international systems thinker. Speaking from Paris, Tracey draws on her global experience to explore how education systems are evolving—and what we risk losing in the process. Together they dive into the accelerating impact of AI, the legacy of the OECD’s Four Future Scenarios for Schooling, and the urgent need for wisdom, not just innovation, in navigating complexity. From learning models to system inefficiencies, Tracey unpacks why we must be more intentional in preserving what matters—especially the deeply human relationships at the heart of learning. This episode is a call to anticipate, adapt, and interrogate the uncomfortable truths shaping our futures.