The Next Class 2.0

Join Rob Birdsell and Kent Hickey as they dive into a thought-provoking episode with Brandon Jacobs, Search Consultant at Carney, Sandoe & Associates, as they explore the ever-evolving landscape of leadership in private and Catholic schools. From rethinking traditional roles and expectations to embracing the humanity and imperfections of school leaders, this conversation challenges administrators to think outside the box when it comes to preparation and training. Brandon also shares insights into the value of partnering with executive search firms to find the right leaders, highlighting how this approach can elevate the process beyond what schools might achieve on their own. For show notes and the transcript, please visit catholicvirtual.com/the-next-class-2-0-season-6-episode-3/

In this episode, Dr. Erin Barisano and Rob Birdsell connect with Marco Clark to kick things off. The conversation explores what excites Marco most about college life and how he’s navigating this new chapter. Erin reflects on this transition from high school student body president to leadership in higher education, while also addressing the challenges facing colleges today. Rob shares thoughtful advice for young leaders and offers insight into the Holy Cross charism, explaining how it continues to resonate with students in 2025.   For show notes and the transcript, please visit catholicvirtual.com/the-next-class-2-0-season-6-episode-2/

Kicking off season 6 of The Next Class 2.0, host Robert Birdsell is joined by returning co-hosts Dr. Erin Barisano and Kent Hickey, along with new producer Carlos Cárdenas. This season introduces a refreshed format—each episode will start with a preview of the guest and topic, and wrap up with a debrief from the hosts. Upcoming conversations will explore mastery-based learning with assessment expert Laura Slover, insights from leaders new to their roles, trends in school leadership tenure, and best practices for working with boards. The season also highlights retreats for Catholic school leaders, drawing inspiration from the Gospels’ imagery of “going up the mountain” to reflect and renew. For show notes and the transcript, please visit catholicvirtual.com/the-next-class-2-0-season-6-episode-1/

In this special unedited edition of The Next Class, hosts Rob Birdsell and Erin Barisano welcome Ashling Kelly Preston, Associate Director of Government Relations for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Recorded just days after the House passed historic federal school choice legislation, Ashling unpacks what this landmark moment means for Catholic schools nationwide. She details the structure, reach, and next steps of the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), its impact on families in every educational setting, and how Catholic institutions can prepare for what's ahead. A must-listen for diocesan leaders and school administrators navigating policy and funding strategy.

In this episode of The Next Class, Rob Birdsell and Kent Hickey sit down with spiritual leadership coach Kirsten Oates. With a background spanning law, consulting, and executive strategy at the Center for Action and Contemplation, Kirsten brings a unique blend of intellect and introspection. She shares how mysticism offers not just personal transformation, but practical, grounded tools for school leaders and educators navigating today’s complex educational landscape. From honoring the inner lives of teachers to integrating contemplative practice into leadership, Kirsten's insights offer a rare look at what it means to lead with depth, humility, and purpose.

In this powerful episode, hosts Rob Birdsell and Erin Barisano sit down with Kerry Alys Robinson, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, to explore the vital role of faith, leadership, and service in today’s world. Kerry shares her personal journey—from growing up in a legacy Catholic philanthropic family, to her work expanding Catholic life at Yale, and now leading one of the largest social service networks in the U.S. With a focus on crisis response, advocacy, and the empowerment of women in Church leadership, Kerry offers heartfelt wisdom and hope for the future of Catholic education and humanitarian work. Hear how Catholic Charities USA is responding to disasters, uplifting families in need, and creating meaningful leadership opportunities—especially for women in the Church. Learn more about Catholic Charities: https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org

In this episode of Next Class 2.0, hosts Rob Birdsell and Kent Hickey welcomes Jeff Thielman, President and CEO of the International Institute of New England. Jeff shares his unique journey from his Jesuit volunteer experience in Peru to leading one of the nation’s oldest immigration and refugee service organizations. The conversation dives deep into how faith, mission-driven leadership, and education shape our approach to serving immigrants and refugees. Jeff reflects on his time with Cristo Rey and how Catholic schools can play a powerful role in helping students understand immigration, social justice, and their own family histories. With real stories and policy insights, Jeff offers a thoughtful perspective on the current challenges and opportunities facing immigrant communities in the U.S.

In this episode, hosts Rob Birdsell, and Kent Hickey sit down with Ed Jennings, CEO of Quick Base, for an insightful conversation about leadership, adaptability, and lifelong learning. The discussion covers the mindset and habits that fuel long-term success, leadership lessons from Ed’s personal and professional journey, how to balance high performance with team collaboration, time management strategies for busy professionals, and the impact of lifelong learning in business and education. Ed shares personal stories, including leadership wisdom from his father, insights on building a thriving company, and reflections on what he wishes he knew 20 years ago. If you’re an aspiring leader, educator, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways you won’t want to miss. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with fellow leaders and learners.

In this enlightening episode of The Next Class, hosts Rob Birdsell and Erin Barisano sit down with Lannie Davis, a trailblazer in inclusive education, to discuss her transformative work at the Julie Billiart Schools. From their humble beginnings as a single campus to their current multi-campus model in Ohio, Lannie reflects on her decade-long journey of serving students with special needs and her visionary approach to leadership. She delves into the "JB Way," the challenges of recruiting and retaining educators, and her dreams of expanding outside Ohio to states like Florida, which offer robust special needs scholarship programs. Join Rob and Erin for an inspiring discussion that celebrates education, faith, and the transformative power of community.

Join Rob Birdsell, Erin Barisano, and Lori Stanley in a thought-provoking discussion on faith and leadership in today’s world. From exploring Ignatian spirituality to leveraging technology for deeper connections, they share personal stories and insights that inspire and empower Catholic school leaders. Lori’s moving reflections on inclusion and belonging highlight the ongoing work for unity within faith communities. A conversation packed with wisdom, innovation, and heartfelt lessons you won’t want to miss!

In this episode of The Next Class, hosts Rob Birdsell and Kent Hickey chat with Kelby Woodard, CEO of The Cristo Rey Network. From his start in corporate security to his unexpected pivot into politics and education, Kelby shares how his diverse background fuels his vision for Cristo Rey’s mission. Learn about his first year as CEO, the network's expansion, and the incredible impact on students across the U.S.

In this insightful episode, host Rob Birdsell and co-host Dr. Erin Barisano engage with Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. John Belmonte, superintendents from Miami and Sarasota. They explore Florida’s universal school choice and its benefits for Catholic education amid Miami’s cultural diversity. Fr. Belmonte shares the archdiocese’s rich history of supporting immigrant families and highlights scholarships that enhance access to quality private education for all families. Tune in for this insightful episode!

In this episode, Rob Birdsell, Kent Hickey, and Dan Porterfield explore the transformative power of education, diving into how mentorship and growth mindsets shape student success. They discuss Dan's new book, "Mindset Matters", and how Catholic schools and higher ed can foster lifelong growth. A powerful conversation for educators everywhere!

Kicking off season 5 of "The Next Class 2.0," host Robert Birdsell is joined by Dr. Erin Barisano and Kent Hickey to discuss the latest trends and innovations in education. The conversation dives into the importance of relationships in Catholic schools, the impact of school choice on enrollment, and how educators can maintain hope and foster growth in their communities. The episode also teases upcoming discussions with leading voices in education, offering listeners insights into the future of learning and leadership. They also delve into our first guest's book, "Mindset Matters: The Power of College to Activate Lifelong Growth" by Daniel R. Porterfield. 

Rob Birdsell hosts Casey Carter and Dan O'Keefe to discuss the transformative potential of generative AI in education. They explore how AI can shift focus from memorization to critical thinking and address concerns about AI biases and risks. The episode highlights the importance of educators embracing AI to enhance learning experiences. Check out some reading recommendations from our guests below. Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control by Stuart J. Russell Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies by Nick Bostrom Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Max Tegmark

In this podcast episode, host Rob Birdsell talks with Mike McShane and Rick Hess about their new book, "Getting Education Right." They discuss conservative perspectives on education reform, the importance of personal responsibility, and thoughtful policy changes. They focus on early childhood education, the need for diverse learning choices, and the impact of influential teachers.

In this new podcast episode, Rob Birdsell is joined by Father James Martin. Fr. Martin explores the significance of Lazarus' resurrection, touching on art, literature, and the delay before his raising. He also shares personal insights, linking the biblical story to daily life and spirituality. Watch this full episode for more!

Tune in for the continuation of Rob Birdsell, Josh Hale, and Chis Chandler's discussion on fundraising strategies and the teacher shortage crisis. Discover the power of authentic relationships with donors and alumni. Explore innovative tactics to retain school leaders and combat teacher turnover, emphasizing mission-driven leadership and support for educators.

Join host Rob Birdsell in this exciting podcast episode as he welcomes guests Josh Hale and Chris Chandler to discuss the dynamic world of school leadership, with a special focus on fundraising for Catholic schools. Dive into their insightful conversation where they emphasize the vital role of relationship-building, genuine passion for the mission, and the humble approach needed in leadership. Get ready for practical strategies, captivating personal anecdotes, and a deep dive into the importance of supportive networks in navigating the multifaceted challenges of school leadership.

In this episode, Rob Birdsell, the host, welcomes Katie Everett, executive director of the Lynch Foundation. They discuss the foundation's focus on five areas, including Catholic education. Katie highlights the foundation's commitment to supporting Catholic schools and mentions the diverse initiatives they fund, from education to healthcare and global projects. Katie emphasizes the need for collaboration, innovative models, and a focus on serving diverse student populations. She challenges the traditional role of superintendents in Catholic school systems, suggesting a shift towards specialized management structures tailored to unique community needs.