Be Well ~ Do Well
Feb. 27, 2025

41. Edutainment in Action with Jerry Kolber: Leveraging Podcasts in the Classroom

In this episode, we have a dynamic conversation with Jerry Kolber, CEO of Atomic Entertainment and co-creator of the highly popular Who Smarted? podcast and the live-action kids' science series Brainchild on Netflix. 

β˜‘οΈ What to Expect:

Exploring Edutainment
We discuss how Jerry Kolber’s work in edutainment, including projects like Brainchild and Brain Games, shaped his mission to make learning fun and accessible. These experiences inspired the creation of his hit podcast, Who Smarted?. Jerry shares how his early love for creative subjects—and struggles with traditional ones—motivated him to design tools that cater to different learning styles and engage students in unique ways.

Practical Ways to Use Who Smarted? in the Classroom
Looking for ways to use Who Smarted? in your classroom? We talk with Jerry about practical ways teachers are incorporating the podcast, from sparking curiosity during transitions to encouraging creative activities that inspire deeper thinking. To make it even easier, we created an infographic with tips for educators to use Who Smarted? effectively in the classroom. Check it out below!

The Mission of Who Smarted?
We dive into the story behind Who Smarted?, which Jerry launched during the pandemic to provide kids with a screen-free, interactive learning experience. Jerry highlights how the podcast offers educators a fun, versatile resource that complements a range of classroom activities and sparks meaningful discussions. We also touch on the importance of creating content that starts with a clear “why,” ensuring it is purposeful and impactful.

Bringing Passion and Growth to Teaching
In our conversation, we talk about how bringing personal interests into the classroom can energize both teachers and students, making learning more enjoyable. We also discuss how a growth mindset—embracing setbacks as opportunities to learn—can help educators build resilience and stay inspired throughout their careers.

More About Jerry and Who Smarted?

Are you ready to dive into creative ways to use podcasts in your classroom? Or looking to learn more about Jerry and his incredible work in making education fun and accessible? Check out these resources:

  • Jerry’s Bio: Discover more about Jerry’s journey in edutainment and his mission to inspire curious minds.
  • Want the ad-free version of Who Smarted? for educators? Visit WhoSmarted.com to sign up!
  • Mysteries About True Histories (M.A.T.H) – A podcast for kids filled with adventure, comedy, and learning!

Using Podcasts in The Classroom Infographic πŸŽ™οΈπŸŽ

πŸ’§Well Wishes: As you continue on your teaching journey, remember that your creativity, passion, and resilience are what truly inspire students. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new ideas, like using podcasts in the classroom to spark curiosity and engagement. Share your personal interests, incorporate interactive content, and approach challenges as opportunities for growth. As Jerry says, “Keep the curiosity going in yourself and the kids because the world’s a big place and we’re never done exploring it.”

As always, be well, do well.

πŸŽ™οΈConnect with us: Your feedback and ideas are what keep EdYouWell going strong. Have a topic you'd like us to cover? Want to share your thoughts on the latest episode? We’re all ears!