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If you’ve ever walked along a shoreline, spotted trash, and thought, “How did this get here, and what can I do about it?” -- this conversation is for you. Ashley Sullivan, Executive Director of the Rozalia Project for a Clean Ocean, joins me to unpack the very real problem of marine debris and microplastics, and to remind us that curiosity, community, and “lots of littles” can add up to big change.​

We explore how getting kids and adults outside for hands-on cleanups builds empathy and sparks those powerful “aha” moments that lead to action. Ashley explains what microplastics and microfibers actually are, how they move from our homes into rivers, lakes, and the ocean, and why they’re now being found in wildlife, soils, air, and even our own bodies. You’ll also learn what it’s like to live and learn aboard a 60-foot research sailboat in the Gulf of Maine.​

Ashley shares her winding career path from a childhood spent sailing in Florida to place-based environmental education and leading a marine conservation nonprofit. This episode is a rich resource for educators, caregivers, and young people imagining future STEM/STEAM and conservation careers, plus it serves up practical ideas and a generous dose of hope.​

Chapters

• 00:48 – Meet Ashley and the Rozalia Project
• 02:30 – Marine debris 101: Where all this trash comes from
• 02:54 – Starting with wonder: cleanups, empathy, and “aha” moments
• 03:56 – Microplastics and microfibers made simple
• 09:49 – The CORA Ball
• 12:04 – American Promise: life and learning on a research sailboat
• 18:25 – “Humans caused it, humans can fix it”
• 22:06 – Place-based learning, philosophy, and the sea
• 30:09 – Climate, storms, and why inland trash still reaches the ocean
• 33:29 – What gives Ashley hope

If this episode sparked curiosity, here are some next steps to take with your learners, families, or teams.

Follow the Rozalia Project.​

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*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

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What happens when a bestselling middle grade author joins you on World Read Aloud Day -- and opens the episode with a live read-aloud from his brand-new release?

In this return conversation, James Ponti celebrates the book birthday of City Spies: Europa (Book 7!) and takes us behind the scenes of what it really takes to write page-turning mystery-adventure that kids don’t just read, they inhabit.

We talk about the research rabbit holes that make a story feel real (including the world's most expensive cup of tea!), the craft of writing dialogue that flows, and why the read aloud shouldn’t stop in early elementary, especially for books that beg to be heard.

You’ll also hear why James believes hope lives in the reader community itself: kids who show up dressed as characters, remember details from five books ago, and prove, again and again, that middle grade readers are powerful.

Favorite Takeaways

• Kids don’t just read books, they live in them.
• The best middle grade is never “dumbed down.” Kids notice everything.
• The read aloud is still one of the strongest tools we have for motivation, stamina, and connection.
• Hope lives in communities of readers who show up, reread, and care deeply.

Timestamps

• 01:46 Special Read Aloud from the first chapter
• 07:43 Behind-the-scenes research and inside jokes that add “richness” to the writing
• 10:46 Middle grade growth: Sydney + Paris, insecurity, and learning to share what we carry
• 12:57 Writing by ear: dialogue, flow, and reading drafts aloud 30+ times
• 15:27 “Kids live in books”: fandom, rereads, deep questions, and catching mistakes
• 28:35 Touring with author friends + building a wider reading life
• 36:39 Hope: readers, community, and stories that model how people solve problems together
• 40:36 What’s next: Sherlock Society: Art Attack (graffiti in Miami!)

Connect + More

• Learn more about James Ponti and check out his appearances on episodes 69, 98, and 119 of the Adventures in Learning podcast
• Check out all of James Ponti's books
• Sign up for Dr. Diane's 365 Day Picture Book Read Aloud calendar

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Share this episode

If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.

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Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

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What happens when young readers are invited to question the stories they’ve always been told?

In this episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor welcomes bestselling author Tracy Wolff to celebrate the launch of her middle grade fantasy debut, The Aftermyth. Together they explore how mythology, storytelling, empathy, and student identity come together in powerful ways, and why middle grade fiction plays a critical role in helping young readers discover who they are and where they belong.

From challenging patriarchal myth narratives to reimagining Aphrodite through compassion and friendship, this conversation highlights how fantasy literature can spark critical thinking, emotional growth, and a love of reading.

Perfect for educators, librarians, families, literacy advocates, and middle grade readers.

Episode Chapters

• 01:21 Building a New Mythological World at Anaximander’s Academy
• 03:12 Questioning History, Power, and Perspective in Stories
• 07:13 Empathy, Friendship, and the Reimagining of Aphrodite
• 10:12 Middle Grade Identity, Belonging, and Finding Your Voice
• 13:29 Read-Alouds, Choice, and Building Reading Motivation
• 18:32 Writing Middle Grade Fantasy and Keeping Kids Engaged
• 19:49 What Brings Hope: Raising Compassionate Readers

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why The Aftermyth challenges traditional Greek mythology narratives
• How middle grade fantasy supports identity development and belonging
• The importance of empathy and compassion in children’s literature
• Why read-alouds should continue beyond early elementary grades
• How student choice and format flexibility support reluctant readers
• How storytelling builds motivation and reading stamina

Featured Book

📚 The Aftermyth by Tracy Wolff, available wherever books are sold.

Check out The Aftermyth Reading Guide.

Join Tracy Wolff on tour.

Support the show

Share this episode

If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.

Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend

Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.