In this Edutainment Learning interview, we sit down with Coach Alex VanHouten performance coach, behavior change specialist, and lifelong learner — to explore the science behind human potential. A graduate of Vanderbilt University (2010) with a focus in chemistry and psychology, Coach Alex has since earned multiple certifications through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) in personal training, corrective exercise, performance enhancement, and behavior change. He is also a certified nutritionist and health coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN). With over 500 five-star podcast episodes published and multiple peer-reviewed articles written for the International Sport Science Association (ISSA), Coach Alex has dedicated his career to helping others optimize both mind and body. He has been a professional coach and personal trainer since 2005.

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What was it like to work alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement? In this powerful Edutainment Learning interview, students hear firsthand from Dr. Robert L. Green — renowned educator, scholar, and civil rights leader whose work helped shape the modern fight for educational equity in America. As a close advisor and confidant to Dr. King, Dr. Green played a pivotal role in advancing desegregation, expanding access to quality education, and advocating for justice through research, policy, and leadership. His career spans decades of service as a professor, university administrator, and president of the Southern Education Foundation — one of the nation’s oldest organizations dedicated to educational opportunity.

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What does it take to succeed at the highest level in the NBA? In this powerful Edutainment Learning conversation, former NBA player Jerome “Junkyard Dog” Williams shares the mindset, discipline, and relentless work ethic that made him a fan favorite and respected leader throughout his career with the Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls, and New York Knicks. Known for doing the hard work on the court, Jerome talks with students about perseverance, teamwork, leadership, overcoming adversity, and why character matters more than hype. He also shares insights into his philanthropic work through www.shootingforpeace.com and how giving back has become his greatest mission off the court.

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What is the true purpose of a university? In this powerful Edutainment Learning conversation, students from around the world connect with Professor Nicholas B. Dirks, President & CEO of The New York Academy of Sciences and former Chancellor of UC Berkeley. Professor Dirks has led some of the world’s most influential academic institutions and helped launch global initiatives in data science, neuroscience, and international research collaboration.

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In this unforgettable Edutainment Learning conversation, students from around the world connect with one of the rarest voices in human history — Charlie Duke, Apollo 16 astronaut and one of only 12 men to ever walk on the Moon. Currently only four are still alive. At just 36 years old, Duke became the youngest person to step onto the lunar surface. A U.S. Air Force Brigadier General, MIT graduate, and former CAPCOM for Apollo 11, he helped guide the first Moon landing — and later experienced it himself. But this story goes beyond space. After his historic mission, Duke experienced a profound personal transformation, becoming a committed Christian and dedicating his life to sharing lessons about leadership, faith, purpose, and perspective gained from seeing Earth from beyond it.

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In this powerful Edutainment Learning interview, students meet Dr. Joe Greer, a physician, educator, and national leader in health equity who is redefining what medical education can—and should—look like. Dr. Greer shares his vision for building a bold, mid-21st century medical school in Las Vegas—one that unites students, educators, and the community to design inclusive, compassionate, and real-world healthcare solutions. Drawing from decades of experience serving underserved populations, advising U.S. Presidents, and founding nationally recognized programs like NeighborhoodHELP, Dr. Greer explains why medicine must address not just disease, but the social conditions that shape health. Students will hear stories from his work caring for homeless individuals, creating community health centers, shaping public policy, and leading some of the nation’s most influential institutions. This conversation goes beyond medicine—it’s about leadership, service, purpose, and using your education to lift others.

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Maria “Sam” Juan is a U.S. Army veteran, former Special Operations Cultural Support Team leader, artist, and storyteller who is helping young people discover the power of resilience and authentic living. Born in Bahrain and raised in the United States, Sam served in Army special operations before building a career in communications for the Department of Defense. Today, she speaks openly about courage, identity, healing, and what it means to show up as your true self—even when life feels overwhelming. In this powerful Edutainment Learning conversation, students from around the world ask Sam about leadership, resilience, creativity, and her upcoming book Everything Happens For You, which shares her journey of growth and rediscovery.

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n this inspiring Edutainment Learning interview, students from around the world meet Avis Brown-Riley, a true golf trailblazer whose life proves that big dreams and hard work can change everything. Avis made history as the first and only African American to win the San Diego City Women’s Amateur Championship and became one of the few African American women to earn LPGA Class A Golf Professional status—one of the highest honors in golf. From winning her first tournament at age eight to becoming a Junior World Champion and competing in the U.S. Women’s Open, her journey is nothing short of remarkable. Beyond golf, Avis shares powerful lessons on faith, resilience, courage, and perseverance, including how she overcame breast cancer and why being a champion is about far more than trophies. Today, she inspires young people—especially girls—to believe in themselves and never give up.

Are you an educator? Go to edutainmentlearning.com/podcasts to download student worksheets for every episode!