About this episode

This episode discusses how empathy interviews can transform education by fostering meaningful student engagement and insights.

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Mason Pashia talks with Chris McNutt of Human Restoration Project about how empathy interviews can help schools move beyond traditional surveys and toward more meaningful, student-centered change. The conversation explores Polaris, a platform designed to gather and analyze qualitative student voice data at scale, and highlights how districts are using these insights to strengthen belonging, improve inclusion, and redesign learning experiences. From student agency and Portrait of a Graduate work to ethical questions around AI and data privacy, this episode offers a compelling look at how schools can listen better—and act with greater clarity and trust. Outline (00:00) Introduction (07:11) Introducing Polaris (18:10) Student Agency & Action (30:02) AI Ethics & Data Privacy (35:33) Building a Broader Movement Links Read the full blog Chris McNutt's LinkedIn Human Restoration Project Podcast Human Restoration Project Website Organization Overview

People in this episode

Host: Mason Pashia

Guest: Chris McNutt

Topics covered

• empathy interviews
• student-centered change
• data privacy
• AI ethics
• student agency
• education reform

Keywords

• empathy interviews
• Polaris
• student voice
• education
• AI ethics
• data privacy
• inclusion
• student agency

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Human Restoration Project

Products: Polaris

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