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The Learning Curve

Join Pioneer every Wednesday for in-depth insights on education, learning trends, school choice, and public policy. Our hosts and guests bring thought-provoking commentary as they engage with school leaders, innovators, bestselling authors, policymakers, and more in lively interviews. Stay informed and inspired with fresh perspectives each week! 

Hubwonk

Hubwonk is a weekly podcast from Pioneer Institute, a Boston-based think tank. 

In each episode, Joe Selvaggi connects you to regional and national leaders in healthcare, education, transportation, and industry to explore policy choices that promote liberty, free market dynamism, and human flourishing for everyone. 

JobMakers

JobMakers is a podcast produced by Pioneer Institute that delves into the world of risk-taking immigrant entrepreneurs. These innovators are creating new products, services, and jobs, driving economic growth in New England and across the United States. Tune in to hear inspiring stories of how immigrants are shaping the future of business and making a lasting impact on the economy.

March 4, 2026

Roxana Robinson on Georgia O'Keeffe, Mother of American Modernist Painting

In celebration of Women’s History Month, this week’s episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts U-Ark Prof. Albert Cheng and MassPotential’s Mary Tamer speak with Roxana Robinson to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Georgia O’Keeffe, the pioneering artist often called the...
February 26, 2026

Pulitzer Winner Gordon Wood on Benjamin Franklin & American Revolution 250

In this special American Revolution 250 episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts U-Ark Prof. Albert Cheng and Kelley Brown, Massachusetts state champion U.S. history and civics teacher, sit down with renowned Brown University historian Gordon Wood to explore the life and legacy...
February 25, 2026

Step Up for Students' Ron Matus on Florida School Choice

In this episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts U-Ark Prof. Albert Cheng and Alisha Searcy of the Center for Strong Public Schools speak with Ron Matus, Director of Research and Special Projects at Step Up For Students in Florida and former longtime...
February 18, 2026

Dr. Richard Phelps on Post-MCAS Assessments & Accountability in MA

On this week’s episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts Alisha Searcy of the Center for Strong Public Schools and Mary Tamer of MassPotential speak with Dr. Richard Phelps, the author of Pioneer Institute’s recent paper, Post-MCAS Assessments and Accountability in Massachusetts, to...
February 11, 2026

​​IJ's David Hodges & Plaintiff Ariella Hellman on U.S. First Circuit Case, Hellman v. Mass. DESE

On this week’s episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts U-Ark Prof. Albert Cheng and Alisha Searcy of the Center for Strong Public Schools speak with David Hodges, a school choice attorney with the Institute for Justice, and Ariella Hellman, director of government...
February 4, 2026

Emmy Winner A’Lelia Bundles on Madam C.J. Walker, First U.S. Self-Made Female Millionaire

In this episode of The Learning Curve, we celebrate Black History Month as co-hosts U-Ark Prof. Albert Cheng and Alisha Searcy of the Center for Strong Public Schools speak with A’Lelia Bundles, an accomplished journalist, television producer, and biographer of Madam C....
January 28, 2026

Hedgehog Review's Jay Tolson on Walker Percy, Southern Catholic Novelist

On this week’s episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts U-Ark Prof. Albert Cheng and Great Hearts Academies’ Dr. Helen Baxendale speak with Jay Tolson, editor of The Hedgehog Review and author of Pilgrim in the Ruins: A Life of Walker Percy. Tolson delves into...
January 27, 2026

Award-Winner Ruth Franklin on Anne Frank & Holocaust Remembrance

To commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day, The Learning Curve guest host Andrea Silbert, President of the Eos Foundation, speaks with Ruth Franklin, former editor of The New Republic and author of The Many Lives of Anne Frank. Ms. Franklin reflects on the enduring...
January 19, 2026

Stanford's Dr. Lerone Martin & NC State's Dr. Jason Miller on MLK's Dream & Langston Hughes’s Poetry

In this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts U-Ark Prof. Albert Cheng and Alisha Searcy of the Center for Public Schools speak with Dr. Lerone Martin, Martin Luther King, Jr. Centennial Professor at Stanford University, and Dr....
January 14, 2026

International Bestseller Dr. Jung Chang on Fly, Wild Swans & China's Despotism

In this week’s episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts Center for Strong Public Schools’ Alisha Searcy and Great Hearts Academies’ Dr. Helen Baxendale interview award-winning author and biographer Dr. Jung Chang, whose international bestsellers have illuminated three generations of her family’s experiences...