In this insightful episode of the 2Gen Learning Podcast, our two hosts, Mike Cobb (Gen Xer) and Logan Birgenheier (Millennial)—reconnect to reflect on their shared journey in education that began in Saudi Arabia and continues to evolve in dynamic ways around the world.

They explore how their generational differences often sparked new perspectives, especially when confronting the shifting landscape of learning, leadership, and technology. One host now works across U.S. campuses as a strategic consultant, while the other leads international project development and market analysis for global schools.

🎯 Key Themes Explored:

• 🧭 The Shift from School-Based Leadership to System-Level Strategy
  How stepping away from daily school life brings new insights—and challenges.
• 🤝 What We Miss Most
  The joy, chaos, and community of being on campus full-time, and how that fuels the passion for impact.
• ⚙️ The Beauty of Decision-Making
  Reflections on the fast-paced nature of leadership in schools vs. the slower, strategic tempo of consultancy.
• 🤖 Honoring the Proven While Embracing the New
  Balancing foundational educational practices with the rise of emerging technologies like AI.
• 🌍 Global Perspectives on Innovation
  What international schools are doing differently—and what we can learn from them.
• 🕰️ Then and Now: A Cross-Generational Look at Education & Culture
  In a lighthearted and nostalgic segment, the hosts compare life in the classroom and beyond—from the 1970s and 1990s to today—highlighting how generational experiences have shaped their views on learning and leadership.

  Technology in School:
  📽️ Gen X had film strips and overhead projectors
  💾 Millennials had computer labs and floppy disks
  🤖 Today’s learners are exploring AI tools, VR, and personalized apps

  Communication:
  ☎️ From landlines and handwritten notes
  💻 To instant messaging and early email
  🌍 To global collaboration on WhatsApp, Slack, and Teams

  Student Life:
  🧢 Walkmans and chalkboards
  📟 MP3 players and themed binders
  🎧 Streaming playlists and mindfulness zones

  This segment brings humor, heart, and perspective—reminding us how much has changed, and how much still connects us across generations.

Whether you're a lifelong educator, a curious futurist, or someone navigating the education sector in transition, this conversation offers inspiration, wisdom, and some well-earned laughter between friends dedicated to the future of learning.

🎙️ 2Gen Learning Podcast | Episode 11: “Books, Books and Books”
📚 A special edition celebrating the power of books to shape how we lead, learn, and live.

This episode is all about the books that left a mark on our hearts, minds, and missions. We share our most impactful reads — from building trust and navigating life’s transitions to learning from cowboys, comedians, coders, and anthropologists. Whether you’re a lifelong learner, a leader, or someone looking for your next transformative read, this episode is your new TBR goldmine.

🔥 Featured Books:

• 🧠 The Speed of Trust by Stephen M. R. Covey
  📖 Buy on Amazon »
• 🔄 Transitions: Making Sense of Life's Changes by William Bridges
  📖 Buy on Amazon »
• ❤️ Dare to Lead by Brené Brown (representing her body of work)
  📖 Buy on Amazon »
• 🌿 Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
  📖 Buy on Amazon »
• 🎭 Yes, And by Kelly Leonard & Tom Yorton (from Second City)
  📖 Buy on Amazon »
• 🧩 Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time by Jeff Sutherland
  📖 Buy on Amazon »
• 🤝 How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
  📖 Buy on Amazon »
• 🌍 Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond
  📖 Buy on Amazon »

🎧 Tune in now and fill your shelf with wisdom!
💬 Tell us which book changed your thinking — we’re always ready to read.

🎙️ Episode 10 Title: Thriving in the Digital Age: 2Gen Perspectives on Communication, Social Media & Emerging Tech

🧠 What We Talked About:
Mike Cobb and Logan Birgenheier dive into conversations about modern communication, social media, and emerging technologies, exploring how these tools impact our lives from two different generational perspectives — but always with an eye toward thriving today and into the future.

⚖️ Pros & Cons:
We explore the benefits and challenges of digital tools — from staying connected to information overload. Throughout the conversation, we emphasize that technology is just a tool — it's up to us to decide how we use it.

📣 Shout Out:
Mike gives a big shout out to The Social Institute and Laura Tierney for their work in helping students and families navigate social media and technology positively.

🔮 Looking Ahead:
How can we make intentional choices today to set ourselves — and future generations — up for success in a rapidly evolving tech landscape?