Check This Out

Latest Episodes:

Ep.168 - Did We Just Become Best Friends? Aug 10, 2026

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Check This Out Podcast – Episode 168

Did We Just Become Best Friends?

Join Ryan O’Donnell and Brian Briggs for a lively episode as they navigate back-to-school trends, critical discussions on student privacy, and cutting-edge AI tools for educators. Whether you're an educator looking to revamp your syllabus, an admin seeking research-backed professional development, or just curious about the shifting edtech landscape, this episode delivers practical strategies and exciting new resources to check out for the new school year.

Main Topics:

Growing pushback against classroom screen time, examining media coverage and strategies for finding the right digital balance.
Creative uses of Claude Design for syllabus building, alongside important student privacy considerations regarding AI tools in the classroom.
Project-Based Learning made simple with PBL Launchpad, generating complete Gold Standard PBL units, rubrics, and materials.
New edtech tools and extensions, featuring Google Vids and the Google Vids Screen Recorder extension for Chrome.
Upcoming professional development with the Vibe Shift Conference, plus media recommendations including the Murder 101 documentary and Zach King's Cardboard Star Wars.

Show Notes: https://checkthisout.live/ep168

If you enjoy the show, please head to iTunes and give us a few stars. We appreciate the feedback and acknowledgment. #PodcastEDU

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Ep 167: You got anything to talk about? Jun 15, 2026

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Check This Out Podcast –

Episode 167: You got anything to talk about?

Join Ryan O’Donnell and Brian Briggs for a lively episode as they delve into debates over screen time in schools, innovative uses of AI, and the future of educational technology. Whether you're an educator, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about the digital shift, this episode offers practical insights and fun tools to help you navigate the evolving edtech landscape.

Main Topics:

The push for reduced screen time in schools, with policies from LA Unified, and the importance of intentional tech use.
Creative applications of AI in education, including vibe coding, generating worksheets, and engaging projects.
Emerging edtech tools: Google Earth Flight Simulator, GeoGuesser, and new Chromebooks for staff.
Challenges teachers face with tech integration, resistance to AI, and the balance between technology and unstructured play.
Professional development opportunities: Vibe Shift conference, vibe coding roundtables, and online communities.

Show Notes: https://checkthisout.live/ep167

If you enjoy the show, please head to iTunes and give us a few stars. We appreciate the feedback and acknowledgment. #PodcastEDU

***Please visit Check This Out Podcast dot Com for show notes, past episodes, and more.

Thank you so much for checking this out!

Ep166 "CUE Vibes" Mar 25, 2026

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Check This Out Podcast

Episode 166 "CUE Vibes"

Ryan and Brian recap the Spring CUE Conference (sponsored by Calie) and dive deep into the world of vibe coding. Ryan shares an AI session strategy he used with staff — prompting teachers to brainstorm "AI-proof" assessments — and rounds up a set of must-have Chrome extensions: ColorZilla, Image Eye, OneTab, and Screencastify.

Brian highlights Tony Vincent's "Classy Vibing with AI" course and his App Lab, both worth a look for educators interested in hands-on AI exploration. The duo also spotlights TeacherHive as a useful resource.

On the vibe coding front, Ryan shows off his game show-themed creations — a Bathroom Queue manager, Wheel of Fortune, and a Jeopardy question generator — all built and hosted on Neocities. Brian shares his own Vibe Coding Generator and the PLAID project.

The episode wraps with what they're currently listening to: Brian is into Project Hail Mary, and Ryan recommends the AI in Education podcast with Dan Bowen and Ray Fleming.

Show Notes: https://checkthisout.live/ep166

If you enjoy the show, please head to iTunes and give us a few stars. We appreciate the feedback and acknowledgment. #PodcastEDU

***Please visit Check This Out Podcast dot Com for show notes, past episodes, and more.

Thank you so much for checking this out!

EP165: Making Copies Jan 05, 2026

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Check This Out Podcast – Episode 165: Making Copies

Are you ready to stop presenting and start interacting? On Episode 165, we’re looking at tools that might finally make you want to break up with Google Slides. Ryan introduces Genially, a platform that brings the "click factor" to your lessons with pop-ups, escape rooms, and gamification.

Then, we get into the "Vibe." Vibe Coding is here, and it means you (and your students) can build apps without knowing a lick of Python—just by describing the vibe you want.

We also cover:

Eric Curts’ guide to AI Graphic Novels.
A mysterious but essential segment on "Making Copies."
An AI Sticker Box for instant creativity.
Ryan’s take on Nexus and Brian’s review of LOL: Last One Laughing UK.

Grab a mocha with extra whip (it is National Whipped Cream Day, after all) and check this out!

Show Notes: https://checkthisout.live/ep165

Ep 164: “Going Bananas” Sep 28, 2025

Show notes

Check This Out Podcast – Episode 164: “Going Bananas”

In this episode of Check This Out, hosts Ryan O’Donnell and Brian Briggs are back in the studio with another round of fun discoveries, thoughtful discussions, and resources for educators.

Join us on Episode 164 as we explore 3D printing with the Bambu Lab, check out new AI tools like Nano Banana and Gemini Storybook, and share podcast recommendations from inspiring educators. We also talk about how Brisk can transform classroom content into podcasts, making history lessons come alive. And of course, we raise a mug to National Coffee Day—because teaching, creating, and podcasting all run a little smoother with caffeine.

As always, we highlight what caught our attention in tech, teaching, and creativity, all the things that make us want to say, “You’ve got to Check This Out!”

Show Notes: checkthisout.live/CTO164

If you enjoy the show, please head to iTunes and give us a few stars. We appreciate the feedback and acknowledgment. #PodcastEDU

***Please visit Check This Out Podcast dot Com for show notes, past episodes, and more.

Thank you so much for checking this out!

EP 163 - Links in the bio Jul 27, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to the Check This Out Podcast!

Episode 163 for July 28, 2025

Titled - Links in the bio

Show Notes: https://checkthisout.live/ep163

Join hosts Ryan O'Donnell and Brian Briggs as they dive back into the world of educational technology with humor and insight. In this episode, they explore the latest trends from ISTE, share personal anecdotes about AI in the classroom, and discuss creative ways to engage students through games. Whether you're an educator or tech enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways and a good dose of laughter. Tune in for a fun and informative ride!

If you enjoy the show, please head to iTunes and give us a few stars. We appreciate the feedback and acknowledgment. Join our Facebook group and follow our BlueSky! #PodcastEDU

***Please visit Check This Out Podcast dot Com for show notes, past episodes, and more.

Thank you so much for checking this out!

https://youtu.be/u60R0EJhSJ8?si=W-tt4Nt53yIzxqIF

EP162 - Let’s Be Creative with A.I. Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to the Check This Out Podcast!

Episode 162 for February 18th, 2025

Titled - Let’s Be Creative with A.I.

Show Notes: https://checkthisout.live/ep162

This episode discusses getting back into podcasting for 2025. It also covers the history of A.I. tools and a new A.I. tool called Whisk. The episode also touches on other A.I. tools, a recipe creator, a new piece of hardware, and much more.

If you enjoy the show, please head to iTunes and give us a few stars. We appreciate the feedback and acknowledgment. Join our Facebook group and follow our BlueSky! #PodcastEDU

***Please visit Check This Out Podcast dot Com for show notes, past episodes, and more.

Thank you so much for checking this out!

EP161 - The Holiday Special Dec 19, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to the Check This Out Podcast!

Episode 161 for December 19th, 2024

Titled - The Holiday Special

Show Notes: https://checkthisout.live/ep161notes

In this episode of Check This Out, we’re joined by some of our favorite friends—Jen Giffen, Tom Covington, and Brent Warner—for a special holiday celebration! Together, we’ll share some great things to check out, highlight our favorite tech gifts, and reminisce about nostalgic finds and festive traditions.

So grab a cozy drink, settle in, and enjoy this fun-filled episode as we bring a little tech and a lot of cheer to your holiday season!”

If you enjoy the show, please head to iTunes and give us a few stars. We appreciate the feedback and acknowledgment. Join our Facebook group and follow our BlueSky! #PodcastEDU

***Please visit Check This Out Podcast dot Com for show notes, past episodes, and more.

Thank you so much for checking this out!

EP160 - S.D.H.S.F.R. Nov 26, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to the Check This Out Podcast!

Episode 160 for November 26th, 2024

Titled - S.D.H.S.F.R.

Show Notes: https://tinyurl.com/ctoep160

Join us on Episode 160 as we dive into the latest edtech trends, explore the impact of AI on teaching and learning, and share practical tips for navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape. We'll also discuss the challenges of maintaining student focus, the decline of Chegg, and the rise of new social media platforms. Plus, we have some great podcast recommendations and resources to check out.

If you enjoy the show, please head to iTunes and give us a few stars. We appreciate the feedback and acknowledgment. Join our Facebook group and follow our BlueSky! #PodcastEDU

***Please visit Check This Out Podcast dot Com for show notes, past episodes, and more.

Thank you so much for checking this out!

Ep159 - Some New Things From Some Old Guys May 06, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to the Check This Out Podcast!

Episode 159 for May 6th, 2024

Titled - Some New Things From Some Old Guys

Show Notes: https://tinyurl.com/ep159cto

In this episode, we discuss the Spring CUE Recap and talk about AI—shocker! Plus, we discuss some AI tools and things to listen to, some future conferences, a PBL podcast, and much, much more…

Items to Check Out:

Fullerton’s Whodunnit Progressive Professional Development on AI Using AI
Brisk
Quizizz AI Features
Suno
Neptune Navigate

If you enjoy the show, please head to iTunes and give us a few stars. We appreciate the feedback and acknowledgment. Join our Facebook group and follow our twitter! #PodcastEDU

***Please visit Check This Out Podcast dot Com for show notes, past episodes, and more.

Thank you so much for checking this out!

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