Amsive

Educating the Human Potential

The American Montessori Society Podcast

Journey into the future of learning with two pioneering educators as they unlock the secrets of human potential through captivating conversations on education’s biggest challenges.

Explore “Educating the Human Potential,” where Educational Psychologist Nicole Coman and renowned Montessori Educator William “Biff” Maier guide you through transformative discussions that are reshaping how we think about education. This podcast from the American Montessori Society sparks insightful conversations about the future of learning, featuring thought-provoking discussions with educational and cultural trailblazers.

Educating the Human Potential challenges the status quo in education—because how we learn shapes society itself. Each episode dives into the critical issues shaping education today, blending research, lived experience, and bold ideas. Whether it’s rethinking classroom models, exploring the psychology of learning, nurturing curiosity and resilience in children, or unpacking social and cultural forces at play in education, Educating the Human Potential delivers engaging, accessible conversations for parents, educators, policymakers, and lifelong learners alike.

All Episodes:

Inside the Fisher-Price Play Lab: Why Fisher-Price Embraced Montessori and Returned to Wood

Season 1 | Episode 18

September 16, 2025

Building Trust: Why Parent-School Communication Matters

Season 1 | Episode 17

September 2, 2025

From Loss to a Life of Creativity: Graffiti Artist Erik Wahl and Tasha Wahl on Life as Your Art Studio

Season 1 | Episode 16

August 18, 2025

The Real Maria Montessori: Historian Erica Moretti on the Woman Behind the Method

Season 1 | Episode 15

August 4, 2025

Rethinking School: Dr. Ulcca Joshi Hansen on Equity, Technology, and the Future of Learning

Season 1 | Episode 14

July 18, 2025

Let Kids Be Kids: Olympian Dominique Dawes on Intrinsic Motivation, Healing, and Rethinking Youth Sports

Season 1 | Episode 13

July 3, 2025

The Future Is Human: Eric Rodriguez on Technology, Montessori, and the Power of Purpose

Season 1 | Episode 12

June 23, 2025

Montessori Deep Dive: One Teacher’s Journey to Montessori

Season 1 | Episode 11

June 9, 2025

A Boy Erased: Garrard Conley on Surviving Conversion Therapy and Growing Up Gay in the Bible Belt

Season 1 | Episode 10

June 2, 2025

Leading with Purpose: Anita Hanks and the Future of Montessori Education

Season 1 | Episode 9

May 19, 2025

From Burnout to Balance: Suneel Gupta on Small Adjustments with Big Impact

Season 1 | Episode 8

May 5, 2025

Life After Montessori: High School Seniors Reflect on the Impact of Their Early Education

Season 1 | Episode 7

April 28, 2025

The Joy of Foraging: Alexis Nikole Nelson on Food, Nature, and Her Montessori Roots

Season 1 | Episode 6

April 7, 2025

The Power of Social Identity with Dr. Jay Van Bavel: How Groups Shape Learning, Bias, and Belonging

Season 1 | Episode 5

March 24, 2025

Why Rules Fail: The Montessori Approach to Raising Disciplined Children

Season 1 | Episode 4

March 11, 2025

Raising Kids in a Hypersexualized Digital World with Dr. Sharon Maxwell & Chelsea Maxwell

Season 1 | Episode 3

March 3, 2025

Lisa Ling on Journalism, Curiosity, and the Power of Storytelling

Season 1 | Episode 2

February 19, 2025

Introducing Educating The Human Potential

Season 1 | Episode 1

February 6, 2025

Most Recent Episode

What happens when one of the world’s most iconic toy makers goes back to its roots – and invites Montessori experts to help chart the future? In this episode, hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman go inside Fisher-Price’s legendary Play Lab with Dr. Corinne Eggleston, Senior Manager of the Fisher-Price Play Lab, to unpack why the company returned to wood, how the team designed a Montessori-inspired product line, and what decades of play research reveal about how children really learn.

Hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman talk with Fisher-Price’s Corinne Eggleston about:

  • Why Fisher-Price decided to reintroduce wooden toys, and what they learned in the process.
  • How the Fisher-Price Play Lab tests toys with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in two purpose-built labs (complete with one-way glass and a raised floor), and why children’s feedback drives every iteration.
  • What authentic Montessori design required (not just the aesthetic), including school ethnography and iterative reviews with AMS.
  • Why Fisher-Price became the first recipient of the AMS Montessori Seal of Excellence, and what that signals to parents and educators.
  • How the Fisher-Price team balances free play and guided play, plus the included “Play Tips” booklets that help caregivers support at home.
  • What Fisher-Price’s decades of play research reveal about how children learn best.

With warmth, insight, and a behind-the-scenes look at toy design, this episode shows how a beloved company rediscovered timeless materials, grounded pedagogy, and child-led innovation.

Find the Fisher-Price Wood Montessori Collection on Amazon.

Find out more about the AMS Montessori Seal of Excellence and learn how to apply.

Corinne Eggleston, Ph.D.

LISTEN ON:

Nicole Coman
Nicole Coman (she/her) is one of the co-hosts of the Educating the Human Potential podcast, produced by AMS. As a licensed educational psychologist, Nicole brings a wealth of expertise in school psychology and child development. Her experience with educational practices, Montessori education, and child development allows for an ever-captivating and insightful dialogue.
William “Biff” Maier
Biff Maier (he/him) is one of the co-hosts of the Educating the Human Potential podcast, produced by AMS. Biff is an AMS Living Legacy, a former Montessori head of school, and a former teacher education program director. These deep-rooted connections with Montessori education, his passion for Montessori principles, and his legacy within AMS make him the perfect addition to our podcast team.