U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has unique insight into the current state and future of American schools. This week, we’re sharing a conversation Secretary Cardona had with host Charlotte Alter last month to help shed light on this changing landscape. Cardona shared cherished memories of being an elementary school principal and the challenges of post-pandemic education. The pair unpacked everything from student loan debt solutions under the Biden administration to the critical role of mental health support in schools around the country. In addressing some of the most pressing issues in education today, Secretary Cardona spoke to the multifaceted use of standardized testing, the integration of AI and new technologies in classrooms, and strategies to address chronic student absenteeism. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on shaping tomorrow’s educational landscape with the man at the head of the class.

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Maya Rudolph is a comedy legend, and a 2024 TIME100 honoree. The multitalented actor, acclaimed for her iconic tenure on Saturday Night Live and unforgettable performances in “Bridesmaids,” “Big Mouth,” and more, joins host Charlotte Alter this week to dive deep into her creative process and personal journey. Maya takes us behind the scenes of growing up in a musical family and highlights the parallels between careers in music and comedy. In discussing her hit Apple TV series “Loot,” Maya shares her thoughts on what it would be like to live the life of a billionaire, the perks of working alongside world-renowned chef David Chang, and what drew her to the series in the first place. Rudolph opens up about balancing motherhood with the demands of a live weekly show, how she mastered the art of her world-class impressions, and what made the cohort of female comedians she worked with on SNL so incredibly special. Tune in for a conversation filled with laughter, revelations, and a glimpse into the life of one of comedy’s finest.

Read more:
Maya Rudolph | TIME100
https://time.com/6964633/maya-rudolph-2024/

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Acclaimed novelist and 2024 TIME100 honoree Lauren Groff is a singular voice in American fiction. This week, Groff joins host Charlotte Alter to delve deep into the essence of creativity and the intricacies of the natural world and the human body. Lauren shares her unique perspective on how time acts as the "secret currency" of art, reflecting on the challenges of balancing marriage, motherhood and writing. Known for her commitment to an analog writing practice, Lauren discusses the virtues of disconnecting from digital distractions in favor of play, and unpacks the parallels between athleticism and artistic expression. Articulating the urgencies of this moment in history, Groff provides insights into her approach to weaving real-world themes and pressing societal issues into her narratives. Join Charlotte and Lauren for a deep dive into the life and mind of a writer who crafts not just stories, but windows into our world.

Read more:

Lauren Groff by Ann Patchett | TIME100
• https://time.com/6964750/lauren-groff/

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