Mental Health Meets AI: What Alongside Is Teaching Us About Students Today
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
Release Date: 07/28/2025
Future-proofing students through service learning
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
In this conversation, Tricia Friedman and discuss the evolving landscape of service learning and education. They explore the importance of experiential learning, community engagement, and the need for transformative teaching practices that resonate with students. LeeAnne shares practical examples and insights on how educators can adapt their approaches to foster curiosity, joy, and meaningful connections in the classroom. The discussion also touches on the significance of future-proofing education by equipping students with essential skills for the complexities of the modern world. Chapters...
info_outline
Help students have a healthier relationship with the news
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
In this episode, Jeff Utecht interviews Jack Brewster, CEO of , discussing the importance of news literacy, the impact of misinformation, and how Newsreel aims to engage students with high-quality news. They explore the role of social media and AI in journalism, the skills needed for future journalists, and how educators can utilize Newsreel to enhance students' critical thinking and media consumption habits. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Newsreel and Its Mission 02:29 The Role of News Literacy in Education 05:09 Engaging Students with Newsreel 09:00 Misinformation on Social Media 09:49...
info_outline
The Future of Civics with Joshua M. Scacco, PhD
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
Tricia Friedman and Dr. Joshua Scacco explore the evolving landscape of political communication, emphasizing the impact of technology and attention fatigue on democracy. They discuss the dual nature of change in political engagement, the importance of understanding human behavior, and the challenges posed by the entertainmentification of politics. Scacco highlights the need for future researchers to adapt to new communication styles and the role of regulation in shaping political messaging. The conversation concludes with a focus on building community and preparing individuals for meaningful...
info_outline
The Future of School with Dr. Annalies Corbin
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
In this episode of Shifting Schools, Jeff Utecht interviews Dr. Annalies Corbin, author of 'Hacking School: Five Strategies to Link Learning to Life.' They discuss the origins of the PAST Foundation, the importance of STEM identity, and the five key strategies for educational reform. Annalies emphasizes the need for cultural relevance, student agency, and problem-based learning in education. They also explore the challenges educators face in implementing these changes, the impact of standardized testing, and the concept of wicked problems in education. The conversation highlights the...
info_outline
Mental Health Meets AI: What Alongside Is Teaching Us About Students Today
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
What if AI could help schools not just support educators as they work to manage student mental health needs, but prevent crises before they start? In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Elsa Friis, licensed clinical psychologist from returns to discuss how her team is using clinician-built AI tools to support students, educators, and families. From building trust through anonymity to boosting classroom attendance, Elsa shares research, real stories, and the myths she’s constantly debunking. 🎧 You’ll hear about: Why mental health support doesn't need to be 55 minutes long to make...
info_outline
AI Companions: the risks and benefits, and what educators need to know
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
How do we prepare students—and ourselves—for a world where AI grief companions and "deadbots" are a reality? In this eye-opening episode, Jeff Utecht sits down with Dr. Tomasz Hollanek, a critical design and AI ethics researcher at the University of Cambridge’s Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence, to discuss: The rise of AI companions like Character.AI and Replika Emotional manipulation risks and the ethics of human-AI relationships What educators need to know about the EU AI Act and digital consent How to teach AI literacy beyond skill-building—focusing on ethics,...
info_outline
What does it mean to 'spark brilliance' in schools?
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
In this episode of Shifting Schools, Jeff Utecht speaks with Jackie Insinger and Monica White about their book, 'Spark Brilliance for Educators.' They discuss the application of positive psychology in education, the importance of addressing teacher burnout, and the transformative impact of the Spark framework on both teachers and students. The conversation highlights the significance of authentic connections in the classroom and the need for a systemic approach to improve school culture and mental health. Learn more: Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Brilliance and Positive...
info_outline
Why Raising Adaptive, Curious Humans in the Age of AI Matters More Than Ever Before
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
In this conversation, Tricia Friedman speaks with Tania Tasopoulou, a business psychologist and organizational development expert with more than 25 years of experience in Europe and the GCC. Tania has led executive roles at global organizations including Coca-Cola HBC and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), and began her career at Korn Ferry (formerly Hay Group S.A.), where she served as Expertise Leader for Talent Management and Leadership Development across Southeast Europe. Now the founder of OrgDesignWays, Tania is pioneering conversations about the future of...
info_outline
The number one trend driving change across industries
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
In this conversation, Tricia Friedman and Rachael Mann explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education, the workforce, and various industries. They discuss the importance of preparing educators and students for the changes brought about by AI, emphasizing that it's not too late to start engaging with these technologies. The conversation also touches on the intersection of AI with creative fields, the potential for AI to enhance career and technical education (CTE), and the need for a balanced perspective on the benefits and challenges of AI. Mann shares insights...
info_outline
Stick-to-itiveness for the future world of work
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
In this conversation, Tricia Friedman speaks with Jerome James about the evolving landscape of engineering, the importance of curiosity and problem-solving skills, and how AI is changing the profession. They discuss the intersection of engineering and mental health, the significance of effective communication in energy management, and the qualities employers seek in engineers. Jerome shares insights on finding one's niche in engineering and the unexpected joys of making a positive impact through one's work. Chapters 00:00 Engineering the Future: An Introduction 03:05 Curiosity and Problem...
info_outlineWhat if AI could help schools not just support educators as they work to manage student mental health needs, but prevent crises before they start? In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Elsa Friis, licensed clinical psychologist from Alongside, returns to discuss how her team is using clinician-built AI tools to support students, educators, and families. From building trust through anonymity to boosting classroom attendance, Elsa shares research, real stories, and the myths she’s constantly debunking.
🎧 You’ll hear about:
-
Why mental health support doesn't need to be 55 minutes long to make an impact
-
The surprising issue most students anonymously seek support for (hint: it's not test anxiety)
-
The difference between ChatGPT and what Alongside is actually doing with AI
Learn more about our guest:
Dr. Elsa Friis, Ph.D., Msc-GH, is a licensed psychologist, researcher, and behavioral health advocate who specializes in utilizing technology to expand access to youth mental health support.
She received her MS in Global Health and PhD in Clinical psychology from Duke University where she leveraged human-centered design to develop an app to support the implementation of a family therapy intervention in Kenya.
Dr. Elsa Friis has published over 20 peer-reviewed articles on the co-development, adaptation, and implementation of culturally salient youth interventions in the US and globally.
Clinically, Elsa has worked and trained in a variety of settings in NC and GA including schools, primary-care clinics, academic medical centers, and hospitals. She is trained in a variety of third-wave cognitive behavioral treatments for youth including DBT-A, ACT, and TF-CBT. She specializes in family-based approaches to treating anxiety, severe behavior concerns, and suicidal ideation.
Elsa firmly believes in co-creating products in partnership with the youth and stakeholders who will utilize them.
Learn more about the ground-breaking resarch they are doing:
https://www.alongside.care/shifting?utm_campaign=Shifting
[02:15] – What Alongside Does
How Alongside supports students through tier one mental health interventions.
[05:30] – AI and Mental Health: What Makes Alongside Different
Why this isn't just another ChatGPT wrapper—and how clinician-built tools matter.
[10:45] – The Power of Single Session Interventions
How 5-minute check-ins can drive lasting change in student well-being.
[15:20] – What the Research Says About the Youth Mental Health Crisis
Surprising findings about stress, social pressure, and how even fourth graders are feeling overwhelmed.
[20:00] – How Alongside Supports Educators Too
Reducing burnout, building staff confidence, and offering private coaching tools for teachers.
[25:30] – What’s Next for Alongside
New research, upcoming findings, and how to bring Alongside into your school or district.