AI Literacy, Storytelling, and the Magic of Moby with BrainPOP CEO Lorin Thomas-Tavel

In a deeply insightful episode of Trending in Ed, Mike Palmer sits down with Lauren Thomas-Tavel, CEO of BrainPop, to explore how storytelling, character-driven learning, and human-centered design are at the heart of educational innovation in the age of AI. Thomas-Tavel reveals that BrainPop’s enduring success stems not from technology alone, but from its beloved characters—especially the silent, smirk-filled robot Moby—who foster emotional connection and trust in classrooms. As AI literacy becomes a critical skill, BrainPop is integrating it into its curriculum through a framework developed with Digital Promise, emphasizing understanding, evaluation, and responsible use—without replacing the teacher. The conversation turns to the strategic balance between AI adoption and human oversight, with Thomas-Tavel insisting that AI should augment, not replace, the irreplaceable role of teachers and classroom culture. She also shares how her leadership philosophy centers on focus, culture, and the power of asking for help—using the 'even over' framework to clarify priorities. Ultimately, she argues that curiosity, community, and feeling seen are what will endure, no matter how advanced AI becomes.