Confluence Conversations Podcast

Confluence Conversations is a podcast dedicated to fostering insightful discussions on education, community impact, and pressing societal issues. This podcast serves as a platform to amplify voices, share knowledge, and create a ripple effect of positive change within and beyond the Confluence Academy community.

If interested in being a guest or sharing a story on Confluence Conversations podcast, contact us via [email protected]

Creating Pathways Through the Arts: GCAA, the St. Louis Symphony, and Student Opportunity

Empowering Youth Through Opportunity with Dream Builders 4 Equity

Building Safe Communities Through Gun Safety

In this episode, student leaders from Confluence Academies, Lift for Life Academy, and Normandy High School share how they’re advocating for safety and change in their schools. What started within Confluence has grown across the region, with districts like Normandy, Lift for Life Academy, and Cardinal Ritter joining the movement and participating in The Movement, Not the Moment march.

Pathways to Prosperity: Student Success at Ranken Technical College

Pathways to Prosperity: Student Success at Ranken Technical College

This episode explores how Ranken Technical College prepares students for high-demand, high-wage careers through hands-on learning, industry-aligned programs, and comprehensive student support. We’ll highlight the pathways Ranken creates—from dual credit and early college to apprenticeships and employer partnerships—and how Student Success initiatives help learners persist, complete, and thrive.

Crystal Herron, Vice President for Student Success, will share how her team advances equity, belonging, and career readiness, along with how Ranken collaborates with K–12 schools, families, and employers to expand opportunity.

Building Community Impact: Inside 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis

Building Community Impact: Inside 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis

This episode explores how 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis goes beyond hospitality to serve as a cultural and community hub in the heart of downtown. With a contemporary art museum, locally inspired dining, and inclusive community programming, 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis is redefining what a hotel can be.

Joining us is Christopher Randall, Director of Community Impact for 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis, to discuss how the hotel fosters partnerships, supports local artists, and engages with the broader St. Louis community to create meaningful connections that extend far beyond its walls.

Reading Changes Everything: Inside Ready Readers’ Literacy Mission

This episode spotlights Ready Readers, a St. Louis nonprofit dedicated to inspiring a love of reading and strengthening early literacy through classroom read-alouds, high-quality books, educator support, and family engagement. Guests Maggie Strube, Lauren Campbell, and Erin Fisher share how Ready Readers partners with early childhood centers and elementary schools, mobilizes trained volunteers, and collaborates with educators and families to build strong reading foundations.

Real Change Starts Within: A Conversation with Dr. Terrance Peterson

Curriculum Innovation - Using Podcasts to Enhance Student Learning

Curriculum Innovation - Using Podcasts to Enhance Student Learning

In this episode of Confluence Conversations, host Haley Brueck speaks with Dr. Ava Smith, an educational leader and innovator, about how podcasts are transforming classroom engagement and student learning. Dr. Smith shares how educators can integrate podcasting into the curriculum to inspire creativity, develop communication skills, and connect lessons to real-world experiences.

The Future of Learning: Schools Expands Access Through Online Education

Columbia Public Schools (CPS) is committed to providing students with transformative learning experiences—both inside and outside the classroom. Through CPS Online and MOCAP, students have access to flexible, personalized learning opportunities that meet diverse needs and prepare them for success. In this episode, we highlight CPS as an expert voice on online education, exploring both the advantages and the challenges of virtual learning.
At Confluence Academies, we share this commitment to removing barriers through online learning. By offering digital coursework, we create more equitable access to education, support different learning styles, and expand opportunities for all of our students.

The Art of Education: How Fox Theatre is Inspiring the Next Generation

More Than a Pool: How the YMCA Builds Confidence, Equity, and Community

The Black Rep: Empowering Youth Through Theatre

The Power of a Little Bit: Transforming Lives Through Education

Empowering Girls: Transforming Futures: The Sophia Project’s Holistic Approach

Empowering Girls: Transforming Futures: The Sophia Project’s Holistic Approach

This episode explores The Sophia Project, a transformative initiative dedicated to empowering girls through a holistic, trauma-informed model that fosters academic achievement, emotional wellness, and leadership development. The Sophia Project provides a safe and nurturing space for girls to thrive through consistent mentorship, restorative practices, and community-based support system.

Our guest will share how the organization is equipping young women with the tools to overcome adversity, build self-worth, and become agents of change in their communities.

May 12, 2025 •Season 1• Episode 4 • 21:56

Empowering Change: Inside the Urban League’s Save Our Sons Program

This episode highlights the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’s Save Our Sons (SOS) program, a transformative initiative designed to empower economically disadvantaged men by helping them secure stable, well-paying employment. Through job readiness training, mentorship, financial literacy, and access to employer networks, SOS is creating meaningful pathways to long-term success and breaking cycles of poverty.

April 15, 2025•Season 1•Episode 3 • 21:06

Breaking Barriers in Education: The Impact of STLCC’s TRIO Program

Breaking Barriers in Education: The Impact of STLCC’s TRIO Program

This episode of Confluence Conversations delves into STLCC’s TRIO program, a federally funded initiative designed to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds in achieving academic success. This episode features insights from Laura Modrcin, Manager of TRIO, who shares her expertise on how STLCC’s TRIO program supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Host Haley Brucek leads the conversation, exploring the program’s mission, its impact on student success, and the academic, financial, and career resources available through TRIO. Whether you're a student, educator, policymaker, or community advocate, Confluence Conversations invites you to join us in this important discussion about breaking barriers in education and creating pathways for opportunity.

March 27, 2025•Season 1•Episode 2•24:42

Educators for Gun Safety

Educators for Gun Safety

Our debut episode, "Educators for Gun Safety," is hosted by Dr. Muhammad and tackles the crucial topic of gun safety in schools. We explore the role of educators in creating safer learning environments, discuss the challenges they face, and highlight practical steps that can be taken to protect students and staff. Listeners will hear from experts who provide valuable insights, personal experiences, and actionable strategies for fostering a culture of safety in education.

This episode features voices from diverse perspectives, including students Jahlil Latchison and Jayvonte Hughes Jr., and teacher Cierra Wourman, who share their thoughts and experiences on the impact of gun safety in schools. Whether you're an educator, parent, policymaker, or community leader, Confluence Conversations invites you to join us in these important discussions and be part of the movement for positive change.

March 17, 2025•Season 1•Episode 1•24:32