Confluence Conversations
Confluence Conversations is a podcast dedicated to fostering insightful discussions on education, community impact, and pressing societal issues. Through engaging conversations with educators, experts, and changemakers, we aim to inspire action, promote awareness, and drive meaningful dialogue on topics that matter. 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.
Episodes
31 episodes
Beyond the Classroom: Outdoor Learning with River City Outdoors & Old North Academy
This episode of Confluence Conversations highlights the partnership between Confluence Academies and River City Outdoors and the meaningful opportunities it creates for Old North Academy students. Through hands-on experienc...
.png)
Supporting St. Louis Students: How Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis and Confluence Academies Work Together to Help the Whole Child Thrive
This episode of Confluence Conversations highlights the partnership between Confluence Academies and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis and the shared mission of supporting the whole child. Through after-school programming...
.png)
Center Stage: How Opportunities at The Muny Inspire the Next Generation of Artists
This episode of Confluence Conversations highlights the The Muny and the many opportunities available to students through one of St. Louis’ most iconic arts institutions. For more than a century, The Muny has introduced young people...
.png)
GCAA and the Kranzberg Arts Foundation: Connecting Students to the St. Louis Arts Scene
This episode of Confluence Conversations highlights the meaningful partnership between Grand Center Arts Academy (GCAA) and its Grand Center Arts District neighbor, the Kranzberg Arts Foundation. Through this collaboration,...
.png)
From Studio to Stage: Investing in the Next Generation of Dancers in St. Louis
This episode of Confluence Conversations highlights the dynamic partnership between Dance St. Louis and Grand Center Arts Academy (GCAA) and the meaningful opportunities it creates for students in the Dance Pathway.As Dance St. L...
.png)
Lights, Camera, Opportunity: GCAA Students Bring The Good Life to Life
This episode of Confluence Conversations spotlights The Good Life, an exciting new student-involved video series that blends comedy with meaningful life lessons. Inspired by iconic shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and The Steve Harvey Sho...
.png)
St. Louis Cardinals Player Jordan Walker, Walker’s Winners, and Old North Academy Team Up to Inspire Students
This episode of Confluence Conversations highlights the partnership between Confluence Academies and Walker’s Winners and the shared belief that every child deserves to be recognized, encouraged, and empowered to succeed. F...
Saving Lives: Community Health, Service, and the Power of Partnership | Confluence Conversations
This episode of Confluence Conversations highlights the partnership between Confluence Academies and the American Red Cross and how this collaboration supports student wellness, community health, and life-saving service. This conversation explo...
Creating Pathways Through the Arts: GCAA, the St. Louis Symphony, and Student Opportunity
In this episode of Confluence Conversations, we highlight the unique partnership between Grand Center Arts Academy (GCAA) and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO)—and how it creates real-world opportunities for students across Confl...
-2.jpg)
Empowering Youth Through Opportunity with Dream Builders 4 Equity
In this episode of Confluence Conversations, host Dr. Lewis-Kelly sits down with Michael Woods, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Dream Builders 4 Equity (DB4E), to discuss DB4E’s partnership with Confluence Academies through the Su...
More Than a Season: How Athletics Are Powering Growth at Confluence Academies
In this episode of Confluence Conversations, we spotlight the growing athletics program at Confluence Academies and the role sports play in building leadership, community, and opportunity for student-athletes.Athletic Director A...
Confluence Scholars Dress for Success: Inside the Harris-Stowe Hornet Boutique
The Harris-Stowe State University Hornet Boutique provides free, professional clothing and accessories to students preparing for interviews, internships, career fairs, or professional events. Through Confluence Academies’ partnership with Harri...
Leveling Up Learning: Esports Opportunities at Confluence Academies
Esports is more than gaming—it’s a fast-growing global industry creating pathways in technology, design, broadcasting, analytics, and business.In this episode, we explore how Confluence Academies is using Esports to build real-world ...
Strengthening the Teacher Pipeline: Saint Louis University’s StayTeachLead Initiative
Saint Louis University’s School of Education is deepening its commitment to preparing impactful urban educators through the new StayTeachLead Scholarship Program. This episode explores how the initiative strengthens the local teacher pip...
Launching a New Podcast
Overview:In this episode of Confluence Conversations, host Haley Brueck sits down with Dr. Ava Smith, an influential educator and community advocate, to discuss her journey in shaping equitable opportunities fo...
Building Safe Communities Against Gun Violence
In 2022, educators across St. Louis launched Educators for Gun Safety (EGS) in response to rising youth gun violence. Supported by the Mayor’s Office, the St. Louis Board of Mental Health, SLMPD, and Women’s Voices Raised for Social Just...
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 du...
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 Mu...
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.Gu...
Real Change Starts Within: A Conversation with Dr. Terrance Peterson
This episode features Dr. Terrance Peterson, an experienced educator, certified administrator, and life coach with over 30 years of experience helping individuals and organizations set and achieve positive goals for change. Dr. Peterson’s work ...
Curriculum Innovation - Using Podcasts to Enhance Student Learning
Host: Haley BrueckGuest: Dr. Ava SmithOverview:In this episode of Confluence Conversations, host Haley Brueck speaks with Dr. Ava Smith, an educational leader and innovator, about how p...
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...
The Art of Education: How Fox Theatre is Inspiring the Next Generation
The Fabulous Fox Theatre is proud to offer Educational Encores, a signature post-show opportunity designed to deepen the theatrical experience for student groups. These sessions provide students the unique chance to engage directly with members...
More Than a Pool: How the YMCA Builds Confidence, Equity, and Community
Mr. Lennox Forrester leads the O’Fallon Park Rec Complex YMCA and has played a vital role in expanding youth access to swimming, fitness, and life-saving skills across the St. Louis community.For several years, Confluence Academy’s Old N...
The Black Rep: Empowering Youth Through Theatre
This episode highlights The Black Rep and its dynamic impact on students through arts education. As a national leader in African-American theatre, The Black Rep engages youth through programs that blend cultural storytelling with creative expre...
