Subscribe
Share
Share
Embed
In this episode of Old Soul, Matthew Millstein chats with Brian Carlson, co-founder and CEO of Storytime AI, about reimagining early literacy in the age of artificial intelligence. What began as a personalized storybook app with 85,000+ downloads is now evolving into a classroom-ready tool built to meet the needs of real teachers—and the real kids they serve.
Brian explains how Storytime AI leverages personalization, multimodal design, and AI-powered storytelling to make reading more engaging, culturally relevant, and effective for students across reading levels. He also shares how his journey from physics major to Peace Corps educator to edtech entrepreneur shaped his belief that stories—especially stories students see themselves in—can change lives.
This episode dives into the literacy crisis, the promise and peril of AI in classrooms, and what it takes to build education tools that actually work for teachers and kids alike.
What We Cover in This Episode:
- What is Storytime AI?
A platform that empowers students to create personalized, leveled books and videos—designed to match their interests, identity, and academic needs. - From App Store to Classroom:
How Storytime AI is now building pedagogically aligned classroom tools for special education and differentiated instruction. - Why Personalization Matters:
The connection between identity-based learning materials and reading engagement. - Teaching Prompt Engineering to Kids:
How Storytime is helping K–6 students understand the logic behind AI by creating stories through structured inputs. - Brian’s Journey from Teacher to Founder:
A personal story that spans South Pacific classrooms, open-source learning systems, a successful edtech exit, and an unexpected new chapter in AI. - The Literacy Crisis—and a Scalable Solution:
Brian’s vision to inspire reading through technology and bring student-centered storytelling into every classroom.
Timestamps
Connect with Brian Carlson
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storytime-ai
If you care about literacy, personalized learning, or the responsible use of AI in education, this episode offers a fresh, hopeful take on what's possible when storytelling meets technology.
Creators and Guests
What is Old Soul?
Old Soul is a restorative and relatable podcast that dives into the heart of entrepreneurship through the eyes of its youngest champions. Hosted by three passionate business owners in their early to mid-twenties, this podcast peels back the layers of what it means to be a young entrepreneur in today's world. Each episode is a journey into the personal narratives of guests who have ventured into business at an early age, often labeled as Old Souls for their precocious achievements. The show explores a variety of compelling topics, from the unique challenges and innovative strategies employed by young business owners to the delicate balance of personal and professional growth.
Listeners are treated to honest discussions about the impact of age and experience in traditionally older-dominated sectors, offering a blend of personal anecdotes and professional insights. The podcast also delves into the transformative role of mentorship and networking, highlighting how guidance from seasoned professionals can shape a young entrepreneur's journey. Moreover, Old Soul is forward-looking, engaging in thought-provoking conversations about the future of entrepreneurship, the importance of social responsibility, and ethical business practices.
This isn't just a podcast; it's a platform where the vibrancy of youth meets the wisdom of experience, creating a rich tapestry of stories that inspire, educate, and resonate with anyone interested in the art of business and personal development.
Old Soul is co-hosted by Matthew Millstein (Old Soul), Aaryan Patel (Air Fried Media), and Walker LeVan (Air Fried Media).
About Old Soul: https://aoldsoul.com/
About Air Fried Media: https://airfriedmedia.com/