Ep 262: Benjamin Freud, Ph.D: The Green School Bali, Biomimicry and valuable lessons from nature.

In this transformative episode of The Art of Teaching podcast, host Matthew welcomes Dr. Benjamin Freud, Head of School and Strategic Lead Regenerative Education at Green School Bali, to discuss radical reimagining of education through biomimicry, reciprocity, and student-led learning. Freud, a French-born educator with a PhD in history and extensive experience in Silicon Valley and global progressive schools, shares how his journey—from consulting in tech to founding the Biomimicry for Regenerative Design Lab—led him to Green School Bali, a pioneering institution built entirely from bamboo and designed to live in harmony with nature. He argues that traditional education replicates outdated hierarchies and fails to prepare students for an uncertain future, advocating instead for systems that prioritize relationships, real-world application, and student agency. The school’s culture of 'yes,' student associations with real decision-making power, and projects that serve both human and non-human communities exemplify a model where learning is measured not by tests but by impact, confidence, and growth in relationships. Freud challenges the very notion of measuring learning, asserting that assessments are shaped by the questions we ask—and thus reflect power structures, not truth. He emphasizes that the future belongs to those who can navigate complexity, not those who memorize algorithms. Practical changes like removing teacher desks and creating circular learning spaces are simple yet powerful steps schools can take to flatten hierarchies and foster trust. Through vivid examples—from students designing surf helmets from recycled materials to second graders using sound recordings to track bee migration—Freud illustrates how authentic, engaged learning emerges when students are trusted to lead. The episode closes with a call to action: every educator can begin transforming their classroom by centering student voice and co-creating a culture of mutual responsibility and curiosity.