Best Escambia County Public Schools Podcasts (2025)

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Ep 156 | The future of media: Meet the interns! 29:51

Play Pause

5h ago29:51

29:51

Send us a text Class of 2025 graduates, Bethany Gurley from Pine Forest High School New Media Academy and Mekayla Leonard from West Florida High School Multimedia Academy were the first videographer and graphic design interns for a newly formed workforce education program with Escambia County Public Schools Office of Communications. In this episode…

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Ep 155 | Current students, future leaders? FBLA 28:33

7d ago28:33

28:33

Send us a text Jacob Hill, IB Business Management teacher at Pensacola High School, is not only seeing the future, he’s helping build it. In this episode, he shares how Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is giving high school students real experiences that translate into confidence, connections and leadership. Learn how students in middle sc…

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Ep 154 | Love Nuggets: Insights from a top teacher 27:47

15d ago27:47

27:47

Send us a text In this episode, you'll quickly understand why Kelly Reed is the Escambia County Public Schools 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year. A kindergarten teacher at Global Learning Academy, she shares her journey to becoming a teacher, some special stories about her little “love nuggets,” as she calls her students, and surprising tips for parent…

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Ep 153 | Welding: Sparking young minds 24:11

22d ago24:11

24:11

Send us a text Joseph Moss is the Welding Instructor at Pensacola High School. In this episode, he shares his journey out of generational poverty and into welding & how that led him to becoming the cornerstone of the PHS welding program. Hear how one arc and one weld are building multiple opportunities for his students. Guest: Joseph Moss https://w…

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Ep 152 | Auto Shop is Back?! New & improved 21:23

29d ago21:23

21:23

Send us a text Steve Harrell, Workforce Education Director at Escambia County Public Schools, shares how the new Automotive Technology Academy is opening the door to more career opportunities for our students and is bringing needed ASC certified technicians to our community. Guest: Steve Harrell https://www.escambiaschools.org/career Learn more abo…

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Ep 151 | Dual Enrollment: Is it college and career hacking? 29:16

1M ago29:16

29:16

Send us a text Holly Busse, Escambia County Public Schools Counselor Specialist, and Lesa Morgan, Director of High Schools, talk about dual enrollment, student and parent readiness, what to expect and how the free class credits for both college and workforce, focus kids. Guests: Holly Busse & Lesa Morgan https://www.escambiaschools.org/Page/4437 Le…

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Ep 150 | Workforce Ed: What if a student hosted our podcast? 30:55

1M ago30:55

30:55

Send us a text Meet Bethany Gurley, a senior in the New Media Academy at Pine Forest High School and outstanding student intern with ECPS’s Communications Office. In this special episode, Meredith Hackwith Edwards becomes the guest, sharing insights into her world and our podcast while Ms. Bethany gets hand-on, real-world experience in podcasting—n…

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Ep 149 | Driver's Ed: More than hands at ten & two 20:51

2M ago20:51

20:51

Send us a text Dr. Charmain Sutherland, Escambia County Public Schools Specialist for PE, Health, Wellness and Driver Education and Mark Humphreys, Driver Education Instructor at Escambia County Public Schools, share what parents need to know about the free Driver’s Ed program and how the program builds confidence and teaches kids to be better deci…

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Ep 148 | Affordable aftercare & meaningful connections 20:07

2M ago20:07

20:07

Send us a text Angela Stephens, Youth and Family Services Director for the YMCA of Northwest Florida, shares how a unique partnership with the Vickery Community Center in Pensacola is not only giving parents After School Care options at significantly reduced costs, but truly uniting for the success of children and families in Escambia County. Guest…

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Ep 147 | What is skateboarding teaching kids? 18:10

2M ago18:10

18:10

Send us a text Sean Fell, owner of Waterboyz Surf & Skate Shop, shares what kids are learn from skateboarding & why he chose collaboration over competition when the downtown skate park was built. You’ll also hear how his skate park, nonprofit & summer camps bring together kids and community all year long. Guest: Sean Fell https://waterboyz.com/ | h…

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Ep 146 | Is mentorship the best legacy? 21:36

2M ago21:36

21:36

Send us a text In this episode, Sally Lee rejoins our podcast to celebrate the final chapter of her 25-year career in student mentorship and shares how it’s not what you know, but what you can show. As the Student Services Coordinator for Take Stock in Children, she reflects on her life, stories of impact from the mentorship program and a legacy fi…

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Ep 145 | Girl's weightlifting: Building strong bodies & confidence 13:42

3M ago13:42

13:42

Send us a text Alicia Gifford is the girls weightlifting coach at Escambia High School, helping students build strength of mind, body & character. In this episode, she debunks weightlifting myths, talks about the value of being a female coach, and shares how the students are building confidence. Guest: Alicia Gifford Learn more about Escambia Count…

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Ep 144 | Aviation Academy: The sky is the limit 27:16

3M ago27:16

27:16

Send us a text Mark Raab is the Aviation Academy Instructor at Booker T Washington High School, providing students with hands-on experience in an actual hangar with an aircraft and a wide range of future possibilities. In this episode, he shares what parents need to know about this 4 year academy and how it guides students toward a diploma, career …

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Ep 143 | Inspiring kids to eat their veggies 29:38

3M ago29:38

29:38

Send us a text Greg Miller is the Farm Garden Playground Consultant at Picked at Perfection Urban Farm, working with our local schools to provide not just on-site pocket gardens or mini farms, but immersive teaching experiences to help kids reconnect with their food. In this episode, Greg shares how this unique partnership is reinforcing their lear…

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Ep 142 | Introducing: Accelerate your performance, a Studer Education Podcast 24:47

3M ago24:47

24:47

Send us a text It's swap week! Join us as we cross-promote another local podcast: Accelerate Your Performance is hosted by Dr. Janet Pilcher, Founder and President of Studer Education, headquartered here in Pensacola, Fl. Each week, Janet highlights tactical and actionable strategies that leaders in educational organizations can hardwire to meet su…

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Ep 141 | 4H: It's not what you think 16:04

4M ago16:04

16:04

Send us a text Haylee Linam is the 4H Youth Development Agent for Escambia County. In this episode, Haylee does some myth busting about 4H and shares how it’s different from FFA. She shares how student interest drives the 4H clubs and the unexpected ways STEM has become a part of the program. You’ll also hear what membership looks like for students…

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Ep 140 | Mock Trial: More than a trial run at a law career 24:07

4M ago24:07

24:07

Send us a text Lisette Guttery, Instructional Coach at Pensacola High School and Stephanie White, attorney and Mock Trial coach, share how the community effort of Mock Trial helps students build confidence, critical thinking and public speaking skills. They share the surprising reasons that students NOT interested in a law career thrive in the prog…

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Ep 139 | Are you ready for summer camp? 15:29

4M ago15:29

15:29

Send us a text Brittany Hughes is the Marketing and Outreach Coordinator for Play Pensacola Parks & Recreation. In this episode, she debunks what you think of summer camp, how their 17 different camps are customized to the children’s individual interests, needs and skills, and how scholarships can defray the costs. Guest: Brittany Hughes https://ww…

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Ep 138 | The Muskogee people: bringing oral history to the classroom 33:11

4M ago33:11

33:11

Send us a text Chief Dan Sky-Horse Helms of the Santa Rosa Creek Muskogee Tribe illuminates the oral history of the Native First People of the Panhandle. In this episode he shares how the tribe is collaborating with teachers to build a more complete curriculum, the journey to regaining this lost knowledge, and how the Cultural Education Center and …

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Ep 137 | Classrooms & military: mutual support? 23:52

4M ago23:52

23:52

Send us a text Monica Willis, Escambia County Public Schools Military Liaison, and Command Master Chief Jim Wallace at Naval Air Station Pensacola, share how our community rallies around our military families. They talk about the unique partnership between Escambia County Public Schools, the civilian benefit to military family presence and share re…

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Ep 136 | Vaping: Are our kids at risk? 21:25

5M ago21:25

21:25

Send us a text Dr. Okan Elidemir is the Chief of Pulmonology at Nemours Children’s Health. In this episode, he shares cases of vaping injury, how addictive it is compared to regular smoking, and how to talk to your kids about consequences, peer pressure and managing stress. Guest: Dr. Okan Elidemir Nemours Pensacola https://tinyurl.com/yckx7cyw | h…

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Ep 135 | Snowball Effect: Student success story (RECAST) 22:40

5M ago22:40

22:40

Send us a text This is one of our most popular episodes, so we wanted to recast it! West Florida High School graduates and twin brothers, Jamal and Jamari Sharp are entrepreneurs, authors and philanthropists, but it wasn’t always this way. Jamal shares how the two went from problem students to success stories, why they decided to call their snoball…

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Ep 134 | Are museums really for everyone? 21:19

5M ago21:19

21:19

Send us a text Wendi Davis, Visitor Experience Manager at the UWF Historic Trust, shares how the downtown Children's Museum acts as a keeper of community story to become a prized community resource for kids (8 and under), parents and therapists. You’ll hear how Playologists reimagine exhibits in order to encourage exploration and learning and the m…

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Ep 133 | Pensacola has an archery park? 16:11

5M ago16:11

16:11

Send us a text Tyler Newton is the President of the Panhandle Bowhunters and Archery Association. In this episode, Tyler talks about the Klondike Archery Park, an incredible but not well-known resource for college scholarship opportunities, family outdoor time and important life lessons in building patience and confidence. Guest: Tyler Newton https…

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Ep 132 | Leadership & data: an unlikely power couple 28:14

6M ago28:14

28:14

Send us a text Robin Largue served as a coach and consultant for Studer Education, coaching superintendents, school boards & educational executive teams. She also worked with district partners across the county to better develop environments for learning, working and achieving. In the episode, Robin shares how hard-edged lines like data & goals wor…

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Ep 131 | Pensacola Mess Hall: What happens IF? 31:19

6M ago31:19

31:19

Send us a text Dr. Megan Pratt is the Executive Director and Nicole Dickson is the Program Presenter at the Pensacola MESS Hall. In this episode, they share how hands-on activities and stations—built around science, engineering and math—open kids and learners of all ages to explore and express themselves. Guests: Megan Pratt, PhD & Nicole Dickson h…

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Ep 130 | How to avoid FASFA paperwork pitfalls 24:28

6M ago24:28

24:28

Send us a text Michael Johnston, Associate Vice President of Institutional Research and Enterprise, and Angelica Coonts, Assistant Director of Financial Aid at Pensacola State College share tips about completing FASFA (Free Application for Student Financial Aid). They cover common misconceptions, who is eligible, what kind of money it can bring in …

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Ep 129 | What makes Global Learning Academy SO special? 36:27

6M ago36:27

36:27

Send us a text Lalla Pierce is the principal at Global Learning Academy and Lauren Green is the social services navigator at Children's Home Society. In this episode, they share what makes this elementary school in the heart of downtown Pensacola, a hidden treasure. You'll hear about the unique culture they've cultivated as well as outside-the-box …

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Ep 128 | Foreign Exchange Teachers? 25:25

7M ago25:25

25:25

Send us a text Caroline Gray is the ECPS employee services coordinator with the TPG Cultural Exchange. Johndel Aduka is one of the TPG charter members at O.J. Semmes. They share the behind the scenes of what it takes to qualify for the program, the interview process, cultural comparisons and Johndel’s motivation for teaching in the US. Guests: Caro…

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Ep 127 | What’s the impact of social media on kids’ brains? 31:42

7M ago31:42

31:42

Send us a text Dr. Ben Renfroe is a neurologist at the Child Neurology Center of Northwest Florida who is passionate about setting kids up for successful adulthood. In this episode, he shares the impact that social media is having on your child’s brain health and gives parents some tools to change behavior and help with social development, communic…

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Ep 126 | Is art more than an elective? 19:42

7M ago19:42

19:42

Send us a text Alicia Gifford is 1 of 13 people in the world selected for the prestigious Art 21 Educator Program and the first from Florida. She shares her experience and how she has witnessed art connect creativity, critical thinking and profound conversation skills in her students. Guest: Alicia Gifford https://tinyurl.com/2nxx6w6w Learn more ab…

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Ep 125 | Kids are worrying more! Now what? 34:23

7M ago34:23

34:23

Send us a text Melanie Fryou is the pediatric medical social worker at Nemours Children's Health and Erica Mack is a registered clinical social work intern at Greenhouse Counseling. In this episode, they share findings from a study on “why kids worry” and provide practical tips, techniques and local resources for parents to help their kids worry le…

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Ep 124 | Do clothes make the student? 18:50

7M ago18:50

18:50

Send us a text Coach Marquette Oliver is the SOAR academy director and an assistant football coach at Pine Forest High School where he also played and led his team in 2 state championships and 1 national championship. In this episode, he shares how he is elevating his players on the field, in the classroom and in life through Standing on Business M…

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Ep 123 | NJROTC in 8th grade? 25:34

8M ago25:34

25:34

Send us a text Dr. Heather Schultz, the assistant principal at Workman Middle School and Master Chief John Spaulding, the Naval Science instructor at Booker T Washington High School, share how students are taking advantage of the only middle school NJROTC program in Escambia County—one with a unique partnership between the schools. Learn how this p…

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Ep 122 | Achieve Escambia: The resource concierge? 23:13

8M ago23:13

23:13

Send us a text Ruthie Noel is the Executive Director of Achieve Escambia. In this episode she explains the unique role this organization plays in the community and why their number should be in your phone. We talk navigating local resources, finding paths to financial aid and advocating for families. Guest: Ruthie Noel https://www.achieveescambia.o…

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Ep 121 | School Board: A calling to serve 34:04

8M ago34:04

34:04

Send us a text Patty Hightower is the longest serving school board member in Escambia County history, representing District 4 for 20 years. She will also be the first one to encourage you to run. In this episode, she talks about her experience running for and serving on the School Board. She answers behind the scenes questions and proudly highlight…

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Ep 120 | Bullying: How are schools handling it? 26:32

8M ago26:32

26:32

Send us a text Kerri Coots, Director of Alternative Education, answers real parent questions about bullying in schools. You'll hear her share stories to encourage change, tips to help parents of both the bully and the bullied, and why she believes promoting acts of kindness is path to sustainable harmony. Guest: Kerri Coots https://www.escambiascho…

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Ep 119 | Sensory spaces: More than a playground? 24:06

9M ago24:06

24:06

Send us a text Cathy Rudd is the Principal and Lindsay Sullivan is the Occupational Therapist at Westgate, an Escambia County Public School for students with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder. In this episode, they share how the Lacey A. Collier Sensory Complex uses the Snoezelen® concept to increase functional communication, d…

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Ep 118 | Got a teacher's heart? 24:37

9M ago24:37

24:37

Send us a text Want to know why education is a great career path? Bill Slayton shares his teacher's heart and incredible perspective after a career of 52 years in education in Escambia County, which included 16 years on the School Board for District 5. In the largest and fastest growing district in our county, he has left a legacy centered on the s…

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Ep 117 | Is my child's development delayed? 21:22

9M ago21:22

21:22

Send us a text It’s hard to know the important milestones your child might be missing. Teresa Zwierzchowski, the Marketing and Communications Specialist at Help Me Grow Escambia, peels back the curtain on early intervention screenings, shares FREE services you may not know you have access to and what milestones you can screen for at home with your …

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Ep 116 | What does the half-cent sales tax pay for? 19:52

9M ago19:52

19:52

Send us a text Keith Leonard, Escambia County Public Schools Superintendent, talks about the history behind the half-cent sales, how it's been spent, future projects and just how much accountability there actually is for these funds. Guest: Keith Leonard Related Links: Half Cent Sales Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.es…

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Ep 115 | NIL: What's in it for the students? 19:13

10M ago19:13

19:13

Send us a text Escambia County Public Schools Athletic Director Casey Thiele shares why the change in the Name Image Likeness (NIL) rules are important for high school athletes and students not in sports. You'll learn how free NIL resources can help your child avoid mistakes with their next side business and set them up to be confident, savvy young…

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Ep 114 | What schools are good here? 24:17

10M ago24:17

24:17

Send us a text Denny Wilson is the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for Escambia County Public Schools and he isn't afraid to answer the question: What schools are good here? In this episode, he shares which schools were awarded Schools of Excellence designation and how other schools are ranking. Guest: Denny Wilson, Escambia …

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Ep 113 | From Tate High to Officer of the Year 16:17

10M ago16:17

16:17

Send us a text Tate High graduate, Adam Norre, who knew from a young age that he wanted to be in law enforcement. What he didn’t know is that just 3 years in, he would be named Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Officer of the Year. In this episode, Adam traces his path to becoming a Sheriff’s deputy and his hopes for what’s next. Guest: Adam Norre L…

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Ep 112 | Financial literacy: Setting up kids for stable futures 20:17

10M ago20:17

20:17

Send us a text Jennifer Causey is a social studies teacher at Pine Forest High School whose econ class includes a mock investing challenge. She is working to end the cycle of poverty in Escambia county, by not just educating kids on money management basics, but making growing it accessible and fun. In this episode she shares what motivates her to d…

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Ep 111 | Coming together with Sue Straughn 23:24

11M ago23:24

23:24

Send us a text Sue Straughn may be the most recognizable news anchor in Pensacola, but she has also been an outstanding advocate for children and education—earning a spot in the 100 Most Influential People by INWeekly, the Martin Luther King Junior "Living the Dream" Award, the Ambassador for Education by the Escambia County Public Schools Foundati…

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Ep 110 | From inmate to outreach: Building up at-risk youth 32:48

11M ago32:48

32:48

Send us a text Hassan Hills is the founder and Director of Youths Left Behind, a nonprofit working to build up at-risk kids in Escambia County. In this episode, he shares his own story of incarceration & how he’s working to reduce gang violence & increase opportunities for youths in Escambia County & meet one of the young teens positively impacted …

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Ep 109 | What's the best way to talk with your kids about vaping? 26:55

11M ago26:55

26:55

Send us a text Jasmine Simms is a Tobacco Prevention Specialist for Tobacco Free Florida. In this episode, she shares vaping myths, why you may not recognize a vape pen if you saw it & practical strategies to talk to your kids about it. Guest: Jasmine Simms Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/ Find addi…

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Ep 108 | Learning to fail: Critical skill for success? 26:27

11M ago26:27

26:27

Send us a text This trio of guests are leveraging a school elective that turns creative problem solving into a competition. Melissa Hughes, Cheri Stoker and Sophia Worley are part of the Ferry Pass Middle School's Odyssey of the Mind Program where seven of their eight teams advanced to the state level. Odyssey of the Mind is an international progra…

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Ep 107 | How is one couple changing our schools? 25:54

11M ago25:54

25:54

Send us a text Dr. Kimberly Thomas and Mr. Derrick Thomas are both principals at Escambia County Public Schools on the rise—C.A Weis Elementary School and Workman Middle School. They share their work/home relationship dynamic & their unique perspectives on successful school outcomes. Guests: Dr. Kimberly Thomas & Derrick Thomas Learn more about Esc…