Best Servantleadership Podcasts (2025)

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A Purposeful Approach to Student Support - Sam Dusek & Jordan Seifert 20:21

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6d ago20:21

20:21

Today our guests are Sam Dusek & Jordan Seifert, School Counselors at Meyer Middle School and part of the team that was awarded the 2025 Wisconsin School Counseling Team of the Year. We talk to Sam & Jordan about how their school counseling program is leading the way in proactive, purpose-driven student support. They share how a clear mission focus…

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Holistic Student Support In Action - Cory McCarthy 19:01

14d ago19:01

19:01

Today our guest is Cory McCarthy, the Chief of Student Support for Boston Public Schools. We talk with Cory about what it means to take a truly holistic approach to student support. He explains the critical difference between technicaland adaptive progress monitoring—and why getting to the “third why” in conversations with students and staff is a g…

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Alwin Put on 'The Hook' 15:57

14d ago15:57

15:57

This episode centers around the concept of "the hook," a transformative idea that has the potential to enhance participant engagement and foster meaningful connections during workshops and meetings.By Morgan Duta

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Captain Shantae Coppock, Ph.D. – Leading in the Law Enforcement Field (Special Ep.1) 1:37:11

15d ago1:37:11

1:37:11

In this powerful pre-launch episode of Season 2, Dr. Ralph Hughes sits down with Captain Shantae’ Coppock, Ph.D., to explore the realities of leadership in law enforcement—through the lens of African American officers navigating both systemic challenges and community expectations. From the importance of mentorship and ethical policing to the role o…

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The Story of Leo Chan - Belonging and Redefining Creativity 1:39:21

20d ago1:39:21

1:39:21

The Power of Human Creativity in a Time of AI Reflections from a conversation with Leo Chan In a rich and personal conversation on the Radio Future Skills Academy podcast, Leo Chan joined Arne van Oosterom and Morgan Duta to talk about creativity, imposter syndrome, the importance of psychological safety, and the impact of AI. What unfolded was mor…

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Celebrate the Small Stuff: The Power of Positive School Storytelling - Dr. Vince Breunig 21:01

21d ago21:01

21:01

Today our guest is Dr. Vince Breunig, District Administrator at the School District of Lodi. We talk to Dr. Breunig about the power of consistently sharing the good happening in our schools. He shares practical strategies for celebrating small but meaningful moments, filling the community with positivity, and making space for authentic engagement—e…

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Sustainability: A Key to Lasting Impact in Education - Dr. Clay Cook 15:24

28d ago15:24

15:24

Today our guest is Dr. Clay Cook the Chief Development Officer at CharacterStrong. We talk to Clay about one the most important parts of implementation: sustainability. From onboarding and monitoring fidelity to embedding new practices into the fabric of school culture, Clay shares the essential systems that help schools avoid implementation drift.…

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Annika Madejska on Facilitating Evil 17:13

1M ago17:13

17:13

In this episode of The Naked Facilitator, we talk with Annika Madejska about her provocative workshop “Facilitating Evil.” What happens when we flip the script and explore how technology can be misused with good intentions gone wrong? Anika shares how speculative design, worldbuilding, and playful discomfort can trigger deep ethical reflection—and …

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Tackling Tech & Teen Anxiety: A Community on a Mission - John Hellwich 20:21

1M ago20:21

20:21

Today our guest is John Hellwich, the Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning at the Peninsula School District in WA. We talk to John about the Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula community campaign inspired by the book The Anxious Generation. With anxiety rising and screen time out of control, this grassroots movement is bringing together schools, faith …

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Showing Up Matters: The Power of Daily Connection - Alex Kajitani 19:15

1M ago19:15

19:15

Today our guest is Alex Kajitani the 2009 California Teacher of the Year and also The Rappin' Mathematician. We talk to Alex about the foundational role that relationships play in education. He unpacks the three essential components every relationship must have and highlights the different types of relationships students navigate daily—with themsel…

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Start Small, Lead Big: Building Culture with Student Leaders - Julia Kennedy 15:56

2M ago15:56

15:56

Today our guest is Julia Kennedy the SEL Coach at Meduxnekeag Consolidated School in Woodstock, NB. We talk with Julia about her school’s CharacterStrong journey and the intentional steps they’ve taken to build a stronger culture. She shares how they’ve created meaningful opportunities for student engagement—like having 200 students sign up to gree…

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The Story of Jesse Poe - Music, Neurodivergence and a new start 1:29:37

2M ago1:29:37

1:29:37

Behind the Glass Wall “Sometimes, I feel like I’m behind a glass wall.” Morgan described this feeling during our conversation with Jesse Poe. She spoke about observing the world, people, conversations, systems, all unfolding just beyond an invisible barrier. You’re present, yet not truly part of it. That image resonated deeply with me. It brought t…

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Character Traits That Connect: A K–12 Approach - Dr. Mark Chapin 14:17

2M ago14:17

14:17

Today our guest is Dr. Mark Chapin, Principal at Meyer Middle School. We talk to Dr. Chapin about how his district takes a purposeful approach to character development—from monthly character kickoff presentations to unifying yearly themes. He explains how each trait is clearly defined and modeled across all grade levels, K–12, and how community inp…

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From Curriculum to Connection: Building Belonging with PBIS 19:41

2M ago19:41

19:41

Today our guest is Mariah Reed-Brown, School Counselor at Paradise Valley High School. We talk to Mariah about how she’s customized the CharacterStrong curriculum to strengthen her school’s PBIS framework. She shares how getting into classrooms and intentionally connecting Tier 1 practices to PBIS has helped foster a stronger sense of belonging for…

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Equipping Students To Navigate Conflict With Compassion - Jocelyn Pajimula 17:02

2M ago17:02

17:02

Today our guest is Jocelyn Pajimula the Social and Emotional Learning Coordinator & Restorative Practices Coach at Ewa Makai Middle School. We talk to Jocelyn about how her school have created a system to give students tools to repair and prevent broken broken relationships. She breaks down their two key strategies when conflict arises and introduc…

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The Story of Alwin Put - Why Holding Space is Exhausting (and Beautiful) 1:41:27

2M ago1:41:27

1:41:27

The Hidden Life of a Facilitator By Arne van Oosterom Facilitation often looks easy from the outside. A room full of people, energy, sticky notes, good vibes, some structure, and someone calmly guiding the process. But what most people don’t see is the part that happens afterwards. When the room is empty again. When you’re back in the car. Or alone…

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Living Out Your Purpose - Taryne Dismuke 18:39

3M ago18:39

18:39

Today our guest is Taryne Dismuke, Culture Catalyst at DO EWE Coaching & Consulting. We talk to Taryne about the concept of living out your pillars of purpose. She unpacks how easy it is to get pulled away from our core purpose in education—and how that drift can lead to burnout. Taryne offers practical insights on staying grounded in our “why,” an…

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COLUMN - by Arne van Oosterom - AI and the Human Experience 6:45

3M ago6:45

6:45

Hey everyone, welcome to another episode of Future Skills Academy Podcast with a Column by Arne van oosterom: I’m really excited to share something that’s been on my mind for a while. We’ve all heard how technology—and more specifically AI—seems to be creeping into every corner of our lives. I mean, it’s not just about writing blog posts or crunchi…

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The Story of Annika Madejska - Ethical Debt, AI and Neurodiversity 1:28:53

3M ago1:28:53

1:28:53

Wired Differently: A Conversation with Annika Madejska on AI, Neurodiversity, and Ethical Debt When we spoke with Annika Madejska for our podcast, it was one of those conversations that lingered long after we hit stop on the recording. Thoughtful, sharp, and honest—Annika shared stories and insights that connected the personal and the professional …

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Helping Students Stay Present And Focused - Cara Newman 15:49

3M ago15:49

15:49

Today our guest is Cara Newman a 4th grade educator in the Plainedge School District. We talk to Cara about how a simple yet powerful practice—having students set intentions throughout the day—can increase focus, presence, and ownership in the classroom. She explains how this strategy fosters student buy-in, supports self-regulation, and ultimately…

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Building a Student-Centered MTSS: Mental Health Strategies That Work - Dr. Tinisha Parker 30:23

3M ago30:23

30:23

On this episode we are featuring content from our 2025 MTSS Summit! Dr. Tinisha Parker, Executive Director of Student Services for Gwinnett County Public Schools, shares her expertise on integrating mental health within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports. With over two decades of experience as an educator, school counselor, and district leader, Dr. …

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Building a Mental Health Continuum Within MTSS: Strategies for Schools - Dr. Sharon Hoover 25:52

3M ago25:52

25:52

On this episode we are featuring content from our 2025 MTSS Summit! Dr. Sharon Hoover discusses the critical intersection of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and mental health. As a leading expert in school mental health, Dr. Hoover shares insights on how schools can effectively integrate mental health prevention and intervention services within an …

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The Power of Community Circles: Strengthening Student Relationships & Behavior - Charles MacGregor 16:07

3M ago16:07

16:07

Today our guest is Charles MacGregor, a School Counselor at Penrose Elementary and emerging leader with the Colorado School Counselor Association Board of Directors. We talk to Charles about how his school has embraced community circles as part of their morning meetings, fostering stronger relationships and positively impacting student behavior. He…

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EDITORIAL - The Edge of Chaos - 11:31

4M ago11:31

11:31

Welcome to this week’s Editorial. I’m thrilled you’re joining me today. I want to dive into a topic that’s central to how we innovate, lead, and navigate our constantly changing world. And the metaphor I love using for this is the image of a tightrope walker. So, picture yourself on a tightrope, arms stretched out, wobbling just enough to keep your…

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Advocating For School Counselors As Mental Health Professionals - Jordan Blevins 18:23

4M ago18:23

18:23

Today our guest is Jordan Blevins, School Counselor at Pacific Law Academy & 2025 California School Counselor of the Year We talk to Jordan about the critical role school counselors play as student mental health professionals, often being the first point of contact for students in need. She discusses the importance of advocating for the counselor’s…

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The Story of Samuel West - Museum of Failure and conceptual dyslexia 1:34:55

4M ago1:34:55

1:34:55

In this episode, we explore the concept of "conceptual dyslexia" with Samuel West, the founder of the Museum of Failure. We discuss how this term illuminates the cognitive processes of creative thinkers who connect diverse concepts, enhancing our understanding of the world. Samuel shares insights on navigating creativity amidst uncertainty, emphasi…

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Always Improving: Making Our Tier 2 Solution Even More Effective For Educators And Students - Dr. Clay Cook 15:38

4M ago15:38

15:38

Today our guest is Dr. Clay Cook, Chief Development Officer at CharacterStrong. We talk with Clay about the importance of Tier 2 interventions in schools. The discussion highlights key improvements to CharacterStrong’s Tier 2 solution, including reducing prep time for small group skill-building sessions, increasing engagement, and enhancing data tr…

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Empowering First-Generation Students: Strategies For Counselors And Schools - Carrie Woodard 13:12

4M ago13:12

13:12

Today our guest is Carrie Woodard the Director Student Support Services - School Counselors at Pittsburgh Public Schools. We talk to Carrie about ways that school counselors can create a strong support system for first-generation students—offering personalized guidance on navigating the college application process, exploring financial aid options, …

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2025 NSCW: Beyond the Basics: Strengthening Student Support Systems - Dr. Damien Sweeney 16:02

4M ago16:02

16:02

Dr. Damien Sweeney shares his expertise on supporting students through strong relationships, collaboration, and culturally sustaining practices. Drawing from his diverse career in education, counseling, and leadership, Dr. Sweeney discusses the importance of student trust, multi-tiered systems of support, and integrating student voices into decisio…

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Providing A Safe Environment In An Overcrowded Middle School - Rebecca Thompson & Charlee Breeden 19:06

5M ago19:06

19:06

Today our guests are Principal Rebecca Thompson & Associate Principal Charlee Breeden at Tomahawk Creek Middle School in Midlothian, VA We talk to Rebecca & Charlee about how they create a safe, supportive environment in an overcrowded middle school. They highlight the power of knowing names, servant leadership, and safety. Rebecca emphasizes the i…

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The Story of Jim Kalbach - Improvisation, Music and the Future of Organizations 1:24:51

5M ago1:24:51

1:24:51

Jim Kalbach is the Chief Evangelist at Mural 00:00:08 Intro / Chatting / Holiday Reflections 00:02:40 Introducing Jim Kalbach 00:04:20 The Influence of Jazz 00:04:25 Comfort with Uncertainty 00:07:26 The Role of Language 00:09:48 The Nature of Truth 00:10:20 The Importance of Art 00:13:42 Jim's Journey to Mural 00:14:43 Defining Creativity 00:18:28…

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The Power Of A Warm Welcome: Creating Connections One Greeting At A Time - Josh Holbrook 18:08

5M ago18:08

18:08

Today our guest is Josh Holbrook, SEL Specialist at Rowan County Middle School in Kentucky . Josh dives into the impact of a simple warm welcome and shares about the fun way they partnered with student-athletes to build relationships by greeting students at the door for Fist Bump Friday. Josh also breaks down the four essential components of the wa…

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Creating Connections: Cultural Intelligence And Family Engagement - Andrea Freile 22:10

5M ago22:10

22:10

Today our guest is Andrea Freile the Family Engagement and Communications Coordinator at Wayne County Public Schools. We talk to Andrea about Cultural Intelligence and she highlights the critical work around helping teachers and staff to engage with families empathetically. She emphasizes the importance of striving for greater understanding to bett…

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The Story of Duncan Wardle - Disney, Playfulness and not being afraid of Failure 1:02:17

5M ago1:02:17

1:02:17

With Duncan Wardle, the former head of innovation and creativity at Disney, we delve into the essence of creative leadership. Duncan shares insights on unlocking creativity in everyone, emphasizing the importance of playfulness and personal narratives. We explore interactive exercises that highlight the relationship between lived experiences and cr…

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Building A Community Of Support Around Students - Jorge Torres 19:29

6M ago19:29

19:29

Today our guest is Jorge Torres the lead school counselor, at Foster High School in Tukwila, WA. Jorge shares heartfelt reflections on his own upbringing and the profound impact that a strong community of support can have on students’ lives. He challenges us to ask, “Who else can I invite to the table?” when fostering relationships and creating mea…

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Top 6 of 2024 - The Law Of The Lid - John Norlin 8:56

6M ago8:56

8:56

Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Attend our next live product preview Visit the CharacterStrong WebsiteBy CharacterStrong

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Top 6 of 2024 - Supporting Women In Educational Leadership - Dr. Lillie Cox 22:21

6M ago22:21

22:21

Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Attend our next live product preview Visit the CharacterStrong WebsiteBy CharacterStrong

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Top 6 of 2024 - Using Data To Monitor And Enhance Student Success - Leandra Torra 18:35

6M ago18:35

18:35

Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Attend our next live product preview Visit the CharacterStrong WebsiteBy CharacterStrong

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Top 6 of 2024 - The Importance Of Progress Monitoring & Data Collection - A.J. Howard 16:50

6M ago16:50

16:50

Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Attend our next live product preview Visit the CharacterStrong WebsiteBy CharacterStrong

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Top 6 of 2024 - Supporting Implementation As An Administrator - Robert Mueller 14:19

6M ago14:19

14:19

Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Attend our next live product preview Visit the CharacterStrong WebsiteBy CharacterStrong

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Top 6 of 2024 - Gratitude In Action: Cultivating Well-Being Through Intentional Practice - Colton Moore 14:05

6M ago14:05

14:05

Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Attend our next live product preview Visit the CharacterStrong WebsiteBy CharacterStrong

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Proactive School Safety Starts With Connection - Rachelle Finck 15:25

6M ago15:25

15:25

Today our guest is Rachelle Finck a Director of School Support at CharacterStrong. We talk to Rachelle about the powerful connection between proactive school safety and a positive school culture, emphasizing how these two must work hand in hand. She highlights the critical role teachers play in fostering connection and belonging for every student, …

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The Story of Anderson Gomes Da Silva - Bold Leadership, Automation and Games 1:26:09

6M ago1:26:09

1:26:09

The Flower Analogy: Lessons in Leadership and Design from Anderson Gomes da Silva In the recent episode of Creative Leaders Unplugged, Anderson Gomes da Silva, Head of Product Design at Bol.com, shared his thoughts on leadership, design, and innovation. Among the many insights he offered, one stood out as a profound metaphor for organizations and s…

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Empowering Students To Lead The Way: Boosting Attendance And Transforming School Culture - Dr. Christian D’Annibale 19:12

7M ago19:12

19:12

Today our guest is Dr. Christian D'Annibale - Principal at Pottstown High School. We talk to Dr. D'Annibale about how his school achieved a 60% reduction in suspensions and a 90% decrease in class skipping—not by changing disciplinary responses but by shifting the focus to students themselves. He shares how the creation of a student advisory counci…

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Unlocking The Power Of Grouping Strategies - Callie Robinson 19:42

7M ago19:42

19:42

Today our guest is Callie Robinson the Student Success Coordinator at Oak Ridge Schools. We talk to Callie about the impact of grouping strategies in education. Callie shares her experiences with these strategies, highlighting how they’ve fostered meaningful connections among students and how teachers are integrating them into their classrooms. She…

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The Story of Ewelina Polińska Nadra - Curiosity, Leadership and work life balance 1:27:42

7M ago1:27:42

1:27:42

Curiosity and Authenticity: Foundations of Modern Leadership leaders are increasingly challenged to balance innovation with empathy. Ewelina Polińska Nadra, an innovation manager and mother, exemplifies how curiosity and authenticity can serve as the cornerstones of effective leadership. Her journey offers valuable insights into integrating persona…

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The Impact Of A Student Safe Team - Jennifer Sack 13:17

7M ago13:17

13:17

Today our guest is Jennifer Sack - Lead School Counselor, Booker T. Washington High School in Oklahoma. We talk to Jennifer about the student safe team, a student group that works to create and foster a positive school culture. She outlines why it started, the different focuses that the team has, and what it looks like during the different seasons …

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Leadership for Change and Inspiration 26:52

7M ago26:52

26:52

This bonus episode encapsulates the key insights from top leadership experts and practitioners featured in season one. Led by Dr. Ralph Hughes, the experts delve into the intricate world of leadership. They highlight the crucial aspects of leadership, such as navigating challenges, the significance of character and empathy, and the impact of effect…

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The Story of Ari Elefterin - Embracing Your Unique Perspective - 1:15:51

7M ago1:15:51

1:15:51

Serious Attention to Touch When screens often mediate our interactions, the profound significance of touch in our lives can easily be overlooked. Ari Elefterin, a transdisciplinary designer and somatic researcher, is passionately exploring this very terrain. Through their project “Touch Starved,” Ari delves into our intrinsic need for tactile conne…

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Supporting Implementation As An Administrator - Robert Mueller 14:11

7M ago14:11

14:11

Today our guest is Robert Mueller, Middle School Assistant Principal at Platte County R3 Schools. Robert shares his unique approach to implementing CharacterStrong at his school by personally leading an advisory class as an administrator. He highlights how this hands-on strategy fostered meaningful connections with staff and students, setting the s…