Best Christopher S Dennis Podcasts (2025)

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When Decisions Get Heavy: Mid-Year Leadership Realities 5:44

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4d ago5:44

5:44

Host Dr. Chris Dennis explores the mid-year pressures school leaders face — grading periods, conferences, and the tough decisions that shape classroom and school outcomes. He explains how data, feedback, preparation, and empathy guide course corrections, and reminds listeners that hard choices grounded in values aim to improve experiences for stude…

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Composer and author Robin Holloway on celebrating 900 years of classical music 37:00

5d ago37:00

37:00

The composer, academic and writer Robin Holloway has just published a new book, Music's Odyssey, An Invitation to Western Classical Music (Allen Lane). He's Emeritus Professor of Music at the University of Cambridge, where James Jolly went to visit him a couple of weeks ago to talk about the book's genesis and aims. The podcast features an excerpt …

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On The Way To School: Catalina, Connections, and Neurodiversity 5:33

6d ago5:33

5:33

Host Dr. Chris Dennis recaps a busy week: chaperoning sixth graders to Catalina Island, attending the Harvard-Westlake Pollyanna Conference on neurodiversity, and an energizing board meeting highlighting the advanced inquiry curriculum. He reflects on building relationships with students and staff, the importance of supporting neurodivergent commun…

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Countertenor Philippe Jaroussky on his new album 'Gelosia!' 34:19

9d ago34:19

34:19

The French countertenor Philippe Jaroussky has just released a new Erato album of cantatas da camera by Alessandro Scarlatti, Porpora, Galuppi, Handel and Vivaldi, 'Gelosia!'. On it he also conducts his ensemble Artaserse, which he founded in 2002, and with which he increasingly appears solely as conductor rather than as singer. Gramophone's James …

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Owning Your New Role 6:10

13d ago6:10

6:10

Welcome back to "On the Way to School." In this episode, Dr. Chris Dennis speaks to brand-new school leaders who feel present in the room but not yet in it. He reframes leadership as identity, not title, and reminds new leaders that they already carry leadership through their lived experience. He shares three pillars for early leadership growth: Yo…

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The Hermes Experiment on their new album, Tree 34:56

13d ago34:56

34:56

The Hermes Experiment - an ever-innovative, exploratory and imaginative ensemble - have released their new album, Tree, a meditation on nature, memory and change embracing contemporary composers and reimagined music from the past. Two members of the group, soprano Héloïse Werner and clarinetist Oliver Pashley - who also both have compositions on th…

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Gramophone Classical Music Awards 2025: The Winners 56:50

16d ago56:50

56:50

In this special edition of the Gramophone Podcast, we explore the full list of winners from this year's Gramophone Classical Music Awards. Editor Emeritus James Jolly, Editor Martin Cullingford, Deputy Editor Tim Parry and Editor of Opera Now and Choir & Organ Hattie Butterworth talk through the Category Winners, the Special Awards, and of course t…

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Weekend Wins: Golf, Awards & Community Connections 5:16

20d ago5:16

5:16

In today’s episode, Dr. Chris Dennis reflects on a full and meaningful weekend before drawing a powerful lesson from the golf course. From celebrating Dr. Roger Bridges’ milestone birthday over nine holes to joining Mocha Moms and honoring fellow educator Dr. John Carroll at the Private School Axis event, Chris highlights the importance of communit…

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Maxim Emelyanychev on Mozart's symphonies 26:20

23d ago26:20

26:20

For this week's Gramophone Podcast, Editor Martin Cullingford travelled to Padua to talk to Maxim Emelyanychev, Chief Conductor of Il Pomo d'Oro, about recording Mozart symphonies - and specially their latest release of Symphonies Nos 35 and 36, and Violin Concerto No 3 - on period instruments for the Aparté label.…

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Warm Up or Pay the Price: A Leaders Hamstring Wake-Up Call 4:33

23d ago4:33

4:33

Dr. Chris Dennis shares a personal story about tearing his hamstring after skipping a warm-up and connects it to why educators and administrators should prepare physically, mentally, and emotionally before meetings and the school day. Learn quick, practical warm-up ideas—physical stretches, vocal exercises, and mental resets—to help you enter the d…

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From Sidelines to Strategy: What Soccer Taught a School Leader 5:40

24d ago5:40

5:40

Host Dr. Chris Dennis reflects on a night at an LAFC match and draws a simple analogy between soccer and school leadership: understanding roles, positioning, and teamwork leads to better opportunities to score. After a long day, he shares how watching the game helped him see the importance of preparation, knowing your teammates, and embracing wins …

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You're Making a Difference — Even When You Don't Hear It 6:43

25d ago6:43

6:43

Dr. Chris Dennis reminds educators and school leaders that while organizations move on, individual influence endures. Using a real campus example, he emphasizes that your daily consistency and presence matter to students, parents, and colleagues; even those who never say thank you. He encourages listeners to save notes of appreciation, reflect on t…

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Are You a Firefighter or a Leader? Balancing Strategy and Day-to-Day 6:31

26d ago6:31

6:31

By Christopher S. Dennis

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On the Way to School: Navigating Political Fret and Educator Choices 9:24

27d ago9:24

9:24

By Christopher S. Dennis

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When Protest Music Teaches: Rebuilding Classroom Community 5:44

1M ago5:44

5:44

Dr. Chris Dennis reflects on a winning week and shares a classroom lesson that used protest music to teach equity, justice, and leadership. Students brought meaningful songs, examined them through interpersonal, institutional, internalized, and ideological lenses, and found renewed connection and purpose. For homework, listeners are asked to choose…

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Tine Thing Helseth on Echoes, her new album of trumpet concertos 31:17

1M ago31:17

31:17

This week's guest on the Gramophone Podcast is trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth, who talks to Editor Martin Cullingford about her new recording on the Lawo label. Called 'Echoes', it features works by Arutiunian, Penderecki and Weinberg - she talks about the album, as well as her wider work championing her instrument and its repertoire.…

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Use Your Benefits: A Leader's Reminder to Prioritize Well‑Being 5:55

1M ago5:55

5:55

In this episode, I remind K–12 leaders to model and promote workplace benefits, prioritize staff check-ins, and provide meaningful feedback and professional development to support our colleagues. I share brief stories about the impact of small gestures and encourage everyone to practice self-care by utilizing physicals and fitness programs. I empha…

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Sprint, Serve, Lead — Lessons from Coach Tuck 6:01

1M ago6:01

6:01

Welcome back to "On the Way to School," Today, I reflect on the impact of Coach Tuck! How his encouragement to sprint the 400 and join relays helped me discover speed, win championships, and shape my athletic path. I connect coaching to leadership by guiding staff, parents, and students, explaining the purpose of voluntary affinity spaces, and hand…

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From Track to Team: Lessons in Coaching and Belief 8:19

1M ago8:19

8:19

Happy Tuesday on the way to school! As I reflect on my journey, I can't help but recognize the profound impact that coaching has had on my life. From my high school track coach who identified my potential early on to the executive coaches who have helped me refine my professional edge, I've learned invaluable lessons along the way. One key takeaway…

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Purge the Clutter: Make Space for a Better School Year 5:20

1M ago5:20

5:20

Welcome to another episode of "On the Way to School." As I share my thoughts today, I want to discuss with you the importance of clearing both physical and mental clutter. It's all too easy to let distractions multiply; those junk drawers, tasks piling up, and goals that no longer align with our vision can weigh us down. I encourage each of you to …

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Ian Page on the music of Gluck 41:39

1M ago41:39

41:39

In this week's Gramophone Podcast, the conductor Ian Page joins Editor Martin Cullingford to talk about the music of the 18th-century composer Gluck, setting him in the context of musical developments of his time. The conversation marks the release of the new album from his ensemble The Mozartists - a recording of arias from Gluck operas, sung by A…

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Proud Dad at Homecoming 6:31

1M ago6:31

6:31

In this Friday episode, I reflect on making it through a short but full week in schools, capped by the excitement of homecoming weekend. A real highlight for me was seeing my son recognized on the homecoming court, which gave me the chance to discuss the difference between leadership and stewardship and what it means to be seen and celebrated by on…

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Lonely Graduation: The Quiet After the Confetti 6:51

1M ago6:51

6:51

In this episode of "On the Way to School", I continue the conversation about my book Lonely Graduation, sharing personal stories from my own college nights and a student-athlete's signing day. I explore the emotional transition that follows major achievements and how celebrations can sometimes feel draining or isolating. I emphasize the importance …

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Lonely Graduation: When the Finish Line Feels Empty 5:23

1M ago5:23

5:23

Welcome to "On the Way to School" with Dr. Dennis. In this episode, I open up about my upcoming book, Lonely Graduation: The Journey After the Milestone. September has always felt like a month of calibration to me, and as I get deeper into writing, I wanted to share some of that process with you. I discuss where the book began with my own experienc…

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Back to School Night Reflections 6:11

1M ago6:11

6:11

Good morning! Welcome to "On the way to School." I'm Dr. Dennis, and I'm excited to share my reflections on our recent high school back-to-school night. It was heartwarming to see so many parents returning to campus, and I loved hearing the stories that emerged from those interactions. The passion our teachers have for their roles truly shines thro…

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Anastasia Kobekina on Bach's Cello Suites | Gramophone Podcast 38:25

1M ago38:25

38:25

In this week's Gramophone Podcast, cellist Anastasia Kobekina talks about her new recording of one of the most revered series of works for her instrument - Bach's Solo Cello Suites. While the album isn't released by Sony Classical until next Friday (September 26), three movements are already available as singles, and in this side ranging conversati…

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Composer John Rutter: a birthday conversation 56:00

2M ago56:00

56:00

One of the most-performed composers of our time, Sir John Rutter, celebrates his 80th birthday on September 24. To mark the occasion Harmonia Mundi has released an album of his choral music sung by the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, directed by Graham Ross – 'John Rutter: A Clare College Celebration'. And next week Decca releases an all-orchest…

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Calibrate Your Year: Finding the Right Pace for School and Life 5:29

2M ago5:29

5:29

Welcome to another episode of "On The Way To School!" As I reflect on the first days of the school year, I keep coming back to the importance of "calibration", adjusting my pace and energy across classrooms, meetings, and responsibilities. In class today, I checked in with students using a Beyoncé mood meter. In my calendar, I've worked on scheduli…

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Rowan Pierce on recording Bach, Handel and Vivaldi | Gramophone Podcast 28:44

2M ago28:44

28:44

Soprano Rowan Pierce joins Jonathan Whiting to reflect on the intimacy of making chamber-scale Baroque music without a conductor, the challenges of Bach's expansive recitatives, and the almost operatic drama of Handel's 'Tra le fiamme'. She also speaks about her long collaboration with Ashley Solomon, the ensemble's director, and about finding new …

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Back to School: New Beginnings with Dr. Dennis 4:41

2M ago4:41

4:41

Welcome back to a new season of On the Way to School! I’m Dr. Dennis, and I’m thrilled to share my reflections on the first week back at school. Join me as I recount memorable moments from carline drop-offs, inspiring classroom interactions, and the joys of family life. In this episode, I’ll dive into my experiences teaching an equity, justice, and…

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Composer Jake Heggie on 25 years of writing operas 33:28

2M ago33:28

33:28

Composer jake Heggie joins Hattie Butterworth to speak about the recording release of 'Intelligence', an opera premiered at Houston Grand Opera in 2023 and out now on the LSO Live label. They also look back on 25 years since Heggie's first opera 'Dead Man Walking' was premiered and ahead to a new production of the work at English National Opera in …

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Cellist Alisa Weilerstein on recording new concertos by Gabriela Ortiz and Richard Blackford 23:58

2M ago23:58

23:58

During the 2024-25 season, Alisa Weilerstein premiered three new cello concertos – Richard Blackford's The Recovery of Paradise (which she has recorded for Pentatone with the Czech Philharmonic conducted by Tomáš Netopil), Gabriela Ortiz's Dzonot (recorded for Platoon with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Gustavo Dudamel) and Thomas Larcher's Retur…

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The Dover Quartet on recording Woodland Songs | Gramophone Podcast 36:06

3M ago36:06

36:06

Joel and Camden from the Dover Quartet meet Hattie Butterworth in Philadelphia to discuss their latest album, Woodland Songs, which places the music of Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate and Pura Fé alongside the Dvorak 'American' String Quartet in F Major. Though vastly different works in style, expression, and historical context, they share the common …

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Starting Strong: Feedback & Communication Hacks for New Teachers 5:42

3M ago5:42

5:42

Welcome to "On the Way to School." I'm your host, Dr. Chris Dennis. In this episode, I discuss the onboarding process for new school staff, emphasizing the importance of feedback and clear communication during the crucial first weeks on campus. I share insights on how issues can emerge from informal communication channels and stress the importance …

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Navigating Disruption: Staying On Course Against All Odds 5:29

3M ago5:29

5:29

Welcome to "On The Way To School." I'm Dr. Chris Dennis, and today I'm excited to explore the impact of disruption on both our personal and professional lives. Disruptions can often feel overwhelming, and I want to explore why that is and share some valuable strategies to help us stay on track amidst the chaos. Staying focused and being prepared fo…

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Unveiling the AI Companion: A Surprise Meeting Recap 3:55

3M ago3:55

3:55

In this episode of On The Way To School, I’m excited to share my personal experiences with AI at work. It all started with an unexpected recap from an AI companion during one of our meetings, which opened my eyes to the potential of this technology. I’ll delve into the diverse ways AI is being utilized in educational environments, highlighting the …

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Maximizing Mondays: Setting Intentions and Winning the Day 5:43

3M ago5:43

5:43

Join me, Dr. Chris Dennis, this Monday morning as I delve into the powerful theme of setting the right intentions and cultivating positive habits. I'll be sharing some personal reflections on the milestones I've encountered throughout my journey, with a particular emphasis on the impact of habits we form at the start of the school year. Have you ev…

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Mandolinist Avi Avital on his new album 'Song of the Birds' | Gramophone Classical Music Podcast 31:03

3M ago31:03

31:03

The mandolin player Avi Avital, with his ensemble Between Worlds, has just released a new DG album 'Song of the Birds' which crosses boundaries to explore the musics of three geographical regions – Iberia, southern Italy (Puglia) and the Black Sea – with vivid results. For this week's Gramophone Podcast, James Jolly caught up Avi Avital while he wa…

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Mastering Capacity and Emotional Intelligence in Leadership 6:34

3M ago6:34

6:34

Welcome to another episode of 'On The Way To School.' I'm your host, Dr. Chris Dennis. Today, I want to dive into the complexities of modern leadership—something that I believe is more crucial now than ever as we approach a new school year. As I reflect on my journey, I recognize the vital role that emotional intelligence plays in effective leaders…

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Unlocking Leadership: Feedback, Emotions, and Inclusion 5:53

3M ago5:53

5:53

Hey everyone! Welcome back to another episode of 'On The Way To School.' I'm Dr. Chris Dennis, and today, we're diving into some crucial aspects of effective leadership. We'll explore how transparent communication and genuine emotional expression can boost your leadership impact. I'm also going to talk about the importance of recognizing who might …

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Strategic Visioning: Setting the Course for Success 6:50

3M ago6:50

6:50

In this episode of "On The Way To School," I reflect on the importance of strategic planning both professionally and personally. As we begin a new school year, I share my experiences in preparing for critical meetings and retreats, emphasizing how strategic plans serve as a roadmap for achieving our long-term objectives. I delve into personal anecd…

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Kickstarting the School Year: The Power of Planning and Communication 5:55

3M ago5:55

5:55

Good morning and welcome to another episode of "On The Way To School." I'm Dr. Chris Dennis, and as we begin this new academic year, I'd like to discuss the importance of planning sessions and establishing a clear vision to prevent future bottlenecks in education. I've been reflecting on the nuances of when to seek help, and I want to emphasize how…

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End of Summer Bonding in Rancho Mirage 1:38

3M ago1:38

1:38

Join me for a special episode as I check in from Rancho Mirage, where I’m wrapping up summer with a quick getaway alongside my sons. It’s been a great chance for us to relax, recharge, and spend some much-needed quality time together. I also wanted to share a quick update on what’s ahead for August. I’ve got some exciting plans coming up, including…

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Live from 2025 Three Choirs Festival 36:33

3M ago36:33

36:33

Join Hattie at the 2025 Three Choirs Festival in Hereford as she speaks to performers, composers, clergy and audience members to discover what makes the festival such a place of pilgrimage 300 years since its foundation

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Behind the Numbers: Exploring Diversity and Salaries in Independent Schools 7:49

3M ago7:49

7:49

In this episode of "On The Way To School," I revisit the NAIS report, which offers some fascinating insights into class sizes, staff diversity, and compensation in independent schools. I noticed that the median class size typically ranges from 14 to 16 students, and it got me thinking about the implications of such small class environments, especia…

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Unpacking the NAIS Report: Key Stats for School Leaders 5:26

3M ago5:26

5:26

As I welcomed everyone to today's episode of "On the Way to School," I aimed to shine a light on some critical insights that many educators and administrators may not have access to. Today, we delved into the "Data and Analysis for School Leadership Report" from the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). This crucial report not only ou…

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Starting the School Year Right: Intentions and Impact 5:19

3M ago5:19

5:19

Hey there, and welcome back to another exciting episode of "On the Way to School!" I'm looking forward to chatting with you as we get ready for a fresh new school year. It's such a great time to set some clear intentions and jump into a wonderful journey toward making this year truly special and impactful. As I reflect on what sets a strong tone fo…

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Embracing New Beginnings: A Summer Reflection 5:49

3M ago5:49

5:49

Welcome back to "On The Way To School!" I'm Dr. Christopher Dennis, and after a long break, I'm thrilled to return and share my thoughts on the blissful stillness of summer and my preparations for the upcoming school year. Summer has always been a sacred time for me—a chance to rest, reflect, and look forward to a fresh start. As I think about my 2…

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Cellist Guy Johnston on the Bliss Cello Concerto | Gramophone Classical Music Podcast 29:26

3M ago29:26

29:26

Guy Johnston joins Hattie Butterworth to discuss his latest recording of the Arthur Bliss Cello Concerto with Andrew Manze and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. A technical mine field, the concerto was written for the great cellist Rostropovich and premiered with Benjamin Britten conducting at the 1970 Aldeburgh Festival. Guy also speaks …

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2025 BBC Proms: Our Top Picks | Gramophone Classical Music Podcast 27:35

4M ago27:35

27:35

As the 2025 BBC Proms season gets underway, Martin Cullingford is joined by Tim Parry and Hattie Butterworth select their top picks. From Rachmaninov with Yunchan Lim and the UK premiere of Anna Thorvaldsdottir's Cello Concerto to a late-night tribute to Arvo Pärt and a rare performance of Delius's A Mass of Life, the team reflects on the Proms's c…