Episodes

Dec. 1, 2024

Building Student Regulation with Executive Functioning: Featuring Mitch Weathers

What if the secret to unlocking student success lies in their ability to self-regulate? In this energizing episode of Aspire to Lead , we welcome back Mitch Weathers, the brilliant author and CEO of Organized Binder, to uncov...
Nov. 23, 2024

314. Common AI Mistakes and Practical Solutions for Schools: Featuring William Grube

In this episode of Aspire to Lead , we’re joined by AI expert William Grube, founder of Gruvy Education, to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of education. William shares practical strategies for adopt...
Nov. 16, 2024

313. You're A Teacher Now! What's Next?: Featuring Alex Kajitani and Tom Hierck

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Alex Kajitani and Tom Hierck, authors of the insightful book You're A Teacher Now! What's Next? . Together, we tackle essential topics for educators at any stage of their career, includ...
Nov. 9, 2024

Aspire Mailbag: Career Aspirations and Leadership Opportunities

In this Aspire Mailbag episode, Jeff Gargas and Joshua Stamper dive into listener questions about school leadership, connecting with students and staff, building future leaders, and navigating career aspirations. Topics inclu...
Nov. 2, 2024

Forgiveness, Mindfulness, and Positive Behavior Tools: Featuring Nathan Maynard

In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Nathan Maynard to explore restorative practices that truly change the way we approach student behavior. Nathan dives into the importance of restoration within the behavior pr...
Oct. 26, 2024

311. Next Level Listening: Featuring Bradley James Davies

Have you ever had a conversation and you start to think about what you are about to say instead of listening to the other person? In this week’s episode, Bradley James Davies, author of Next Level Listening: How to Listen Lik...
Oct. 24, 2024

Rethinking Goal Setting with Mitch Weathers

In this special bonus episode, Susan and Tessa are joined by Mitch Weathers, author and creator of Organized Binder, to rethink traditional goal setting. Together, they dive into why the old methods of setting goals often fal...
Oct. 21, 2024

Living with Purpose, Empathy, and Kindness: Featuring Gail Boe

In this heartfelt episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with children's book author Gail Boe for an inspiring conversation about living with authenticity, kindness, and purpose. Gail delves into the importance o...
Oct. 16, 2024

School Behavior Solutions Summit Recap with Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper

Join us for a recap of the School Behavior Solutions Summit! In this episode, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper discuss the incredible speakers, valuable resources, and free recap videos available on YouTube. Plus, they dive int...
Oct. 12, 2024

309. Making an Impact Outside of the Classroom: Featuring Starr Sackstein

Tired of the traditional classroom setting but still passionate about education? Join us as we chat with bestselling author Starr Sackstein about her new book, "Making an Impact Outside of the Classroom." Discover a world of ...
Oct. 5, 2024

308. Finding Fulfillment in Leadership: Featuring Walter McKenzie

In this engaging episode of Aspire to Lead , we sit down with Walter McKenzie, author, ASCD leader, and co-creator of The Worthy Educator , to explore the complexities of leadership in education. Walter shares his thoughts on...
Sept. 28, 2024

307. Bringing Educators & Underrepresented Families Together: Featuring Ari Gerzon-Kessler

In this impactful episode, award-winning author and family partnerships expert, Ari Gerzon-Kessler, explores the crucial topic of building authentic connections between educators and underrepresented families. Ari shares his ...
Sept. 25, 2024

Working Memory and Beginning Routines with Mitch Weathers

In this Bonus episode of Aspire to Lead , we dive into an insightful conversation with Mitch Weathers, author of Executive Functions for Every Classroom . Together, we explore the critical role of working memory in student su...
Sept. 21, 2024

306. The Leader Inside: Featuring Lauren Kaufman

In this episode of Aspire to Lead , we sit down with Lauren Kaufman, author of "The Leader Inside," to explore the untapped greatness that lies within each of us. Lauren shares her journey and insights on why mentorship plays...
Sept. 14, 2024

305. Blueprint of Leading Through Change: Featuring Todd Bloomer

In this engaging episode , we sit down with Todd Bloomer to explore critical topics in educational leadership. Todd shares his experiences and strategies for effectively leading a large campus in the wake of COVID, addressing...
Sept. 7, 2024

304. Building Resilience in Education: Featuring Alison Smith

In this thought-provoking episode, Alison Smith discusses the pressing challenges facing both educators and educational leaders, including burnout, compassion fatigue, emotional dissonance, and a lowered sense of mattering. A...
Aug. 31, 2024

303. Learning-Focused Supervision: A Conversation with Lauren Lipton

In this insightful episode of Aspire to Lead , we're joined by Lauren Lipton, co-author of Learning-Focused Supervision , to explore the transformative role of leaders in education. Lauren dives into the concept of leaders as...
Aug. 25, 2024

302. Personalize: Meeting the Needs of All Learners with Eric Sheninger and Nicki Slaugh

In this episode, we dive deep into the newly released book "Personalize: Meeting the Needs of All Learners" by Eric Sheninger and Nicki Slaugh. Join us as we explore how personalized learning is set to revolutionize education...
Aug. 17, 2024

301. Building Inclusive Schools and Addressing Mental Health: Featuring Trisha Backman

Join us for a compelling conversation with Trisha Backman as she explores some of the most urgent challenges in today’s education system. Trisha shares her insights on the critical role of mental health in schools and how cul...
Aug. 10, 2024

300. Celebrating 300 Episodes and the New Era of Education with Rick Wormeli

Join us in this special 300th episode of Aspire to Lead as award-winning author, Rick Wormeli, shares about the evolving educational landscape as the post-pandemic practices have shifted. Rick shares his insights on the major...
Aug. 8, 2024

Exciting Announcements with Charlie Peck and Joshua Stamper

In this special episode, Charlie Peck and Joshua Stamper share thrilling updates about their upcoming book, "The Language of Behavior," which is set to transform how educators approach student behavior in the classroom. But t...
Aug. 4, 2024

Leading Without Burning Out: Insights with Darrin Peppard & Joshua Stamper

In this enlightening episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper collaborates with leadership expert Darrin Peppard to explore essential strategies for avoiding burnout and overcoming superhero syndrome in the field of educatio...
July 28, 2024

299. Simplifying the Journey of Leadership: Featuring Bob Sonju

In this compelling episode of Aspire to Lead , we delve into the creative process and inspiration behind the influential book "Simplifying the Journey." Discover the story behind why Bob felt it was essential to share his ins...
July 20, 2024

298. The 5 Values of Learning Through Play: Featuring Vanessa Castañeda Gill

Join us in this educational and inspiring episode of Aspire to Lead as Vanessa Castañeda Gill, co-founder of Social Cipher and a champion for neurodivergent students, dives into the transformative power of play and fandom cul...